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Tahlka News Bureau
New Delhi: Farmers protest in Mandsaur in Madhaya Pradesh signifies the flip side of a bumper crop.
But Madhaya Pradesh is not the only state battling falling prices of farm products. Here is a low down in what is happening in different states.
West Bengal: Paddy and Potato
The whole sale price of paddy and potato are badly affected in West Bengal, while the chief minister Mamta Banerjee blamed demonetisation along with high production of potato in the state, for the price crash. Veteran peasant leader and CPI (M) politburo member, Hannan Mollah sadi the whole sale price of paddy is hovering between Rs 1,100 and Rs 1,300 per quintal as against the minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 1,600 per quintal.
In Karnataka, Tur dal is the worst hit. "Area under cultivation has increased because farmer wanted to cash in on the rise in price of pulses. This had led to a guilt in the state," said Prakash Kammaradi, chairman of th Karnataka Agricultural Prices Commission.
Telangana, Andhra Pradesh: Red Chilli
Red chilli have plunged across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Red chilli now sells at Rs 4,000 to Rs 6,000 per quintal, down from Rs 12,000 a quintal.
Uttar Pradesh: Arhar dal
The bumper Rab crop in UP has led to fail prices of commodities. "Arhar (yellow dal) that sold for Rs 65 per kg is now Rs 60 per kg.," said Alok Bansal, a grain wholesaler.
Prices of pulses and vegetables have crashed and are being sold at lower than the MSP. "As against MSP of Rs 3,950 per quintal, sunflower is being sold at about Rs 2,800" said Rakesh Banis, BKU spokesperson.
Bihar: Moong Dal
In Bihar, "Against MSP of Rs 5,200 for moong dal, farmers were selling it for Rs 4,000 per quintal," said secretary of the Patna division of the Bihar Rajya Khadyan Vyavsayi Sangh.


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Infinix NOTE 10 PRO Unboxing: Infinix plans to officially launch the Infinix NOTE 10 Series this June. The Infinix NOTE 10 Pro is one of the devices in this series that we will see the company unveil.
The launch will be happening at the coast. Infinix says there will be cool co-branded giveaways that will be bundled with the latest Infinix device.
The NOTE 10 Pro is an interesting device, featuring some interesting specs.
Watch our unboxing video below:

domain: news


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More than 2,000 people attended the expo organized by Quinceanera.com in Ontario, the largest one in its yearly calendar of events.
No expense is spared to keep tradition alive. This was noticeably true for quinceañeras, the fifteenth birthday celebration for Latinas, as several thousands of people arrived at the Ontario Convention Center on Sunday, September 27, for the seventh Quinceanera.com Expo of 2015. Looking for a memorable event to help with the planning of all things for the party, attendees were treated to an elegant fashion show presented by Moda 2000 and Decoradísimo, as well as the presence of Pedro Rivera, singer and father of legendary Jenny Rivera.
Before Pedro Rivera’s performance, the audience visited booths offering everything necessary to organize a magnificent quinceañera including unique and original ideas attendees may not have previously considered. That was the case for Dora Geering, who came with her sister in law and her daughter, Jeweliann. “There are so many things that I didn’t imagine existed, like the “Bus Salon” with full styling stations that comes to your house and does your hair,” said Geering enthusiastically.
The same enthusiasm was reflected among the businesses that were offering their services and were satisfied with the number of attendees and the attitude of the audience. “By observing people, there is no doubt that the Quinceañera industry is going through a boom,” said Mayra Lizarraga, event manager at Pomona Valley Mining Co., a company offering full services for parties, from the banquet hall to catering and even a dance floor. “There are thousands of people. The truth is that we are very impressed with the attendance and the promotion prior to this event.”
Diego Lopez, from the mariachi band “Sol de Veracruz,” who agreed with Lizarraga in the surprising number of people, also noted the importance of participating in these events for quinceañeras due to successful results often coming from long term investment. “Many people end up calling us after a while, because they are thinking of organizing the event in a year or so. It’s the best way to fight your competitors and get recognized.”
Further highlighting the potential for business success through quinceañeras was certainly Roxy, owner of the popular dress shop Roxy’s Bridal, who was one of the exhibitors at the event and who confirmed that quinceañeras are booming. “Even during financial struggles, people still spend on such a tradition. Families don’t worry too much about money. It is a special occasion and will always be.”
The expo, organized by El Clasificado, was emceed by journalist Carolina Sarassa, and had a special performance by singer, Don Pedro Rivera, who was his first time performing at a Quinceanera.com Expo and Fashion Show. “It is always a pleasure to sing in front of these beautiful women and to be part of their fifteen celebration somehow,” says Pedro Rivera, whose music is known for creating a special connection between fathers and daughters.


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The Logistics Network Thuringia celebrated its 10th anniversary on 16 October 2018 in the presence of numerous guests from politics and business. During this time, the industry cluster has developed into a competence center for business, uniting members from a wide range of logistics sectors and promoting joint projects. "The Logistics Network Thuringia is thus making an important contribution to the further development of the industry in the Free State of Thuringia," congratulated Economics Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee in the run-up to the event, which celebrates its tenth anniversary. He continues to look forward to fair and constructive cooperation in the interest of Thuringia as a logistics location.
At the same time, Tiefensee emphasized the importance of the network as an important contact and source of impetus for the up-and-coming logistics region in Thuringia. In particular, the logistics for the e-commerce sector had been experiencing a boom for some time, as the Free State with its well-developed infrastructure in a central location offers the ideal conditions for the distribution of goods throughout Germany and Europe. Since its foundation in 2008, the number of members of the industry network has grown to almost 50. Every company benefits equally from access to the know-how gathered here and can use the network structures to tackle common challenges cooperatively.
The Logistics Thuringia network, for example, promotes innovations for the industry and promotes cooperative ventures. In addition, the network is increasingly concentrating on supporting young entrepreneurs with special tutoring programs and is also continuing its efforts to attract specialists and junior staff and to improve the image of the industry.
"In times of rapidly changing demands on companies, it is becoming increasingly important to enter into cooperations and jointly promote innovations. This is why we are taking our anniversary as an opportunity to tackle new tasks in order to actively support the region's entrepreneurs in the long term," said Joachim Werner, CEO of the Logistics Network Thuringia, on the occasion of the anniversary celebrations.


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Canaccord Genuity Acts as Financial Advisor to Kognitiv on its Financing Transactions of C$48.5 million
Canaccord Genuity is pleased to announce that on February 2, 2022, its client Kognitiv Corporation (“Kognitiv” or the “Company”), announced that it has secured $48.5 million in financing transactions to expand its innovative collaborative-commerce ("C-commerce") platform and fund working capital.
The financings consist of a $17.5 million senior debt facility from Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and $31 million of convertible notes. Investors in the convertible notes included Company insiders and other investors, which included Aimia Inc. (TSX: AIM) that invested $10 million. The convertible notes have the option to convert to equity at a discount to the price at which equity is offered in Kognitiv's next qualified financing round.
Kognitiv is a B2B technology growth company redefining loyalty and empowering businesses to grow, adapt, and transform with Collaborative Commerce. Kognitiv's platform and services enable businesses to build powerful marketplaces and experiences through multi-enterprise collaboration with partners, suppliers, and distributors, while unearthing new value for consumers, enhancing access to data – including zero party data – and providing greater control of the consumer journey. Headquartered in Canada, Kognitiv is processing more than $1 billion in transactions annually and has more than 190 million consumer profiles managed by a global base of blue-chip clients.
Canaccord Genuity acted as financial advisor to Kognitiv. The Canaccord Genuity team had senior support from Dan Daviau and included Mike Lauzon, Yahya Rafique, Matthew Wiebe, and Mark Gubbels from Investment Banking, David Barnes from Equity Sales, Len Sauer from Equity Capital Markets.


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Retailer says ‘off’ to Fcuk
French Connection, the fashion retailer, is scaling back the use of its controversial Fcuk slogan after a slump in sales.
The acronym for French Connection United Kingdom has been splashed across the company’s clothing and advertising campaigns since its creation in 1997.
But with sales down 10 per cent in the first half of 2005, the company has decided that the brand has tired and will be taken off its clothing and billboards.
“Use of the Fcuk logo has been toned down and will be used in a much more subtle way,” Lorna Perrin, a spokesman for the company, said. “Branding on the recent autumn/winter collection has been significantly reduced and used in a softer manner.
“But Fcuk is interchangeable with French Connection as the


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Pambula leads NSW Oyster Tech trial
Monday 26th September
Today Member for Bega and NSW Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance, launched the NSW trial of technology that is destined to change the economics of oyster farming in NSW creating hundreds of jobs.
The trial, supported by funding from industry, Landcare and the federal government’s Accelerating Commercialisation program, uses real-time salinity data to reduce unnecessary harvest closures and improve farming productivity.
When it rains, oysters can accumulate contaminants in run-off and the NSW Food Authority shuts harvest areas to protect food safety. Reopening currently relies on meat and water testing which is time-consuming and expensive for the industry.
With the support of the NSW Food Authority, the trial will bring Pambula into line with international standards used in other states, such as Tasmania, which opens harvesting based on salinity levels. Salinity is a cost-effective measure of run-off with salinity levels dropping when fresh water enters the harvest areas reducing unnecessary closures by up to 30%. Across NSW this would save $5.64 million in lost sales and $235,000 in meat testing.
The technology was developed by AgTech business, The Yield, and has recently been rolled out across 80% of Tasmania’s oyster harvest areas.
Minister Constance said ‘Oystering is a way-of-life along the NSW coast creating an iconic product, jobs, and investment in our communities. This trial shows how Government can work with industry to use technology to cut red tape without reducing the food safety standards critical to our reputation for high quality safe food’.
The NSW oyster industry is worth $40.6 million at farm gate with a total value to regional NSW of $160 million including farming, processing, transport, tourism and food services. The oyster industry supports 1400 jobs in regional NSW.
NSW Farmers Association President, Derek Schoen said ‘the technology will play a critical role in achievement of industry’s plan to double oyster production with the potential to create 750 new jobs in rural communities. Reducing unnecessary harvest closures is a top priority’.
Pambula oyster growers are contributing to the cost of the trial. Greg Carton, Coordinator of the Pambula River Shellfish Program, said ‘Oyster growers in Pambula are proud to be leading the state
in applying new technology in our industry. Like all farmers, innovation and technology, will be key to our future’.
Case Study - Pambula River
Pambula River is in the Bega Valley Shire on the far south coast of New South Wales. There is only one harvest zone in the lake which is shared by 28 growers who employ another 10 farm hands. In 2015 Pambula oyster growers produced more than 500,000 dozen Sydney Rock Oysters worth approximately $3.1 million at farm gate. During 2015 the Pambula harvest area was closed for 165 days due to weather which is estimated to have cost the harvest area $1.05 million in lost production. Growers paid $6,600 over the period in meat and water testing to re-open.
The Yield modelling has conservatively estimated that moving harvest management plans to salinity testing can reduce closures by 30%, potentially increasing production value to more than $4.15 million. The Yield's solution will be rolled out across the NSW oyster industry in 13 harvest areas and is estimated to generate an additional $18.8 million in production value through the reduction of unnecessary harvest closures.
High resolution image available on request.
For more information, contact:
Clare Rutherford for Ros Harvey, Managing Director of The Yield on 0414 018 543 or at email@example.com
Shannon Whitford for Minister Constance on 0407 599 984 or at Shannon.Whitford@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Adair Moar for Derek Schoen, President of the NSW Farmers Association on 0418 477 198 or at firstname.lastname@example.org
Greg Carton, Coordinator of the Pambula River Shellfish Program, on 0414524064.


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In the highly volatile world of cryptocurrencies, one intriguing prediction stands out – “One Bitcoin Will Reach $1 Million.” This audacious forecast, made by the CEO of Strike, Jack Mallers, has sent shockwaves across the digital finance landscape. With fervent anticipation, investors and enthusiasts eagerly await the potential realization of this grand milestone. In this article, we delve into the compelling arguments put forth by Mallers and explore the possibilities that lie ahead, as Bitcoin continues to capture the attention of both newcomers and seasoned players in the market.
In a recent video by Crypto News Alerts, Strike CEO Jack Mallers made a bold prediction, stating that Bitcoin will reach a staggering valuation of $1,000,000 per coin. Mallers aligns with Jack Dorsey’s view, considering Bitcoin as the currency of the Internet. The video delves into the reasons behind this prediction and discusses the various ways to support Crypto News Alerts. In this article, we will dive deeper into Mallers’ perspective and explore the content covered in the video.
Bitcoin: The Currency of the Internet
Jack Mallers joins the ranks of Bitcoin enthusiasts, emphasizing its importance as the currency of the Internet. He believes that Bitcoin has the potential to revolutionize the way people transact globally, making it accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Mallers argues that Bitcoin transcends borders and offers financial sovereignty to individuals worldwide.
Bitcoin as a Commodity-like Instrument
According to Mallers, Bitcoin is viewed as a commodity-like instrument in its truest and most natural form. Its scarcity and decentralized nature contribute to its store of value, similar to traditional commodities such as gold or silver. Mallers highlights the increasing adoption of Bitcoin by institutional investors and the potential for mainstream acceptance, further solidifying its role as a valuable commodity.
Supporting Crypto News Alerts
Crypto News Alerts offers various ways to support their content. You can become a patron using Patreon, where exclusive perks and behind-the-scenes content are provided. Additionally, you can show your support by purchasing merchandise branded with the Crypto News Alerts logo. For cryptocurrency enthusiasts, you can contribute via the Bitcoin Lightning Address provided in the video.
Following Crypto News Alerts on Social Media
To stay updated with the latest news and analysis, Crypto News Alerts can be found on several social media platforms. They have a presence on X, Clips, Rumble, Discord, iTunes, Spotify, and Telegram. By following them on these channels, you gain access to timely information and insights regarding the cryptocurrency market.
News Resources Covered by Crypto News Alerts
Crypto News Alerts provides valuable information on various news resources. They cover Bitcoin technical analysis and updates on BTC short-term holders, allowing viewers to stay informed about market trends. Additionally, they discuss the US Anti-CBDC bill, Tether’s acquisition, and Bitcoin’s potential next move. The video delivers comprehensive news coverage for those interested in the cryptocurrency industry.
Disclaimer: Entertainment and Opinion
Crypto News Alerts includes a disclaimer stating that the content provided is not financial advice but instead serves for entertainment and opinion purposes. It is essential to seek professional advice before making any financial decisions. The video aims to inform, entertain, and spark discussions but should not be considered as professional investment advice.
In the video reviewed by Crypto News Alerts, Strike CEO Jack Mallers predicts that Bitcoin will achieve a remarkable valuation of $1,000,000 per coin. Mallers shares the belief with Jack Dorsey that Bitcoin is the currency of the Internet. The video covers various support options available for Crypto News Alerts, including Patreon, merchandise, and Bitcoin Lightning Address. Moreover, it highlights the social media platforms to follow for staying up to date with cryptocurrency news. Crypto News Alerts provides news resources on Bitcoin technical analysis, BTC short-term holders, the US Anti-CBDC bill, Tether’s acquisition, and Bitcoin’s next move. It is important to remember that the content presented is not financial advice, but rather for entertainment and opinion purposes. Stay informed, seek professional advice, and enjoy the exciting world of cryptocurrency.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the prediction made by Strike CEO Jack Mallers?
- Jack Mallers predicts that Bitcoin will reach a valuation of $1,000,000 per coin.
How does Jack Mallers view Bitcoin?
- Jack Mallers considers Bitcoin as the currency of the Internet, aligning with Jack Dorsey’s viewpoint.
What are the ways to support Crypto News Alerts?
- You can support Crypto News Alerts through Patreon, purchasing merchandise, or contributing via the Bitcoin Lightning Address.
Where can I follow Crypto News Alerts on social media?
- Crypto News Alerts has a presence on X, Clips, Rumble, Discord, iTunes, Spotify, and Telegram.
What news resources are covered by Crypto News Alerts?
- Crypto News Alerts covers Bitcoin technical analysis, BTC short-term holders, the US Anti-CBDC bill, Tether’s acquisition, and Bitcoin’s potential next move.


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The Fog Computing Market size is set to exceed US$700 million (€567.51 million) by 2024; according to a new research report by Global Market Insights, Inc. Increasing penetration of cloud computing platforms is fostering the fog computing market growth.
Healthcare is going through its own digital transformation. New technology, such as wearables, telemedicine and IoT connectivity is making its way into hospitals, clinics and care homes. It is aimed at optimising care pathways to reduce average hospital stays and improve patient welfare.
A new research report from Juniper Research forecasts that specialised fitness wearables integrated into clothing and ear-based ‘hearables’ will grow from an expected 4.5 million shipped in 2018 to nearly 30 million in 2022, an increase of more than 550%. By contrast, conventional activity tracker shipments will only grow by 20% in that time.
The technologies that will empower the smart cities of the future are refreshingly free of controversy. The concept itself is an easy sell: after all, who doesn’t want buildings to be greener, energy networks more efficient, traffic congestion and pollution reduced?
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. announced Open Connectivity Foundation (OCF) 1.3 certification for the Samsung ARTIK™ 05x series of modules, the first system-on-module family to be certified using new OCF standards for trust and connectivity for IoT.
Orange Business Services and Cargotec have signed a three-year, multimillion euro agreement for worldwide IoT connectivity that helps Cargotec keep goods moving efficiently and safely. Cargotec, with headquarters in Finland, is a provider of cargo and load handling solutions. Cargo traffic is one of the vital services that helps keep our global society up and running.
The Internet of Things (IoT) will transform nearly every industry in future years – if it hasn’t done so already, says Jocelyn Brown. By redefining how devices, people, and apps connect and interact with one another, IoT is making the way we work more integrative. By creating new opportunities to develop dynamic services and products, IoT will decrease operating costs and improve [...]
At the 8th Global Mobile Broadband Forum, Huawei Wireless X Labs and MGI signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on wireless telemedicine.
PatientPop, the provider in practice growth technology designed for healthcare providers, introduced automatic Google Posts with one-click appointment booking to customers.
A new report from Juniper Research has found that annual cost savings derived from the adoption of chatbots in healthcare will reach $3.6 billion (€3.04 billion) globally by 2022, up from an estimated $2.8 million (€2.36 million) in 2017. This growth will average 320% per annum, as AI (artificial intelligence) powered chatbots will drive improved customer experiences for patients.


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PROVIDENCE, R.I., Aug. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Poland Spring® Brand 100% Natural Spring Water is a proud sponsor of the Rock 'n' Roll Providence Half Marathon. This is the brand's second year sponsoring the event and, as the ultimate hydration partner, Poland Spring is inspiring first-time and seasoned runners to perform at their best.
Poland Spring, the brand that prides itself on its heritage as a leading spring water in the Northeast, has supported various running events for more than 20 years, including the upcoming Rock 'n' Roll Providence Half Marathon on August 19. Poland Spring Natural Spring Water, sourced from carefully selected natural springs, is contributing 830+ cases of water that will be available at the start and finish lines, as well as along the course at official hydration stations.
"Poland Spring is excited to sponsor the Rock 'n' Roll Providence Half Marathon for the second year in a row," says Greg Berumen, Senior Brand Manager, Poland Spring Natural Spring Water. "We're proud to share the runners' passion and to provide them with hydration to help them achieve their personal best."
This year, a team of 20 Poland Spring employees that work out of Nestle Waters North America's headquarters in Stamford, Conn., are running the Rock 'n' Roll Providence Half Marathon as a team. "Our team is thrilled to join Providence runners this year," says Angela Barile, Poland Spring running team captain. "We know that hydration will be an important part of our success and we can't wait to represent Poland Spring, our inspiration for personal betterment, as we cross the finish line."
Along with Poland Spring Natural Spring Water, Josh Cox will also be at the 2012 Health & Fitness Expo on August 18 from 3-4pm, at the Rhode Island Convention Center. Cox, the American record holder in the 50K, four-time Olympic Trials qualifier and three-time U.S. National Team member, will be at the Poland Spring booth, # 537, to share hydration tips and expert training advice. Specifically, he will offer his advice about personal training regiments, the importance of staying hydrated and injury prevention. "I'm excited to work with such an iconic brand," says Cox. "The fact that Poland Spring has a team of runners participating exemplifies their passion for the brand and for their own journey to self betterment."
Poland Spring is proud to sponsor the Rock 'n' Roll Providence Half Marathon to promote the brand's shared passion for constant betterment with the running community in Providence. To learn more about Poland Spring and to share your running stories, please visit the brand on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/polandspring.
About Nestle Waters North America
With 36 years of experience providing refreshment in the bottled water segment, Nestle Waters North America is the nation's leading bottled water company. The company produces six regional natural spring water brands in the U.S., distributes three international bottled water brands, produces Nestle® Pure Life®, its nationally distributed purified bottled water, and most recently, ready-to-drink iced teas. The company's dedication to quality products, employee development, bringing shared value to communities, and its commitment to environmental stewardship, especially in the areas of water use, energy and packaging, has led Nestle Waters North America to the third largest beverage company position in the U.S.
SOURCE Nestle Waters North America


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Mobile Payment processing ... Technology moves fast .... Can you keep up?
I was out to dinner with my wife last night and suddenly she receives a text on her Smartphone and we both wondered, “hmmm, who could be texting you at this hour?” So, she pulls her Smartphone out of her purse and to both of our surprises, we see an ad from one of her favorite clothing stores.
You know, mobile usages for business, like that mobile marketing message, are becoming more and more prevalent. Infact, VeriFone the world’s leading innovator of payment solutions announced in a press release yesterday they have partnered with Google and some of the nations largest retailers to launch Google Wallet which is an Android application that will allow your customers to use “virtual” credit cards via NFC (near field communications) capable payment systems to pay, participate in loyalty programs, or to redeem coupons and gift cards.
This system has been tested in select cities but now with the partnership of VeriFone and Google this credit card payment option will be rolled out to some of the nations large retailers such as American Eagle Outfitters, Bloomingdale’s, Champs Sports , Foot Locker, GUESS, Macy’s, Radio Shack, The Container Store and Toys“R”Us.
In a recent study 92% of consumers believe that merchants should provide the maximum amount of secure payment options
and this appears to be the next step. So is this a good thing for your business? The answer is a simple – “it will be”. As you know is important to stay at the cutting edge ahead of the competition and making payments convenient, safe, and fun for you clients. Like it or not this is the future of payments, ticket redemption, loyalty programs, and even car keys!
WOW, can you believe this! It is proven that the easier you make it for consumers to spend—- spend they will!
Go watch today’s video to learn more! There is so much to know when it comes to mobile-business. …and the Google Wallet is the tip of the iceberg. Go watch the video…you won’t believe your eyes.
The Merchant Doctor invites you to join the discussion and leave your comments, questions, or article ideas below and remember to join us on Facebook for the latest specials and information!


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After seeing many companies announce their incorporation to this growing trend, Apple has decided not to be left behind.
What has been stated by the company is that certain applications that are based on non-fungible tokens will be available in the Apple Store app.
On the other hand, it is not a minor point that the company includes its standard 30% commissions for all transactions. This stance is not well seen by many players in the NFT field, as they consider the high percentage of commissions to be unfair, and does not contribute much to their incorporation into the Apple Store.
Apple’s incorporation of NFT-based applications is a breakthrough for the community. Apple is one of the largest and most influential companies in the world, as are others such as Google, Microsoft, Meta, among other players in the technology field.
Notwithstanding this novelty, it is worth remembering that in the past Apple had canceled a crypto project in its store, for the reason that it included functions linked to NFT. But over time it seems that the company has decided to reverse this position, so they are currently contemplating the incorporation of this type of applications.
One of the main criticisms that the main developers of NFT applications have made to the company is due to one of the requirements they have imposed at the time of entering the store, and it is related to the high percentage charged for commissions on each transaction. The developers argue that it is detrimental to the NFT market, which is just growing and it would not be very helpful to place a commission of such magnitude. On the other hand, it should be clarified that the same percentage is charged by the competition, precisely by the Android Play Store.
On the one hand, they argue that the high percentage of commissions will limit the growth of many projects linked to NFT, but on the other hand they argue that it can be taken as a good ramp into the ecosystem, for those who have not yet done so and have an Apple device in their possession.
According to users of the social network Twitter, they state that the move potentially opens the NFT market to more than one billion iPhone users (not counting those who also own another device of the company, such as iPad, MacBook, among others); which could mean a great boost in the adoption of cryptoassets worldwide.
Another issue to consider is that to date the company does not accept cryptocurrencies as a means of payment, only payments made with fiat currencies.
In view of the constant criticism from players and users of the ecosystem, as reported by The Information, they say that the company is analyzing the possibility of lowering commissions by half, i.e. 15%.
One rationale for requesting a decrease in commissions by Apple is that on marketplaces such as OpenSea, the percentage charged for sales of non-fungible tokens is 2.5%, a quite considerable difference.
Likewise, not all NFT projects are in disagreement, as the founder of the Digidaigaku collection, who promotes the use of the platform and invites them to take advantage of the benefits offered by the company.
The founder argues that if collections are kept in the App Store, millions of people will be able to join the NFT marketplace. He also argues that each developer can link an Ethereum wallet, and allow users to sell on different external marketplaces, and thus not be forced to pay Apple’s 30% commissions.
Written by Luciano Garriga (TW:@luchogarriga) for NFT Express


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The Mediterranean Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Exporters Association's Chairman Nejdat Sin announced that the association's fresh fruits and vegetables exports in the first eight months of the year totaled 512 million USD (465,5 million Euro).
In a written statement, chairman Sin shared figures on the country's fresh produce exports. According to the statement, in August alone, the country exported 110 million USD (100 million Euro) worth of fresh fruits and vegetables. Sin also stated that fresh fruits ranked first in export value at 70% of exports, while fresh vegetables ranked second with a share of 28%.
Chairman Sin emphasized that grapes were the top export product in August, which was followed by figs, tomatoes and peaches. He pointed out that Turkey exported 29 million USD (26,3 million Euro) worth of grapes during that month.
Sin noted that Russia was the largest export market in August and that this country was followed by Germany, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Ukraine.
Sin also shared some figures on the exports from the Mediterranean Region: "In the first eight months of the year, member companies exported 512 million USD (465,5 million Euro) worth of fresh fruits and vegetables. Citrus exports have a share of 80% in this with an export value of 204 million USD (185,4 million Euro)."


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Japanese Household Spending Rises at the Fastest Pace in Four Years During May
Arslan Butt • 1 min read
Domestic demand in Japan is showing signs of improvement, with household spending rising 4.0% YoY in May – the fastest growth since May 2015. This data comes as good news for the Japanese economy which has been suffering for some time as the trade dispute between US and China rages on.
The growth in household spending has been attributed to the 10-day holiday in May, which has come in higher than the forecast, which was for a rise of 1.6%. In April, household spending had contracted by 1.4%, so May’s figure in comparison has increased by 5.5%.


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Collection takes color cues from the Air Jordan XX8.
Michael Jordan once said: “By the time you see me coming, it’s too late." His quote, and the way he approached the game of basketball throughout his career, inspired the stealth aesthetic featured in the Air Jordan XX8. The special Jordan pack, comprised of an Air Jordan I, Air Jordan III, Jordan MELO M9 and Jordan CP3.VI, takes its color cues from the Air Jordan XX8's night vision-inspired look.
The pack will be sold in two separate offerings scheduled for February 14 and 16. The first two shoes available in the pack will be the Jordan MELO M9 and the Jordan CP3.VI. Both products will feature integrated UV ink throughout the upper that illuminates when viewed under black light. The MELO M9 features a glowing outsole while the CP3.VI features an illuminated Podulon midsole when exposed to black light.
The offering on February 16 will feature an Air Jordan I Retro Mid and an Air Jordan III that will include the color cues aligned to the Air Jordan XX8. The Air Jordan I, which was first released in 1985, features a glowing outsole, laces and Jumpman logo when exposed to black light. The Air Jordan III, which debuted in 1988, features an electric green outsole and collar that draw inspiration directly from the color scheme of the Air Jordan XX8.
The pinnacle performance product of the weekend will be the Air Jordan XX8. Jordan Brand athlete Russell Westbrook debuted the latest iteration of the classic Jordan line on December 4. Consumers will have the opportunity to purchase two different color combinations of the Air Jordan XX8, including the black/white/electric green version (pictured above).
Additional product details:
MELO M9 (Canyon/Purple/Electric Green/Black/Pure Violet)
Available on 2/14/13
CP3.VI (Black/Electric Green/Canyon/Purple/Pure Violet
Air Jordan XX8 (Black/White/Electric Green)
Available on 2/16/13
Air Jordan XX8 (Electric Green/White)
AJ I Mid (Black/Electric Green/Canyon/Purple/Pure Violet
AJ III (Black/Electric Green/Cayanne/Purple/White)
Over 15 years, the Nike SB Dunks has become a cult favorite — cherished by skateboarders and sneaker collectors alike.
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NEW YORK--Luxottica Group SpA said Friday it sold its U.S. Shoe women's group to a related company that will quickly close about 200 women's specialty stores, or about 25 percent of the business. The 90-unit Capezio chain will be shut. About 100 Casual Corner stores and 11 Petite Sophisticate stores are also slated to close, while 13 Capezios will be converted to Petite Sophisticates. Luxottica said it signed a letter of intent to sell its women's apparel retailing unit to a U.S. company controlled by the Del Vecchio family. Claudio Del Vecchio is chairman of Luxottica. The new company, called Casual Corner Group Inc., will seek a buyer for August Max Woman, a 100-unit chain selling large sizes. Luxottica, based in Agordo, Italy, purchased U.S. Shoe on April 15. The eyewear maker will retain LensCrafters. Luxottica has failed to find a buyer for the struggling apparel business. Leopoldo Borzino, formerly chief executive officer of GFT USA Corp., will continue as president and chief executive of Luxottica's women's unit, following the sale's closing. "They want to have a clear focus for Luxottica on eyewear and apparel is a nonrelated business, therefore it was sold to a financial arm of the Del Vecchio family," Borzino said. La Leonardo Finanziaria Srl, owned by the Del Vecchios, said it has bank commitments of $120 million to finance the apparel business. The Italian company also controls 35 percent of Luxottica and 66 percent of SME, an Italian retailer.
Hermès is launching a Laundromat pop-up shop in NYC - dubbed Hermèsmatic - where customers can bring their old scarves to be dip-dyed by an expert. Get all the details on WWD.com. #wwdnews (📷: @donstahl)


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Bed and Breakfast brings culture to Carlsbad
CARLSBAD >> Two of Carlsbad's newest business owners hope to bring some culture to town with their historical, three-suite bed-and-breakfast.
"I think a lot of times Carlsbad gets pushed aside as, 'Oh, it's just an oil field town,'" said Julie Chester, who co-owns the Fiddler's Inn with her husband Tonk Chester. "For us, it just brings a little bit of culture to Carlsbad."
The Fiddler's Inn Bed and Breakfast, located at 705 N. Canyon Street, officially opened on April 7, and in the few short weeks it's been open, it has attracted guests from all over the world.
The inn, built in 1912, has already hosted guests from France, Spain, Great Britain and San Francisco,
"Probably 80 percent of the guests we've had so far have visited the caverns," Julie Chester said. "We really want to promote tourism in Carlsbad."
Each of the inn's themed suites is designed and priced differently, ranging from $229 per night for the Foggy Mountain executive suite with it's full kitchen and french doors, to $209 per night for the Westphalia room, whose vintage style and original hard wood floors make it a romantic place for couples to get away, Julie Chester said.
Though all of the three suites will provide large TVs, WiFi and cable, Julie Chester said it's the little touches that will set it aside from a regular hotel.
"It's the experience," Julie Chester said. "It's the fine linen, the fancy bottled water in their rooms, the hand-made soaps and lotions. When tourists come to see a place like this, they get to see that we (Carlsbad) have got a softer side too. That's what we love about it."
The experience is so different from anything else available in Carlsbad, that Julie Chester is working on a "Staycation" package to offer, so that Carlsbad residents can stay in the rooms at a reduced rate.
"We're talking with the new limo service and caterers to put together a package for a romantic evening," Julie Chester said.
She added that it would be a great way for parents to get away for anniversaries, or just a night away from the kids.
Another local business, the Blue House Bakery and Cafe, will provide breakfast for the guests at the inn.
The two businesses have partnered so that guests at the Fiddler's Inn receive a "voucher" every morning for a free breakfast at the cafe, which is only a few steps down the street.
Even on Sundays, when the Blue House Bakery and Cafe is closed, it will provide catering trays so guests are provided for on Sunday morning.
Rooms can be booked online at fiddlersinnbb.com or by calling 575-725-8665.
Katie England can be reached at 575-628-5516.


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Canon has announced the new EOS 1200D DSLR (also known as Rebel T5 in the US), their latest entry-level DSLR that replaces the previous 1100D. Just like the 1100D, the 1200D is aimed at first time DSLR buyers and tries to dumb things down considerably by focusing on easy to use presets and simple menus.
The 1200D uses an 18 megapixel CMOS APS-C sensor and DIGIC-4 processor. It has an ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to 12800) and a nine-point auto focus system. You can shoot images in burst mode at 3fps or a 1080p video at 30fps. Read more »
Canon has announced the new PowerShot G1 X Mark II digital camera, the latest in their series of G-series cameras that are high-end point-and-shoot cameras for those who are a bit more serious about photography. The G1 X Mark II has new optics and sensor along with connectivity options such as NFC and Wi-Fi.
Inside the G1 X Mark II is a new 1.5-inch, 12.8 megapixel 3:2 aspect ratio CMOS sensor, which is way bigger than what you get in most point-and-shoot cameras, and even bigger than the 1-inch sensor in Sony’s excellent RX100 II. Read more »
Sony has announced the replacement of its popular NEX-6 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The new a6000 has got a 24MP APS-C sized sensor (up from 16MP on the NEX-6) and brand new Hybrid AF system, which combines the best of the both worlds of phase-detection and contrast-detection auto focus systems. The faster phase-detect points now cover 92% of the frame and provide for what Sony calls “the world’s fastest autofocus”.
But that’s not all, as the Sony a6000 can shoot up to 11fps – and that’s with tracking continuous autofocus turned on. Read more »


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Siri could soon arrive on OS X. Apple is currently readying a new update for its desktop operating system that features the digital voice assistant, according to a media report. Siri is currently available for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple Watch, and Apple TV.
For OS X 10.12, the next major update to Apple’s desktop operating system, the company plans to bring Siri to it, reports 9to5Mac. The report claims that the Cupertino-based company could make the announcement public as soon as around June at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference.
9to5Mac claims that Apple has been exploring this feature for the desktop platform since 2012, but it wasn’t until recently that Apple had managed to develop a clear vision for Siri’s integration on the Mac. Microsoft on the other hand brought Cortana to the desktop with Windows 10 last year.
According to a mockup by the publication, Siri will have a dedicated button in the Menu Bar next to the Clock and Spotlight icons. Tapping on the button would bring up a small, dark, transparent and colourful sound waves, urging the user to ask their question. The report says that when the OS X-powered machine is plugged to a power source, user will be able to use hands-free “Hey Siri” command to activate Siri.
As we mentioned, OS X won’t be the first desktop operating system to feature a digital voice assistant. Windows 10, which Microsoft released to the general public on July 29 of 2015, also features Cortana, its digital AI assistant. The feature enables a user to listen to messages, use voice commands to set reminders, and ask queries such as update on weather and traffic. Cortana for PC also works in conjunction with Cortana for smartphone, syncing all the updates and changes in real-time to offer a continuity.
Google’s Google Now, while isn’t available as a standalone application or integrated feature on any operating system, can be accessed using a Web browser.[“source-gadgets.ndtv”]


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Despite the passage of a Federal Farm Bill which supposedly legalizes the industrial hemp industry in all fifty states, Wyoming remains one of the few states in the U.S. which are staunchly opposed to the legalization efforts being taken by many jurisdictions. The state only offers one law regarding CBD on the books, which allows patients with specific incurable epilepsy conditions to access low-THC “hemp extracts.” Aside from this specific case, the substance remains illegal in the state of Wyoming.
Additionally, a clarification to existing law in 2018 outlined that it was legal for citizens in Wyoming to purchase and possess CBD and hemp-derived products—so long as these products have no THC content.
Wyoming CBD Laws
The only law in the Wyoming books regarding any kind of CBD or hemp derivative was signed in 2015. It allows patients with authorization from a neurologist to access hemp extracts of less than 0.3% THC content. Neurologists are only permitted to allow their patients to purchase these legal hemp extracts if the patients have been diagnosed with an epilepsy which “does not respond to other treatment options.” In these cases, patients are allowed to access the CBD they need.
After a series of questions from entities all over the state, Wyoming clarified that CBD without THC content could be sold all over the state—even for constituents without the medical cards required for higher-THC CBD purchases. As a result, citizens in Wyoming can purchase non-THC CBD all over the state from vape and smoke shops, stores, and even some gas stations.
Where to Find Wyoming CBD
Before purchasing CBD with a THC content, interested constituents must first get a “CBD card” from their neurologist. Qualifying conditions only include those which are classified as intractable (untreatable) epilepsy. Unfortunately, medical CBD cardholders are not allowed to buy their CBD in the state, and so those who are given access to THC-containing CBD must seek the treatment outside of the state.
This can create an unfortunate legal grey area for sufferers, as well. Transporting marijuana of any kind over state lines can often be a federal crime in the United States, even if it is legal in the state of Wyoming for the transporter to possess the substance in question.


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TechCrunch / New York Times article New York City is the hub of luxury beach properties and, according to a new report from the real estate website Trulia, there are some superlatives to be found there.
“When it comes to New York’s luxury property markets, there’s a wealth of options, from luxurious mansions to secluded waterfront villas,” Trulia said.
“The city’s top 20 luxury neighborhoods are diverse, but there are just as many top-quality waterfronts to explore.”
It goes without saying that the homes of these residents are among the best in the world.
Trulia also revealed some new numbers for the city’s luxury market.
The top 10 luxury homes in New York are all listed at least $200 million.
“While this is the largest number of luxury homes sold in the United States, there is a lot more to be said about how the market has changed over the past decade, and the impact that it has had on the overall quality of life of the residents,” Trubulity said.
In fact, the average luxury home in New Yorks luxury neighborhoods is valued at over $1.3 million.
That is a massive number of homes that make a significant impact on the lives of the people living there.
The homes in the top 10, which include a couple of the most iconic and expensive mansions in the city, are located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Upper West Village, and Greenwich Village.
It is worth noting that the Upper West and Upper East Side mansions, as well as the Upper East Village home, are both in the upper-middle-class neighborhood of Greenwich Village, which is where many of the world’s best-known luxury properties are located.
The second-highest average price of any New York luxury home is on the Upper Hudson River, located in the borough of Manhattan.
The Upper Westside mansions and Upper West River mansions are the most expensive manses in the country, which means that they make a lot of money.
Trubulia also listed the top 50 luxury properties in the City of New York, with the median prices at $1,025,000 and $1-1.1 million.
The median price for a house in New Yorkers top-10 luxury neighborhoods was $1 million, which equates to over $4 million a year.
The New York area’s luxury neighborhood is also home to the citys top five luxury homes: the six-story, 17,000-square-foot home of former President Donald Trump on Fifth Avenue, which sold for $1 billion, and an $8 million home in the West Village that sold for just over $6 million.
Other top-tier luxury homes that sell for more than $1M include the $1-$1.5 million property in the Upper South Bronx that sold in July for $5.3-million and the $2.3-$2.5-million house in Manhattan that sold last week for $4.3M.
Other New York neighborhoods that have seen significant growth over the last decade include the Upper Manhattan and Upper Manhattan Village neighborhoods, the Upper Downtown neighborhood, and Brooklyn.
The number of manses that sell in Manhattan and Manhattan’s West Village has more than doubled from just under 2,500 in 2007 to more than 7,300 manses sold in June alone, Trulia reported.
The luxury homes of the wealthy have become a key element of Manhattan’s urban living scene, with wealthy New Yorkers buying luxury homes and moving into the more traditionally gentrified areas of Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Trabants luxury property portfolio is owned by a group of high-profile New York billionaires, including Donald Trump, Mark Cuban, and Peter Thiel, Trubula reported.
Truba and his partners have bought dozens of mansions across Manhattan over the years, with a majority of the properties being located in Manhattan’s upper-class neighborhoods.
Trump purchased the five-bedroom, seven-bathroom house at 665 Eighth Avenue in 2013 for $3.8 million.
Trump sold the property to his brother in January 2016 for $6.7 million.
In February, Trump and his wife bought the home at 775 Seventh Avenue in New Jersey for $2 million.


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- Sarah Peet Photography
- Rhonda Percy and Kelsie Fletcher
Scampy's Country Store & Deli in West Charleston has been an integral part of Rhonda Percy's life since long before she and her husband, Michael, bought the business. Percy held her wedding and baby showers in the white clapboard building, which was once the local grange hall. Her daughter, Kelsie Fletcher, started working there when she was just 15 and later lived in one of the store's two upstairs apartments. These days, Fletcher, 32, manages the store that her parents bought nearly 13 years ago to transition out of dairy farming.
But now, Percy said, she's ready to sell the place.
Like many people born and raised in West Charleston, an unincorporated village in the Town of Charleston in the Northeast Kingdom, Percy has childhood memories of going to the general store, which sits along Route 105 and abuts the Clyde River. There, her parents would get her buttercream candies, scooping them from a barrel and buying them in paper bags for a penny apiece.
Before leaving on hunting trips, Percy's father and brother often stopped in to buy oysters for stew from the store's longtime proprietor, Irvin "Scampy" Dane. As Percy put it, "Everybody in town knew Scampy. Everybody."
Scampy Dane's, as the store was commonly known (though it had varying names over the years), was the center of life in West Charleston for decades. Also the site of the town's post office, it's where locals still come to pick up their mail, buy coffee and visit with neighbors.
Back in the day, Percy recalled, the store was stacked floor to ceiling with merchandise. Dane, a war veteran and lifelong bachelor whose employment at the store dates back at least to the 1940 census, walked the narrow canyons of goods and used a mechanical claw to pluck items from the top shelves. His antique grabber is still on display.
After Scampy Dane died in April 1995 at age 87, his niece and nephew took over the store. They later sold it to Ernie and Donna Wright, who put in the deli counter and pizza oven and built the apartments upstairs, Percy said. When Percy and her husband bought the business in 2007, Percy asked the Dane family whether she could rename it in honor of its longtime proprietor. It's been Scampy's Country Store & Deli ever since.
- Courtesy Of Rhonda Percy
- Irvin "Scampy" Dane
Scampy's still has a "very loyal" clientele that includes local farmers and loggers, Percy said, many of whom come in when the store opens each morning at 6 a.m. It's where the Charleston Elementary School buys pizzas for school parties and where the Charleston Volunteer Fire Department gets oysters for its annual oyster supper fundraiser.
Percy said she's been trying to sell the business for months, but not because of the pandemic. Her mother has a terminal illness, she explained, and her granddaughter suffers from Apert syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that caused the bones in her skull, fingers and toes to fuse prematurely. At age 2, she's already had three major surgeries and two minor ones, Percy said.
"Kelsie was out for a year because of it, and it really hurt our business," she added, describing her daughter as "the glue" that holds the store together.
When the pandemic hit in March, Percy recalled, business "dropped off to next to nothing." Scampy's shut down for three days each week to save money. Some of its eight employees volunteered to work fewer hours to help their colleagues who were more cash-strapped.
"We're a small town and a small staff," Percy said, "and they do have each other's best interests at heart."
In late spring, the Percys secured a small Paycheck Protection Program loan, the amount of which Rhonda declined to reveal. For a time, she and her husband offered meal deliveries on Friday and Saturday nights to try to drum up extra business, but the service proved impractical, so they dropped it. As business suffered and the store seemed increasingly unlikely to sell, Percy took it off the market.
Then, over the summer, business picked up again.
By July, Percy and Fletcher were seeing more out-of-state license plates than they ever had before, Percy said. As people flocked to Vermont for its wide-open spaces and lower number of COVID-19 cases, the deli counter remained hopping all summer. Fletcher increased her employees' hours again.
Pre-pandemic, Percy said, the store's busy season usually ended as the Orleans County Fair began. But with the fair canceled this year, she said, customers kept coming in for pizzas, fries and Scampy's specialty: steak-and-cheese grinders. Business hasn't let up since.
"Right now it's awesome, which is weird," added Percy, who now works full time in the administrative office of North Country Union High School in nearby Newport. The benefits are one reason she took that job. "Honestly, health insurance for a small business like [Scampy's] would break us," she said.
Percy expects the store and deli to stay busy until the end of deer-hunting season in mid-December, when traffic typically drops off and the business scales back to winter hours.
In the meantime, Percy plans to put the store back on the market in the next few weeks, hoping to get some nibbles. After years of dairy farming and running a general store, she's ready to move on from the seven-days-a-week grind.
"It's time," she said.


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EIA accuses Indonesia and China of world’s biggest smuggling racket
The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) has called for the US and Canada to ban imports of Chinese flooring products made from merbau wood as, it says, they have been illegally exported to China in violation of Indonesia's export ban.
A joint report, “The Last Frontier”, by the EIA and Telapak, an Indonesian environmental group, has revealed that the US and Canada are leading importers of the products. It highlights the fact that illegal timber smuggling from Indonesia is a billion dollar trade, threatening the last remaining intact tropical forests in the Asia-Pacific region.
It also exposes the international crime syndicates behind the massive looting of merbau trees from Indonesia’s Papua Province. Merbau, a valuable hardwood used mainly for flooring, is being smuggled out of Papua at a rate of around 30,000 cubic metres of logs every month, the report says.
China’s rapid economic boom is the reason given for it becoming the largest buyer of illegal timber in the world.
The report finds the illegal supply chain involves the collusion of the Indonesian military, the involvement of Malaysian logging gangs, and the exploitation of indigenous communities.
Allan Thornton of EIA said: “Indonesia and China signed a formal agreement over two years ago to cooperate in tackling the trade in illegal timber. So far these words have not been matched by actions. The smuggling of merbau logs between Indonesia and China violates the laws of both countries, so there is a clear basis for action. The US and Canada should also act to ban the import of illegal timber as they are the ultimate destination for much of the merbau flooring.”
The majority of merbau logs stolen from Papua are destined for the Chinese port of Zhangjiagang, near Shanghai, where they are cleared through customs using false Malaysian paperwork to disguise their true origin, in violation of Chinese law, the report claims.
The logs are then transported to Nanxun, China’s main centre for the manufacture of wooden flooring, from where they are then exported to markets such as the US and Canada.
Over 70% of Indonesia’s original frontier forests have been lost and an area the size of Switzerland is cut down every year. Last July, President Bush announced the Initiative Against Illegal Loggin to try and help developing countries stop logging. Despite this the trade goes on.
M. Yayat Afianto of Telepak said: “Papua has become the main illegal logging hotspot in Indonesia. This massive timber theft of Indonesia’s last pristine forests has got to be stopped.”
By David Hopkins


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Julep Beauty Inc, founded by Jane Park who is also the company's CEO, raised $10.3 million in Series B funding led by Andreessen Horowitz. Jane, who holds a JD from Yale Law School, is a former Starbucks Executive. Padma Rao, who led marketing at online gaming company Zynga, is on the company's Board of Directors. Read more about the deal in the company press release.
Watch Jane Park talk about founding Julep.


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Hyundai Verna beats Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz in September 2017 sales
The 2017 Hyundai Verna is off to a running start straight after its launch in August. The new Verna has beaten both its main competitors, the Honda City and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz in sales during the month of September, just before the beginning of the festive season. This may have something to do with its good introductory price of Rs 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) at the time of launch. The latest model launch in the C2 segment, the Hyundai Verna has registered a year-on-year (YOY) growth of an astounding 410.9 per cent. While the sales for September may show the initial excitement of the customers for the new Hyundai Verna, you can also see our detailed comparison of the Verna and the Honda City here. To check how the 2017 Verna stacks up against the Honda City and the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, click here.
Hyundai sold 6,054 units of its latest sedan, which was marginally higher than the Honda City, which registered sales of 6,010 units in September. Meanwhile, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz seems to have taken a hit with the new Verna's launch, as its YOY growth of -14.4 percent during the month, with sales at 5,603 units. These sales numbers may change as the festive season when vehicle sales peak in India, began in October. Stay tuned to find out if the Verna continues to lea the pack.
Starts Rs 8.77 Lakhs
Starts Rs 8.19 Lakhs
Starts Rs 7.8 Lakhs
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Another north Lafayette business has announced that it will close its doors.
The Advocate reports that the Taco Bell located at 1224 NE Evangeline Thruway will close. An announcement was made on the closure last week.
This closure comes after Walmart Supercenter and Sam’s Southern Eatery both closed earlier this year. The Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission will also move from its location on the Evangeline Thruway to offices downtown.
A spokesperson with Morgan City-based B&G Food Enterprises tells The Advocate that the final decision regarding the store will be made by July 1.
There are currently 10 Taco Bell locations in Lafayette Parish.
Several stores have made their exit from north Lafayette within the last few years. KATC’s Dannielle Garcia reported on the growing number of vacant buildings in the area.


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Is Castle Street ready for more places to eat?
WILMINGTON -- Three years is an accomplishment for any small business in this economy, let alone a restaurant operating in the razor-thin margins of food service.
But when popular restaurant Rx celebrates it's third anniversary this week, it also can celebrate that it helped prove Castle Street could be a worthy dining destination.
While small, the area's food scene continues to evolve. Rx, at 421 Castle St., was preceded down the road by Jester's Cafe in 2004 and retail shop Wilmington Wine in 2009 and followed by coffee spot Luna Caffe in 2013. Earlier this year AlPhi's Chic Boutique opened with a limited selection of baked goods and produce items and its owners plan to open a companion restaurant serving upscale salads and sandwiches this fall. But some denizens see a need for further growth, especially with the mixed-use Urban Oasis development's completion later this year bringing more residents to the main drag.
"Anything that creates a vibe of 'I want to bring people there to see what Wilmington has to offer' benefits all of us. I don't see that as competition," said Jester's owner Jamie Thomasson. "And I wouldn't mind having a good burger joint. I do like good fries."
Developer Terry Espy is well seasoned in the art of pairing restaurateurs with properties. She thinks Castle Street has plenty of potential. She's trying to find a occupant for an empty space that's been attached to both brewery and burger outfits in recent years, though neither materialized. If expansion has any roadblock in her eyes, it's a reluctance of lenders to finance the pricey build-out of an eatery with expensive ventilation, grease traps and other kitchen equipment.
"Castle Street desperately needs a family-style restaurant, a space families in the community can go two or three nights a week," Espy said. "Securing financing is an issue. Lenders don’t love restaurants, and we understand that. But they also don’t understand Castle Street. The residents have made that area turn around."
That turnaround began in 2004 with the establishment of the Castle Street Antiques District. For several years, Jester's Cafe (at 607 Castle St.) operated as a small coffee shop, later expanding into a bustling breakfast and lunch spot serving sandwiches, quiches salads. The options are limited by its lack of a full service kitchen with a fryer and grill, but that hasn't prevented Jester's from developing an overflowing audience that spills out the door nearly every day.
AlPhi's owners Phil Floyd and Alex Odom will have a similar setup in their soon-to-open AlPhi's Croissant Creations, located in their original boutique location at 320 Castle St. That boutique has since moved across the road to 315 Castle St.
When it launched in 2012, Rx brought farm-to-table fare and, perhaps more importantly, evening hours, to the neighborhood. Opening with an edgy and swine-centric menu featuring pork belly, cheeks and ears, chef and owner James Doss's determined creativity with local produce and seafood won a fast following among nearby residents and visitors alike.
"When we opened, people said, 'You're doing that kind of food on Castle Street? Good luck,'" recalled Doss. "In a lot of ways it's exceeded my expectations. If anything, we're more of a fine dining restaurant than we set out to be."
That youthful and swanky crowd has provided a shot of enthusiasm to existing retailers. Antique dealer Michael Moore, who was instrumental in establishing the antique district in 2004, said the extra traffic has been a boon to business.
"When Rx opened we were elated because it gave us daytime and nighttime place," Moore said. "And it brought a whole different crowd of people who've discovered Castle Street as a result."
Moving forward, Espy still hopes to place new nibbles in the Antique District, be it in existing buildings or new ones built in one of the street's many empty lots. For Alyx Quincey, a nearby resident who works at Wilmington Wine, that's news to make her belly growl.
"There are empty buildings everywhere. Put something in them," Quincey said. "Give us more places to play, give us more places to eat."
Contact Paul Stephen at 910-343-2041 or firstname.lastname@example.org.
What: Rx's third anniversary dinner When: 6 p.m. Sunday July 12 Where: Rx restaurant, 421 Castle St. Details: Join the Rx team and guest chef Jon Kurzen for a seafood heavy 10 course feast with optional wine pairings. $75 per person, additional $30 for wine. Reservations at 910- 399-3080.


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The Alvarez Law Firm is pleased to report that second year associate Lisa Cabrera has won her first jury trial. A Miami-Dade County jury agreed with Ms. Cabrera and awarded her client$150,000.00 against retail store giant Wal-Mart.
Ms. Cabrera represented a Miami-Dade police officer who was injured while attempting to arrest a violent and mentally disturbed war veteran.
The incident stemmed from what could only be characterized as one of the most reckless and bizarre acts by a department store manager in recent history.
A well trained, muscular, 225 pound, U.S. military veteran, suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (“PTSD”), who was also admittedly suicidal, diagnosed with paranoia and schizophrenia, not taking medication for her mental disorders, and under the influence of illicit drugs, walked into the Wal-Mart in Doral and approached a Wal-Mart sales associate in the sporting goods department who was attending another customer. The disturbed veteran became erratic and demanded to be attended first and began to pick up merchandise from a counter and throw it to the floor. The veteran then demanded to buy a handgun and bullets. When the veteran was told this particular Wal-Mart did not sell handguns, the veteran then proceeded to pick up a basketball and throw it at the sales associate’s face. Two Wal-Mart managers were summoned and confronted the veteran who was described by them as being either mentally ill or on drugs. The veteran repeated the demands for a handgun and became aggressive. One manager asked the veteran to leave the store or he would call the police. The veteran refused to leave and the manager calls for the police.
Incredibly the second manager who has been told that the customer is mentally disturbed or on drugs and has already attacked a sales associate, thrown merchandise on the floor, and is looking to purchase a handgun and bullets, told the veteran that she would sell the veteran a knife! The manager who was calling the police heard his co-manager and told her not to give the veteran a knife and that he was calling the police. Despite this, the second manager walked the disturbed veteran to the locked counter where the knives were on display, opened the locked glass display counter, took a box containing a knife out, opened the box, and then handed the veteran a knife with a 4″ blade. The veteran then began to go after the initial sales associate with the knife.
Ms. Cabrera’s client, a police officer, was a block away from the Wal-Mart when the call was dispatched and arrived within seconds. He confronted the now knife wielding veteran in the electronics department and ordered the veteran to put down the knife. The disturbed veteran instead raised the knife and went after the officer. The officer used exceptional discretion and tasered the veteran instead of resorting to his service handgun. The veteran immediately went down and rolled on the ground from the effects of the taser. When the veteran rolled on the floor the taser prongs were dislodged and they no longer incapacitated the veteran. The disturbed veteran got back up and attacked the officer. The veteran, while still holding the knife, engaged the officer in hand to hand combat. The officer managed to get the get the knife but not before he was injured. The veteran then went for the officer’s holstered gun. The officer held on until back-up officers and bystanders jumped in, as the veteran tried to pull the officer’s handgun from the holster. It took 5 police officers to finally subdue the mentally ill veteran.
The lawsuit claimed that Wal-Mart was not only negligent but grossly negligent for placing a deadly weapon in the hands of an obviously violent and mentally disturbed patron. Everyone in the store was put at risk by the reckless actions of a store manager. The jury agreed and also assessed punitive damages against Wal-Mart.


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Ferrari and Lamborghini To Launch Hybrid Models By 2015
Ferrari, for quite some time now, and more recently, Lamborghini, have both announced plans to introduce hybrid vehicles to bring to market around 2015. And along the way they have both expressed a strong commitment to reducing CO2 emissions with each subsequent model. What is basically shaping up is a pissing match between these two Italian supercar powerhouses.
About this time last year, Ferrari president Luca Cordero di Montezemolo stated, “We want to reduce our CO2 emissions by 40 per cent between now and 2012.” And he also said, “We are currently working on the development of a Ferrari that will use alternative energy sources and which will be based on what we are doing at the moment in Formula 1.”
This was basically a reference to Ferrari’s Kinetic Energy Recycling System known affectionately as KERS. This is a regenerative braking technology which converts some of the car’s kinetic energy into stored energy, which is then fed back into the vehicle’s power train.
There have been some rumors that a road-going version of KERS may be introduced into future versions of the prototype Ferrari 599XX, but that has yet to be confirmed. Ferrari’s alternative energy vehicles should be ready for mass production by 2015. The Ferrari boss eschewed the idea that potential buyers might not by interested in a hybrid or electric engine vehicle from the company by stating, “Yes, of course. It’s the best sports car in the world. It’s still fundamentally a Ferrari.”
After months of having to listen to reports, announcements and hoopla about a hybrid Ferrari in the works, just earlier this week Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann confirmed that a hybrid of their own is in development, hinting that the Gallardo may be the test-bed for such as vehicle.
An all-electric motor is not in the cards, but Winkelmann stated that for low speeds in city traffic an electric motor would be used to power the car until the Lamborghini’s V10 or V12 gas engine is needed for acceleration or velocity. These are two things the company is known for and wouldn’t want to lose.
It’s unlikely that the current hybrid-drive technology that some Formula One teams are using to provide short boosts of power will not be incorporated. There is no real consensus yet on whether that type of tech is even viable.
In any case, it looks like we’ll see a hybrid Ferrari and hybrid Lamborghini sometime in the very near future. But what’s most intriguing will be how these two companies, which are known for vaporizing large quantities of gas to propel their vehicles at breakneck speeds, will be able to temper this inherent quality with the demands of alternative energy and lower emissions. This is going to get interesting…


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PEACHTREE CORNERS -- Now that Peachtree Corners has become the newest city in Gwinnett Country, then voted and elected its City Council members and Mayor Mike Mason, it's time to throw a little party to celebrate.
And who knows how to throw a party? The Atlanta Hawks and the Atlanta Street Food Coalition. On Saturday, the two are teaming up for a block party blast with 14 food trucks, Dominique Wilkins, Jerry Stackhouse, the Hawks cheerleaders and faithful mascot Harry.
"Peachtree Corners is the newest city in Gwinnett County," said Ailey Penningroth, vice president of brand strategy for the Hawks and Philips Arena. "We learned it is the biggest (city) now. When we talked to them, they were really into celebrating being a new city. They loved the fact that they wanted to be there with them."
The food truck vendors were just as excited to be invited to the soiree.
"It's an area that we haven't be in at all. We were excited that they chose to come to Gwinnett," said Greg Smith, president of the Atlanta Street Food Coalition. "Some folks are kind of scared of (food trucks) and don't know what to expect. The exciting thing to me about food trucks is that the folks that own or operate the trucks -- they have one or two things that they're really good at. I'm excited for people to see the creativity that comes through with the trucks."
The Hawks have recently developed relationships with the food trucks and thought they'd be a great fit for the Peachtree Corners event.
"The food truck are a hidden gem in downtown. It was kind of cool to bring all of that downtown activity to the suburbs," Penningroth said. "Each of the trucks is going to make a Hawks themed item for the day. We're curious to see what they come up."
The food trucks participating include Munch, Tamale Queen, Banged Up & Mashed, Yoli's, Champion Cheesteaks, Pressed for Time, Hail Caesar, King of Pops, Yum Yum Cupcakes, Yumbii, Rolling Reuben, Nana G's Chicken and Waffles, The Pup Truck and Buen Provecho.
In addition, the Atlanta Hawks will bring out a full basketball court, inflatables, games and giveaways,
The party is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Chick-fil-A at the intersection of Corners Parkway and Woodhill Drive.


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An article I read today showed that recently Nissan started thinking big batteries aren’t necessary for EVs. They claim to have studied extensive data before claiming what seems to be one of the stupidest claims since the one saying “you won’t ever need more than 64 kilobytes of RAM in a computer” (in the 80’s, of course).
Mark Perry, director of product planning and strategy for Nissan North America, told AutoObserver that the 7,500 Leaf’s around the U.S. averaged 37 miles per day, with the typical trip length of only 7 miles. Moreover, most of them didn’t even top off at the end of the day.
The exact patterns Perry described were saying that 72 percent of American drivers do less than 40 miles a day and 95 percent less than 100 miles a day. Period.
Now let’s apply a little psychology and common sense here, and less pipe dreaming/marketing claims. First of all, I’m not at all against electric cars, otherwise I wouldn’t be writing this blog. There’s only one question you need to ask yourself, and that is:
Who buys Nissan Leafs?
…or generally, EVs? Are the people behind these cars’ steering wheel the real motorists, or at least over 50 percent of them? No. The ones driving the Leaf are the ones who bought it. The ones who bought Leafs are probably not retarded homeless crack addicts, and fall into the above-average class of society.
In other words, they thought well before doing the purchase and knew their driving habits. Of course they overestimated their driving ranges a little bit, maybe unconsciously, to self-motivate the need of spending tens of thousands of dollars, but none of them may not have traded their gasoline-powered darling for the Leaf – right, they kept it in a garage – just in case.
According to Wikipedia, there were 255,917,664 cars in the U.S. in 2008. Three years from then, the number is pretty close to that figure, if not a bit higher. Perry refers to having polled the 7,500 Leafs sold in the U.S. so far. Just think about that.
What Perry says is nothing bad for the current EV market, nor for the current average EV user. I indeed do less than 50 miles a day of driving, but that’s because I work at home and moved closer to the town center (paying more for the rent). I would have driven more if I lived in a suburbia. Though what Perry basically says is that the EV industry doesn’t need bigger batteries like mad, current ones are good for most of its buyers, which is true.
What’s not true and good for the EV industry is that by limiting the Leaf, for example, to only a hundred miles of autonomy, you automatically determine the vast majority to discard it. Not only that, but they’ll also say it’s an expensive piece of equipment, a gadget not worth its money.
Conclusion: we need bigger batteries. Not all of us, but there have to be batteries that charge as fast as a gas pump fuels an empty tank, just to keep pace with peoples’ needs. We can’t just tell them to back off from their regular habits and buy the more expensive electric cars, because they won’t! And that’s common sense. Perry and the like adopting this idea will surely put the EV market on its knees even before it got the change of truly affirming itself.
You can find the article I was talking about here.


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In celebration of of Black History Month, TIEM is excited to partner with Black Girl Ventures by donating 5% of shoe sales throughout the month of February. Championing causes we believe in is a year round commitment for TIEM; February provides a special opportunity to elevate Black voices.
New year, new music. Let's put some pep back into our steps this year with an updated workout playlist. This month we're focusing on the new and jam packed this playlist with all the latest workout hits.
We're so excited to be partnering up CardioCast for this spotlight! Workout anywhere and anytime with CardioCast, an audio-guided fitness app with 1,000+ on-demand fitness classes including indoor cycling, bodyweight bootcamp, running, and more! Read on to learn more about CardioCast Instructor, Danielle and how you can get 30 days of workouts FREE.
As the Black Lives Matter movement began to grow this spring, we felt it was time to not only stand up for what's right and speak out against racism, but to financially support putting an end to systemic racism. We pledged to donate 5% of all sales until the end of 2020 to organizations working to end systemic racism.
*GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED* This is our biggest giveaway ever, including our (mostly) sold-out limited Black/Gold Slipstream, matching Black/Gold swag, and so much more! Only live for 24 hours, click in to enter!✨
As a company, it's one of our core missions to give back to causes we care deeply about.
This Giving Tuesday, we're rounding up our efforts over the past year in hopes to inspire and encourage others to consider ways they can give back too.
Get ready to clip in, November — we're bringing you a fiery 30 minute choreographed ride that is sure to make you work up a sweat no matter how the weather is changing in your zip code.
Grab your slipstreams, open up your Spotify, and be sure to screenshot the following image so you can easily follow along!
Have you heard?? Peloton released the newest addition to their lineup of high end fitness equipment -- the Peloton Bike+.
With workouts featuring quick transitions between on-the-bike cardio to off-the-bike strength, we're here to tell you why the Slipstreams are your new virtual workout bestie.


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Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)
Exports of the southern province of Binh Duong hit nearly 10.4 billion USD in the first five months of 2019, a year-on-year rise of 12.2 percent, said Director of the provincial Department of Industry and Trade Nguyen Van Danh.
The province’s staples recorded positive export growth in the period. Notably, wooden products, garment-textile, footwear and pottery to the US, European nations, and the Republic of Korea jumped between 20 and 30 percent in the period.
Danh noted that the province’s export growth was attributable to synchronous efforts in production, investment and trade promotion at international level.
Some trade agreements that recently took effect have created more opportunities for local firms to bolster their export activities, he added.
Local authorities and relevant agencies were asked to draw more investment projects into the province’s accessories industries so to ensure stable production and export activity in the coming time./.


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At the start of 2020, it was all lining up for Kim Davis: She’d spent years growing her clothing boutique, Flower Wild, online; in January, she signed a lease in a new retail development to open her first physical storefront. She was supposed to move in that March.
Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Supply chains ground to a halt. Construction on the retail space Davis leased was delayed through the summer. By the time the building was completed, it was three months past her original move-in date.
But rather than waiting for the crisis that has devastated many small businesses to pass, Davis persevered through the hardest months and seized the opportunity to open her shop anyway. Her Flower Wild storefront finally opened on Nov. 28 at 1125 Neon Forest Circle in Longmont and used a strong holiday season to build momentum into 2021.
“I can’t say that I didn’t look at the current state of the world and think, ‘What am I doing?’” Davis said. “But I have always been really confident in Flower Wild. I knew it was time to grow up. I wasn’t going to let lockdown crush my business.”
While opening a new retail shop or restaurant during a global pandemic that has decimated those industries may seem counterintuitive, Davis is one of many entrepreneurs in Boulder County who have used a combination of determination and opportunity to launch a new business in the era of COVID-19.
“What’s encouraging is that we’re not just seeing a couple businesses open up, we’re seeing a critical mass,” said Chip, the Downtown Boulder Partnership CEO whose legal name does not include a surname.
Indeed, a report released in February on fourth-quarter business and economic indicators from the Colorado Secretary of State and the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado Boulder shows that new entity filings were up 22.1 percent year-over-year in the fourth quarter of 2020, continuing an upward trend that dates back to 2009. Dissolution filings were also up 8.1 percent year-over-year in the fourth quarter of 2020, but they remained far off the highs that occurred during the Great Recession and were still lower than fourth-quarter dissolutions in every year from 2014 through 2018.
Kasie Waxman, vice president of operations and managing partner for the Mexican restaurant My Neighbor Felix, was in a similar position to Davis when the pandemic hit: The restaurant’s first location, in Denver’s LoHi neighborhood, was under construction, and management was already looking at spaces in Boulder for a second location.
“We were starry-eyed and planning a grand opening [for Cinco de Mayo],” Waxman said.
COVID changed all of that. Like Flower Wild, the space that My Neighbor Felix had leased suffered from construction delays. The restaurant’s LoHi location didn’t open until September. But the pandemic also brought opportunity. Boulder-based Walnut Restaurant Group announced in June that it would close its three restaurants in downtown Boulder. That freed up the space at 901 Pearl St., formerly occupied by Italian restaurant Via Perla. My Neighbor Felix was able to get that location and plans to open its first Boulder eatery by the beginning of April.
For Landon Russell, owner of Atlas Escape Rooms, the pandemic also created an opening. At the beginning of the year, he managed multiple locations for a chain of escape rooms that closed when lockdowns began. When the owner decided not to reopen, Russell attempted to buy the company. They couldn’t agree on a price, so Russell started his own. He was able to get a good deal on his lease at 1113 Spruce St. and opened Atlas Escape Rooms at the beginning of February.
“I was a little hesitant,” Russell said. “I mean, obviously this is a very scary time. I thought I should beat the curve and get some cheap property. I thought I had to gamble a little bit.”
Why gamble like that during times as crazy as these? Beyond the opportunities of good lease rates or unexpected vacancies in desirable locations, entrepreneurs who have opened new businesses during the pandemic saw that they could give something back to people that COVID had taken away.
For Russell, who majored in English in college and loves crafting puzzles, fantasies, and brain-teasers, it was the ability to give people a way to get out of their house, spend time with friends in a safe environment and focus their minds on something different for a little while.
“I felt like people needed an escape,” he said. “Everyone needs to destress a little. I love providing that relaxation for an hour or two.”
For Waxman and the rest of the management at My Neighbor Felix, it was breaking through the negativity that mired the hospitality industry since lockdowns began and giving people a place to gather, drink, and eat locally sourced food.
“We knew we were going to open at some point,” she said. “If we waited, it might have saved some money, but doing it now to give our guests some value and some positivity has been a greater reward.”
For Davis, it was about creating a special experience for customers after months of lockdown doldrums.
“Being able to see someone put on new jeans and boots and a blouse and stand a little taller after being in their pajamas for almost 11 months is just so meaningful to me,” she said. “To give them a little slice of ‘me time’ and make that special and relaxing and fun has been life-giving for me.”
As rewarding as it has been, it’s not been easy. Starting a new business is difficult enough; getting one off the ground during a pandemic has brought extra challenges. During March and April, Davis’ supply chains nearly dried up. As she sold through her leftover inventory, unable to buy new merchandise, she had to pivot. She bought flowers wholesale and sold arrangements that she delivered herself until she was able to begin building up her inventory again.
At My Neighbor Felix, Waxman said the restaurants’ reliance on locally sourced food helped avoid supply issues, but the universal issue has been construction delays. Davis, Waxman and Russell all said that the lead times for contractors have increased dramatically. The openings of Flower Wild and My Neighbor Felix were both pushed back because COVID-related shutdowns affected construction times. Russell said that booking contractors is difficult because businesses aren’t competing just against other businesses, but also against homeowners and landlords who during lockdown decided to remodel their properties.
Of course, adhering to health and safety protocols has also been a challenge that entrepreneurs never had to deal with before the pandemic. Waxman said that management at My Neighbor Felix has meetings nearly every day to talk about their health policies and whether they can do more to keep guests safe.
At Atlas Escape Rooms, Russell doesn’t allow mixed groups, caps group size, and limits the number of groups in the space at one time. The extra time he has to spend deep-cleaning the rooms between groups also limits how many people can come through in a day.
“I did consider all of that,” he said about health and safety protocols. “I do feel that we’re just as safe as or safer than a bar or restaurant.”
Someday — hopefully soon — entrepreneurs who opened businesses during the pandemic will be able to put those COVID-specific challenges behind them and just focus on the immense challenge that is running a small business.
Russell sees Atlas Escape Rooms expanding to markets that lack escape rooms — Niwot, Gunbarrel, Longmont. He’s also anticipating that the big private companies with offices in Boulder or that do retreats in Boulder will use his escape rooms for team-building exercises, which he said was a major source of business at the escape rooms he ran before the pandemic.
Waxman said that, after My Neighbor Felix opens its Boulder location this spring, a location in Centennial is already in the works, and the company plans to open two or three new restaurants per year for the next decade.
Since Davis opened her storefront, she’s been able to hire a shipping manager and three part-time employees. She wants to grow her in-person shopping business and provide locals with a relaxing, leisurely shopping experience.
“Small-business owners are not in the clear yet,” she said. “But the ones of us who have pivoted and dug deep and got to work, a lot of us came out stronger.”


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ORLANDO, Fla. - A Walmart in Orlando is temporarily closing to be sanitized, the company confirmed.
A company spokesperson confirmed to FOX 35 News on Tuesday that the Walmart near John Young Parkway and Sand Lake Road is temporarily closing so that an outside specialist can sanitize the store.
They closed the store at 2 p.m. and will reopen it back up at 7 a.m. on Thursday.
The spokesperson explained that the cleaning is part of a company-initiated program.
However, due to privacy reasons, it was not confirmed whether an employee or customer at the store had tested positive for COVID-19. However, the spokesperson did admit that Walmart has “felt the impact of the coronavirus.”
The spokesperson went on to say that when the store reopens, they will continue health screenings and temperature checks on associates. All employees will also be given face masks and gloves. Sneeze guards are installed at registers and customer capacity is limited as well.
The Walmart temporarily closing is located at 8108 S. John Young Parkway.
Tune in to FOX 35 Orlando for the latest coronavirus news.


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Tomatoes genetically modified to produce vitamin D, known as the sunshine vitamin, could be a simple and lasting innovation to solve a global health problem.
The researchers used gene editing to turn off a specific molecule in the plant’s genome that increased provitamin D3 in the fruits and leaves of tomato plants. It was then transformed into vitamin D3 by exposure to UVB light.
Vitamin D is created in our body after our skin is exposed to UVB light, but the main source is food. This new biofortified crop could help millions of people suffering from vitamin D insufficiency, a growing problem linked to an increased risk of cancer, dementia and many leading causes of death. Research has also shown that vitamin D deficiency is linked to increased severity of infection by Covid-19.
Tomatoes naturally contain one of the building blocks of vitamin D3, called provitamin D3 or 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC), in their leaves at very low levels. However, provitamin D3 does not normally accumulate in ripe tomatoes.
Scientists in Professor Cathie Martin’s group at the John Innes Center have used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to edit the genetic code of tomato plants so that provitamin D3 accumulates in the tomato fruit. The leaves of the modified plants contained up to 600 ug (micrograms) of provitamin D3 per gram of dry weight. The recommended daily intake of vitamin D is 10 ug for adults.
When growing tomatoes, the leaves are usually waste, but those from engineered plants could be used to make vegan-friendly vitamin D3 supplements or for food fortification.
“We have shown that you can biofortify tomatoes with provitamin D3 using gene editing, which means tomatoes could be developed as a sustainable plant source of vitamin D3,” said author Professor Cathie Martin. correspondent of the study published in Nature. Plants.
“Forty percent of Europeans suffer from vitamin D deficiency, as do a billion people worldwide. Not only are we tackling a huge health problem, but we’re helping growers because the tomato leaves that are currently wasted could be used to make supplements from the genetically modified lines.
Previous research has investigated the biochemical pathway of how 7-DHC is used in the fruit to make molecules and found that a particular Sl7-DR2 enzyme is responsible for converting it into other molecules.
To take advantage of this, the researchers used CRISPR-Cas 9 to deactivate this Sl7-DR2 enzyme in tomato so that 7DHC accumulates in the tomato fruit.
They measured the amount of 7-DHC in the leaves and fruits of these modified tomato plants and found that there was a substantial increase in 7-DHC levels in the leaves and fruits of the modified plants.
7-DHC accumulates in the flesh and skin of tomatoes.
The researchers then tested whether 7-DHC from the modified plants could be converted into vitamin D3 by shining UVB light on the leaves and sliced fruit for 1 hour. They found that it did and that it was very effective.
After UVB treatment to convert 7-DHC to vitamin D3, one tomato contained the equivalent levels of vitamin D of two medium-sized eggs or 28g of tuna, both of which are recommended dietary sources of vitamin D.
The study indicates that vitamin D in ripe fruit could be further increased by prolonged UVB exposure, for example during sun-drying.
Blocking the enzyme in tomato had no effect on the growth, development or yield of tomato plants. Other closely related plants such as eggplant, potato and pepper have the same biochemical pathway, so the method could be applied to these vegetable crops.
Earlier this month, the UK government announced an official review to determine whether foods and drinks should be fortified with vitamin D to tackle health inequalities.
Most foods are low in vitamin D, and plants are generally very poor sources. Vitamin D3 is the most bioavailable form of vitamin D and is produced in the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. In winter and in higher latitudes, people need to get vitamin D from their diet or supplements because the sun is not strong enough for the body to produce it naturally.
The study’s first author, Dr Jie Li, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has helped to highlight the problem of vitamin D insufficiency and its impact on our immune function and overall health. The provitamin D-enriched tomatoes we’ve produced provide an essential plant source of the sunshine vitamin. This is great news for people who follow a plant-rich, vegetarian or vegan diet, and for the growing number of people around the world suffering from the problem of vitamin D deficiency.”
Reference: “Biofortified Tomatoes Provide a New Path to Vitamin D Sufficiency” by Jie Li, Aurelia Scarano, Nestor Mora Gonzalez, Fabio D’Orso, Yajuan Yue, Krisztian Nemeth, Gerhard Saalbach, Lionel Hill, Carlo de Oliveira Martins, Rolando Moran, Angelo Santino and Cathie Martin, May 23, 2022, natural plants.
#Scientists #create #genetically #modified #tomatoes #boost #vitamin


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Two Milwaukee men, including one who has been arrested more than 30 times as an adult, were arrested for retail theft during a traffic stop on Mayfair Road, according to a Wauwatosa police report.
Also in the report:
An officer pulled over the vehicle in the 700 block of North Mayfair Road about 5:50 p.m. Friday after noticing the registration tag was worn out and discolored.
The officer recognized the 40-year-old driver from previous arrests. The man has been arrested 32 times as an adult, including for numerous retail thefts in Wauwatosa.
The passenger, a 52-year-old man, was found to have 3 grams of cocaine on him. He had been previously arrested for cocaine possession.
During a search of the vehicle, officers found six jars of hair gel, Tide detergent packages and cocaine and methamphetamine at-home urine tests. The items were not in shopping bags and there was no receipt.
Also found in the vehicle were a computer, two cell phones, a hand-held videogame system, an industrial knife and various smaller items. The Tide and drug tests were identified as having been taken from Walgreens, 2275 N. Mayfair Road. Video surveillance shows the two men bending down and selecting items before leaving the store at 4:16 p.m. April 13. It was discovered that the laptop computer had been taken from Milwaukee PC.
A Milwaukee PC technician provided police with witness descriptions.
The 40-year-old man was arrested for retail theft and the 52-year-old man was arrested for being party to a crime, theft and possession of cocaine.
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