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GPs are still in the dark as to when they will have to implement burdensome new rules to stop counterfeit medicines, which come into effect next week.
The Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD), which is being rolled out across Europe and will come into effect in the UK from 9 February, will bring in new measures such as unique barcodes and visible anti-tampering devices on all prescription medicines, including vaccines.
So far, GPs have received no confirmation as to what they need to do, but the BMA GP Committee said they may be given as much as a twelve month extension to implement the new fake medicine regime.
Under the changes GPs will have to scan all medicines and vaccines before they are given or administered to patients, to check they are legitimate.
GPs will end up spending more time dispensing and their IT systems will need to be updated to allow the medicines to be scanned, it said.
But in an update to GPs last week, the GPC said it expects there to be ‘a long lead time and that full implementation will not happen for at least 12 months,’ although this is yet to be confirmed.
Practices have been advised to contact their system suppliers and await their confirmation as to timescales and process.
GPC chair Dr Richard Vautrey said: ‘The directive introduces tougher rules to ensure medicines are safe and that the trade in medicines is rigorously controlled. This will have an impact on all practices and therefore, they should be preparing for implementation in order to demonstrate compliance with the directive.
‘We are currently waiting for further details from NHS England and these will be communicated as soon as they are available.’
NHS England told Pulse that it did not have any further updates on the situation.
The Falsified Medicines Directive
The Falsified Medicines Directive is legislation passed by the EU Parliament is aimed at increasing the security of the manufacturing and delivery of medicines in Europe. It is designed to ensure prescribed medicines are safe, legitimate and not copied to be resold illegally to patients.
The directive will come into force in the UK from 9 February 2019 and under the FMD, all new packs of prescription medicines placed on the market in Europe will have to bear two safety features:
- a unique identifier in the form of a 2D barcode that will comprise of a product code to allow identification of at least the name of the medicine, the common name, the pharmaceutical form, the strength, the pack size and the pack type, a serial number which will be a numeric or alphanumeric sequence of a maximum of 20 characters randomly generated, a batch number, and an expiry date
- anti-tampering device.
Manufacturers have the responsibility to upload the serial numbers to a system of national databases linked by a European hub, while country-based national data repositories will allow verification at different times and final decommissioning when each pack is dispensed to a patient.
All GP practices will need to have infrastructure and processes in place to decommission medicines, even non-dispensing practices that prescribe and administer vaccines.


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Published on : Tuesday, July 23, 2019
Publicly held Vystar has acquired Rotmans Furniture here in a cash and stock deal expected to firm up Vystar’s liquidity and open up growth prospects for both companies.
Under the terms of the agreement, which was consummated over the weekend, Vystar, the developer of a specialized natural rubber latex and other eco-friendly products and technologies, is paying $2.03 million for the retailer. Vystar will pay 25% in cash over four to eight years and the rest in restricted stock. The stock conversion will take place following a planned move by Vystar from the Over the Counter market to a listing on NASDAQ.
Steve Rotman, who remains CEO of both companies, said that up-listing process could take six months to a year.
The purchase is expect to significantly increase revenues for Vystar, which posted a loss of $5.4 million on revenues of $342,049 last year, while also providing needed warehousing and distribution infrastructure. Rotmans, meanwhile, sees the acquisition as the quickest and least expensive way to access the capital markets to fuel its own expansion plans, Rotman said, and it “provides for orderly ownership/management succession.”
Rotman said the retailer plans to grow its business beyond its current geographic base, drawing consumers primarily from a roughly 40-mile radius in central Massachusetts. He sees the retailer becoming a bigger player throughout in New England, then in the Northeast and eventually nationally. Growth plans include brick-and-mortar expansion but more so involves e-commerce expansion into new regions.
In the release, Rotmans billed itself as the largest furniture and flooring store in New England with its 200,000-square-foot Worcester, Mass., location, 150 employees and sales last year of about $30 million. Vystar had already been operating in space at Rotmans and will now be fully headquartered there.
Source: furniture today

domain: news


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GAMERA INTERACTIVE AT REBOOT DEVELOP
We fell in love with Reboot Develop in 2016, attending one of the most amazing event ever! It was so impressive: a stellar lineup of guests, inspiring talks, business meetings and a really unique atmosphere that made Reboot one of the most influential and high end conferences in the world for game developers and games industry. Today we are really proud to be part of the new Reboot Develop 2017! Gamera Interactive CEO Alberto Belli has just been announced among the speakers, along with industry legends such as Cliff Bleszinski, Suda51, Kogi Igarashi, Fredrik Wester, Tim Cain, Johathan Blow, Charles Cecil, Kiki Wolfkill and many more. Reboot Develop 2017 will take place in the beautiful city of Dubrovnik in the hearth of Dalmatia next April. For more infos, just check out Reboot Develop website at this link.


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Christopher Nucifora quoted in “$33M Apple Pact Ushers In Broad New FTC Disclosure Standard,” Law360
$33M Apple Pact Ushers In Broad New FTC Disclosure Standard
By Allison Grande
Law360, New York (January 15, 2014, 8:48 PM ET) — The Federal Trade Commission on Tuesday signed a $32.5 million settlement with Apple Inc. to resolve claims that the company unfairly billed parents for in-app purchases their kids had made without their permission, an authority-stretching move that will force many companies to rethink their disclosure practices.
In its administrative complaint, the regulator accused Apple of violating the unfairness prong of Section 5 of the FTC Act by billing parents for their children’s activities in apps without obtaining …


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The decision by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in the case of Food Lion v. ABC properly preserves the right of the press to report truthful information. First Amendment principles require that a plaintiff like Food Lion suing for libel prove that the news report was false and was made with actual malice. The court wisely says that the plaintiff cannot get around this high standard of proof in trying to recover defamation-like damages by relying on other charges.
The case arose after ABC's ''Primetime Live'' program broadcast a report showing that stores in the Food Lion supermarket chain repackaged and sold spoiled meat and fish. Food Lion sued ABC on grounds of fraud, breach of loyalty and trespass because two ABC reporters had lied to get jobs with Food Lion in order to videotape food-handling practices at the stores.
Instead of suing for libel, Food Lion sued ABC for the way it had gathered the news. The lawsuit did not challenge the truth of the report, but focused on the actions of reporters. A federal jury in 1997 awarded Food Lion $5.5 million in punitive damages, and $1,402 in actual damages. That punitive award was slashed to $315,000 by the district court.
The appellate court has now reversed the verdict, ruling that Food Lion did not prove all the elements of a fraud claim. Since the punitive damages were awarded based on fraud, it threw out those damages as well. That left only $2 in damages awarded against the two undercover reporters for trespass and breach of loyalty to Food Lion.
Food Lion had sought to use its tort claims to recover damages related to its reputation, such as loss of good will and sales, from the broadcast. But the court ruled that such a strategy would be an impermissible end-run around First Amendment requirements for libel suits.Continue reading the main story


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Microsoft is said to have made a special version of Windows 10 for the Chinese government. Dubbed Windows 10 Zhuangongban, or “Windows 10 Specially-provided Edition,” the variant boasts of fewer consumer-centric features when compared to Windows 10 Home (hence, Windows 10 Pro), but offers additional security measures as mandated by the Chinese government.
Chinese publication Caixin reports (via TechInAsia) that Microsoft and the government of China worked together to complete the development of “Special Edition of Windows 10.” The new version of Windows is the result of a joint venture between Microsoft and China Electronics Technology Group (CETC) that was announced in December last year to license, deploy, and manage Windows 10 for China’s government agencies and state-owned enterprises.
The Caixin report cites Ralph Haupter, Microsoft China’s CEO, to say that the Windows 10 Specially-provided Edition offers fewer of consumer-centric features but comes with management and security controls in accordance with the instructions of China’s government. Haupter didn’t share much detail about these “management and security controls,” though he noted that this version of Windows 10 can run all Windows compatible programs. For now, no availability time-frame has been provided.
China is one of the major markets for Microsoft, however, the local government has become increasingly concerned with Western companies in the light of revelations made by whistleblowerEdward Snowden. In 2014, China government announced that it was banning Windows 8 from the government offices as part of a notice on the use of energy-saving products. Weirdly enough, at the time, a report on Xinhua news agency noted that the ban would also bolster computer security. Microsoft had then just ended support for Windows XP. Last year, China’s antitrust raided Microsoft’s offices in China.
Download the Gadgets 360 app for Android and iOS to stay up to date with the latest tech news, product reviews, and exclusive deals on the popular mobiles.


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Iloilo-made fabric reaches Miss Universe pageant
ILOILO CITY — The locally-made hablon fabric from Miag-ao town in Iloilo province has again gained international attention after Miss Universe Philippines Gazini Ganados, who finished at the top 20 of the 2019 Miss Universe pageant, wore a skirt made of hablon.
Ganados used the skirt designed by Ilonggo James Roa in one of her pictorials, Anthony Selorio, Miagao tourism officer, said on Tuesday.
“We are so thankful because the previous committee for Miss Universe is promoting local indigenous fabrics, not only from Miag-ao but from all (other places in the county). The hablon was highlighted because we are one of the chosen to be used in the pageant,” he said.
This was not the first time the hablon fabric was flaunted in the international stage as another Ilonggo designer Nono Palmos had made a hablon top for Miss World Philippines Michelle Dee recently.
Dee wore the hablon top in one of her interviews for the Miss World pageant, he said. Selorio said the use of the hablon fabric in international pageants would boost the promotion of Miag-ao’s fabric and recognize local weavers.
“Weaving hablon fabric takes (a) tedious and intricate process but seeing it being used, not only locally but internationally, brings pride to the town,” he said.
The expanding hablon market entices more Miag-aowanons to join the Miag-ao Hablon Weavers Association. Selorio said there are 369 members in seven weaving centers, excluding those who are still under training for weaving.
“The association expands and it is a blessing for us that orders from big companies from Manila enters in our town,” he said.
The Department of Tourism’s campaign for Iloilo City to become the meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) destination in the country also helps Miag-ao in the promotion of the local fabric, he said.
MICE that are being hosted in this city demands for hablon cloth to be used as pasalubong, tokens, lanyards, among others, he noted.
Selorio assured that the local government unit, government agencies, and the national government are continuously supporting the hablon industry in Miag-ao.
Recently, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through its Grants-In-Aid Program, launched the Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center (RYPIC) at the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), which will turn the town’s cotton and other raw materials into yarn.
The RYPIC can produce 40 kg. to 50 kg. of blended yarn per day or can make up to 400 to 500 shawls daily. (PNA)


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Prescient essay by Nicholas Carr three years ago, predicting the problems that have plagued Dell since:
[Then-CEO Kevin] Rollins dismissed Apple’s mega-selling iPod as a “fad,” calling it a “one-product wonder,” and he pooh-poohed the eye-catching Mac mini as inconsequential. Rollins’s comments are more than uncharacteristic. They’re troubling — and not just for their snippiness. They raise real questions about how well Dell understands the home market.


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The heads of Siemens AG and Nokia have sent what Reuters called a “rare joint letter” to clients of their ailing telecom gear-maker joint venture, Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN), stating their support for the company.
“We continue to support investment in the future of the company, both in terms of expenditure and potential acquisitions and partnerships,” Siemens CFO Joe Kaeser and Nokia CEO Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo said in a letter dated Dec. 9, Reuters reported.
The letter comes as Siemens has hinted at its willingness to sell some of NSN assets, an unidentified analyst told Reuters.
NSN is having a hard time maintaining its footing in an ever-more-competitive sector. China-based vendors such as Huawei are undercutting prices and scoring more deals than many of their rivals, including NSN. To that point, Nokia took a $1.34 billion charge for its NSN stake in the third quarter. And Siemens last year reclassified its equity investments (NSN is its largest) from “strategic” to “financial,” a move analysts said indicated the German corporation’s interest in exiting NSN over time, Reuters said.
.@qosnetworks recently expanded its team. dlvr.it/RJJ8Zb
November 14 2019 @ 20:57:31 UTC


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Head to downtown DC fast casual spot Immigrant Food (1701 Pennsylvania Ave., NW) tonight, August 19 for a comedy show by four local immigrant comedians. Buy an assigned seat or table for $8 to $12 online, or pay $10 to $15 at the door. The show starts at 6:30 PM.
Learn about DC’s food landscape through the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum’s Food for the People exhibition. The outdoor portion of the show opened earlier this summer; now the indoor exhibit is making its debut. Join in an online panel discussion about food justice—the free virtual event is tonight, August 19 from 6:30 to 8 PM.
Capitol Hill sandwich shop Fight Club (623 Pennsylvania Ave., SE) is celebrating its first anniversary starting today, August 19. It’s bringing back menu original the tonnato melt—filled with roasted pork, tonnato sauce, pickles, American cheese and bacon—this weekend. Customers can also try the birthday cake doughnuts, and a boozy birthday cake slushee spiked with rum and rimmed with sprinkles. The celebratory specials and throwback sandwich will be available through Sunday, August 22.
Author, Top Chef star, and former Kith and Kin chef Kwame Onwuachi is hosting a “family reunion“—a celebration of diversity in the hospitality industry— this weekend at the Salamander Resort (500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg) . Today, August 19 through Sunday, August 22, there are a variety of culinary events: a welcome cookout with Rodney Scott; a tasting of Black-owned wines; a conversation with Padma Lakshmi; and a performance from the upcoming musical “GRACE.” There are two package options, overnight and a multi day-only pass ($1,850).
The Arlington County Fair, which runs through Sunday, August 22, is putting together a beer garden (Second St. S. and Old Glebe Rd., Arlington) in partnership with New District Brewery. Special events include a trivia night tonight, and performances and games from Friday through Sunday. Entry to the beer garden is free, and each beer is $8.
Alexandria Restaurant Week kicks off on Friday, August 20. It runs for 10 days, and more than 70 restaurants are offering various dining deals. They include a $49 in-person or to-go dinner for two, and most restaurants are also offering a $25 option for solo diners. You can browse the menu options before you go.
The inaugural Arts & Drafts Summer Music & Arts Festival kicks off Friday, August 20 at 7:30 PM. The weekend-long festival, hosted by Guinness Open Gate Brewery (5001 Washington Blvd., Halethorpe), features live music, visual artists, art demonstrations and, of course, beer. All are welcome, and the family-friendly zone includes a collaborative art project and a musical instrument “petting zoo.” Two specialty beers were created for the event: tropical-fruity Harmonic Haze and hibiscus-and-honey-scented ArtBeat. Tickets are required for the kickoff concert, but the rest of the festival is free. It runs through Sunday, August 22.
Learn to make summer cocktails at H Street Farms (910 Bladensburg Rd., NE). Charismatic Creations will be on site to lead mojito and margarita demonstrations. Supplies will be provided as part of the $45 ticket. The class runs from 2 to 3 PM on Sunday, August 22.
Pints and pooches will be at 3 Stars Brewing Company (6400 Chillum Pl., NW) on Sunday, August 22. Stop by between 2 and 4 PM to sip some beers and hang out with some adoptable dogs.


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has reported on Dice’s antics in the past, such as his boycott of the Super Bowl
and his attempt to sell a $1,100 ounce of gold for $50
. His latest video has garnered national attention for heckling Target, Sears and Best Buy shoppers in Oceanside, California
As he drove in his car with a bullhorn, Dice called the shoppers “mainstream media watching morons,” “debt slaves,” “pawns of the Illuminati,” “braindead zombies” and “mindless.”
The video has generated (at the time of this writing) 116,391 views, 2,586 likes and 515 dislikes. It was even featured on the front page of The Drudge Report
and Dice was interviewed by a local television news outlet
Dice later posted a follow-up video
where he stood in front of a line-up at Best Buy.
“You zombies are the reason Thanksgiving and holidays are being destroyed,” yelled Dice. “It’s zombies like you that are causing these poor retail workers to have to sacrifice their Thanksgiving to serve idiots like you. Half these people had to go to bed two in the afternoon to wait on you braindead zombies”
Following his remarks, he received applause from the “Very Intelligent Person line” that consisted of a couple of dozen bystanders, who were watching the Black Friday event unfold and “witness the madness.”
He continued to heckle the line-up until a store employee went up to him and asked not to disturb the crowd. The woman claimed that some of the customers were getting upset with Dice’s comments.
“They’re getting upset because they want to get in there and waste their money and go deeper into debt,” retorted Dice.
As Dice posted a few videos over the holiday weekend, he also published a piece
where he asked Best Buy shoppers, who had their shopping carts full with televisions, video game consoles and other electronics, if they purchased their items with a credit card or cash.
Most of the people he spoke in the video with responded with credit. He also asked some of the consumers how much debt they had – answers ranged from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars.
Meanwhile, Dice has been ridiculed by some members of the media.
“That’s right, those poor, dumb saps on the Best Buy line are missing the really important, smarty-smart stuff, the Bilderberg Group, and should be hoarding gold and silver, not DVDs. I guess Blu-Ray hasn’t hit Dice’s radar yet,” wrote Mediaite
“The best part is that the guy turned out not to be an über-obnoxious liberal, or really even a conservative, but a fringe conspiracy right-winger that almost everyone can feel superior to. Let’s all give thanks to Mark Dice for making us like those people on that Best Buy line, and for giving all of us someone to feel superior to this holiday season.”


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The Tennessee Department of Revenue has announced the dates for Tennesseeâ€™s annual sales tax holiday.
Shoppers can save nearly 10 percent on more than 150 different items, including clothing, school supplies, and computers, from 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 26, until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 28, according to a news release.
The holiday weekend isnâ€™t just for students and Tennesseans. Anyone who wants to shop in Tennessee during the last weekend of July will be eligible to save on sales tax.
â€œThe sales tax holiday means hard-earned dollars go back into the hands of Tennessee families,â€ Governor Bill Lee said in the release. â€œWe encourage everyone to participate and take advantage of the savings during what can be an expensive time of year.â€
State and local taxes will NOT be collected on exempt items that cost $100 or less per item, or computers that cost $1,500 or less. A full list of tax-exempt items can be found at www.tntaxholiday.com
What you need to know at a glance:Â
Who can buy tax-exempt clothing?Â
â€¢ Anyone (not just students) can buy clothing that qualifies
What clothing is tax-exempt?(meaning NO TAX will be charged)Â
â€¢ General apparel that costs $100 or less per item (shirts, pants, jackets, socks, shoes, dresses, etc.)Â
â€¢ Items that are normally sold together, such as shoes, cannot be split up to stay beneath the $100 threshold.
What clothing is still taxable?Â
â€¢ Apparel that costs more than $100.Â
â€¢ Items such as jewelry, handbags, or sports and recreational equipmentÂ
â€¢ Items purchased for business or trade useÂ
Who can buy tax-exempt school supplies?Â
â€¢ Anyone (not just students) can buy school supplies that qualifyÂ
What school supplies are tax-exempt? (NO TAX charged)Â
â€¢ School and art supplies with a purchase price of $100 or less per item, such as binders, books, backpacks, crayons, paper, pens, pencils, and rulers, and art supplies such as glazes, clay, paints, drawing pads, and artist paintbrushesÂ
â€¢ Items that are normally sold together cannot be split up to stay beneath the $100 thresholdÂ
What school supplies are still taxable?Â
â€¢ School and art supplies individually priced at more than $100Â
â€¢ Items purchased for business or trade use
Who can buy tax-exempt computers?Â
More from this section
â€¢ Anyone (not just students) can buy computers that qualifyÂ
What computer items are tax-exempt? (NO TAX charged)Â
â€¢ Computers with a purchase price of $1,500 or less. This includes laptops as well as tablets (iPads, etc.)
â€¢ Computers for personal (not business) useÂ
What computer parts are still taxable?Â
â€¢ Computer parts, like keyboards and monitors, when not sold with a CPUÂ
â€¢ Storage media, like flash drives and compact discs.Â
â€¢ Individually purchased software
â€¢ Video game consolesÂ
â€¢ Computer printers and suppliesÂ
â€¢ Electronic readers (Kindles, Nooks, etc.) and personal digital assistants.
â€¢ Cell phones, including smart phonesÂ


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Sharpcast Photos will be the "standard and exclusive" photo-sharing and -syncing tool for Alltel Wireless smart phones running the Windows Mobile operating system, both companies announced Wednesday. Those phones include the Palm Treo 700wx and the UTStarcom PPC6700. The between multiple PCs, online albums and mobile phones. The technology has garnered interest from the tech world because of its potential use for other types of files. Sharpcast's software, code-named "Hummingbird," is currently in alpha testing.
In addition to the live updating, Sharpcast's cross-synchronization enables photo files that have been edited or added on an offline PC to automatically update file changes to other locations the next time the device connects. Sharpcast Photos works with Windows Mobile 5.0 devices, and the company plans to add new platforms in 2007. The company has also released the Sharpcast Photos iPhoto Uploader, a Mac version that lets users export iPhoto albums to Sharpcast for viewing on PC or mobile phones. Both the Sharpcast Photos and the Mac iPhoto Uploader software are free to download on Sharpcast's Web site.


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IKEA, Sainsbury's and Kingfisher among firms urging Chancellor to intervene to stop impending rise in business rates tax for solar arrays
A group of major businesses, including retail giants Sainsbury's, IKEA and Kingfisher, have called on Chancellor Philip Hammond to stop a planned rise in business rates for firms with solar installations....
Theresa May calls on EU to agree to transition period under 'existing structure of EU rules and regulations'
Mayor Andy Burnham kicks off congestion consultation with launch of the UK's first electric bus to be recharged using a pantograph
Engineering giant predicts 'sustained growth' from its Clean Air division, as it announces plan to expand investment in battery technologies
In her long-awaited Florence speech May is expected to outline proposals for a two-year transition framework for Brexit, effectively keeping Britain subject to EU environmental law until at least 2021


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Google Glass development adds laser projector
With what is probably the most anticipated gadget of the century, Google has added yet another feature to the technological attire that is likely to push it even further. A lightweight, monochrome laser projector has been mounted on one side of the glasses and a camera on the other, to create a projection that can be beamed onto any surface, including the user’s palm.
Its touch capabilities mean you can transform your hand or another surface, into a keyboard or controls for a game you’re playing on the Google device. With some similarities to the Microsoft Kinect game, the further developments to this technology mean that despite head or hand movements, whilst say walking, the interface will stay centred, creating a smooth journey.


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Recent studies have estimated that one-fourth of the world’s population uses social media. This means that almost 2 billion people are posting, pinning, tweeting, vining and instagraming. More than ever, brands have to be on their toes staying up-to-date with the latest developments and strategically investing resources into the trends that are likely to stick around.
According to some reports, Facebook has 1.4 billion active users every month, LinkedIn have over 330 million users, and over 500 million Tweets are sent each day. Every 60 seconds 4.7 million posts are uploaded to Tumblr; 277,000 snaps are shared on Snapchat; and more than five million videos are viewed on YouTube.
The recent explosion of usage on Instagram, and the changes/refinements at Facebook seem to have made these the darlings of social media in 2015. But a new report on Twitter analytics made me stop and think about Twitter.
Simply Measured has just released their Q4 2014 Twitter Benchmark Report , and some of their findings are very positive for the continued inclusion of Twitter as a primary social channel. Of course, with 284 million active users each month, and 500 million Tweets sent each day, Twitter is still a big player. But it takes time and effort to use Twitter regularly, and I am not as diligent in usage as I was in the past.
Here are some findings from this report that have made me re-think Twitter as a viable tool for my business.
1. Eighty percent (80%) of active Twitter users are on a mobile device. As mobile becomes more ingrained as the 1st screen, and time becomes a more valuable commodity, 140 characters are more easily read and absorbed than some other available channels.
2. Engagement has risen by 85% vs. year ago according this report. This suggests that brands are creating better, more engaging content to connect with their audiences.
3. Brand activity is strong and growing. The percentage of brands that tweet at least once a day has increased from 92% to 95%, and 82% of brands post original tweets in the 1-6 range daily, the so-called “sweet spot” when it comes to posting frequency. Forty percent (40%) of tweets are in the 3-6 per day range.
4. Brands are interacting with users more than ever. Almost half (48%) of brands replied to at least one tweet per day, which shows a growing focus by brands to engage and interact with their Twitter audience.
5. Photos and videos drive the most engagement. Photos made up 55% of sent tweets, but accounted for 57% of all engagement. Vine and Instagram links were less than 1% of sent links, but were the highest percentage of engagement via @replies, Retweets, and favorites per tweet.
6. The number of top brand using hashtags more than doubled in the past year, showing that brands are becoming more educated and sophisticated in how they post content. This opens us a great opportunity for brands to develop a social community for awareness and brand preference.
The overall conclusion from this Twitter Benchmark Report is that brand marketers are creating more effective content and engaging with their audience more than ever. And that bodes well for the future of Twitter as a viable channel for brand marketers than should not be ignored.
One of the most challenging tasks in digital marketing is convincing your management to invest (or increase the investment) in social media. At MarketMix 2015, Adam Schoenfeld, CEO of Simply Measured, will share his thoughts on Measuring and Optimizing Social Media for Optimum Performance. Adam will demonstrate some practical ways to collect and use analytics to perform better, engage better, and improve your social channel interactions. And some good advice on how to use those analytics to measure ROI. Learn more about all twelve breakout sessions at marketmix.org.
– Don Morgan
Don Morgan is Blog Editor of Sound Marketing and Past-President of PSAMA. He is also Head Rainmaker at Raindance Consulting, a branding, social media, and business development consulting company in Seattle. He can be reached at email@example.com


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The Silicon Review ranked CloudCar in the top 50 Best Workplaces of the Year 2019. Learn about our connected car journey, company culture and more in an interview with our CEO Philipp Popov. READ THE ARTICLE.
Delivering Seamless and Personalized Infotainment Experiences in the Vehicle
CloudCar’s CEO Philipp Popov had the pleasure of talking to Insights Success and share how the company is delivering the desired experience for OEM customers around the world. Read about our company journey, success stories, how we offer automotive OEMs a white label platform that offers flexibility, […]
Santa Clara, Calif. (April 12, 2019) – CloudCar, a cloud-based connected services platform for automotive OEMs, has won the 2019 Connected Driver Innovation Award.
CloudCar was selected by Compass Intelligence’s annual spring CompassIntel technology awards for demonstrating innovation and unique in-car solutions to support driver preferences, content personalization and relevant access to media/infotainment through the use […]
Santa Clara, Calif. (April 2, 2019) Connected cars, autonomous driving, shared mobility and electric vehicles are transforming the automotive industry. It’s clear the way we are using cars are changing and technology is advancing on wheels.
On March 7, VP of Business Development & Sales Julien Masson joined a panel of experts at the Symposium on the […]
Santa Clara, Calif. (March 14, 2019) – CloudCar recently earned the 2019 IoT Breakthrough Award for Global IoT Cloud Company of the Year. IoT Breakthrough Awards received over 3,500 nominations this year from all over the world and recognized more than 75 of the best Internet of Things (IoT) companies, products and people in ten […]
Santa Clara, Calif. (February 26, 2019)– Julien Masson has joined Silicon Valley-based CloudCar, Inc. as Vice President, Business Development & Sales.
Julien brings considerable expertise in Infotainment and Telematics within the automotive industry and has experience in European Business Development and Sales Operations.
In his new role, Julien will oversee the company’s business development, sales, and customer […]
We returned to Las Vegas to showcase CloudCar’s latest technology and solutions at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2019. While the show is largely known for innovations and the current trends, it’s also a valuable place to build business relationships. It’s an opportunity to network, share information and learn more about the people and companies […]
On June 6-7, CloudCar joined all the major players in the car industry at this years TU Automotive Detroit, the world’s biggest conference and expo for autonomous and connected cars.
I arrived in Novi, Michigan, just about 30 miles away from Detroit. Before entering the Suburban Collection Showplace building, large tents and colorful feather flags caught […]
For the second consecutive year, CloudCar participated at the annual Connect Car California conference, an event hosted by Automotive Megatrends on April 26 in Santa Clara, California. This year, our Director of Product, Ahmer Khan, gave a talk during the afternoon UX session.
“How many of you hop in your car and still use your phone?” […]
On April 2, CloudCar’s Vice President of Products Letha McLaren spoke on “Personalizing the In-Vehicle Experience” at the annual Global IoT Conference in Santa Clara, Calif.
The Global IoT Conference is a three-day event showcasing the rapidly growing Internet of Things (IoT) market and the vast opportunities it has for various technologies and organizations, explored by […]


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Neil Marshall is teaming up with CBS Films to bring us HELLFEST, a new Halloween set slasher featuring a costumed killer stalking the innocent visitors of a spooky theme park attraction.
Up and coming screenwriters William Penick & Chris Sey, whose only previous credit is the made for TV horror SECRETS IN THE WALLS, are on script duty, with industry legend Gale Ann Hurd (THE WALKING DEAD) producing for her company Valhalla Entertainment.
Marshall has a huge following thanks to genre favourites such as DOG SOLDIERS and THE DESCENT, so coupled with a savvy producer like Hurd we’re probably looking at a brand new horror franchise in the making.
We'll have more on this as it develops...
Are you excited to see Marshall’s take on the slasher genre? Let us know in the Comments below or on Twitter @Starburst_Mag


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Friday, 16 May 2014 - 11:53
Activists take horse meat scandal to court
Dutch food watchdog, Foodwatch, have announced that they are going to demand openness around the meat scandal, and will serve slaughterhouse Van Hattem BV with an injunction, they write on their website. The court case will take place on the 20th of May in Amsterdam. The group earlier went to the Netherlands Food and Wares Authority (NVWA) to demand the information about the end products that may contain possible unsafe meat be made public under the Openness of Administration Law (Wob). At the time, the NVWA refused, claiming they were not in possession of that information. According to Foodwatch, this is impossible as various buyers of the possibly unsafe meat had announced themselves at the NVWA. The reason for the uproar is the recent horse meat scandal. In February, the NVWA recalled 28 million kilos of meat that came from the Van Hattem BV slaughterhouse as horse DNA was discovered in several beef products. This meat was delivered to supermarkets and restaurants, and also consumers. It was also thought that unidentified meat may have been processed into the product. The origin of the meat could not be determined, leading the NVWA to stamping the mean 'unsafe'. Foodwatch has criticized the NVWA for not informing consumers which products were affected. This is allowed by law, but the group says the NVWA decided not to do this, consciously leaving consumers unaware. The horse meat scandal in 2013, in which the NVWA recalled 50 million kilos of mean from meat processor Selten, also left consumers in the dark. Foodwatch writes that the organization has chosen to plead for an injunction because "the case is urgent. Some meat products can be kept very long and can still be lying with consumers in the freezer. That's why it is important that consumers are informed as soon as possible, so that they know which products are affected." The demand for clarity under the Openness of Administration Law was rejected, leading Foodwatch to file an objection. The organization says that waiting for the process takes too long, and will now step to the judge. The case will be a public hearing on the 20th of May, 2014, at 11:30 a.m. in Amsterdam.


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If you’re in the U.S., you likely have no idea who Huawei is, much less how to pronounce it correctly. The company only recently started making inroads with the U.S. carriers, starting with USB aircards. More recently, though, they’ve began the expansion with a number of affordable Android-powered smartphones, such as the Comet, sold under the T-Mobile brand name. At $150 with no contract, the T-Mobile Comet is decently specced, too – tri-band 3G/quad-band GSM, Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS, Android v2.2, and even a 3 megapixel camera.
Huawei doesn’t seem content with such entry-level fare, though. The Ideos X5, shown off at CES 2011, sports high-end features found in most of today’s ‘superphones’. The phone packs a 3.8-inch capacitive touchscreen display, HSPA+ (what T-Mobile and AT&T call ‘4G’), 4GB of internal storage, Android v2.2, and even a 5 megapixel camera with 720p HD video capture. Quite impressive for a company that only just hit the U.S. market. The phone is planned to launch in Singapore, Hong Kong, and New Zealand in January 2011, but should hit the U.S. market later this year. Even if this bad boy rings in for twice the price of its predecessor, that’s still $300 for a phone that packs quite a punch. You would easily spend $400+ for a similar phone on today’s market, such as the Samsung Galaxy S series or the Google Nexus One.
This isn’t an ad for Huawei, though – I wanted to highlight them for another reason. It appears as though the company is committed to building ‘pure’ Android devices – that is, running a vanilla version of Google’s Android operating system, with no manufacturer-built user interface on top. That’s a big deal for the Android developer community, as it typically means software updates to newer versions of Android will be quickly available. If Huawei sticks with this path, it could quickly become a crowd favorite in the Android community. Definitely a company to watch.
2 thoughts on “Huawei Ideos X5 Looks Sweet”
Why can’t anybody but Apple get the aesthetics right? Most Android phones would never even pass a first design review at Apple… Ugly & boring… like my Mot Droid X
If Apple ever loses Sir Jonathan Ives, they’re screwed
It’s delayed, still not found in Hong Kong market. I would like to take it on hand as well.


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At the end of October Microsoft rolled out a $50 temporary price reduction for the Xbox One. It applies to the base console and all bundles, meaning you can pick one up between now and the beginning of January for as little as $349. Add to that the recent release of Sunset Overdrive and the system-seller that is Halo: The Master Chief Collection, and you won’t be surprised to hear that sales are up.
Xbox One sales in the United States have increased dramatically since the November 2 price drop, says Microsoft corporate VP Yusuf Mehdi via Xbox Wire. Mehdi claims sales have more than tripled over the previous week. Mehdi also says Xbox One has led generation 8 console sales in the US for the past fortnight and that the company is nearing 10 million Xbox Ones sold in to retailers. Microsoft cites its figures are based on internal data. The USD$50 price drop, which Microsoft announced on October 27, sees the Xbox One fall to USD$349 over the holiday period. The promotion will end on January 3, 2015. At the time, Microsoft noted that “regional availability and timing outside the US will vary” but this deal is not available in the UK or Australia.


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Peerless Umbrella Becomes Exclusive Supplier Of Weatherman Umbrellas
Peerless Umbrella, headquartered in Newark, New Jersey, has signed an exclusive deal with Weatherman to be the sole provider of Weatherman umbrellas to the promotional products industry. Initially Peerless will offer two styles in the line’s most popular colors, and more styles and colors will be added as the partnership evolves.
Weatherman was created by meteorologist Rick Reichmuth. After years in the field covering severe weather events, Reichmuth was looking for an umbrella that met his standards. When he couldn’t find one that had all the features he wanted, he decided to design it himself. The Weatherman is built to stand up to extreme weather conditions and offers a lifetime warranty. Weatherman has previously partnered strategically with companies in the golf space, including Arnold Palmer Enterprises, Folds of Honor, the PGA of America and PGA TOUR, and its custom designs have been seen from the Ryder Cup to the recent Olympic games in Tokyo.
“Peerless has been in business for nearly 100 years and has set the standard for what a quality umbrella should look like,” says Peerless Umbrella National Sales Manager Dan Edge. “It is an honor to now bring such a well-known, high-quality retail brand umbrella into our line, and to work with a company that shares our love for impeccable craftsmanship.”
Tyler Kupper, partner and chief revenue officer of Weatherman, adds, “We’ve been able to witness firsthand the attention to detail and workmanship that Peerless puts into the production and design of their products. Since Weatherman’s inception, we’ve seen a large number of requests for co-branded and custom umbrellas but found ourselves limited by bandwidth to meet demand. We’re optimistic about our partnership with Peerless and are excited about the partnership as it allows us to meet demand at scale and continue to grow.”


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Finally. It’s called the Souper Truck
, it just launched last week, and it’s run by the dudes who own the Green Truck (one of the oldies but still one of the goodies among luxe loncheras
). So new that its streetside face still boasts graphics from the previous occupant (a smoothie purveyor), the Souper Truck has been parking in front of 5900 Wilshire Blvd. (a.k.a. Los Angeles mag HQ) nearly every weekday, ladling out bowls of clam chowder, vegan tomato bisque, and cheeseburger soup. Yes, cheeseburger soup.


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It was a thing with the Joneses. But all of the Joneses were auto dealers.
General Motors Corp.'s Chevrolet Division had the Blazer and the Suburban, and those sport-utility vehicles were selling well.
Oldsmobile dealers noticed, and they wanted one, too. So GM gave them the more upscale Bravada sport-utility vehicle, which didn't sell as well as the Blazer and Suburban, but succeeded in making the company's GMC truck dealers jealous.
So GM gave the GMC dealers a fancy version of the Blazer, the GMC Envoy, which also was based on the Blazer-like GMC Jimmy.
That upset the Cadillac dealers, who wanted a luxury truck of their own.
A sport-utility vehicle with a Cadillac badge! People laughed at the idea at auto shows in Detroit, New York and Los Angeles.
That was a couple of years ago. Today, no one is laughing at Cadillac's Escalade, a plusher-than-thou sport-utility vehicle outfitted with leather and wood and a $46,000 price tag--and that has no shortage of buyers.
Now, get ready for a BMW sport-utility vehicle--the BMW X5, a model designed to compete against Toyota Motor Co.'s luxury Lexus RX 300 in the $35,000 range. BMW, one of the world's premier manufacturers of luxury sports cars, had long eschewed the idea of producing something as clumsy as a truck. But the company couldn't resist the pressure.
Now, many in the industry are betting that even Germany's Porsche--maker of the famed 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera 4 sports cars--will next take the plunge.
What's driving the development of the super trucks--luxury sport-utility vehicles, pickups and, for that matter, minivans equipped with navigational systems, televisions and telephones?
"There are a lot of people out there with a lot of money who want the latest, the biggest and the best," said Jacques DaCosta, senior manager of product research for J.D. Power and Associates, a global market research firm based in Agoura Hills, Calif.
"It's a bizarre phenomenon with no end in sight," DaCosta said.
Sport-utility vehicles, as a group, account for 18.05 percent of all new vehicles sold in the United States, according to the latest J.D. Power figures. That's up from a 9.5 percent market share in 1993.
Mid-size sport-utility models, such as the Ford Explorer and Isuzu Rodeo, account for 10.61 percent of new-vehicle sales. But, lately, their sales have been flat and in need of help from generous consumer incentives and some luxury spiffs, such as leather, wood and video sets.
On the other hand, sales of small sport-utility models, such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV-4, have been growing. Their sales are up 26.3 percent this year, giving them a 2.62 percent share of the overall new-vehicle market.
Sales of full-size sport-utility models, such as the Chevrolet Tahoe, also are rising, up 11 percent so far this year, giving them a 3.52 percent market share.
But it's the rich sport-utilities, highlighted by models such as the Escalade, the Lexus LX 470 and RX 300, and the humongous new "bigger-than-a-Chevy Suburban" Ford Excursion, that have captured the national attention and imagination. They start at around $35,000.
Luxury sport-utility vehicle sales are up 35.4 percent this year, though their actual overall new-vehicle market share is a tiny 1.3 percent.
But they have a value beyond their actual numbers. The auto industry reveres rich trucks as "halo vehicles," largely because of their ability to attract buyers' attention, including the vast majority of buyers who settle for less expensive models.
That halo effect comes as much from the actual buyers of rich trucks as it does from the trucks themselves, analysts say.
Take a look at the demographics. Rich truck owners have a median annual household income of $140,000. Their average age is 48 years. About 55 percent of them are male. They are entrepreneurs, actors, athletes, publishers, general movers and shakers. Retailers absolutely love them.
It is no wonder, then, that DaimlerChrysler AG spent several hundred million dollars setting up a plant in Vance, Ala., to build its luxury Mercedes-Benz M-Class sport-utility models. And what about those?
DaimlerChrysler at first planned to offer an "affordable" model, the V-6 powered ML320, to compete with high-end Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee sport-utility vehicles sold in the $35,000 range.
The ML320 was a hit. The Alabama plant could barely keep up with demand. But well-off consumers clamored for an even more powerful, more luxurious model with the Mercedes-Benz badge. DaimlerChrysler came up with the 268-horsepower, V-8 Mercedes-Benz ML430 for a price of about $44,000.
It's tough keeping up with the Joneses.
The Mid-Level Squeeze
While mid-range sport-utility vehicles are still the most popular choice for those buying SUVs . . .
Market share of light truck sales 1999 (through August)
Mid-size* SUV: 10.6%
Full-size SUV: 3.5%
Mini SUV: 2.6%
Luxury SUV: 1.3%
*Also known as compact
. . . sales for luxury and compact SUVs have increased much faster than those of mid-size ones.
Percent change in sales 1998 to 1999 (through August)
Luxury SUV: 35.4%
Mini SUV: 26.3%
Mid-size SUV: 14.2%
Full-size SUV: 11.0%
SOURCE: J.D. Power and Associates


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A new study has investigated the details of how the outbreak and spread of COVID-19 impacted the availability and supply of seafood, with fish-producing countries in Asia and Africa reporting huge disruptions of their aquatic food value chain in 2020. With nearly every fish-producing country in the world reeling from the effects of COVID-19 on production, processing, and supply of aquatic food products, the study identifies short- and long-term policy responses that are likely to shape the seafood market trends in Egypt, Nigeria, Bangladesh, India, and Myanmar – with spillover effects to global availability and pricing of seafood products.
The study, “COVID-19 impacts and adaptations in Asia and Africa’s aquatic food value chains,” published in the marine policy after interviews with stakeholders in the seafood value chain in the five countries, found COVID-19 and some policy responses from governments impacted the availability, pricing, and international trade in aquatic foods. The pandemic and the subsequent fight to eradicate it disrupted “aquatic food value chains, affecting the supply of production inputs, labor, and transport/logistics,” the study said.
The study’s authors, led by Michigan State University Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics Associate Professor Ben Belton, said the COVID-19 containment measures – in the countries studied were a mix of full phased and partial lockdowns enforced at national or sub-national levels – which restricted the movement of people, with businesses and institutions such as markets and schools shutting down.
The stringency of the containment measures, which peaked in April 2020 before easing gradually in a majority of the countries studied, inhibited the mobility of workers and consumers alike, reducing employment and incomes and leading to lower demand for seafood. The study said that “the combined supply and demand side shocks will affect availability and prices of aquatic foods and inputs for aquatic food production.” Sea Food Source


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Toyota will soon become the first major automaker to build electric vehicles in Canada.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada will confirm Friday that the company plans to start assembling electric versions of its RAV4 sport utility vehicle in Woodstock under a partnership with California-based Tesla Motors within months, according to industry and government sources.
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and federal Industry Minister Christian Paradis will join Toyota officials in announcing production of the electric vehicle at the company’s assembly plant in Woodstock for delivery in showrooms sometime next year.
“Every U.S. state and Canadian province would want to be home to electric vehicle manufacturing,” said an Ontario government source. “It confirms we’re on the right track.”
The two governments are contributing about $141 million to Toyota for a series of upgrades at plants in Cambridge and Woodstock worth a total of $545 million under the name Project Green Light. Toyota will allocate some of the government money to drive the RAV4 venture but has not revealed the amount or overall cost of that specific electric program.
The Star reported last November that the two companies had reached a deal on a partnership for an electric RAV4 but had not agreed on terms yet on whether to conduct final assembly in Freemont, Ca. or Woodstock where Toyota already builds the gasoline-powered model.
At that time, the two companies showed off the electric RAV4 at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.
Toyota chairman Ray Tanguay, who is also a senior vice-president of the company’s North American operations, told reporters last month that the two firms were still working on “finalizing” an agreement.
Tesla, an upstart builder of high-end electric roadsters, owns the Freemont plant, which Toyota and General Motors controlled under a joint venture until a few years ago. That plant will soon start making Tesla’s Model S electric sedan.
Tesla, in which Toyota holds a stake, has built prototype electric RAV4 models at its plant in Menlo Park, Ca. in recent months
Regulatory filings in the U.S. reveal Tesla, which a group of Silicon Valley engineers founded in 2003, has a $110-million multi-year contract with Toyota to provide technology and services. Tesla is building batteries and some other components in California for final assembly here.
Toyota has not projected annual electric vehicle production in Woodstock but industry officials say it would only bump up total plant output by a maximum of a few thousand models and not add new jobs.
The company, which is already one of the world’s biggest producers of hybrid electric-gasoline vehicles, employs about 6,500 workers at the Cambridge and Woodstock plants and insiders say the electric RAV4 will secure those jobs.
Toyota is restarting a second shift at the Woodstock plant next month. Production has slowed down there significantly in recent months because of part shortages after the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
There is also a possibility that the extra electric vehicle production could generate some extra revenues and jobs for suppliers in the province.
In addition to the aid from the Ontario government, the province offers incentives between $5,000 and $8,500 for purchases and leases of electric vehicles.
Nissan is already selling Leaf electric models, which are built in Japan and GM will also offer the U.S.-assembled Volt in showrooms soon.


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Supreme Court sends notice to 'Mirzapur' makers & Amazon Prime
The petition said that the web series accused of showing a wrong image of Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh. The court has sought answers from OTT platform and web series makers regarding this.
Mumbai: The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the creator of the Mirzapur web series and Amazon Prime Video on a petition. The petition said that the web series accused of showing a wrong image of Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh. The court has sought answers from OTT platform and web series makers regarding this.
Makers portraying Mirzapur 's wrong image: SC
According to reports, 'Supreme Court issues notice to makers and producers of web series 'Mirzapur' and Amazon Prime Video, on a petition complaining about the portrayal of Mirzapur district, UP in a bad light in the web series. SC seeks response from the OTT platform and series makers.'
Apna Dal MP also filed complaint in past:
Patel alleged that the series began streaming on Amazon Prime on October 23 and was maligning the image of Mirzapur by portraying it as a violent region.
The Apna Dal leader told reporters that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Mirzapur ‘is a centre of harmony’ and the matter must be investigated and strict action taken against those responsible for sullying its image.
‘Mirzapur 2’ is a violent tale of feuds in families, politics and elections. It features Shweta Tripathi Sharma, Pankaj Tripathi Ali Fazal and Divyendu Sharma in the primary roles.
This season some new characters have also been added. Its story also reaches from Mirzapur to Bihar.
The OTT platform was eagerly waiting for the web series ‘Mirzapur 2’ on Amazon Prime. It has a huge fan base.


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Recently added, a handful of new locations were brought to the 3D Flyover feature in Apple’s iOS and OS X Maps applications. The new locations include ten new places like: Idaho in the United Sates, Venice, Italy, and other cities around the world. Read more
Apple seems to have gone on a spree recently building new facilities, solar farms and data centers. They have recently announced in a press release on their official website that they will be spending $1.92 billion USD- or €1.7 billion EUR, building a new data center in Europe. Read more
Spigen brings iPhone users their new case the Neo Hybrid Metal case. It consists of a TPU back cover and a UV coated aluminum frame. Together, these two materials form a stylish, sturdy frame with dual layer impact protection, that will keep your phone safe from a list of incidents. Read more
In recent news, Toyota has revealed to the major publication ‘The New York Times‘ that they’re currently not planning on offering CarPlay on any of their vehicles in the United States, though they were one of the first partners to announce CarPlay support last year. Read more
Ever since the launch of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus which was last fall, many sources have noticed that Sprint subsidiary Virgin Mobile USA has offered limited-to-no stock on their iPhone lineup with “out of stock” messages on each of their iOS device, and seemingly has no plans to replenish their inventory. Read more
According to iMore.com and the Official Apple Watch Website, nothing has changed between the announcement of the Apple watch and now. There were several reports (Including iPhone Informer) that stated that the Apple watch would have to drop several health features due to the fact they could not get their sensors to work the way they were supposed to, and as a result, decided to scrap majority of the health features that were supposed to be implemented into the watch.
The creators of Juice Cubes, and the very popular Angry Bird series comes a fresh new puzzle game ‘Jolly Jam.’ This game will task you with strategizing and matching your jelly pieces in a box to battle various of enemies and monsters to advance on to the next level. Read more
Apple has recently updated their Apple Maps Connect service. Maps is pretty much Apple’s version of Google Maps, essentially doing the same thing of showing you different locations from around the city, state, or country on a map to help you find specific locations or to help you navigate.
The Tweetbot developers Tapbots recently released an all-new version of their minimal calculator app, and it is now free with the option to unlock conversion features via an IAP. This app is available for iPhone and iPad. Read more
Cygnett has released a significant amount of iPhone 5 and 6 cases, which includes the UrbanShield and WorkMate. But there’s one slim, light-weight, form-fitting case that can bring some protection for your iPhone. The AeroGrip. Cygnett’s AeroGrip is a polycarbonate iPhone 6 case. This case series comes in three different color options to pick from which is black, grey, and white. Read more


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Laclede Chain Restructures to Provide Niche Market Expertise to Rigging & Marine Industries
ST. LOUIS, MO.— Laclede Chain Manufacturing Co., a nationwide manufacturer of domestic industrial chain, has recently restructured its sales division to better meet the needs of specialized customers, specifically in the rigging and marine industries.
With this restructuring, as of October 1, 2019 Laclede has promoted Jeff Doerge to General Manager of its new Rigging & Marine Division. Doerge has been with Laclede for over a decade, and has spent the last five years focused specifically on developing his expertise in the rigging and marine sectors.
Laclede Chain company president Tim Riley is grateful for Doerge’s commitment to this growing sector. “Until just over 5 years ago, we were doing very little in rigging and marine,” Riley said. “Then, we started to see a growing need in the market and Jeff jumped at the opportunity to learn the industry in order to help these customers grow their businesses. His commitment to understanding the needs of our rigging and marine customers has been hugely valuable, and I’m looking forward to seeing him make an even greater impact in his new role.”
The domestic marine sector in particular is experiencing healthy growth. As a result of conservation efforts, commercial fishing in the U.S. is booming as once-depleted fish stocks are being rebuilt. Consumer data also shows that demand for seafood (especially salmon) continues to increase.
“This renewed focus on conservation means there is an increased demand for environmentally safe chain products that allow commercial fisheries to practice sustainable techniques,” said Doerge. “We are working with more and more of the industry’s key players to help them develop these innovative products.”
Scallop fishing in particular has been an area where Laclede has recently helped key customers succeed. “We recently developed a new size of scallop rings and links for a customer after other chain manufacturers told him it couldn’t be done,” said Doerge. “The new nets bring in healthy yields while disturbing the surrounding environment as little as possible.”
Doerge is also focused on developing his expertise and understanding of the rigging sector that he serves. He spends time traveling to visit customers to learn firsthand about the challenges facing them in their day-to-day operations. He recently underwent (and continues to pursue) continuing education courses in rigging to hone his knowledge.
“Laclede continues to lead the chain industry in safety with our Hi-Viz line for overhead lifting,” Doerge said. “And with any of our Grade 120 products, we offer the strongest American-made overhead lifting chain and assemblies on the market today.”
Doerge’s vision for serving the rigging industry is for Laclede to become the foremost chain expert for serving customers in this sector. “It’s my goal to further specialize in serving these guys,” Doerge said. “We want to get narrow and deep into serving different niches in their market.”
To develop and create custom marine and rigging solutions, Doerge and Laclede Chain’s lead engineer, Melissa Searle, work with customers one-on-one. They collaborate with customers’ engineering departments frequently to optimize designs for use in the field using 3D printing technology.
“Because of 3D printing, we’re able to help our customers prototype new solutions faster and more cost-effectively,” said Searle.
Doerge is proud to see the company’s new strategic focus create results for its customers. “We are looking forward to continuing to provide these sectors with the support and expertise they need to be successful,” Doerge said.
About Laclede Chain Manufacturing: Laclede Chain Manufacturing has over 250,000 square feet of manufacturing and distribution space in four locations across the United States. The company is the oldest domestic chain manufacturer in the United States and has over 200 employees across its system.


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Evelyn Community Store currently helps over 100 families in Deptford, London. Due to a huge increase in demand following COVID-19, the store is in urgent need of your help and support.
We are raising funds to help the Evelyn Community Store, which provides essentials such as food and toiletries to local families. Created to support residents from the Evelyn Estate on low incomes, the store operates on a membership basis at a cost of £3.50 a week. In return, its members are provided with approximately £30 of food and groceries.
The store is currently struggling due to the effects of COVID-19. Although partnered with national organisation FareShare, it still needs private support and donations. Monetary contributions are greatly appreciated at this time of need.
These will go directly towards helping the store - which is run entirely by volunteers - to provide essentials to those in need.
Donate foodThe store is partnered with FareShare, a charity that collects surplus goods from supermarkets and delivers to food banks and community stores. COVID-19 has led to mass panic buying. This has led to dramatic effects on the amount of supplies provided by FareShare.
The store is therefore in serious need of donations when it comes to provisions. All contributions are welcome, including soup, tinned beans, pulses, spaghetti, cereals, rice, pasta, as well as toiletries.
The store means so much to its community, and we want to give a massive thank you to everyone who has reached out so far. With your support, we can continue to help those who need it most at this incredi-bly challenging time.
Evelyn Community Store is volunteer-run and partnered with FareShare, a national charity that re-distributes surplus quality food from supermarkets. However, due the COVID-19 the store is in urgent need of private support and donations. All contributions matter at this time of need, big or small.
The Mayor of Lewisham appointed three of Evelyn Community Stores volunteers as Lewishams new Mayoress! Christina Norman, Dawn Atkinson, Natasha Ricketts were all asked to accept the appointment as recognition for their volunteering and aims to tackle food poverty in Lewisham. Evelyn Community Store has been running for over 18mths and during Covid-19, membership numbers increased to over 100 families, equaliting to around 200 adults and 86 young people, this figure does not include young adults who are also living with their parents!
Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham said “The year has been the Year of the Volunteer and all three, Christina, Dawn and Natasha are a trio of inspiring women who have helped make sure 100s of families and vulnerable people have had food during lockdown. As a borough Lewisham has responded well to the challenges presented by coronavirus, but we have only been able to do that because of all the amazing volunteers who are helping us”
Margaret Dodwell, CEO at Lewisham Homes said ” The Evelyn Community Store has become an integral part of its community and the Mayor’s decision to pick Christina, Dawn and Natasha as Mayoresses goes a long way to highlight the importance of supportive local initiatives. They have dedicated so much of their time and effort to help the store what it is today and we couldn’t be prouder. Their Mayoress titles are more than deserved.”
Help us to keep this support going.
Get in touch.
Evelyn Community Store is open to members on Tuesdays, from 2pm to 5pm. Food donations are welcome at any time on Tuesdays.
If you’re vulnerable, become a member and you could save up to £30 a week on household essentials, compared to buying from a supermarket.
We are currently at capacity for volunteers but can add you to a waiting list. The Community Store will be open on Tuesdays but will look to open up on other days once we have some more volunteers so we’d love to hear your availability.


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Published on January 31st, 2019 | by Matt Pressman0
Tesla’s Big Red Opportunity: China’s EV Market 3× Bigger Than US EV Market (Video)
January 31st, 2019 by Matt Pressman
Tesla CEO Elon Musk highlighted on the Tesla shareholder call tonight that Tesla is the first non-Chinese automaker that has been permitted to build a wholly owned factory of its own in China. No doubt about it, Tesla knows the opportunity in China is enormous and is grateful for that. The following repost from EVANNEX puts that into more context.
When Elon Musk was on hand for the launch of Tesla’s new Gigafactory in Shanghai, it was a groundbreaking occasion in more ways than one. The opportunity in China is enormous for Tesla. “China’s Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) reports that China sales of EVs grew 60% last year, reaching 1.26 million units,” reports Electronics Weekly. This means that China’s EV market is 3× bigger than the US EV market.
|China’s EV market is triple the size of the US EV market (Chart: Electronics Weekly via Statista / Source: InsideEVs, CAAM)|
Trefor Moss elaborates in the Wall Street Journal: “Sales for electric vehicles in China are thriving, topping 1 million for the first time last year, helped by government subsidies and other favorable policies.”
With the launch of the company’s new Shanghai Gigafactory, “Tesla now faces a race to start local production to take advantage of robust demand for electric vehicles in the world’s biggest auto market…. [as] China is central to Tesla’s aim of graduating from niche startup to mainstream global automaker.”
“In China, Tesla has the opportunity to rev up, capitalizing on the government’s support for electric vehicles and well-to-do Chinese car-buyers who are captivated by Tesla’s technology and enamored of Mr. Musk’s entrepreneurial risk-taking,” explains Moss.
“It makes sense for Tesla to commit fully to becoming a leading EV brand in the world’s largest EV market,” says Bill Russo, chief executive of Shanghai-based consulting firm Automobility.
In addition, Tesla has a unique head-start. Moss reports, “Tesla was the first foreign automaker to take advantage of a recent rule change allowing foreigners to own their China business, instead of having to work with Chinese partners as previously required.” That said, Tesla still needs to face off against local competition. Can China’s EV companies really stack up against Tesla? We’ll soon find out.


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As of today, 420 Starbucks shops around the Bay Area will carry a selection of baked goods from La Boulange, San Francisco’s very own homegrown bakery-cafe. Eventually, the selection will include sandwiches and salads and anything else that can be found in the bakery at more than 8,000 Starbucks nationwide.
So what does that mean for the local La Boulange stores — many of which are within a block of the coffee behemoth — and the future of the chain, which at one point had plans for nationwide expansion? Well, according to La Boulange founder Pascal Rigo, it means a lot of new questions and even more new opportunities.
“We will have 22 stores in San Francisco before the end of this year that people love, so do we really want to change anything? I don’t know,” said Rigo. “Do we want to grow La Boulange stores all over the U.S.? It’s a possibility. But if the brand is growing with thousands of Starbucks stores, do we really need to build the brand more? If we do start bringing La Boulange stores across the U.S. and it’s already going to be in Starbucks, will that be a problem? We’ll see.”
While Rigo seemed to have more questions than answers over the future of his brand, one thing’s for sure: the company is fully leveraging its relationship with Starbucks Corp. (NASDAQ: SBUX).
A potential new retail concept, created in partnership with Starbucks, could be in the works for the company, which would serve breakfast, lunch and dinner to capture a larger swath of the market.
Rigo said that because La Boulange is branded as a bakery café, most customers assume it’s not open or suitable for dinner and therefore the brand struggles to attract business past lunch. With the help of Starbucks, that soon could change. However, what that new concept will look like or where it’ll be still needs be hammered out, he said.
For now, Rigo said La Boulange will focus on being “even more local” than ever before, by sourcing more of its ingredients from nearby farms and tailoring the menu to local tastes. The bakery café is revamping its menu by adding more protein, like a new shortrib sandwich, a steak salad and a burger made from grass-fed beef.
Meanwhile, the company as a whole is doubling. La Boulange’s production and R&D facility is adding 30,000 square feet of space and will need to hire over 150 new employees to staff it.
“It’s all necessary to test products and develop new things,” Rigo said. And they’re already on fire. His team is tasting between 20 to 25 new products a day, from ingredients to finished goods. “We spit a lot,” he added.
While the rollout will inevitably have a huge impact on the La Boulange brand, Rigo said the partnership could be an even bigger game changer for Starbucks, which does 1.5 billion transactions a year that do not include food.
“That’s a huge opportunity for us,” Rigo said. “More than 40 percent of Starbucks’ customers don’t even know that they offer a breakfast sandwich. We can change that.”
To alert customers to the 60 new edible offerings at Starbucks, Rigo said the company is making a big marketing push (hence the pink bakery cases) and enforcing a lot of sampling.
“Starbucks will no longer just be baked goods in a coffee place — it’ll be a mini bakery,” he said. “It could become a lunch destination.”


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(Reuters) - Charles Schwab Corp on Friday revealed an investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) related to historic disclosures involving Schwab Intelligent Portfolios, the retail brokerage's robo adviser.
The company warned its second quarter financial results would include a charge of $200 million, but the ultimate liability could differ, depending on the outcome of the matter.
The retail brokerage said it had been cooperating with the SEC staff in the investigation and is "evaluating its options." https://bit.ly/2SFMqHq
Schwab's robo adviser or automated investment product distributes cash among exchange-traded funds according to formulas based on client questionnaires and allocated almost $64 billion in client assets by the end of March.
"The company intends to continue cooperating with the SEC with the goal of resolving this matter," Schwab said.
(Reporting by Noor Zainab Hussain in Bengaluru; Editing by Vinay Dwivedi)


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Fisher Dining Dishes Up New Initiatives
The No. 1 campus dining service in New York State keeps getting better.
This month, Fisher Dining Services will rollout mobile ordering, allowing the campus community to place food and drink orders via their mobile devices through the GET app.
Sono Fishbowl and Murphy Sensational Subs mobile ordering will begin on Monday, March 8 for those with board plans.
On Monday, March 15, Cyber Café mobile ordering is available for cardinal cash or credit card, a handy option for faculty, staff, commuters, and residential students making a non-board plan purchase.
At every location, a mobile order is available 15 minutes after opening until 15 minutes before closing. The GET Mobile App can be downloaded via the App Store or Google Play.
On Wednesday, March 10, Ward-Haffey Dining location will host “Root for You,” offering plant-based fare throughout the facility in honor of Nutrition Month.
“A plant-based lifestyle supports health and is appropriate throughout all life stages, and for athletes. We are taking a bold move but an exciting venture to showcase the culinary talent of our chefs with a dinner takeover,” said Andrea Maccarone, director of dining services.


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According to webinar poll done by Countrywide Surveying Services, which had 250 people in attendance, four in five consumers still confuse a mortgage valuation with a survey.
The poll also highlighted the need for greater consumer awareness, with 86 per cent of those surveyed saying homebuyers didn’t understand that a valuation could be completed by a computer.
Just over half, 54 per cent, said that to avoid consumer confusion mortgage valuations should not be disclosed.
Three quarters of attendees said that an information pack, with legal documents and a survey, should be provided when the property is marketed.
Matthew Cumber, managing director at Countrywide Surveying Services, said: “Despite mortgage valuations being a staple component within residential lending, they can often be misunderstood and much maligned.
“Educating consumers and streamlining the information required to buy and sell a home is why the Home Buying & Selling Group was set up and whilst this continues to do some great work, there is still some way to go. Meaning it’s up to us, as an industry, to continue raising consumer awareness around valuations and help homebuyers understand exactly what they need and what they are getting when they enter into the homebuying process.”
He added: “As a business, we have to constantly evaluate how we best service the needs of lenders, intermediaries and buyers in the modern age. This is certainly an area we will continue to focus on in 2022 to ensure that all parties in the mortgage chain have access to the right information to enable them to make the most informed decisions possible.”


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O'Rourke to appear at Saturday's team equipment sale and Crew Gear sale
The Crew’s annual team equipment sale will be held at Crew Stadium’s Upper 90 Club this Saturday (Dec. 3), in conjunction with a retail sale at the Crew Gear Store featuring the first availability of the club’s new 2012 jerseys.
The Crew Gear store will be open from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, and as an added bonus, everyone who purchases a 2012 jersey that day will be eligible for FREE personalization (choice of name and number). Limited quantities will be available through the holiday season.
The team equipment sale will be open to the general public from 12-2 p.m., following exclusive access periods for Crew Soccer Nation members earlier in the day. At that event, fans will be able to purchase official team-issued Crew equipment – some of it game-used – including jerseys, training tops, jackets and much more at discounted prices (while supplies last). Proceeds of the team equipment sale will benefit the Crew Soccer Foundation.
Crew midfielder/defender Danny O’Rourke will be on hand from 10-11:30 a.m. to sign autographs and interact with shoppers and fans.
Attendees are also invited to participate in the Crew’s holiday food drive benefitting St. Stephen’s Community House. Non-perishable food items can be brought to Crew Stadium on Saturday to assist families in need. Collection bins will be set up in the Crew Stadium Administrative Office Lobby and the Upper 90 Club. Anyone who donates 50 or more items will receive a 2011 Crew team-signed poster.


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Interest rate hikes hit some local businesses
Fed funds rate highest since January 2001
- Suzelle Tempero
- DBJ Staff Reporter
Interest rate hikes are putting a chill on local businesses and consumers as the cost of financing projects, loans and big-ticket purchases climbs.
For an auto dealer like Larry Taylor, owner of Vandalia-based Beau Townsend Ford and Beau Townsend Nissan, they pack a double whammy: Not only are fewer car buyers financing their purchases, but the costs of inventory is rising.
Consumers are focused on the monthly payments necessary to buy a car, so as rates jump higher, pulling payments along for the ride, people either don't buy, buy a smaller car or pay more initially, Taylor said. In all three cases, it's less money for the dealership because more of the dollars are flowing to interest payments and away from gross profit.
At the same time, the cost of the dealerships' inventory -- which is essentially on loan from the manufacturer until sold -- is linked to the prime rate, so as the rate climbs, the interest expense follows. And for Taylor, it has gone up as much as an additional $30,000 to $40,000 per month. That pushes a dealership to reduce inventory and leads to a third punch: If a dealership doesn't have the navy blue convertible with tan leather interior that a customer wants, they may just go somewhere else.
Since the Federal Reserve boosted interest rates at the end of June, the increase has rippled through the pocketbooks of Dayton-area businesses and consumers, cooling the economy locally, local financial experts say, which is exactly what Fed policy-makers are aiming for at the national level as they zero in on controlling inflation. The June increase lifted the Fed's target for the federal funds rates to 5.25 percent, putting the overnight bank lending rate at its highest since January 2001. Locally, the biggest squeezes have been seen in falling car sales and downward pressure on the construction industry, experts report.
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11 March 2019
Bataan Rep. Jose Enrique Garcia III wants to restrict the importation, manufacture, use, sale, distribution and advertisement of electronic cigarettes.
He said the government should institute a policy to prohibit the importation, manufacture, use, sale, and distribution of electronic cigarettes until they are cleared to be safe to promote a healthy environment and protect the citizens from the hazards of e-cigarette use.
“In the Philippines, backyard manufacturing of e-cigarette flavorings and e-juices have become rampant. The fact that local manufacturers could mix their own juices and flavourings sans public disclosure of the ingredients and solutions used is very alarming. Unless sooner halted, this backyard manufacturing could no longer be controlled,” Garcia said.
He laments that electronic cigarette products were also untested for electrical or mechanical safety and has resulted in injuries to users.
“In fact, media reports of exploding e-cigarette products have become increasingly common, with more than 300 reports of related explosions all over the world,” he said.
Citing numerous studies, Garcia expressed concern that e-cigarette use re-normalizes and promotes cigarette smoking. “As a matter of fact, while marketed as an alternative to tobacco use, a recent study by the University of California revealed that the use of e-cigarette actually reduces the likelihood that the people would quit smoking. Instead of quitting tobacco, they just eventually become dual users,” he said.
This is also the experience in the United Kingdom based on a 12-month prospective study published in 2018, he noted.
“The State should not and cannot tolerate any form of addiction. It is, therefore, urgent that these products are banned from the market until they are scientifically proven to be safe and non-addictive,” Garcia said.
Garcia filed House Bill 8671, the proposed Electronic Cigarette Restriction Act, seeking to ban the importation, manufacture, use, sale or distribution of e-cigarettes.
Under the bill, all forms of advertisements and promotions of e-cigarette are prohibited.
Violators of the proposed Act shall be slapped with a fine ranging from P500,000 to P1 million or an imprisonment of not more than six years or both, at the discretion of the court.
HB 8671 tasks the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) to serve as the implementing agency of the proposed Act.(Charissa M. Luci-Atienza)


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PARKERSBURG, W.Va.-(WTAP) Homeland Security officials in West Virginia are organizing to encourage large stores to keep an eye out for people making suspicious purchases.
Emergency management employees from across the state recently attended an Alabama seminar on how to spot people buying bomb-making materials.
Those include items such hydrogen peroxide campho fuel.
They were told those people often are found in big-box stores such as Lowe's and Home Depot, where they can buy those materials in large quantities.
"They'll know the ones who haven't always been their customers; the ones who come in and make them very nervous, because they're buying a very large supply of something people normally buy in a very limited amount," says Wood County Emergency Services Director Mike Shook. "When they approach them and ask them questions about it, they're very evasive or they walk away."
Those who spot what they believe to be suspicious activity will be encouraged to contact a Charleston-based office, the Fusion Center, that will collect information on the purchases.


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It appears that Tesla’s efforts to push inventory units of the Model 3 sedan are working very well. Amidst reports that some Tesla stores have already sold their respective demo units, the company’s website and community trackers now hint that new Model 3 inventory units are practically sold out in the United States.
With Tesla stock being battered this year and sentiments surrounding the company turning partly negative due to CEO Elon Musk’s political statements on Twitter, the electric vehicle maker has busied itself this Q4 2022 delivering as many vehicles as it could. This was hinted at in Tesla’s order pages for its vehicles, which default to new and used inventory units for now. Earlier this month, reports also emerged suggesting that Tesla has started selling demo vehicles as well.
In a way, the strategy does seem to be quite effective, at least for inventory Model 3 units. As of writing, Tesla’s webpage shows almost no new Model 3 inventory units available in the US. EV-CPO, a service that tracks Tesla’s new and used inventory units, also suggests that new Model 3 inventory units are practically sold out in the United States. Reports from a number of Tesla community members noted that new Model 3 inventory cars were added earlier today, but the listings have already been taken down as of writing.
This does not mean to say that those who wish to acquire an inventory Model 3 before the end of the year would not be able to do so, however. As per both Tesla’s official website and data posted in EV-CPO, there are still about 180 used Model 3 inventory units in the United States. Customers could also opt for a new Model Y inventory unit instead, which is still available in some areas of the US.
The selloff of new Model 3 units bodes well for the all-electric sedan, as it shows that the vehicle still enjoys ample interest from consumers. Such interest would likely see an increase in the near future, especially once Tesla rolls out updates that were hinted at in the recent “Project Highland” reports. As per previous reports, “Project Highland” would involve some updates to the Model 3, such as a better infotainment system and some changes to the vehicle’s exterior and powertrain performance.
Don’t hesitate to contact us with news tips. Just send a message to firstname.lastname@example.org to give us a heads up.


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The Super Mario Bros movie is set to premiere in just one short month and fans are buzzing with excitement. But what’s even more surprising is that the release date has been moved up from April 7th to April 5th in the US and in over 60 markets globally. Japan will have its showing on April 28th, with further releases in May.
Why Is The Super Mario Bros Movie by Nintendo and Illumination Releasing Early
The question on everyone’s mind is why? Nintendo and Illumination have yet to release an official explanation, but the answer is likely to be money. By releasing the film two days earlier, they believe that they will maximize profits. This is especially true because of the timing of the release date. Easter Sunday falls on April 9th, and by giving audiences two extra days to see the movie, they’re extending the very important opening weekend. Now, those who may be too busy around the holiday can just watch it earlier in the week. This translates to more people going to see the movie earlier in the week, and of course, more money in the pockets of the studios.
What’s clear is that this announcement reveals that the movie is pretty much finished. Despite initial setbacks and concerns among fans, it’s now seeming like this film is set to be one of the biggest box office successes of the year. With a universally recognized character such as Mario and excellent marketing to boot, it’s no surprise that this movie is set to descend on every major market across the globe in a similar timeframe.
Despite concerns among fans about video game movies not performing well in the past, the stage seems set for a potential hit. The Super Mario Bros movie marks the start of a new era for Nintendo, one in which they’re tapping into the film industry and looking to tell the stories of their beloved and well-known characters to an even broader audience.
Nintendo’s Strategy With The Super Mario Movie and Future Titles
The Super Mario Bros movie looks to be a great move for the beloved video game company, and it looks like it has an excellent chance of breaking box office records. The sheer hype that surrounds the film, plus the extensive marketing campaign and worldwide release, point to a solid decision made by the studios involved.
What’s for certain is that fans are eagerly awaiting the premiere of one the most iconic video game characters to hit theaters. This anticipated event is sure to translate to box office success. Perhaps it will also serve as a great source of inspiration for other video game companies who are considering moving into the film industry in the future.
As we count down the days towards the release, it’s worth noting that this is set to be a momentous occasion not only for video game movies but for Nintendo as a whole. Fans of the revered character will finally, after years of hoping and speculating, see Mario come life on the big screen. If the famous video game series has anything to say about the film industry now, it looks like it’s “Game over, man” – Nintendo has officially moved into the business of big-screen entertainment.


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Leave Green diverts household goods from waste stream
An initiative of People Against Poverty of the Newman Center, the city’s Campus-City Relations Committee, and SUNY Oswego’s Residence Life and Housing Office will encourage students to donate rather than discard household and personal items as they prepare to leave town for the summer.
The reuse effort, called Leave Green, is seeking volunteers to help unload vehicles and sort items in the Swetman Gymnasium this week and next week.
Daytime and evening volunteers may sign up through the college’s Center for Community Service and Service Learning in the Campus Center. To volunteer, call Alyssa Amyotte at the center at 312-2505.
Items to be collected include clothing, linens, area rugs, kitchenware and countertop appliances, electronics, wood and metal furniture, office and school supplies, unopened cleaning products, unopened toiletries, and unopened, unexpired and nonperishable foods.
Last year Leave Green collected 4.85 tons of food, clothing and household items. On-campus students donated the majority of items, 93 percent.
One half ton of food was donated to local food pantries. The remaining 4.35 tons of clothing and household items were sorted and sold at the annual Newman Center garage sale or donated to the Rescue Mission.
Leave Green advances SUNY Oswego’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by diverting usable food, clothing and household items from the waste stream.
(Posted: May 06, 2013)


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By KASONDE KASONDE –
THE Ministry of Finance has so far released K20 million for the rehabilitation of the Lusaka City Market that was gutted in an inferno early this year.
Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) national coordinator Yande Mwape said through various fundraising ventures, more money had been realised which was yet to be reconciled.
Ms Mwape said among the fundraising ventures was a gala night in Kitwe that was graced by Vice-President Inonge Wina.
“The Ministry of Finance released K10 million earlier for the rehabilitation. It is gratifying that recently another K10 million was released. Stakeholders and individuals are also coming through to make donations that we are yet to sum up,” Ms Mwape said.
Meanwhile, Sakiza Spinning Limited, the manufacturers of the Mwanacryl yarn, have donated 38 knitting machines and wool worth K170,000 to knitters affected by the Lusaka City Market inferno to help them recover from their loss.
Sakaiza Spinning Limited country manager Ruben Gnanasigaman said the company was committed to support knitters affected by the fire as seen through its corporate social responsibility programme of giving knitting machines and wool to the women.
Mr Gnanasigaman said the donation would go a long way in restoring the lost livelihoods of the 38 beneficiary knitters.
He said the company was also giving direct employment to over 140 Zambians and many more indirectly besides supporting livelihood for thousands of knitters spread across the country.
Minister in the Office of the Vice-President Sylvia Chalikosa said the Government placed a high premium on the activities at City Market and the marketeers because the success of the economy relied on both formal and informal jobs being generated.
Ms Chalikosa said the donation by Sakiza Limited was an investment that would help victims of the Lusaka City Market fires to rebuild their businesses and contribute to national development.
She said while the knitters operated, they would be able to supply families, schools and industries with clothing, with potential to export beyond borders.


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If you haven’t yet downloaded your very own copy of In Rainbows, Radiohead’s experiment in online music sales, at the price you choose, you have until Monday, Dec. 10, to do so. After Monday, the album will only be available via more mainstream outlets – i.e., iTunes and meatspace music stores.
Earlier this week, the band announced the end of its pay-what-you-want experiment on its blog.
The download area that is “In Rainbows” will be shutting its doors on the 10th December 2007.
A big thank you to everyone who came and downloaded the music. It’s been the most positive thing we’ve done and we hope you shared the experience with others.
The discbox will still be available from the w.a.s.t.e store here until they have all gone. We then have no plans to make further stock.
For those of you who wish to buy In Rainbows in the usual way, it will be available on CD/Vinyl and download from traditional outlets from the 31st December 2007.
The record will be released by TBD Records in North America and XL Recordings for the rest of the world.
Thanks for everything.
Back in October, Radiohead made In Rainbows, the band’s seventh studio album, available for download to fans who could pay as much or as little as they wanted. I personally shelled out two pounds and 50 pence (around $5 and change) for my copy. I was tempted to download it for free, and that would have been perfectly fine with Radiohead, but I think I would have been racked with guilt every time I listened.
I downloaded In Ranibows not because I’m a huge fan of this band, but more because I wanted to participate in an interesting marketing experiment. (The album isn’t bad, though. I’ve paid much more than five bucks for worse.) Although Radiohead “is not the first act to try what one of its managers, Chris Hufford, calls ‘virtual busking,'” as this New York Times article points out, “it’s the first one that can easily fill arenas whenever it tours.”
Will the pay-what-you-want business model work for other musicians? Or for other organizations? Another New York Times article ponders the possibilities.
The Radiohead payment scheme, whatever the final tally, worked for Radiohead. (It may be portable; Paste, a magazine devoted to indie rock, ran a monthlong pay-what-you-want subscription deal in the wake of “In Rainbows.”) And yet at least some aspects of the old model may still prove useful. The CD of “In Rainbows” — an actual, tactile, old-economy product — will be available in record stores on Jan. 1. And EMI, the band’s spurned label, has proved resourceful itself, quickly assembling a Radiohead boxed set in time for the holidays, happily riding on publicity it didn’t pay a thing to create.


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Pokemon Legends Arceus and Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl are next on the menu for trainers, but one of the scene’s biggest leakers has dropped some cryptic messages about the franchise’s future.
The end of 2021 will take players back to one of the most popular regions in the series’ long history, the Sinnoh region. The Diamond and Pearl remakes are one of the most highly anticipated of recent memory, and with it comes a spinoff game – set years before – in Legends Arceus.
Arceus will be set in the Hisui Region when it launches in January 2022, with a load of new Pokemon expected to be released, and Hisuian forms already confirmed.
Those are the confirmed details Nintendo provided so far, but it appears The Pokemon Company has a few big cards still yet to play.
Pokemon Legends Arceus leaker hints at 2022 plans
On October 1, Centro Leaks started the month off with a bang with a series of tweets that prompted a lot more questions than it did provide answers.
Seen below, the account – which has accurately leaked a number of AAA game details in the past – posted six different emojis. These featured a baby, ghost, moon, and more.
As the queries flooded the replies, a second post surfaced. This time, it was just a bunch of letters relating to something coming soon for Pokemon.
They said: “2022 will be very exciting too for Pokemon fans. Even more than 2021 if nothing gets delayed.”
You'll understand everything soon.
— Centro LEAKS (@CentroLeaks) October 1, 2021
2021 was expected to be a landmark year for the franchise, as it celebrated its 25th anniversary. However, based on these tweets, fans are wondering whether 2022 might go a step further.
When will we hear more?
As expected, some were keen to get ahold of the specifics One asked about a potential timeline for official news, for example.
Soon today? Or soon this year ?
— Jacob M Morafka (@JMorafka) October 1, 2021
The leaker replied: “Not today. Not this week. Probably not this month.”
One other fan pressed the leaker for more information, claiming it would be more impressive to just spill the beans. They added: “We weren’t allowed to. It’s too early. If we were to disrespect this rule, our source would stop giving us information. That’s the only reason.”
As the rumor mill continues to turn in the Pokemon community, these posts just strapped a rocket to the bottom. While we don’t have any specifics just yet, it appears those ‘in the know’ have seen something in the works that might just blow everybody away.
We’ll have to wait and see. We could be waiting until after Pokemon Legends Arceus has launched.