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It’s a day of great loss for the Indian fashion industry as the news of the death of Satya Paul, the man who reinvented saris, came today. He passed away in Coimbatore at the Isha Yoga Centre on Wednesday (January 6).
His son Puneet Nanda announced the fashion designer’s death on Facebook on Thursday. Puneet also revealed that Satya Paul had a stroke on December 2, 2020, and he was slowly recovering in a hospital. Puneet wrote, “His only wish was to get all the things — he was being monitored and poked with — removed so he could fly away. We finally got clearance from doctors to take him back to Isha Yoga Centre, his home since 2015.” A while later, even Sadhguru tweeted about the demise.
A pioneer in the fashion industry, Satya Paul was born in Leigha, a city in Pakistan, and came to India during the Partition. His creations are defined by a vivid colour palette, evocative designs and signature prints. Among India’s premiere brands, Satya Paul founded his namesake label on April 1, 1985. But even much before that, he entered the field of retail as he exported Indian handloom products to Europe and the US. This is when he got associated with weavers from different Indian villages. While we may know him for his ingenious design sensibility, catering to the classes, he was a great supporter of craftsmen.
Saris were his canvas and he splashed colours on them to his heart’s desire, played with unusual motifs, bringing out something exclusive each time. This experimentation with the traditional attire, giving it a modern twist, lured fashionistas to own a piece of Satya Paul, a style statement! And his creativity wasn’t restricted to saris — in his collection were scarfs, stoles, shawls, bags, wallets, ties, socks, cufflinks and much more. His art is a mirror to his deep soul, a soul that was on its own quest. In his heartfelt post, Puneet shared about Satya Paul’s spiritual journey. He said Paul had been ‘steadfastly a seeker’.


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ScreenSteps, an app for creating screen-based documentation and a TUAW favorite, has just released a pretty big update and a brand-new social document service called ScreenSteps.me. The desktop update includes, among other improvements, a totally-rewritten screen capture tool that makes the ...
We've seen some cool tricks done with CSS3 in recent months. From iOS icons made in pure CSS to the OS X Dock animation that Sam mentioned this week, people are embracing the possibilities. It is, however, only a certain breed of developer that has the mindset and the patience to build these kinds ...
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“We were about four and a half hours away from home when we start to hear some really weird noises,” says the narrator in a trending TikTok video, which recounts a heart-pounding ordeal faced by a couple driving a Hyundai.
The video from TikTok user @technicallyweb3 has garnered more than 101,000 views and exposes an issue the driver believes is all too common among Hyundai vehicles.
His girlfriend bought their Hyundai brand new in 2014. “She got the maintenance package. She’s been into the dealership anytime there’s an issue. Dealership oil change, dealership brakes,” he explains. But on this ill-fated trip, roughly 450 km from their destination, the vehicle’s power abruptly dropped, preventing acceleration. The couple pulled over to the distressing sound of a “hard, hard knock” emanating from the engine.
@technicallyweb3 We’re #stranded up north, our #Huyndai blew up close to our destination. #EngineFailure #HuyndaisAntSafe #Recall #TransportationCanada #EngineKnock #DoBetter ♬ original sound – Technically Web3
Recall concerns and legal actions
The car’s failure occurred just 11,000 km past the warranty limit. While investigating, the driver stumbled upon a recall associated with Hyundai engines. “I come to find out that the issues we experienced were exactly in line with what people were saying for the recall,” he reveals. A class action lawsuit against Hyundai for engine reliability issues further supported his suspicions. When contacted, Hyundai informed the couple that engine warranties had been extended indefinitely due to the case.
Despite such a concession, the couple was left stranded, facing over $2,000 in towing expenses to return their vehicle to a dealership for inspection. They lamented the lack of communication from Hyundai about these known issues. “How is it that we were the owners of these vehicles and had no idea?” the user asks, imploring Hyundai to “do better.”
Hyundai’s troubled track record
According to Forbes, Hyundai’s recall issues extend beyond this TikTok user’s grievances. According to Forbes, Hyundai and its affiliate Kia, both under Hyundai Motor Group, have recently been grappling with a series of recalls. Over 3.3 million vehicles were recalled due to fluid leaks that might cause engine fires, urging owners to park their vehicles outside and away from buildings. Other recalls were related to faulty anti-lock brake systems and concerns about oil pumps overheating.
The duo’s woes haven’t started or ended there in Canada, or even with expensive physical parts like engines. The city of Chicago and 16 others are suing both Kia and Hyundai. The lawsuit alleges a lack of specific security technology in their vehicles, leading to a car theft crisis. A method popularized on TikTok is purportedly being used to exploit these vulnerabilities. Responding to these allegations, the automakers defended themselves by attributing the rise in thefts to city policing policies and other social factors rather than flaws in their car models.
A call for accountability
The TikTok user’s harrowing tale, combined with the recent recalls and legal troubles, puts Hyundai and Kia under scrutiny. Fortunately for this TikToker, due to the class action suit, their Hyundai’s warranty on their engine was extended through the lifetime of the vehicle. Customers continue to urge for better communication, transparency, and, most importantly, safer and more reliable vehicles. The plea is clear: Automakers should prioritize their customers’ safety and well-being above all else.


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PRESS RELEASE. StreamCoin announced that more than 5,000 users have registered for its STRMNFT marketplace. The Web 3.0 live streaming company says it accomplished this feat in less than a month after opening user registration on May 31, 2022. StreamCoin users have been supporting its vision since January 2022, though the company also noticed significant registration traffic from new crypto users.
StreamCoin team also encouraged already-registered users to start minting their image and video NFTs on STRMNFT while it is free until July 2022. After July, minting an NFT on this platform will incur a cost. In addition to minting, the company is also promoting its energy-efficient blockchain, which offers up to 300,000 transactions per second (TPS).
CEO of StreamCoin Michael Ein Chaybeh explained that StreamCoin’s native blockchain ‘Stream Chain’ had to be ‘responsible’ and ‘eco-friendly’ given the environmental risks.
“As we observe how the planet is being consumed every day by operating high-capacity servers, power-consuming blockchain networks, and other high carbon-emission platforms, we came up with a new, responsible, eco-friendly solution that doesn’t compromise the speed and efficiency, and at the same time, contributes to a better future for our planet.”
NFTs minted on the STRMNFT marketplace will be under StreamCoin’s NSTA_602 token standard, which is distinct from Ethereum Virtual Machine-compatible varieties today.
The StreamCoin team installed features to bridge the gap between crypto enthusiasts and Web 2.0 users “who have never used blockchain or crypto before” as a recognition of the gulf between crypto users and those who have not held a single digital token before.
Furthermore, Michael announced during an online chat with Huobi that they will run an initiative called “Love STRMNFT,” in which registered users can publicly express their appreciation for the platform and compete for a $10,000 prize pool.In addition to this, TNC Group, one of StreamCoin’s leading blockchain partners, has released an exclusive Lady Ape Club (LAC) NFT collection in support of the newly released STRMNFT marketplace. A total of 10,000 unique Lady Apes are to be sold at a discounted price to those who invested in the STRM public sale and participated in the STRM staking portal.
Because of the growing space, Michael remarked that “as per our approach towards developing an ecosystem from user to tech, we designed STRMNFT to be an easy-to-use marketplace and an open space for all types of users.”
To register at the STRMNFT website, visit: https://strmnft.com/
To join the Love STRMNFT event, visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeJIDQiO1m6NvDtS7xIoL3h3BGwbPEKwHWgxt27gLLsqKS7qQ/
This is a press release. Readers should do their own due diligence before taking any actions related to the promoted company or any of its affiliates or services. Bitcoin.com is not responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in the press release.
Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons


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Hackers are now avid to add IoT devices to their botnets, in order to do that they are increasingly adding vulnerability exploitation to their cyber attack arsenal.
Gone are the days when they were just relying on a list of common or default passwords or brute-forcing attacks. Nowadays everything counts, because IoT devices are rarely updated and manufacturers take a lot of time to push out fixes for known flaws, hackers are relying on those old exploits to enslave as many devices as they can.
Currently exploitable vulnerabilities:
• CVE-2014-8361, an RCE that affects the miniigd SOAP service in Realtek SDK, publicly disclosed in April of 2015
• CVE-2015-2051, an RCE affecting D-Link DIR-645 Wired/Wireless Router Rev. Ax with firmware 1.04b12 and earlier
• CVE-2017-17215, a vulnerability in Huawei’s HG532e home gateway disclosed and patched in December 2017.
• CVE-2018-10561, an authentication bypass flaw affecting Dasan GPON home routers.
The vulnerabilities are being exploited by various attackers to deliver several Mirai variants like Satori, or JenX
Remember everything can be hacked. In order to stay away from any threats related to the cyber world, we recommend the install of antivirus for Windows or antivirus for Mac on every device that you own, depending on which OS your device is running. If you are a company, it is also recommended to hire every year a specialized cybersecurity company that will run annual tests on your company’s network. These tests include penetration testing and ethical hacking tests;
Based on the data collected from the cyberattacks, researchers discovered that it takes less than one day before a new set up IoT device is hit with vulnerability exploitation attempts, and less than 5 minutes before login attempts using default IoT credentials are directed at it.
Also noticed was the fact that there is a quick turnaround time from when a vulnerability is made public to when botnet authors integrate them into their botnet.
On the cyberspace there is a mixture of new and older IoT related vulnerabilities that are coming în a constant stream, researchers say.
This thing happens to two main reasons:
First, IoT devices can sit on a shelf for weeks on end before being purchased. If a security update is released for the device, it won’t be applied to these devices until the software is updated. Thus, leaving the device vulnerable out of the box.
Second, IoT devices receive patches at a very slow rate, because many times these devices are viewed as ‘set and forget’ type of devices.
In conclusion: the trend of IoT vulnerability exploitation will continue in the coming year for sure, thanks to an easy to update botnet source code that can be used to add new exploits.
Keep in mind that our modern society is dependent on computers, mobile devices, and the use of the internet always stay safe and secured.
We would continue to monitor the cybersecurity world. Meanwhile, users should keep a keen eye out for any cyber attacks. Remember to use an antivirus for Windows or antivirus for Mac in every device that you own, depending on which OS your machine is running, If you are a company we recommend to hire every year a specialized cybersecurity company that will run annual tests on your company’s network, tests like this include: penetration testing and ethical hacking.


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While the technology company headquartered in Cupertino, Northern California, did not comment on the latest development, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the Golden State on the US West Coast listed Apple on its website as the latest one getting an Autonomous Vehicle Testing Permit. Apple has remained secretive about its self-driving project.
Apple has obtained a permit to test self-driving vehicles, putting the iPhone maker in competition with Google and others. Now out of nowhere there is proof that Apple is working on self-driving cars. Apple registered six drivers that monitor these cars.
"Even if they have a permit to test, it is most likely related to iOS, navigation, cameras, and sensors used in some type of autonomous vehicle", says Creative Strategies president Tim Bajarin.
Based on Apple's history, it likes to be in control of both the hardware and software sides of its products to create the best experience for customers, he noted.
Gronkowski pops into White House briefing
Not all the team members were on hand to accept personal congratulations from President Donald Trump. Tight End Martellus Bennett told reporters after the Super Bowl: "It is what it is.
As per The Verge report, "Late previous year, Apple submitted a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in which it said that it was "investing heavily in the study of machine learning and automation, and is excited about the potential of automated systems in many areas, including transportation".
According to reports, Apple will soon commence the testing of its self-driving vehicle software platform on public streets. That seems to suggest that earlier reports that Apple is backing away from auto development and refocusing on self-driving vehicle tech were accurate.
According to Apple spokesperson, test drive should improve artificial intelligence systems that must learn the ways to interact with an unpredictability of human drivers.
Officially, Apple has remained silent on its ambitions despite recurring rumors that it is working on an automobile project titled "Titan".


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(CBS) — How many times have you traded in your cell phone or sold one? Were you sure all your sensitive information was wiped away?
CBS 2’s Dorothy Tucker bought more than 100 used phones and found plenty on them.
Consumers search, send and store too much personal information on their cell phones.
If you upgrade, recycle, sell or trash that old phone, your data could still be there. It doesn’t matter what how battered the phone looks.
“It matters what I can pull out of the USB port,” says Jared Sikorski, a forensic investigator with 4Discovery.
Sikorski recovers cell phone data for legitimate reasons, but hackers can get at information, too.
CBS 2 bought several old cell phones at online auction sites for less than $2 each.
The 2 Investigators powered up some of the 155 phones and discovered who owned them, who they called and who kept racy photos.
Then CBS 2 took the phones to 4Discovery where they found addresses, schools, child custody arguments, porn and even prostitution.
Sometimes they were able to recover deleted contacts, which led CBS 2 to family and friends.
CBS 2’s security experts looked at 500 phones and recovered 33,000 videos, 321,000 emails, 478,000 texts and 600,000 photos.
Also, there were 26 credit cards and 36 Social Security Numbers.
“Anyone else could use that information to open up other accounts or access other data,” Sikorski warns.
To make your phone more secure, make sure it’s encrypted.
Newer phones do that automatically, but with older models you have to encrypt them through settings.
Before a phone leaves your hands for good, make sure you erase as much information as possible.
Just smashing a phone won’t work. You have to destroy the small memory chip inside. Shredding it is also an option. That is what CBS 2 will do with the phones it purchased.
Security experts say older phones are easier to hack, especially iPhone 4’s and earlier models and any Android phones running older operating systems.


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SHARM El-SHEIKH, Egypt – To the industry on “a roadway so you can environment hell with the help of our legs for the accelerator,” the fresh Un captain towards Saturday advised all those frontrunners so you can ”cooperate or die,” singling out the a few most significant polluting places, Asia plus the All of us.
A few of the strongest pleas for action came from leaders out of worst regions that caused little of your own toxic contamination but commonly score a much bigger express of one’s climate-related ruin. Numerous named into developed regions to own reparations, which in weather transactions is named “losings and you will damage.”
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres wasn’t alone from inside the preaching which have hues out-of fire and you may brimstone to try and shake-up the fresh new planet’s sense of urgency at that year’s yearly U
“Africa should not purchase criminal activities they have not the amount of time,” Central African Republic Chairman Faustin Archange Touadera told you, adding one to steeped regions would be to blame towards climate situation. (more…)


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- EL SEGUNDO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Beyond Meat® is expanding its footprint in the meat-centric state of Illinois with distribution of its revolutionary Beyond Burger® in the meat section of 200 Jewel-Osco grocery stores. The ground-breaking burger’s retail expansion in Chicago is a historic moment for Beyond Meat as Illinois will now be the third largest grocery market for the brand, behind California and Washington.
“Chicago has been, and continues to be, a terrific market for us,” said Beyond Meat CEO Ethan Brown. “I’m so pleased to see the Beyond Burger gaining so much traction there, and am thrilled to gain placement in the meat aisle at Jewel-Osco. The consumer’s experience with the Beyond Burger needs to be as seamless as possible, including where they find it–in the meat section–and we applaud Jewel-Osco for thinking expansively about the future of protein.”
As a testament to the swelling demand, Epic Burger, Beyond Meat’s first restaurant partner in Chicago, sold over 20,000 Beyond Burgers across 8 locations since launching in July. That equates to 10% of Epic Burger’s sandwich and burger sales. The typical veggie burger (made with pea protein) makes up just 1% of such sales for burger chains that provide the option. What accounts for the difference is The Beyond Burger’s appeal to meat-lovers who seek to incorporate delicious plant-based options into their diet.
The addition of Jewel-Osco brings The Beyond Burger’s distribution footprint to 4,300 retailers, including the nation’s two largest grocery chains Kroger and Albertsons, as well as 3,700 restaurants. Below is a list of retailers & restaurants in the Chicago and Illinois area who carry The Beyond Burger:
- Jewel-Osco (185 locations throughout IL)
- Whole Foods Market (18 locations throughout IL)
- Mariano’s (26 locations throughout IL)
- Epic Burger (8 locations throughout Chicago)
- Veggie Grill (2 locations opening Dec 2017)
- Twin Peaks Restaurant (4 locations throughout IL)
Beyond Meat’s rapid retail growth is coupled with major food service/restaurant wins, including an exclusive partnership with Sysco that, since launching in September, has produced 2,000 new food service outlets carrying The Beyond Burger. This includes restaurants, hotels, college campuses and professional sports teams’ training camps. Many of these restaurants are innovative, single-unit restaurants like Delilah LA, The Moonlighter in Chicago, The Distillery NYC and The Hamilton Inn in Jersey City, that seek to appeal to meat eaters and vegetarians alike by offering innovative, plant-based options. For the latest list of stores carrying The Beyond Burger, visit The Beyond Meat blog.
UNREAL TASTE. REAL INGREDIENTS
The Beyond Burger is the world’s only burger that looks, cooks, and tastes like ground beef from cows but is made entirely from plants, without GMOs, soy, or gluten. The Beyond Burger packs more protein and iron than beef and is a cholesterol free food, with less saturated fat than beef. A 1/4lb Beyond Burger sold in grocery stores has 4 grams of saturated fat and 22 grams of total fat, compared to 9 grams of saturated fat and 23 grams of total fat in a 1/4 lb 80/20 beef burger.
ABOUT BEYOND MEAT
Based in Los Angeles, California, Beyond Meat is a privately held company with a mission of building meat directly from plants. Investors include Bill Gates, actor and activist Leonardo DiCaprio, Twitter co-founders Biz Stone and Evan Williams, Kleiner Perkins, former McDonald’s CEO Don Thompson, Honest Tea founder Seth Goldman, Humane Society of the United States, and Tyson Foods. To stay up to date on the latest, visit www.BeyondMeat.com and follow @BeyondMeat, #BeyondBurger and #FutureOfProtein on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Contacts: Beyond Meat, Kim Straus – BeyondMeat@Mbooth.com
Silicon Valley sets sights on disrupting meat industry
Impossible Foods, a company backed by Bill Gates that promises to make veggie burgers palatable for carnivores, has secured distribution from top US restaurant suppliers in deals that will test the ambitions of Silicon Valley start-ups to disrupt America’s meat industry. Venture capitalists have embraced California-based food tech start-ups, like Beyond Meat and Memphis Meats. Impossible Foods alone has raised $273.5m from investors including Google’s venture capital arm, Khosla Ventures and Temasek Holdings.
For full article go to Financial Times:


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Abof selects IBM Cloud and Cognitive solutions to enhance customer experience
For instance, the new feature lets shoppers post questions like “where can I find a red floral dress?” or type a combination of price and product inquiry such as, “show me black shoes below INR 2000” to get desired results.
Abof offers 'differentiated experience', not discounts: CEO Prashant Gupta
We have started to very explicitly mark our merchandise — Never on...
Abof targets three-fold growth; eyes 15 per cent market share by 2020
CEO Prashant Gupta indicated that in the last 12 months, abof.com's gro...
Tata and Birla take on e-commerce players with Tatacliq and Abof
The two traditional business houses have finally taken their businesses online but they will have to vie with more than 1,000 startups for customers.
abof.com focuses on personalized shopable content
Abof.com, a fashion brand for clothing, footwear and accessories targeted at the millennials, is seeking to redefine the online shoppers’ experience.
Aditya Birla Group’s Abof integrates AI-based system to personalise customer experience
The fashion portal claims to have achieved a 95% accuracy rate through this simpler level of image-mapping technology.
Discount as a strategy is not our focus at Abof.com: CEO
Abof, with its niche target and select portfolio, is not expected to clash with Trendin.com, the online store of group firm Madura Fashion & Lifestyle.
Men splurge more on higher value fashion items than women on online portals Myntra, Abof and others
At Myntra, the proportion of male shoppers is larger than that of women and the same is reflected in revenue contribution.
Abof taking help of 3D automotive tech to cut down number of returns
Abof.in, Aditya Birla Group's online fashion retail arm for apparel, footwear and accessories for men and women, is trying to solve the problem.
abof.com aims 15% online fashion market share by 2020
abof.com today said it aims to grab up to 15 per cent market share of the country's online fashion industry by FY 2019-20.
Aditya Birla Group-owned online fashion store Abof to offer on-spot alteration service
This is among the many value added services we provide to customers including a 3D trial room and on-spot exchange of apparel due to size issues,” said COO Sukanta Das.
Birlas' etail venture Abof won't offer deep discounts: CEO
Abof.com will steer clear of offering deep dis counts to capture market share and will instead focus on offering personalised experiences to win customers.
How local tailors are partnering with ecommerce firms like Myntra, Abof.com to fix fitting flaws
The local ‘darzi’ is back in demand, being wooed by both online, offline retail cos that want to mend a sales gap that’s caused every time ill-fitting clothes are returned.
For Abof 's Prashant Gupta, e-commerce is a marathon
Prashant Gupta is responsible for the textiles-to-telecom conglomerate's e-commerce fashion venture Abof as its president and chief executive.
Aditya Birla Group launches fashion portal abof.com
Aditya Birla Group today launched its e-commerce portal for apparel -- abof.com -- as the company remained bullish on the online shopping sector.


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Approximately half of U.S. taxpayers are uneducated about the risks of identity theft during tax season, according to a new survey, but the majority trust their tax preparers.
The survey, on behalf of Trilegiant Corp.’s PrivacyGuard identity theft and credit managment service, found that while the respondents say they take steps to protect themselves against identity theft and remain concerned about the possibility of a data breach when sharing their personal information, they remain uneducated about the prevalence and methods of tax-related identity theft. The company noted that tax or wage-related fraud was the most common type of identity theft complaint in the recently released Federal Trade Commission 2010 Consumer Complaint Report.
According to the PrivacyGuard survey, almost two thirds of respondents (64 percent) reported that they worry that the organization they are sharing their personal information with could suffer a data breach. Retailers were chosen overwhelmingly (45 percent) as the least trustworthy. Surprisingly, when a data breach occurs, respondents are more likely (44 percent) to blame the institution that was breached than the thieves that stole the data (35 percent). Also, roughly a third of consumers admit to using the same login and password for each site they transact with, making a breach that much more damaging.
While many respondents lacked faith in retailers or other institutions to guard their personal information, the survey found a big increase in the level of trust that tax payers have in their tax preparer. Despite cases of tax preparer identity theft in several states last year, only 30 percent reported this year that they are concerned when they choose a preparer about the possibility of becoming a victim of identity theft, while 11 percent reported being very concerned and another 30 percent are not at all concerned. Last year half of the survey respondents said they were somewhat or very concerned.
Respondents have grown increasingly ignorant about the methods the IRS uses to initiate contact with tax payers, with 50 percent selecting the wrong option: 37 percent believe the IRS can contact them via email, mail or phone and 13 percent believe that the IRS will contact them through email. The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers through email. Last year the survey results showed a similar trend, with 19 percent admitting that they did not know how the IRS initiates contact and 33% selecting the email, mail or phone option.
"We believe that Americans are generally very educated as to the consequences of identity theft and are taking steps to protect themselves," said PrivacyGuard director Christine El Eris in a statement. "However, taxpayers need to be aware of the unique risks they face during tax season and remain on guard during this time."
PrivacyGuard offered the following tips on how to prevent identity theft during tax season:
When Preparing Your Return
1. Be aware of suspicious emails and phone calls regarding your tax refund or tax filing – Check the IRS Web site for tips on how to spot scammers and thieves posing as the IRS and a list of known phishes.
2. Be diligent when choosing your tax preparers – Ensure that you are working with a credible firm and be extra cautious about new or seasonal offices. Check the IRS Web site for more tips on how to choose a tax preparer.
3. Secure your computer –If you file taxes electronically, be sure to install updated firewalls and anti-spyware protection to help keep your personal data out of the hands of thieves.
4. Create a unique login and password if you are using an online service to prepare or file your return.
During and After Filing
1. Mail securely – If you file via mail, be sure to mail your return directly from the post office – do not leave your tax return in your unlocked mailbox or at the curb for pickup by your local mail carrier. Your personal information will be vulnerable until it is retrieved by the postal carrier. It is wise to send tax information by first-class mail with a tracking number.
2. Safeguard sensitive information in home and outside – Frequently the greatest threat to personal information comes from service providers or in-home workers or acquaintances. Keep paperwork in a safe location. When carrying this information out of the house, be sure to keep it on you, or if you must leave it in the car, make sure it is not visible.
3. Micro-shred your documents – Cross-cut shredders just don't "cut" it these days. Use a micro-cut shredder for maximum security. The shred size on micro-cut machines is much smaller; documents are literally turned into dust, offering the highest level of security. And since even a seven-year-old receipt can be used by a thief, shredding is still one of the simplest ways to prevent identity theft.
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LAS VEGAS -- Samsung may have given consumers a sneak peek at its smartphone plans with a new TV it announced Tuesday at the Consumer Electronics Show.
At its booth in the Las Vegas Convention Center, the South Korean company displayed the world's first curved OLED TV. From afar, the TV looked like any other set that might be on display at a tech show, but once Samsung spokesman Scott Cohen pointed out the new gadget, I began to notice its unusual curved screen.
The picture quality was, unsurprisingly, remarkable and the weird curve didn't really affect the way my eyes saw the image.
Cohen explained that the curved screen gives consumers more viewing angles where the picture appears just as it would if they were looking straight on at the TV. Cohen also said that the curved screen is intended to give viewers a more realistic and more grand experience, similar to that of going to an IMAX movie theater.
OLED, which stands for organic light-emitting diode, is considered by many to be the next step in television technology, providing vivid images as well as the ability to make very thin displays.


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Custom Glazing Terracotta Protects
and Adds Color changing Effects to Terracotta Cladding
Paneltek and Togen has announced broad-based world availability of in-house, custom glazing for its terracotta rainscreen cladding
Glazing terracotta panel
isn’t new but many terracotta suppliers
rely on third-party providers, particularly for any sophisticated or specialty glazes.
When Togen cooperated with Paneltek, it benefited from the technical exchanges between the two parties,
which has significantly enhanced its ability to produce custom colors and glazes in a wide array of architectural options.
This innovative glazing was initially created for the terracotta façade
of Randall Children’s Hospital in Portland, Ore. The architect, ZGF, was looking for a way for the tiles to come alive in the sunlight as it moved across the building.
The effect is the changing of the color of the wall from morning to afternoon and evening—spring to fall.


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Beijing’s decision to establish a new
fund designated to support manufacturing upgrading shows the country’s
unswerving determination to foster high-end manufacturing despite external
obstruction and internal economic pressure, experts said on Tuesday.
The 147.2 billion yuan ($20.95 billion) National Manufacturing Transformation and Upgrading Fund has been set up by some 20 companies in China, led by the Ministry of Finance (MOF). Participants include state-owned heavyweights such as trainmaker CRRC Corp and financial company Chasing Financial, according to a filing publicized by the CRRC on Monday.
The MOF, the largest shareholder of the fund, has a 15.29 percent stake, followed by China Development Bank Capital Co with 13.59 percent, the filing read.
The fund will focus investment on new materials, new-generation information technology, electric equipment and other areas in China, the CRRC disclosed in the filing.
The fund is being up at a time when the country’s manufacturing upgrading is facing challenges like slowing growth in investment and the negative impact of the tariff battle between China and the US.
Manufacturing investment rose by 2.5 percent on a yearly basis in the first three quarters, compared with 2.6 percent in the first eight months and 3.3 percent in the first seven months, figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed. Growth slightly rebounded to 2.6 percent in the first 10 months.
Industrial added value grew by 4.7 percent on a yearly basis in October, slowing from 5.8 percent growth in September, also according to NBS data.
“It’s necessary for the government and state-owned companies to shoulder more responsibility for countercyclical investment to fuel industrial upgrading. Few private companies would be capable of pumping money into business transformation amid an economic slowdown,” Tian Yun, vice director of the Beijing Economic Operation Association, told the Global Times on Tuesday.
On the positive side, certain advanced technology sectors in China have grown at a stunning speed that largely outpaced the rate of overall industrial growth, showing the achievements as well as the unstoppable trend of industrial upgrading, experts said.
One example is the new material industry. According to data from the NBS, the added value of the 3D printing equipment industry grew by 157.4 percent on a yearly basis in October, while the smartwatch industry surged by 87.3 percent during the period.
Li Chunding, head of the Economics and Trade Department of the College of Economics and Management at China Agricultural University, said that in his observation, many clothing producers in East China’s Zhejiang Province have shifted their pure cheap-labor manufacturing bases to overseas locations, while the areas with higher added value, like design, remain in China. Li called it a vivid example of China’s efforts to climb the value chain via industrial upgrading.
“I think that external pressure such as the trade war has also made China more motivated to insist on, or even speed up, industrial upgrading,” he said.
But Tian cautioned that the fund should bear market factors in mind to ensure that money goes into projects that can be commercialized.


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The concern is focused on hard-boiled eggs produced by Almark Foods at a Gainesville, Georgia facility that may be connected to a Listeria outbreak linked to several reported illnesses and one death.
The snack trays and trail mix carry the brand name Fresh Location and were sold in North Carolina, Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia, Indiana, and Mississippi.
Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
Healthy people may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
Fresh Location has not received any reports of illness related to the consumption of the protein snack tray or protein trail mix.
The products under recall include:
Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-865-717-6800.


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Muscat, 16 Aug (ONA) — The Tax Authority will launch tomorrow Tuesday a series of virtual sessions on the Value Added Tax (VAT), which come as part of the awareness campaign themed “With You, For You”.
The campaign aims to introduce VAT and the mechanism of applying it. It also aims to rise the social awareness on the legal regulations for applying the tax in a manner that maintains the right of the consumer and the merchant.
The sessions will be broadcasted every Tuesday through the official channels of the Tax Authority in different social media platforms at 5 pm. The first session will be titled “Value Added Tax, its Application Mechanism, and Method of Submitting Tax Declaration”. The second and third sessions will discuss the mechanism of calculating VAT, invoices and tax records.
It should be noted that the Tax Authority started applying the VAT in 16 July as the number of those registered with the tax till the mid of 2021 stood at (17,500) merchants and service performers.


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New website launch for IMGeospatial
We are delighted to announce the launch of our new website at www.IMGeospatial.com.
The unveiling of our new online home has been timed to correspond with a period of growth for our award-winning brand, having recently confirmed a clutch of new deals, new funding and team expansion. The site is the new digital space for engagement and interaction with our clients, partners and prospects in multiple industries, internationally. It outlines ourunique vision and positioning, articulates sector-specific solutions, showcases the skill sets that make up our diverse team, and serves as a content platform to share news and thinking. Most importantly, it provides a clearer channel through which prospective clients can contact us.
Within four years of our inception, Geospatial World has named IMGeospatial as the World Geospatial Start-up of the Year for innovative use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, location and remote sense data in a way that is unique to the industry. Additionally, Digital Leaders selected our automated intelligent multiple-feature extraction engine (AIMEE) as one of the ten best AI innovations of the year. We are an industry-leading, innovative and inclusive brand, which the new website reflects.
Our founder and CEO, Alexis Hannah Smith, recently returned to the UK from the USA, having presented at the Federation of Earth Science Information Partners (ESIP) summer conference alongside speakers from Microsoft, Amazon and NASA. During this trip, five new deals were signed, and new funding was agreed.
Alexis says: “Now is a timely moment for our new website to launch as it tangibly marks our development as a brand. In less than five years we’ve worked incredibly hard to innovate and create efficiencies for our partners and clients, including the World Bank, the State of Nevada’s Water Start, the European Space Agency and utilities in the UK. The new website explains how our proprietary ecosystem of algorithms, unique methodology for structuring data, and approach to engaging diverse sectors, shortens the data pipeline, providing clients with automated business results over time at a lower price point than traditional engagements.”


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These nuts are eating are drugs! Well, according to the authorized agency of food and tyranny drug-related, or FDA, as they are also known, nuts could potentially be subject to a selection process specialized drug before being allowed on the market.
Diamond Foods, a food company that for a small group of farmers in California walnut began in 1912, learned the full effect of what the mandate would prososed for your business.
The main cause of concern the FDA has with Diamond Foods is promoting the health benefits of eating walnuts regularly. Obviously, this is something that the FDA did not approve. But why?
To be more specific, Diamond Foods said that nuts are a valuable source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are in reality. They also mentioned that these fatty acids have been shown to provide a number of health benefits, including reduced risk of certain cancers and heart disease. These relations have been accompanied by numerous articles and studies, dozens of which can be found in the National Library of Medicine. They all have a scientific backing, so it’s not like someone ripped claims from his back and printed on a package of walnut.
However, the FDA sent a letter Diamond Foods very delicate, personal, aggressive noting that:
Its products are walnut drugs … that can not be legally marketed in the United States without a new drug application approved.
The last thing this country needs is to classify natural and healthy foods like drugs. With the bad reputation around prescription drugs that have been carried out by the FDA, putting healthy foods in the same category it would not be more than an insult. After all, it does so the risk of ulcers or heart attacks with natural, organic fruits and vegetables – something that can not be said of a number of other products that labels the FDA as [“drugs”
Diamond Foods Despite being backed by evidence supporting the benefits of eating walnuts, the FDA said that their products were “misbranded.” Basically, the FDA did not like a company was promoting health claims that didn ‘t approve -. regardless of scientific support
Why is this a concern?
Well, it seems ridiculous that the FDA should be the maximum final authority over what is and is not good for you, especially with the amount of criticism they receive from some of its decisions. You will be surprised how often real threats to human health makes beyond them.
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But even then, the agency Diamond Foods threatened with a possible “seizure” if they comply with the warnings that were proposed.
This is an actual excerpt from the letter he received Diamond Foods:
We have determined that the products walnut are promoted for conditions that cause them to be drugs because these products are intended for use in the prevention, mitigation and treatment of the disease … they are offered for diseases they are not amenable to self-diagnosis and treatment of people who are not medical professionals; Therefore, appropriate instructions may not be written so that a layperson can use these drugs safely for their intended purpose.
Can you imagine all packages of its next walnuts along with a set of instructions for the “use”? Since when natural foods are increasingly demanding that kind of regulation? While dangerously addictive drugs are doing in the market, nuts and healthy alternatives are being pressured into illogical demands that have no place in the field of organic food. Where will the FDA draw the line?
If you enjoyed reading this article and want to see more like this, I would be honored if you want to help us spread the word and share it with your friends and family. Join us in our quest to promote free, useful information for everyone!


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The Gujarat state government has reportedly assured Tesla will receive all possible assistance and incentives for setting up base in the state.
Tesla, the American electric carmaker, recently confirmed its India entry by registering a subsidiary under the name – ‘Tesla India Motors and Energy Private Ltd’ in Bengaluru. Now, it is reported that the state of Gujarat has made a strong pitch to invite the EV maker to set up base in the state, according to ETAuto. The EV giant is reportedly in talks with five Indian states including Gujarat to set-up its operations in the country. The Karnataka government has reportedly offered space to Tesla in Tumkur, on the outskirts of Bengaluru.
Gujarat has emerged as a preferred destination for global automobile manufacturers, particularly for electric cars. Banking on the same, the state is reportedly making a strong pitch to Tesla to set-up a base in Gujarat. Manoj Das, additional chief secretary (ACS), Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) and in charge ACS, industry and mines department, said to ETAuto that the Gujarat state government is in discussions with Tesla regarding the same. Moreover, the government has assured the EV maker will receive all possible assistance and incentives for setting up base in the state.
The official said to ETAuto, “The world’s top most automobile companies have set up manufacturing plants in the state, which has become an automobile hub with key MSME players supporting large companies. Major electric car manufacturers and vehicle battery manufacturers are setting up facilities in Gujarat. We are hopeful that like other global automakers, Tesla will prefer Gujarat.”
He further said, “Companies will be able to take advantage. Gujarat also has strategic advantages like ports and proximity to all major markets of India. In the past two months, we have had significant communication with the company and explained our new industrial policy and other advantages of being in Gujarat.”
According to reports, the company is expected to commence operations by June this year and the first product to be made available will be the affordable Model 3. The sedan is expected to go on sale by the end of the first quarter of FY2021-22. The pre-bookings for the electric car are expected to begin soon. However, Tesla hasn’t revealed India arrival dates and prices yet.
Prabhu Ram, head of the industry intelligence group (IIG), CMR believes that EV maker’s entry into India will play an essential role in transforming the country’s mobility future. He said to ETAuto, “Over the short-term, Tesla’s entry will give a boost to the government’s policy initiatives, strengthen EV manufacturing in India, spur new mobility startups, and most importantly, hasten development of enabling EV infrastructure.”


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In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in global awareness of plastic pollution. The world is starting to take note of the size and scale of its plastic waste problem and is taking action. The European Union banned single-use plastics in March, with other countries such as Australia considering doing the same. Consumers and legislators are looking to reduce or eliminate the use of all petroleum-based plastic materials. The answer may be bioplastics, including those made from hemp.
The State of the Plastic Problem
In 2019, the world is literally drowning in plastic.
In 2015, 322 million metric tons of plastic was produced, with experts predicting that annual production will quadruple by 2050. This creates extreme waste management problems which choke land, waterways and particularly the oceans — reportedly, 8 million metric tons of plastic is dumped into the ocean every minute.
Plastics, or to be more precise polymers, are usually made from petroleum or natural gas. This means that not only do these products fail to biodegrade over time, adding to the plastic pollution problem, but their production is linked to ever-shrinking fossil fuel reserves. Plastic production makes up 4% of the total annual use of oil and gas worldwide.
Today, there are two giant patches of floating plastic debris which have collected together in the ocean, called the “North Atlantic garbage patch” and the “Great Pacific garbage patch.”
The latter is estimated to be more than twice the size of Texas.
The volume of plastics in the ocean is having hugely detrimental impacts on ecosystems, with deaths of countless marine animals, from turtles to whales, being linked to plastic ingestion, or being caught in plastic debris.
It is abundantly clear that something needs to be done to curb all this plastic waste. That’s why many are turning to hemp as a potential solution to our world’s plastic problem.
Hemp Bioplastics: Is This a Solution?
Commentators estimate that addressing the world’s plastic problem is worth around $80 to $120 billion. These numbers spur many to come up with innovative solutions and plastic alternatives, including within the hemp industry.
Hemp plastic materials could potentially replace plastics in several uses, being used to produce products from bottles and toys to household goods and even industrial components.
Hemp can be used to create a fiber-reinforced biocomposite — this is a polymer matrix reinforced with hemp fibers. The result is a durable product which looks and feels like the fossil fuel-based polymer plastics consumers are accustomed to buying.
To date, the primary user of hemp-based bioplastics has been the automotive industry, but this versatile material has potential uses across many sectors. Hemp Business Journal has predicted that by 2022, the hemp bioplastics industry will reach $28 million.
Any type of bioplastic has significant advantages for the environment. Unlike traditional polymers, they are not made from fossil fuel products and do not produce carbon dioxide gas when they break down. As the world faces a climate crisis, bioplastics could be an essential part of the climate solution.
Additionally, most bioplastics (including hemp plastics) are biodegradable, meaning they will not contribute to the crippling levels of plastic waste and pollution across the planet.
Hemp is an ideal feedstock for bioplastics. It needs less water and pesticides compared to other raw materials such as cotton and corn, making it even more environmentally friendly. Its quick growth cycle and high fiber-per-acre ratio also make it a highly profitable crop for producers. With cellulose concentrations of 65-75%, hemp is one of the best sources for bioplastic fibers.
The Future of Bioplastics: Hemp Alternatives
The 2018 Farm Bill represented a dramatic change for the hemp industry in general, and for the production of hemp-based bioplastic alternatives in particular. This legislation legalized the production of industrial hemp, opening up product innovation and creation of a variety of hemp-based products.
We are already seeing this vision becoming a reality. An Alaska-based eco-packaging developer, Best Practices Packaging, has announced they will soon increase the production of hemp-based plastics, while other eco-packaging companies like Sana Packaging already offer a range of hemp-based bioplastic products.
The use of these plastics has already been adopted in the automotive industry, including by some of the world’s most famous car makers — Porsche has announced that its new 718 Cayman sports car will have body parts made in part from hemp.
Other companies have indicated they are looking for environmentally responsible alternatives to plastic. For example, Lego has stated a commitment to using sustainable materials over plastic and is investing $150 million to do so, very recently announcing the upcoming release of its first sustainable collection, made from sugarcane-based polyethylene plastic. These moves from major companies represent significant potential for hemp-based bioplastic, which is a strong contender to be part of this solution.
Hemp-based bioplastics have massive potential as an alternative to the petroleum-based polymers, which are having a detrimental effect on the natural environment. Not only are hemp bioplastics biodegradable, but they also offer reduced water and pesticide use compared to other crops, at the same time as providing higher yields.
With applications from household goods to car components and everything in between, hemp-based bioplastics will likely play a vital role in reducing our planet’s plastic pollution.


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Canadian Butcher Launches Vegan Meat to Be More Sustainable
Kat Smith, Live Kindly
Feb 7, 2019
Canadian butcher chain Meridian Farm Market now offers the vegan Beyond Burger made by California-based food company Beyond Meat at several of its locations throughout British Columbia. The shops customers are increasingly interested in sustainable plant-based options, according to CEO and president Josh Penner.
The decision follows the release of Canada’s new food guide, which recommends eating less meat and dairy in favor of whole, plant-based food. The butcher chain first began selling the Beyond Burger when it became available last summer, Penner told the Daily Hive. Some locations also sell fresh fruit and veggies.
“We’re just about selling great food and it’s not just that we sell products that are appealing to taste, but also appealing to people’s values and we have customers telling us the things that they want and we’re always listening,” said Penner.
It’s not the first time Meridian Farm Market has sold vegan meat, but Penner believes that the Beyond Burger, which he calls “shockingly similar” to a beef patty, appeals to meat-eaters. “It makes it open and available to a new audience that maybe wasn’t as interested in vegan or vegetarian options before,” he said.
Penner also thinks it’s “entirely possible” that the meat industry could change in the future as the demand for vegan food grows and new options that rival the real thing come to market. “I think we’re going to see a lot more opportunity and offerings available for consumers,” Penner said...
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Anxieties about artificial intelligence range from the threat of sudden joblessness to robot insurrection. But if companies and governments shy away from investing in and developing AI technologies, then they could face a worse fate: obsolesce, or even annihilation.
At Fortune’s Brainstorm Tech conference in Aspen, Colo. on Tuesday, a panel of executives and leaders from GM, Intel, Slack, and the U.S. Navy discussed a coming wave of AI automation—and why neglecting this tech revolution could spell doom for laggards.
Naveen Rao, who leads AI products at Intel, compared the situation to a dog-eat-dog, Darwinian model of the natural world. “AI recapitulates what happens in evolutionary systems,” he said.
Animals use their senses, brains, and bodies to acquire food and other necessities, Rao said. Similarly, companies collect information about their users, products, and environments, and process that information in order to survive and grab more market share.


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Roku Picks Up Quibi Content To Stream For Free
If you’re someone who has access to The Roku Channel, we have some good news for you! Roku has acquired nearly the entire back catalogue of shows from failed streaming service Quibi to stream for free.
For those of you thinking “who did what now?..” I’ll try and explain…
Roku is known for set-top boxes and sticks which turn your ordinary tv into a smart tv. Whilst some TVs have smart functionality built-in, they don’t always have apps for every streaming service. For example, my TV doesn’t have the Apple TV+ app natively, however, I can get it on Roku, which is a lot cheaper than forking out for a full-blown Apple TV box. It also runs NOW TV, Amazon Prime, Netflix, Disney+, Starzplay, alongside a host of other paid streaming services, and over 150 free streaming services, all in one place.
Quibi was a streaming service whose unique selling point was that is was designed for “quick bites” of stories, meaning each episode of a show was around 10 mins long. The theory was people could watch it on their phone when they have a bit of downtime waiting for a bus, or on their lunch break… Unfortunately, they decided to launch it in the middle of a global pandemic, when everyone was stuck at home and not “out and about”, and it failed after just 7 months… However, it did have some really great tv on the platform including ‘Most Dangerous Game’ starring Liam Hemsworth and Christoph Waltz, ‘Survive’ starring Sophie Turner & Corey Hawkins, a new version of ‘The Fugitive’ starring Boyd Holbrook & Kiefer Sutherland, and ‘#FreeRayshawn’ starring Laurence Fishburne which took home 2 Emmys. The content itself was never the issue, so it was a shame if the library of shows would be lost into the ether.
Thankfully, Roku has now stepped in and bought the entire Qubi library (minus some of the daily news shows), and will be releasing them all under The Roku Channel to people with their set-top boxes and sticks. They will run with advertising but will be released for free.
EDIT: As a number of people have pointed out, The Roku Channel App is also available on NOW TV and Sky Q, meaning this content should also land for customers on those platforms too!
“Today’s announcement marks a rare opportunity to acquire compelling original content that features some of the biggest names in entertainment,” commented Roku’s vice president of programming Rob Holmes in a statement. “We’re excited to make this content available to our users in The Roku Channel through an ad-supported model. We are also thrilled to welcome the incredible studios and talented individuals who brought these stories to life and showcase them to our tens of millions of users.”
If you’re interested in picking up a Roku TV Stick, just follow this link.
Dave has over 20 years experience in the digital industry, and is founder and editor of Geektown. Obviously a huge geek himself, he can often be found in front of the latest tv show or movie, on various video games, or with his head in a comic book.


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Chuck Hamad was owner and president of the family-run Hamad Tire Inc.
Charles Hamad, owner/president of Hamad Tire Inc., died Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014. He was 65.
Hamad opened his first tire store in 1969, and he operated the business with his sons Charlie, Mike, Nick and Alex. Hamad Tire now has four locations in Ohio -- in Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, Mansfield and Sandusky.


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15,000 additional jobs lost due to COVID in already distressed industrial area
BIRATNAGAR: Industries were flourishing in the Sunsari-Morang Industrial Area in the decade of 2040 B.S. (1980s). There were ample employment opportunities in the existing industries. More than 50 per cent of the goods produced by the industry were exported.
However, industries began to close in the early ’50s. Many industries were shut down due to the armed Maoist conflict and subsequent load shedding. In the three decades since the restoration of democracy, industries in the region have been closing more than opening.
107 large industries that had been operating for three decades have been closed in the Sunsari-Morang Industrial Area, which are spread over a large area in Eastern Nepal.
By 2046 BS, the number of large export-oriented industries in this industrial corridor was 150, but this number has now reduced to 43. With the rise of democracy in Nepal, a dozen well-known industries with foreign investment such as Vanshal Nepal, Kristen, Ligash Nepal and Surya Nepal have closed down. There was an investment of more than Rs 1 billion in each of these industries.
According to the Department of Industry, there are 665 small and large scale industries operating in the Sunsari-Morang Industrial Corridor and surrounding areas. Of these, only 150 large and medium scale industries, and the rest are small scale. Only 19 per cent of the industries operating in the corridor area now export their products to foreign countries.
Bhim Ghimire, President of the Industry Association Morang, said that more than 40 export-oriented industries and others like jute, garment, camphor, vegetable ghee and candle-producing industries have reached the point of closure. At least Rs 23 billion was invested in the industries that have now closed down.
More than half a dozen textile industries including Ashok Textile and Prabhat Textile have been shut down. There were 11 large jute industries in operation in Morang-Sunsari alone. At present, only four are in operation.
Similarly, metal industries such as Hetauda and local iron, zinc sheets and pipe industries have also been shut down. The pipe industry called Bansal Industries, which was established in Duhabi with an investment of crores of rupees has stopped production.
Large ready-made garment industries like Ambe, Shangri-la International, Ami, JD, Easy Wear, Fashion Fabric and dozens of small industries have also closed down.
Bansal, Kristen used to produce zinc sheets and GIP pipes, exporting them to India and other countries. Surya Nepal also used to export to different countries. According to the industrialists and businessmen, these industries have been shut down forever due to political instability, strikes, labour agitation, power shortage, transportation disruption and poor government policies. Dozens of well-known industries including Pashupati Soap, Annapurna Shop and National Pipe have also been shut down during the period.
Bhim Ghimire, President of the Industry Association Morang, said that new industries have not come into operation as the cost of running large industries is high and there is no security in investment.
“At present, the government’s economic policy seems to be focused on exploiting the industry,” Ghimire said. “In such a situation, it is unthinkable to open an industry with new investment, and the industries operating in such conditions anyway are also struggling”. Industrialists have also complained that it is becoming difficult to sustain even those industries that opened after the pandemic.
Entrepreneurs have been saying that they have not been able to run new industries due to increment in land prices. He said that this was a problem as the money to be invested in the industry had to be invested in land. According to industrialists, they are currently involved in expanding the capacity of existing industries rather than opening new ones.
Rajendra Raut, Central Member of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), said that it was difficult to set up large scale industries as the environment is not suitable for investors.
“Investors have not been able to set up industries in the Morang-Sunsari industrial area due to lack of land and high prices,” he said.
According to industrialists, the price of land has risen sharply in the corridor area of Koshi Highway up to North Itahari, the entrance to Biratnagar, the capital of Province 1.
Chairman of the Morang Trade Association, Prakash Mundada, said that no land along the Biratnagar-Itahari road section is vacant, and that existing land has also become very expensive.
“Most industries are operating in this area. The price of land along the Koshi Highway is at least Rs 30-40 lakh per 10 Aanas (3600 sq. ft.” he said. “About 300,000 sq. ft. of land is required to set up an industry. 10-11 crore has to be spent on land purchase only.”
Stating that existing loans and loans taken from the bank are spent on land purchase, he said that there are possibilities of investment exiting the industrial sector.
According to the Department of Industry, industries with an investment of Rs. 5 billion are currently operating in the Sunsari-Morang Industrial Corridor. Large numbers of workers have lost their jobs in recent years as industries have closed one after another.
According to the Industry Association Morang, 50,000 workers are currently employed in the industries operating in the Sunsari-Morang Industrial Corridor. Until two years ago, there were 80,000 employees.
Currently, the industries of Morang-Sunsari Industrial Corridor are engaged in jute, noodles, biscuits, oil, flour, refinery oil, leather, shoes, slippers, thread, soap, wire, rod, steel, cancer sheet, plastic goods, cement, beads, electric wire, GI Pipes and rice production.
Entrepreneurs in the Sunsari-Morang Industrial Corridor have been demanding the establishment of an industrial zone for two decades. However, the government has not yet held a hearing.
Entrepreneurs have been demanding the government to set up an industrial zone for a long time to create an environment for the establishment of domestic and foreign investment industries.
Chairman of the Morang Trade Association, Prakash Mundada, said that the industrialists have been demanding the declaration of Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and industrial zone for a long time. According to Mundada, if the government establishes a special economic zone, capital used for land purchase can be invested in the industry itself. Entrepreneurs have been demanding the declaration of an industrial zone in 47385000 sq. ft of Amarduwa in Sunsari, which is owned by the government.
“Former industrialists have made the same demand to the government for setting up an industrial zone from two spectators,” Mundada said. “But the government has not been able to address the demand of the industrialists. The industrialists have been arguing that the establishment of SEZs will help reduce the country’s trade deficit.”
Amidst the problem of unsustainable operation of the industry, the COVID pandemic has had drastic effects for over a year. As many as 15,000 workers have lost their jobs due to the government’s lockdown during the pandemic. Some industries have not yet reached full capacity.
Before the outbreak of the pandemic, 50,000 workers were employed, of which 15,000 lost their jobs and 14,000 got partial employment due to the lockdown imposed COVID-19. According to Bhim Ghimire, large industries have cut production by 30 per cent. The operation period of these industries has been reduced from three shifts to two shifts. As a result of the decline in production in small and medium enterprises, 30 per cent of unskilled workers have become completely unemployed.
Raj Kumar Golchha, Manager of Arihant Multifibres and Raghupati Jute Mill, which has the highest number of workers in the Sunsari-Morang Industrial Corridor, said that one shift of both the industries previously running in three shifts has been closed. As one shift is closed, 30 per cent of the workers have become jobless.
Industries producing jute, yarn, noodles, oil, rice, milk, soap, cookies and grains in the corridor are currently in operation. Operated industries are producing only 60 to 70 per cent of their capacity. Some industries manufacturing health-related items have been added after the outbreak of COVID-19.


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Getting down to business, with the family. That is exactly what Diego and Toni Diaz, from the gypsy community, are doing. The first was just 21 years old, the second 18 years old, when they decided to open their store Matelas & Sommiers
together in the Hauts de Massane district, in a 133 m² commercial space they leased from ACM Habitat.
For them, it was out of the question to create the store anywhere else: “We wanted to open our store where we have always lived, providing a retail offering that did not exist in our neighborhood.”
Diego and Toni Diaz are also upholding a family tradition. Their father José sold mattresses and box springs at local markets. The two brothers helped him “when they didn’t have school,” says José, who helped them get set up. That help was crucial, as Diego and Toni opened their business shortly before the very first lockdown.
“Since we had just opened, we were not eligible for the financial aid that had been made available”, the two brothers recall.
They had to overcome this challenge to the best of their own ability. All made in France, the mattresses and box springs in their store are sold at factory prices both to individuals and professionals. They had to get the word out quickly.
The health crisis drove Diego and Toni Diaz to focus on social networks, and create a Facebook page
and an Instagram
account. They also used Google My Business
services to give their store good online visibility, and distributed flyers to present their offering in the Montpellier shopping area. They also promoted their installment payment solutions and delivery within 10 kilometers.
The brothers are both contributing, at their own level, to help transform the La Mosson district, which is currently the focus of a major urban renewal project being implemented by the city of Montpellier and Montpellier Métropole
“One of our major objectives is to enable residents and local players to take part in the commercial transformation of their community,” says Roger-Yannick Chartier, deputy mayor of Montpellier, in charge of local businesses, crafts, and tourism.
Matelas & Sommiers is a great demonstration of this approach. Diego and Toni Diaz, two young entrepreneurs springing forward with energy and creativity.


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Safeway employees in Saskatchewan’s two largest cities have voted in favour of a new collective agreement, which will take effect when their stores are converted to FreshCo locations next year.
While some employees have said the contract is not as good as their current deal, around 320 members of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) across four stores ratified the collective agreement last week.
tap here to see other videos from our team.
Under the terms of the agreement between RWDSU and Sobeys Inc., 20 per cent of the positions at the four FreshCo stores in Saskatoon and Regina are reserved for senior employees who can keep their Safeway wages and benefits.
The remaining employees can choose between a buyout, a “buydown” to FreshCo wages and benefits, or exercise their “bumping” rights to take a position, if available, at the University Heights Safeway store in Saskatoon.
Union documents obtained by the Saskatoon StarPhoenix show the new deal comes with one major change: full-time buyouts will be now be calculated based on an employee’s date of hire, and not when they became full-time.


text: Workers testing out a roller-coaster ride at the Prudential Marina Bay Carnival ahead of its opening on Friday. The carnival, at The Promontory and Bayfront Event Space, is set to be Singapore's largest, with over 40 rides and games, many of which have been brought here for the first time from countries such as Britain, Germany and Italy. Entrance to the carnival is free, and ride tickets and game coupons can be bought on site. The 25,000 sq m fair ground will also have over 30 game stalls where participants can win prizes. The carnival will be open until April 1 next year.


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Close to 300 specially invited guests from the design industry attended the official opening of Singapore’s inaugural SiD event on Wednesday 18 May at the red dot design museum.
May 30th, 2011
Close to 300 specially invited guests from the design industry attended the official opening of Singapore’s inaugural SiD event on Wednesday 18 May at the red dot design museum. Also in attendance and giving a speech were VIP guests Jeffrey Ho, Executive Director of DesignSingapore Council and Stefan Diez, designer of the Chassis chair for Wilkhahn. The night was supported by Wilkhahn, official sponsor of the Opening and Closing parties, as well as beverage partners Stella Artois, Appletiser and Absolut Vodka.
Photography by Yong Sze Yuen Kelvin
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Sub-Zero and Wolf’s prestigious Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) has celebrated the very best in kitchen innovation and aesthetics for three decades now. Recognising premier kitchen design professionals from around the globe, the KDC facilitates innovation, style and functionality that pushes boundaries.
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Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
Introducing the newly launched caddy storage system from Australian Workstation Manufacturers.
Designer Rugs’ latest collection MINDSCAPE by Gavin Harris is a daring exploration of shape, colour and texture.
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In what is a growing workplace precinct, Fieldwork has wrapped a distinctive skin of operable screens around this office block.
Salone del Mobile 2024 is only a few weeks away, so we’re highlighting here seven special events, spaces and installations that we’re certainly planning to check out.


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Shares of Ford Motor (NYSE:F) have been assigned a consensus recommendation of “Hold” from the twenty-five brokerages that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, sixteen have issued a hold recommendation and six have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month target price among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $12.26.
F has been the subject of several research reports. Vetr downgraded Ford Motor from a “strong-buy” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $12.00 price target for the company. in a research note on Monday, January 29th. Cascend Securities downgraded Ford Motor to a “buy” rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 5th. Zacks Investment Research raised Ford Motor from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $14.00 price target for the company in a research note on Tuesday, December 26th. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed a “hold” rating and set a $14.00 price target on shares of Ford Motor in a research note on Wednesday, December 20th. Finally, Susquehanna Bancshares set a $12.00 price target on Ford Motor and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a research note on Wednesday, March 14th.
Ford Motor stock traded up $0.22 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $11.08. The company’s stock had a trading volume of 39,863,962 shares, compared to its average volume of 48,367,784. Ford Motor has a fifty-two week low of $10.14 and a fifty-two week high of $13.48. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.94, a quick ratio of 1.12 and a current ratio of 1.23. The company has a market cap of $44,024.73, a P/E ratio of 6.22, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.67 and a beta of 1.12.
In other Ford Motor news, Director John C. Lechleiter purchased 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, February 9th. The stock was bought at an average price of $10.28 per share, for a total transaction of $51,400.00. Following the acquisition, the director now directly owns 30,000 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $308,400. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, Chairman William Clay Ford, Jr. sold 454,260 shares of Ford Motor stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $10.32, for a total value of $4,687,963.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 503,675 shares of company stock valued at $5,246,794 in the last three months. 1.08% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.
A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of F. Winslow Evans & Crocker Inc. grew its holdings in Ford Motor by 136.1% in the 4th quarter. Winslow Evans & Crocker Inc. now owns 8,500 shares of the auto manufacturer’s stock valued at $106,000 after buying an additional 4,900 shares during the period. Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Ford Motor in the 3rd quarter valued at about $124,000. Certified Advisory Corp purchased a new stake in Ford Motor in the 4th quarter valued at about $124,000. Cedar Capital LLC purchased a new stake in Ford Motor in the 4th quarter valued at about $126,000. Finally, Personal Capital Advisors Corp purchased a new stake in Ford Motor in the 4th quarter valued at about $128,000. Institutional investors own 56.59% of the company’s stock.
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About Ford Motor
Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company. The Company’s business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing, and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs), as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. The Company operates in four segments: Automotive, Financial Services, Ford Smart Mobility LLC, and Central Treasury Operations.
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Snow Peak is running a 20-percent-off sale on everything to celebrate the brand’s 20th anniversary and its customers.
Until November 10, Snow Peak USA will thank its loyal fans and customers with a special 20-percent-off sale — on everything — both in stores and online. The brand was founded in Portland, Oregon, in 1999. Yukio Yamai founded the original branch of the brand in 1958 in Sanjo City, Japan.
Last year, Yamai’s son Tohru Yamai moved to Portland to help establish Snow Peak USA’s presence and a connection between the two locations.
The brand offers everything from apparel to camping gear, with its own unique styles. Snow Peak is definitely influenced by Japan’s mountains and landscapes, but also by sleek and modern fashion. Get everything from hiking pants to camp furniture and pet accessories.
For the sale: Use the code SPUSA20 to save 20 percent off when shopping online. Snow Peak also has retail locations in both Portland and New York.
Snow Peak’s 20 Years
Also in celebration of its 20-year milestone, Snow Peak announced plans for it’s new U.S. flagship store and headquarters in Portland. The brand’s flagship base will be two levels and include retail space, headquarters space, exhibition space, a restaurant, and a bar.
“We’re creating a hands-on, indoor/outdoor space that truly encapsulates the Snow Peak experience,” said Matt Little, COO of Snow Peak USA.
“Snow Peak’s success over the last 2 decades has made this flagship a reality, and we’re incredibly grateful to our loyal customers who have supported Snow Peak USA since its humble beginnings.”


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The Advertising Council is partnering with the American Red Cross to introduce a series of national public service ads to direct traffic to the charity's Web site in response to the aftermath from Hurricane Katrina.
Television, radio and online ads will push Americans to the site at www.redcross.org to donate toward Katrina-related disaster relief. The ads support the Red Cross in its largest mobilization of resources for a single natural disaster nationally.
Omnicom Group Inc. ad agency GSD&M, Austin, TX, created the disaster relief ads pro bono in only two days. Also, new GSD&M-created print ads with information on resources and support for Katrina victims will launch in a few weeks.
All ads will run in time and space donated by media. The National Cable & Telecommunications Association and the National Association of Broadcasters have asked their members to air the ads. FastChannel Network already committed to digitally distributing the radio and TV spots.


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The saga began earlier this month when a guy on Twitter who we only know as "Nick" shared this horrifying photo of a nightmarish multi-colored slime/goo concoction that he said came from inside a McDonald's ice cream machine. And tbh, we believe it.
MOOD after seeing these photos:
Of course, a bunch of people joked that this is why the McDonald's ice cream machines famously are always down.
But Nick followed up:
LOL. And also: OMFG.
Nick's tweet, which wracked up 14,000 retweets in two weeks, has clearly rocked the internet to its very core. But people are, of course, skeptical. Some argued on Twitter that the photos show the "grease trap" part of the machine, which is normal and should be cleaned daily.
So Nick followed up with more photos to convince the skeptics:
Other McDonald's defenders claimed the problem isn't McDonald's—it's that this franchise isn't cleaning its machines.
But Nick fired back, claiming that cleaning the ice cream and "drunk" (drink?) machines is the managers' job.
Then, Nick decided hey, since he's already exposing McDonald's, why not go all the way? So last week, he tweeted these pics of uncooked versions of some of the chain's most popular "food" items:
More bad news, McD's lovers:
Then, PLOT TWIST: Nick gets fired. Okay, it's not that surprising.
And Twitter is roasting him for it. Apparently, going after McDonald's on Twitter makes you very unpopular.
But Nick says he DGAF. In fact, he planned this.
He went out with a bang alright!
Understandably, his former bosses were pretty pissed at him about those pics.
Of course, none of this is "confirmed" but it's all pretty believable. And now none of us can eat at McDonald's again. At least for a few days until we forget about those disgusting photos and can all go back to pretending fast food isn't basically just congealed rat poison.
Yummmm. Rat poison!


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One textbook CEO pins all the glory on Steve Jobs, Samsung pins its hopes on an anti-iPhone ad, and one attorney pins the blame for a stolen computer on Apple itself.
Glenn Fleishman thought Apple's iBooks and textbook announcements this week came off like a rerun of the pronouncements people have been making about technology and education for years.
With the updated iBooks 2 -- and interactive textbooks -- now available for download, we take the iOS app out for a test drive. What we found were stunning images and impressive graphics in these iPad-optimized textbooks that make printed volumes feel out-of-date.
Ask publishers, analysts, and rivals about Apple's digital textbook initiative and they'll say it's good for everyone -- but they're skeptical about it, too.
Macworld's Dan Moren and Lex Friedman attended Apple's education event in New York City. They join host Chris Breen to discuss iBooks Author and Apple's place in the textbook market.
Apple on Thursday launched iTunes 10.5.3, an update that allows users to sync the company's new iBooks 2 interactive textbooks between their computer and iPad.
At the Apple education event on Thursday, Apple executives Eddy Cue and Jeff Robbin unveiled the iTunes U app, a new way for students and teachers to manage course material for classes on an iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch.
Apple on Thursday launched iBooks Author, a free Mac app designed to let authors and publishers easily create multimedia-rich e-textbooks for the company's new iBooks 2 iPad app.
At Thursday's education-themed Apple event at the Guggenheim museum, Apple executives Phil Schiller and Roger Rosen introduced iBooks 2. The updated iOS app heads the first of two education initiatives unveiled by Apple Thursday.
In advance of Apple's education-centric event in New York this week, we showcase some of the most download education apps for the iPad.


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Scores of women (and a few conspicuous men) attended the Women @ NBCU’s first event on Tuesday morning, the Power of the Purse breakfast, featuring a talk from Martha Stewart and a panel discussion on how to market to women in a recession.
“I didn’t need a recession to figure out what I could live without. I had another experience,” said Stewart as the crowd, whose giveaway Martha Stewart Living tote bags (with a colander inside) adorned the backs of their chairs, laughed.
But for ad and marketing executives, appealing to women in tough economic times is a challenge hardly worth laughing about. Women @ NBCU is a marketing initiative headed by Lauren Zalaznick, president of women and lifestyle entertainment networks at NBCU that launched in May of last year and could be a vital resource for advertisers looking for help zeroing in on early adopter, affluent female viewers (the Lipstick Jungle-ification of the demographic, if you will).
Stewart implored her audience that women consumers are still willing to invest in products that have long-term value, but that, “they are not buying the $1000 suit right now. They are not buying the $5000 pocket book.” Women consumers with discretionary income (like society as a whole) are becoming more home-centric, which means they are buying products that are right in Stewart’s wheelhouse: “People are crafting,” she said.
Following Stewart’s speech, CNBC anchor Maria Bartiromo took over MC duties, presiding over a panel discussion with five powerful female marketing executives.
The advice from the execs was for clients not to “go dark” during the recession. Research has shown that advertisers who stay accessible during recessions do better maintaining consumer loyalty after the economic dark days have ended.
Susan Lyne, former CEO of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and CEO of Gilt Groupe, said consumers are looking for products that they feel secure about. Lisa Caputo, EVP of global marketing and corporate affairs for Citigroup said advertisers should avoid being glitzy and gimicky, underscoring the tone of the current economic climate.
When the discussion ended, Zalaznick made a few closing remarks, asking guests to please keep their tote bags and not give them away to nannies or baby-sitters. “I see these bags all over the city,” Zalaznick said. To close the morning Zalaznick asked everyone to look under their saucers where one person per table would find a sticker which meant they could keep the potted plants that sat in the center of each table for decorations.
“It’s like a recession bat-mitzvah that I’m having for myself!” she exclaimed.
The television industry's top news stories, analysis and blogs of the day.
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National Hockey League service heads to the PlayStation 3, Boxee, and Roku set-top boxes. The service is free to existing GameCenter subscribers using a Roku set-top box or Boxee.
Wal-Mart launches a gaming Web site; Yahoo and Nokia may be partnering; and an iPad steering-wheel case that may not be safe for the road.
Wal-Mart launches a gaming site, Yahoo and Nokia may be partnering up, and an iPad steering-wheel case that may not be safe for the road.
Sony has announced the slate of entertainment apps that will be available on the PlayStation 4 at launch.
Amazon just launched its new Fire TV. Here's how it compares to the other three biggest streaming device platforms in terms of features, apps, form factor, remotes, and pricing.
The PlayStation classic offers a nostalgic trip through three countries' worth of dirt and dust in four legendary cars.
Latest mobile software update from Apple arrived Wednesday with Game Center, HD video uploading over Wi-Fi, and fixes for proximity sensor and iPhone 3G.
From Amazon to Yupp TV, here's a running tally of the apps and streaming services available on the two new next-generation video game consoles.
With a heavy emphasis on online multiplayer, the classic boardgame makes an impressive -- if imperfect -- iPad debut.
The newest operating system has hit the Mac. Is it worth the upgrade? Plus: Netflix has a new rival, and Nintendo still can't catch a break.


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There has been no official announcement, but Aaron’s rent-to-own apparently will close its Maricopa location on July 21.
The news came as a surprise to many longtime customers of the lease-to-own retailer who received brief phone calls to inform them of the closing date and recommend they shop at Aaron’s locations in Casa Grande or Chandler.
“I only found out when I went in the other day to look at a washer. The Maricopa branch manager said he himself found out from corporate the day before what was going on,” Maricopa local LaBelle Herrera said. “I asked, ‘Is it due to the virus?’ They said it’s part of the reason.”
In a Second Quarter business update to investors on the impact of COVID-19, the company predicted a 15% loss in second quarter earnings compared to last year, primarily due to the pandemic.
“As Progressive’s retail partners begin to reopen their stores, the Company is experiencing a recovery in invoice volume from a low point in April 2020 and expects this improving trend to continue,” the business brief states.
Aaron’s rent-to-own opened its Maricopa location in 2012 in the Edison Place shopping center off John Wayne Parkway. LaBelle said she had been there on a few occasions to shop for appliances and was surprised to see it almost empty when she was shopping Wednesday.
“The store was still clean and all but very few items, I was looking for a washer and they only had one on the floor,” she said.
With much of the store’s inventory being transferred to the Casa Grande location, staff is expected to relocate there as well.
InMaricopa reached out to Aaron’s Maricopa manager as well the corporate PR department, but have yet to receive any comment on the closure.


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“Theo, are you trying to bore them to death?” his grandmother says in Korean. The screen brightens, and Lee catches a bottle of hot sauce thrown from off-screen.
Mike Kim and Theo Lee, MBA candidates at the UCLA Anderson School of Management, are beginning to spread the word about their new product, K POP Sauce, a sweet, tangy sauce based on Lee’s grandmother’s secret recipe. Their Kickstarter page, which features a promotional video, has helped the team raise almost $20,000 to launch their company, KPOP Foods
The company began as their master’s thesis and turned into a full-fledged startup this year to share an aspect of their culture with others.


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With the release of Windows 8 only a short time away, Microsoft has begun to advertise the new operating system in odd ways. A new video and website has launched and claims to bring a city to life through Windows 8 and Surface. What could this be?
According to the website, this takes place October 26th (the release date of Windows 8) until November 3rd at the Hudson River Parks in New York. There are no details as to what this event is about or what it will consist of. Could it be yet another publicity stunt for consumers to play with a Windows 8 powered device, including a Surface tablet? “Inspired by Manhattan, we have created a stylized one hundred and sixty foot version of NYC in an art installation we are calling Microtropolis. Microtropolis is Manhattan experienced through Windows. It creates the ultimate hands-on demonstration of Windows 8, with the city of NYC as the backdrop,” Microsoft stated in an official blog post. Yep, another cool way to try out Windows 8.


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- Contention is brewing between Qualcomm and Apple, with Apple accusing Qualcomm of charging excessive licensing fees, while Qualcomm claims Apple's successful iPhone business is due to Qualcomm technology and that Apple has attempted to acquire their technology more cheaply, The Wall Street Journal reported.
- Finances have also come into play, with Qualcomm claiming that Apple and other affiliates which assemble Apple’s products are withholding licensing payments to Qualcomm. Apple itself insists that Qualcomm has retained nearly $1 billion in rebates due.
- Qualcomm's shares have dropped 19% thus far in 2017.
Qualcomm is not the only supplier with which Apple is battling. Earlier this month, the ubiquitous technology innovator announced plans to develop its own graphics chips, leaving former supplier Imagination Technologies in the cold.
The two scenarios bear some similarity, however. Both involve the tech superstar's plans to more cheaply produce components similar to those it had previously sourced elsewhere. And, both situations potentially involve patent infringement, with suppliers claiming rights to specific technologies without which Apple cannot produce its products.
However, troubling as the pending lawsuits are, both Qualcomm and Imagination must be aware of the ever-present threat of working with a company which thrives on innovation. Further, suppliers should be wary of overdependence on a single buyer and, if possible, position themselves to quickly transition to other buyers when necessary. The value of highly competent procurement officers has never been more critical.


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Neill Blomkamp, the director of District 9 and Elysium has announced that he will be joining Gunzilla Games to work on an unannounced AAA multiplayer shooter.
Gunzilla Games, a developer with studios in Frankfurt, Germany, Los Angeles, USA and Kyiv, Ukraine are working on their first game, which is an ambitious multiplayer shooter.
Today, the studio announced that the director of Holywood blockbusters District 9, Elysium and the upcoming Demonic, Neil Blomkamp, has joined the team as Chief Visionary Officer, to define the in-game vision of this unannounced multiplayer AAA shooter.
The game will be released on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S platforms.
Neil Blomkamp says he's hopeful that his experience with films will translate to video games:
"My own big screen film experience will hopefully help shape new ways of interactive storytelling and next-generation visuals. And by making best use of everything today’s video game development technologies have on offer we will jointly create an immersive experience like we’ve never seen before," states Neill Blomkamp.
He also added that Gunzilla Games are a talented bunch, with a strong vision for the game, which is an exciting new multiplayer AAA shooter that pushes the boundaries of gameplay, player freedom, customisation as well as narrative experience within the genre.
Given that Blomkamp is a big sci-fi fan, we would not be surprised if Gunzilla's shooter is actually from the same genre. We have to say that something Elysium-like would certainly be exciting for a video game.
Hopefully, we'll hear more about the project in the coming months.


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US online retailer Amazon.com Inc will open its fifth logistics centre in Poland this year, seeking to benefit from the country's relatively low wages and proximity to the large German market.
Poland may impose more regulations on ride-hailing giant Uber while softening the rules for granting taxi licences in an attempt to find a compromise after protests by taxi drivers.
Poland and Lithuania said they were looking into the potential security risks of using 'FaceApp', the Russian-made face-editing app.
German carmaker Volkswagen will manufacture its new e-Crafter electric utility vehicles at a factory in neighbouring Poland
Eastern Europe's biggest economy has quietly developed into a leading video game exporter thanks to low labour costs, a young educated workforce and a thriving gaming tradition rooted in the Communist era.
Poland's number two telecoms operator Netia came under attack from hackers who may have stolen the data of some of its clients.
Google announced Wednesday it would open a centre for tech start-ups in Warsaw in 2015, marking the IT giant's third such Campus after similar spaces in London and Tel Aviv.
Banks competing in one of Europe’s most cut-throat markets decided to team up on a new technology that allows their customers to leave their wallets at home.
Poland on March 20 launched a smartphone app allowing people under a mandatory 14-day quarantine for coronavirus to send selfies to let authorities know they are indeed staying home.
Top video game players gathered in the Polish city of Katowice on March 3 to fight it out on the shoot-'em-up survival game Fortnite, with prize money totalling US$500,000 (RM2.04mil) at stake.


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Mexican Company Clip launches remote payment service for SMEs
MEXICO – The Mexican company Clip launched a remote payment service which will allow small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) and any user to send invoices so that their customers can pay for their products, this as part of the “Seguimos Junto a Ti” plan, reported Adolfo Babatz, founder and CEO of the company.
Babatz explained that the new solution is already available throughout the country and companies such as Lóreal, Chilango, Necaxa, Mexican Red Cross, OYO, among others, have joined it, and he expects that the end of 2020 this segment will mean up to 12% of the total volume of the company transactions.
“We believe that distance payments by the end of this year could represent between 5 and 12% of Clip’s total transaction volume,” he said.
He added that in order to access the remote payment service, users only need to download the Clip application and register, each transaction will represent a commission of 3.6% plus VAT.
On the other hand, Bababtz assured that the stores that accept Clip cards increase their sales between 20 and 30%, this depending on the industry, while regarding airtime recharges, the companies have two benefits, income for top-ups and a transactions’ volume that increase by 15 and 20%.
Source: El Financiero