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The prominent Betsson Group and GoldenRace have confirmed that they have officially partnered up, with GoldenRace becoming the group’s first and sole provider of virtual sports games in Greece.
Online players in Greece will now be able to enjoy virtual sports betting through an aggregator platform.
GoldenRace was founded in Malta in 2006, and it now employs over 300 people. Significantly, its games are now available at over 400 websites across the world. This deal with Betsson builds on GoldenRace’s recent agreement with Paston to provide games to the Spanish market.
Betsson Greece Managing Director Thanos Marinos is delighted about the deal, which fits perfectly, in his view, with his group’s strategy of always striving to provide the very best possible entertainment for their customers.
Fresh new content for Betsson customers
“Bringing in new and fresh content is a big part of what we do,” he said.
“I would like to welcome GoldenRace to our product portfolio, which I am sure our customers will find as a great addition to our existing offering.”
GoldenRace CEO and Founder Martin Wachter believes the deal helps to put GoldenRace in a great position to benefit from the expanding Greek market.
“The Greek gambling market is growing fast and offers exciting opportunities,” he said.
“We knew that when we first started operations in the country, and it is amazing to join forces with Betsson, to keep offering Greek players our leading virtuals.”
Betsson is one of the world’s top brands for online sports betting. Last year, the group made a point of targeting the re-regulated Greek market, as shown by their acquisition of two Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) licences.
Chief Commercial Officer, Ronni Hartvig, revealed last year when speaking to SBC News that expansion in locally regulated markets represented a real opportunity to drive expansion for the brand.
Prioritising such projects can often be a tricky balancing act when it comes to maintaining existing business strategies in other markets, but Hartvig was confident the group could manage Greek expansion successfully.
The group also opened a tech hub in Athens in 2021, something that Hartvig feels is a real asset, especially given its geographical proximity to the group’s head office in Malta.
Betsson to offer something different in Greece
He also explained that Betsson’s strategy was to respect the operators already present in the Greek market by offering customers something different. The virtual football betting and other virtual sports options available via GoldenRace would seem to be plank of this strategy.
“Our approach is that we want to be different through our offering,” he said.
“We will definitely have an approach to position ourselves as offering fun and entertainment in order to attract attention to our operations.”
Betsson is looking to position itself as one of Greece’s top operators in the coming years. Flexibly adjusting to the differing local demands of the market will be a big part of that.
“At Betsson, we are always listening to our customers’ needs and wants and we constantly strive to provide the very best entertainment to our clients,” Marinos added.


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Today, BlackBerry launched its highly anticipated smartphone – the BlackBerry Classic – a no-nonsense smartphone built to meet the needs of productive people who appreciate the speed and accuracy that can be found with a physical QWERTY keyboard. The BlackBerry Classic responds to customer demand for a familiar design, but upgrades the classic look with high-performance and modern features. Similar in appearance to the iconic BlackBerry Bold 9900, the BlackBerry Classic has a three times faster browser, 60 percent more screen space, 50 percent longer battery life, and greater variety of apps through BlackBerry World and the Amazon Appstore. The BlackBerry Classic also comes preloaded with the BlackBerry 10.3.1 OS, which means users will have access to features including BlackBerry Blend, BlackBerry Assistant and dual app storefronts. Other exciting pieces of news today include:
BlackBerry will be launching the BlackBerry Classic later this morning in New York City, Frankfurt, and Singapore, followed by visiting the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square to ring the stock market closing bell.
WIND Mobile just confirmed via their official Twitter page that the BlackBerry Classic will launch next month on their network, official launch date will be tomorrow. Check out WIND Mobile’s tweet below:
If you are a member of the BlackBerry Beta Zone then it’s time to open up their app because Facebook has a new beta version now available. This latest update brings the app to version 10.5.30.2 and we have the change log below for you to check out.
Tomorrow is the big day, the BlackBerry Classic will be launched in New York City, Frankfurt, Germany and Singapore, BlackBerry will make it possible to tune in to the event in New York, virtually. Check out all the details on how to tune in to the event below:
With the BlackBerry Classic set to launch tomorrow the hype is building up, this latest promotional video shows you BlackBerry going back to their roots with the belt and navigation keys that made the BlackBerry Bold the most popular BlackBerry smartphone to date.. Check out the promotion video below and let us know what you all think:
As many of you may know BBM has been in beta testing for a couple weeks now, and it looks like those tests went well because BlackBerry is rolling out their latest update to the app in BlackBerry World for everyone. This latest update brings the app to version 10.6.5.9 and we have the change log below.
Well, I suppose we can’t say we didn’t see it coming. The aptly named BlackBerry Classic, due for launch on Dec 17th, will come featured with OS 10.3.1 and the ‘classic’ BlackBerry game; Brick Breaker. Brick Breaker will be updated for the BlackBerry Classic and will work via the trackpad and keyboard.
ReFocus Tech have done it again! This time, an app called “Walls” which allows you to create, set, save and share custom generated wallpapers for all BlackBerry 10 devices is now available. “Walls” is a unique wallpaper generation app that randomly generates wallpapers based on the selected style, color palette and texture chosen. Walls also allows users to create image overlays for their triangle based wallpapers to let users give a personal touch to their masterpieces.
For any of you that use the native Twitter app it’s time to head on over to BlackBerry World because Twitter for BlackBerry 10 has an update now available. This latest update brings the app to version 10.4.30.12 and we have the complete change log below for you to check out.
With the holidays fast approaching BlackBerry has decided it was time for them to join in on the gift giving fun by offering a Festive Giveaway promotion in BlackBerry World. This promotion will allow almost everyone that has a BlackBerry 10 device to grab a few previously paid apps absolutely FREE courtesy of BlackBerry and the developers.
For any of you that may be using Box, Dropbox, or Microsoft OneDrive it’s time to head on over to BlackBerry World because all three cloud storage apps have an update now available. We have included the change logs for each of the updates below so you can see what’s new.
BlackBerry and NantHealth, a cloud-based information technology provider combining science and big data to transform healthcare, today announced the first secure clinical genome browser that gives doctors unprecedented access to patients’ genetic data on the BlackBerry Passport smartphone – the NantOmics Cancer Genome Browser. Press release:
BlackBerry will be reporting results for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 on December 19th, 2014. A conference call and live webcast will be held beginning at 8 am ET, which can be accessed by dialing 1-888-503-8168 or by logging on at
With the BlackBerry Classic set to launch on the 17th of this month in New York the Canadian carrier Rogers will start preparing their employees for the device with a training that is scheduled for next week.
If you are a member of the BlackBerry Beta Zone then it’s time to open up your Beta Zone app because there is an update to Facebook. This latest update brings the app to version 10.5.30.1 and we have the change log below for you to check out.
BBM for BlackBerry 10 devices has received an update today, bringing the version to v10.5.15.15, up from 10.5.5.46. This update brings changes to the BBM Shop, adding ‘Top Picks’ for apps and stickers.
As many of you know today is Black Friday and to help celebrate the great folks from Runisoft has supplied us with a promo code for their Super Email Blocker application. Super Email Blocker is a headless application that blocks unwanted/spam emails silently from the hub, and then keeps them along with the email subject, body and file attachments in the app for viewing later. It also prevents downloading the harmful attachments from suspicious senders, and comes with various anti-spam tools to fight spam.

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The following is a guest post by Lauren Sartwell and Dat Tran, Klaros Group.
Many consumers think of Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) as a new product, but the concept has been around for over 150 years, starting as “installment plans” and “layaway” programs.
BNPL shot to prominence during the Coronavirus pandemic, capturing the attention of consumers, media, and regulators, and is expected to increase significantly with holiday shopping.
Praised for its convenience, BNPL purports to revolutionize shopping and credit. Whatever the truth of that claim, it may also drive many Americans, especially younger generations, into debt, under terms and conditions they don’t always understand.
With U.S. regulators poised to respond, BNPL providers face a critical choice between waiting for the FTC or CFPB to lower the boom and taking proactive measures now to reduce their regulatory risk profile.
Enter the CFPB
Fully a year ago, in December 2021, the CFPB sent marketing monitoring orders requesting information and data to five large BNPL providers.
In January 2022, the agency followed up with a request for comment from interested parties. That request generated responses from consumer advocacy groups, policy think tanks, and even state Attorneys General, all urging the CFPB to act to regulate the BNPL industry.
And in September, the CFPB issued its summary report: Buy Now, Pay Later: Market trends and consumer impacts (BNPL report), declaring “[a]s part of this review, the agency will also ensure Buy Now, Pay Later lenders, just like credit card companies, are subjected to appropriate supervisory examinations.”
The CFPB’s report identified three areas of potential consumer risk arising from BNPL: discrete consumer harms (e.g., lack of standard disclosures, dispute protections, mandatory use of autopay, and late fees), data harvesting, and consumer overextension. CFPB regulation by enforcement or interpretation is coming soon.
Although existing lending laws and regulations do not expressly contemplate BNPL, the CFPB should not have to stretch much to bring BNPL within the scope of its regulatory and enforcement jurisdiction.
In the press release accompanying the publication of the September 2022 report, CFPB Director Rohit Chopra hinted at the Bureau’s approach, stating that BNPL “is a type of loan that serves as a close substitute for credit cards” and that the Bureau will ensure that similar protections are extended to BNPL products.
The agency could rely on broad, more general legal authorities, such as Unfair, Deceptive, and Abusive Acts or Practices (UDAAP), or use its interpretive authority to make BNPL “fit” into an existing regulatory framework, such as the Truth-In-Lending Act (Regulation Z).
Areas ripe for regulation
Whether the CFPB uses its UDAAP authority to bring an enforcement action against an existing BNPL provider, issues an interpretation, or initiates formal rulemaking to wade into BNPL regulation, the September 2022 report gives some clues about where the Bureau will focus:
The current BNPL landscape lacks required consumer disclosures and standardized disclosure formats. Standardized disclosures are a long-standing regulatory tool for improving consumer transparency and enabling comparison shopping.
The CFPB’s BNPL report suggests that disclosures such as those required for open-end credit under Regulation Z may also benefit BNPL customers.
Such disclosures would help to clarify the terms of a BNPL transaction and include items such as the number, timing, and amount of payments, as well as any fees that could be charged, such as late fees, that could increase the cost of a transaction to consumers.
The Bureau could use its UDAAP authority to enforce clear and conspicuous disclosures, reasoning that failing to provide consumers with appropriate transparency into key terms constitutes a deceptive practice likely to mislead the consumer.
Ability to repay
BNPL lenders do not routinely report consumer repayment behaviors to consumer reporting agencies.
Consequently, other lenders contemplating new extensions of credit may lack information essential to sound underwriting, and consumers can become overextended. Overextension can also occur as consumers depend on BNPL for day-to-day expenses like food and gas, eventually leading to default.
The CFPB could respond to this risk by requiring BNPL lenders to establish a consumer’s ability to repay before each extension of credit. BNPL lenders would likely need to implement standardized consumer reporting to meet such a requirement.
BNPL lenders typically require future installment payments to be made automatically from the debit or credit card used at checkout.
But the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, as implemented by Regulation E, prohibits lenders from requiring consumers to agree to automatic payments.
Moreover, consumers who make automatic BNPL payments by credit card and who do not pay their credit card balances in full each month will incur interest obligations to their card issuer – arguably making the “no interest” claims of many BNPL lenders deceptive. Indeed, some credit card issuers have started prohibiting the use of their cards for payment of BNPL installments.
The CFPB could address these concerns by prohibiting BNPL payments by credit card or requiring BNPL lenders to accept payments by non-automatic means.
Users of credit cards and other open-end credit products covered by Regulation Z are protected by billing error and dispute resolution rights, including the right not to pay a debt involved in an active dispute.
According to the CFPB report, dispute resolution is the top BNPL complaint category in the CFPB’s consumer complaint database.
Given the volume of such complaints, the Bureau may require BNPL to comply with the billing error and dispute resolution provisions of Regulation Z, including notification and investigation requirements and preserving the consumer’s right to withhold payments for disputed amounts.
The blog included three critical compliance checks for BNPL companies: focusing on claims substantiation, consumer understanding, and stating BNPL providers’ responsibilities to consumers cannot be pushed to other companies and providers involved in the BNPL lifecycle. The FTC blog concludes with a warning to “avoid deceptive or unfair tactics” in dealing with consumers.
While we wait for regulatory clarity, it would behoove BNPL providers to consider the FTC’s suggestion to “conduct a compliance check,” including reviewing their policies, procedures, and products end-to-end to ensure fair treatment of consumers throughout the product lifecycle.
BNPL providers can also consider steps to improve transparency and consumer protection, like developing clear disclosures, enhancing complaints programs to include disputes and billing errors, considering what installment payment methods are appropriate, and ensuring they have adequate compliance resources to manage the more demanding regulatory environment ahead.
A thorough review of existing compliance processes now with an eye toward coming regulatory change will better position BNPL providers to adapt to a changing environment.
Lauren Sartwell joined Klaros from Intuit Inc. where she oversaw product compliance and consumer protection for several of Intuit's regulated financial services products. In her time at Intuit, Lauren worked closely with business partners and stakeholders to assess risks, define compliance requirements, and implement controls to launch new and innovative consumer and small business offerings, including several partner-based products. Before leaping to Fintech, Lauren built her career at community, regional, and large financial institutions in various compliance and internal audit roles. She established compliance audit functions, coordinated and responded to state and Federal examinations, and conducted second-line compliance testing.Lauren received her BAs in English and Political Science from Iowa State University and is a Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager.
Dat supports Klaros' operations and advisory portfolio by performing a mix of qualitative and quantitative economic and regulatory research, data analysis, and data visualization. Before joining Klaros Group, Dat was deeply involved in the customer complaint management program at Green Dot Corporation, where he regularly liaised with federal regulators and gained exposure to a wide range of compliance issues. Dat received his B.A. in History from California State University, Fullerton, and his M.A. in History from California State University, Northridge, where he graduated with honors.


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The team in charge of the Xbox One announces that it will launch the Originals range of programs for the next-gen home console in June of this year, giving gamers access to a wide variety of dramas, comedies, documentaries, animation series, reality shows and live events.
They can also be enjoyed on the 360 and on other Microsoft devices, which probably means mobile phones and tablets, via the Xbox Live service.
Nancy Tellem, the president of Xbox Entertainment Studios, is quoted in the official Wire announcement as saying that, “We are developing premium, original content for the Xbox community which is an audience we are incredibly respectful of. We believe Xbox Originals should embrace the way our fans think about traditional TV.”
She adds that, “I know full well from my years spent at traditional TV networks that creating a lineup of hit shows isn’t easy. It's the beginning of a long journey, but we’re incredibly excited to be on our way.”
The shows that Microsoft describes as committed are already in development and will reach the Xbox One first, although at the moment no official dates are available.
The Halo live action series will be created by a partnership between 343 Industries and Amblin Television, with Steven Spielberg acting as executive producer on it, though no details about the story are yet available.
Another Halo-based project is being developed by Ridley Scott and Scott Free TV President, David Zucker, with Sergio Mimica-Gezzan, known for Battlestar Galactica, Pillars of the Earth and Heroes set to direct.
Every Street United is an unscripted program focused on football, which features Thierry Henry and Edgar Davids as they search for football stars all over the world before a climactic match in Brazil, and it will be offered all through June.
From Friday, June 13, to Sunday, June 15, fans of music will be able to enjoy a partnership with Superfly Presents, which will bring the Bonnaroo festival to Xbox Live.
Signal to NBouse is a documentary series created by Simon Chinn and Jonathan Chinn, designed to focus on the impact that technology has had on the lives of modern humans and will be delivered before 2014 is over.
Humans is a drama created with UK based Channel 4, consisting of eight-hour-long episodes that explore the effects that a special robotic servant called a Synth can have on a suburban family and the relationships between its members.
Casting will begin in May and shooting will take place during summer.


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Libra Offers Growth Opportunities for Contentos
Libra, a stable virtual currency from social media giant Facebook, has finally arrived.
But is this new coin a threat to Contentos and COS? To find out, we first need to fully understand why Facebook introduced Libra and what it offers.
According to Libra’s white paper, its vision is to help the billions of adults who are excluded from traditional financial services, such as having bank accounts or credit cards, access those services. An affordable financial service system that requires only a smartphone and internet connection can help billions of people — especially those living in developing countries — receive improved access to economic services and opportunities. It means foreign workers would no longer need to rely on services such as Western Union to transfer money to their home countries. It means students or people with low credit scores could have a better option for making online payments without credit cards. It means better equality as internet financial service and payment systems will be available to everyone with a smartphone.
This is a milestone in Facebook’s development as well. Facebook’s core business model is based on advertising revenue, and it is no secret that their recommendations engine analyzes our browsing habits to customize the ads shown on our personal feeds. But this business model has two problems:
- Privacy: The good side about Facebook ad customization is that it helps show people the ads most relevant to them, but the downside is that Facebook retains too much information about its users, leading to an apparent invasion of privacy. If and when Facebook is asked to address these privacy concerns, it could mean major changes to its core business model.
- Conversion rate: Businesses advertise on Facebook to find potential customers. If these users do not become customers — users who complete the “call to action” after browsing Ads — then these ads are less useful, meaning that businesses are less likely to advertise on Facebook in the future. If the call to action is to download an app or visit a website, it is significantly easier to convert Facebook users to engaged customers than when the call to action is a purchase. This is even truer when considering the large number of Facebook users around the world who do not have access to credit cards or other financial services.
That is why Facebook is now heavily promoting e-commerce on its platform; it is not just about helping advertisers access more potential users, but also about having new ways to conduct peer-to-peer business. Facebook is adjusting its business model to become a combination of eBay and Amazon — when you are shopping, you are more likely to continue purchasing if the recommendation engine customizes its offerings to your interests. But how does Facebook compete with e-commerce giants like Amazon? The key is the payment system. If Facebook can make e-commerce accessible to a large number of people who are excluded from existing online payment systems, it can instantly access an untapped base of new consumers and increase demand on its e-commerce platform, eliminating competition from more traditional online retailers. This would also enable Facebook to strengthen its leading position in developing countries such as India or Indonesia, which have large populations but little advertising value compared to developed countries. If the payment system problem can be solved, the conversion rate in these countries would significantly increase, thereby increasing the value of advertising on Facebook.
The question of how to build a payment system across borders remains. Building another credit card-like system is doable, but it would not be the best solution, particularly because challenges and questions regarding privacy would undoubtedly arise. The solution is a payment system that can be trusted and used by the masses: it is time to utilize blockchain.
To solve the issue of trust, Libra is not actually owned by Facebook; instead, it is controlled by an organization which includes founding members such as PayPal, Uber, and Visa. Second, since potential users are those who cannot access traditional financial services, the financial risk tolerance must be low enough for these people to use the service. The daily fluctuations of most digital currencies might hurt their trust and savings. For this reason, Libra is designed to be a stable coin backed by a reserve of real assets, ensuring that people can rely on it for daily use.
Third, trust cannot be earned through big corporate partners; it also depends on foundational technology. Like Contentos, Libra is open source and based on a BFT-type consensus mechanism. In the future, Facebook users will be able to use Libra on Messenger and other Facebook apps, but the details of wallet creation and user experience are still unclear. It seems likely that Facebook might choose something similar to Contentos proxy design to reduce the learning curve of public/private key management.
Should Contentos view Libra as a competitor? Let’s compare the differences between the two projects.
Above all, Libra is a stable coin — a financial instrument designed to improve access to online financial services. It is also important to Facebook’s core business model. In contrast, Contentos is a content platform focused on content creators and audiences, with COS serving as the token within the content ecosystem. As such, Libra is not a direct competitor to Contentos. On the contrary, the Libra project offers an opportunity for Contentos to expand. There are two primary reasons for this:
- COS needs a way to exchange value with other ecosystems. Currently, this value exchange can only be achieved through crypto exchanges. In the future, Libra tokens can become the medium as long as there is a way to exchange COS and Libra, which is likely since every cryptocurrency has the same needs.
- Libra offers additional entries into developing markets. Together with strong allies, Libra may be able to resolve regulation pain points for numerous countries. Although this is not guaranteed, Facebook is in a better position to talk to different governments about regulation compliance than any other existing crypto projects, including Bitcoin or Ethereum.
- Content creators and social platforms are interdependent. Based on current Libra information, the only way you can get Libra is by exchanging fiat currency. Once content creators learn how to use Libra, they will look for alternatives to earn more Libra, and COS may be the most relevant crypto they earn with their content.
With this understanding, it is clear that Libra presents more of an opportunity than a risk to projects such as Contentos, and is likely to support the global growth of cryptocurrencies.


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“The researchers found that: “Apple customers leave the support call experience very satisfied, far more so than most other of the companies surveyed,’ reports MacNN,” Evans reports. “In comparison, customers leaving a Dell support call were four times less likely to feel this way, while those quitting an HP helpline were an astonishing six times less likely to feel very satisfied.”
Evans writes, “These industry-defining levels of customer satisfaction are seen across the firm’s operations. Take a look at last December’s Changewave survey of iPhone 4S user satisfaction. iPhone 4S satisfaction ratings were found to be even higher than those found in a July 2010 survey of iPhone 4 new owners. This translates into an incredibly loyal global following of iPhone users. A growing and consolidated market of users who are inevitably prepared to invest in a new Mac, a new iPad or the next iPhone.”
Read more in the full article here.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Fred Mertz” for the heads up.]


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Okinawa, a leading electric two-wheeler manufacturer has announced offers for customers of its electric scooter range from October 24 to November 15.
The company has announced assured gifts for all customers on every booking. The buyers also get a gift voucher worth Rs 6,000 on their online and offline bookings. Okinawa has also planned a lucky draw under which 10 customers can win gifts with the first one getting a chance to take home the popular Okinawa slow-speed scooter – R30.
The EV brand recently launched online booking of vehicles through its website to offer convenience to its customers. On the digital platform of Okinawa, buyers can also opt for custom theme painted scooters from an array of options. The unique themes are designed by hands using high- quality paints by professional artists.
Jeetender Sharma, MD, Okinawa said: “Due to pandemic, a lot of industries faced slowdown including automobile. However, after lockdown got lifted, we received an overwhelming response from our customers. Now that people are opting for personal vehicles following social distancing, they are getting inclined towards EVs. Witnessing this shift from ICE to EV in the society deserves a huge acknowledgement. The offers from Okinawa intend to share the same spirit with the customers while we together embark towards the larger aim of the pollution- free country.”
Okinawa expects a 40 percent uptick in sales during the festive season following the rising awareness around electric vehicles among the buyers.


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It was a rather confused market for gold this week. The negatives pushed gold high while the stability kept it low.
Though it was a neutral week for gold, it managed to stabilize over $1200 an ounce. The recent gains on gold prices have been supported by-
- The sluggish reports from the US economy
- The dreary March payrolls report from the Labor Department
- The slowly advancing US housing reports
- Rise in SPDR Gold Shares
- The uncertainties about Greece’s finances
- Other geopolitical tensions
The sluggish economic reports have raised the expectations that the US central bank would not be hiking the interest rates before September.
The weak economic data this week did not have much impact on gold prices. Neither the US housing reports nor the declining dollar – gold prices did not bank on any of these factors.
The gold price remained in positive territory in Friday afternoon trading despite the dollar managing to claw back. Spot gold was seen trading at $1,204.70/1,205.50 per ounce was up $7 on the previous session’s close. Reasons supporting this are:
Greece Crisis: Investors shifted focus to gold to seek safe haven after world stock markets tracked lower over worries of a potential Greek debt repayment default.
Meanwhile, Consumer prices in the euro zone rose for the second straight month in March, not enough to pull annual inflation out of negative territory but another positive sign as the currency bloc looks to escape prolonged deflation.
Sluggish reports from US: US Industrial production disappointed in March to print -0.6% (expected: -0.3%) to suffer its largest fall in well over two years. US retail sales too printed a lower figure of 0.9% vs 1.1% expected
SPDR Gold trust- Holdings of SPDR Gold Trust, the world’s largest gold backed exchange traded fund, remained unchanged at 736.08 tons, from its previous close of 734.29 tons
Demand for Gold: Physical buying in the world’s top two gold consuming countries is expected to rise. A spate of manufacturing data from all the world’s major economies next week as well as the key Hindu festival of Akshaya Tritiya in India on Tuesday, which is widely regarded to be the most auspicious day in the country’s calendar to buy gold, could prove key to near-term direction. India’s March gold imports rose 94 percent year-on-year to $4.98 billion, according to the trade ministry.
In the week to come factors supporting a bullish sentiment for Gold are:
Weak US Dollar: A weak U.S. dollar could end up taking some momentum away from equity markets and that could help gold prices. Further weakness in the dollar could push up gold prices as bullion is seen as a safe-haven asset.
Eurozone: Negative bond yields in Europe continue to make the yellow metal an attractive safe-haven investment. Meeting of Eurozone ministers on the 24th April where Greece debt deal issue will take the center stage.
Economic Data from US: Though it will be a slow week for economic data, it will play a crucial role in influencing gold prices and the highlight will come on Friday with the release of U.S. durable goods for March. Disappointing economic data will make it clear the Federal Reserve will be unable to raise rates as high or as fast as markets are currently expecting and as a result, gold will benefit.
US rate hike: The G-20 did acknowledge the fact that a FED tightening could send shock waves around the Globe.
For the time being Markets are puzzled when it comes to Gold price move. Until we get clear-cut news from the U.S. economy; that will allow the Fed to make a definitive move on rates or the clearance on Greece debt deal issue, Gold is bounded in a range of $1170 to $1238.
|METAL||INTERNATIONAL price||DOMESTIC price|
|GOLD||$1194- $1230 an ounce||Rs.26,500- Rs.27,800 per 10gm|
|SILVER||$15.63- $17.00 an ounce||Rs.35,000-Rs.37,500 per kg|
For Gold: BUY ON DIPS
For Silver: Buy for future. Some facts:
1. 750 million ounces of Sivler are produced everyday which is worth US$14 billion. A price tag which is nothing in the current world. Individual companies are brought and sold at this price level.
2. New silver deposit exploration has found very little over the last decade.
3. Uses of Silver have been growing consistently in medical, Solar, Industrial etc fields. Relating to its increasing demand. A did read in an article that if the Silver is used at the current rate and only this much production happens across the world, then it can be extinct in the next 25 years or so.


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West Creek Financial, Inc. is staring down a proposed class action case filed by a New York consumer over the company’s allegedly “deceptive, unfair and deficient” rent-to-own agreements. According to the lawsuit, the rent-to-own agreements offered by the defendant overstep New York Personal Property Law and the state’s General Business Law.
The timeline of the plaintiff’s allegations kicks off in May 2017, when the man supposedly visited an Electronics for Best store in Jamaica, New York, looking to buy a laptop and stereo speakers. The plaintiff claims the salesperson at the store offered to sell him the items for $1,500, noting that financing was available. Under the financing terms, the suit says, the plaintiff would not have to pay any additional charges should he cover the full $1,500 within 90 days. Should he fail to pay the entire amount in 90 days, the plaintiff would have to pay interest on the unpaid balance until it was totally paid off, the case explains.
To proceed with the transaction, the plaintiff was reportedly told he needed to provide his driver’s license, which he says the salesperson photocopied. The plaintiff was then asked to sign the photocopy of his driver’s license, purportedly to verify his identity, and sign a receipt of merchandise document, according to the suit.
“[The plaintiff] did not sign any other documents of any kind,” the case points out.
The following day, the plaintiff returned to the store to pick up his items, at which time he did not have to sign any documents, the complaint reiterates.
According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff learned shortly thereafter that his bank account was being electronically debited $112.50 every two weeks by West Creek Financial. The man reportedly called the defendant in September and then October 2017 to ask about paying off his entire balance, to which he was told he would have to pay $2,700 in order to bring his account to zero.
After requesting a copy of his contract, the plaintiff was supposed faxed by West Creek Financial a “Lease Agreement with Ownership Option” that included a digital signature purporting to be his own. The plaintiff claims that at no time did he sign the document, digitally or otherwise, nor did he sign a digital pad for the purpose of having a digital image of his signature imposed onto the lease-to-own agreement. From the complaint:
“As set forth below, [the document] fails to comply with numerous aspects of New York law, and is materially deficient and unlawful, both in terms of its substantive terms and its disclosures to consumers of their rights, which not only fail to inform consumers of their rights and omit statutorily required information, but which affirmatively misstate consumer’s rights.”


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Change in any industry involves conflict. Evolution and revolution in tech this year took place not only in the marketplace but also in the courtroom, the factory, and on the Web. Here are the top news stories of 2012 as selected by the editors of th...
In a reorganization of its mobile business, Intel said Wednesday it has formed a new group, called the Mobile and Communications Group (MCG) that will focus on phones, tablets, and other mobile devices.
Third-quarter earnings reports from major tech vendors continued to pour in this week, confirming upbeat trends for enterprise software and emerging markets but mixed results for hardware and components.
A group of British researchers led by the daddy of the ARM processor, normally found in smartphones, went to find out how many how many neurons can an ARM chip simulate.
Microsoft showed Thursday the next version of its Windows OS at a press event in Taipei, unveiling a completely new tile-based interface that it hopes will be better suited for the emerging world of tablet PCs.
Intel announced plans for a new class of thin and light laptops at the Computex trade show on Tuesday, its latest move to improve its competitiveness in the mobile computing market.
Microsoft said Wednesday that the next version of its Windows PC operating system will run on Arm processors, part of an effort to adapt Windows to the fast-growing market for tablet computers, where Apple and Google have gained traction.
With Android, Ubuntu, and ARM set to shine, 2011 promises to be a banner year for open-source software.
Arm has entered the server market with Marvell Semiconductor announcing a chip based on its processor architecture, but customer acceptance and design issues could affect its chances of winning market share from Intel and Advanced Micro Devices, anal...
Arm and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company announced a partnership to enable the design of smaller chips for devices like smartphones and tablets, the companies said on Tuesday.
The rumours that Apple wants to buy high-rated UK chip supplier ARM have returned with dramatic effect.
Intel has set its sights on the burgeoning tablet computing market with its latest Moorestown chips, which the company believes will help break rival Arm's dominant position in the handheld device market.
Intel has ported Google's Android mobile operating system to smartphones based on its Atom microprocessors, an Intel executive said Tuesday.
Intel is going after the tablet market for its low-power processors, including an upcoming Atom processor designed for mobile phones, the company said.
Chip designer Arm this week showed its first processor made using the advanced 28-nanometer manufacturing process, which should improve battery life and functionality in future smartphones.
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GGG Evaluation Team
First impression on unpacking the Q702 test unit was the solid feel and clean, minimalist styling.
For work use, Microsoft Word and Excel programs pre-installed on the device are adequate for preparing short documents.
The Fujitsu LifeBook UH574 allowed for great mobility without being obnoxiously heavy or clunky. Its twelve hours of battery life did not disappoint.
The screen was particularly good. It is bright and visible from most angles, however heat is an issue, particularly around the Windows button on the front, and on the back where the battery housing is located.
My first impression after unboxing the Q702 is that it is a nice looking unit. Styling is somewhat minimalist but very effective. The tablet part, once detached, has a nice weight, and no buttons or switches are located in awkward or intrusive positions.


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About 500 people are stocked up on their roasted chiles after picking up 30-pound sacks at Albertsons’ Hatch Chile roasting event in La Habra on Saturday.
Buyers lined up before dawn to be in line as Albertsons employees roasted chiles throughout the day. Each customer was allowed to purchase up to ten sacks at $34.99 each, on a first-come, first-served basis.
The store’s sixth annual event had chile lovers so excited that the store began receiving calls as early as June to inquire about the roast.
Whittier’s Albertsons will host its chile roasting event from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31 at 13003 Whittier Blvd. For information, call the store at 562-696-5025.


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Is This Nike Dunk Low a Halloween Release?
News on this release was first published on July 23, 2022.
Update October 10, 2022: While these orange Nike Dunk Lows are giving ‘Shattered Backboard’ vibes, speculation around an October release date is suggesting they may be a Halloween release after all! Stay tuned for further details.
July has been a bountiful month for fans of Nike’s ever-popular Dunk Low. In the last three weeks alone, it’s appeared in a Jackie Robinson-inspired makeup, been sprinkled with sesame seeds and been reworked to commemorate HBCUs twice – and now, it’s appeared in an orange, white and black colourway that’s giving some serious ‘Shattered Backboard’ vibes.
It seems to be a popular narrative among sneaker media to call these the ‘Halloween,’ but the Swoosh tend to be more over-the-top with their ornamentation when it comes to holiday-themed sneakers. Instead, these Dunks feature shades similar to Jordan Brand’s ever-popular Air Jordan 1 ‘Shattered Backboard’ line.
The orange, white and black colour scheme is nearly identical to the Air Jordan 1 ‘Shattered Backboard 2.0’, only diverging on the colour of the laces and the collar detailing. A significant portion of the upper is built from high-gloss leather, which is similar to the construction of the Air Jordan 1 ‘Shattered Backboard 3.0’. It’s fitting, as both the Dunk and the AJ 1 debuted in 1985!
No matter the inspiration, this low-cut Dunk will drop later this year in full family sizes. An official release date has yet to be announced but is sure to be revealed soon. Stay locked to SF for updates, and keep an eye on your local Swoosh stockist and Nike’s webstore.
In the meantime, hit the link below to check out the Swoosh’s latest releases.


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The factories are in Michigan, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, New Orleans, Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky.
NORWALK, CT - December 19, 2022 - GameChange Solar today announced an increase in USA manufacturing to 24GW annual capacity. Not only have existing facilities been expanded, but also entirely new factories have now started producing GameChange's system components. The factories are in Michigan, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, New Orleans, Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky.
Derick Botha, Chief Commercial Officer at GameChange Solar, stated, "GameChange has always been committed to the USA market with the majority of our employees and vendors residing in the USA. With our growth and the growth in the utility scale solar industry anticipated for the next decade, we have greatly expanded our USA annual capacity to 24 GW for key structural systems to directly meet the needs of our customers for domestically sourced products. We are pleased to be able to expand greatly the domestic manufacturing sector supporting renewable energy and the many jobs it will create."
About GameChange Solar
GameChange Solar is a leading manufacturer of fixed tilt and tracker solar racking systems, with over 21 GW Sold. GameChange systems combine fast install, bankable quality and unbeatable value through superior engineering, innovative design and high volume manufacturing.


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Skoda to launch new Rapid, Superb sedans and Karoq SUV in India next week
Skoda is preparing to launch three new vehicles for India on May 26. Zac Hollis, Director of Skoda Auto India took to Twitter to announce that the company will introduce the three vehicles through digital platform.
Online bookings for all three vehicles have already started. On May 26, Skoda is expected to come out with the official prices of the cars. The new Skoda Rapid, Superb and Karoq have already been showcased in India at the Auto Expo earlier this year.
The new Skoda Rapid 1.0 TSI will come with a BS6 turbo-petrol engine. In order to achieve the new BS 6 compliance, the company has updated the Rapid with a whole new engine. While earlier it used a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol as well as a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine, it now runs on a 1.0-litre TSI turbocharged three-cylinder petrol unit. For the uninitiated, this new unit comes from the EA 211 engine family. It is known to develop 110 PS of maximum power and a peak torque of 175 Nm.
Also check these Cars
The engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The company will also introduce 6-speed automatic transmission option later. As in the recently introduced BS 6 Vento and Polo, the 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission will also be removed from the Skoda Rapid. The sedan is expected to be priced in the range of ₹8-12 lakh (ex-showroom).
The facelift version of the Skoda Superb sedan will come with several upgrades compared to its older versions. For a start, the facelift version will get a remastered bumper at the front, narrower LED headlights, updated grille, along with a slew of other styling tweaks. Inside, it gets a Virtual Cockpit fully digital instrument cluster with a 10.25-inch configurable display, bigger Phone Box for wireless charging and improved cellular reception, puddle lamps with Skoda logo and 8 airbags for more safety.
The new Skoda Superb will arrive on Indian shores in two variants - the luxury-oriented Laurin & Klement (L&K) and the hotter-looking Sportline trim. While the former will be made available in five colour options - Lava Blue, Moon White, Business Grey, Magic Black and Magnetic Brown, the latter will arrive in Race Blue, Moon White and Steel Grey.
The price of the new Superb is expected to be higher than its previous generation which ranged between ₹26 lakh and ₹31 lakh.
The Skoda Karoq is a compact SUV with 5-seat configuration. In terms of engine and specs, it sources it power from a 1.5-litre TSI-Evo petrol engine which delivers 150 PS of maximum power at 5,000-6,000 rpm and 250 Nm of peak torque at 1,500-3,500 rpm. The engine comes teamed-up with a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission which is offered as standard. The engine propels the vehicle from a standstill to 100 km/hr in just about 9.0 seconds and the touches a top-speed of 202 km/hr.
Some of the main highlights of the Skoda Karoq include features such as Panaromic sunroof, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Virtual Cockpit fully digital instrument cluster, LED ambient lighting, 2-zone Climatronic automatic climate control, Stone Beige leather upholstery as well as 12-way electrically adjustable driver seat (featured with memory function). So its clear that Karoq is brimmed to the teeth as far as comfort and convenience features are taken into consideration.
Since Skoda Karoq is going to be fully imported, the price is expected to be more than ₹25-lakh range.


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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman (Image- PTI)
India will now have its own version of an annual shopping festival on the lines of the one hosted by Dubai. This annual shopping festival, likely to begin from March 2020, will be held in four Indian cities, said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman while announcing multiple measures to revive exports at a press conference on September 14.
Sitharaman said, “India will host an annual mega shopping festival like the one held in Dubai, in four cities.”
Catch all the live updates on Sitharaman's latest economic revival package
However, she noted, the theme of the festival in each city will be different and will span across sectors such as gems and jewellery, yoga, textiles, tourism, and leather.
“It will happen by March 2020,” Sitharaman added. The four cities are yet to be finalized by the Ministry of Commerce. This is in a bid to benefit the small and medium enterprises in the export sector.
To boost exports further, Sitharaman said, artisans in the space of handicrafts and textiles will be on-boarded on the government's e-commerce platform.
“Mass on-boarding of artisans will happen across India,” Sitharaman said, adding, this will be done in partnership with the Textile Ministry.
Praveen Khandelwal, General Secretary, Confederation of All India Traders, said in a statement, "Organising Mega Shopping festivals on the pattern of Dubai & Shanghai will prove to be a showcase of Indian products to the rest of the world."
Though the festival will help showcase Indian products and encouraging, Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) said, it should be extended to agricultural products as well.
In a statement, ICC said, "Apart from the four themes that have been announced, agriculture exports should also be included, as we are one of the largest producer of agri products in the world, with a sizeable portion of the workforce employed therein."


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Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel – Not only are the two big names in the Indian telecom market, these two companies are also rivals. Both have repeatedly clashed and tried to outdo each other in various endeavors such as service delivery, subscriber growth, be it in the telecom sector or broadband services. But in this regard Jio has practically been ahead for a long time, whereas Airtel has occasionally shown its flaws. As the Mukesh Ambani-led telecom company announced a broadband backup plan, Airtel recently demanded to consider the matter. Even the second largest telecom company approached the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India or TRAI against Jio and requested to block the plan or offer. But the proposal of Airtel did not really survive! According to a recent report by the Economic Times (ET), TRAI has given Jio a ‘clean chit’ on the offer.
Jio’s broadband backup plan gets green signal from govt
Airtel’s initial concern and complaint about Jio’s new broadband backup plan was that it would attract customers like a predator to the detriment of its own interests and create instability in its direct-to-home (DTH) services. However, Airtel’s claim has been dismissed by TRAI – recently Union Minister of State for Communications Debusingh Chouhan said in Parliament that the regulator did not find any problem with Reliance Jio’s new offer. So the company can implement that broadband backup plan.
What are the benefits of Jio Broadband Backup Plan?
A few weeks ago, Reliance Jio launched a very affordable broadband plan for certain categories of customers who cannot afford the recharge cost of around Rs 500 per month. The company is of the opinion that by doing this everyone will be able to enjoy their broadband connection. But with the confusion they started offering OTT benefits and live TV channel access benefits with this cheap plan. In fact in this situation other companies like Airtel to compete with Jio will naturally have to take price cutting steps, and that is annoying enough for them.
However, TRAI has confirmed that Jio is not doing anything illegal through its plans. And interestingly, right after Jio launched its broadband backup plan, Airtel itself launched a ‘super affordable’ broadband plan; Its price is also similar to Jio’s plans.


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Monday, April 6th, 2015
Come and visit us at the 117th CANTON Fair (China Import and Export Fair) from April 15th till Apil 19th. We have booth numbers H35 to H52 in Hall 3.2. We will have our extensive range of TV, AV, Homeware, Whiteware, Appliances, as well as interactive 3D gaming and much more.
Location: China Import and Export Fair Complex / No. 380, Yuejiang Zhong Road, Guangzhou CHINA
Monday, December 29th, 2014
- 65″ 4K Screen with Glasses Free 3D to Debut at International Consumer Electronics Show
PHILADELPHIA — Stream TV Networks™ is pleased to announce that Konka® Group Co. Ltd. has committed to Stream TV’s Ultra-D™ Glasses-Free 3D technology for its television product line in 2015. As one of the world’s top television brands and a key consumer electronics force in China, Konka’s adoption gives Stream TV a significant boost in its growing presence in Asia and beyond.
The cooperation between the companies is the result of a year-long business development that began when Konka first trial tested viewer response to Ultra-D at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show. At CES next month Konka returns with the production-ready 65″ Glasses-Free 4K 3D display with never-before-seen pop and depth.
“Last year they were the number 12 TV brand in the world and now they’re number 9,” says Stream TV CEO Mathu Rajan. “We are honored to have a rising star like Konka committed to our glasses-free 3D technology and are excited that they will be showcasing the amazing new 65″ screen at CES.”
Konka will be showcasing Glasses-Free 3D at CES from January 6-9, 2015 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Central Hall, Booth 15038.
Built on 4K panel technology, Ultra-D is the only Glasses-Free 3D solution that delivers both stunning images and content conversion from any 2D or 3D source. Patented hardware, middleware and sophisticated-software algorithms visually transport viewers into an unrivaled real-world 3D experience with adjustable depth that consumers can customize to their liking.
Wednesday, October 15th, 2014
- Konka Chooses DivX® HEVC Technology to Power High-Quality 4K Video Experience on Televisions
- License Agreement Renewal Extends DivX Brand Presence in China Consumer Electronics Market
SAN DIEGO — DivX, LLC, a leading provider of next-generation digital video solutions, and Konka Group, one of China’s leading TV manufacturers, today announced that the two companies will work together to implement DivX® HEVC Ultra HD (4K) technology across Konka’s line of 4K digital televisions.
Konka is the latest consumer electronics manufacturer to adopt DivX HEVC technology, which enables 4K video content at highly efficient file sizes that can be transferred over the Internet. DivX is a leader in bringing the new HEVC video standard (also referred to as H.265) to the global market, offering the first widely available consumer software tools for the creation of Ultra HD video content to help drive the emerging next-generation video ecosystem, as well as the DivX Certified® Program for DivX HEVC to accelerate HEVC adoption in hardware devices.
“4K video offers a huge leap forward in quality, and companies like Konka are at the forefront of bringing a great 4K playback experience to consumers,” said Dr. Kanaan Jemili, CEO of DivX, LLC. “DivX HEVC technology lets consumers easily create and playback stunning 4K video at highly efficient file sizes, for an easy, real-world experience that delivers on the promise of next-generation technology.”
“The DivX HEVC solution complements our 4K digital televisions perfectly by enabling the seamless playback of extremely high-quality video at manageable file sizes,” said Konka company spokesperson. “DivX continues to be a leader in next-generation video technology and we’re pleased to continue our mutually beneficial partnership.”
The end-to-end DivX HEVC solution is designed to accelerate the adoption of the latest compression standard across the entire video distribution system. DivX Certified devices for HEVC will support DivX DRM and an advanced feature set for media playback including multi-language subtitles and audio tracks, trick-play track for smooth fast forward and rewind, chapter points for quick scene navigation, and resume playback across devices. DivX recently received a 2014 Best Ultra HD Codec award from Ultra HDTV Magazine for its DivX 10 software and MainConcept® HEVC SDK.


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In advance of official pricing information from LG, two vendors are showing identical online pricing for the company's highly anticipated 2015 OLED TVs. As expected they're extremely expensive.
Tomorrow Daily's daring duo took to the streets of Del Mar, Calif., to investigate whispers of a Marvel Experience that's touring the country. Can Ashley and Khail triumph against the Red Skull and his army of Super-Adaptoids?
Long fingerlike tendrils poked out from the part of the Red Planet known as the "Martian limb" and astronomers are scratching their heads over the cause.
It's still free, thank goodness, but I'm not loving certain changes to the company's model.
So you bought a new 4K TV and you're wondering what's on. The answer right now is: not much. But the list is growing. Here's a look at what you can watch now in 4K, and what's coming down the pike in the near future.
The long-awaited Tizen smartphone, the cheapest Lumia and the new series of "Game of Thrones" are among the treats heading our way -- but we wave goodbye to Windows 7.
More malicious software has been created in the past 2 years than in the previous 10 years combined.
This nifty gadget projects driving directions right onto your windshield for safer navigation. Plus: free 'Frozen' soundtrack!
Samsung is widely expected to launch a line of LCD TVs with "quantum dot" technology at CES 2015, but LG has pipped it to the post with the first official announcement.
In an age of social media and renewed interest in space exploration, 2014 has been a good year for speculative alien and UFO spotting. Crave's Eric Mack has some of the year's craziest "evidence."


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Trading Agreement Will Bring Industry Shake-up21 March 2013
COLOMBIA – Comprehensive reform plans are in place to overhaul the entire Colombian dairy industry following an agreement between the Colombian government and the European Union that aims to develop dairy trading between Columbian and EU markets.
Through improving market structures, farm productivity and farm practice the government has said Colombia will become a growing exporter to the EU market.
An initial cash injection of € 8.6 million will be followed by a further €30 million to implement the dairy strategy which hopes to develop a sector currently worth 9.7 per cent of agricultural gross domestic product.
The first phase of the programme was aimed at small dairy businesses and introduced by Agricultural Minister Juan Camilo Restrepo Salazar and Head of Colombian delegation for the EU, Maria Antonia Van Gool.
The free trade agreement and funding hopes to develop Colombian milk production and export potential for a growing global market.
Praising the agreement, Mr Van Gool said, “These joint efforts to strengthen the Colombian countryside, especially the dairy sector, will help to make the Colombian dairy industry more competitive, inclusive, productive and sustainable to suit both international and domestic markets.”
The agreement will focus EU efforts around certain issues:
• Product development and business competitiveness- focus on adding value to products aimed at global and local customers.
• Improving productivity and lowering production costs through more efficient farming.
• Pasture improvement and better farming practices.
• Increasing bargaining position of producers with processors.
• Strengthening government funding mechanisms.
• Developing the monitoring and political role of the National Dairy Council.
Currently both EU and Colombian ministers recognise the gulf in efficiency between the respective sectors and for this reason ministers intend to open a long trade period of around 15 years with further safeguard clauses activating a further two years.
Arising from the agreement will be a milk powder import quota of 4,000 tons of Colombian milk power, less than 0.5 per cent of Colombian milk production.
Yoghurt, condensed milk and buttermilk are also included in the agreement with total exclusions placed on liquid milk, cream and butter.
TheCattleSite News Desk


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With Maryland Market Money, SNAP, WIC-FVC, and FMNP (WIC/Senior) Go Further at Farmers Markets
Beginning in the 2014 farmers market season, management of the Baltimore Bucks program transferred from Maryland Hunger Solutions to the Maryland Farmers Market Association (MDFMA). As part of this transition, Baltimore Bucks became part of the MDFMA’s statewide federal nutrition incentive program Maryland Market Money.
17 farmers markets in 4 jurisdictions across Maryland, including 10 former Baltimore Bucks partner markets, are working with the MDFMA to increase redemption of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, formerly food stamps), WIC Fruit and Vegetable (WIC-FVC) checks, and FMNP-Senior/WIC (Farmers Market Nutrition Program) benefits at market through Maryland Market Money. Maryland Market Money offers additional spending dollars to customers who use their benefits are participating markets, with matches from $5 to $20 per week, per market depending on available funding.
Maryland Market Money is made possible by the generous support of The Abell Foundation, Crossroads Community Food Network, Eat Fresh Maryland, the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, the Institute for Public Health Innovation, Kaiser Permanente, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH), Maryland Hunger Solutions, and the Montgomery County Council.
Use the MDFMA’s Find a Market Tool to see where you can find Maryland Market Money for the 2014 season.


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When their first child brushed his teeth, Tom and Kate Chappell didn’t want him to use anything artificial or harmful. They added all-natural toothpaste to their product line and it became their signature item. Founded in 1970, Tom’s of Maine was experimental and different. Chris Chappell was the guinea pig.
His role eventually changed to a leadership position, and in time, Tom’s of Maine changed personal care for the better. He credits his parents with pioneering the natural products niche, which is overflowing with options he once didn’t have.
Now, the family has taken on the fashion industry with a clothing company called Ramblers Way.
“I don’t think anyone thought that the next project would be bigger than Tom’s of Maine, but that’s pretty much what it’s sizing up to be,” Chris Chappell said.
At left, Chris Chappell. Photo courtesy of Ramblers Way.
Ramblers Way specializes in quality, everyday clothing made from wool that’s soft enough for a first layer. These garments are sustainably made in the United States, from sheep to shelf. After opening stores in Hanover and Kennebunk, Maine, a third retail location opened in downtown Portsmouth this year. A fourth is planned for Portland, Maine.
Inspiration for Ramblers Way came in 2008, not long after Tom’s of Maine sold. Tom Chappell and one of his sons were on a two-week hiking excursion and their performance clothing wasn’t able to adapt to the conditions. He looked to nature for a solution and found it in wool.
When weather fluctuates, as it’s known to do in New England, wool can regulate body heat while staying breathable and odor-resistant. The problem is that it’s typically too itchy against skin. But Ramblers Way sourced Rambouillet merino wool for its fine, long fibers and developed a way to spin it into yarn that’s free of straggly ends.
The textile industry is an important part of the Chappell family’s history. But, these days, most labels are sewn overseas. It was challenging to find the resources and expertise needed to start an American clothing line, but that commitment to the environment and local economies sets the company apart.
There are higher costs associated with manufacturing a higher quality product and running a company that’s vertically integrated on the supply end, according to Chris Chappell. Ramblers Way clothing is more expensive than many brands that use cheaper materials, outsource labor, and rush to sell the latest trends.
“These massive companies have a lot of control, but they’re also doing a lot of damage. Fashion is doing a lot of damage. To take on that and to try to change it from within, for a small company, it’s really kind of a daunting task. I don’t even know if it’s really doable,” Chappell said.
He added that the fashion industry is one of the biggest threats to sustainability worldwide, and Ramblers Way shouldn’t be considered a part of that. He calls it “a fabric company first, whose output is fashion.”
At right, men’s Henley shirt. Photo courtesy of Ramblers Way.
“We don’t need to say we’re in the fashion industry. We’re kind of bucking the fashion industry. We’re doing things differently. That’s one of the reasons we’re in it,” he said.
Chappell, who directs marketing and e-commerce, knows some people won’t be swayed to pay more than what a three-pack of tees costs in a big box store. But, he said, all three of those shirts would be threadbare before one Ramblers Way shirt wears out.
“I think what you see with fast fashion, a lot of things aren’t made with quality in mind. There’s this sort of planned obsolescence built in and they’ll fall apart. But then again, it’s not even relevant six months from now because it’s based on fashion,” he said.
Ramblers Way garments are durable and versatile enough to wear from office to outdoors. Chappell describes the look and feel as casual elegance. “And then there’s the timeless nature of the styling. It’s not going to go out of style. It’s really classic,” he said.
The ability to wear the pieces often and for a long time helps justify the cost. Beyond that, Chappell believes there are people who share the company’s goals, people who are seeking their version of “a good life,” as the company’s motto says.
“I think there’s a general awakening, and we’re part of that trend. We could make fashion better,” he said.
Sustainability starts with ethically sourced materials, organic whenever possible. Last year, Ramblers Way introduced the first organic woolen shirt made in the United States. The sheep are treated fairly, and the workers are given a livable wage. The wool is safely cleaned and dyed, addressing a long-standing concern about water quality.
Clean water was one of the first motivations for all that Tom and Kate Chappell have done in business. In the 1960s, they were part of a back-to-the-woods movement, which brought them to Maine. Their first product was a natural cleaner for dairy farms, under the name Kennebunk Chemical Center. Then they produced the first phosphate-free laundry detergent, ClearLake.
Though the family business is still based in Kennebunk, Chris Chappell lives in Northern California, where he’s in a band called The Incubators. Music has always been the other constant in his life.
“I really enjoy it because you’re making art,” he said. “In a way, that’s what we’re doing at Ramblers Way, too. It’s art.”
Ramblers Way is located at 100 Market St., Suite 100, in Portsmouth, and online at www.ramblersway.com.
To read other Style Queue articles, click here.


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Sportswear giant JD Sports has been fined almost Â£70,000 in costs after breaching fire regulations after firefighters found that piles of stock ordered for the Christmas rush had blocked emergency exits at one of its Black Country stores.
West Midlands Fire Service found that escape routes at the JD Sports shop in the Merry Hill shopping centre in Brierley Hill was lined with crates and stock, reducing the width of one corridor to just 30cm.
Wolverhampton Magistrates Court heard that inspectors visited the store in December 2015 as part of routine pre-Christmas programme of visits.Â JD Sports admitted six offences at a hearing before a district judge in Wolverhampton on Thursday October 19.
Inspectors found serious breaches of fire safety laws at the company’sÂ JD SportsÂ and Scotts stores – including an escape route reduced to just 30cm after being blocked by crates and stock.Â Too much stock had been ordered, causing an overstock problemÂ with clothes rails blocking the storeâ€™s fire escapes.
Despite a warning, inspectors again found safety breaches when they returned two weeks later.
West Midlands Fire Service prosecuted the company following the inspection and it was fined Â£10,000 for each of the six offences and ordered to pay Â£7,500 in costs.
Fire inspection officer Mick Norton said: “It beggars belief the company compromised the safety of their staff and Christmas shoppers in this way.
“In spite of our warning that we would be revisiting, breaches were again identified when we returned two weeks later. We do everything we can to advise businesses on fire safety but will not hesitate to prosecute if our advice is ignored.
“Retailers must realise they can’t put profit before people’s safety by over-stocking, reducing the width of escape routes and blocking fire exit routes.”


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If you are considering installing solar photovoltaics on your premises to generate your own energy, it may be worth doing it sooner rather than later.
The Government is set to make substantial changes to the popular Feed-in Tariff – the subsidy scheme which pays you for generating renewable electricity and feeding it into the grid. With tariffs for solar PV likely to be reduced by as much as 87% from January 2016, time is running out to capitalise on the comparatively generous payouts that are currently available.
The Government has already announced that from 1 October 2015 it will remove pre-accreditation benefits for all new Feed-in Tariff participants, meaning that installations now need to be completed in full rather than simply commissioned and granted planning permission before tariff payments are guaranteed.
The Government’s proposals also include changing the indexation of tariffs for future applications from Retail Price Index (RPI) to Consumer Price Index (CPI), which may further reduce returns on investment over a project’s lifetime.
According to the Solar Trade Association, the proposals are likely to fuel a “massive market rush” of solar installations over the next few months as new applicants dash to ensure they qualify for the current tariffs before they drop in 2016.
For independent support on what the potential changes mean and the business case for installing solar PV on your premises, contact the Green Growth team on 0161 359 3050 or email firstname.lastname@example.org.


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On the heels of unveiling its 2020 Club Fitters and Builders Program, Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company today announced a partnership with Club Champion, the largest company-owned and #1 premium golf club fitting retailer in the U.S., to offer club heads in its fitting program nationwide.
Club Champion becomes the first national partner to join Ben Hogan Golf’s 2020 Club Fitters and Builders Program, whereby accredited club fitters and builders nationwide can now Buy Ben Hogan Golf-branded club heads directly from the Company for use in their custom club making businesses.
“We are thrilled to partner with Ben Hogan Golf to offer their acclaimed club heads in our Club Champion facilities across the country,” said Nick Sherburne, Club Champion’s Founder and a Master Club Fitter/Builder. “As the Ben Hogan brand has continued to surge, our customers have been asking for their products to be offered at Club Champion, and this new program allows us to satisfy that demand. We expect this partnership will be highly successful.”
“On the heels of our successful 2019 product launches, including the PTx PRO irons, GS53 driver and fairway woods and Ben Hogan Precision Milled Forged Putters, we have been inundated with demand from club builders to gain access to Ben Hogan club heads for their private club fitting businesses,” said Scott White, CEO, Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company. “Just like our factory-direct-to-consumer business model, which eliminates retail mark-up, this new club fitter’s program, highlighted by our new partnership with Club Champion, offers high-performance forged club head pricing that is unmatched in the industry. It will allow club builders to offer their customers the best golf equipment in the world at the best pricing, while still recognizing a strong profit margin.”
Keep up-to-date with all of the latest Ben Hogan Golf and Club Champion news on social media:
- Instagram @BenHoganGolf / Facebook @BenHoganGolfEquipmentCompany / Twitter @BHGolfEquipment
- Instagram @ClubChampion / Facebook @ClubChampion / Twitter @ClubChampGolf
About Ben Hogan Golf Equipment
The Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company manufactures premium golf clubs and golf bags, and is committed to continue Ben Hogan’s reputation of innovation, performance and classical designs. The company is based in Fort Worth, Texas, Ben Hogan’s longtime home and the site of the original Company which opened in 1953. The Company offers their premium products online at benhogangolf.com exclusively. By eliminating the retail “middleman”, the Company’s cost structure is minimized and consumers are able to purchase high-quality golf equipment at factory-direct prices. © 2020 Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company, LLC.
About Club Champion
Established in 2010, Club Champion is a national club fitting and building company headquartered in Chicago, IL. There are currently more than 70 Club Champion fitting studios in major markets across the country, with plans to expand further in 2020. The studios carry all the top golf club, shaft and grip manufacturers in the industry, which are used to build test clubs in real-time. Studios are equipped with advanced analysis technology, along with highly trained certified fitters and builders who must complete an extensive training program. Services include club fitting and building, repair services, personalization, and highly engaging corporate and personal entertainment events. For more information about Club Champion, visit www.clubchampiongolf.com.


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Tesla is out with its 3.0 upgrade for the Roadster, and by combining improved aerodynamics, reduced rolling resistance, and new batteries, Tesla claims its achieved a 40-50 percent improvement on range. And it's going to test that with a road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
According to a brief blog post, the Roadster is getting three upgrades to achieve that range boost.
First, it's updating the old lithium-ion battery back that – while state-of-the-art in 2008 – pales in comparison to what Tesla offers today. New cells claim to have 31 percent more energy density than the original pack, which puts it at a pretty astonishing 70 kWh, or just 15 kWh shy of the top-spec Model S 85.
Secondly, Tesla developed an aerodynamic retrofit kit takes the Roadsters coefficient of drag from 0.36 down to 0.31 Cd – but still higher than the Model S' 0.24. And finally, a new set of tires reduces rolling resistance from 11.0 to 8.9 kg/ton.
Add that all up and that's where Tesla gets its 40-50 percent figure, and it's not done yet. Tesla says that this won't be the last update to the Roadster, which will continue to be iterated "in the many years to come."
However, Tesla has yet to disclose how many of the 2,500 Roadsters will be eligible for the upgrade, how much it will cost, or when it will be available.


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There are all kinds of reasons marketers should be upbeat this holiday season. Online spending is up nicely. Foot traffic and purchasing in malls is in line with moderately optimistic forecasts. And falling gas prices could easily translate into extra eggnog.
But it would be a mistake to expect shoppers to go all 2004 this holiday, says James Russo, Nielsen’s SVP global consumer insight. He gives Marketing Daily a peek into what consumers are really thinking about household budgets right now, and why retailers won’t get any “irrational exuberance” for Christmas:
Q. What's your take on the season, so far?
A. We continue to feel good about our forecast of a 1.8% increase. It’s a good amount of growth — not gangbusters, but still positive. And when we look at week-by-week spending, we can definitely see where shoppers have shifted their dollars back and forth between essential and discretionary spending. So we’re heading into this important week — from Super Saturday until Christmas with optimism. It’s the biggest spending week of the year. But it’s still very balanced between essential spending and holiday spending. To me, that’s key.
Q. How so?
A. What no one had forecast earlier this fall was this big drop in gas prices, and that is the real X factor. How much of that will consumers spend on holiday gifts? We just surveyed 500 consumers online, and 40% say they have additional money to spend because of falling gas prices. And with gas prices at their lowest levels in close to five years, there is a real benefit in their wallets. What’s interesting is that of those people, 50% say they are going to pay bills and 40% are using it for holiday spending and gift giving.
Q. How much might that help?
A. About 24% say lower gas prices are creating an additional $25 to $50 for them this season, and another 22% say they are getting an extra $50 to $75. And with people starting the season with a budget of anywhere from $200 to $500, that might add another 20% to some family budgets.
there’s still considerable restraint?
A. Yes, and that is a little surprising, that people are looking to pay bills and be more fiscally responsible. It’s also a positive.
Q. How does that set us up for 2015?
A. Well, we still have 65% of consumers believing we are in a recession. That’s pretty significant. And when we asked about their current level of optimism, on a scale of 1 to 5, 40% are right in the middle. There is this trepidation and uncertainty that has permeated the consumer mindset for the last five years. And it continues.
Q. Could it be permanent nervousness?
A. To an extent, the recovery has been uneven, and will be until wage growth takes hold. Housing, fuel, jobs, stocks — those are all good trend markers. But we are still knocking on the door of wage growth, and until that happens, people will worry: “If I lose my job, could I get another one that pays as much, or more?” Until that happens, there will still be a level of uncertainty.


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Datawind CEO Suneet Singh Tuli showcases company's budget Akash tablet Low-cost handset maker Datawind will launch a 4G device early next year for about Rs 3,000 and offer free Internet browsing for 12 months on it. We will launch a 4G device ... Indian Express, 1 month ago
Datawind to launch 4G smartphone by February, priced at Rs 3,000 - Financial Express, 1 month ago
Datawind to launch 4G handset for Rs 3,000 by February - Economic Times, 1 month ago
3 images for "suneet singh tuli"
Suneet Singh Tuli, CEO, Datawind Suneet Singh Tuli became a household name in India when his company Datawind launched the cheapest tablet the Aakash in 2011. Projected as the $35′ tablet, the device was introduced and promoted by the HRD ...TeleAnalysis.com, 3 weeks ago Mobile handset company's CEO meets officials Times of India, 1 month ago
, insiders of . Founders and significant shareholders, Suneet Singh Tuli, DataWind's president, chief executive officer and director, and Raja Singh Tuli, DataWind's chief technology officer and co-chairman, will participate in the ASPP. Other ...Wall Street Select, 1 month ago DataWind launches new smartphones in India Business Today India, 2 weeks ago DataWind launches new affordable smartphones in India Yahoo! India, 2 weeks ago DataWind brings UbiClass for students VAR India, 3 weeks ago
In a press conference, Dr Rajwant Singh, president of EcoSikh, said that EcoSikh plans to pursue organic farming as an important issue in India and the US. CHANDIGARH EcoSikh, a Washington DC-based organisation, today appealed to gurdwaras to ...Link, 1 day ago
The low-cost handset maker DataWind launched two new affordable netbooks at their manufacturing facility in Amritsar. During her first mission to India, the Premier of Ontario, Canada, Kathleen Wynne, visited the DataWind facility where she launched ...It Voice, 4 days ago Datawind Unveils Two Affordable ... EFYTimes.com, 2 days ago
DataWind Inc. (TSX: DW), a leader in the delivery of low cost Internet access in emerging markets, further enhanced the vision of the Make in India campaign by signing a Memorandum of Understanding today in Hyderabad with the Government of Telangana ...EFYTimes.com, 2 days ago Canada's Datawind setting up ₹100-crore facility in Hyderabad Hindu Business Line, 3 days ago DataWind to set up manufacturing facility in Telangana United News of India, 3 days ago Make in India: DataWind to set up manufacturing unit in Hyderabad MyInforms, 3 days ago
More from: Siasat Daily, NDTV...and 6 other sources
Email this Print DataWind Innovations, the Indian arm of Toronto Stock Exchange-listed low-cost mobile devices maker, DataWind Inc, is in the process of setting up a manufacturing facility in Hyderabad. The investment would be to the tune of Rs ...Smart Investor, 3 days ago
HYDERABAD, INDIA — Think of it as the iPad from Hyderabad. A Mississauga tablet-computer manufacturer is opening a factory in Hyderabad that could open the world to hundreds of millions of Indians while creating jobs in India and Canada. ...MyInforms, 3 days ago
New Delhi, Feb 4 (ANI): DataWind Inc. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today with the Hyderabad Government of Telangana to set up its new manufacturing unit in the city. The MoU was signed between Information Technology Electronics and ...Yahoo! India, 3 days ago DUNDEEWEALTH : DataWind signs MoU with Telangana government, Hyderabad to get new facility 4 Traders, 3 days ago
WITH tier-2 cities transforming into next growth drivers, and the country bracing itself for an entrepreneurial revolution, members of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), Chandigarh, couldn't have brought this event at a more opportune time. For the ...Yahoo! India, 3 days ago
on your WebpageAdd Widget >Get your members hooked!


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Pitts Stop: First Electric Pickup Truck Already Has Wait List
BOSTON (CBS) -- Workhorse didn't set out to design an all-electric pickup truck.
"It's exactly like nothing that's ever been built before," says Jeff Esfeld, Workhorse's Director of Light Duty Fleet Sales.
The Ohio-based company was actually participating in a contest to design the next generation mail truck for the United States Postal Service when they realized the W-15 design could serve a larger purpose.
"Most of these vehicles are operating in an urban environment where air pollution is really a considerable concern. For utilities, city fleets, and contractors to be emitting zero emissions in a city is really critical and important," Angela Strand, Vice President of Business Development at Workhorse, told WBZ-TV.
With a simple generator plug in, it's possible to run a job site straight from the truck--and even power a home.
"This truck is geared to tackle even the toughest New England winter," says Esfeld. "If your home lost power, you could run many of your systems through our power export module."
The W-15 is also ahead of major companies like Ford, which plans on releasing only a hybrid version, and Tesla, which won't release an all-electric pickup truck for another two years.
"We are a definite pioneer in the area of electric transportation," says Strand. "We have a very unique set of skills and engineering that allows us to move very quickly."
The W-15 has received over 5,000 pre-orders from fleets which will be in use next year.
Consumers will be able to purchase the W-15 by early 2019 for $52,000.
You can sign up for the wait-list on their website, workhorse.com.
for more features.


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Domino’s buys Pizza Haven in food franchise sector
Domino’s Pizza Australia has bolstered its international expansion drive by purchasing Pizza Haven New Zealand.
The move will see Domino’s Pizza New Zealand become NZ’s second largest pizza maker. Domino’s Pizza New Zealand, a subsidiary of Domino’s Pizza Australia, already operates 16 stores on New Zealand’s north island. Pizza Haven New Zealand has 35 stores across both north and south islands. Most Pizza Hut New Zealand franchisees will be offered the opportunity to convert their stores to Domino’s Pizza New Zealand stores. However, Pizza Haven New Zealand franchisees are also able to remain operating as Pizza Haven stores. Domino’s Pizza New Zealand will continue to support them under the Pizza Haven brand and will honour existing franchise agreements.
“Pizza Haven and Domino’s Pizza both recognise that the competitive market in New Zealand needs to be rationalised and that greater buying power will offer better returns to Pizza Haven New Zealand franchisees,” says Domino’s Pizza Australia CEO, Don Meij.
According to Pizza Haven New Zealand joint managing director, Bill Christou, the sale is the best possible outcome for Pizza Haven New Zealand franchisees.
“The New Zealand pizza market is highly competitive and individual store owners need the competitive advantage which comes from group buying power and marketing,” he says. “We firmly believe this sale will offer strong benefits to our franchise owners.”
Over the past decade Domino’s Pizza Australia has purchased four chains and in these cases the converted stores have recorded sales and profit increases. In 1995 it merged with 85 Silvio’s Dial-A-Pizza stores across Australia. Last year, it bought 16 Big Daddy’s Pizza stores in Melbourne.


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[NXJP] Dragona Signed for Publishing in Japan through Nexon Japan
Oh, how excellent, Nexon Japan and Dragona Online’s developer Liveplex has signed for the publishing of the game in Japan. I’m happy for Nexon Japan and all, but I’m starting to think that Nexon America is being left in the dust in terms of games being published. Nexon America has launched three games for 2010 and has at least one planned for early 2011 which isn’t bad, but when compared to Nexon Japan’s launching/taking over of TEN new games since the beginning of the year, it’s not good. Nexon Japan currently services 24 games and is catching up on Nexon Korea with services 29 games, with at least one upcoming. Well, Nexon Japan is dominating the Japanese online gaming market and I wish them and the rest of NEXON Corp. all the best in the future.
Dragona Online is a highly anticipated next-generation MMORPG developed by independent Korean studio Liveplex. The game has been in development since 2007 and will enter pre-open beta in Korea on January 20, 2011 where it is begin self-published by Liveplex.
Japan is the fourth country for Dragona Online to be published in after Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau which I believe will be published by the same company. The license for the game in America and Europe remains unsigned, will Nexon America/Nexon Europe volunteer? Liveplex is also looking for a publishing partner in China.


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We watch a lot of local news pieces here to see what works and what doesn't, and to keep a pulse on how this content is produced. Unfortunately, most local news is still produced like it was 10, 20 and 50 years ago. A large crew, big, old expensive equipment, and not as much a story as a pictoral illustraion over what reads like a newspaper. Every now and then though we are surprised and see some great work. A great story, done by a VJ, with nothing more than an iPhone and some other equimpent. This is just what we saw today.
Chris Sasser is a VJ working in Louisiana. He recently shared a story he had worked on about how recent floods have affected people's lives. Chris found a great story, and then, instead of getting the crew and cameras together, left the big camera in the car and shot this piece on an iPhone and a GoPro.
The results speak for themselves. This is a great story, shot very well and all without the large 'broadcast' cameras. This can, and should, be done everyday with the stories that local news does.
Share with us your stories shot on a smartphone we'd love to take a look!


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I’m pretty excited about this news since I’m from Baltimore (and still live here). Baltimore Comic Con announced the other day that Stan Lee is going to be the Guest of Honor at the event this year!
Lee will be appearing at the Baltimore Comic-Con on both Saturday and Sunday, as well as attending the banquet for the Harvey Awards on Saturday evening. Details regarding ticket pricing for signings and VIP packages will be released over the next few weeks. To receive the latest information about Stan Lee and all of the Baltimore Comic-Con news, sign up for our mailing list at baltimorecomiccom.com!
Baltimore Comic Con is held at the Baltimore Convention Center August 20th and 21st. The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 12th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. As of right now tickets aren’t available yet but I’d expect them to go on sale soon.


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By Sarah Berry
"Buying organic vegies at the supermarket is basically a waste of money."
This is the headline of a new article that got my (biodynamic) goat.
Before pesticides were used in mainstream farming, 'organic' was normal. It wasn't synonymous with expensive, luxury or fussy wanker.
The fewer pesticides, insecticides and artificial additives we ingest the better, plus environmental sustainability and animal welfare are priorities in organic farming.
Given the state of our planet's health, the sorry state of animal welfare around the world as well as the state of our own health, it seems worth the extra couple of bucks to go organic when we can.
Presumably people agree with me, given the exponential growth of the market in Australia and overseas. In Australia alone, it is now worth $1.72 billion, up by 35 per cent since 2012 and growing by over 15 per cent each year.
Deena Shanker in the feature article in Quartz disagrees.
"Is it worth the extra money?" she asks.
"The answer: Probably not."
Which brings us to the supermarket aisle.
If you're tossing up organic over conventional, the price difference can be minimal or pretty massive.
I'm at Woolworths facing the vegie section and looking at $9.98 a kilogram versus $3.98 for broccoli, kale is $4.97 a bunch or $3.98, carrots are $5.97 versus $3 a kilogram, zucchini is $15.96 versus $5.96 a kilogram while potatoes are $3.75 instead of $2.99.
For milk you'll pay double for organic, eggs you're looking at $4.99 over $3.50 while for mince meat it's about $16.99 instead of $9.99 a kilo.
How do we weigh up what it's worth?
Organic food is not always better for the environment
When organic farming happens on a large scale, there can be a "weakening" of the standards and greenhouse gases may be the same or higher than conventional practices, it has been argued.
"All that machinery necessary to maintain big organic farms – necessitated by the choice to refrain from using synthetic chemicals – essentially cancel out any reduction in carbon emissions that any farm would normally obtain from relying strictly on organic fertilisers and pesticides," says Julius McGee of the University of Oregon.
Numerous other studies however, have found multiple "indications of animal populations and ecosystems changing because of pesticides".
One long running study by the Rodale Institute found that organic farming systems build rather than deplete soil organic matter, and use 45 per cent less energy while conventional systems produce 40 per cent more greenhouse gases.
It's the animals as well as the environment.
"The National Organic Standard, states that organically raised animals must have access to the outdoors, including pasture, and ample space to behave naturally," says Alasdair Smithson, owner of Munch, Crunch Organics and supply chain manager for Oliver's Real Food.
Any health benefits from organic produce are teeny-tiny
"The science available thus far says any additional nutritional benefits from organic produce, compared with conventional, are very small," Shanker says.
She is right.
Organic foods have been found to have more antioxidants (by as much as 60 per cent), vitamin C (about 6 per cent), beta carotene (about 50 per cent) and lower levels of the toxic metal cadmium.
Results can vary though.
"This is not surprising, as the nutritional value of foods is very variable, influenced strongly by local regional factors, variations in growing seasons and rainfall, ripeness of food when harvested and time of harvest," explains Professor Ian Musgrave, a senior lecturer in pharmacology at the University of Adelaide.
And what of pesticides?
"On average, conventional farmers apply between two and 12-plus synthetic pesticides to their crops," says Smithson. "The average serving of conventionally grown leafy greens, peppers, tree fruits, berries, and grapes contains three to four pesticide residues."
You can wash these off though, right?
A rinse under the tap will help remove pesticide residues off your fruit and vegetables, but "getting it down to zero is not feasible, ever," Dave Stone, a toxicologist who is the director of the National Pesticide Information Centre, told NY Times.
Higher price doesn't really mean higher quality
Shanker points out that some research has found that the mark-ups on organic produce are higher than conventional as are profits.
Organic produce can, as we know, be significantly more expensive. But what is the cost outside our wallets?
One recent study of more than 4400 people found conventional produce eaters had double the levels of pesticides in their urine compared with organic produce eaters.
Better out than in, some say, noting that the levels are well below what will cause us harm and the benefits of eating more fruit and vegies more than make up for it.
Others say the price for ingesting pesticides is an unknown quantity.
"Agricultural chemicals are not tested for their cocktail effect prior to release," says Adam Willson, chairman of the Organic Federation of Australia.
This is the concern of many other health experts who have expressed concern that pesticide accumulation may be making us fatter, more stupid and sick.
"Given that there are less environmental costs associated with organic food and levels of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins are generally higher dispels the myth that certified organic food is a luxury item," Smithson argues.
The bottom line
Musgrave says: "The bottom line though is that the whole organic v conventional food is a pointless distraction. Australians don't eat anywhere near enough fruit and vegetables – in fact only 5.5 per cent of adults have adequate intake of fruit and vegetables.
"As someone remarked to me this morning 'people will line up overnight for a doughnut, no one lines up for a broccoli floret'. Therein lies the problem."
It is a point no one will argue.
"Bottom line: If you want to know more about your fruits and vegetables, buy them at the local farmers' market, organic or not," Shanker says. "The prices are often competitive with supermarkets, the in-season goods will be fresher than those shipped long distances, and any questions you have on production practices can be asked and answered on the spot.
"If you can't make it to the farmers' market, don't waste your money on that little label."
I agree that farmers' markets are the way to go for everyone – whether you eat conventional or organic – they are far more affordable and we are supporting local farmers.
But that little label that you're "wasting your money on"? It represents something very big.
Sarah Berry is a lifestyle and health writer at The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.


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Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
(KSL News) Police are looking for a man who robbed a Salt Lake convenience store tonight.
It happened just after 8 p.m. at the 7-Eleven store on 2900 E. 4400 South.
Officials say the man walked into the store and lifted up his shirt, revealing a gun to the employee.
He didn't say anything, but the woman handed over money from the cash register. The robber took off on foot.


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29 August 2012 10:16
Department store John Lewis has announced an agreement with Barnes & Noble, the world's largest bookstore, to sell the US company's NOOK e-reader this autumn. The partnership with John Lewis will fortify Barnes & Noble's newly announced presence in the UK.
John Lewis is the first company outside the US to offer the NOOK devices its 37 UK stores and on www.johnlewis.com. Barnes & Noble will also offer NOOK devices and content to UK customers this autumn through its own online storefront, www.nook.co.uk.
"John Lewis is where knowledgeable customers turn for trusted advice on the best products to purchase, and they are a perfect partner to help launch NOOK in the UK," said Jamie Iannone, president of digital products at Barnes & Noble. "We look forward to bringing more choice and convenience to discerning UK customers with our critically acclaimed line of reading devices and expansive selection of content."
Ed Connolly, director of buying for electricals and home technology at John Lewis, said: "Always first with the latest technology, John Lewis is thrilled to be chosen as the premier UK launch retailer for the NOOK. This award-winning line of e-readers adds greater choice to this expanding category. We think our customers will love NOOK's adaptability thanks to its e-ink display and unique built-in GlowLight, perfect for day or nighttime reading."


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As the weather gets colder across the Midlands, here's a few tips to staying warm and healthy this winter:
- Wear several thin layers, rather than one thick one.
- Wear clothes made from wool or cotton.
- Draw your curtains as soon as it gets dark.
- Keep windows and internal doors closed.
- Wear a hat, scarf and gloves when outdoors.
- Wear warm clothes in bed.
- Have your heating system serviced as soon as possible.
For more information on staying warm and healthy this winter, you can visit Age UK's website.
More top news
A man who fell 100ft from the top floor of Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre remains in a critical condition today.
West Midlands officers who helped save the life of a father after he collapsed while running have been reunited with the grateful jogger.
"We are taking this incident very seriously and are eager to speak to anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious behaviour."