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Xbox's latest Free Play Days event has begun.
On the Xbox Wire, it was revealed that the latest Free Play Days event has begun today, January 21st. The event will run through January 24th. The event will be available to Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members, and will feature three games.
The first game that will be available to play for free this weekend is Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning. Re-Reckoning comes from the minds of R.A. Salvatore, Todd McFarlane, and Ken Rolston. In this RPG, players will explore a vast world, from the vibrant city of Rathir to the grim dungeons of Brigand Hall Caverns. This remastered version of the original Kingdoms of Amalur features refined gameplay and stunning visuals.
The second game available this weekend is Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Breakpoint. It has been discovered that Sentinel is selling a dangerous neurotoxic gas to world arms dealers. R6 Operators Ash, Finka, and Thatcher are sent to Auroa in order to deal with this threat. Once there, they will have to breach Sentinel's lab to stop production of the neurotoxic gas, as well as find intel on an antidote.
The final game that will be available to play this weekend is WWE 2K Battlegrounds. Gamers will be able to choose their favorite WWE Superstars and Legends in this arcade-brawler, including Hulk Hogan, Roman Reigns, Ric Flair, Becky Lynch, John Cena, and more. Gamers will be able to take on their friends in online of offline multiplayer in interactive environments.
If gamers choose to play these three games after the weekend ends, they can buy them at a discount. Discounts will go up to 85% off of this weekend's featured games, and can be seen here. All progress from the Free Play Days event will carry over, including player's Gamerscore and earned achievements.


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Israeli Startup Raises $15 Million to Boost AI Due Diligence Platform
CTech – Israeli business intelligence startup Intelligo Group, which has developed an automated due diligence and personnel background platform based on AI (artificial intelligence), has announced a $15 million Series B financing round led by Behrens Investment Group and including several existing investors. Intelligo has raised a total of $22 million to date.
The company was founded in 2014 by CEO Shlomo Mirvis, Chief Research Officer Dana Rakovsky and COO Nadav Ellinson. Intelligo currently has more than 100 clients, including top corporations. The company employs 42 people and is in the process of adding to its workforce.
This fundraising round follows record demand for the company’s Clarity product, a one-stop platform delivering background checks and continuous monitoring with matchless ease, speed, and accuracy aimed at banks, institutional investors, capital allocators and law firms. Intelligo’s products are built using a proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning engine.
The company intends to use the proceeds from its funding round to expand its team and accelerate US expansion.
“Intelligo’s mission is to empower trust and manage risk,” said Shlomo Mirvis. “COVID-19 demonstrates the need for products that can be used anywhere, at any time, in a very simple and efficient manner. We designed Intelligo to offer the highest quality reports while being as easy to use as Amazon, Uber, or Netflix.”

domain: news


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On Wednesday, Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi and Nokia signed a patent licensing agreement, whereby the companies will have access to each other’s cellular standard patents. The deal with Nokia also offers network infrastructure equipment to Xiaomi.
What the patent deal between Xiaomi and Nokia includes
Xiaomi and Nokia are coming together to improve optical transport solutions for data center interconnecting, IP routing based on the recently-announced FP4 network processor, and a data center fabric solution.
In a statement, Nokia Chief Executive Rajeev Suri said, “Xiaomi is one of the world’s leading smartphone manufacturers and we are delighted to have reached an agreement with them.”
A decade ago, no one talked about tail risk hedge funds, which were a minuscule niche of the market. However, today many large investors, including pension funds and other institutions, have mandates that require the inclusion of tail risk protection. In a recent interview with ValueWalk, Kris Sidial of tail risk fund Ambrus Group, a Read More
The Finnish company will offer up-to-date network infrastructure equipment to deliver high capacity, low-power requirements helpful in processing and delivering data. Xiaomi and Nokia will also work together on technologies that focus on data centers. Other than this, the companies have agreed to explore new avenues and opportunities in the field of artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, and the Internet of Things.
The agreement between the two involves standard essential patents, which means patents covering technology that is required to make products that are in line with the industry standards. Nokia is a veteran player in the field of patent licensing, but the same cannot be said for Xiaomi. Therefore, this deal is of great importance to the Chinese company. With the help of these patents, Xiaomi will be able to ramp up its smartphone and connected device technology.
So far, Xiaomi has applied for over 16,000 patents during the seven years of its existence, and it has been granted 4,000 of them. About 1,887 patents that the Chinese company has received are overseas. Xiaomi is looking to expand its portfolio to include products such as televisions, air conditioners and smartphones, notes CNBC.
Nokia’s patent to help Xiaomi’s global expansion
Afflicted by dwindling sales and the emergence of new leaders such as Oppo and Vivo, Xiaomi has been struggling to get to the top. In an effort to ramp up its sales, the company has made a significant investment in retail stores in its native country. However, the smartphone maker suffered significantly in the international market after Hugo Barra, its former international head, departed. It is not a preferred smartphone brand outside Asia, despite the fact that it is present in 30 countries and regions
At present, Xiaomi is looking to get a greater piece of the pie in emerging markets such as Russia, Indonesia and India. However, getting a strong foothold in the United States is something that the company is aiming for going forward, notes Bloomberg. The patent deal with Nokia could prove very handy in its quest for global expansion.
Lei Jun, chairman and CEO of Xiaomi, stated that the company is working toward building sustainable and long-term partnerships with global technology leaders. Jun added that collaborating with Nokia will help his company build high-performance networks and achieve unmatched strength in software and services as they “seek to create even more remarkable products and services that deliver the best user experience to our (product brand) Mi fans worldwide.”


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October 20, 2020
Area(s) of Interest: Drug Prescribing/Dispensing
On January 1, 2021, all security prescription forms will be required to have a uniquely serialized number, a corresponding barcode and other security features.
California-approved security printers have been issuing these prescription pads since the beginning of 2020. Starting January 1, 2021, except for limited emergency situations, pharmacists will be unable to fill a controlled substances prescription that is not on a compliant form.
Physicians who do not already have these prescription pads should place an order as soon as possible from a Department of Justice-approved security prescription printer to ensure they have compliant prescription pads before the Jan. 1, 2021 effective date. California Medical Association (CMA) security prescription partner, RxSecurity, is already issuing the uniquely serialized prescription forms and has been since 2019.
Implementation of this new requirement was postponed for two years, thanks to CMA-sponsored legislative fix in January 2019. The flawed implementation in 2019 caused mass confusion, left pharmacies unable to fill prescriptions and patients being refused necessary medications.
January 1, 2021 also marks the implementation date of a new law that requires pharmacists and prescribers who dispense controlled substances to report the dispensing of controlled substances to the Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES) within one working day after the medication is released to the patient or the patient’s representative. Previously, pharmacists and prescribers who dispensed had seven days after dispensing. This law requires pharmacists and other prescribers who dispense to report the dispensing of Schedule V drugs, in addition to Schedules II, III, and IV.
For more information on CURES and prescription pad requirements, visit the Medical Board of California’s CURES web page.


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Following a favorable ruling from the bankruptcy court, Binance’s US arm is moving forward with plans to acquire the $1.3 billion assets of the beleaguered crypto lender, Voyager.
Judge Michael Wiles says he is signing a court order that will green-light the sale and the related $20 million payout plan to Voyager customers, as reported by Reuters.
Judge Wiles denied an eleventh-hour objection from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which said parts of the $1.3 billion deal could violate securities laws.
“I cannot put the entire case into indeterminate deep freeze while regulators figure out whether they believe there are problems with the transaction and plan.”
The embattled crypto lender Voyager estimated in a court filing back in January that customers may get back about half of the amount they are owed but during a court hearing on March 2, Voyager attorney Christine A. Okike said that customers may recover about 73% based on recent prices of crypto assets.
Voyager may still opt to liquidate on its own and turn over the proceeds to customers instead of pushing through with the sale, but Voyager’s lead investment banker Brian Tichenor says the deal with Binance.US will give customers $100 million more.
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed at The Daily Hodl are not investment advice. Investors should do their due diligence before making any high-risk investments in Bitcoin, cryptocurrency or digital assets. Please be advised that your transfers and trades are at your own risk, and any loses you may incur are your responsibility. The Daily Hodl does not recommend the buying or selling of any cryptocurrencies or digital assets, nor is The Daily Hodl an investment advisor. Please note that The Daily Hodl participates in affiliate marketing.
Generated Image: Midjourney


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Yesterday, the first full Dune trailer finally hit the internet ahead of the movie’s Christmas release. However, just like the recent Wonder Woman 1984 teaser, there was no specified release date. As it stands, the Gal Gadot DC sequel is set for UK release on October 2, 2020 and Dune is expected to land on December 18.
But with New York and Los Angeles cinemas still shut in the US, there are cinema sources alleging the release dates could shift, alongside Disney’s Black Widow and Pixar’s Soul.
Deadline report that that Wonder Woman 1984 may move to November or even late December.
If it’s the latter, then Warner Bros’ other big 2020 blockbuster Dune will probably shift to 2021.
Meanwhile, there are “whispers” that Marvel’s Black Widow will move from its November 6 release date. If it does, Wonder Woman 1984 could well take that spot.
READ MORE: Dune: Stellan Skarsgard describes 'FANTASTIC atmosphere' of epic
Dune, Wonder Woman 1984, Black Widow get rumoured NEW release dates amid potential DELAYS (Image: WB)
Additionally, following Mulan’s premier access fee of £19.99 on Disney+, there is “loose talk” that Pixar’s Soul will follow suit with a debut on the streaming


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Hamilton High School students representing 11 curriculum areas were selected as students of the month for January. They are:
- Meghan Speckin, applied engineering and technology;
- Jordan Kind, art;
- Alan Mamerow, business education;
- Cory Farrell, communication arts;
- Chi Vang, family and consumer sciences;
- Marlee Williams, fitness education;
- Colleen O’Neill, mathematics;
- Jordan Kalis and Kimberly Winter, music;
- Mai Her, science;
- Katherine Larson, social studies; and
- Derek Stone, world languages.
Students received a certificate and a pin for their accomplishment.


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Economist and golden bug Peter Schiff has explained wherefore bitcoin and golden are going up this year. “They’re rising for other reasons,” helium said, claiming that the terms of golden is climbing arsenic investors presumption the metallic arsenic a hedge against ostentation and a weaker dollar.
Peter Schiff Explains Why Bitcoin and Gold Are Rising
Gold bug and economist Peter Schiff has shared his presumption connected wherefore bitcoin and golden are going up this year. Schiff is the laminitis and existent president of Schiffgold, a precious metals trader specializing successful golden and metallic bullion. He has agelong been a bitcoin skeptic, regularly bashing the crypto portion promoting gold. He tweeted Monday:
Both golden and bitcoin are up successful 2023, but they’re rising for other reasons.
“Gold is rising arsenic a hedge against ostentation and a weaker dollar, portion bitcoin is rising with different high-risk assets arsenic speculators stake that a Fed pivot volition origin a rally successful 2022’s biggest losers,” the economist detailed.
A fig of radical connected Twitter disagreed with Schiff, replying to his tweet that golden is not a bully hedge against inflation. Some radical took the golden bug’s tweet arsenic a BTC bargain signal.
Unlike Schiff, immoderate radical judge that bitcoin is simply a amended hedge against ostentation than gold. Venture capitalist Tim Draper, for example, has repeatedly said helium is bullish astir bitcoin owed to its trait arsenic an ostentation hedge. Billionaire hedge money manager Paul Tudor Jones has besides said helium prefers bitcoin implicit gold, expecting the terms of BTC to beryllium “much higher.”
Bitcoin Has Outperformed Gold Since Schiff’s Sell Recommendation
Many radical connected Twitter besides pointed retired that bitcoin has hugely outperformed gold, emphasizing that the terms of BTC has accrued importantly since the golden bug’s merchantability recommendation. In December 2018, erstwhile the terms of bitcoin was astir $3K, Schiff warned that “a batch much aerial yet to travel retired of this bubble.”
Bitcoin is trading astir 27% up since Peter Schiff advised you to merchantability your bitcoin. Gold isn’t.
While admitting that the terms of bitcoin has risen since helium told radical to dump their coins, Schiff argued that helium besides advised radical to merchantability their BTC erstwhile its terms was good implicit $60K. At the clip of writing, bitcoin is trading astatine $22,838.33, up astir 35% implicit the past 30 days, portion some golden futures and spot prices are up astir 7% during the aforesaid clip period.
Do you hold with Peter Schiff astir wherefore bitcoin and golden are rising this year? Let america cognize successful the comments conception below.
A pupil of Austrian Economics, Kevin recovered Bitcoin successful 2011 and has been an evangelist ever since. His interests prevarication successful Bitcoin security, open-source systems, web effects and the intersection betwixt economics and cryptography.
Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons
Disclaimer: This nonfiction is for informational purposes only. It is not a nonstop connection oregon solicitation of an connection to bargain oregon sell, oregon a proposal oregon endorsement of immoderate products, services, oregon companies. Bitcoin.com does not supply investment, tax, legal, oregon accounting advice. Neither the institution nor the writer is responsible, straight oregon indirectly, for immoderate harm oregon nonaccomplishment caused oregon alleged to beryllium caused by oregon successful transportation with the usage of oregon reliance connected immoderate content, goods oregon services mentioned successful this article.


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NASA's Voyager 2 makes milestone move into interstellar space
China launches rover for first far side of the moon landing
Greenland ice sheet melting ‘off the charts’ as climate warms
SpaceX ship sends holiday cheer to Space Station
Christmas dinner is on its way to the International Space Station
Amazon unveils Alexa development kit for mobile accessories
09 January 2018, 07:47 | Justin Tyler
Image Credit Pexels
To widen the reach of Alexa, Amazon introduced a new Alexa Mobile Accessory Kit, created to integrate the digital assistant into a lot more devices.
Amazon announced its new Alexa Mobile Accessory Kit today, in a move to expand the voice assistant to "on-the-go" devices. It's designed specifically for manufacturers who need "a lightweight method to build on-the-go products that access Alexa by pairing via Bluetooth to the Amazon Alexa App", the blog post stated. It is expected to be integrated on various devices, including smart watches, headphones, and PCs.
Amazon Alexa is one of the most popular digital assistants now on the market and it's about to reach smartwatches, headphones, fitness trackers, and more wearables this year. They have now announced the Alexa Mobile Accessory Kit to be able to bring its functionalities to your wrists and ears without OEMs having to invest so much in hardware and integration efforts.
Aside from Bose, Amazon is already working with a number of device makers, including Jabra, iHome, Beyerdynamic, Bowers and Wilkins, and AVS Solution Providers Linkplay, SUGR, and Libre Wireless.
Since Amazon mentions Bluetooth and audio capabilities, the Alexa experience on wearable devices will likely target a hands-free experience.
Once the devices are paired with the Alexa app on the smartphone, users can take the privilege of the Alexa Voice Service.
According to Amazon, Alexa users will be able to ask the smart assistant to set cook times, modes, and power levels, instead of relying on what the firm says can be a 'confusing microwave experience'. Other manufacturers like GE, Kenmore, LG, and Samsung plan to sell other products with Alexa integration. Thus, Amazon introduced a host of Alexa compatible electronics such as the Amazon Fire TV, Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat, and even the Ecobee Smart Light Switch.
And, others are focusing on the potentially risky ways the new capability could go wrong.
"What's good for developers is ultimately good for consumers", Rob Pulciani, Amazon's general manager of Alexa skills, was quoted as saying.
The company said that Alexa is now programmed to handle a range of tedious office tasks.
Another report from VoiceLabs published in January a year ago also ranked Alexa as the leading voice AI in terms of market share.
Businesses can buy Alexa devices that help employees dial into conference calls, manage their calendars, find open meeting rooms and - not surprisingly - order work supplies from Amazon.
Attempt to kill spider starts house fire in California
Everybody was able to get out safely but Redding Fire Battalion Chief Rob Pitt said the apartment is now uninhabitable. But Redding Fire Marshal Craig Wittner told BuzzFeed News that the spider attack is what tenants said they were doing.


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BALLOON seller Colin Gledhill has been left deflated by the latest EU bureaucracy.
Under the Toy Safety Directive a raft of new guidelines and rules take effect. Young children can’t blow up balloons unsupervised. And party blowers are categorised as unsafe for under-14s.
They, along with toy whistles and recorders, can’t be sold unless they pass stringent new safety checks.
Mr Gledhill, who runs Roy’s: The Balloon and Party Shop in Halifax Borough Market, said adults bought products such as whistles for their children. And people were aware of the dangers of inhaling helium and his shop displayed notices to that effect.
“You would think it enough that kids were supervised by their parents,” he said.
“You can go too far. Children need to talk, walk, breathe.
“There is no common sense anymore.”
Godfrey Bloom, UKIP Euro MP for Yorkshire, unearthed the new rulings under a mountain of paperwork and said implementing the new directive would push prices up.
“I have to wonder if there is no area of our lives on which the EU does not want to imprint its totalitarian stamp,” he said.
“Taking away toy whistles and recorders, toys with magnets, such as fishing games and wooden cranes, just because of a slim chance of danger, is going too far.
“This is the EU banning things for the sake of it and not because of a public demand for such action. Whatever next, chopping down trees so children can’t climb and fall out of them?”
l What do you think of the new EU balloon laws? Have you ever had a balloon or recorder- related accident? E-mail us: firstname.lastname@example.org


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Australian music retailer Allans Billy Hyde has entered voluntary administration after a string of recent store closures, with administrators Ferrier Hodgson blaming the closure on overall poor retail conditions.
Both Allans Billy Hyde Pty Ltd and Gallin’s Musician Pro Shop Pty Ltd have entered administration, and the trading entities for Australian Music Group, which owns Allans Billy Hyde, have also been placed into administration. Australian Music Group is reportedly subject to a wind-up application by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Speaking to SmartCompany, administrator John Lindholm said Ferrier Hodgson is currently in the process of seeking expressions of interest for Allans Billy Hyde, looking for buyers to acquire its business and assets.
“Over the next month we’ll be looking to get a sale, and hopefully preserve the business and online business. Allans Billy Hyde is a brand that’s been around for 100 years, so we think there’s some value in it,” he says. Read more
Dominic Powell – Smart Company – 22 June 2018


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Oman Air wins four World Travel Awards
Oman Air has won four prestigious awards at the World Travel Awards 2019 Grand Final Gala ceremony held at the Royal Opera House Muscat.
The national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman was honoured for World’s Leading Airline to the Middle East, World’s Leading Airline – First Class, World’s Leading Airline – Business Class Lounge and World’s Leading Airline – Rewards Programme.
Oman Air’s CEO Abdulaziz Al Raisi said: “Earning these awards reflects everyone’s hard work and dedication across the airline to ensure Oman Air sets world-class standards in everything we do. Winning awards both for our service in the air and on the ground takes everyone’s commitment to providing legendary Omani hospitality.”
The awards conclude a successful year in which Oman Air has been recognised internationally for its quality of service to guests and quiet, efficient operations.
WTA visits Oman for first time
The World Travel Awards programme was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries.
Graham Cooke, Founder of the World Travel Awards, said at the event: “It has been an honour to bring WTA to Oman for the first time in our 26-year history. What an incredible evening it has been here in the magnificent capital of Muscat.”
Hailed as “The Oscars of the Travel Industry”, World Travel Awards is acknowledged across the globe as the ultimate travel accolade, and celebrates brands which are pushing the boundaries of industry excellence.


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Christopher & Banks stores at Park City and in the Shops at Rockvale are among more than 400 that will be closing as part of the womenswear retailer’s bankruptcy.
The Minneapolis-based retailer said Thursday it would close all 449 of its U.S. still as it looks to sell its online business.
“Despite the tremendous advancements we have made in executing our strategic plan, due to the financial distress resulting from the pandemic and its ongoing impact, we elected to initiate this process and pursue a potential sale of the business in whole or in part to position the company for the future,” Keri Jones, president and CEO, said in a statement announcing the bankruptcy.
In Lancaster County, Christopher & Banks opened its Park City store in 2002 and its Rockvale store in 2014. Liquidation sales have begun at both stores which will close by the end of February, local store employees said.


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CARROLL GARDENS — Smith Street's evolving bar and restaurant scene has made it one of the most popular spots to kick back and relax in the borough.
The street has lost a few neighborhood favorites, like Coco Roco, Ceol and The Grocery but many vacant spots are being replaced by new eateries, including Clover Club's new cocktail spot Leyenda.
DNAinfo New York has rounded up some notable changes to the dining scene along the street this year:
The new pan-Latin cocktail bar from the owners of Clover Club opened May 21 at 221 Smith St. after DNAinfo first reported its plans in February. Like Clover Club, the venue has a solid drinks menu thanks to noted cocktail experts Julie Reiner and Ivy Mix. Dining options include tacos, pupusas and Peruvian ceviche.
► Cubana Cafe
Cubana Cafe is returning to business in the next few of weeks after a months-long renovation has kept the restaurant boarded up.
► Ravioli Wine Bar
The first Ravioli Wine Bar will open this summer at 277 Smith St., according to its website. The eatery will take over the former location of Savoia, an Italian restaurant that went through a number of changes, including downsizing, before finally closing for good, Pardon Me For Asking reported at the time.
► The Grocery
The Grocery, the acclaimed farm-to-table eatery at 288 Smith St., will cease to exist as a full restaurant on June 27, owners told The New York Times on Monday. The space will instead be used to host special dinners, private parties and possibly weekend pancake breakfasts, the newspaper reported.
► Gastropub at Ceol
Smith Street's shuttered Irish pub Ceol will be taken over by the team behind the Bell House and Union Hall. The owners hope to bring "designer sandwiches" to the new venue, owners told DNAinfo in April when their application for a full liquor license was approved.
► Painting with a Twist
The neighborhood's new paint-and-sip studio at 228 Smith St. should hopefully open in the next six weeks after delays pushed its planned spring debut, co-owner Suzette Riley told DNAinfo New York Tuesday. Riley and her sister Felicia, who are opening the 1,500 square-foot studio, described the franchise as "the new dinner and movie" back in January.
► Mad Dog & Beans Cantina
After announcing its opening back in 2013, the Mexican chain eatery shuttered recently and its sign has been removed from the storefront. The space at 276 Smith St. remains vacant.
► Mia's Bakery
A new coffee and pastry shop that's slated for the former Coco Roco space was still undergoing renovations as of Monday. Co-owner Paris Asprou told DNAinfo in March that they hope to have a coffee bar, wireless Internet access, desserts and treats. Asprou did not immediately respond to request for comment on the bakery's opening date.


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Enphase’d & Not Confused
When I’m investing, I strut my stuff, my portfolio’s so strung out.
Enphase (Nasdaq: ENPH) is high as a kite; I just might stop to check them out…
Let me go oooon!
If you were looking for a blister in the sun, Great Ones, no amount of sunscreen is gonna shield you from Enphase Energy’s post-earnings surge today!
That’s right — forget the moon. Shares of solar panel maker Enphase are going to the sun!
ENPH stock skyrocketed more than 27% on the open this morning after Enphase issued a double-beat-and-raise quarter.
Aaaand … it had some magic words to say about supply chain issues. We’ll get to that in a minute.
First, let’s dive into the numbers:
• Earnings per share: $0.73 reported versus $0.58 expected.
• Revenue: $412.7 million versus $397 million expected.
Doing a little back-of-the-envelope math — carry the one, add the whatever — and you can see that Enphase saw a 43% spike in earnings and a whopping 56% surge in revenue.
I shouldn’t have to tell you, but that’s impressive.
As for guidance? Enphase expects first-quarter revenue between $420 million and $440 million. By comparison, Wall Street analysts were collectively looking for earnings of $409 million in the first quarter.
During Enphase’s earnings conference call, CEO Badri Kothandaraman sounded like a proud Tatooine moisture farmer:
Did someone say micropower inverters? Looks like it’s time for a trip to Tosche Station. Oh, wait … Kothandaraman had more to say:
Supply chain issues? What are those?
It would seem that Enphase has its supply chain under firm control, which is a good thing since Kothandaraman highlighted “huge demand” for Enphase solar products.
In fact, demand is apparently so strong that Enphase is raising prices in the first quarter, just after raising them not all that long ago in the fall of 2021.
But not everything was blasters and lightsabers for Enphase. Kothandaraman did warn investors about potential headwinds from the stalled “Build Back Better” plan and a potential cut to California’s solar subsidies.
Furthermore, as we’re all painfully aware of, Wall Street itself is paying less attention to growth stocks like ENPH in favor of so-called value stocks.
That said, I would argue that with ENPH stock down more than 45% from its November highs, the stock is itself a value stock right now … even after today’s more than 20% rally.
Now, I’m not officially adding ENPH stock to the Great Stuff Picks portfolio … but if you aren’t already invested in the solar power market, you won’t go wrong with ENPH. Here comes the sun, indeed.
Editor’s Note: The Secret Sauce Behind “Solar-On-Demand”
High-efficiency solar panels. High-capacity batteries, specifically designed for energy storage. Next-generation inverters to digitize and balance the flow of power.
You don’t need to understand the mechanics of it. But when you put all of this together, it creates what Ted calls “solar-on-demand.” That is, solar power that’s not only cheaper than traditional energy but is also just as reliable.
Ted says: “This is the first real energy revolution we’ve seen since oil transformed the world’s economy more than 100 years ago.”
Good: Lyft Your Head Up High
The gig economy is gaining ground once again if Lyft’s (Nasdaq: LYFT) latest earnings report is any indication.
The ride-hailing hotshot made $969.9 million in revenue over the last three months, beating the consensus target of $941 million.
For context, that’s 70% more revenue than the company made a year ago and 12% higher than in the third quarter.
Meanwhile, active riders topped 18.7 million, up 49% from a year ago but down slightly from the previous quarter. (If you were watching LYFT stock this morning and wondering why it dipped temporarily, there’s your sign.)
While the company’s rider roll call might’ve had less “oomph” than Wall Street wanted, Lyft let it slip that revenue per rider increased 14% over the past year, with the average ride rounding out to $51.79.
Lyft’s President John Zimmer called the company “battle-tested” in his latest interview, saying the COVID-19 pandemic was a blessing in disguise because it forced Lyft to run leaner and meaner.
Cost-cutting is the name of the game right now. So, it’s no wonder LYFT shares are up more than 5% this morning … after their momentary drop, that is.
Here’s something else that might get your motor running:
With the number of electric vehicles (EVs) expected to hit 48 million over the next decade … don’t expect the best profits to come from any EV maker.
Instead, the next wave of massive profits could come from one small company critical for nearly every new EV.
Click here for the critical details.
Better: Chew On That
Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) just released a mouthwatering earnings report that has shares of the burrito builder climbing 8% higher on the day.
Earnings blew way past Wall Street’s forecasts, coming in at $5.58 per share versus the $5.25 analysts expected.
Chipotle also dished out $1.96 billion in revenue for the quarter, satisfactorily meeting the Street’s exact revenue estimate to a T.
Higher menu prices are mostly to thank for Chipotle’s tasty success story, which have helped offset rising food costs. Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol said that the restaurant chain “hasn’t seen any resistance to higher prices yet from customers,” even though people are paying about 10% more for their orders than in 2021.
That’s a far cry from the cost-raising experience some other restaurant chains have had … and yes, I am looking at you, Yum Brands (NYSE: YUM).
I guess when it comes to higher food prices, it’s not that people aren’t willing to pony up for what they like … it’s just that most people draw the line at food that’s barely edible in the first place.
Some chains can make Mexican-esque food … and some Mexican’t. Yeah, I said it.
Best: Canna Get A “Hell Yeah!”
I never thought I’d live to see the day down-and-out cannabis distributor Canopy Growth (Nasdaq: CGC) became the “best” stock on our shortlist. And yet, here we are.
Canopy cruised into first place this morning after releasing a narrower-than-expected loss followed by better-than-expected revenue in its latest quarter.
For any new Great Ones out there, that’s what the Street likes to call a double earnings beat.
Let me repeat that: Canopy Growth delivered a double beat. Does this mean I should go buy a Powerball ticket tonight? I just might…
Here’s why Canopy cannasseurs are can-canning their way through the streets today:
• Revenue: C$141 million versus C$135.9 million expected.
• Per-share earnings: Down C$0.28, in line with analysts’ expectations.
Now, this might not sound super noteworthy to you — or worthy of the 10% rise in CGC stock price — but when you consider the cannabis market’s been drier than that year-old bud you stashed away for safekeeping (and then promptly forgot about), Canopy’s modest revenue run-up is nothing to sneeze at.
Whether Canopy’s growth will last, however, remains to be seen. Personally, if I were a CGC investor, I’d take today’s gains and run away with them … far, far away.
Oh, it’s that time again, Great Ones!
Heck yeah, National Pizza Day!
Wait, what?! This is a much more pressing matter than whatever we were about to bring up…
OK, Plan B: Go grab a slice and meet back here for today’s poll, mmmkay?
The one thing on Great Stuff’s mind this week (other than pizza, thanks for that) is solar energy. I mean, solar-powered pizza ovens, anyone?
The question is: Are you personally invested in any solar stocks?
Click below and let us know:
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By the way, if you have more thoughts than a mere poll may satisfy, reach out to us! email@example.com is where you can reach us best.
Now, if you were looking high and low for last week’s poll, call off the search! All y’all’s results are in — and wow, you Great Ones are not keen on that whole “meta dating” thing.
Are we going to question that abhorrent “y’all’s” usage or nah?
I figured y’all’d’ve loved the colloquialism, but alrighty then…
Last week, we asked whether or not you’d go on a meta date.
That’s to say: Don your virtual reality gear and meet up with your sweetie online in the metaverse to do … whatever meta stuff you want to do, really.
Your imagination and the metaverse’s processing power are the only limits here (for better or worse).
A whole 78% of you said: “Hey Joe, no thanks, bro,” to all that meta-dating jazz, keeping your shenanigans offline only. Another 14% of you are of similar minds and simply voted against the idea of getting meta dumped.
That said, 8% of you would actually go on a meta date — nice! Part of me wants to know why, but another part of me is terrified of what you miscreants get up to in your free time. So, you do you. (Because in the metaverse, anything is possible. Anything.)
And on that note, here’s something less creepy for you to check out. It’s all the non-metaverse-related spots where you can follow Great Stuff online — imagine that!
- Get Stuff: Subscribe to Great Stuff right here!
- Our Socials: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
- Where We Live: GreatStuffToday.com.
- Our Inbox: firstname.lastname@example.org.
Until next time, stay Great!
Editor, Great Stuff


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New plant varieties needed
by Jochen Bettzieche (comments: 0)
While in southern Bavaria frost and snow at the end of April caused the fruit blossom to freeze, farmers in other regions in Germany were moaning about drought. And that's just the start – coming down the line is climate change and it's imperative that the food industry adjusts to what is on the way.To continue reading this article, please log in.
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After a $99 fire sale, the TouchPad is the most successful posthumous tablet. So much so that HP announced it will produce one last run of the devices to meet demand. There’s no ETA or guarantee on the same price and chances are retailers won’t want to eat the cost.
About Shelly Palmer
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with technology, media and marketing. Named LinkedIn’s “Top Voice in Technology,” he covers tech and business for Good Day New York, is a regular commentator on CNN and writes a popular daily business blog. He's a bestselling author, and the creator of the popular, free online course, Generative AI for Execs. Follow @shellypalmer or visit shellypalmer.com.


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Johannesburg, 23 October 2018– In the months leading up to their launch towards the end of September, NJIN Agency strategically targeted and partnered with South African brands complementary to its own thinking and philosophy.
Iconic South African rock band, The Parlotones, is one of the agency’s new signings.
“This year the Parlotones are celebrating two decades of doing things differently and making their own way in the South African music industry,” says NJIN Head of Agency, Brandon Faber. “We identify with that spirit and, of course – it’s damn cool to work with people that appreciate the value of production and the power of brand, while remaining in tune with the greatest asset of them all, the paying fan.”
Dragonflies and Astronauts
“We’ve been looking for a partner that shares our passions and desire for a little theatre in everything we do,” says Kahn Morbee, The Parlotones co-founder and lead-singer. “In NJIN Agency we found a group of people with just the right mix of skills, experience and crazy to help move our brand forward.”
The Parlotones Digital Takeover (as NJIN refers to it) includes a mix of traditional, new media and creative services – stretching through to exciting future campaigns featuring Augmented and Virtual Reality.
“It’s our hope and our goal to work with NJIN to create amazing experiences for our fans,” says Morbee. “It’s a great asset to have these guys


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Chinese Economy Boosts the Value of Racing Pigeons
China’s wealthy elite have become even richer lately as property prices have risen and the stock market has been faring well. Indeed, their wealth has increased by an estimated 13% in the last year alone. An elite group of pigeon fanciers amongst these wealthy businessmen are prepared to spend huge amounts of money to get their hands on the best birds and their enthusiasm is causing sale prices to sky rocket.
The World’s Most Expensive Pigeons
Property tycoon Xing Wei paid €400,000 ($490,000) for a Belgian pigeon called Nadine, in what is thought to be the largest deal in history. He followed up that investment by paying Rmb3m ($475,000) for a champion bird called Extreme Speed Goddess at a Beijing auction in December 2017.
Extreme Speed Goddess
Extreme Speed Goddess was bred by Chen Shiyi, the owner of a cosmetics company in Yiwu. His loft is located at his company’s headquarters and houses hundreds of carefully bred birds. He didn’t want to part with the prize bird but couldn’t refuse the high price offered. Extreme Speed Goddess won the coveted Iron Eagle Trophy last year and reached speeds above 80km per hour. She has thus far earned over Rmb10m in prize money.
Luxury Goods in China
After years of decline in the wake of the anti-corruption campaign launched by President Xi Jinping in 2012, sales of luxury goods in China grew 20 per cent in 2017. If you are wondering what corruption has to do with luxury items, the issue relates to the Chinese custom of offering gifts during business negotiations. For gifts read bribes! But hugely expensive luxuries are back on the wealthy elite’s shopping lists and that includes racing pigeons.
Pigeons and Koi
Industry insiders claim that the record sales prices for pigeons are due to the activities of just half a dozen enthusiasts. The wealthy are also splashing the cash on koi fish and have been prepared to pay up to $380,000 for a single specimen. Nobody knows how long this trend could continue.
The soaring prices for pigeons are being accompanied by bigger prizes for pigeon-racing competitions. China’s premier 500km event which is called the Iron Eagle race series is run by the Pioneer International club in Beijing and boasts a prize pot of Rmb450m.
The Pioneer International Club takes a 30 per cent commission on any sales at its annual auction and theses commissions act as membership fees. Su Quanlin, the president of the club has said, "People have money but have nothing else to do"!!! There isn’t much that you can add to that comment!
Enthusiasts gamble on the pigeon races in spite of the fact that gambling is illegal in mainland China so any winnings are not taxed. The Government are sure to be taking a closer look at gambling activities and the high price of pigeons are serving to attract attention to the races.


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If you\'re a frequent visitor to the Trans Sport Show and the Manila Auto Salon--both of which are organized by Tradeshow International--then you may have noticed the mild-mannered Japanese who serves as one of the regular judges of the car competitions.
His name is Minoru Goko, who, for the past 10 years, has been a constant presence at the country\'s major aftermarket auto shows. We had the opportunity to talk to him and find out 11 things about him and the Japanese automotive aftermarket industry.
1. Goko-san started out in the automotive industry very early. His father once owned and ran an automotive workshop which sparked his interest in the business. As an engineer, he has worked for various manufacturers and dealers, like Suzuki and Nissan where he worked on exhaust systems.
2. Goko-san is currently a professor at the Nihon Automobile College where they offer different automotive courses--including a two-year technician course, a three-year car-customization course, and a four-year automotive engineering course.
3. If you seriously want to enroll in his school, the annual tuition fee is reportedly around $15,000 (over P630,000). Despite the high price, the school currently has around 800 students. We figure part of the tuition goes to the racetrack that\'s adjacent to the college, on which the students can test their project cars.
4. Some of the crazy projects concocted by his students are a Lexus pickup truck out of a Lexus sedan and a Suzuki Cappuccino body on the frame of a Mitsubishi Pajero.
5. One of Goko-san\'s co-professors at the Nihon Automobile College is former drifter Manabu Orido. According to Goko-san, you\'ll know Orido-san is making his way to school because you\'ll hear him drifting around the corner.
6. According to Goko-san, 100% of the school\'s students are hired immediately after graduation by manufacturers like Toyota and tuner companies like Subaru Tecnica International.
7. Goko-san occasionally teaches at TESDA as well, specifically in teaching the agency\'s instructors the latest developments in automobile technology. Goko-san claims that he can easily restructure some of the courses taught in his school for local colleges like Mapua, where he taught briefly, and Don Bosco.
8. Goko-san\'s role as a judge at Tradeshow International\'s car shows came about when he was contacted by the Manila Sports Car Club for his hobby as a classic car collector. Since Tradeshow International\'s Sophie Delos Santos serves as MSCC\'s secretary, the collaboration was inevitable.
9. Wide-bodied cars and power upgrades will always be the top customization trends, said Goko-san. As for what\'s currently hot in Japan, it\'s supposedly using four different wheel styles and colors--but using the same specifications like the size and offset--for all four corners. Another current fad is exhibiting so-called \"battle scars\" like scratches on the cars, which probably means our local taxis could hold their own against the JDM cars.
10. Goko-san believes that, because of the popularity of the Toyota 86, other Japanese car manufacturers will soon come out with their own affordable, rear-wheel-drive sports coupes. He even hints that Nissan could resurrect the Silvia nameplate to do battle with the 86.
11. According to Goko-san, the Subaru Impreza is one of the most stolen cars in Japan today. Goko-san added that, despite its age, the first-generation model--particularly the WRX--is the one that is usually targeted by carjackers. We can only wonder if some of those stolen Imprezas found their way to Port Irene.
Photo by Patrick Everett Tadeo


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One of March’s most anticipated forex trading volumes reports is now in, with FXCM reporting a healthy 12% MoM rise in activity. Overall, March volumes came in at $225 billion at FXCM, versus $201 billion in February.
(We’d note however that on a daily-average-volume basis, FXCM customer trading activity was actually down 3% MoM in March, coming in at $9.8 billion ADV).
The results of course represent trading volumes outside the US. FXCM sold its US clients to the Forex.com unit of rival Gain Capital Holdings Inc (NYSE:GCAP) in February, after the company and now ex-CEO Drew Niv were banned from the US forex market.
While trading volumes at most retail and institutional eFX venues were also up nicely in March, there was much speculation in FX circles as to how FXCM would do – and whether the reputational damage the company suffered in the US (not to mention the departure of Mr. Niv and other members of senior management) would spill over to the company’s international operations.
So far though, it seems, FXCM is not seeing any significant dropoff in activity in Europe and Asia.
FXCM (the operating company which reports the figures) is owned 50.1% by Global Brokerage Inc (NASDAQ:GLBR), formerly known as FXCM Inc, and 49.9% by Leucadia National Corp (NYSE:LUK).
FXCM’s full report on Customer Trading Metrics reads as follows:
Customer trading volume of $225 billion in March 2017, 12% higher than February 2017 and 28% lower than March 2016.
Average customer trading volume per day of $9.8 billion in March 2017, 3% lower than February 2017 and 28% lower than March 2016.
Customer trading volume for the first quarter 2017 was $679 billion, 15% lower than the fourth quarter 2016, and 26% lower than the first quarter 2016.
Volume from indirect sources was 37% of total trading volume in the first quarter 2017.
An average of 387,815 client trades per day in March 2017, 5% lower than February 2017 and 23% lower than March 2016.
Active accounts of 130,832 as of March 31, 2017, an increase of 314, or 0.2%, from February 28, 2017, and a decrease of 1,794, or 1%, from March 31, 2016.
Tradeable accounts of 109,080 as of March 31, 2017, a decrease of 53, or relatively unchanged, from February 28, 2017, and a decrease of 3,628, or 3%, from March 31, 2016.


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H&T announces record lending and £4.3m acquisition of watch repair business
Pawnbroker H&T reveals record lending as cash-strapped Brits pawn valuables against loans
- H&T’s lien rose to £84.2m at the end of June from £48.3m a year earlier
- Lending volumes up 40% from pre-pandemic levels; Gold buying “lively”
- H&T buys Essex-based watch service and repair center Swiss Time Service
Britain’s largest pawnbroker has announced “record” lending as cash-strapped Britons pawned valuables such as gold jewelery in exchange for short-term loans.
H&T, which offers unsecured lending both in-store and online, said demand for mortgage loans continued to gain momentum in the first half of the year.
The lien, which includes thousands of short-term loans linked to customers’ property, stood at £84.2million at the end of June, down from £48.3million a year ago.
Positive: According to H&T, the demand for loans has increased steadily over the past year
The company, which specialized in personal loans and foreign exchange after the gold price plunge of 2012, said lending volumes are 40 percent higher than before the pandemic.
It unveiled the strong performance alongside the £4.3million acquisition of Swiss Time Services, a watch service and repair centre.
H&T, a longtime customer of Essex-based Swiss Time Service, expects to send in as many as 4,000 watches for service or repair this year.
H&T CEO Chris Gillespie said the deal was “an important strategic move” for the company.
“It allows us to bring watch expertise in-house and consequently improve margins and broaden the range of services we can offer our customers,” he added.
I look forward to working with Tony Coe and the amazing team at Swiss Time Services.
Swiss Time Services employs over 30 people and is an officially accredited service center for various prestige watch brands such as Omega and Cartier.
In a trade update ahead of full-year results, H&T also said its foreign exchange services revenue more than doubled in the first half as travel resumed, with transactions returning to near pre-Covid levels.
Meanwhile, retail sales have been “consistently strong” while gold buying has been “buoyant” thanks to a rising gold price “that has boosted both volumes and margins.”
Gillespie added: “I am pleased with the progress we have made in the first half of 2022 and the momentum with which we move into the second half.
‘I look forward to a full update on the market when we report on August 9th.’
H&T shares rose 3.6 percent to 333 pence in Monday morning trade. They have increased by around 22 percent in the past year.


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Home Tags Anna Gabriela Mogato
Tag: Anna Gabriela Mogato
THE effects of the rice tariffication law will be felt by the industry over the next three or four years, provided that the tariffs collected are properly channeled to rice farmers, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol said.
THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) expects to conclude its rehabilitation efforts soon on the resort island of Boracay, noting the decline in water contamination levels along the main tourist strip on the western shoreline.
THE DEPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources urged the Philippine National Police to dig deeper into illegal animal trade after a truck driver was caught transporting 21 frozen pangolins and 16 dead marine turtles in Puerto Princesa, the capital city of Palawan, last Saturday.
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it will review its spending priorities for 2019 after the Department of Budget and Management approved a P49.8-billion budget for the DA, significantly lower than the P60 billion approved for this year.
THE Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) said it will embark on a campaign to deal with small-scale mining, beginning with efforts to promote mining safety to the local government of Baguio.
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is studying a plan to count commercial rice inventory in the national buffer stock estimates.
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it will counter high fish prices in Tagbilaran, Bohol with its own fish market, with the intent of providing competition for business interests allegedly manipulating fish prices there.
THE damage caused by recent storms this month may show up as a “slight hiccup” in third quarter agricultural output, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.
COMPANIES need to heed a growing consumer preference for sustainable practices that help raise the incomes of the small businesses supplying them, an Erasmus University researcher said.
THE Department of Science and Technology (DoST) and the University of the Philippines (UP) are seeking to develop the mussel farming industry using geolocation technology.
SUGAR MILLERS said a suggested retail price scheme for their products is expected to be unworkable and may depress the price at which traders buy sugar from them.
ECOSYSTEM Technologies International, Inc., a local specialty contractor for water solutions, is eyeing to expand its portfolio from purely commercial partnerships to larger private-public partnership(PPP) deals with local government units (LGU).
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said they will propose adjustments to improve fishing yields, including permitting commercial boats to operate in municipal fishing waters.
THE Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) is asking the Department of Agriculture (DA) to include sugar in the list of agricultural products that will be subject to the department’s suggested retail price (SRP) system.
THREE oil mills managed by a government-controlled corporation may stop operations after a dozen of its officials resigned en-masse to oppose the appointment of a new president.
NICKEL miners said their confident outlook is based on the rise of electric vehicles, despite depressed global prices for the metal.
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said prices have begun to stabilize two weeks after it imposed suggested retail price (SRP) system on selected farm goods in Metro Manila wet markets.
THE POSSIBLE opening of Boracay Island ahead of the October schedule would depend on the stakeholders’ cooperation in the government’s rehabilitation efforts, according to Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu.
THE Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) is opposing the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) proposed rules that would require companies to include sugar content of beverages on labels.
THE Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (CoMP) said that the delay in formulating mining policy has caused the Philippines to miss out on potential investment.
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it is is studying a parnership with Papua New Guinea for the development of the rubber industry.
THE DEPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will be using the geographic information system (GIS)-based mapping and information system to settle land disputes amid the government’s efforts to rebuild war-torn Marawi City.
FLAG carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) introduced Sapporo as its sixth direct-flight destination to Japan.
LISTED ATN Holdings, Inc. on Wednesday said it will sell 3.5 million tons of rock resource assets to several companies involved in Manila Bay reclamation activities.
THE government is on track in its efforts to rehabilitate Boracay island, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said as it declared White Beach clean and the effort to improve water quality on the island “almost there.”
THE Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) said its members have been planting trees to rehabilitate sites near their mines in northeastern Mindanao and Palawan.
SWEDEN’s AarhusKarlshamn (AAK) said it plans to work with coconut farmers to guarantee quality and supply for its fats and oils facility in Batangas.
REGIONAL independent power producer Global Business Power Corp. (GBP) is shifting to provide sustainable energy solutions in a move to adapt to the current landscape in the sector.
SWEDISH company AarhusKarlshamn (AAK) is building a customization plant in Batangas, the first of its kind in the Philippines.
GLOBAL Ferronickel Holdings, Inc. (FNI) expects net income to be flat this year, despite seeing stronger demand for nickel ore from China.
PHILEX Mining Corp. is focusing on efforts to extend its Padcal gold-copper operation beyond 2022, while the firm considers the possibility of underground mining at its Silangan project.
THE National Food Authority (NFA) accepted applications from prospective importers to bring in 674,000 metric tons (MT) of rice under the Minimum Access Volume (MAV) regime, with the auction oversubscribed at 1.82 million MT worth of bids received.


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Hyundai wants to sell a crazy autonomous pleasure car
The Tiger X-1 compact walking electric car is designed for autonomous operation in extreme conditions, including on the moon.
Remember the crazy concept of the Hyundai Elevate pleasure car from CES 2019? The Korean automaker is back with a walking car remix: the Transforming Intelligent Ground Excursion Robot Experiment, or Tiger X-1 for short. No, this was not an isolated case, Hyundai is seriously developing this type of car with legs for possible production.
Hyundai expects robotics to play a huge role in the mobility of the future, believing that most of its future revenues will come from robotics such as wearable exoskeletons, drones and walking cars. In December, the automaker invested money in its business, buying a controlling stake in Boston Dynamics for $ 1.1 billion – the company best known for its walking and dancing robots.
Tiger, like the previous Elevate concept, predates the Boston Dynamics acquisition and was developed by Hyundai Motor Group New Horizons Studio, headquartered in Mountain View, California, in partnership with software company Autodesk and industrial design consultants. Sundberg-Ferar.
A working concept, unveiled on Tuesday, could go from electric all-wheel drive to four-legged walking, allowing it to tackle bumps and otherwise difficult terrain. Each of its legs has six points of articulation between the wheel and the chassis, whose omnidirectional design can rotate and move with equal ease in either direction forward, backward or sideways. Including the wheel motors, a total of 28 motors and 28 position sensors are located between the four X-1 bearings.
On relatively smooth terrain, the legs fold in and the Tiger rolls like any other car, albeit with much more control at every corner than any conventional suspension car. However, when the road becomes rough or when the road is left behind at all, the legs can extend, lift and rotate over obstacles, allowing the Tiger to overcome obstacles (or perform an odd rolling combination) while maintaining an even body which could be important for the X-1 payload …
Vehicles like the Tiger and the technology behind them give us the opportunity to develop our imaginations,” said Dr. John Sukh, head of studio New Horizons. We’re constantly looking for ways to rethink the design and development of vehicles and redefine the future of transportation and mobility.
Hyundai Tiger X-1 walking car rushes to the moon
While the Elevate was designed to be the size of a palisade to accommodate the passenger compartment, the Tiger X-1 is a smaller modular autonomous platform that can handle a wide variety of tasks such as unmanned scientific research in extreme conditions, payload delivery. for remote and hard-to-reach locations; or for various emergency services such as delivering medicines or equipment to a disaster site. Hyundai even imagines X-1 missions extend to aliens, visualizing Tiger exploring the moon or other planets during its debut video.
The entire prototype is about the size of a carry-on suitcase – approximately 31 inches long and 16 inches wide when folded. The small size means the 26-pound Tiger X-1 can potentially be deployed, reloaded and then taken out of its mission using an autonomous quadcopter, although this piece of the puzzle is arguably the most conceptual part of Hyundai’s vision.
The chassis, leg segments, and even the X-1’s wheels and non-pneumatic tires are created by additive manufacturing or 3D printing for us laymen – thanks to Autodesk’s generative design expertise to create lightweight and durable components. (Other examples of generative design in other industries include Porsche 3D-printed pistons and Bugatti-printed titanium brake calipers.)


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Internet users will be able to compare the different price options depending on their insurance. (Photo: 123RF)
The American e-commerce giant Amazon (AMZN) announced on Tuesday the launch of new pharmacy services in the United States, including the creation of a dedicated page allowing online ordering of drugs prescribed by health professionals.
The goal, says the group in a statement, is to allow Internet users to obtain drugs “as easily as any other purchase on the site of Amazon” and to avoid them queuing in pharmacies.
Amazon had already gained a foothold in the distribution of pharmaceutical products by acquiring in 2018 the specialized site PillPack, which notably delivers products for patients with chronic diseases.
The company now offers a new page on its site dedicated to pharmacy, allowing Internet users to fill a prescription from their computer or phone.
They can save their health insurance information on a secure profile and have their doctor send prescriptions directly to Amazon Pharmacy.
Internet users will be able to compare the different price options depending on their insurance. They will also be able to see the various brands of existing generics and the various possible dosages.
Amazon specifies that it will not deliver certain drugs, such as those based on opiates.
For subscribers to its Prime service, Amazon will offer free two-day delivery of drugs as well as discounts when they pay for certain drugs without insurance.
“As more people look to do their daily grocery shopping from their homes, the pharmacy is an important and necessary addition to the Amazon online store,” said Doug Herrington, North America Customer Service Manager .
The shares of drugstore chains fell sharply in electronic trading before the stock market opened: Rite Aid plunged 11.7%, CVS 7.1%, Walgreens 9%. Amazon took 2%.


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Rafael Dulon has been involved in nearly all aspects of the hemp value chain since 1997, after Germany resumed legalization of hemp as an agricultural crop the year before.
Now Dulon’s firm, Berlin-based Hanf Farm GmbH, which he serves as CEO, has extended its industry footprint with the rollout of an industrial-grade harvesting system, the Multi-Combine HC 3400 — a major technological step forward that can help hemp farmers realize the full promise of the plant on a massive scale.
Solution for mid- and big-scale farms
“Harvesting hemp on a large scale has always been complicated,” Dulon said. “We believe our harvester is a major advancement addressing this issue — which has been an ongoing challenge for the industry.”
To give birth to the MC HC 3400, Hanf Farm started working with a range of contractors and suppliers in 2014 to develop a prototype. By August 2015 the company completed its initial working model which was employed during harvests last year and in 2016.
Dulon has spent a lot of time on the road since, introducing the machine in what Hanf Farm sees as promising markets — as the the demand for hemp raw materials shifts to focus on effective collection of the plant’s flowers and leaves — a process that was only possible by hand in the past. The new MC HC 3400 system allows for the lopping off of the plant tops several times during the yearly vegetation.
In his talks with farmers thus far, Dulon has also heard from smaller growers about their equipment needs in the field. In that light Hanf Farm has already started work on a Multi-Combine Light Version — a smaller harvesting system that can be hooked up to existing tractors.
20-year hemp odyssey
For Dulon, the harvester project is just the next logical step in his 20-year hemp odyssey.
As soon as Germany freed up hemp again at the end of last century, Dulon began cultivating seeds in Saxony-Anhalt and Brandenburg, processing them into organic, high quality edible oils. Down through the years Hanf Farm has expanded operations — first by working closely with local farmers to expand its growing area; the company’s reach now extends to fields in eastern Germany and some Central European countries.
Along the way, the company also has expanded its product offerings, moving beyond edible oils into a wide range of teas, flour, protein powders, biscuits and hemp-seed chocolate bars, and raw materials for CBD production ground leaves, pellets and CBD-powder. Hanf Farm has extensive distribution around Europe and in several non-European countries, Dulon said.
Focus on the environment
The fields from which Hanf Farm gets raw plant material are primarily in ecologically managed areas that produce organically grown crops — an environmentally friendly process that Hanf Farm takes seriously: The company was the first European hemp processor to receive certification for hemp seeds, leaves and flowers under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC-PLUS) regime, which it was granted in January 2016. The designation guarantees that the biomass is not produced on land with high biodiversity and high carbon storage.
“Our goal is the production of innovative and sustainable products with respect for ecological, social and economic aspects of agriculture and food production,” says Dulon. “It was a logical step forward to have our products certified, as we are totally dedicated to agricultural good practices that demonstrate our commitment to the environment and to humanity in general.”
Hanf Farm GmbH
Chief Executive Officer: Rafael Dulon
Profile: Vertically integrated industrial hemp grower; developer of hemp harvesting and processing technology; producer of a wide range of hemp food and other derivatives


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At the Paris motor show this year, Toyota will demonstrate how it is reinforcing its foundations and preparing for future growth.
News & Events
Toyota in World 12-Oct-2018
Toyota Malawi under its arm of Corporate Social Responsibility which focuses on health among other areas, has committed itself to support the operations of Global AIDS Interfaith Alliance (GAIA) in the country by offering special discount on Parts and Service as well as refurbishing some operational vehicles at no cost.
Toyota Malawi in collaboration with Toyota South Africa Motors donated top-of-the-range Toyota Hilux 2.4 Double Cabin global diesel engine pick-up worth K30 million to Lilongwe Technical College.


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The latest interim management statement from the company covers the 17 weeks of trading to 31 October.
And it shows advertising revenues at Trinity Mirror’s regional titles was up 21.4pc because of the purchase of the titles, which includes the Manchester Evening News and titles in the South East.
The statement also says the acquisition of the remaining 50pc of the Fish4 websites in October would boost digital recruitment advertising revenues by around £3m in the first year of full ownership.
The Guardian Media Group announced in February it was selling its regional arm to Trinity Mirror and the statement says the titles have now been fully integrated.
Figures in the statement show on an adjusted basis, which excludes GMG Regional Media, advertising revenues for the regional division fell by 6.7pc, an improvement from the 8pc decline for the first half of the year.
It says regional digital revenues have grown by 6.4pc but on an adjusted basis have fallen 3.3pc for the period.
For the group as a whole, total revenue was up 4pc but on an adjusted basis was down 5.4pc for the period and advertising revenue was up 13pc but down 4.6pc when adjusted.
The group says on-going management initiatives continue to drive efficiencies and it expects to deliver overall cost savings of £25m.
The statement says: “The board envisages that the trading environment will remain challenging over the remainder of the year and into 2011, however, it anticipates that the rate of decline in revenues will improve.”


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The anti-inflammatory diet can help you achieve optimal health while also helping you fight disease. Top dietitians share which foods to eat more of and which to skip on this plan.
The rules of an anti-inflammatory diet
What exactly is an anti-inflammatory diet? “It involves choosing whole, mostly plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grains, olive oil, and fatty fish,” says Samantha Cassetty, MS, RD, a nutritionist in New York City. She adds that it’s just as important to cut back on certain foods. Those eats include refined grains like white bread, sugary drinks and snacks, and processed meats.
“Research suggests that inflammation can be triggered by chronic stress, which can lead to heart disease, cancer, diabetes, depression, and Alzheimer’s,” says Maria Kinirons, RD, a dietitian in Dix Hills, New York. “Also, obesity has been linked as both a cause and the result of inflammation.” Keep in mind that the anti-inflammatory diet is a lifestyle, not a short-term solution. Learn the difference between bad and good stress.
Eat wild salmon
Along with other fatty fish, wild salmon boasts omega-3 fatty acids. “While you can get omega-3s from walnuts, flax, and other foods, the form in fish is much more bioavailable,” says Cassetty. What’s more, the omega-3s in fish have been found to lower inflammation and help protect your heart and brain. “Americans tend to under-consume omega-3s and overconsume omega-6s, found largely in certain vegetable oils,” says Cassetty. “The problem with this is that omega-6s are pro-inflammatory, so it’s really important to eat foods with omega-3s to shift this balance.”
Limit white rice
“Compared to whole-grain rice, this takeout favorite causes blood sugar to spike more quickly,” says Therese Bonanni, MS, RDN, a nutritionist at Navesink Wellness Center in Rumson, New Jersey. “This can activate pro-inflammatory compounds known as cytokines.” So opt for brown or wild rice in your anti-inflammatory diet when you can. “Limiting refined grains helps decrease the inflammatory process by reducing the body’s insulin response, fanning the flames that may contribute to external reactions like eczema or psoriasis,” Bonanni adds. Keep an eye out for these foods that are bad news for your digestive system.


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Landscaping Design Trends of 2022
Landscaping is hot, as homeowners crave comfortable outdoor retreats for entertaining and stress relief. Here are seven landscape trends to watch.
Landscaping Trend: Supporting Wildlife and Native Plants
Homeowners are paying more attention to landscaping for wildlife, which includes birds as well as bees, butterflies and small critters. In 2020, 67.2 million households purchased at least one plant because it benefitted pollinators or birds, according to the Garden Trends Report.
Native plants are continuing to catch on as homeowners realize they’re beneficial to wildlife and more resilient to erratic weather. In support of this, the National Wildlife Federation launched a Garden for Wildlife collection of native plants intended to attract beneficial insects that feed most bird species.
Landscaping Trend: Growing Food
Another offshoot of the pandemic: The increased desire among homeowners to grow more of their own food. Vegetable gardens are becoming a more common site in the landscape.
While edibles are sometimes combined with ornamentals in front-yard gardens, more often than not they’re self-contained in raised beds in the backyard. With raised beds, homeowners avoid dealing with deficient or poor-draining soil in their yard.
Landscaping Trend: Bringing the Indoors Out
The longer people remain home, the more they want to spruce up their house and landscape, says the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) in its Landscape and Industry Trends for 2022.
“I think there’s a new realization of how people interact,” Miles Kuperus, Jr., LIC, owner of Farmside Landscape & Design in Sussex, New Jersey, tells the NALP. “They want to be home and minimize their exposure and enjoy the people they have on their property.”
Outdoor kitchens, pavilions, pergolas, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are all expected to remain popular as homeowners seek a seamless transition from the home to the yard. Some of these outdoor living spaces can be extravagant, with popular features like outdoor televisions, refrigerators and full kitchens.
Landscaping Trend: Accessorizing to Extend the Season
People are finding ways to extend the outdoor season to take greater advantage of these more elaborate spaces. “The longer through the year a customer can use their outdoor space, the better,” Tony Nasrallah, president and founder of Ground Works Land Design in Cleveland, Ohio, tells the NALP.
To accomplish that, Nasrallah noted more widespread use of space heaters and motorized shades to shelter the tops and sides of garden pavilions in outdoor seating areas. Landscape designs are increasingly incorporating accessories like these to make homeowners more comfortable deeper into fall and winter.


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Deputy CEO Asko Känsälä to retire from Elisa
ELISA STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 5 OCTOBER 2020 AT 12:15 PM
Elisa's Deputy CEO, Mr Asko Känsälä will retire as planned 21 November 2020. Känsälä joined the company and the Corporate Executive Board in 2003.
Asko Känsälä’s responsibilities will be transferred to other members of the Executive Board, and no successor will be appointed.
"I would like to express our highest appreciation to Asko for his far-reaching contribution to Elisa’s development in several roles over the past 17 years. Asko has been instrumental in making Elisa a unique communications service provider with an international digital services offering. Under Asko’s leadership, our consumer business revenue and profitability has grown significantly more than the industry benchmark with sustainable and continuously improving operations. I am especially grateful to Asko for having continuously developed and coached the next generation of leaders at Elisa", says Elisa's CEO Veli-Matti Mattila.
+358 50 520 5555


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AMD has officially confirmed its commitment to developing hybrid CPUs and advancing core counts in its next-generation designs. In a recent interview with Tomshardware, Mark Papermaster, AMD’s CTO, provided insights into the company’s future plans, which encompass hybrid chip designs, increased core counts, and the integration of AI in chip design and manufacturing processes.
Papermaster acknowledged that the industry is reaching a point where a single chip cannot cater to all needs, particularly in the server segment. Therefore, AMD is focused on delivering a diverse range of solutions within its Zen 4 EPYC lineup.
This includes various variants like Zen 4 Genoa, 3D V-Cache Genoa-X, Bergamo in Zen 4C flavors, and Siena for power-optimized platforms. Furthermore, rumors suggest that the upcoming Zen 5 and Zen 5C lineups will offer an even broader range of EPYC products.
In addition to variations in core densities, AMD aims to incorporate different types of cores in its future chip designs.
This approach aligns with the strategies employed by Intel and Apple, where high-performance cores are combined with power-efficient cores optimized for maximum efficiency. By adopting a hybrid approach, AMD will be able to stack multiple 3D layers, integrating cache or specialized accelerators tailored to specific workloads.
While AMD emphasizes the continuous advancement of higher core counts, it also recognizes that different customers have varying requirements. While some may prioritize increased core counts, others may seek additional acceleration capabilities. Papermaster confirmed that the current Ryzen 7040 CPUs offer a glimpse into the hybrid technology, assuring that more such products will be introduced in the future.
Regarding the utilization of AI in chip design and development, Papermaster stated that AMD already employs software assistance in its design processes. While AI does not replace the essential engineering work performed by humans, it plays a significant role in enhancing chip designs.
This approach aligns with NVIDIA’s efforts, as they have also leveraged AI to develop their next-generation chips and implement advanced techniques to streamline production. AMD has identified AI as its primary strategic focus and expects it to play a crucial role in its future endeavors, particularly with the upcoming hybrid designs.
- Apple 3nm Silicon: Here’s everything to know about the upcoming revolutionay SoC
- Mass layoffs: Lets see which jobs have been the most affected


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Caribou Coffee’s prototype “Caribou Cabin” store in Jordan opened bright and early Tuesday morning. The store, designed with only drive-thru and walk-up service in mind, is the first of its kind.
Manager Andrew Jacobson said his staff was very busy Tuesday morning with the soft opening, spending most of their time preparing drinks for drive-thru customers. The Jordan location is double the size of the four other Caribou Cabins set to open later this year and it’s the only cabin to feature a small lobby where guests can order inside.
The Jordan store is also the only Caribou in the state currently serving the company’s new line of “Caribou Bou-sted” beverages that’s made up of caffeine-infused sparkling waters, crafted sodas and juices. Jacobson said these drinks will only be available at Caribou Cabins for the time being.
To celebrate their grand opening on Friday, Caribou will offer $1 off any large beverage at the Jordan location, 225 Triangle Lane. One dollar from every visit on Saturday and Sunday will go back to the Jordan Pride Booster Club which supports, encourages and advances youth activities in the Jordan School District.
The Caribou Cabin concept is the vision of President and CEO John Butcher. Caribou Coffee will look to add locations over the next 24 months, exploring additional store formats in urban and suburban areas. The strategy was developed to meet customers’ increasing demand for convenience and speed.
“Caribou Coffee will continue to lean into the Northern roots that made our brand what it is today,” Butcher said in a Caribou press release. “We are confident that our new Cabin concept will differentiate us even more by delivering customers the highest quality coffee, expanded beverage innovation and ownable guest interaction that only Caribou can deliver.”
Other Caribou Cabins opening in Minnesota in 2019 are located in Burnsville, St. Peter, Big Lake and Willmar.


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This is a Bitcoms opinion editor, a Bitcoiner, and Bitcoin Magazine contributor.
Just days after the old-fashioned spectacle of the Queen’s funeral—a eerie echo of Britain’s long-lost imperial power—the pound fell into a All-time low dollar. A few years before Elizabeth II’s coronation, a pound was worth More than 4 dollars. As soon as she was buried, a quid barely bought a bucket.
Add strongest increase in gilding yield in living memory and Double-digit inflation – higher any other developed country – and Britain’s current financial condition looks worse than the 2008 crisis. Back then, the Prime Minister could have on the brinkbut at least he can still get himself a beer for under £1.
Ready Over £4 On average across the UK, the price of that pint looks set to rise further: with the Bank of England already back to loosen up, inflation could also get worse before it gets better. For us Brits, even drowning our sorrows is becoming more irrelevant than ever.
Around the world, as a local currency continues to lose a lot of value, people are turning to Bitcoin. Citizens devastated by normal inflation from Istanbul arrive Buenos Aires More and more use it to conserve purchasing power and trade with each other. Is something similar about to happen in the G7 economy?
On the face of it, this is not happening in the UK from misleading reports about use destructive energy arrive lack of intrinsic value arrive combination with crypto casino, most Britons happily drink the Kool-Aid of mainstream media. As a result, Brits often distrust Bitcoin not just as an asset but especially as money. How can it be money if it’s not legal tender? What is the use of money that no one accepts? ” And such.
Not surprisingly, then, very few merchants around the country display Orange B. In my city of nearly three million inhabitants, I only know about A lone bar Where you can buy beer with Bitcoin. So much for finding solace with your Satoshis – The UK is a long way from the mass adoption of bitcoin as a medium of exchange.
British Bitcoin Island
But there’s a little bit of Britain that offers broader trends: Isle of Man, Home of the Manx, where a significant number of businesses already accept payments in the SAT. But how much? And why? The day after the queen’s funeral, I went there with my old friend @bitcoinshire To find out, and to see if we can survive for a few days with nothing but Bitcoin.
The island’s first hotel to accept Satoshis is comfortable Ellan Vannin, where they served first class Kippers Manx for breakfast and where we were the first paying guests of Bitcoin. They just started accepting Bitcoin, noticing more and more orange stickers appearing in local store windows. Their motivation seems to be twofold: belief in Bitcoin as the future, as does the possibility of extra business from Bitcoiner travelers like us.
Like @bitcoinshire forgot to bring a toothbrush, we walked up the hill to KARSONS. As far as we were able to gather from one of the friendly pharmacists, the owner’s interest in Bitcoin is why they started accepting it a few weeks ago. Eagerly helpful, she also suggested we spend a few extra Sats on flu flu. We politely decline.
Back into town, we grab some food at Street kitchen, a lunchtime diner with a good selection of Asian dishes. Being British, we washed it down with a cup of tea at Foam, a nearby cafe. Having accepted Bitcoin for a few months, Suth now sees a small but steady stream of customers for most of the week.
So far so good: using only bitcoin, we secured a good shelter, were well fed and watered, and even kept ourselves clean. Now is the time to turn our attention to higher things.
Moving up Maslow’s hierarchy
Once they have sorted out the basic necessities of life, what we traditionally want next is a car. So we walk out to Rex Motors, after a few months Bitcoin looks really well embedded – they even have a dual price On their website. They told us they pretty much sold engines to locals who chose Rex just because they accepted Bitcoin. We particularly liked the look of the prestigious British Marques, but unfortunately, a Jaguar or Bentley exceeded our planned budget for the trip.
Plucking after walking back, we fixed for Thirsty pigeon, a traditional British boozer where intimate barmaids pull perfect pints of the finest bitterness. Traditional except for the fact they use bitcoin, of course. Just a few yards away, Monkey bottle There is a more progressive selection of beers for consumption on and off the premises. Their reason for accepting Bitcoin is still unknown as Chief Monkey, was not present, but the Genial squirrel monkey was on hand to sell us some great New England IPAs and Stouts for Satoshis.
At nap time, we not only received a warm welcome from the joint pizza and pasta co-owner Monapoli -We had a wide-ranging discussion about Bitcoin and the future of money. They’re keeping the Bitcoin they use instead of converting to pounds, as well as the next day’s breakfast smoothie place Freshly squeezed, where they have been accepting the SAT for six months and a fair few bitcoiners come in most days. This hodling approach is a smart strategy—a passive, fee-saving and hassle-free cousin of dollar cost averaging for businesses.
Everywhere we went and whatever payment solution we used, Lightning Network was always rock solid. Each transaction works the first time without a hitch, and is almost instantaneous, at least as quick and user-friendly as the usual tap-and-pay traditional financial methods we use. tend to use when paying with Fiat.
Why is the man hugging bitcoin?
After lunch take away from Time out, obviously being a Bitcoin-only tourist on this British island is a piece of cake. Few are surprised: With dozens of merchants already accepting SAT and a population of just 86,000, the island can be much more hospitable to Bitcoin than the mainland. But why this?
Some Britons argue that the “island” tax regime, which is more generous in most of the UK, makes accepting bitcoin easier or more attractive. But this doesn’t really stand up to review like they do on the British mainland. Others think it should be a local government program, but it’s not: while the Manx administration is generally positive towards technology and innovation, and may also see Bitcoin as part of that, no Any specific ideas? Others argue that it has something to do with local Laxer banking rules, which must be easier on Bitcoin businesses. But this doesn’t hold water either: While most of the merchants we spoke to use local bitcoin exchanges Coincident And its innovative pay and radio lightning card, which does not appear to be materially different from land-based merchants using similar coinciding services.
Based on our conversations, the biggest driver for Bitcoin adoption is the open entrepreneurship of Manx merchants and their willingness to shape their own financial future. A decent concentration of local bitcoiners can help. In addition, the enthusiasm and hard work of the coincident team in educating and onboarding the local merchants clearly played an important role. But the result is now a grassroots, bottom-up, Bitcoin community that started from nothing. As such, what Manx is building here looks real and durable. Sure, it’s early days, and there are some gaps – an orange B in a grocery store window or next to a bus would be a welcome addition. But the fact remains Bitcoin is now firmly established as a medium of exchange operating in a vibrant part of the world The world’s sixth largest economy.
What does this mean for the rest of Britain?
The Manx Bitcoin community may be small, but the island is already one of the top places in Europe to trade your Satoshis. And there are no legal or practical obstacles to a similar level of penetration on the British mainland. In fact, bitcoin businesses like Coincident and organizations like Bridge2bitcoin has been working towards that, putting in hard courts on the ground to build mainland merchant adoption. Just like on the Isle of Man, there is the same compelling case for traders across the UK – the possibility of additional Bitcoiner trading; The transaction fee is lower than that of the TradFI payment card; and final settlement immediately, not days or weeks later with most Tradfi providers.
But it’s not just merchants who benefit from Bitcoin adoption. With the value of sterling falling faster than ever in the last half-century, every Brit should consider the value of using hard money that inflation won’t steal.
When The portrait of the queen appeared for the first time on decimal banknotes in the early 1970s, an amount of beer costs 13 pence. Until January 2016, when Lightning Labs Established To grow Bitcoin’s instant payments network, one pint went up to £3.48, or about one percent of Bitcoin. Just six years of mostly so-called low inflation then, that pint was more expensive than Thursday in poundsbut fifty times cheaper in Satoshis.
There are no guarantees, but looking at Sterling’s past and present performance, the pound in your pocket looks bad. Over time, banking on Bitcoin is – at least to some extent – a much more promising proposition. For both UK merchants and their customers, the introduction of Bitcoin for day-to-day transactions will work wonders for such a transition.
The Island of Man gave the rest of Britain the path to such a financial future. Can the British mainlanders also move with the times, or will they be stuck in the monetary past?
This is a guest post by Bitcom. The opinions expressed are entirely their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of BTC Inc or Bitcoin Magazine.


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News and Events
OCS COLD WILL BE PRESENT AT CHILLVENTA 2022 HALL 5 STAND 202
1972-2022: OCS COLD CELEBRATE ITS 50 YEARS ACTIVITY
"A journey of a thousand miles always begins with the first step" and this year OCS COLD looks back at that first step taken 50 years ago by Giancarlo Maggiolo with pride and emotion. A journey full of successes and satisfactions during which the company has faced and overcome many challenges making the OCS COLD brand one of the most appreciated in the international refrigeration and air conditioning panorama. We thank our customers and suppliers for the journey we have made together so far.


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The introduction of BS VI models will make Mercedes-Benz the first car maker to comply with the upcoming emission norms.
In November last year, Mercedes-Benz promised to bring BS VI compliant models in 2018. At the time of the announcement, little did we know that the manufacturer will be so prompt in keeping the promise. Mercedes-Benz is now all set to launch the first BS VI compliant car in India.
This move from the Stuttgart-based car maker is in line with the government’s decision that BS VI fuel must be supplied in Delhi from 1st April onwards. But Mercedes-Benz is ready to kick of the BS VI era in India irrespective as the new S-Class 350d is capable of running on BS IV grade fuel while meeting BS VI emissions norms. Isn't that an impressive engineering feat! This change into the engine now gives it more power at 281bhp but a little less torque at 600Nm in comparison to the current BS IV model.
This move from the government comes in light of the pollution issues that plague the capital city. Moreover, in a bold move, India has decided to skip BS V altogether in favour of a cleaner fuel in India. Of course, this has demanded additional investment, not just from vehicle manufacturers but also form oil refineries. Thankfully, both sides have been supportive of the government’s decision. It is worth noting that PM levels of a BS VI compliant engine is 82 per cent lower than that of a BD IV compliant engine.
Mercedes-Benz has really gone full throttle in their bid to take over and stay as the leading luxury car maker in India. It started with the 15 in ’15 campaign which allowed them to steal the no.1 spot from Audi. Since then, with support from new launches and attractive service initiatives, the company has managed to stay at the top. The shift to BS VI before any other car maker in the country is another step in the right direction.
The price for the new Mercedes-Benz S350d will be announced at the time of the launch of the car.


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Will the volatile resale market remain strong?
July 14, 2022
The used vehicle market is moving away from pandemic-era volatility toward more normalized patterns of seasonality. The outlook for the second half of 2022 (and into 2023) is for prices to decline as higher interest rates and less government financial support should slow demand from the elevated levels of 2021.
How the pandemic shaped used-vehicle prices
The post-pandemic used vehicle market that arrived in late 2020 brought historic price volatility, which is now giving way to a more predictable resale market.
Fleet operations have been more challenging. The lure of a higher return at auction was muted by the difficulty of replacing the unit.
As a result, fleet leaders experienced:
Extended fleet lifecycles – higher odometer readings
Boosted maintenance costs; and
Impacted residual value recapture at auction
Initially, newer used vehicles in good condition with low mileage were in highest demand. However, since new-vehicle inventory has remained low, search parameters continue to expand. The impact on prices has been obvious – average overall auction prices in the U.S. are now about 30% higher than 2019. The trend in Canada is similar.
Persistently high used vehicle prices and excess demand have mostly been driven by original equipment manufacturer (OEM) production delays and the microchip shortage.
A return to seasonal selling patterns
A more predictable used vehicle market helps fleet leaders better plan vehicle replacement cycles.
Historically, remarketers could count on higher prices during the spring and summer months. The late fall and winter usually brought a lower return.
Used sales have begun tracking along the same seasonal (or annual depreciation) patterns that we experienced in 2019 and 2018, which were the last typical years for the used market.
Used vehicle prices have been riding a roller coasting since early 2020.
The pandemic shocked average values, which fell 13.4% to $12,477 in April 2020 from a month earlier. By August, values surged 36.3% ($17,015). Four months later, the average price had fallen 12.9%.
Price swings continued in 2021. By May, the average price was just under $20,000. Then in January the average price reached $22,116.
Digital sales continue to surge
The past two years have also seen an acceleration of digital sales that has kept prices strong by broadening demand. Auctions are relying more on online sales platforms that expand the buyer pool to a global audience.
One auction provider, KAR Auction Services, moved to 100% online in early 2021, three years ahead of schedule.
Element Fleet Management uses a multi-channel sales approach to vehicle remarketing that includes physical auction sales, digital sales, and virtual marketplaces so fleets can maximize their investment.
EV values at auction are still challenged
Compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, electric vehicles (EVs) still represent a small portion (0.47%) of auction sales. However, since 2018, sales of used EVs have been steadily climbing.
EVs continue to depreciate faster than their ICE counterparts, according to 2022 sales data of 2019 models. For the three-year period, ICE compact cars depreciated 15.8%, while EVs in the category fell 33.1% in value. Also, the average odometer reading for the EVs was more than 50% lower.
Capitalizing on the changing used-vehicle market
Here are three ways to improve your remarketing results.
- Keep vehicles well maintained to recapture more residual value at auction
With lifecycles extended, preventive maintenance remains your best line of defense. It is crucial to perform regular vehicle inspections, tire rotations and other service needs.
- Stay committed to a regular vehicle replacement routine
Regularly replacing aging vehicles keeps a lid on higher-ticket maintenance items. Use expert guidance for your fleet model year planning.
- Partner with Element for remarketing
Element provides a multi-channel remarketing approach that leverages various channels to help clients recover the highest residual value for their fleet vehicles.
Are you ready to take action?
If you’d like to improve your resale planning and results, Element can help with strategic consulting and recommendations. Get in touch with us to learn more.
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Written by Sneha Nahata at The Motley Fool Canada
Canadian tech stocks recovered a bit in 2023, with shares of several companies outperforming the broader market index by a wide margin. Despite the recent up-move in technology stocks, they continue to trade cheap on the valuation front, making them attractive investments near the current levels.
With this background, let’s look at two Canadian stocks from the technology space trading at a significant discount.
WELL Health (TSX:WELL) provides digital healthcare services, which is why investors sold its stock in 2022, anticipating a slowdown in demand amid easing COVID-related restrictions. However, that didn’t play out, and the company consistently delivered stellar organic revenue and turned profitable, leading to a sharp recovery in its share price. Further, its operations remain immune to the macro headwinds.
Thanks to its solid financial performance, WELL Health stock more than doubled on a year-to-date basis. Despite the recent rally, WELL Health trades at a significant discount. It trades at a next-12-month (NTM) enterprise value (EV)-to-sales multiple of 2.6 — much lower than the pre-COVID levels of 6.5 — making it a solid growth stock near the current levels.
The company’s management remains upbeat and expects the momentum in its business to sustain in 2023 across all business segments. It projects its top line to increase by 17-20% in 2023, reflecting higher in-person and virtual patient visits. Impressively, its high-margin virtual services business continues to expand, indicating strong profitability ahead. Moreover, the company’s focus on acquisitions will likely accelerate its growth rate and expand its market share.
Shares of the commerce-enabling platform provider Lightspeed (TSX:LSPD) are too cheap to ignore. After losing substantial value in 2022, Lightspeed stock is down about 12% year to date. Given the correction, Lightspeed stock looks incredibly cheap near the current price levels.
It is trading at a NTM EV-to-sales multiple of 1.3, which is near to all-time low. While its stock is trading at a massive discount, the company is steadily growing its business, focusing on driving efficiency and moving toward profitability, which could act as a strong catalyst.
Lightspeed is expected to benefit from the ongoing shift towards omnichannel platforms. As an increased number of retailers and restaurant operators start spending on modernizing their legacy payments platform and expanding to new locations, the demand for the company’s digital products will likely grow.
Focusing on enhancing the go-to-market approach, the company sells only two core products targeting retailers and restaurateurs. Through this approach, Lightspeed is streamlining its operations and moving towards achieving profitability.
Lightspeed also targets customers with high GTV (gross transaction value). Customers with higher GTV can use Lightspeed’s multiple modules, thus driving the average revenue per user and leading to a lower churn rate.
Besides organic growth, Lightspeed’s focus on accretive acquisitions bolsters its customer locations, grows its market share, and helps expand its products. Overall, Lightspeed stock is trading extremely cheap, while it has multiple growth catalysts to drive its shares higher in the long term.
The post These Canadian Technology Stocks Are Trading at a Discount appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.
Before you consider Lightspeed, you’ll want to hear this.
Our market-beating analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy in April 2023… and Lightspeed wasn’t on the list.
The online investing service they’ve run for nearly a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor Canada, is beating the TSX by 21 percentage points. And right now, they think there are 5 stocks that are better buys.
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