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SAN FRANCISCO — Banks across the United States are facing a shortage of coins during coronavirus crisis, prompting the U.S. Federal Reserve to ration distribution and work with the U.S. Mint to boost supply.
With the partial closure of the economy due to the coronavirus crisis, “the flow of coins through the economy has kind of stopped,” Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell told the House Financial Services Committee.
tap here to see other videos from our team.
Making matters worse, the U.S. Mint has decreased production of coin due to measures put in place to protect its employees.
“We are working with the Mint and the Reserve Banks and as the economy reopens we are seeing coins beginning to move around again,” Powell said. He made the remarks in response to a question from Tennessee Congressman John Rose, who said a bank in his district told him it would run out of coins by the end of the week because the Fed was only sending a portion of its usual order of coins.


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Emsisoft has released a free tool to fight the virus called WannaCryFake. It requires a ransom in Bitcoin for decrypting the data, according to blog.emsisoft.com
Free decryptor will save from the virus
New Zealand-based Emsisoft company has announced the release of a tool that bypasses the WannaCryFake virus code. So, in their blog, company representatives offer victims of fraudsters to download a tool so as not to pay a ransom for data recovery. The developers also included a detailed user guide.
WannaCryFake is a type of scammer using the AES-256 encryption algorithm. At the same time, the attackers leave an email in which they promise to restore the files after payment in Bitcoin. In the text, ransomware recommends purchasing currency on the Local Bitcoins website and threatens with data loss when contacting unauthorized persons to recover information.
Interesting in the section: White Paper, as source of Bitcoin
- Cryptocurrency extortion cases have already been repeated. So, on April 11, the ESET antivirus company detected a number of attacks. Fraudsters sent a newsletter in which they threatened users of "adult" content. For deletion of the video, they demanded cryptocurrency.

domain: news


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Aug 17 (Reuters) - Swiss elevator and escalator maker Schindler Holding reported on Friday better-than-expected order intake in the second quarter on strong growth across its markets, and raised its full-year revenue growth outlook.
Orders grew 11.2 percent to 3.05 billion Swiss francs ($3.06 billion) for the April-June period, beating expectations of 2.93 billion francs, in a Reuters Poll.
Quarterly net profit grew 28.3 percent to 308 million francs, which was above 301 million francs estimated by analysts.
The company now expects a 5-to-7 percent growth in full-year revenue as positive market trends in the first half are likely to continue in the second half of the year.
Schindler expects net profit to reach 960 million francs to 1,010 million francs for the financial year 2018, compared with last year’s 884 million francs. ($1 = 0.9969 Swiss francs) (Reporting by Bartosz Dabrowski; Editing by Amrutha Gayathri)


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Google has released new data which details its recent efforts to keep fake listings off Google Maps. Most notably, the search giant has reduced the number of fake listings by 70% from an all-time peak in June 2015.
The company recognizes there is rampant abuse within Google My Business, which extends to Google Maps and Search, involving bad actors registering fake listings to defraud businesses or extort customers.
What makes local listing scams different from other types of online scams is those perpetrating the scams have to be located relatively close to their victims. Google says “this fundamentally changes both the scale and types of abuse possible.”
Google teamed up with the University of California, San Diego to commission a study on those abusing Google Maps so the company could improve its efforts and keep users safe. Here are some key details of what the study found.
Most Common Types of Fake Listings
Roughly 2 out of 5 fake listings consist of bad actors posing as locksmiths, plumbers, electricians, and other contractors. Even though Google would routinely discover and disable these fake listings, the perpetrators would create more by cycling through non-existent postal addresses and disposable VoIP phone numbers.
Roughly 1 out of 10 fake listings belonged to legitimate businesses which scammers managed to claim ownership of. These listings belong to businesses such as hotels and restaurants. On the customers’ end, reserving a room or ordering a meal would seem just like the real thing. However, the businesses were being defrauded into paying referral fees for organic interest.
How Google is Keeping Fake Listings Off Google Maps
Based on what Google has learned, it has since implemented an advanced verification process for locksmiths and plumbers. Other improvements include:
- Prohibiting bulk registrations at most addresses
- Preventing businesses from relocating a great distance from their original address without additional verification
- Detecting and ignoring intentionally mangled text in address fields designed to confuse Google’s algorithms
- Adapting anti-spam machine learning systems to detect data discrepancies common to fake or deceptive listings
Since putting these measures in please, Google has been able to detect and disable 85% of fake listings before they appear to the public. Google says less than 0.5% of local searches lead to fake listings now.
Google will be presenting its full report on Google Maps abuse at the International World Wide Web Conference on April 7, 2017.


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January 14, 2022
The metals market seems to be holding steady right now. The news is talking about Russia attacking Ukraine today which could affect prices a bit, in fact I have been watching it today and it is rising from where it has been in the last several weeks. If Russia does act on the threat you will likely see metals prices jump. However, right now prices are still considered low!
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Material supply remains good. We haven't had any issues not being able to get items however we have good inventory on most things so we haven't had to order much.
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It’s adorable to look at on your shelf, but don’t even dream of touching it. Entertainment Earth is now accepting pre-orders for the Pop! Rides Agent Coulson with Lola, with an approximate delivery date of October 2015. With any luck, it may arrive by the time ‘Agents of SHIELD’ Season 3 debuts on ABC on September 29, 2015, with its ‘Secret Warriors’ storyline.
‘Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ returns for a powerful third season introducing new friends and foes inspired by the critically acclaimed ‘Secret Warriors’ comic series. In the aftermath of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s battle with Jiaying and the Inhumans, Director Coulson will search the world for more powered people and assemble an extraordinary new team to deal with threats unlike the world has ever seen. However, the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. will soon find out they’re not the only ones tracking down these new Inhumans.
Marvel and New York Comic-Con today announced that Marvel will be bringing the second season of ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ as well as Netflix’s upcoming ‘Daredevil’ to the stages during this year’s Comic Con.
On Friday, October 10, ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ will take to the stage as Marvel’s head of television, Jeph Loeb, will make new announcements as well as premiere an upcoming episode of the second season before its television debut on October 14. Loeb will also host a ‘Marvel Animation Presents’ presentation, providing an exclusive first look at content from season two of ‘Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.’ and the future of Marvel Animation.
ABC Studios has provided us with stills from the season two premiere of ‘Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’, titled ‘Shadows,’ premiering on the ABC television network on Tuesday, September 23, at 9:00 pm ET/PT. You can find the stills from the episode, which guest stars ‘Agent Peggy Carter”s Hayley Atwell, Lucy Lawless and Brian Patrick Wade in our gallery, embedded below.
In ‘Shadows,’ Coulson and his team are now wanted fugitives with limited resources — but that’s not stopping them from keeping the world safe from powerful and unseen threats everywhere. However, with new members they hardly know, will S.H.I.E.L.D. ever be trusted again?
ABC Studios has released a taste of the gag reel that will be among the bonus features of ‘Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: The Complete First Season‘ when it debuts on Blu-ray and DVD on September 9, 2014. You can find the gag reel embedded below.
Ahead of any official announcement, Amazon has begun listing Marvel’s Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.: The Complete First Season on Blu-ray with a release date of September 9, 2014.
‘Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,’ a dynamic, action-packed one-hour drama, showcases Agent Phil Coulson and his team of highly skilled agents as they investigate extra-normal and super human people and events worldwide. Soon after the battle of New York, the existence of super heroes and aliens became public knowledge, and the world was trying to come to grips with this new reality. With new threats on the horizon, Coulson’s small, highly select group of Agents from the worldwide law-enforcement organization known as S.H.I.E.L.D. (Strategic Homeland Intervention Enforcement and Logistics Division) investigate the new, the strange and the unknown around the globe, protecting the ordinary from the extraordinary.
Following the initial ratings success of Marvel Television’s ‘Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ airing on ABC, Marvel Entertainment, LLC has launched the first wave of official licensed merchandise inspired by the series co-created by Marvel’s The Avengers director Joss Whedon. To meet fan demand, Marvel has unveiled a range of ‘Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ consumer products including T-shirts, accessories, and posters which are immediately available for purchase at ABC.com, Marvel.com, Hot Topic and other specialty retailers.
Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment has advised us that it will be releasing the popular ‘Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man’ series from Disney XD on Disney DVD on February 5, 2013, complete with exclusive bonus footage not available anywhere else.
Over the past year, Peter Parker has been saving New York City from evil villains as the masked hero, Spider-Man while balancing his heroics with homework and friends. When S.H.I.E.L.D. Director, Nick Fury, offers Peter the chance to raise his game to the next level…to become The Ultimate Spider-Man, Midtown High becomes a secret operations base for young heroes under the watchful eye of Fury and the school’s new principal, Agent Coulson. Spidey takes on S.H.I.E.L.D. missions across the Marvel Universe, encounters new villains, and battles his biggest threat yet…teen high school drama, in this funny and action–packed new series!


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Taco Bell was shellacked on social media and PR channels earlier this year when an Instagram photo appeared showing an employee licking a stack of tacos. Yet, there seems to be no brand crisis at all, rather a blip on the incredibly powerful ascent of the fast-food restaurant.
According to AdAge, “Taco Bell in 2012 posted an 8% increase in U.S. same-store sales — more than twice the 3.3% gain of industry leader McDonald’s.” And there seems to be no slowdown in sales.
Taco Bell has done more than just launch the uber popular Doritos taco line. They have dominated the male millennial demographic, launched a healthier Cantina line, engaged in effective marketing to the Hispanic sector. The fast food chain has deployed diverse creative talents to appeal to these audiences, working with American and German creative teams.
All of these positives prompted AdAge to dub Taco Bell its marketing brand of the year.
In the end, Taco Bell’s swift action in the Instagram crisis resolved the matter quickly. They found out the culprits worked at a franchisee, confirmed that the tacos were not served to customers, worked with the franchise owner to terminate the employees, and issued a public statement.
The usual blogger drama ensued, but customers — the brand’s true word-of-mouth advocates — were satisfied. Or felt the positives of the resurgent Taco Bell far outweighed an inaccurate Instagram photo posted by a maverick employee.
The taco licking social media crisis shows once again that online drama may not actually impact brands as much as negative voices would like us to believe. Online digerati don’t make or break a brand; rather, it’s a complex blend of product marketing, satisfied customers and their peer networks who build word of mouth, and traditional PR and advertising.
Money talks. Blogger hyperbole: well, that’s another outcome.
This post ran originally on the Vocus blog. I am on vacation until September 30 and will not be commenting. The floor is yours!


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Sitharaman addressed a press conference to enumerate on measures introduced during the Parliament's winter session and progress on the economic steps taken so far
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on December 13 said there seems to be a buzz everywhere other than in her office over a likely increase in goods and services tax (GST) rates.
The ministry is yet to have any discussions with the GST Council on rates. So all there is as of now is only 'speculation churning', she said while addressing a press conference detailing measures introduced during the Parliament's winter session and progress on the economic steps taken so far.
On widespread concerns over economic growth, she said the government prefers to not engage in 'predictions' on the state of the economy but is prepared to intervene when needed.
"Not engaging in any predictions on economic growth, (we are) here to intervene in the economy when needed," the finance minister stated.
The finance minister also responded to a question on sky-rocketing onion prices: "We have a group of ministers meeting which is reviewing the situation, and is deciding on how to take up the import-related issues."
"I think gradually, the crop has also started replenishing. The government is doing its best to import the commodity and resolve the issue," she added.
When asked about the possibility of moving an Ordinance to pass the amendments to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) Act, she said that the government has been 'quick-footed in response to developing cases.'
"We hope to have the amendments passed and have introduced it in the Lok Sabha," she said.
Chief Economic Advisor, Krishnamurthy V Subramanian gave out details of the measures taken so far to bolster consumption and investment.
"The government has focused on clearing all past dues of PSUs, enabling retail credit by supporting NBFCs and HFCs and supporting MSMEs by bill discounting," he said.
Adding that there is a change on emphasis on disinvestment to enhance the efficiency of the economy, Subramanian said all of the measures have used transparent due diligence.
Ajay Bhushan Pandey, Revenue Secretary spoke about the Income Tax refunds for FY20, which is at Rs 1.57 lakh crore as compared to Rs 1.23 lakh crore in FY19. He said integrated goods and services tax (IGST) refunds for FY20 so far stand at Rs 38,988 crore as compared to Rs 56,057 crore last FY.Pandey said the tax collection data for this quarter and estimates of the collections for the next quarter will be received on December 15 or December 16.


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CGS Named to the 2022 Global Outsourcing 100®
Company recognized for the sixth time among the world’s best outsourcing services providers
CGS, a global provider of outsourcing services, business applications and enterprise learning, was named to the 2022 Global Outsourcing 100® by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals® (IAOP®), the global, standard-setting association and advocate for outsourcing professionals and the organizations they support. This is the sixth time that CGS has received the recognition.
The 2022 Global Outsourcing 100 (GO100) recognizes the world’s best outsourcing service providers. The list is based on applications received, and judging is based on a rigorous scoring methodology that includes an independent review by an independent panel of IAOP customer members with extensive experience in selecting outsourcing service providers and advisors for their organizations.
“The last two years have emerged as the most challenging in recent history, with the entire world struggling to overcome the health and economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Every organization in every industry has felt the impact,” said IAOP’s CEO, Debi Hamill. “That’s why we are especially proud of the providers and advisors named in the 2022 Global Outsourcing 100®, who have demonstrated top quality and performance excellence during unprecedented times. Congratulations to CGS on being included among the very best in the world.”
“We are thrilled to be recognized again this year among the IAOP Global Outsourcing 100 world’s best service providers,” said Steve Petruk, President of Global Outsourcing division, CGS. “As companies continue to struggle with labor and skills shortages, as well as the shifts in the delivery environment, we’ve focused on leveraging immersive technology to complement our resources and mitigate risk. We are proud of our worldwide team who showed agility in meeting the needs of our global clients, ensuring continued operations to serve their end-user customers. By enhancing our services with emerging technology, including automation, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality, we were able to ramp up quickly and assist and guide customers remotely. This IAOP recognition confirms our commitment to bringing best-in-class services to our valued customers.”
The CGS Difference: Global Reach, Local Expertise
With optimized call center resources to serve global clients, CGS offers a unique hybrid approach through automation and live agents in its contact centers located in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Its AI-enriched chatbot and RPA technologies complement the customer support services provided by thousands of multilingual call center agents. CGS supports many of the world’s industry-leading global brands from retail, hospitality, healthcare, technology, and telecom. CGS’s innovative, scalable, and flexible business process outsourcing (BPO) solutions include technical and customer support, telesales, channel enablement and back-office support.


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Austria based family-run footwear brand Giesswein has claimed to have launched the world’s lightest merino wool sneaker with its latest product launch.
The brand said the new ‘Wool Sneaker’ is only 160g, almost half the weight of an average running shoe, and the equivalent to 100 paper clips, 150 jelly beans, or even 65 pennies.
The purpose of the new unisex sneaker is to revolutionize a “lightweight feeling” using a thin top material made from unique 3D stretched merino wool and ultra-light EVA foam soles, which lasts longer than a traditional themed rubber sole.
As well as being lightweight, it’s both temperature and moisture-regulating features make it comfortable in warm temperatures and leave your skin feeling nice and cool. Merino wool doesn’t hold onto unpleasant odors—even during long days and bacteria don’t stand a chance for its special structure and self-cleaning effect. Moreover, it can be easily washed in the washing machine at 30°C (90°F.)
The new unisex lightweight sneaker comes in a variety of colors, including pink, yellow, red, navy blue, black, gray and white.
Giesswein was founded as a family business and is currently being run by the third generation, Markus and Johannes Giesswein. Giesswein is the largest and number 1 producer of wool shoes across Europe and in 2019 sold more than 1 million woolen shoes.
Giesswein is also an eco-friendly shoe producer and according to the company, its wastes 0% of its wool and 90% production water is recycled whereas, in the footwear industry, 20% of scrap material is wasted and thrown away.


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Despite a number of news reports suggesting that BlackBerry-maker RIM is planning to exit the consumer smartphone market, the Canadian company will continue to cater to consumer users while also renewing its focus on its enterprise roots.
By Al Sacco
Managing Editor, CIO
BlackBerry-maker Research in Motion is not exiting the consumer market.
Yesterday, RIM reported its Q4 2012 financials, and a number of comments made by RIM’s CEO Thorsten Heins regarding the company’s future strategy were exaggerated. Plain and simple.
From the Twitter feed of RIM’s Managing Director of Global and Regional Marketing, Patrick Spence:
“We remain committed to all of our Customers (consumer & enterprise) and are enhancing our support/solutions for enterprise.”
When Heins took the RIM reins in January, he said that RIM needed to strengthen its focus on the consumer, and while he does seem to have made a bit of an about-face on that front, the company isn’t changing its direction completely. Frankly, it can’t afford to; the consumer market is much, MUCH larger than the enterprise space, and as much as RIM may want to withdraw from the fierce competition there, doing so would surely have dire consequences.
“We need to be closer to our consumer user base. We’re well positioned with CIOs…but in the US, we need to do a better job there [targeting consumers],” Heins said during a January press conference.
RIM is also preparing for its annual BlackBerry World conference in May, the biggest BlackBerry event of the year, and this time around it introduced a brand new developer event that will run alongside the broader BlackBerry World called BlackBerry Jam. RIM’s Jam event will be focused on the upcoming BlackBerry 10 mobile OS, and it will be aimed largely developers who want to target the consumer audience.
“If you are an enterprise developer specifically looking for more information on building successful enterprise applications, as well as connecting to enterprises with BlackBerry implementations, BlackBerry World might be a better fit. If you are looking for more information on BlackBerry 10 tools and the opportunities of building for BlackBerry 10, then BlackBerry 10 Jam is the show for you.”
RIM is not abandoning consumers, but it will be interesting to see what comes of its plans to renew its focus on the business side of things.
Al Sacco was a journalist, blogger and editor who covers the fast-paced mobile beat for CIO.com and IDG Enterprise, with a focus on wearable tech, smartphones and tablet PCs. Al managed CIO.com writers and contributors, covered news, and shared insightful expert analysis of key industry happenings. He also wrote a wide variety of tutorials and how-tos to help readers get the most out of their gadgets, and regularly offered up recommendations on software for a number of mobile platforms. Al resides in Boston and is a passionate reader, traveler, beer lover, film buff and Red Sox fan.


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John Lewis Partnership has established a £1 million fund in the hope of supporting projects that could speed the shift to a circular economy.
In partnership with environmental charity Hubbub, the Circular Future Fund seeks to support a variety of projects which “rethink waste”.
“We’re hoping to unearth some of the world’s leading innovators, who have built their business models, products and services around the concept of circularity,” John Lewis Partnership director of ethics and sustainability Marija Rompani says.
“We live in a world of finite materials and we need to start protecting them before it’s too late,” she adds. “This is why we’re particularly looking for projects that are regenerative and can eliminate waste or pollution from the design stage and ultimately protect nature.”
There are three categories for project entries: textiles, household products, technology and services, and food.
Organisers outline that food-related projects may cover waste reduction in the food supply chain or smart food waste solutions.
Textiles could include material innovation, reuse platforms or production processes that reduce water and energy consumption.
In the domestic category, projects might be based around consumption awareness, behaviour change or zero emissions delivery.
The fund has been created from sales of 10p plastic bags at Waitrose and John Lewis.
Grants between £150,000-£300,000 will be offered. Applications must be submitted by 9 January 2022, and funding will start in May 2022 and last a year.
Entries will be reviewed by a panel comprising representatives from the circular economy, innovation sector as well as senior John Lewis staff.
Applicants will have to show how the project offers a “truly circular solution” and outline the long-term applicants of potential projects. Other criteria include innovation and tangible impact.
The fund is now open to charities, academic bodies, community interest companies, social enterprises or a registered company less than five years old.
Successful applicants will also be encouraged to share their findings in an attempt to increase impact, according to organisers (though this does not apply to intellectual property or patents).
Waste has become one of the most significant issues for designers over the past few years. It was the centerpiece of the Design Museum’s latest exhibition while at this month’s COP26, Sophie Thomas declared it a “design flaw”.
You can find out more information on the Circular Future Fund website.
Banner image courtesy of Shutterstock


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NEW YORK (Hypebot) –
Nokia has chosen The Orchard as its premier independent provider for the launch of its new Comes with Music service announced today in London. As a part of the unique collaboration, Nokia will work with The Orchard's regional marketing staff and data sales analytics to localize the offering. Through custom playlist creation and other discovery tools, Comes With Music will be tailored to serve diverse markets worldwide.
With the Nokia deal as well as a similar "first indie in" status on MySpace Music, The Orchard is showing a willingness to use its advantage as one of the world's largest digital distributors to aggressively place their clients – many of whom contractually accept distribution wherever The Orchard places them – on the widest possible selection of services.
From the press release:
“With their vast catalogue, unmatched digital marketing and promotion expertise, and commitment to innovation and experimentation, Nokia is pleased to name The Orchard as our premier music independent supplier,” said Tero Ojanperä, executive vice president and head of the Nokia entertainment and communities business. “We expect that our close collaboration with The Orchard team as we roll out the service across the UK, and then many territories worldwide, will mean a better offering to Nokia customers, and more exposure for the fantastic independent artists and labels who have chosen The Orchard as their digital partner.”
“Nokia has once again innovated ahead of the market in the mobile music space, aggressively competing with an exciting new model,” said Greg Scholl, president and chief executive officer for The Orchard. “Comes with Music is inventive, and the ground under the music industry is shifting at a speed that rewards innovators and risk-takers – both companies and artists. Nokia, The Orchard, and The Orchard’s tens of thousands of worldwide label clients stand to benefit. We have high hopes that this represents yet another incremental source of revenue


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The Gulf-front city is searching for a catchy slogan or brand to promote tourism.
Although long considered a tourist destination, the city of Venice lacks its own distinctive strategy for reeling in visitors.
It needs a "brand," some business leaders say.
That "brand" could be a short, memorable slogan that defines Venice's uniqueness in the way "Music City" does for Nashville or "the Nation's Oldest City" does for St. Augustine.
The brand could also be associated with a catchy "tagline," such as Las Vegas' often-quoted "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas."
Visit Sarasota, a tax-supported agency that promotes Sarasota County, includes Venice in its marketing efforts. Yet the city is just one of eight sectors of the county that the agency includes in its countywide strategy.
Venice's Economic Development Advisory Board thinks the city should create its own tourism-related initiative.
It is not recommending the establishment of a city tourism bureau or the spending of city taxes on a lavish publicity campaign.
But its members think the community can come up with a marketing theme that its public and private sectors can jointly use, with the resources they already have (such as their websites), and encourage Visit Sarasota and others in Sarasota County to use on Venice's behalf.
The downtown merchants association Venice MainStreet told the advisory board recently that it will take the lead to get the "branding" effort underway.
Before the advisory board meets again March 19, Kat Quast, director of Venice MainStreet, intends to gather representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, the historic preservation group Venice Heritage, the city government and various arts organizations to see what they suggest could be Venice's "brand."
Quast will ask the group a pivotal, initial question: "What kind of tourist do we want?"
Whatever brand and strategy they suggest, the measures must protect the image Venice wants and concentrate on "niche marketing," rather than being overly broad, Quast said. "You can turn into Orlando and International Drive quickly... There can be such a thing as too much."
They will also discuss whether to have a Visit Venice website, Quast said. The site would not be in competition with Visit Sarasota, which would be asked to link to it. Yet it could be an extra draw for Venice if the state tourism agency, Visit Florida, links to it as well.
In the coming year, Visit Sarasota intends to update its website and marketing approach.
As that happens, the advisory board hopes the city can give Visit Sarasota a fresh marketing strategy created by and specifically for Venice.
The city set aside $10,000 this year for an economic development consultant, whose tasks could include helping implement a tourism strategy.
The city is currently negotiating "a scope of services" with the top ranked of five respondents, Urbanomics Consulting Group in Ponte Vedra Beach, city finance director Jeff Snyder said.
Chamber of Commerce president John Ryan, who also sits on the county's Tourist Development Council, estimates that about 7 percent to 8 percent of the county taxes on hotel room stays (which are partially used to fund Visit Sarasota) come from Venice lodgings.
To him and other advisory board members, that is verification that many of Venice's visitors are "day trippers" who stay at full-service hotels in Sarasota. They include Venice as one of their many outings but do not stay overnight in the city.
Venice City Council member Jeanette Gates agrees with the advisory board that the city has a shortage of accommodations that ought to be addressed as part of a new marketing initiative.
"We want to market toward a full-service hotel for Venice," Gates said.


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Mary's mother in law is almost totally blind and she's wanting to get a phone with big buttons and enough storage. It also needs a voicemail feature. Leo says that most of the time, carriers have voicemail service. Any phone with a keyboard will likely have a button dedicated to activating voicemail with a touch of a button. But they don't want a cellphone, they want a landline phone with a built-in message machine.
Nolan's elderly mother needs a way to make phone calls with her voice. Leo says that Amazon Echo will do it with a device called Echo Connect. The Google Assistant will also do it. Both Google and Amazon also offer devices that have screens and cameras so you can make video calls.
Mignon's elderly mother had a copper landline, but lately, it stopped working. Leo says that the phone company doesn't want her to have those anymore, they want to move to newer technologies like fiber optic. But Mignon wants an always-on option, plus the internet. Leo says that DSL Extreme may be able to help. The phone company may have a battery backup that they will install. A cheap or lifeline cellphone could also be an option.
FEMA has planned a test of the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), which allows the president to send a message to all phones in the US in case of a national emergency. This test was originally scheduled for Thursday September 20, but has been postponed until October 3 due to Hurricane Florence and the ongoing response effort.
Samsung announced the Galaxy Note 9 on Thursday morning, and it'll be out already on August 24. Leo says the Note phone has a lot of devoted fans, but there's also a lot of people who think it's too big and too expensive. It starts a $999, and goes even higher if you want to get more internal storage. It's a beautiful phone, and slightly larger than the old Galaxy Note 8. Samsung has put a very big 4,000 mAh battery in the Note 9. They're putting in water cooling, though, so it won't get too hot and won't explode. This is the largest battery ever in a Note smartphone.
We now have evidence that cell phone radiation can cause cancer in male rats. It is not cause for concern yet, as we are waiting for recommendations from the FDA and others. As always with these kinds of studies, the rats were exposed to a lot of radiation over two years. The original federal studies from the US National Toxicology Program, which uses labels to suggest how strong the evidence is, labeled the evidence "equivocal." That's the second lowest on the scale that the NTP uses, meaning there wasn't enough evidence to really make a connection.
Jane had DSL Extreme, but she says that AT&T won't allow it over the phone lines anymore. Leo says there's something going on with her particular neighborhood. She's still getting phone service, though. Jane says that AT&T isn't offering DSL either, but they're trying to push UVerse. Leo says that AT&T has decided to eliminate copper in her neighborhood and start using fiber. Fiber is glass and works better than copper.
Google is announcing Android O Monday, and we'll find out what the "O" stands for. Usually it's dessert names, and it's hard to imagine it would be anything other than Oreo. That is a brand name, however, so Google would have to get permission to use it.
Android O will bring some new features, and many users will not get it. One of the biggest problems with Android right now is that companies who make Android phones and carriers that sell them are slow to update, if ever. The only people who will get it right away are Google Pixel owners, or those who have Nexus phones.
Richard's cell phone was stolen. Leo says that's usually a dumb crime because most often the phone simply can't be used anymore because they have kill switches in them. They also have the Find my iPhone option which allows the police to find them. But what about his data? Leo says that he can remote wipe the data, and if it's locked, it'll erase if the password is not properly inputted ten times. Most thieves don't really want the data, though, they want to sell the phone. But Richard should wipe the phone to be sure. For Google users, the data has been backed up to the Google account.
Gina's iPhone 6 is having problems connecting to the internet via Wi-Fi. Leo says to make sure she can't get on anyone else's Wi-Fi. If that's not the case, then there is clearly something wrong with the phone or its Wi-Fi settings. It's possible that the settings are preventing it from connecting, but it's also likely the hardware has failed. The only real people who can solve a hardware issue are Geniuses at the Apple Store. Gina should set up an appointment and have the Genius take a look at it.


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TUI LAUNCHES WINTER 2021/22 AND SUMMER 2022 PROGRAMMES FROM NORWICH AIRPORT AS APPETITE FOR TRAVEL GROWS
- Twice-weekly flights to Tenerife in winter 2021/22
- 9 destinations on offer for summer 2022
29 October 2020: TUI UK has launched winter 2021 and 2022 holidays from Norwich and is set to put summer 2022 holidays on sale from 5th November, with thousands of free kids’ places, low deposits from £75 per person and £0 deposit on direct debit bookings made online on offer. This comes as 86% of customers surveyed in September said they expect to have gone on holiday again by next summer – reinforcing the growing appetite for future travel post Covid-19.
With on-going travel corridor uncertainty for some regular favourites this winter, those craving sunshine during the coldest months have already booked for next winter, with strong demand for Tenerife so far from Norwich Airport. For winter 2021/22, TUI will operate two weekly flights to Tenerife which will also connect with five Marella Cruises itineraries, including Canarian Flavours, Colourful Coasts and Island Explorer.
With 57% of customers saying they expect to book a Mediterranean beach holiday for 2021, TUI anticipates greater demand for summer 2022 as people want to ‘make up’ for not being able to go away this year. So far, Greece is the standout destination of choice based on current bookings for next summer, with Turkey and Egypt also popular, and patterns indicate these trends could continue into 2022.
The summer 2022 programme from Norwich Airport will see nine destinations on offer, with reintroduced flights to Ibiza, three flights every week to Majorca and three Greek islands on offer.
TUI is seeing an upward trend in 4 and 5-star all-inclusive hotel bookings for next summer, with over 40% of customers surveyed expressing this preference. This includes hotels which offer the ‘best of both worlds’ with villas or room options with private pools and accommodation as families in particular seek to continue to feel safe in their ‘bubble’. TUI will be offering 233 different options in 155 hotels for this growing category in summer 2021 and expects this trend to continue for summer 2022.
In the same vein, 18% of customers surveyed said they would look to book a villa holiday with car hire included, making social distancing easier on holiday. TUI is offering 150 villas with flights and car hire included for summer 2021 and summer 2022 in Cyprus, Greece, Turkey, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, mainland Spain, Portugal, Italy and Florida.
Richard Sofer, Commercial & Business Development Director at TUI said: “Our latest customer survey and booking patterns for next summer indicate that the great British public are looking forward to future holidays even more so as they may have been unable to take one this year. This is why we have launched our future holiday programmes through to the end of October 2022, so that families and couples alike can plan ahead to next year and beyond to make informed choices about what will make their perfect holiday from the wide range we have on offer.”
Richard Pace, Managing Director of Norwich Airport said: “The launch of TUI’s winter 2021 and summer 2022 programmes gives passengers the opportunity to book with confidence and look forward to a well-deserved break. It’s fantastic news for our airport and our region, with air travel and international connectivity critical to both. We welcome TUI’s announcement and look forward to seeing a return to passenger growth, with a clear demand for travel post-COVID-19, and a variety of routes offering passengers a great choice of destinations.”
– ENDS –


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UK mobile phone retailer Phones 4U has revealed that it has the new Samsung Galaxy S3 available in blue but only on the Vodafone network on selected tariffs.
Customers hoping to order on other networks will have to wait for another three or four weeks to get their hands on the device.
The latest data compiled by uSwitch.com found that the Galaxy S3 is the most popular handset in the UK. It replaced the iPhone 4S which had only been at the top of the chart for a month having overtaken the Galaxy S2.
People may have to wait a number of weeks before getting their hands on the device. This is because of severe delays to shipments due to high demand for the mobile phone.
It added the device is "available now on the Vodafone network. All orders placed will be dispatched on the next working day subject to stock availability and credit check".
Posted by Samantha Green


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Law360 is providing free access to its coronavirus coverage to make sure all members of the legal community have accurate information in this time of uncertainty and change. Use the form below to sign up for any of our weekly newsletters. Signing up for any of our section newsletters will opt you in to the weekly Coronavirus briefing.
Law360 (June 5, 2020, 6:58 PM EDT) -- The COVID-19 outbreak's effects on numerous industries continued over the last week as companies succumbed to the economic pressures of the pandemic.
Others that entered bankruptcy earlier this year have had mixed success moving through the Chapter 11 process, with sales and plan confirmation moving forward for some but sinking for others.
Modell's Sporting Goods, which filed for Chapter 11 in New Jersey in March, just days before being forced to close all of its stores due to COVID-19 restrictions, received court permission to extend a pause of its bankruptcy case until June 15. The company originally sought to pause its proceedings in March and said the continued closure of businesses and looting at some of its stores during recent civil unrest have made it difficult to continue liquidation sales.
Retail icon J.C. Penney Co. tapped into half of its $450 million debtor-in-possession financing Thursday after a Texas judge overruled objections from unsecured creditors. The company filed for bankruptcy in mid-May after it, too, was forced to close its retail operations in response to the coronavirus.
Discount retailer Fred's Inc. confirmed its Chapter 11 plan June 1 after completing a series of sales that brought about $75 million into the estate. Unsecured creditors are projected to receive minimal distributions under the plan. The company filed for bankruptcy protection in September.
Apparel retailer New York & Co. said in federal regulatory filings Wednesday that the COVID-19 closures would likely push it into bankruptcy in the near future, even as it moves to reopen a number of its stores. Already saddled with a $164.4 million deficit before the pandemic, parent company RTW Retailwinds Inc. said the closures left it without revenue from its 387 stores and that it had "substantial doubt" it would be able to continue as a going concern.
The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the appointment of the members of Puerto Rico's Financial Oversight and Management Board on June 1, finding that the board exercises only local authority over the commonwealth and does not represent the interest of the United States federal government. The decision overturned a First Circuit ruling that determined the appointment of the board members violated the constitution's Appointments Clause and required Senate approval.
The confirmation trial for California utility provider PG&E commenced at the end of May and continued last week, with significant opposition to the $59 billion reorganization plan. Triggered by a series of wildfires that exposed the company to billions of dollars in liability, the Chapter 11 case now sees survivors of those fires say that the plan is a "house of cards" and ask for an independent examiner to look into the plan voting process.
Texas and Oklahoma oil and gas driller Templar Energy hit Chapter 11 on June 1, saying depressed energy commodity prices caused by reduced demand from the COVID-19 outbreak and an ongoing pricing war among oil-producing countries pushed it into bankruptcy. The exploration firm came to court with a handful of interested buyers following a prepetition marketing process.
PES Holdings, which came into bankruptcy court in July 2019 after a catastrophic explosion and fire at the Philadelphia refinery it operated, got the nod from a Delaware judge Wednesday for a post-confirmation settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The deal caps the debtor's liability for environmentally friendly fuel refining obligations at $10 million, less than one-third of the $35 million claim originally lodged by the EPA.
Transportation and Entertainment
Car and truck part maker APC Automotive Technologies hit Chapter 11 on Wednesday after its efforts to improve a dire liquidity situation were stifled by COVID-19. It gained access to $30 million in debtor-in-possession financing at a first-day hearing.
Regional Alaskan air carrier Ravn Air Group dealt with serious scheduling issues last week, as a proposed Chapter 11 sale process and a parallel liquidation plan track clashed after a Delaware judge extended the sale timeline. The company's lenders refused to extend an additional $4 million in funding to cover added expenses and an outstanding receivable owed by the U.S. Postal Service. The airline hit Chapter 11 after its business was grounded in the midst of the pandemic.
Amusement ride operator Apex Parks got the OK from a Delaware judge Thursday for a $60 million sale of its assets to a secured lender through a credit bid and the assumption of liabilities. The company retreated into bankruptcy after its parks were shut down due to the pandemic.
Health Care and Life Sciences
Opioid maker Purdue Pharma successfully petitioned a New York bankruptcy judge to extend the deadline by which creditors have to file their claims. The 30-day extension request — to July 30 — was prompted by the COVID-19 outbreak and the difficulties it created for claimants. The company hit Chapter 11 in September to deal with billions in liability associated with the national opioid epidemic.
Valeritas Holdings Inc. obtained confirmation of its Chapter 11 filing Thursday following a $23 million sale of its diabetes drug technology. The company was one of the first to fall into bankruptcy in February when its Chinese factories were taken offline in the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The LASIK Vision Institute filed for bankruptcy May 29 after the coronavirus led to a hold on almost all of its eye surgery procedures. The company said increased competition from other forms of corrective surgery had already hurt its bottom line. It received permission at a first-day hearing to tap $5.7 million of debtor-in-possession financing.
LSC Communications, a commercial printing operation that filed for bankruptcy in April after a prolonged migration to digital advertising, was approved for a $100 million Chapter 11 loan and a $14 million employee bonus plan.
Libbey Glass Inc. hit Chapter 11 with the intent of restructuring $500 million of its debt after COVID-19 hurt the already struggling business. It got the nod to tap into a $160 million post-petition loan during a first-day hearing Tuesday.
--Editing by Kelly Duncan.
For a reprint of this article, please contact firstname.lastname@example.org.


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The Realme X3 smartphone was allegedly listed on the TENAA website, which provided some important information about the phone. This phone has already been listed on many certification sites, and now this phone has been listed on the TENAA site. It has been reported from the new listing that 6.57 inch display will be given in the Realme X3 smartphone. Apart from this, a Realme X3 SuperZoom model is listed on the Geekbench website. This phone is equipped with up to 12 GB RAM and octa-core processor.
This alleged Realme X3 smartphone was listed on the TENAA website with the RMX2142 model number. This listing has currently been removed from the website, which was first reported by MySmartPrice. The listing mentioned a 6.57-inch hole-punch display. Apart from this, 4,100 mAh battery was also reported in it. At the same time, the dimensions of the phone are 163.8×75.8×8.9mm. This upcoming alleged phone will come with 5G support. Apart from all this, no further information is available from the listing of TENAA.
The Reality X3 phone was earlier listed on Chinese certification website 3C and MIIT with model number RMX2412. Some charging specifications of the phone were found in the 3C website listing, such as 30 watt fast charging support will be available in the phone. According to the Geekbench listing, this phone will be based on Android 10. It had a single-core score of 788 and a multi-core score of 2,624. As we said, another variant of Realme X3 is present, which is Realme X3 SuperZoom, this phone was also listed on Thailand’s certification site NBTC.
It can be inferred from all these listings that Realme X3 is probably not far from the launch. Let us know that the Realme X3 phone will be the upgrade version of Realme X2, which was launched in September last year.


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Bella Hadid Suffers Nip Slip During Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
But that wasn't the only wardrobe fail of the night!
It’s every model’s worst nightmare to suffer a wardrobe malfunction on the runway. Unfortunately for some at 2017 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, that’s exactly what happened when they hit this year’s catwalk.
Bella Hadid suffered a major slip up — or rather, double nip slips — when her breasts popped out of her barely-there bustier during her appearance on the televised special. Meanwhile, model Ming Xi stole the spotlight from longtime VS Angel Alessandra Ambrosio’s final walk when her dress snagged on her stiletto heels, resulting an epic fall in front of newly retired runway veteran.
But hey, the show must go on!


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In such a competitive – and high volume – telecommunications industry, call centers and customer relationship management, or “CRM,” companies need to find ways – and utilize all resources – to improve performance and stay dominant in the industry.
And, according to SIP-based VoIP call recording provider, SIP Print (News - Alert), the act of recording calls makes sense as a way to maintain compliance with stringent laws and regulations, while competing for the top spot in the CRM industry.
While large enterprises could generally afford the technologies to meet regulation and law needs, smaller companies were shut out of the market, SIP Print officials said, adding that now, with SIP Print’s VoIP call recording system, every business – no matter how big or small – can have a world-class yet affordable system to meet and overcome regulation tasks and challenges.
Businesses today, by facing regulatory requirements, are expected to record phone calls for proof of conversations, record of transactions and evidence if an event were to arise that needed accurate, undisputable documentation.
SIP Print officials said that many companies also deploy call recording systems due to the lowest cost, but highly effective way to demonstrate a pattern of compliance.
When customer satisfaction is a main focal point of a CRM company’s operational results, utilizing a call recording system is a way to prove to new – and existing – customers just how successful a CRM company can be for its customers.
“Using SIP Print to increase customer satisfaction drives operational efficiencies, reduces costs and reduces employee attrition,” company officials said, adding that call center and front line employees can also improve their sales approach and delivering by listening to past calls and sales situations.
Additionally, SIP Print’s VoIP call recording system allows sales agents and managers to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of customer service policies; ensure CRM company employees provide the promised level of customer service; and create positive customer interactions that create a successful and productive business.
With legal issues such as lawsuits, recording telephone activity provides legal protection for any company that gets itself in a legal bind. By using a VoIP call recording system like the one offered by SIP Print, the company and consumer are both protected by the recorded – undisputable – conversations. “SIP Print helps companies limit liability by documenting verbal requests and authorizations, verifying contractual compliance and arbitrating disputes,” company officials said.
So, not only can a company improve productivity by being able to review calls to increase sales approaches and sales turnovers, but a CRM company can also protect themselves and stay proactive, should a problem ever arise.


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Rumor: Namco vs. Capcom Will Be Separate Games
Capcom has been merging with other companies to bring us a perpetuating “versus” series which puts our favorite heroes and villains into one behemoth fighting game for sheer enjoyment. Throughout the years they’ve tagged-teamed with companies like SNK, Marvel and, the more recent, Tatsunoko to fill the void of beating the crap out of well-known characters in gaming. But now there have been rumors lingering in the air regarding the existence of yet another company joining the “versus” franchise with its plethora of hardened fighters – Namco Bandai.
Although the existence of Namco vs. Capcom was, at one point, more of a hearsay situation, it has been reinforced by a recent appearance by Namco Bandai’s Katsuhiro Harada and Capcom’s Yoshinori Ono at the Evo fighting game tournament a couple of weeks ago. What makes this rumor even juicer are sources telling Game Informer that the rumored fighter will be two distinct titles.
As per Game Informer, the current buzz is that a pair of games will be developed by the two companies – Namco Bandai and Capcom – and made to reflect their unique styles and different approaches. If we were to analyze both styles of fighters, we’d pretty much suspect that Capcom’s iteration will be a 2.5D game, while Namco Bandai’s application will be a conglomeration of 3D fighters.
I’m more excited than a baby at a topless titi bar, as I am a hardcore fan of fighting games. Of course, these are just rumors; but there is a big fighting game announcement trailer being shown this Saturday at Comic-Con. Erherm. As news pours in, we’ll make sure to keep you posted.


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Vicky Kuharski, Staff Writer~
The Peaks of Otter Winery is hosting its 21st birthday party on Saturday, Sept. 23, and the public is invited. The event will begin at 5 p.m., and the party will last until 11 a.m. the following morning for those that are interested.
To celebrate their 21st anniversary, the winery has enlisted the help of local band Long Strange Night. They are a Grateful Dead and Beatles cover band that has gained popularity in the area for the last several years. They will be playing all night and may be seen at the post-party camping option that is available to attendees.
“Weather permitting, we’re going to sit around and play afterwards,” said Doug White, singer and rhythm guitar player of Long Strange Night.
Nestled between the city of Bedford and the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Peaks of Otter Winery and Orchards is a family-owned business that has been growing apples for decades. They specialize in sweet fruity wines, butters and jams made from the various fruits grown in the orchards.
Visitors of the winery will find themselves in a small rustic building with close-up views of the surrounding mountains. The building was initially where the family-owned orchard conducted its business, mostly selling apples to the local grocery stores.
Wine steward Johnnye Phillips will tell wine tasters how over the years corporations took over the selling of fruit to Bedford’s local grocery stores, and it became financially implausible to compete.
“That’s when they decided to start making wine,” Phillips said.
Twenty-one years later, the winery is still a point of interest for tourists and locals alike. Though their specialty tends to be sweeter wines, they also offer visitors a chance to “Kiss the Devil” by sampling their wine that is made with over 30 different types of peppers. The winery also offers visitors a chance to walk down to see the farm animals that call the orchards home.
Peaks of Otter Winery and Orchards is a six-generation family farm. According to their website, the first Johnsons settled on the mountain in the 1800s. Though land has been sold and bought a multitude of times, the family always remained local. Elmo Johnson and his father bought the farm that the winery currently sits on in 1918 and planted their first apple tree the following year. Several varieties of the original apples planted can still be found within the acres of orchards. His legacy lives on at the farm at a getaway farmhouse christened “Elmo’s Roost,” where families can stay to “Rest for a week—and enjoy a lifetime!” as their brochure states.
Elmo Johnson’s son Danny Johnson is in charge of the business now, and he spends his time walking around the orchards or talking with guests.
Tickets for the winery’s 21st birthday party cost $10 for general admission, but for the same cost, attendees can rent a “primitive” camping space and pitch a tent by Sheep Creek. For $30, attendees can rent out a space for RVs and campers. This event is both kid-friendly and animal-friendly, and children under 10 will be admitted free of charge. Games and vendors will also be available at the event.
For those interested, more information can be found on the Peaks of Otter Winery and Orchard website or on Long Strange Night’s Facebook event page.


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The revised figure is higher than the 3% forecast in August due to “substantial impending inflationary pressure… driven by the dramatic fall in sterling, which has been one of the most striking features of the post-referendum data”.
In the past three months, sterling has hit a 31-year low against the dollar and a 5-year low against the euro.
However the think tank also revised up its GDP forecasts from August to 2% in 2016, slowing to 1.4% in 2017 when the triggering of Article 50 poses “downside risks”.
Additionally, its analysis suggests that the policy measures announced by the MPC in August could add as much as 2/3% to the level of GDP.
Simon Kirby, Head of Macroeconomic Modelling and Forecasting at NIESR, said: “The positive outturns for GDP growth in the near term are very welcome, but these give little to no guidance as to what will be the long run impact from leaving the EU will be. The depreciation of sterling has been the most striking feature of the post-referendum economic landscape. This will pass through into consumer prices over the coming months and quarters.
“By the end of 2017 we expect consumer price inflation to have reached almost 4 per cent. While we expect this to be only a temporary phenomenon, it will nonetheless weigh on the purchasing power of consumers over the next couple of years.”


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Lingerie brand Agent Provocateur is using WhatsApp to offer discreet customer service
Shopping for lingerie could be an awkward affair, to say nothing of finding the perfect pair of £195 ($236) glittery nipple tassels.
But if you’re a big spender at high-end underwear brand Agent Provocateur, you can ask advice from the privacy of your WhatsApp inbox. Here, store staff have spent the last year offering their top clients tailored updates on new arrivals and events at the brand’s 126 outlets worldwide.
The tactic, which has proved popular with VIPs, was the inspiration behind Agent Provocateur’s WhatsApp style service in December with a promotion named Ménage à Trois available to new customers, too.
“We saw the want for personalization and support over the Christmas period and decided to explore this,” explained an Agent Provocateur spokeswoman.
Over 10 two-hour windows, WhatsApp users could invite an agent into a group conversation with their partner to discuss what they wanted for Christmas. And in a world of automation, Agent Provocateur’s team of style advisers answered their queries manually.
While it was a small sample size, the results were promising. Of the 112 conversations that took place, 31 percent resulted in store visits and 61 percent converted to website traffic.
“We had faith this service would be of use to clients all around the world,” said the spokeswoman. “Especially when many consumers during this peak-trading season are time-poor.”
Plus, with high-paying customers, the effort can be worth it. Agent Provocateur needs its lucrative VIP shoppers more than ever. Investment firm 3i, which acquired the company in 2007, revealed in November that Agent Provocateur has been hit by declining luxury spend in “a number of its key markets” as it has expanded.
3i wrote down its 80 percent stake in the business by £39 million. There’s also been some boardroom drama: Chairman Chris Woodhouse stepped down in December after an accounting inquiry. CEO Garry Hogarth left the business after nearly a decade in February.
The spokeswoman said the brand is looking to continue the service over upcoming gifting holidays like Valentine’s Day. Chatbots, many marketers’ new obsession, would be an easy way to scale up the service, but for now they remain something the brand “has an eye on.”
“We’re always looking at new and innovative ways of connecting with our customers,” the spokeswoman said.
‘More dollars to experiential’: Why Walmart is still using experiential marketing to pitch Walmart+ — even during coronavirus crisis
The company is working with influencers and media partners to bring some of the missed “special moments” that had been canceled throughout 2020 to life.
Member Exclusive‘Don’t have the luxury of doing good’: The age of dissonance continues at this year’s ANAs — and beyond
When there’s an on-going global pandemic that’s crippling whole brand categories, it was hard to hear the CMOs speaking at the ANAs.
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As the world adjusts to the new normal, sports and entertainment publishers are faced with a challenge — with live audiences no longer able to take their seats at stadiums and arenas, how do they get passionate fans involved in the energy of the moment on social media? From the NBA to MTV, publishers had to […]
‘Show we’re listening’: Why agencies are lending office furniture, offering WiFi stipends to employees as new pandemic-era perks
With a hybrid reality in the offing, rethinking perks to include ways to make working from home better for employees has become a focus for leaders.
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Mary Alderete on the upended marketing calendar and Gap’s plans to lean into the extended holiday season this year.


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The support from Google Ad Grants will help further BigMike's goal of making Holiday Heroes a global organization, helping families all around the world.
(PRWEB) February 03, 2015
The Holiday Heroes program was launched in 2012 by Michael "BigMike" Straumietis, the founder the world's leading nutrient company, Advanced Nutrients. It is the first charity organization in Bulgaria to provide direct "door-to-door" food delivery. Since its inception, Holiday Heroes has brought food and holiday necessities, such as Christmas gifts, to over 16,000 families. The organization's goal is to bring holiday cheer to families that would otherwise not have the trimmings that come with each holiday season.
One of the many unique things about Holiday Heroes is their transparency. They provide online live streaming of the packaging process and frequent updates on donations gathered for each campaign.
The support from Google Ad Grants will help further BigMike's goal of making Holiday Heroes a global organization, helping families all around the world. It will also help reach a much wider audience with its calls for volunteers, donations and families in need. Past recipients of Google ad grants include GlobalGiving, Science Buddies, Elder Wisdom Circle and The Fred Hallows Foundation.
A Google ad grant will allow Holiday Heroes to target its advertising towards specific online audiences in an attempt to maximize its advertising budget. The Google Ad Grants program is set aside specifically for nonprofit organizations located in countries all over the world.
Holiday Heroes utilizes its website and social media platforms such as Facebook to attract volunteers to help gather donations or package food and holiday items to be taken directly to the homes of families in need. Holiday Heroes has also attracted Bulgarian celebrities who are eager to help promote the activities of the organization and get directly involved in distributing food and toys.
The success of the Holiday Heroes organization has been growing at a rapid pace since it was first introduced during the Christmas season of 2012. In its first two weekends of existence, the organization was able to collect over 3,000 toys to be distributed to children who had never received Christmas gifts in the past. Holiday Heroes also encourages families who do have the means to enjoy a happy holiday season to contribute to bringing cheer to those who are less fortunate.
The Google ad initiative will help expose Holiday Heroes to a whole new audience of potential contributors, which should assist the organization's rapid growth. Holiday Heroes also receives considerable exposure from Bulgarian radio stations, television stations and newspapers.


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Dan Moss, CEO of Moss Ag, Declo, Idaho, is the new chairman of Potatoes USA.
Moss started his one-year term in mid-March during the Potatoes USA annual meeting in Denver. He is serving his third year on the board and the second as an executive committee member; last year he was co-chairman of the Research Committee.
Moss Ag grows for the fresh, dehy, frozen and seed sectors. He has been farming for 48 years. Moss has also been president of the National Potato Council.
“The potato industry is in an excellent place right now, exports continue to grow and we remain America’s favorite vegetable,” Moss said in a news release.
Potatoes USA recently launched a new campaign, “What Are You Eating?”
“ … With campaign we have the opportunity to change people’s basic perception of the nutritional benefits of the potato, and this could have significant long-term benefits,” he said In the release.


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Gen.G introduces esports player wellness campaign
Esports organisation Gen.G has announced the introduction of a ‘player wellness campaign’ for its esports teams. To help with the campaign, Gen.G has partnered with international gym chain LA Fitness and wellness app Simple Habit.
In a release, Gen.G stated that the ongoing initiative has been designed to “encourage healthier habits towards physical and mental health” and assist with “financial responsibility for esports athletes and their fans.”
“Maintaining a high level of gaming skill can be both physically and mentally demanding. We want our players and fans to be well rounded in all aspects of life,” said, Martin Kim, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Gen.G Esports. “Through this Wellness campaign, our goal is to develop a healthier generation of gamers and instill a mindset of self-improvement.”
Gen.G will work with LA Fitness to share a series of fitness tips for gamers, detailing simple ways gamers can stay fit and avoid physical injuries. Additionally, the partnership with Simple Habit will include a full curriculum to address the stress points of gamers and streamers. A financial responsibility component will also be included within this program.
“With the rapid growth and popularity of esports, it’s important for both professional and casual gamers to practice a healthier lifestyle,” added, Andrea Ojeda, Vice President, Marketing at LA Fitness. “We are excited to partner with Gen.G to address the importance of living a more balanced life.”
Early in July, Gen.G announced the opening of its LA HQ Facility in Playa Vista. The organisation highlighted how the HQ was built with player wellness in mind, featuring a large cafeteria, resting/sleeping pods, and all-access LA Fitness memberships with personal trainers.
Gen.G also recently named Bumble as a partner for its first-ever all-women esports team. The Team Bumble esports team will consist of professional Fortnite players who are set to compete in tournaments worldwide.


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Shell India and Gordon Murray Design unveil pre-production OX Truck
Shell India is looking to bring the OX Truck to the country and is currently in the process of finding suitable OEMs to take on production of the highly flexible, rural transportation solution. The OX Truck is the brainchild of the Gordon Murray Design lab and the Global Vehicle Trust.
Born out of the need for a viable high payload transport solution in hard-to-reach areas of the world, the OX Truck can be fully disassembled and packed within its chassis, requiring just three technicians and 12 hours to re-assemble it. This also means that up to 12 OX Trucks can be packed into the same shipping container, where only two conventional trucks of similar size could fit before. The OX is envisioned as being able to ferry goods like food, water or medicine in areas with poorly developed infrastructure, or in areas struck by natural disaster. This apart, it can also be specced as a mobility solution.
Built on a ladder frame and using lightweight materials, the OX Truck has a payload rating of 1,900kg, or up to 13 people. While the cycle parts are flexible and can be tailored to suit the usage, or even what's available, this fourth-gen prototype is powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine and is front-wheel drive. The company states that despite the 2WD limitation, the OX Truck prototype has been able to traverse rugged terrain far beyond what it's specifications would suggest.
This is put down to it's fully independent suspension for all four wheels, and high ground clearance of 400mm, and water wading capabilities of over 700mm. While an estimated price has not been announced for the vehicle, the OX Truck uses off-the-shelf parts and can be tailor-fit to the need, and should prove to be economically viable. Shell India has revealed that testing of the prototype has been underway and we should have more details soon.
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Friday, Netflix released its new comedy series, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.”
The series, comes from Tina Fey, and follows 29-year-old Kimmy (Ellie Kemper of “The Office”) as she adjusts to life in New York City after being saved from a Doomsday cult.
The majority of lead characters on the show, Kimmy (Kemper), Logan (Adam Campbell), and Jacqueline (Jane Krakowski), all use Apple’s iPhones regularly on the series.
Warning: There are minor spoilers ahead.At the start of episode nine, there’s a quick dig taken at the company.
While speaking on the phone with Kimmy, Logan explains a new iPhone is coming out that same day, which means that all their old ones are going to break.
The dig is a reference to how quickly Apple puts out new products.
Since the release of the first iPhone in 2007, there has been a new one released each year.
the first iPhone: June 29, 2007
iPhone 3G: July 11, 2008
iPhone 3G S: June 19, 2009
iPhone 4: June 24, 2010
iPhone 4S: October 14, 2011
iPhone 5: September 21, 2012
iPhone 5C and 5S: September 20, 2013
iPhone 6 and 6 Plus: September 19, 2014
Disclosure: Mathias Döpfner, CEO of Business Insider's parent company, Axel Springer, is a Netflix board member.


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2016 Applied Tech Awards
Eight technology innovations that are reshaping the future of the limited-service restaurant industry.
The Top Stories of 2015
The biggest news of the year in the quick-service and fast-casual industries.
2015’s Biggest Brand Stories
Six news-makers that helped define the year in limited-service restaurants.
Playing the Part
Whether promoting the brand or enlivening a birthday party, brand mascots drive engagement.
Good Fat, Bad Fat
Good fats help promote health while providing tastes chefs want.
The Delivery Debate
Delivery services are springing up around the country, giving operators a new sales channel—if it’s right for their brand.
The New Angle on Antibiotics
McDonald’s announcement that it would remove antibiotics from chicken could signal an industry-wide shift.
The Real Connection
Brands invest in complex metrics to establish the real value of their social media channels.
The Evolution of Farm to Table
Getting food from the supplier to the menu has never been more complicated. Here’s what you need to know about the evolving supply chain.
Tale of Two Brands
McDonald’s used to own a majority stake in Chipotle. Now it might be losing its status as top industry influencer to Steve Ells & Co.
Wendy's Ranks No. 1 for Kid-Friendly, Healthy Options
According to Restaurant DemandTracker, a recent survey of restaurant customers in the United States, households with younger kids are much more likely...
McDonald's Gets on the Ice with L.A. Kings
The Los Angeles Kings and McDonald’s, proud presenting sponsor of the Kings, have announced the “McDonald’s Player Of The Month” campaign, in which a ...
The Roster Is In: McDonald’s Announces All-Americans
The McDonald’s All American Games unveiled the official rosters for the 36th Annual McDonald’s All American Boys Game and 12th Annual Girls Game durin...
Hexbug Micro Robots Headed for McDonald's
Innovation First International, creators of the widely popular HEXBUG Micro Robotic Creatures brand, announces a partnership with McDonald’s USA LLC, ...
McDonald's Fights for Slight Fourth-Quarter Gains
Though certainly nothing to write home about, burger giant McDonald’s fourth quarter results were tempered, yet positive.
McDonald's Names Nominees for All American Games
McDonald’s has announced its list of high school seniors who have been nominated to play in the 2013 McDonald’s All American Games, taking place on Ap...
McDonald's Has Best Service, Value, Consumers Say
In a recent survey of restaurant customers in the United States, when it comes to identifying what drives loyalty for restaurants, the most commonly c...
McDonald's Operator Reveals What's to Come in Atlanta
After 47 years with McDonald’s, JM Owens decided it was finally time to take on a formal leadership role.
McDonald's USA Crowns 2012 U.S. Supplier of the Year
McDonald's USA recently announced that it has selected Peterson Farms, a leading fruit supplier for many of McDonald's restaurants, as the 2012 U.S.
McDonald's Sees Global Sales Increase 2.4% in November
McDonald's Corporation announced that global comparable sales increased 2.4 percent in November, with U.S.
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Scooter's Updates C-Suite, Prepares for Growth
Smashburger Signs Multiunit Deal in Qatar and UAE
Dunkin' Sets Hearts Ablaze with V-Day Specials
Kona Ice Launches Mobile App, Updates Trucks
Dickey's Opens 100th California Store
Lent Specialties Evolve Beyond the Fish Stick
Back Yard Burgers Serves Up Grilled Salmon
MOD Pizza Opens 100th Store
Multi-Concept Isabella Eatery Slated for D.C. Area Luxury Mall
NRA Acquires National Registry of Food Safety
Ones to Watch


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Suzuki launched the new generation of Hayabusa in our country recently. The Hayabusa has a cult following. It is one of the most iconic motorcycles in India and everyone recognizes one when they see it. Due to this, everyone was excited when Suzuki announced that the new Hayabusa will be coming to the Indian market. The first batch of the Hayabusa was sold out instantly. Well, here is a video in which we can see India’s first woman owner of the 2021 Hayabusa.
The video has been uploaded by Beard Bikerr. In the video, the vlogger surprises his wife with the new superbike. At first, she does not know that the Hayabusa has been purchased for her. The name of the wife is Ankita Khanna and this is how she was made the first girl owner of the Hayabusa.
Suzuki brought 101 units of Hayabusa for India. Despite COVID-19, all of them were sold in just two days. Needless to say that Hayabusa still has a lot of hype around it and people are still big follower of the motorcycle. The first batch of the Hayabusa was priced at Rs. 16.4 lakhs ex-showroom and the owners also got a complimentary seat cowl for the motorcycle.
Suzuki reworked the design of the Hayabusa without changing its iconic looks. So, it still unmistakably looks like a Hayabusa which is a good thing. All the lighting elements on the 2021 model have been upgraded to LED units. While the front headlamp looks similar to the previous generation, the rear tail lamp is an entirely new unit. The exhaust pipes are also now sleeker and the riding triangle of the motorcycle has also been improved.
The handlebar has been slightly moved towards the rider so it is now more accessible and the manufacturer also gave it a taller windscreen which should provide better wind protection when the rider is travelling over highways. Also, the motorcycle has undergone extreme wind tunnel testing just like its previous generations. The manufacturer also retuned the suspension. So, the new version should offer better handling and riding quality. Another thing, Suzuki worked upon are the brakes. They improved the brakes so that it has better stopping power than the previous generations.
Suzuki says that the 2021 version is the quickest Hayabusa. To achieve this, they worked on the torque delivery and made many internal changes to the engine. The engine now has new connecting rods, revised crankshaft, lighter pistons, updated cam and new fuel injectors. The 2021 version makes 187 bhp of max power and 150 Nm of peak torque. Interestingly the previous generation Hayabusa developed 194 bhp of max power and 154 Nm of peak torque. But still, the new Hayabusa is quicker than the previous one. They all did this while making the engine BS6 compliant and they shed off 2 kgs. The fuel efficiency figure of the motorcycle has dropped from 21.5 kmpl to 18.06 kmpl.
The manufacturer is also now offering a lot of modern features such as cruise control, a new TFT dash, eight driving modes, Suzuki Easy Stary System, Cornering ABS, Traction Control, Launch Control, Bi-directional quickshifter, hill hold control and much more.


text: On Saturday, Honda Motors India confirmed the launch date of its new Honda City 2020 in India. The 5th Gen sedan is set to launch on July 15. The company had scheduled the launch earlier this year but due to the rise of COVID-19 cases, the event was postponed. The new Honda City 2020 comes with an all-new 1.5-liter petrol engine and a 1.5-liter diesel unit. Both engines are BS 6 compliant with a CVT gearbox. In terms of design, Honda City 2020 has a thicker chrome strip with a sharp 9 LED headlight-setup at the rear. It also has new 16-inch alloys and stylish tail lights that completes its up-market design language.


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The Kolkata Book Fair serves as a delight for book lovers
on Mar 01, 2022
The 45th edition of the Kolkata Book Fair was commenced on Monday, 28th February. The much-awaited event gave relief to emerging publishers and is a big delight for lovers of the printed world who still love buying their books over the counter and prefer flipping pages instead of scrolling on a kindle. Bangladesh is the theme country of the fair where around 50 publishers are participating.
The fair was inaugurated by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and it will continue till March 13th. It was previously held two years back from January 31 to February 9. It is being held after a gap of little over two years so the book lovers had been deprived of it. They finally are witnessing the delightful event after waiting for it.
“It’s always a pleasure to meet new readers, especially when they are curious to know about our new releases. It’s even more rewarding when somebody from a distant location comes to pick up a few books they want to buy but could not order online due to delivery issues. In 2020, we were acknowledged as the best small stall and the footfall had enhanced overnight,” said Bitan Chakraborty, Founder of Hawakal Publishers and a writer himself, as he assumed his position at the stall.
Being held at the Central Park Grounds in Salt Lake City, the 45th edition of the fair features 600 stalls, 200 little magazines, and 20 countries.
“The book fair strikes an emotional chord with the city. I have been attending it since my school days, when it used to be held in the Maidan. I remember the lump in my throat when I saw the fire [at the venue] in 1997. I am so glad that it is finally being held after a gap of two years. The only thing I want changed is its loudness. Bookworms should be able to hear a writer clearing his throat,” said IPS officer Dyutiman Bhattacharya, who is posted as a Deputy Commissioner of Police in Howrah and is also a passionate cartoonist.
“It was a yearly ritual when I was growing up, first with parents and then with friends. Initially, it was Feluda and Byomkesh, then Nancy Drew and Agatha Christie. Even if the queues were long, one endured it because of books, food, and friends. Many new Indian writers are now on the scene. In fact, a few of my contacts are now writers and their books will be released during the fair; I am so looking forward to visiting those stalls,” said the Jamaica-based Dr. Mandal, an associate professor at the University of West Indies.


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Netmums is expanding its portfolio of sites with the launch of Netmums Woman, a website with broader women-focused content. Read the full story here.
Louise Redknapp is to front Schwarzkopf’s new home hair colour range LIVE Salon Style.
Tablet use cannibalises TV consumption and is a more likely to drive m-commerce than smartphones across Europe, according to the latest Orange Exposure research. Read the full story here.
The Government has unveiled a £10m initiative that aims to make data held by Whitehall departments and public bodies work to the “commercial advantage” of the private sector.
At the end of every week I look at the key stories, offering my view on what they mean for you and the industry. From the value of gut instinct to evidence that narrow targeting does not work in B2B, it’s been a busy week. Here is my take.
From the FA unveiling a new look Three Lions to Gousto going on a hiring spree after proving marketing’s value and British Airways unveiling its recovery plan, here are some of this week’s biggest marketing stories.
The last 12 months have seen significant changes in consumer behaviour due to the pressures of Covid-19. Here are some of the most important for marketers.
As the airline launches its first TV campaign in two years, the brand says reinforcing consumer trust will be key to ensuring people choose British Airways for their first post-pandemic flight.


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The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has revealed that there are now more than 8.5 million fixed broadband subscriptions connected via the National Broadband Network (NBN), of which 75% are signed up to a service with download speeds of at least 50Mbps.
In publishing its latest ‘NBN Wholesale Market Indicators Report’, the regulator noted that in the three months ended 30 September 2021 retail service providers (RSPs) signed up a combined 450,000 residential and business fixed broadband subscribers to tariffs offering maximum downlink speeds of either 50Mbps or 100Mbps services. Of that figure, around 150,000 were reported to be subscriptions that were upgraded from entry level plans, which offer speeds of either 12Mbps or 25Mbps. However, the ACCC did also reveal that the number of subscriptions on a plan offering speeds of 100Mbps or more had declined by around 195,000 – to 455,720 from 651,267 at mid-2021 – with the drop attributed to ‘the scaling back of NBN Co’s ‘Focus on Fast’ promotion, which saw customers on promotional offers returning to their previous speed tiers’.
Meanwhile, with regards to a breakdown of access types being used to connect, the ACCC’s quarterly report confirmed that fibre-to-the-note (FTTN) continued to account for the largest portion of NBN subscriptions. A total of 3.090 million subscriptions were connected via that technology at end-September, up from 3.006 million a year earlier, while HFC-based accesses represented the next largest slice of the pie – 1.955 million, up from 1.812 million at 30 September 2020.
Finally, in terms of the market share of RSPs offering services via the NBN, the ACCC noted that Aussie Broadband had continued to make ‘strong gains’, with that provider accounting for almost one third of the wholesale services added in Q3 2021, lifting its market share to 5.1%. Superloop was also said to have increased its share in the quarter, and after acquiring Exetel in August 2021 now has the sixth highest market share at 1.5%. Telstra, however, remains ahead of the pack, accounting for 44.3% of all NBN-based subscriptions at 30 September 2021, down from 45.7% a year earlier.
Commenting on the inroads being made by smaller providers, meanwhile, ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said: ‘Smaller niche providers have injected competition into the market for broadband services and they now go some way to constraining the big four of Telstra, TPG, Optus and Vocus. Smaller providers give consumers real choice in the service quality and range of products to meet their needs.’


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News tagged ‘Apple’
"It's not easy to make the iPhones. We are falling short of meeting the huge demand”.
Since the first shipment of the pre-orders for the iPad mini has already sold, tablets hit records wholesale and retail sales. About 850,000 units will be sold in first week of sales. In a report, obtained by AppleInsider, KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that in the first week of sales Apple may ship about 850,000 iPad mini, based on a check of the supply chain and logistical considerations, such as transportation.
But on Wednesday the escort services could be still found in the United States through Siri. Nevertheless, this feature seems to have been removed in China, according to the Times of India. In response to the messages from the users, Apple's customer service representative explained that the company had blocked information related to the escort services.
Apple has released iOS 6.0.1 to iPad, iPad Mini, iPhone and iPod touch users. You can download the update by connecting your device to iTunes to download or via OTA update. Apple says that this update includes various improvements and bug fixes.
Fixes a bug that prevents iPhone 5 from installing software updates wirelessly over the air
Fixes a bug where horizontal lines may be displayed across the keyboard
Fixes an issue that could cause camera flash to not go off
Improves reliability of iPhone 5 and iPod touch (5th generation) when connected to encrypted WPA2 Wi-Fi networks
Resolves an issue that prevents iPhone from using the cellular network in some instances
Consolidated the Use Cellular Data switch for iTunes Match
Fixes a Passcode Lock bug which sometimes allowed access to Passbook pass details from lock screen
Fixes a bug affecting Exchange meetings
For information on the security content of this update, please visit this website: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222
If you have an iPhone 5, the updater will download an app first that enables OTA updates then it will download 6.0.1.
Direct links to iOS 6.0.1 are available here.
iFixit has already performed a
What's New in Version 1.3.1
Check out 10 blazing new Red Planet levels! The Bad Piggies are still hiding out on the fiery planet with the commandeered Mars Curiosity Rover. Can the birds recover their eggs and rescue the rogue rover?
Navigate 10 volcanic new levels, including the Mars Curiosity Rover boss level!
Get three stars on all levels to unlock a new antenna egg level!
Hunt for the hidden rover to unlock a super-secret bonus level!
All new space eagle bonus levels, one per episode! Get 100% on the space eagle destruction meter to unlock 5 new levels!
Let's watch the promo video:
Check out what the iPad mini looks like when x-rayed.
Latter's image, you can see very clearly all that are the components of the device, such as the lithium-ion battery, the A5 processor, a 5 MP camera, the door Lightning, stereo speakers, etc..
Apple on Tuesday announced that it will postpone the launch of iTunes to November 11 due to unforeseen delays and the desire to "bring to mind". In September, Apple said the new purchasing media and control center will be ready for implementation in October, but now the company delays the procedure until November, reports AllThingsD.
It seems that iPad mini launch this Friday will mark the first time an iOS device includes stereo speakers. It appears that Apple’s transition to the new Lightning connector has left sufficient space for one more speaker on the bottom edge of the tablet, though the company decided not to include additional speaker to the iPad 4. Until now iPad models only included a single speaker grille.
Google has released an update for its Search for iOS app that adds Google Now-like voice recognition. The new voice recognition feature also remind us a lot of Siri. Users can perform tasks like “asking for the weather in a natural way and it will provide results,” Google explained.
Improved Voice Search
✓ Simply say what you want and get results without typing.
✓ Faster and significantly improved voice recognition with text streamed on the fly.
✓ Get answers spoken directly back to you with web results tailored to your questions.
✓ Want to see types of questions that work well? Visit http://google.com/support/mobile/?p=gsa_voice.
Take a look at the demo:
Along with the iPad mini, Apple will release another new iPad model on November 2 – four-generation iPad. The embargo on reviews has been lifted, but they include no real surprises. The iPad 4 launched only seven months after the iPad 3 release.


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The Cooperative Logistics Network’s 6th Annual Meeting that was held in Phuket in March 2023 witnessed a record attendance of over 225 freight forwarders
The Cooperative Logistics Network’s 6th Annual Meeting that took place at Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, Thailand, has broken all previous attendance records. Over 225 freight forwarders from more than 80 countries traveled to Phuket to participate in three days of back-to-back business networking for increased collaboration with their network partners and for increasing the scope and horizons of their businesses. Seven websites dedicated to the freight forwarding sector have covered the news about the record turnout and successful conclusion of The Coop’s Annual Conference at Phuket.
The news published in these websites mainly talk about the record attendance, the success of the in-person meetings, how it fostered networking and helped to further the interests of the members companies.
Listed below are the websites where are news of The Coop’s 6th Annual Meeting have been published.
Ecargolog is a company that is currently doing programs exclusively on logistics related subjects to facilitate the management of the logistics companies and help them to make use of their personnel to an optimum level. Their website presents cutting-edge information relating to this sector by way of personal interviews and live programs on the latest happenings, topical subject matters and current issues confronted by the industry.
Forwarder Magazine is an all-inclusive resource for logistics, shipping and forwarding news, information and insight. Additionally, from expert opinions to trade-specific knowledge in the air/sea/road freight sector, this website covers everything of relevance in the transportation and logistics market.
Veintepies is a Spanish language logistics news portal. It publishes relevant news and articles for people working in the logistics industry. Furthermore, with a large audience in Spain and Latin America, it covers news, articles, and opinions from the freight and logistics sector.
Grupo Todologisticas is a company that has been helping entrepreneurs in the logistics industry in Latin America to generate new business opportunities by helping them to enhance their marketing and promotion strategies.
Globenewswire is one of the world’s largest news distribution networks publishing real-time news releases from international brands. Additionally, they drive brand awareness and generate media coverage with targeted news distribution to media and consumers worldwide.
Actualidad Marítima y Portuaria is an initiative of the students and professors of the International Master in Maritime and Port Administration (MIAMP) at International Maritime Business School. Moreover, their online magazine has been publishing news and resources from the logistics industry since 2009.
Yahoo Finance is a media property and a part of the Yahoo network. It features financial news, commentaries, stock market updates, press releases etc. Moreover, with its headquarters in New York City, it is one of the largest news and media websites.


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By Anneli Knight
Even after 16 years of working in the media, Amber Daines learned something new whilst researching and writing her book to help small business owners get their story out there.
“I was pleasantly surprised by small business, PR and journalists sharing the tools, pitfalls and mistakes they’d made when it came to managing their own PR – not just about the successes, but about the journey there as well,” say Daines, who has worked as a print and television journalist and in marketing and public relations.
Daines launched her self-published book Well Spun: Big PR and social media ideas for small business this month, and she shares the top five tips that every small business owner should know before approaching the media.
1. Understand what makes news
The best way to get the attention of journalists is with a newsworthy story, Daines says.
“People assume if they have a product launch that journalists will come and it’s guaranteed it will get covered,” Daines says.
“I always tell them no matter how much French champagne there is at the event, nothing will replace a newsworthy story.”
In her book, Daines sets out the news values to focus on to improve your chance of publication. These include something that is new; emphasising the ‘big deal’ factor from the media’s point of view by answering questions such as ‘how is this changing lives?’ or ‘how much money will this save them?’; and aligning your story to relevant cyclical events such as Mother’s Day for product or service for women.
2. Tailor your story to the particular media audience or outlet
Daines says many small business owners make the mistake of simply buying media lists and sending out generic mass mail-outs about their product or service.
“Sending out a mass email approach that’s been blind cc-ed is lazy. You will fail to engage the reporter if you haven’t researched what they write about, what they’ve done in the past or what they’re interested in,” Daines says.
Small business owners also need to be aware that the story they want to share may be suitable for only some media outlets.
“Some people say, ‘I really want to be on Sunrise’, but I might need to tell them, ‘This is not a TV story, there’s no imagery, there is nothing to engage the breakfast audience. You might be better on ABC radio’.”
3. Email and phone is the best way to pitch
After doing your research on what the journalist writes about, Daines recommends sending a personalised email that refers to other work a journalist has done and why your particular story might be of interest, accompanied by a press release.
Often after the email is sent, it can be useful to pick up the phone and call a journalist. “Journalists will always prefer to hear form you than a PR person,” Daines says.
“People shouldn’t be scared to call if they’ve got a really interesting story they’ve researched and feel will appeal to the journalist.”
Daines says while there is no perfect way to pitch, it is best to avoid social media when making first contact with a journalist.
4. Be patient and realistic about the coverage you’ll get
Daines says many small business owners are disheartened when they are not inundated with responses from their media release.
“You’ve got to start small - like anything it’s a long-term investment and process.”
Daines says people also often want to go straight to the top national media outlets with their story, when it can be more fruitful to build a presence in other media first.
“Local newspapers, bloggers, online business forums: from there they can often at least start to build a profile when they are pitching. Sometimes journalists will gather information about that entrepreneur or that business [from these sources] – it’s never a wasted opportunity when you have a chance to speak to the media, even if it’s not on your dream list initially,” Daines says.
5. Prepare for the interview
Once a journalist accepts the story idea and lines up an interview, it is essential to make the most of the opportunity by being prepared, Daines says.
“Go into the interview knowing your key messages and knowing what you want to get across so you don’t walk away saying, ‘I should have said this, I should have said that’.”
Daines says it can be worth arranging professional media interview training before a significant interview.
“Bad media interviews last a lifetime,” she says.
Final words on managing your own PR strategy
Daines says running a successful PR campaign in-house involves long-term planning.
“You should have a PR plan in place versus a scatter gun approach,” she says.
“It is a long term process, not just around the launch. Sometimes when they first start out they get great coverage, a lot of articles, but how do you keep that buzz? They have to find innovative ways to keep reinventing and telling the story in new and exciting ways.”