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The Week In Tech
There is no doubt that the biggest tech story of the week (and possibly the year, so far), is that Microsoft is buying LinkedIn for the cash price of $26.2 billion. That’s a massive investment from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and a vote of confidence in a company that is beloved by those who use it, but which has never really been able to monetize in the same way that other social networks have. LinkedIn’s share price jumped 47% on news of the acquisition, which was a blessing to investors who saw the stock drop 40% in February when it announced its revenue forecasts for 2016.
The Economist ran an interesting piece on the reasons behind the acquisition, although they weren’t entirely convinced that it was a good one. Still, the Economist speculates that “it will dovetail with Microsoft’s existing products in Office, its collection of business applications and services that includes Word, Excel and Outlook, Microsoft’s e-mail system. The latter might gain in popularity if LinkedIn keeps users’ details up to date and offers alerts if a contact moves firms. Such additional features might also encourage companies to buy new cloud services from Microsoft.”
An unexpected consequence of the Microsoft/LinkedIn deal was that Twitter’s share price jumped a notch on speculation that it too might be acquired, possibly by a powerhouse such as Google, News Corp. or even Comcast. It’s no surprise to anyone that Twitter has been struggling for a while now, and returning CEO Jack Dorsey doesn’t seem able to turn the ship around. With its stock at a very attractive low, and with tweets scheduled to get greater weight in Google’s Page Rank algorithm during Q3 of 2016, the smart money is betting on Google acquiring Twitter.
Apple seems to have been building up some great press ahead of the launch of its latest operating system for the iPhone. iOS10 was announced at WWDC 2016 which took place this week, and there are a whole bunch of updates from Apple across all their devices.
Take a look at the list for a quick overview of the changes expected to roll out during the fall.
There is one distinctive feature that is capturing people’s imagination – the ability of your iPhone to pinpoint exactly where you parked your car. This is a problem that almost everyone has encountered at one time or another. The way it seems to work is that the phone will take note where a vehicle stopped moving and show the car’s location on Apple Maps.
The feature seems to have come to light while several developers were using preview versions to ‘test-drive’ the new OS. Discussion picked up on Reddit and soon became a must-have feature for those who love Apple. We’ll wait with baited breath in the hope that the days of trawling parking lots searching for your car may soon be over.
Checkout the Reddit thread that sparked all the discussion.
By Jeremy Daniel


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Canon is set to introduce four new camera models in 2022. The first one will be a video-centric version of the Canon EOS R5. It will also address overheating issues that plagued the R5 camera. The camera is expected to be announced sometime in mid-January. Canon is a top name in the digital camera market, so it’s safe to assume that it’s about to launch a new camera.
The latest Canon EOS Rebel DSLR boasts a 30.4-megapixel sensor and 61-point autofocus system. It is also equipped with Dual Pixel CMOS AF, which guarantees fast autofocus. This camera is also water-resistant, and boasts Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Its price is a bit higher than that of the rival Nikon D4s, but that does not mean it’s unworthy of the high-end status it enjoys.
The Canon EOS R10 and R7 have been announced. Both cameras are suited for sports and wildlife photographers who are looking for the fastest camera possible. With an f/1.8-2.8 maximum aperture, both cameras offer impressive speed and a great deal of light. The autofocus system is also passable. Compared to other cameras in this category, the Canon EOS R7 is well-suited to a range of shooting situations, and can achieve a fast shutter speed even in dim lighting.
In addition to the R5c, another new camera is expected from Canon in 2022. The Canon EOS R5c will be a video-centric version of the EOS R5, but will also address the problems related to overheating. The camera is expected to be unveiled in mid-January. It is expected to be priced around $700. It may also feature a battery life of up to 450 shots.
When will the next Nikon new camera be available? We expect the Z6 III will be released in the fall of this year. The Z6 II was announced in October 2020 and will be followed by the Z6 III. Nikon is aiming for 50+ Z-series lenses in three years. This means that the company will have a wide range of prime and telephoto lenses, from pro-level Z85mm to specialist super-telephoto lenses like the 600mm f/4.
The Z6 is a full-frame mirrorless camera with 4K video, an IBIS, and eye-detection autofocus. It will also be smaller and lighter than the Z5 II, and it is speculated that it will be an iCamera. Nikon has clearly moved away from the entry-level mirrorless cameras that have been in existence for a while. The Z6 II is one such camera, but its predecessor was not as impressive.
With the Canon EOS R, you can capture 4K images and record videos in high-definition quality. The camera also supports 4K XAVC S video recording. It is a good choice for shooting videos in low-light situations, thanks to its gyro-based image stabilization. In addition to these features, the Sony camera.2022 has several other great features. Read on for a complete review.
The Sony ZV-1 and the ZV-E10 use 1-inch sensors, while the Sony SLT-A1 has an APS-C sensor. Sony is not known for equal parts innovation and functionality, but the Sony SLT-A1 and SLT-A2 are both capable of capturing high-resolution 4K video and shooting in high-resolution 5K. Sony’s full-frame cameras can also capture slow-motion footage.
If the a7R V is real, it will follow the Sony a7R IV, the SLT-S900, and the Sony a9 III. In addition to these, the company is expected to release a camera known as the a7R V. This is a capable all-around body, with a tilting screen and snappy autofocus. The camera is expected to be released in 2022, but the details are not yet out.
The next generation of Olympus cameras are expected to be released in 2022. Olympus has been developing new cameras since the OMDS. We’ll probably see an 8-25mm F4 lens or a 150-400mm F4.5 lens. But what about the body? Does it have a grip built in? Will it use a new sensor? Will Olympus introduce a new lens with a PDAF autofocus?
The company’s future could be in doubt if they fail to follow up on their success with the OM-1. This camera was a hit in reviews and is expected to follow suit. However, we can’t be sure that the OM-5 will continue this trend. Let’s wait and see. Let’s see what the OM-1 has to offer. Is it really a new camera?
A new AF algorithm should improve focusing speeds. With improved image stabilization, Olympus cameras allow handholding for as long as one second. This helps photographers capture scenics with narrow apertures without the need for a tripod. Despite this, tripod-happy photographers may not have support when they need it most. Olympus cameras with handholding modes could be a viable option for those who don’t want to rely on a tripod for a photo.
As previously reported, Ricoh has announced a major restructuring of its camera division beginning in April 2022. While the change was not announced by regional sales offices, the news came directly from Ricoh Japan. The company is now clarifying that the restructuring will only affect the Japanese market. Akahane served as President of Ricoh Imaging from 2012 until 2017 before moving to parent company Ricoh. After the restructuring, Akahane returned to Ricoh Imaging in November 2018.
The company will continue to push sales through traditional distributors and dealers, but will also add a direct-to-consumer model. In other words, Ricoh will focus on the web, but will expand into first-party retail operations at major shopping centers in Japan. This shift is similar to Leica’s. While the new camera initiative is a step in the right direction, the future looks uncertain. If you’re a photographer looking for a camera that shoots in high-quality, crisp, and sharp image quality, it’s time to look into the latest models from Ricoh.
Sony A7R III A
The A7R III A22 is a budget camera that was launched by Sony in 2016. The phone is equipped with an APS-C CMOS sensor, which means that it provides good low-light performance. It also features a 5 MP front-facing camera and a 2-megapixel secondary-camera. In addition, the A7R III A22 comes with a built-in fingerprint scanner. The camera also supports 4K video recording and is compatible with the Android system.
The A7R III A22 has Androida 12 as its operating system. The upgrade comes with new features like Location Information, Quick Share, and emojisje AR. Asus also warns against installing beta software on the phone without first logging in to your account. Once you log in, you can confirm whether you’d like to potwiergarten or rejestract your order. Hopefully, the A7R III will live up to expectations for many users.
It has received a number of updates, including Androida 12 and One UI 4.0. Updates to One UI 4.0 are also planned. The final version of the firmware is expected in 2020. Samsung is also working to complete the Androida 12 upgrade for the A7R III A22. There’s a high likelihood that the final version of the A7R III will come with a full software package and the latest Android version.
Nikon Z 9
The latest model of Nikon’s Z-series cameras will be available in 2022. The Nikon Z9 will support full-resolution raw files up to 20 fps and will be capable of shooting more than 1000 images using an appropriate memory card. The camera’s recommended memory card is the ProGrade Digital Cobalt CFexpress. The Z9 will also be capable of shooting normal-quality Jpegs at 30fps in C+ mode and elevenMp images at 120 fps.
The Nikon Z9 has a sensor shield that acts as a shield for the imaging sensor when the lens is removed. It is also coated with a conductive substance to repel dust from the imaging sensor. The Z9’s 3.2-inch display is adjustable in four directions and tilts up to head height. The camera’s camera-like design is reminiscent of an old-fashioned video game console. The bundled software is designed to make the most of its many features.
The camera’s size and grip give it a distinctive look, which imparts a sense of security when the lens is attached. The camera’s grip also rotates 90 degrees so that the controls match the camera’s body. The camera’s ergonomics are also enhanced for use in portrait mode. A new firmware update in April will add 12-bit RAW video and oversampled 4K at 60 fps. It may also be a new camera model. The good news is that the update is free.

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Juul filed an emergency appeal to keep its products on the market after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration told the e-cigarette giant that it could no longer sell its products in the United States.
The vaping manufacturer asked the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to issue a hold on the ban. The FDA said it had reviewed Juul’s application to sell its products and it had insufficient and conflicting data which didn’t prove the products were in the best interest of public health.
Juul accuses the FDA of holding it to a higher standard than other e-cigarette manufacturers.
“Had FDA done a more thorough review (like it did for other applicants), it would have seen data showing that those chemicals are not observable in the aerosol that JUUL users inhale,” Juul said in its court filing.
The FDA declined to comment on active litigation.
However, in its press release regarding the Juul ban, the agency said it had authorized 23 electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) products. But Juul isn’t alone in its authorization denial, and FDA has issued more than a million marketing denial orders (MDOs) to other vaping companies.
The agency will have until July 7 to respond to the motion for appeal, and Juul will have until July 12 to respond to the FDA’s answer. In the meantime, its products will remain on the market.
‘No One Should Use Juul’
In its appeal, Juul said that the ban would harm the public because “more than two million adult smokers have switched completely from cigarette smoking because of Juul products.”
But critics have said that Juul played a large part in causing a teen vaping epidemic. The company’s marketing practices include speaking at schools and telling students its products are safe.
The FDA cracked down on the company and issued a warning for improper branding and false claims in 2019.
Health advocates are in favor of the ban, including the American Medical Association and the American Lung Association.
“Juul’s legal appeal may temporarily delay the removal of their products from store shelves but the concerns the FDA had with the toxicity of Juul remain. No one should use Juul. The Lung Association strongly supports the removal of all Juul products. We fully expect FDA’s marketing denial order upheld by the court,” Paul Billings, National Senior Vice President of Public Policy for the American Lung Association, said in an emailed statement.
Adding to Juul’s legal woes are nearly 4,000 class action and individual injury lawsuits pending in California federal court. Juul lawsuits say the company encouraged teen addiction and caused several side effects, such as seizures and death.


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Alan McNamara DVP, Corporate Communications at Pharmavite, told NutraIngredients-USA that these inputs are factored into a vitamin recommendation that prioritizes delivering the right nutrient at the precise dose for just the right amount of time.
How it works
“Nurish by Nature Made was developed with a science-based approach to personalized nutrition that assesses key nutrient needs based on research and nutrition science evidence. While our proprietary algorithm uses an in-depth understanding of core nutrient needs based on age, diet, lifestyle, fitness, wellness goals and general health, we also consider important individual input ranging from where someone lives and environmental factors to whether they’re in an office job and the amount of screen time,” explained McNamara.
Upon completion of the assessment, consumers will receive a customized plan of core essentials, along with additional recommendations that can be added to the monthly pack. As individual health needs change, so can the personalized packs, and customers have the option to pause or cancel at any time.
In addition to the personalized recommendation, the company also began offering an Immunity Support pack after seeing a significant uptick in customers seeking immunity products.
The era of customization
Nurish joins the ranks of Persona, Ritual, Care/of, Rootine, Vitafive and other personalized vitamin subscription services that factor in demographics, allergies and health goals.
“The personalized nutrition trend is growing exponentially, especially with younger consumers,” said McNamara. “The VMS category is perfect for personalization because it gives consumers confidence in starting a new regimen designed specifically for them. Launching nurish by Nature Made leverages the size and scale of Nature Made to make personalized nutrition accessible to everyone, using the highest quality supplements consumers know and trust, and delivering them right to your door.”
According to the current analysis by market research firm Reports and Data, the global personalized nutrition market was valued at $5.6 billion in 2018 and is expected to reach over $11 billion by 2026.


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Huawei isn’t done selling flagship phones worldwide, according to a new report. Despite Huawei’s lack of Google services, the firm is still willing to strike the global market while its services are still in decline. It’s easy to see why. The Huawei mobile brand is much loved in Europe, covering handsets from the low, mid and high-end. While Huawei’s Mate 30 Pro didn’t make it to Europe officially, the P40 family is said to be heading for a global launch, as per the Information.
If one takes Huawei’s current position into account, that’s an Android phone that’s launching without Google services to be sold at prices competing with Samsung’s Note 10 and potential S11.
On one hand, an Android phone without Google could be successful. Hypothetically. In theory. One could argue the Fire Phone was too weird to succeed one way or the other and that Nokia’s X Series could barely be called a serious attempt. If the report is to be believed, Huawei wants to test that theory. Powerful hardware, Google API replacements, shiny new designs. That’s the value proposition the firm wants to offer. It’s unlikely to work without a lifting of the Google ban via issuance of a trade license which remains another possibility.
Huawei may be hoping on the former, but betting on the latter as a fallback. It’s better to try and fail than to wonder, after all.


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Verizon Lobbies FCC To Block States From Protecting Broadband Privacy, Net Neutrality
from the states-rights...when-convenient dept
Earlier this year, the Trump administration and GOP handed a giant gift to the nation’s telecom duopolies when they dismantled FCC broadband privacy protections. While ISPs whined incessantly about the rules, the protections were relatively modest — simply requiring that large ISPs be transparent about what personal data is being collected and sold, who it’s being sold to, and that working opt out tools be provided to consumers. The FCC’s rules were only created after Verizon was caught modifying packets to covertly track users around the internet and AT&T tried to make consumer privacy a luxury add on.
But in the wake of the GOP’s myopic dismantling of the rules, more than 30 states began considering their own disparate privacy protections for consumers. The EFF threw its support behind one such bill in California, arguing that it could provide a good template for other states to follow in order to gain some uniformity. But Google, Comcast, AT&T and Verizon collectively lobbied to scuttle that law last month, leaked documents showing how they lied to California lawmakers by claiming the rules would have emboldened extremists, boosted annoying popups, and somehow harmed consumers.
On the heels of that victory, Verizon is now lobbying the FCC to ban states from trying to protect consumer privacy. FCC Commissioner Mike O’Rielly had already hinted at this path in recent speeches to industry-backed think tanks, but what this effort would look like isn’t yet clear. In a recent letter and white paper submitted to the FCC (pdf), Verizon urges the FCC to use its authority to block these state laws, and warned of the perils of states trying to actually protect consumers from unchecked broadband duopolists:
“Allowing every State and locality to chart its own course for regulating broadband is a recipe for disaster. It would impose localized and likely inconsistent burdens on an inherently interstate service, would drive up costs, and would frustrate federal efforts to encourage investment and deployment by restoring the free market that long characterized Internet access service.”
There’s a few things Verizon’s ignoring. One, states wouldn’t be rushing to create a patchwork quilt of consumer protections if Verizon lobbyists hadn’t successfully convinced former Verizon lawyer turned FCC boss Ajit Pai to kill existing, modest federal protections. This is entirely a problem of ISP lobbyists’ making.
It’s also worth noting that ISPs like Verizon have spent decades writing and buying protectionist, competition-killing state laws in order to protect their regional broadband mono/duopolies. When folks have pointed out that maybe giant ISPs shouldn’t be writing shitty state law, ISPs (and the lawmakers paid to love them) have cried about the trampling of “states rights.” Yet when those same states actually try to do something good for the end user, trampling those same rights appears to be a non-issue. That’s an obvious double standard by any measure.
Further on in the white paper Verizon makes it clear that it’s also worried that states will rush to protect net neutrality after the FCC votes to kill existing net neutrality rules later this year:
“States and localities have given strong indications that they are prepared to take a similar approach to net neutrality laws if they are dissatisfied with the result of the Restoring Internet Freedom proceeding. Notably, the New York State Attorney General claims that ?the role of the states in protecting consumers and competition on the Internet remains critical and necessary.?
Yes, the absolute unbridled horror of states protecting consumers and small businesses after the federal government has become a glorified rubber stamp for broadband duopolies! Again — if Verizon doesn’t want states creating broadband-focused consumer protections, it should stop trying to dismantle every federal consumer protection in existence. That includes the extremely popular (and again, relatively modest by international standards) net neutrality protections currently on the books.
Verizon believes it should be completely free of anything even vaguely resembling oversight as it shifts its focus, rather clumsily, toward being a Millennial advertising engine. But while Verizon has argued for years it can self-regulate without adequate oversight, the lack of competition in most Verizon markets highlights how that’s simply not practical. From the company’s covert tracking of users using “zombie cookies,” to its ongoing efforts to sell your personal data without informing you or letting you opt out, Verizon continues to make it perfectly clear that privacy and transparency are a distant afterthought, a problem they won’t be fixing voluntarily.
That leaves us with two choices: improving market competition to increase organic pressure until Verizon behaves, or leaning on some fairly basic regulatory oversight to ensure consumer privacy is protected by some basic rules of the road. Verizon would obviously prefer it if the country did neither, and so far we seem more than happy to accommodate.


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The rupee extended overnight losses in relation to the dollar on the money market on Monday, dealers said. The rupee gave up overnight gains in terms of the dollar, losing 13-paisa for buying and selling at Rs 98.67 and Rs 98.69 respectively.
INTERBANK MARKET RATES: OPEN MARKET RATES: In sympathy with the open market trend, the rupee returned back in familiar territory against the dollar due to pressure of the greenback, shedding five-paisa versus the dollar for buying and selling at Rs 99.25 and Rs 99.45 respectively, dealers said. While, it sustained its week-end levels in terms of the euro for buying and selling at Rs 136.00 and Rs 136.25, they said.
In the first Asian trade, the euro edged up slightly versus the dollar after two punishing weeks as investors waited for fresh data, with its upside pressured by growing expectations of easier policy in the euro zone.
The euro added about 0.1 percent to $1.3702, nursing losses of over 1 percent suffered in the past two weeks and moving away from a nadir of $1.3648 touched on Thursday. The dollar was trading against the Indian rupee at Rs 58.46, the greenback was at 3.2105 in terms of the Malaysian ringgit and the US currency at 6.2374 versus the Chinese yuan. Interbank buy/sell rates for the taka against the dollar on Monday: 77.63-77.64 (77.64-77.64). Call Money Rates: 05.75-07.25 percent (previous 05.50-07.25 percent).
Open Bid Rs 99.25
Open Offer Rs.99.45
Interbank Closing Rates: Interbank Closing Rates For Dollar on Monday.
Bid Rate Rs.98.67
Offer Rate Rs.98.69
RUPEE IN LAHORE: The Pak rupee showed stability and remained unchanged against the US dollar on the local currency market on Monday.
According to the currency dealers, the dollar resumed trading at its last Saturday closing of Rs 99.25 and Rs 99.50 on buying and selling side, respectively. The dollar witnessed marginal change in its rate during the day’s trading but finally it was ended at the opening level, the dealers said. However, the rupee remained under pressure, as it was declined against the British pound. The pound was purchased and sold at Rs 166.25 and Rs 166.50 compared with last week closing of Rs 166.00 and Rs 166.25, respectively, they added.
RUPEE IN ISLAMABAD AND RAWALPINDI: The rupee remained firm against the dollar on the open currency markets of Islamabad and Rawalpindi here on Monday. The dollar opened at Rs 98.50 (buying) and Rs 98.60 (selling) against same last rate. It did not observe further change in the second session and closed at Rs 98.50 (buying) and Rs 98.60 (selling). Pound Sterling opened at Rs 165 (buying) and Rs 165.50 (selling) against same last rate. It closed at the same rate without further change by the end of evening session.


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Hong Kong Apple Store express counter in additional stores
Apple recently opened an Apple Store in Hong Kong to huge crowds and much enthusiasm. The flagship store boasts 15,000 sq ft of space and an impressive and typically Apple glass staircase. It's also got an Express Purchase Counter, a unique feature that may appear in other retail locations soon, according to ifoAppleStore.
The Express Purchase Counter is for customers who walk in knowing exactly what they want. For example, the shopper who wants a Bluetooth keyboard can enter the store, grab the keyboard, proceed to the Express Purchase counter to complete the transaction and then go on their way. It's wise of Apple to recognize the difference between customers who would benefit from a chat with an employee vs. this "grab and go" type of shopper.
ifoAppleStore reports that the Express Purchase Counter could appear in other Apple Stores, should it be deemed successful in Hong Kong (we don't know how Apple retail will define "success" in this instance). With the holiday shopping season approaching, such a rapid check-out option makes sense. Let us know if you see one in your local Apple Store.
Apple recently opened an Apple Store in Hong Kong to huge crowds and much enthusiasm. The flagship store boasts 15,000 sq ft of space and...
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One of Pahrump residents and visitors alikes’ favorite events takes place this weekend, as Pahrump Valley Winery will host its 23rd annual Grape Stomp Festival.
Going on Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day at the winery, located at 3810 Winery Rd, the fun doesn’t just appear overnight, as it takes some time to put the event together.
Bill Loken, owner of Pahrump Valley Winery, explained it takes several days to prepare for their biggest event of the year.
“We work on it for a couple of weeks, mainly setting up all the tents and everything outside and get all stocked up, because we go through an awful lot of food and an awful lot of wine that weekend,” Loken said.
Loken said that during the two-week setup leading up to the fun, a crew of five workers set the whole place up.
Showing the popularity of the event, all spots in the two days of the grape stomp competition have already been registered for.
“Saturday and Sunday for stompers is all filled up, but general admission is still available,” Loken said. “There will be 170 teams of stompers for the two days. There is something like 85 teams per day.”
Those numbers are not a change from recent years that the winery sees participate in the stomping event, that is the maximum amount of stompers the winery can handle in the two days until they expand the event.
The attendance is a major jump from when the event first started however, as they were lucky to get a small fraction of what the turnout is now.
“Ten years ago we were lucky to get 20 stompers,” Loken said. “It’s grown big time.”
Both days the stomping takes place at four different times, noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. All competitors must sign in 30 minutes prior to their start time.
Each team is made of up of two contestants and has exactly two minutes to smash the most juice possible. Any team stomping after time is up will be disqualified.
One person will be in the barrel stomping while their teammate will be outside the barrel collecting the juice as it’s produced. The stomper and the partner may change positions as needed.
The winners will be determined by the volume of juice they produce and awards will be given to first, second and third place finishers.
If teams come in costume they can also vie for trophies being awarded for best costume and
those who don’t perform so well can still walk away winners as an award for worst stomper is up for grabs as well.
In addition to the grape stomp event, there will be several vendors, live entertainment that begins at 11:30 a.m. both days, and the ever-popular wine sale.
“Our wine sale, that’s a big draw,” Loken said. “We have a massive wine sale over the two days, as most of our wine will be 40 percent off for a case.”
Loken said the winery sells about 20 different wines and customers are welcome to mix and match all they want.
Loken mentioned that the Nevada wines are gaining in popularity and are starting to become one of the winery’s biggest sellers, despite them being relatively new.
“Many of them we have only had for a couple of years,” he said. “The vineyards just really started developing around 2011 and 2012, to start producing enough grapes for us to make nearly a couple of thousand cases a year of Nevada wine now. They’re getting much more popular from year to year as we continue to improve those wines.”
All who want to enjoy the stomping madness can with the general admission tickets selling for $10 per person at the gate. Admission includes the live music, complimentary wine tasting and access to all of the tasty treats to go with all that vino.
Although the spirit of competition is always a big draw for those who compete, for those who are more comfortable in the spectator role, the excuse for them is to let loose and have an enjoyable time.
“It’s basically an excuse for people to come out and eat too much, drink too much and make a fool of themselves,” Loken said.


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Kohl's promotes Worthington, Boyle
March 14, 2005,
Kohl's Department Stores recently promoted John Worthington to executive vice president, director of stores, from his post as senior vice president, territory director, for the Northeast region.
Prior to joining Kohl's, he was with Famous-Barr, a division of The May Department Stores company.
He reports to Larry Montgomery, chairman and CEO.
Kohl's also promoted Jack Boyle to executive vice president, general merchandise manager, women's apparel and accessories, from his post as senior vice president of misses and sportswear. He reports to Kevin Mansell, president.
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A pet superstore chain is investigating whether “live animals” were thrown away at a number of locations in the US, after “dumpster divers” found unwanted pets including hamsters and a parakeet.The so-called “dumping” of live animals at PetSmart stores in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania , and North Canton, Ohio , was highlighted by “dumpster divers” on TikTok in recent days. In a viral TikTok from last week, a self-proclaimed “dumpster diver” said she found live hamsters in a box that had been thrown into a dumpster near a PetSmart in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania.
In footage that has been viewed more than 1.2 million times, @bherman18 said she “found a box of f*****g hamsters” while looking for thrown away pet food. Three hamsters were found in the box with the words “live animals” and “three Chinese dwarf hamsters” written on it, @bherman18 alleged. The box and hamsters could be seen in the video.
Here's an ingenious leash that has a built-in waste-bag dispenser and a compartment for keys, cards, phone, and treats.
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@bherman18 said PetSmart was investigating the apparent “dumping” of hamsters at Selinsgrove, where a manager “tried to say that he didn’t think they came from the store” when she confronted him. “When I took the hamsters in and questioned them about it, they really had the audacity to try and keep them,” said @bherman18 in another TikTok video. “And I demanded that I wasn’t leaving the store without them.”She added that she wanted to adopt the hamsters after a veterinary check and quarantine, and that PetSmart were still investigating the alleged “dumping”, in a TikTok on Saturday. Another TikToker and “dumpster diver” meanwhile alleged that a bird was abandoned among the trash at a PetSmart in North Canton, Ohio. @jessicakollar3 said she was dumpster diving with her mum last week when she “found a live bird in the dumpster”, along with pet food for the bird, which was described as looking “totally fine”.
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It was sent for a veterinary check and put into quarantine, according to the TikTokker, who said in a follow-upthat PetSmart were investigating what happened.
Use Rubber Gloves to Pick up Stray Dog Hair. Does your dogs hair get everywhere, or is it just me? My favorite method for picking up all that loose hair is using a pair of rubber gloves. You put them on and run you hands over your furniture; it’s amazing how well pet hair clings to rubber gloves.
It remains unclear whether or not a PetSmart worker or a member of the public put the bird into the dumpster, and PetSmart were allegedly reviewing footage and interviewing staff about the bird.PetSmart told The Independent that it was aware of both claims, and hat “Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of pets in our care.”
“We are actively reviewing these situations, and we have taken steps to ensure the pets in question are receiving appropriate care,” a spokesperson added.
Dog Got Stung? Remove the Stinger with a Credit Card. When you try to pick out a stinger from your dog you risk leaving part of it in the skin. Remove stingers by scraping them with a straight edge – like the side of a credit card.


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These dark berries are among the top 20 most popular fruits in Fresh Trends 2013. The likelihood of a blackberry purchase fell four percentage points from last year.
As it prepares to celebrate its 90th anniversary, Basciani Mushroom Farms, Avondale, Pa., is diversifying, adding blueberries to its offerings.
Watsonville, Calif.-based California Giant Berry Farms Inc., is running a summer promotion with Blendtec Blenders.
ALMA, Ga. — A group of dieticians and food bloggers received a first-hand look at how the U.S. blueberry industry sends product to consumers.
Jerry Connery has joined Watsonville-based California Giant Berry Farms as bush berry category manager.
Naturipe Farms LLC has begun its The Very Berry Month of May sweepstakes and promotion.More Packer Stories for Blackberries
Market Scope - Blackberries — F.o.b.s as of July 14
SALINAS-WATSONVILLE, CALIF., DISTRICT — Shipments (8-9-9) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading active. Prices unchanged. Flats of 12 6-ounce cups with lids $16-18. Organic: flats of 12 6-ounce cups with lids mostly $22-24. Includes palletizing and cooling. Wide range in quality.
SANTA MARIA DISTRICT, CALIF. — Shipments (1-2-3) — Movement expected to increase. Trading fairly active. Flats of 12 6-ounce cups with lids $14-16. Includes palletizing and cooling. Wide range in quality.
SOUTHEAST (GA, NC) DISTRICT — Shipments (6-4-2) — Movement expected to decrease. Trading active at lower prices. Prices lower. Flats of 12 6-ounce cups with lids $16-18. Includes palletizing and cooling. Wide range in quality.


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From Demand Progress:
You've Been Owned: Tell Obama To Stop Siding With Copyright Trolls
We need your help: Once again, the film studios and record companies that tried to censor the Internet are up to no good. The same business lobbyists who backed SOPA are trying to stop you from reselling most of the things that you own -- and President Obama has taken their side.
Arguments before the Supreme Court take place later this month: Please add your name at right to tell Obama to stand with consumers and Internet users.
A few months ago Demand Progress -- joined by over 100,000 Internet users and a coalition of public interest groups -- asked President Obama to take action and protect consumers' rights to resell their own things. The Supreme Court is currently hearing a case (Kirstaeng v. Wiley) that will decide whether you have the right to sell your iPod, books, and other goods on eBay and Craigslist -- or even at your own yard sale.
But the entertainment industry lobbyists at the MPAA and RIAA have filed a brief in the Supreme Court mocking consumers' concerns -- just like they did during the SOPA Fight. These special interests admit that they want the Supreme Court to decide against the interests of ordinary Americans and protect the music and film industries' "ability to control entry into distinct markets."
You heard that right -- Hollywood thinks that controlling their CD and DVD markets is more important than consumer rights.
Amazingly, the Obama administration agrees and has rejected the pleas of thousands of ordinary consumers: The White House's solicitor general filed a legal brief rejecting our arguments and allowing big businesses to sue people for reselling their things online.
To sign the petition:click here
Obama is going out of his way to insure he is,like Bush Sr.,a one term president. Whenever the people favor something these two shoot it down. Now they do so at their own expense.


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Google will, once again, allow advertising for regulated cryptocurrency exchanges in the United States and Japan starting from October. The move comes four short months after its previous cryptocurrency advertising ban had been instituted.
Google Loosening Up
The search engine mogul Google has revealed that it will be loosening up on their previously instituted ban on cryptocurrency advertising which went into effect on June 1st.
As the Bitcoinist reported back then, the main reasons for the ban in the first place were to “prevent consumer harm.” Speaking on the matter at the time was Scott Spencer, Google’s Director of Product Management, Sustainable Ads, who said:
We don’t have a crystal ball to know where the future is going to go with cryptocurrencies, but we’ve seen enough consumer harm or potential for consumer harm that it’s an area that we want to approach with extreme caution.
Google wasn’t the only major company which went this way, In January, social media giant Facebook adopted a similar policy. The latter didn’t last much, though, as Facebook renounced their ban just a few months after, allowing pre-approved advertisers to promote cryptocurrency campaigns once again.
Now, four months later, Gooogle is also partially lifting up the ban, allowing certain kinds of cryptocurrency ads.
“Regulated Cryptocurrency Exchanges” Get the Green Light
According to the official statement, Google’s updated ad policy will allow regulated cryptocurrency exchanges to advertise within Japan and the United States.
The Google Ads policy on Financial products and services will be updated in October 2018 to allow regulated cryptocurrency exchanges to advertise in the United States and Japan. – Reads the announcement.
It’s also important to note that the policy also requires advertisers to be Google certified for the particular country in which their ads will be displayed.
While the ads will only be able to target markets in Japan and US, the policy will apply to all accounts globally.
What do you think of Google’s new position on cryptocurrency advertising? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!
Images courtesy of Shutterstock


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Souq.com raises Dh1b to expand operations
Ronaldo Mouchawar (Co-founder and CEO of Souq.com)
Dubai - "The funding round took around three-four months and we finalised it last week. We have international investors, regional investors and local investors as well," co-founder and chief executive officer of Souq.com Ronaldo Mouchawar told Khaleej Times.
Souq.com has secured Dh1 billion ($275 million) in fresh funding through a dozen investors including World Bank, Standard Chartered Private Equity (SCPE), Tiger Global Management and Naspers among others.
"The funding round took around three-four months and we finalised it last week. We have international investors, regional investors and local investors as well," co-founder and chief executive officer of Souq.com Ronaldo Mouchawar told Khaleej Times.
Souq.com has enough funding for its mid-term plans and initial public offering (IPO) is not being considered at the moment, according to Mouchawar.
"The readiness of the company in terms of practice, we are closer to being ready for such an IPO," he explained.
Taimoor Labib, regional head of Mena Private Equity and head of Global Private Equity Portfolio Management at SCPE, commented: "We are excited to be participating in this unique regional retail opportunity with a top notch management team and shareholder group. The disruptive nature which online businesses pose to traditional brick and mortar enterprises continues to evolve and Souq.com is well positioned as the clear regional market leader."
Successful completion of this latest round of funding makes Souq.com the highest valued internet company in the Middle East. It was also the largest financing of an e-commerce business in the region. Allen & Company served as financial advisor to Souq.com on this latest round of financing.
Talking about its future plans after securing a huge amount from investors, he replied: "We are focused on multiple markets. We will continue to grow markets by improving the tools of our platform and technology we use. In addition, we are also investing into logistics to improve delivery service."
He mentioned that human capital is also important for the company. "We brought a lot of talented people to the team and also retaining talented staff," he added.
Souq.com is the largest online retail and marketplace platform in the Arab world, featuring more than one million products across 31 categories such as consumer electronics, fashion, health and beauty, household goods and baby.
In addition to improve service and customers' experience, the online retailer is planning to launch new product categories. "We are looking to fashion, lifestyle, home appliances categories and fast moving goods."
Often tagged as the "Amazon of the Middle East", the ecommerce site operates both as a retail site and as a marketplace for third party sellers. Today, Souq.com attracts over 45 million visits per month, with localised operations in the KSA, the UAE and Egypt.
Mouchawar declined to share its annual turnover but said the company is growing fast. "We have witnessed a 10-fold growth in revenues during the last three years," he informed. Market sources told this scribe that the ecommerce site touched Dh500 million turnover mark in 2014 and Dh1 billion in 2015. The e-commerce market in the Middle East is growing very fast and is expected to reach $20 billion this year.
He said: "Further growth is inherent from being in a market with the highest mobile penetration in the world and continued adoption of mobile commerce by our customers. Souq.com is constantly enhancing its customer experience, for both buyers and sellers."


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Alibaba, China’s biggest e-commerce company, has agreed to buy Kaola e-commerce unit from Chinese company NetEase for $2 billion, adding a platform that specialises in supplying curated luxury goods from abroad to domestic consumers.
Alibaba Group founder Jack Ma, who helped launch China’s online retailing boom, stepped down as chairman of the world’s biggest e-commerce company on Tuesday
Hong Kong’s political unrest is posing a dilemma for Alibaba Group Holding on the timing of its planned $15 billion listing in the city, with sources saying China’s biggest e-commerce company is now considering different dates.
Indian conglomerate Tata Sons plans to buy a majority stake in Alibaba-backed online grocery seller BigBasket, a filing with the country’s antitrust body showed on Friday.
China slapped a record 18 billion yuan ($2.75 billion) fine on Alibaba Group Holding Ltd on Saturday, after an anti-monopoly probe found the e-commerce giant had abused its dominant market position for several years.
China’s Alibaba Group Holding plans to raise at least $5 billion through the sale of a US dollar-denominated bond this month, four people with knowledge of the matter said, amid regulatory scrutiny of co-founder Jack Ma’s empire.
Speculations have been going on for weeks about his whereabouts after he disappeared from the public following an October speech criticizing China’s financial system.
NEW YORK: Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holdings will allow small US businesses to sell on Alibaba.com, the company said, as it seeks to tap into the business-to-business e-commerce market and fend off rivals like Amazon.com. The move will open up markets to US merchants in countries
Amazon.com said it would shut its China online store by July 18, as the US e-commerce giant focuses on the lucrative businesses of selling overseas goods and cloud services in the world’s most populous nation. The move underscores how entrenched, home-grown e-commerce rivals have made it difficult for Amazon’s marketplace


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[Leigh Lezark at Adidas SLVR Store Opening. All photos by JOE SCHILDHORN for PMc]
This week marked the debut of Adidas' SLVR Label, a line of sportswear which will now have its own stand-alone store in Soho. Leigh Lezark (dressed appropriately in silver) showed up for the opening night gathering at the new space on Wooster Street, along with Alexander Shoong, Emily Swanson, Devorah Rose and Dani Stahl.
More photos from this event below...
Tracy Murphy, Eloise Williams
Alexander Shoong, William Takahashi, Devorah Rose
Suzanna Lau, Dani Stahl
Karyn Oender, Julian Fietsma, Celine Kloetzer


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Kevin Good, senior analyst for CattleFax, discusses the 2014 beef consumption outlook and what that means for beef demand.
Price, demand, expectations up
- Society for Range Management annual Texas meeting set for Oct.7-9
- Blasingame Chair: Reviewing the past and looking to the future
- Ag markets ended Tuesday mostly lower
- Beef Marketing Group created to help producers sell cattle
- Islamic State uses agriculture to tighten grip in Iraq
- Texas A&M Extension offers private pesticide applicator training


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7-Eleven Inc.'s $21 billion acquisition of a convenience retail competitor was notable for its price tag and because a young, Black deal lawyer led it.
Dawud Crooms, 38, 7-Eleven’s senior counsel, worked for months to shepherd the Irving, Texas-based company’s purchase of Speedway’s more than 3,000 stores in states across the country.
“This was extra complicated because convenience retail is a complex market, and the business underwent a change last year,” Crooms said in an interview. “We just had to negotiate through and overcome.”
African American M&A lawyers leading transactions of such magnitude have been rare in the legal industry. ...


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China’s manufacturing and services activities shrank further in November to seven-month lows, official data showed, stung by the country’s strict COVID-19 restrictions and rising infections that analysts said will hurt the economy well into 2023, reports Nikkei Asia.
As the coronavirus has spread in China, Beijing has imposed prolonged lockdowns in several places. The clampdowns have hit production at the world’s biggest iPhone factory of Apple in China, and, according to an analyst’s estimate, now impact about a quarter of the country’s gross domestic product.
The stringent COVID-19 measures also stoked rare street protests across many cities over the weekend. Against this backdrop, the official manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) came in at 48.0 for November against 49.2 in the previous month, the lowest reading in seven months, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Wednesday. Economists in a Reuters poll had expected a PMI of 49.0.


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When Doris Beaulieu took over as chief information officer at Ultramar Diamond Shamrock Corp. (UDS ) 18 months ago, the first goal he set was to consolidate the San Antonio oil giant's gaggle of computer servers. The $15 billion company was leasing 50 servers--45 from Sun Microsystems Inc. (SUNW ) and 5 from Hewlett-Packard Co. (HWP ) Beaulieu asked Sun, HP, and IBM (IBM ) to put together proposals for fewer, more powerful machines. Sun dragged its feet for months, then came back with a bid that Beaulieu felt was too expensive. Ditto HP. But IBM offered a screaming deal on 10 new, high-end Unix computers, slashing Beaulieu's costs by nearly 40%. "Sun never thought I would move to a new system," says Beaulieu.
IBM is catching a lot of competitors flatfooted. Thanks to new technology, an internal shakeup, aggressive pricing, rich service offerings, and missteps by rivals, Big Blue is coming on strong in servers. In the second quarter, IBM's server revenues rose to $3.5 billion, up 3% from last year. That may sound anemic, but consider the desolate landscape. In the same period, Merrill Lynch & Co. estimates that at Sun, stung by the telecom and dot-com debacles, server revenues dropped 37%, to $1.8 billion. And at Compaq Computer Corp. (CPQ ), the take fell 26%, to $1.6 billion.
True, IBM was coming off a no-growth year in servers, while Sun's 2000 sales had skyrocketed 33%. Still, IBM is gaining market share. And its most impressive gains are in Unix systems, the server of choice for heavy-duty computing on the Web. In the first quarter, IBM picked up five points of market share in Unix servers, climbing to 21%, while Sun's 32% share was flat and HP slipped a point, to 25%, according to IDC. "They've turned around remarkably over the last few years," says Gordon Haff of market researcher Aberdeen Group.
LONG OVERDUE. Servers are a critical piece of IBM's diverse business. They are the backbone of e-commerce systems, a field IBM wants to dominate as the leading provider of computing infrastructure for Corporate America. The machines also showcase IBM's cutting-edge technology in chips and storage devices. In addition, servers boost sales of its software and consulting units. Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. analyst Toni Sacconaghi Jr. estimates that IBM's high- to midrange servers bring in 10% of its $88.4 billion in revenue but account for 40% of sales when you include related software, services, and maintenance fees.
It's too early for IBM to declare victory, though. The company has a history of failing to maintain momentum in servers. And IBM's recent success is drawing fire from rivals. Earlier this year, Sun launched a "Blue Bomber" campaign designed to displace IBM mainframes. So far, Sun claims it has convinced customers to dump 50 IBM mainframes this year. IBM says recent market share figures show Sun's campaign is bombing.
Now, IBM is poised to kick its server business into high gear. In the fall, it plans to unveil a new line of Unix and PC servers, each based on state-of-the-art technology developed in its labs. At the same time, IBM is sinking $1 billion this year into the development of Linux, the popular free operating system, to attract new customers and software developers. "We're at the beginning of what we can do," boasts William M. Zeitler, senior vice-president in charge of IBM's server group.
It's a beginning long overdue. Through most of the 1990s, IBM's business-computer division was like a corporate version of Family Feud. With four groups making servers--ranging from $10,000 PC-based models to multimillion-dollar mainframe-class computers--customers were confused by the overlapping product lines and competing pitches presented by each group's sales force. That changed last October when the company created one server organization under a new brand, eServer.
MOMENTUM. Come October, IBM salespeople will zero in on a new machine. That's when the computer giant will introduce Summit, an Intel-based server with a heavy dose of IBM technology. Summit is a chipset--a group of chips that work in conjunction with an Intel Corp. microprocessor to improve its performance by speeding such tasks as retrieving data from disk drives.
Summit is designed to work with Intel's coming Pentium 4 Foster chip, also due in October, and to ride the momentum of Microsoft's Windows server operating system. IBM claims Summit boosts the power of a machine made with the Intel chip by up to 20%. Summit also allows computer makers to build machines with up to 16 Foster chips, doubling the previous limit. That makes it easier to construct more powerful servers or add computing power to expand existing servers.
IBM is turning up the heat in the Unix market, too. In the fourth quarter, the company will unveil a new top-of-the-line server. A less powerful, midrange version of the machine will roll out by the middle of 2002. Some analysts expect the new server will put IBM at least one year ahead of its rivals. But Sun isn't flinching. "We haven't lost our edge," says Larry Hambly, head of Sun's services operation.
IBM's boldest bet: Linux. A $1 billion investment will fund the construction of Linux development centers around the world and pay for the training of sales, marketing, and services employees who will spread the Linux gospel. Why? The free operating system is the fastest-growing server operating software. According to IDC, by 2004 Linux will have 38% of the server market, up from 27% last year, making it the most popular operating system. Right now, technologists are relying on Linux to perform simple tasks like serving up Web pages. But over the long run, IBM believes Linux could handle all computing tasks from payroll to e-commerce.
With four server lines and at least five different flavors of operating system, IBM may be the Baskin Robbins of computers. For now, customers are finding IBM's all-things-to-all-people strategy quite tasty.
By Spencer E. Ante in New York, with Peter Burrows in San Mateo, Calif.


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Every single manufacturer is putting their money on the pony named "3D" for 2010, hoping that the technology breaks out into a worldwide phenomenon. A company that is taking a vital step forward to making this a global catch-on is Sony. The tech giant is planning to broadcast 25 World Cup matches using their 3D cameras. If you're in North America and want to view them, you will have to wait until either the 3D Film or Blu-Ray discs come out shortly after the World Cup concludes (or by checking out the Sony Stores). But eager fans in seven other cities around the world will have a chance to attend a special viewing event in which the games will be displayed to make you feel like you're really "in the game" (right, EA?).
What does this mean for 3D? Well, if the World Cup AND Sony see it as a viable viewing media, one can only hope it takes off. Hopefully to space. Do you think 3D TV or Blu-Ray will be popular in the future? We want to know!


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Entry-level British supercar will use an AMG-sourced hybrid V8
Aston Martin is pushing ahead with plans to strengthen its image as a bona fide British rival to Ferrari and in 2023 will reveal an entry-level supercar with a mid-mounted V8 to take on the new Ferrari 296 GTB.
It will be the third addition to Aston Martin’s mid-engined supercar line-up, following the launch this year of the Cosworth V12-engined Valkyrie hypercar and the 2024 launch of the V8-powered Valhalla. The trio were shown together for the first time at the Geneva motor show in 2019, but Aston has since undergone a dramatic process of reinvention under new management and ownership, with the evolution of the Valhalla production car testament to a shift in priorities over the coming years.
Like the Valhalla, the entry-level mid-engined supercar – originally called the Vanquish but likely to drop that name, according to company chairman Lawrence Stroll – is expected to be a radically different proposition by the time it is revealed in its final form in the second half of 2023.
Chief among the changes is set to be a switch from Aston’s own V6 petrol engine to a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 supplied by majority shareholder Mercedes-AMG. The V8 will be paired with an electric drive unit to form a plug-in hybrid system that will rival today’s most powerful supercars for outright potency.
The Valhalla, which straddles the boundary between supercar and hypercar (and thus commands a price of around £650,000), uses the most highly strung version of AMG’s M178 V8, as featured in the hardcore Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, with a flat-plane crank and a 7200rpm redline. In keeping with its entry billing – and a price expected to be nearer the £250,000 mark – the less potent Aston is more likely to use the engine in the same state of tune as the Mercedes-AMG GT 63, for a pure-combustion output of around 630bhp.
Aston has already confirmed hybridisation across all of its platforms by 2025, so the new supercar could supplement its reserves with a 201bhp electric motor on the rear axle, like the PHEV version of the GT 63. This would give a combined output of 831bhp, slotting the new model neatly between the Aston Martin DBS and Valhalla on outright power.
Last year, Aston ended development of its own 3.0-litre V6 engine, which was ultimately set to be rolled out across its line-up, as part of a wide-reaching rationalisation programme under CEO and ex-AMG boss Tobias Moers. The new supercar will therefore be reworked to accommodate the larger, more cost-effective German engine, as was the Valhalla, but will remain true to its lightweight and dynamically focused conception.
Built around a carbonfibre tub for an optimal combination of rigidity and lightness, the new arrival should tip the scales at less than 1500kg, given the more highly strung Valhalla weighs just 1550kg, while a Valkyrie-inspired aero package will maximise downforce and promote high-speed cornering agility. For reference, the Valhalla’s airflow-enhancing bodywork elements – including gaping venturi tunnels running from front to rear and an active front splitter and rear wing – generate 600kg of downforce at 150mph.
However, the overall package is expected to be as road-focused and generously equipped as its rivals, with a dual focus on driver-oriented ergonomics and long-distance refinement. Importantly, the supercar will benefit from Aston’s transition to a new generation of touchscreen infotainment, which will be the headline upgrade for its facelifted front-engined sports cars – Aston Martin Vantage, DBS and Aston Martin DB11 – at the end of 2022.
Aston’s new supercar will later provide the basis for a dedicated track car in the vein of Ferrari’s LaFerrari-based FXXK and similarly conceived 599XX customer racers. The company plans for this to then be used for a one-make series, with races in Europe, North America and Asia on the cards. Stroll said launching this programme is a case of “waiting for a proper mid-engined car to do it with” because “it’s more appropriate”.
The production version of the Vanquish will play a core role in accelerating Aston’s push towards electrification and is expected to be the final new product launched by the company before its first full EV arrives in 2025, by which point the brand’s entire line-up will be electrified.
Stroll suggested high-output hybrids such as the Valhalla and Vanquish will help the brand cater to the traditional enthusiast sector while investing in a pure-EV line-up. “Knowing who our customer is,” he said, “we will have a longer life with a combustion-engined hybrid than an opening-pricepoint OEM because we have petrolheads, enthusiasts who want to smell them and want the noise.”


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Gree Electric Appliances Inc. and GD Midea Holding Co. paced losses by Chinese household appliance makers after Citic Securities Co. cut its recommendation on air-conditioner stocks.
Gree, China’s largest maker of home air-conditioners, slid 3.2 percent to 17.99 yuan, its lowest close since Oct. 21. Midea, the nation’s second-biggest publicly traded appliance maker, retreated 3.1 percent to 12.11 yuan, the lowest level since July 16, 2010. The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.1 percent.
Citic Securities, China’s biggest publicly traded brokerage, lowered its rating on air-conditioner makers to “neutral,” saying a warm winter is expected to hurt sales and buyers are less willing to spend money as the economy slows.
“A combination of slowing growth in October’s air-conditioner production and sales and other negative factors have weighed on sentiment on the industry,” Hu Yali, an analyst at Citic Securities, wrote in a report today, without saying what the previous rating for the industry was.
Output of household air-conditioners dropped 21 percent from a year earlier last month and sales fell 19 percent, according to the report. Exports slid 24 percent, a third consecutive month of declines, as Europe’s debt crisis and a slowing U.S. economy sapped demand, it said.
Europe and the U.S. account for about 30 percent of China’s overseas shipments of air-conditioners, the report said.


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Published on: 20-Feb-2017
Scientists from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have developed an ultrafast high-contrast camera that could help self-driving cars and drones see better in extreme road conditions and in bad weather.
Unlike typical optical cameras, which can be blinded by bright light and unable to make out details in the dark, NTU’s new smart camera can record the slightest movements and objects in real time.
The new camera records the changes in light intensity between scenes at nanosecond intervals, much faster than conventional video, and it stores the images in a data format that is many times smaller as well.
Click here to find out more
Back to listing


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A new game that combines Kung Fu moves with hip hop beats and, er, string puppetry will soon be available via Steam.
Rag Doll Kung Fu has been developed by industry veteran Mark Healy in his spare time and went on show at the Game Developers Conference earlier this year, where it caused quite a stir. We've written about it before if you want an overview.
It involves making puppets perform super-sharp kung fu moves, and looks like being more fun than it sounds. Judge for yourself by checking out the trailer via the Steam website.


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We have already seen a preview of the Android 3.0 Honeycomb SDK, and Google will officially unveil Android 3.0 on the 2nd of February 2011, as they have scheduled a special press conference for that date.
We have already seen a range of features that will be available in Android 3.0 Honeycomb, including the new user interface, but we will get a proper look at the full version of Android 3.0 later this week.
From what we have seen so far it certainly looks like Android 3.0 is going to be the best version of Google’s Android OS to date, and the first version which has been optimized for tablets.
one of the first tablets that will launch with Android Honeycomb is the Motorola Xoon, and we can expect to see many more Android 3.0 tablets launching over the next few months.
via Droid Life
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.


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On our Facebook Official Page we got many queries and requests from our members querying about ARIJIT SINGH Concert in Karachi on 25th June 2014 at National Stadium, we personally told everyone that this event is FAKE.
Yesterday Arijit Singh officially announced on his Fan Page about the event:
” Hello All my friends in Pakistan-
An event management company in Pakistan is promoting about Arijit Singh Live show in Karachi on 25th June 2014 and selling tickets .
This is to clarify that we have not booked any such show and this announcement is completely fake. Request all of you to not follow this information.
Aside, request all my friends specially in Pakistan to report about this page/event so that this can be blocked and no person should be fooled by any such information….
In fact the number mentioned in the page for contact in India is wrong (its a 9 digit number). We are reporting this to the Cyber Crime Department here in India as well… “


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New Delhi: After more than a decade of wait and debate on Goods and Services Tax (GST
), the Rajya Sabha
has today approved the crucial 122nd Constitutional amendment to turn the bill into law.
And the biggest names in the eCommerce industry
were the first ones to express their happiness over the passage of the bill.Kunal Bahl
, CEO and Co-founder of online marketplace Snapdeal tweeted, "Welcome passage of #GSTBill! Digital commerce removed geographical barriers, GST will remove tax barriers. One India means faster growth."
However in another tweet Bahl spoke about the implications of implementing the bill for the online marketplaces.
"He tweeted, "However tax collection at source by online marketplaces will be a huge working capital burden for small sellers; needs 2 be re-examined #GSTBill" According to Bahl, sound IT backbone will be a must have for successfully implementing the GST.
“A robust IT backbone and technology crucial for successful implementation of #GSTBill; should reduce compliance complexity" he tweeted.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma, CEO and Founder of online recharge and payments company Paytm
could not hide his happiness on the passage of this historical bill. He tweeted, "Finally, the long due #GSTBill. Finally, India one large market. Finally, clarity of tax and new markets (ststes) open for online business."
Later in an official statement, Sharma said, "Even though GST means, new ways to calculate tax and some bit of extra work in administration of business, I think it is overall great for online businesses because it brings clarity and tax obligations. Surprisingly, GST will also open new markets for online commerce because, today, due to complexities of entry tax and other processes, some states customers can not order everything from online shopping destinations. I am happy that government has taken all efforts to pass and implement GST."
Country's biggest eCommerce player Flipkart
also welcomed the positive movement towards the implementation of the GST bill.
“The implementation of GST will be a historic moment for commerce in India and will finally unify the country into one market. It will be a win- win for all the stakeholders of the Indian economy - lakhs of producers, sellers will have easy access to an all India market, consumers across the country will have access to quality products at affordable rates and there will be development of seamless national supply chain as well as creation of millions of formal jobs. We expect a major boost to eCommerce in India once GST is implemented," Flipkart said in a statement.
According to Latif Nathani, Vice President and Managing Director of online marketplace eBay
India, this move will help the small and medium enterprises who want to sell online.
"It is a welcome move that there is a consensus on the constitution amendment bill which will definitely help all the small and medium enterprises who aspire to sell online across the length and breadth of the country. GST will create a single national market and improve business operations and efficiencies. However the government should consider the submission of the eCommerce industry, specifically of pure play online marketplaces that operate independent of their users and not mandate such entities to font compliance, disclosure and reporting obligations on behalf of their users," said Nathani.
However, the passing of GST has its own consequences as the success would really depend on the execution part of the same.
Sachin Menon, Partner and Head, Indirect tax at KPMG in India shared, “The passing of constitution amendment bill is a milestone in the history of India's economic reforms. The GST will significantly reduce the generation of black money and make India competitive especially in manufacturing, in the global market."
According to Menon, with the passage of the bill in Rajya Sabha, the action will now shift to the corporate world. Due to the uncertainty on the fate of GST, many of the companies remain unprepared for the implementation of GST. The challenge before many, is how to get ready to implement GST, before 1st April, 2017, he said.
“Many in the corporate world mistook GST as a tax reform and ignored the impact of it on the other aspects of business such as IT, supply chain, sales and marketing. This will prove costly for those who have yet not taken it seriously as the transition will take anything between 9- 12 months”


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Editor in Chief, The Drum
Gordon Young is one of the world’s longest serving editors in the marketing business. As a fresh-faced teenager he co-founded The Drum in 1985, which has grown into one of the world’s largest marketing platforms. Early stories saw him report on the demise of hot metal printing, and interviewing the 96 year old widow of John Logie-Baird, the man who invented television. Since then he has reported on the digital revolution that has transformed both culture and commerce. He commissioned Sheryl Sandberg to guest edit an edition of his magazine, but perhaps one of the most exciting projects was when Watson, the IBM AI system, took the editors chair to create the world’s first magazine edited by artificial intelligence. Highlights, included an interview with David Ogilvy, which took place years after his death. His latest project is The Drum Labs, The Drum’s new innovation centre in Shoreditch, which includes CornerShop the retail store of the future, which is a partnership with Capgemini and SharpEnd. It servers as an interface for innovation between the virtual and physical realm.


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Mumbai, Dec 8 (PTI) As Quick Response code (QR code) technology is all set to dominate the digital payment system in the country and does not require any additional cost, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) is set to promote it as a seamless mode of transaction.
CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said QR code is the most effective technology in digital payments.
"In India, QR code technology is provided by all network providers including RuPay, MasterCard, Visa, American Express and all leading wallet providers along with banks if they operate or allow outward payment option," he said.
This also amplifies the RBIs latest move to develop One India QR code wherein all three payment technology companies namely Mastercard, Visa and RuPay have been asked to develop inter operable QR code solutions, he said.
This allows ease of accepting digital payments without the complication of managing multiple or competitive solutions available today, he said.
CAIT will be campaigning about the benefits of QR code across the country among the trading community, he said. PTI SM DK BAL


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Assaray Trade and Investment Bank kicks off digital overhaul with Temenos
Libya’s Assaray Trade and Investment Bank (ATIB) has selected Temenos and its Infinity and Transact systems to underpin the launch of new digital Islamic banking products.
FinTech Futures understands that Temenos will be replacing the Ethix core banking system, supplied by International Turnkey Systems.
Founded in 1997 as Al-Ahli Bank of Tripoli, ATIB offers both retail and corporate banking services throughout Libya and has around 50,000 customers.
Read more: Three Irish credit unions sign for Temenos’ banking tech
Farouk Laabidi, general manager at the bank, says that Temenos’ track record for delivering “class-leading software” as well as the vendors “extensive” presence in the Middle East were key deciding factors.
He adds: “Deploying Temenos’ cloud-native, cloud-agnostic technology will allow us to benefit from rapid ROI and reap the benefits of remarkable efficiency gains and cost savings.
“Temenos technology will help us innovate at speed and deliver enhanced digital banking products and better experiences to our customers.”
Recent takers of Temenos technology include Pakistan-based Telenor Microfinance Bank, Canadian financial services firm CWB Financial Group, and the Egyptian National Post Organisation.
The vendor has another Libyan client, Alejam’a Alarabi Bank, which selected Temenos T24 as its new core banking system in October 2018.
“Temenos Infinity and Temenos Transact will drive simplicity and efficiency and help to reduce [ATIB’s] operating costs,” says Jean-Paul Mergeai, managing director for Middle East and Africa at Temenos.


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Industry experts are warning that supermarket shelves could be empty of British meat within “10 days.”
The UK supply chain has been hit by soaring gas prices which is used for cooling systems used in refrigeration, and it also helps to extend the shelf life of meat.
Nick Allen, the chief executive of the British Meat Processors Association that factories closed “at very short notice, with no warning,” which has left manufacturers with only between five and 15 days supply of CO2.
Allen told Sky News that when the CO2 runs out that abattoirs will be forced to stop which means farmers will have to keep their live stock or kill them thereselves.
Abattoirs also use CO2 to stun animals before slaughter, but are running short of supply due to soaring energy costs and some suppliers of gas having halted production.
Allen warned, “They will have to stop. That means animals will have to stay on farm.
“That will cause farmers huge animal welfare problems and British pork and British poultry will disappear off the shelves.
“We’re two weeks away from seeing some real impact on the shelves.”
The chief executive of the Food and Drink Federation Ian wright told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the shortages of CO2 supply is a “real crisis.”
He added, “The just-in-time system which underpins both supermarkets and hospitality industry is under the most strain it has ever been in the 40-years it has been there.”
Wright warned, “We probably have about 10 days before this gets to the point where consumers, shoppers and diners notice that those products are not available.”
The owner of Bernard Matthews and 2 Sisters Food Group, Ranjit Singh Boparan said, “There are less than 100 days left until Christmas and Bernard Matthews and my other poultry businesses are working harder than ever before to try and recruit people to maintain food supplies.
“Nothing has fundamentally changed since I spoke about this issue in July.
“In fact, I take no pleasure in pointing out that the gaps on the shelves I warned about then are getting bigger by the day.”
A Defra spokesman said, “We are aware of the issues faced by some businesses and are working closely with industry to provide support and advice.
“We have had extensive meetings with representatives from the meat production and processing sectors, and we are continuing those conversations over the weekend.
“The UK benefits from having access to highly diverse sources of gas supply to ensure households, businesses and heavy industry get the energy they need at a fair price.
“Our exposure to volatile global gas prices underscores the importance of our plan to build a strong, home-grown renewable energy sector to further reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.”


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Snowtroopers are equipped for action in extreme environments. With special armor that allows them to survive in temperatures of -60 degrees, they are hardy–and they come with special weapons to help them take out Rebel Scum no matter where they hide. Take a look.
Fantasy Flight Games upcoming ‘Return to the Night of the Zealot’ upgrade expansion is coming to bring the madness soon. With it’s release, Players will have the chance to grab some new gear. But the Investigators aren’t the only ones getting upgrades…
Mansions of Madness gets a brand new expansion and the final Force Pack for Star Wars: The Card Game is out now. It’s the end of an era and the launch of a new adventure!
The first campaign setting book is now available for FFG’s Genesys RPG. ‘Realms of Terrinoth’ is your guide to the Fantasy Setting where games like Runewars and Descent take place. Get ready for an Adventure in the fantastical Terrinoth!
Fantasy Flight Games has announced a special presentation that will cover new products for their Star Wars related lines – leaving fans guessing at what’s coming up.
Fantasy Flight Games has announced the first new video game from Asmodee Digital – get ready to face the all digital un-reality of Mansions of Madness: Mother’s Embrace!
Fantasy Flight Games is back with more info on the upcoming Arkham Horror The Card Game expansion ‘The Forgotten Age’ – today we’re diving into the jungle to learn about some of the new rules and mechanic tweaks that are coming to test your resolve.
There is a brand new wave of goodies for Imperial Assault! The Tyrants of Lothal expansion is heading your way PLUS Four brand new Ally and Villain packs all with ties to a certain Rebel TV show!
Legend of the Five Rings has a brand new rules update available. Check out the latest changes in the Emerald Empire of Rokugan!
Fantasy Flight Games has 3 sweet new binders to help you keep your Star Wars: Destiny collection locked-in.
Fantasy Flight Games has a trio of new releases for their popular LCGs – swear allegiance, Gear up, and ‘get gud’ with these new releases!
Fantasy Flight Games has issued a new Star Wars: Armada Rules Update & FAQ. This errata includes some clarifications, updates, and some minor changes to the game. Come take a look at how your Armada Battles are going to change on the tabletop!


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Consumer mindsets are rapidly changing amidst safety and food security concerns due to the COVID-19 crisis. Over the past several weeks, sales have rapidly increased in frozen and center store departments as consumers began pantry stocking for longevity. While fresh departments have seen an increase in sales, they have not seen the dramatic growth spikes of these other departments. With approximately one-third of all American households facing job loss or reduced pay, consumers are searching for easily accessible and affordable meal options. Many consumers are trading down to other departments or reassessing what they purchase. However, previous downturns have resulted in rapid fresh growth.
Retailers achieved this success post-downturn by remaining tuned in to consumer concerns such as fresh product affordability and leveraging their Private Brands to hold prices and introduce easy meal solutions. This led to nearly
a decade of strong growth as fresh departments became the innovation and strategic center of the store. As consumers adjust to their new normal during this crisis, retailers must again address evolving consumer behaviors and use their Private Brands to maintain relevance in fresh. The changes consumers are adopting include an increase in cooking at home, shifting
to online shopping, the need to have more transparency to food safety security and supply concerns.
Read the full article HERE


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Northeast Minneapolis already has its own Arts District. Now it looks like the neighborhood will be getting a new moniker: the Brew District. This week, 612Brew announced it will open its years-in-the-making brewery at the corner of Central and Broadway. It joins a handful of breweries that have already staked a claim in the area, including Indeed, Dangerous Man and Northgate.
The 30-somethings behind 612Brew (Adit Kalra, Robert Kasak, Ryan Libby and Jamey Rossbach) announced their intentions for opening a brewery well over two years ago. But a lot has changed in those two years, namely the Surly Bill.
“When the taproom law came into play we rewrote our entire business plan,” Kasak said. “It changed everything.”
Mainly, they started looking for more “beautiful spaces.” Before, they were on the hunt for industrial spaces where they could simply make beer. But if they were going to have a taproom (and everyone needs a taproom), the place had to be presentable. They found just the spot in the Broadway Building, an old factory space peeking out at the elevated Central/Broadway intersection. Developer Peter Remes (the guy behind the Ice House building on Eat Street) is planning a full restoration of the 60,000 square-foot warehouse with 612Brew as the anchor tenant.
Kasak said they hope to open the brewery by November. Here’s what they’re working with:
5,000 square foot brewery.
15-barrel system (about the same size at Lucid and Flat Earth, a little smaller than Fulton’s 20-barrel system).
They’ll open with two beers: SIX (an American Pale Ale) and Rated R, a spiced-up, hoppy Rye IPA. They’ll follow those up with a summer seasonal – the “Gilligan’s Island” tribute, Mary Ann (German lager with freshly grated ginger.
The taproom will have seating for about 70 people. The first taproom-only beer will be Zero Hour, an American black ale.
612Brew will primarily focus on making sessional beers, which contain moderate- to low-alcohol content. It’s a good plan that will set them apart from the beer scene’s typical hop-forward, high alcohol brews. Kasak said the sessional style just means you can drink more. He contends, however, that 612Brew won’t be making all sessional beers. In fact, the Rated R IPA clocks in at 6.5%.
The taproom will be the focal point of the brewhouse. As you can see from the rendering above, the interior will have a stylish restaurant feel to it. They plan to serve Indian street food (Kalra’s family owns Tandoor in Bloomington). There will also be a patio overlooking a rain garden green space.
Stay tuned for more updates.
Details: 945 Broadway St., Mpls. www.612brew.com


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A diagnosis of cancer is enough to make anyone lose an appetite, and this loss of appetite can worsen once treatment and accompanying side effects begin.
But along with the right treatment, a diet rich in nutrients, vitamins and even "good" fats is crucial when fighting a disease this serious.
"Diet is the one thing they have the most control over," says Donna L. Weihofen, a registered dietitian and nutritionist at the University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center in Madison. What patients should and should not eat is "high on the list, after the prognosis and once they've gotten over the shock," she said.
As the body fights the disease, nutritional needs increase. "Cancer thrives on carbohydrates and protein, and this makes [a patient's] needs higher," says registered dietitian Laura Macklin, an oncology dietitian at New Britain General Hospital.
People fighting cancer generally need more calories than a healthy person. Some cancer therapies can trigger a weight gain, but weight loss among cancer patients is more common. To counteract losing weight, "calories are No. 1," Weihofen says, "and you have to make peace with fat."
Although the idea of adding fat to the diet seems to contradict the general recommendation to reduce it, fat has more than twice the calories of protein and carbohydrates and helps to boost calorie counts. What's important is to choose "good" fats such as the omega-3 fats in salmon and the monounsaturated fats in olive oil, dietitians say.
Side effects of cancer and its treatment -- such as loss of taste or appetite, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores and difficulty swallowing --often interfere with a person's ability to eat enough.
When appetites flag, Weihofen recommends mini-meals.
"I suggest small amounts of food very often, every hour or so," she says, adding that some cancer patients "fill up fast" and can't finish a large meal. Three meals a day become "too overwhelming to eat," she says, "and they begin to dread supper all afternoon."
There is another benefit to eating smaller meals throughout the day, Macklin says. "Eating frequent meals sometimes helps with nausea because it keeps something in the stomach," she says. She suggests smaller breakfast, lunch and dinner meals and snacks at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
When -- and if -- the sense of taste changes, a formerly favorite food could become a complete turnoff. For example, many cancer patients lose their taste for meat, the dietitians say, which is also a rich source of protein.
Sometimes, serving meat in smaller portions -- bits of meat in a stir-fry or stew -- is more tolerable than a whole steak.
For patients who can't tolerate the odor or texture of meat, Macklin suggests less heavy proteins such as fish, chicken and eggs, which are "more palatable."
Liquid and soft foods such as soups, custards, puddings and dairy drinks can provide necessary calories, protein, vitamins and minerals in an easy-to-swallow form for those with mouth sores or chewing difficulties. These foods also can be easily fortified with whole milk, dry milk, protein powder or, in the case of shakes, ice cream.
Family members often ask Macklin how to deal with flagging appetites or problems with chewing.
"People turn to liquids when they don't feel like eating," she says. "I tell them that supplements, especially the liquid ones, are easy and can be bought at the grocery store." Drinks such as Boost, Ensure and Carnation Breakfast offer needed calories and proteins.
Both Weihofen and Macklin stress the importance of eating a variety of fruits and vegetables every day. Adding these foods can substantially benefit a diet lacking in nutrients and vitamins. "It's good to make significant changes, like eating more fruits and vegetables to get those cancer-fighting phytochemicals into the diet," Weihofen says.
If a cancer patient has trouble with the texture of fresh vegetables, canned varieties are just as nutritious and have a softer texture, Macklin says.
Indulging in favorite foods and serving foods that are colorful and artfully arranged are as important as calories and vitamins.
"There's room for chocolate, too," Weihofen says. "You don't have to eat a diet that is unpleasant. We can enjoy our foods and fight cancer, too."
A version of this story first ran on Feb. 21.


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Article from The Independent – ‘Toy retailer The Entertainer has been forced to remove loom band charms from its stores, after it was revealed they contained suspected carcinogenic chemicals.
The Entertainer, Britain largest independent toy retailer with 92 stores, has launched a full investigation as it removes the charms from it stores nationwide.
Tests conducted by the BBC Midlands Today programme showed one charm contained 40 per cent of phthalates – EU law states 0.1 per cent in weight is the legal limit.
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A statement from The Entertainer said to the BBC: “It was brought to our attention that loom charms purchased from one of our stores may contain [banned] phthalates. At The Entertainer, children’s safety is our number one priority so as a precautionary measure we have removed all loom charms from sale with immediate effect whilst we conduct a full investigation.”
Phthalates are used to make plastics safer and more flexible but as a known carcinogen their use is tightly controlled.
The loom band craze, where different coloured bands are woven together to create bracelets, originated in the United States, but has become increasingly popular in Britain with a loom band dress even being sold for £170,000.
The Birmingham Assay Office, which independently test fashion and jewellery accessories, said they found two banned phthalates.
Speaking to the BBC, tester Marion Wilson said: “Phthalates will get into your system through sucking and obviously a charm hanging off a bracelet is a very high risk item, a thing most likely to suck just as your fiddling with it.” ‘
More Information about Phthalates:
Phthalates – Campaign for safe cosmetics


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Matthew Hopkinson, Director at Local Data Source following the launch of their coffee shop report discussed the current market and coffee shop trends on the BBC news. The following points and observations are worth noting:
- Office spaces are squeezed and coffee shops are offering alternative business meeting zones
- Coffee shops feel and are safe
- What are the ways that coffee shops use their space apart from selling beverages?
- Coffee shops are an extension of the office and living rooms partly due to wi-fi connectivity and variety of seating arrangements.
- Dwell time; get the customer comfortable, they spend more time in your store and then more money.
- McCafe concept launched in Paris and anticipated to launch in London in 2010. Coffee store competition anticipated to heat up.
Following the McCafe story Bussiness Week covered McDonald’s development intentions in an article. Below is an extract and here is the whole article.
“McDonald’s is rushing to grab market share where Starbucks has hesitated. While Starbucks continues to avoid Italy, for instance, McDonald’s opened its first Italian McCafé in Milan in 2005. Today it has 65 of them across the country. And McDonald’s is undercutting Starbucks on price. At McCafés in Paris, an espresso costs $2.50, vs. $2.80 at Starbucks.
European franchisees like McCafés because they encourage customers to stop in for breakfast and during off-peak hours. … And the cafés increase McDonald’s appeal to women. “It’s impossible to bring [children] to a traditional French café,” says Nelly Bourji, a Parisian who drops in at a McCafé once a week. “You can’t all fit around the tiny tables.” As for Starbucks, she says, “There are too many teenagers.”


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PayPal names Access AOR
SAN JOSE, CA: PayPal has consolidated its PR function, with Access Communications now serving as its AOR after a competitive review.
Michael Oldenburg, PayPal manager of corporate communications, said Access will handle all aspects of the business, including corporate, consumer, and merchant services.
He added that the AOR search was focused on doing PR in the US.
PayPal previously worked with Access on consumer work. Oldenburg declined to state the contract value.
Prior to ...


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GSK Consumer Healthcare launches new OTC allergy relief product in US
GSK Consumer Healthcare has launched a new over-the-counter (OTC) treatment for symptoms associated with seasonal and perennial allergies, branded as Flonase Sensimis Allergy Relief (fluticasone furoate, 27.5 mcg spray) in the US.
With unique MistPro technology, Flonase Sensimist delivers a fine, gentle, yet powerful mist spray, providing non-drowsy, 24-hour relief of allergy symptoms including itchy, watery eyes, nasal congestion, runny or itchy nose and sneezing.
Taken once daily, directly in the nose, Flonase Sensimist protects against allergies caused by triggers including pollen, mold, dust and pets. Unlike most OTC allergy pills, which act on histamine alone, Flonase Sensimist helps block six key inflammatory substances. Further, Flonase Sensimist has been found to be 40% stronger than a leading non-drowsy allergy pill.
Allergy & Asthma Care of New York founder and medical director Dr. Clifford Bassett said: “For the more than 50 million Americans who suffer from allergies, the burden is more than just a stuffy nose.
“Uncontrolled allergies have a measurable impact on quality of life, affecting children and adults. In my patient population, having a proactive treatment plan in place makes a big difference in managing their allergies.”
Additional key features of Flonase Sensimist’s unique, ergonomic design include:
- Little or no drip
- Less invasive with the shortest nozzle
- Delivers consistent dosing each time
Previously available by prescription only, Flonase Sensimist was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for OTC availability in August 2016. Sensimist joins Flonase Allergy Relief and Children’s Flonase Allergy Relief in the Flonase product family, offering a comfortable spray experience so consumers can pick what they prefer.
Flonase senior brand manager Jennifer Nadelson said: “GSK Consumer Healthcare has a strong heritage in discovering and developing respiratory products to meet patient needs worldwide.
“With Flonase Sensimist, we’re proud to offer allergy sufferers an additional product option providing more complete symptom reliefi in a new, unique, user-friendly device.”
Flonase Sensimist is available online and at major retail stores nationwide.
Source: Company Press Release


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(PRWEB) February 09, 2012
New developments are emerging out of Washington, D.C., on mounting complaints surrounding medical product recalls. Parker McDonald P.C. represents victims of defective medical devices, and new legislation may be on the way to keep these products from reaching the market.
A recent Bloomberg article, reported today that House Democrats are pushing to close a loophole in the medical device approval process. Representative Edward Markey of Massachusetts is leading the bill to prevent manufacturers from receiving medical device approval when a new product is similar to one already taken from the market.
Companies rely heavily on the FDA’s 510(k) process to ensure that their product will hit the market as soon as possible without the costs of conducting clinical trials. This fast-paced approach used by manufacturers has come under review in recent years.
Transvaginal mesh is the most recent product to draw scrutiny. The number of complaints received by the FDA has increased in the past few years. In July of last year, the FDA issued a safety alert to inform the public that serious complications associated with transvaginal surgical mesh to treat pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence are not rare. Just last month, the FDA ordered manufactures to perform more conclusive studies on the safety levels of their surgical mesh implants.
According to a recent report by Bloomberg, the FDA continued to approve transvaginal mesh devices made by Johnson & Johnson and other health-care companies based on their similarity to a Boston Scientific device that had been pulled from the market due to safety complaints. Representative Markey’s bill seeks to eliminate this characteristic of the 510(k) process by ensuring “that devices do not mimic the mistakes made by other products.”
The potential impact of this bill may be felt by both manufacturers and patients if it gains the support of Congress and the White House. With ongoing litigation in several states concerning allegedly defective DePuy hip implants, which were approved through the 510(k) process, manufacturers could be facing a wave of reforms on top of financial payouts.
Parker McDonald will continue to monitor this situation as well as the recall status of vaginal mesh implants. If you are a victim of a defective medical device, visit parkermcdonaldlaw.com or contact us at 800-990-4884.
About Parker McDonald
Parker McDonald, P.C. offers comprehensive legal services for clients whose personal, business or property rights have been adversely affected. Built on years of trial experience, Parker McDonald lawyers are dedicated to a tradition of personal service and timely delivery of outstanding results. Parker McDonald has offices in Bedford, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio.