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Crop circle glass toast for brewery
A microbrewery has carved a giant pint glass, inspired by crop circles, into one of its barley fields.
The design occupies a prominent position at the foot of the Eildon Hills near the Ancrum home of the Scottish Borders Brewery.
The move coincides with the brewery's sale of its 500th cask since it started brewing three months ago.
Bosses said they also wanted to highlight the fact that their two cask ales are brewed in the same place where the crops are grown and harvested.
As the barley grows, photographs of the "pint" will be posted on the brewery's Facebook page, with plans for the images to be used in a time-lapse film.
Brewery owner John Henderson said: "As a new business we have been fortunate to have enjoyed really strong support from both publicans and ale drinkers, both of whom seem to be enjoying our products.
"I thought a pint glass crop circle would be a great way to draw attention to our plough-to-pint ethos and we hope it will create a talking point for people who see it in the field."


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On March 3, the Ad Council released “Love Has No Labels,” which aims to overcome bias and embrace diversity through love. It has surpassed all 2015 Super Bowl campaigns to be the most-watched campaign of the year, to date.
The three-minute video from the nonprofit, which specializes in public service announcements, starts with a crowd gathered in front of a large black screen. Then, two x-ray-like skeletons embrace on screen and kiss -- who soon become two real-life women appearing from behind the screen, who embrace again as the surprised audience cheers. The screen reads “love has no gender” and, over the video, the song “Same Love” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, featuring Mary Lambert, starts to play. More skeletons appear on screen representing diverse couples, and more messages of inclusion are revealed: love has no religion, love has no race, love has no age.
In a little more than two weeks after its release, the campaign has generated a viewership of more than 89.4 million. This puts it more than 25 million views ahead of the next-most-viewed campaign of the year: the Super Bowl smash hit, Budweiser’s “Lost Dog,” which has garnered more than 63.5 million views.
What’s more impressive, the Ad Council campaign is already the 22nd-most-viewed branded video ads of all time. It has already surpassed a number of groundbreaking campaigns, including Old Spice’s innovative 2010 “Responses” (89.3 million views); VW’s 2011 Super Bowl campaign, “The Force" (85.8 million views); and Pepsi MAX’s 2012 stunt,” Uncle Drew” (64.4 million views).
It’s not surprising, however, that an Ad Council campaign would take its place among such recognizable campaigns. From its earliest work during WWII (“Loose Lips Sink Ships”) and its creation of Smoky the Bear and McGruff the Crime Dog, to its “Keep America Beautiful” campaign, the nonprofit has always been effective in capturing public attention for major social issues. But this is the organization’s biggest branded video hit to date, by more than 80 million views.
It’s also indicative of the trend we’ve seen in video creative where many popular videos tell emotional stories with uplifting messages. Budweiser’s “Puppy Love” and “Lost Dog” are examples of how a brand has adapted that creative approach to capitalize on the huge audience of an event, the Super Bowl. But over the last year, brands like Always (“#LikeAGirl”) and little-known Wren (“First Kiss,” the most-viewed campaign of 2014) have proved that moving creative can generate massive buzz without the platform of an event where a brand would have to share the spotlight.
While nonprofits may not be able to produce and distribute content the way big brands do, they have a unique opportunity to leverage this hunger for emotional, uplifting content with human stories of hope and inspiration built into their individual missions.
Consumers want to share this kind of heartwarming content with their social networks. If nonprofits can package those stories in a surprising way, as the Ad Council did, there is extra incentive to share, which is why nearly half of the campaign’s viewership was generated on Upworthy’s Facebook page.

domain: news


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The new Indian startup Meesho, which was based in Bangalore, attracted additional funding of $125 million. The creators of the company want to change the way they shop online globally, and these funds will help them expand their business in their home country.
Meesho is an online marketplace that serves as a link between sellers and buyers on social networks such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. The creators of the startup claim that more than 2 million users from 700 cities are registered on their network. The main products that can be found in Meesho are clothing, household appliances, and electronics. The buyers of this application are mainly housewives, 80% of Meesho users are women.
Startup representatives said the company will use the new capital to expand its business in the country and add 18 million new sellers by the end of next year.
“The latest investment will also strengthen Meesho’s aim to grow its community of women entrepreneurs who have dreamt of running their own businesses but lacked the funds and expertise to do so,” the company said.
We want to remind:


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We had reported a couple of days back that the wireless radio component specification distributed with iPhone OS 3.0 beta had revealed support for a new Broadcom chip BCM4329 which could bring support for 802.11n Wi-Fi in Apple's next generation iPhone.
Folks at 9to5Mac have done some more digging through the specs of the chip and have discovered that it also supports reception and transmission of FM radio signals.
Folks at 9to5Mac wrote:
But they neglected to mention that it also adds the ability to receive and send (the previous model could only receive) information through FM radio signals which theoretically could be used to broadcast sound into car stereos..without external adapters. It could also be used to pick up FM radio music, news and sports broadcasts on their iPhones and even, in August, on iPods. Currently the FM reciever is only used to pick up communications from the Nike+ peripheral.
AppleInsider has pointed out that the chip in current iPhones can also support reception and transmission of FM signals but Apple hasn't enabled this feature.
There was a similar rumor when iPhone firmware 2.0 beta was available just before iPhone 3G was launched. So whether Apple will enable the FM radio feature in their next generation iPhone is anybody's guess.
It'll be interesting to know how many of you still listen to FM Radio and will be disappointed if this feature doesn't make it to the official feature list of Apple's new iPhone.
So, please drop us a line in the comments section below.
Thanks Egypt for the tip![9to5Mac via Gizmodo]


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Newsmakers on News
News consumption cannot go without consumers’ voice. And what if the consumers are newsmakers also? Here a cross section of newsmakers give their take on news media.
All our articles are run through a software to avoid the possibility of unattributed work finding its way into Newslaundry.


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Transport yourself to some famous PlayStation landscapes and jazz up your video calls.
GenDesign, the creators behind Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, and The Last Guardian is teaming up with Epic Games to create its next game.
Whether you want to go fast or slay some giants, the PS Plus March 2020 games lineup has you covered with Sonic Forces and Shadow of the Colossus.
Playstation UK announced a new, GAME exclusive line of collectible covers for 10 of the best PS4 exclusives.
Just three years after the release of The Last Guardian, creator Fumito Ueda is looking for a publisher for his next title.
Hörberg Productions produces yet another fun title in Mechstermination Force, currently a Nintendo Switch exclusive.
We still hope it's Demon's Souls.
Even though 2018 was a weaker year for games than I expected, it still gave us plenty of gems while also allowing me to catch up on my backlog just a bit.
DualShockers presents their Game of the Year Awards for 2018, with God of War taking the top spot for both readers' and staff members' picks.
A new PS4 theme dedicated to Shadow of the Colossus has been released on the Japanese PlayStation Store, and it's free.
Following their recent success remaking the beloved classic Shadow of the Colossus, Bluepoint's president confirmed that their next project is yet another remake.
Monster Hunter World is still at the top of Japanese software sales, accompanied by the PS4, also bolstered by Dynasty Warriors 9 and Sword Art Online.
A livestream of Shadow of the Colossus revealed that a new sword can be found for players that obtain all 79 of the game's mysterious gold coins.
Shadow of the Colossus' PS4 high-definition remake has finally arrived, with a new launch trailer available now to commemorate the official release.
A new story trailer for Shadow of the Colossus on PS4 revisits some of the game's most iconic images with its stunning new visuals.
If you're curious about how Bluepoint Games remodeled the famed colossi for the Shadow of the Colossus remake, then you'll want to check out this new video.
The PS4 remake of Shadow of the Colossus feels like an entirely new experience and boasts some of the most impressive visuals ever seen in a console game.
Sony Interactive Entertainment has unveiled the list of trophies for the forthcoming remake of Shadow of the Colossus, including what each trophy is worth.
Sony showcases more of its Shadow of the Colossus PS4 remake, and if this game doesn't make you into a remake believer, nothing will.


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Check out which companies are making headlines after the bell Tuesday:
3M - The conglomerate increased its quarterly dividend by 7.6 percent to 63.5 cents a share from 59 cents a share and authorized a share buyback program of up to $7.5 billion. Shares gained in extended-hours trading.
(Read More: Stocks Rally 1%, but Dow Ends Shy of 14,000)
Hewlett-Packard - The tech company's board is considering a break-up of the company among other options, according to a report from Atlantic Media's new business news website Quartz, citing sources familiar with the matter. But a source later told CNBC the company's intent for now is to keep its businesses together. Hewlett-Packard declined to comment on what it called speculation about a breakup. HP stock initially jumped in extended-hours trading following the report but quickly pared gains.
Earlier in the day, HP had taken a swipe at Dell's plan to go private, saying the company has a "very tough road ahead" and faces an "extended period of uncertainty and transition that will not be good for its customers."
Disney - The entertainment conglomerate posted earnings of 79 cents a share, excluding one-time items, on revenue of $11.34 billion, exceeding estimates for 76 cents a share on revenue of $11.21 billion. Its stock moved higher in late trading.
Zynga - The social game services company posted earnings of a penny a share on revenue of $261 million, topping expectations for a loss of 3 cents a share on sales of $212 million. In addition, the company said it expects to hand in a loss of between 4 cents a share and 5 cents a share in the current quarter, greater than the penny loss analysts expected. But revenue guidance was better than expected. Shares jumped in extended-hours trading.
Expedia - The Internet-based travel website posted earnings of 63 cents a share, excluding one-time items, on sales of $975 million. Analysts expected the company to post earnings of 65 cents a share on revenue of $931 million. Shares advanced in extended-hours trading.
Chipotle Mexican Grill - The fast-casual restaurant chain posted earnings of $1.95 a share, missing expectations by a penny a share, while revenue matched forecasts. Last month, the company warned that its quarterly earnings would fall short of previous estimates due to higher food costs. The company said it expects to open 165 to 180 new stores in 2013 and fourth-quarter same-store sales increased 3.8 percent. Shares jumped in extended-hours trading.
Aflac - The insurance provider posted earnings of $1.48 a share, excluding one-time items, which was in line with expectations, while revenue fell short of estimates. Shares slipped in extended-hours trading.
Take Two Interactive - The videogame publisher and developer posted earnings of 67 cents a share, excluding one-time items, on revenue of $416 million, easily topping expectations for 54 cents a share on sales of $362 million. In addition, the company handed in current-quarter earnings guidance that was lighter than expected. Shares jumped in extended-hours trading.
Panera Bread - The bakery-cafe chain posted earnings of $1.75 a share on revenue of $572 million. Analysts expected the company to post earnings of $1.74 a share on revenue of $575 million. In addition, the company announced that Roger Matthews has been appointed CFO. Shares rallied in extended-hours trading.
Shutterfly - The photo-publishing website posted earnings of $1.40 a share on revenue of $352 million, blowing past expectations for $1.01 a share on revenue of $310 million. Shares surged after being temporarily halted in extended-hours trading.
Harley-Davidson - The American motorcycle manufacturer increased its quarterly dividend by 35.5 percent to 21 cents a share from 15.5 cents a share. Shares rose in extended-hours trading.
SLM - The student loan company increased its quarterly dividend by 20 percent to 15 cents a share from 12.5 cents a share and also authorized a $400 million share buyback program.
Aeropostale - The retailer announced its president Michael Cunningham will retire at the end of March. Shares were largely unchanged in extended-hours trading.


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Bank of Baroda has announced it has won the #1 position in overall digital transactions amongst large banks for FY20-21. The bank showed the exceptional growth of digital payment transactions achievement and was felicitated by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Govt. of India at the Digital Payments Utsav.
To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Independence of India, MeitY is celebrating “Digital Payments Utsav”. As a part of the celebration, the Bank of Baroda has been conferred with 5 DigiDhan awards for FY 2019-20 & 2020-21 in various categories. BoB has been conferred with five DigiDhan awards for FY 2019-20 & 2020-21 in various categories.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Bank of Baroda Founded: 20 July 1908;
- Bank of Baroda Headquarters: Vadodara, Gujarat;
- Bank of Baroda Managing Director & CEO: Sanjiv Chadha;
- Bank of Baroda Tagline: India’s International Bank;
- Bank of Baroda Amalgamated Banks: Dena Bank & Vijaya Bank in 2019.


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Ditto. I finish work at 1730 (if I can get out bang on time!) so anything before 1800 is basically a no from me... even then, it would be a rush.Gavman wrote:I cannot make any that are before 18:30 because of work but I will see what I can do about scheduling in the last two on that list
Consumer Focus/deappg Event: The Government’s IPR Review and fair use rights. Rip, Mix, Burn - How can fair use rights make UK copyright fit for the digital age?
A panel event in the House of Commons, Committee Room 8, Tuesday 8th March 6.30-8.30
Consumer Focus: options for fair use rights in UK law
The economic impact of consumer copyright exceptions: A literature review
Time to change the tune – Consumer research briefing on copyright
In November last year our Prime Minster announced a review of the UK’s copyright framework to make it more innovation friendly, giving companies the breathing space to create new products and services. The Independent Review of IP and Growth, led by Prof Ian Hargreaves, set out to investigate what the benefits of ‘fair use’ exceptions to copyright may be.
What has been termed ‘fair use rights’ are essentially exceptions in copyright law which allow consumers and others to copy, adapt or distribute copyrighted works without the permission of the copyright owner. While the UK has a number of fair use rights, called fair dealing, for the benefit of research, news reporting and criticism, the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act only provides consumers with the fair use right to time-shift broadcast, ie record broadcasts to watch/listen at a later time, and the back-up of software in certain circumstances. Essentially the copying copyrighted content for personal use by consumers is largely illegal under UK law: the back-up of music, film and e-books is currently illegal and so is format-shifting, eg copying music into different formats to listen to on different devices.
Fair use of copyrighted content consumers have purchased is legal in most other countries through a general fair use or private use exception, and companies develop corresponding products and services. For example, format-shifting is legal in the US, and Apple has developed the iPod and iPlayer on the basis that consumers format-shift their CD collection into digital. This leads to the absurd situation whether UK consumers can purchase hardware and software that is designed specifically for something that is illegal in this country. And no UK consumer has ever been sued for the fair use of products they have purchased. So why has fair use not been legalised before? Is it time to update UK copyright law? What difference would it make to UK based technology companies? And how do artists feel about it?
DEAPPG/Consumer Focus Event: The Government’s IPR Review and Fair Use.
This is a panel event open to the public, speakers include: Mike Weatherly MP, Jeff Lynn (coadec), Eric Joyce MP
Committee Room 6, HoC, Tuesday 8th March 6.30-8.30pm
http://www.scribd.com/doc/49254033/Cons ... yright-Law
DEAPPG/Consumer Focus Event: ACS Law and the #deact
A roundtable event with guests, in the Wilson Room HoC 4.00pm-6.00pm Tuesday 22nd March
DEAPPG/yahoo event: Preserving the open Internet: opportunities and challenges for the UK DE?
A panel event open to the public about net neutrality.
Chair: tbc, speakers from Yahoo, Skype, Which? ORG and more
Committee Room 19 HoC, Tuesday 29th March 6.00-8.00pm
via http://www.digecon.co.uk/events wrote:DEAPPG/Institute of Engineering and Technology event with Richard Stallman: Copyright, digital freedoms and the deact.
Tuesday 8th March, 10-11.30am in Room Q Portcullis House.
Richard Stallman, from the Free Software Foundation (GNU Project/Linux) is touring the UK:
ttp://www.theiet.org/about/media-centre ... 110203.cfm
For further details contact: email@example.com
via http://www.digecon.co.uk/events wrote:Consumer Focus/deappg Event: The Government’s IPR Review and fair use rights.
The House of Commons, Committee Room 8 Tuesday 8th March 6.30-8.30
This is a panel event open to the public and designed to support the governments IP Review.
Speakers include Mike Weatherly MP and Jeff Lynn (coadec), chaired by Lord Lucas
The government has asked the IPO and Ian Hargreaves to engage with the public to assist with their review of existing Intellectual Property rights.
For more details contact: firstname.lastname@example.org
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The brand describes it as "something special," and it's less than two weeks away.
Ferrari has teased a new model or model derivative in a short, shadowy video teaser across its social media channels, showcasing a leather and carbon fiber steering wheel belonging to "something special coming your way on the 16th of March."
The brief teaser video shows a sporty tiller with carbon fiber trimmings on the lower spoke and rim, upper rim edge, and shift paddles. The upper edge of the wheel also features shift lights, perhaps indicating that this is a more track-oriented model. Look closely, and you'll notice the wheel also has perforated leather, while the face has been trimmed with a smooth hide.
So, what could it be? Ferrari previously told shareholders that it would be launching four new models this year but didn't give us any indication as to what they might be. However, before and after the announcement, we've seen several new cars dressed in camo parading around Maranello. It seems like the four cars will be a convertible version of the Roma, a 'Versione Speciale' of the SF90, a new Icona model, and a replacement for the 812. Which will be the first, though?
Sadly, the steering wheel doesn't give us any real clue as to what the model might be. Ferrari doesn't give each model a unique wheel design, and this particular carbon fiber option is available on the Roma, SF90, 296 GTB, and their body variants. Ferrari is all-in on haptic controls at the moment - much to the chagrin of anyone outside of the company - so it stands to reason any new car it brings out will feature this functionality.
But perhaps there is a slight clue we can latch onto - by showing a wheel with carbon fiber and shift lights, it seems Ferrari is indicating it will be a more track-focused model. This makes it seem like the first of four models will be the SF90 version Speciale.
A prototype has previously been spied wearing a more aggressive front bumper and a new hood with a protruding air duct, and a massive freestanding rear wing. But given its unique livery in testing, it may be a candidate for an SF90 one-make race series.
Then again, it's possible that the mystery steering wheel could belong to any of the other forthcoming models.
The Ferrari 812 Superfast's successor has previously been spotted in development as a camouflaged Roma with an elongated hood housing a V12 engine. We know the modular architecture underpinning the Roma is scalable and can utilize V6, V8, V12, and hybrid powertrains, so this prototype is almost certainly the 812s replacement. But not once has it been spotted with any bodywork that isn't the Roma's, suggesting its reveal is some way off.
Speaking of the Roma, however, there's a chance the teaser could be for a supposed Roma Spider to replace the aging Portofino M, which itself is the 2020 facelift of the 2017 Portofino. A Roma Spider was previously spied with full production-ready-looking bodywork (pictured below). This suggests it may be the readiest for a reveal.
The last option is that Ferrari may be preparing to show off another Icona model. These special editions, like the Monza SP1 and SP2 are big business for the Italian brand and attract serious car collectors with money to burn. The last Icona model to be revealed was the Daytona SP3 at the tail-end of 2021, so it may be time for another. After all, Ferrari previously said it was far from done with building V12-powered Icona models.
The upside is that we don't have much longer to wait. Ferrari has confirmed the debutant will bear all on the 16th of March, giving us just less than a fortnight to wait. We suspect there will be more teasers between now and then, though, so we'll likely have more opportunities to refine the guesswork.
Join The Discussion


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Plug Power (PLUG) is on the verge of transforming the fuel cell industry into a realistic fuel alternative. With several Fortune 500 companies already utilizing Plug's product offerings, horizontal expansion among their core products, and a blockbuster technology, Plug Power shareholders stand to be handsomely rewarded in the coming year.
Plug Power was founded in June of 1997, is headquartered in Latham, NY, and employs approximately 150 people. The company designs, manufactures, develops, and commercializes fuel cell systems targeted towards the materials handling market. Plug Power is currently teetering towards profitability, and several key developments are priming this stock to become a multi-bagger at these levels, including growing sales of their GenDrive system, planned expansion into Asia, and entering new markets by introducing new products that utilize the same fuel cell technology.(click to enlarge)
Plug Power has experienced a difficult 10+ years to say the least. Since going public in 1999, with an initial public offering of $15.00, Plug's share price has fallen from a high of $1497.50 in 2000, to as low as $0.12 earlier this year. Talk about destroying shareholder value. The stock price ballooned quickly thanks to extreme hype surrounding the emerging fuel cell industry, misrepresented data issued from previous management, and being in the midst of the dot com bubble. After destroying 99.96% of shareholder value from their 2000 highs, and with a long term downward trend line on the verge of being broken, I recommend that now is the time to open a long position in this reemerging company that is experiencing increased traction among customers, and overall excitement in the fuel cell industry.
Massive Fortune 500 companies seeking to reduce their costs and carbon footprint have purchased GenDrive systems, targeted to replace both diesel and battery-based forklifts and pallet trucks used in warehouses and distribution centers. Notable customers of Plug Power include: Coca-Cola (KO), P&G (PG), Ikea, Wal-Mart (WMT), Lowes (LOW), Kroger (KR), Wegmans, FedEx Freight (FDX), Sysc (SYY), CVS Pharmacy (CVS), BMW, and Mercedes Benz.(click to enlarge)
When compared to traditional battery based forklifts, Plug Power's GenDrive system blows the competition out of the water. Using a fuel cell hybrid system, GenDrive generates zero greenhouse gas emissions and has shown to reduce site emissions by up to 80%. GenDrive also eliminates operational costs by up to 30%, and frees up building space that would otherwise be used to house the large battery charging rooms used for older forklifts. On top of this, GenDrive increases site productivity by up to 15%, operates at full power until the fuel depletes, and takes a total of 2 full minutes to recharge. For massive companies with distribution centers or warehouses, this product is a no brainer. They can save millions of dollars by replacing GenDrive systems with their current forklifts and pallet trucks, which in effect would reduce costs, increase productivity and minimize their carbon footprint.
With more than 4,000 units shipped to date, Plug Power is finally executing their business plan and expanding into adjacent markets, which is consistent with their long-term goal of displacing lead-acid batteries and diesel engines in a broad array of applications. The company is first targeting markets that have the same dynamics as materials handling. They are currently in the process of developing range extenders for heavy-duty electric vehicles, replacing diesel based transportation refrigeration units (18 wheelers delivering food) with fuel cell based units, and introducing fuel cell powered utility vehicles and baggage tractors used at airports. Being at the forefront of this relatively new and exciting industry, the opportunity here is massive for Plug Power. Considering that Plug's current customers deploy a combined 250,000 forklift trucks, there are more than 6 million forklifts deployed globally, there are more than 290,000 transportation refrigeration units deployed nationwide, and airlines operate more than 60,000 ground equipment vehicles, the upside potential clearly outweighs the downside risk, especially when Plug Power is positioning themselves to become the industry leader of fuel cell products, and is expected to breakeven in the second or third quarter of 2014. Plug Power, selling a total of 4,000 units, and generating yearly revenue of $26 million for the fiscal year of 2012, has barely scratched the surface of their install base.
Take Away From Latest Conference Call
On October 8th, CEO Andrew Marsh provided a business update for the company. The updates given during the conference call were extremely bullish for the long-term prospects of the company, but the stock sold off more than 20% mid conference call due to a miss in sales estimates, and no concrete answer to the looming possibility of a reverse stock split. These two factors should be of no concern to long-term investors who see the true potential in this company.
Since May 15th, the company has booked $11.7 million in orders, which is well below their previously announced expectations of $20 million. However, as bearish as this may seem, there is a silver lining in these numbers. Marsh went onto explain that the miss in sales is only a timing issue, with Plug currently negotiating more comprehensive orders with their present customers. The company expects these transactions to significantly increase revenue, and hopes for them to be completed before the end of 2013. The company is experiencing increased customer traction. Plug Power's customers understand the true need and advantages associated with their products, and are holding off on orders the company expected to be placed, simply to negotiate much larger deals.
The company has also expanded their GenDrive products into a long term service contract. While the company's main focus is to penetrate the market by selling GenDrive systems to customers with forklift trucks, they are now also providing hydrogen infrastructure to the company. Now, Plug Power's revenue consists of 40% product, 20% service, and 40% for the delivery and fueling of hydrogen, for many of the customers that have signed these long-term service contracts. Plug Power is not only a provider of fuel cell products, but thanks to matured relationships and increased trusts with their customers, they are transitioning to become hydrogen providers, with intentions to buy hydrogen in bulk and generate revenue per kilogram of hydrogen sold. This means recurring revenue from customers who purchased their GenDrive system years ago. This is game changing, and will add to the bottom line of the company once this reaches more and more customers, and will provide more predictability for their business as a whole.
Plug Power expects to ship more than 3,000 units at more than 20 sites in 2014. This is explosive growth when compared to the 1,100 GenDrive units that were sold in 2012. Plug Power expects that 50% of these sites will be covered with an extended service contract, providing recurring revenues for the company. As of September 30th, the company has $20.2 million in product and service backlogs.
The company, thanks to their joint venture with Air Liquide that was formed in February of this year and practically saved the company for bankruptcy, has also begun trial runs with customers in Europe under their HyPulsion brand. Ikea will be deploying units in one of their France locations in the fourth quarter of this year. It is encouraging to see the fruits of a joint venture occur with less than a year of existence.
Plug Power is also exploring potential deals similar to the one with Air Liquide that would give them exposure to the Asian market. With limited cash funds, the company does not plan to use their own equity or cash to develop these markets, but will rather rely on partnerships. Expansion into Asia would blow the cap off of this stock, and be just one more catalyst that could attract serious investor attention and help boost the share price.
Lastly, Marsh sees a great deal of opportunity with regards to the transportation refrigeration units (TRUs). Using fuel cells to generate the power used to run the massive 18-wheeler refrigerators results in a massive reduction in emissions, reduced operational cost for fuel, and low acoustic noise, which allows for deliveries to be made during all hours of the day. This can greatly improve the logistics for companies that have operations revolving around TRUs. The expansion into these adjacent markets is cost effective for Plug Power, and will add to the bottom line if sales begin to materialize as they have for their GenDrive system.
Risks Moving Forward
The company has managed to solve huge problems in the past with regards to the direction of the company and with finances and the possibility of bankruptcy. But still, there are many risks to consider. Currently, as has been for years, Plug Power is not profitable. The company has an accumulated deficit of more than $800 million, and incurred net losses of approximately $30 million in 2012, though this is an improvement over the $121 million net loss that occurred in 2008. More importantly (short term), the company will receive a non-compliance letter from the NASDAQ regarding possible delisting for being under $1 a share in the coming days. Once the company receives the letter, they will have a hearing with NASDAQ within 30 to 45 days. Management will present their case for why the stock price will move over $1.00 on its own, and will then either be granted a 180 day extension, or will be denied extension and be delisted in 10 days time. At that point, the company would initiate a reverse stock split to remain on the NASDAQ. However, the company believes that increased orders from large customers, and diversifying their business into service solutions and providing hydrogen, will help boost their stock price above $1.00. In any light, this is a big, near term risk for investors and those who are extremely risk averse should avoid this company until either a reverse split commences or the stock reaches sustainable levels of above $1.00.
With regards to Plug Power's business model, the one real factor that is holding back a massive transition from diesel and battery based forklifts to fuel cell bases is the initial costs of the system. When I contacted the company, they informed me that they want to keep the price of their products as private as possible, so one has to assume that the initial costs of a GenDrive system can be costly, especially with regards to the hydrogen infrastructure that needs to be installed to fuel the lifts. Based off of revenue from the company and the amount of GenDrive units sold, and the fact that battery based forklifts cost anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000, it is safe to assume that a GenDrive unit from Plug Power costs upwards of $15,000, possibly even more than $20,000. These costs may seem extremely daunting for companies, especially smaller scaled companies. Though the cost savings are massive, it may be difficult for companies to commit to such a product. Until the cost of hydrogen infrastructure comes down, this high cost will act as a barrier that is preventing wide spread adoption of these fuel cell-based units. However, do not expect these costs to scare away massive companies, as many Fortune 500 companies have been extremely enthusiastic about the product and its cost advantages.
The long-term, strategic outlook for Plug Power is stronger than ever, and the recent sell off during Tuesday's conference call presented an exciting opportunity to get into this stock at attractive levels. There is key support at $0.54, where the company priced its latest stock offering. Any announcement of a large order placed by a massive company, a materialization of their planned expansion into Asia, further developments or funding from interested parties (government, companies) regarding the transportation refrigeration units, or an avoidance of a reverse stock split and a granted 180 day extension from NASDAQ, will help boost the company's share price and long-term stability. With many insiders recently purchasing stock, impending profitability in the middle of 2014, and a stellar product offering overall, the bullishness behind Plug Power and its long term potential seems to be justified, and investors who jump in now should stand to be handsomely rewarded come 2014. Look for any of the above catalysts to be announced on November 14th during the company's third quarter conference call, December 11th during analyst day for Plug Power, January 14th for an investor update, February 19th for a second investor update, and a date to be announced in March for the company's year-end conference call. With all of these scheduled updates, a lot seems to be brewing for a company that is currently valued at a meager $56 million, compared to there once lofty valuation of more than $6 billion.


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The sun is back! It might be time to consider solar power, which could earn you a large tax break.
It doesn't seem like you have to say this, but the U.S. Tax Court had to remind one man that if you plan to deduct business expenses, make sure you start your business to make money.
If you got a big refund this year or owed more than you expected, the same could happen next filing season. Both situations mean you should consider adjusting your payroll withholding.
Higher income earners are expected to see more of their wages -- around $3,3000 -- subject to Social Security payroll taxes next year as wage base projected to be $130,500 in 2018.
The UK and US have a lot of similarities, including similar problems with their tax laws.
Marvel's reluctant superhero Jessica Jones is one reason Netflix is popular. States now are hoping to cash in on that fandom by taxing streaming services.
Ways and Means members urge IRS to deal with problems of rehiring fired employees.
There will be special sales in connection with Monday’s solar eclipse. Most of them will be taxable. (Path of totality August 21 2017 solar eclipse_Ernie Wright_NASA-Goddard-SVS)
Virginia Rep. Thomas Garrett is leading a conservative GOP effort to drum up support for a repeal and delayed replacement of Obamacare. (Fox News appearance screenshot)
17 states seeking to boost their infrastructure funding have opted to add fees for electric car owners. (Electric cars charging on Ontario, Canada, street via EVObsession)


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Enron Lowers Profits for Last Four Years
Enron (ENE ) shares were relatively flat at $9. According to an SEC filing, the company reduced its previously reported net income back to 1997 by $586M, citing improperly accounting for dealings with partnerships. S&P maintains hold.
Palm (PALM ) was trading flat after the CEO resigned. The chairman will serve as CEO until a successor is found. The company adds 2Q is on track. UBS Warburg reiterates its strong buy rating. S&P keeps a hold.
Adelphia Communications (ADLAC ) was down after it posted $1.54 3Q loss vs. $1.06 loss as higher expenses, and more shares offset 23% revenue rise. The company reaffirmed 11%-12.5% 2001 EBITDA growth estimate. S&P downgraded the stock to avoid from hold.
Genentech (DNA ) was up after it set a $625M share buyback.
Solar cell maker AstroPower Inc (APWR ) posted lower than expected third quarter earnings per share of $0.10 versus $0.05 on 37% revenue rise. The company sees 2002 revenues of $105 million to $125 million. CS First Boston and Banc of America downgraded the stocks.
Media giant Walt Disney (DIS ) posted fourth quarter earnings per share of $0.06 versus $0.11 (pro forma) on 5% lower revenue. The company sees first quarter operating income "somewhat less than half" than year ago levels, citing the terrorist attacks and the economy. UBS Warburg cut its earnings estimates for the company while S&P maintains its avoid rating.
Processed food products company HJ Heinz (HNZ ) said it sees lower than expected second quarter earings per share in the $0.59-$0.60 range, citing the terrorist attacks, the economic downturn and the higher than expected supply chain costs in Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
Merrill reportedly raised its investment rating on specialty pharmaceutical company Sicor Inc (SCRI ) to near term buy from accumulate.
CIBC World lowered its investment rating on energy company Vintage Petroleum to hold from strong buy. The company posted third quarter earnings per share of $0.20 versus $0.92.
Morgan Stanley lowered its investment rating on telecommunications equipment maker Motorola (MOT ) to neutral from outperform.


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Twitter doubles length of display name to 50 characters
New York: Twitter has more than doubled its count for users’ display names from 20 to 50 characters, days after the social media giant ended the iconic 140-character tweet limit.
The San Francisco-based company announced on Friday that a user can add a display name of up to 50 characters, up from the original 20 characters. The change comes as a relief to many users who have bigger names or want to add colour to their names.
“Starting today, your Twitter display name can be up to 50 characters in length! Go ahead, add that middle name or even a few more emojis,” said Twitter. The company announced last week that it was rolling out a 280-character tweet limit for nearly all its users, including for those who tweet in Hindi, abandoning its famous 140-character limit.
“We’re expanding the character limit! We want it to be easier and faster for everyone to express themselves,” Twitter said. The move was both appreciated and mocked by the users. “The best bit about 280 is never having to shorten whilst, amidst, and amongst ever again,” posted one user. “I’ve always thought that 140 characters were too little to effectively convey ones thoughts,” another user wrote.
“The whole point of Twitter was its brevity #280characters,” a Twitterati wrote. “Already massively bored by everyone’s mind-numbing 280 character tweets. This is a terrible mistake,” another user said. Users can lengthen their Twitter display name — which is not the same as user name — by going to your profile page and tapping edit profile. They can change their user name through the settings and privacy menus, however it has to be unique and cannot exceed 50 characters.
- Indian filmmakers go digital for small movies
- Kalpana Lajmi, noted writer-director, dies at 64
- Embracing technology is the only way to remain relevant: Siddharth Roy Kapur
- Mass tourism threatens Croatia’s ‘Game of Thrones’ town
- Hindustan Times, 9 others come together to form Digital News Publishers Association
Editor's Picks »
- Flipkart acquires Israel-based start-up Upstream Commerce
- India among top countries to incur most loss from climate change, finds research
- 57% of regular Indian employees earn less than ₹10,000
- Muslim body moves SC seeking to strike down triple talaq ordinance
- Bids invited for debt-ridden Videocon under insolvency resolution process


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CLEVELAND – If you own a fitness tracker, there is a warning out from researchers who say that your tracker can be tracked.
And that means that you can too. A team of researchers recently found that a number of fitness trackers contain a flaw. The tracker doesn’t shut off, even if your phone does.
Fox 8’s Todd Meany explains the problem and tells how you can protect yourself.


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Amazon may offer refunds on e-book purchases
Amazon has announced it will give Kindle owners refunds on past e-book purchases if a settlement with publishers accused of fixing prices is approved.
If you’re a Kindle user, you may have some money coming your way.
Kindle owners are eligible to receive refunds of from 30 cents to $1.32 for e-books purchased between April 2010 and May 2012. (According to the official website for the State Attorneys General e-book settlements, customers will receive $1.32 for each title that was on the New York Times bestseller list during the claim period and 30 cents for each title that was not a bestseller.)
The books must have been purchased through Amazon and published by one of the three settling publishers: Hachette, Harper Collins, and Simon & Schuster. According to an email Amazon sent out to Kindle owners Saturday, the refunds will be automatically credited to users’ Amazon accounts (allowing readers to sink it back into more books). Customers can also ask for their refund to be paid as a check.
“We think these settlements are a big win for customers and look forward to lowering prices on more Kindle books in the future,” Amazon told customers in the emails.
Sit tight and don’t expect any extra cash ahead of the holidays. Refunds won’t be made until the courts approve the settlements at a hearing scheduled for February 2012. In all, expected refunds total about $69 million.
The settlements are the result of a legal suit filed by the Department of Justice against Apple and five publishers for illegally colluding to fix prices in an effort to fight Amazon’s dominance in the e-book market. Though they denied wrongdoing, three publishers (HarperCollins, Hachette, Simon & Schuster) decided to settle to avoid the costs of going to trial. Apple and the remaining two publishers, Penguin and Macmillan, will fight the suit in court next year.
More good news: Barnes and Noble is preparing a similar arrangement for Nook users who purchased affected e-books, according to the Wall Street Journal. And e-book prices are expected to fall following the settlement, of which we’ve already seen evidence.
Check out Amazon’s FAQ page on the settlements and refunds to learn if you’re eligible.
Husna Haq is a Monitor correspondent.


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Shares in Supreme (SUP:AIM) puffed 4.5% higher to 200.9p after the fast-moving consumer products supplier behind the 88Vape brand posted an impressive maiden trading update following an oversubscribed IPO in February.
Thanks to a strong performance across key growth categories including vaping and sports nutrition and wellness, adjusted earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) for the year to March 2021 is expected to exceed expectations and Supreme insisted the new financial year has started well.
Steered by entrepreneurial CEO Sandy Chadha, Supreme now expects to report a 30% surge in annual sales to at least £121 million, in-line with management’s expectations and representing impressive 31% year-on-year growth.
Adjusted EBITDA of ‘at least £19 million’ is now anticipated, which is slightly ahead of expectations and marks a 20% increase year-on-year.
During the year, Supreme saw high levels of demand across all core categories. These include batteries – it distributes globally recognised brands such as Duracell and Energizer – as well as lighting, vaping, sports nutrition & wellness, and branded household consumer goods.
88VAPE HAS TRACTION
Supreme benefitted from bumper demand across sports nutrition and wellness, seeing tasty sales of meal replacement powders, protein snack bars and early success with private label vitamins.
It also saw high demand in vaping, with the in-house developed 88Vape brand, the UK market leader in vaping e-liquids, continuing to achieve ‘strong customer traction’. It is now being rolled out across convenience retailer McColl’s entire store estate.
Berenberg thinks there is ‘more consolidation to come in the fragmented vaping market, and with Supreme’s 88vape brand the leading brand by volume share, it looks well placed to continue growing nicely in the years ahead.’
Delivered in the face of the pandemic and associated restrictions, Supreme believes its performance ‘reinforces the company’s resilience, the strength of its brands and the importance of its diverse routes to market and extensive retail network’.
Retail customers span the likes of B&M, Home Bargains and Poundland, as well as Sports Direct, Asda, Halfords and Iceland.
‘We continue to build on our strong track record of growth, with our strategy to focus on high growth categories such as vaping and sports nutrition really coming to fruition,’ enthused Chadha.
‘Innovation and entrepreneurship continue to be at the heart of what we do and our exciting pipeline of new products, coupled with the potential to increase the penetration of our existing categories, continues to be underpinned by our market leading distribution network.’
THE BERENBERG VIEW
Berenberg continues to believe Supreme can ‘scale materially in the years ahead’ and reiterated its ‘buy’ rating on the stock accordingly.
‘In terms of delivering on its IPO promises, the company is off to an excellent start, with FY21 EBITDA modestly ahead of our estimates, vaping momentum continuing, and the Sports Nutrition & Wellness division delivering particularly exceptional growth (both organic and inorganic) in the most recent half.’


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Despite having encountered myriad problems in 2017, the game developer Niantic has now officially revealed its decision to implement the return of its Pokemon GO Fest this summer in Chicago, Illinois. According to an announcement on the popular mobile augmented reality game’s website, this year’s festivities will take place in Lincoln Park on July 14 and 15, and will include “a 1.8-mile walking course” that is intended to have “exclusive activities for Trainers of all ages.”
Those who wish to be present for Pokemon GO Fest 2018 will be able to lock in their attendance soon enough, as Niantic is prepared to make single-day passes available on May 11, with the company selling them for $20 apiece. For those who can’t make it to this year’s celebration, much like with last year’s event, Trainers not at the gathering will still have the opportunity to “engage in a variety of activities and challenges”. This more than likely means that there will be in-game bonuses, as well as increased spawn rates around the world.
For the uninitiated, Pokemon GO Fest 2017 was the first instance of Niantic enacting an actual festival built around the game, and the event was supposed to celebrate the one year anniversary of the title’s release while marking the launch of Legendary Raids. Unfortunately, though, the whole affair was ultimately chalked up as a complete failure due to poor cell service that made the game unplayable, incredibly long lines, and a slew of other technical difficulties that made the whole day a disaster for many. Eventually, players who attended ended up getting refunds and compensation for their tickets and accommodations, in addition to a free Lugia, and $100 in PokeCoins.
Taking all of this into account, one can only hope that Niantic has learned from the calamity that was Pokemon GO Fest 2017 and will be doing all it can to redeem itself from the mistakes made last year. Of course, considering the issues that occurred during the inaugural event, there’s a high possibility that attendance will be lower this time around, as many will surely be skeptical of Pokemon GO Fest 2018 succeeding. Should Niantic want to boost ticket sales for this year, it will need to be a lot more specific with the details in the coming days other than providing the vague-sounding offer of “exclusive activities”.
Pokemon GO is available now for Android and iOS devices.
Source: Pokemon GO


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Josep Lago/AFP/Getty Images
- Huawei has canned the launch of one of its new laptops after being blacklisted in the US.
- Sources told The Information that the laptop was pulled after US trade sanctions blocked its access to Microsoft’s Windows operating system and Intel’s processors.
- Huawei’s laptops run on the Windows operating system.
- Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.
The pressure is mounting on Huawei.
This week, the Chinese tech giant admitted to canceling the launch of one of its new laptops after being banned from doing business with US suppliers
Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei’s consumer business, told CNBC. "We cannot supply the PC," he said, adding that the situation is "unfortunate."
Sources familiar with the matter told The Information that its new Windows laptop, which was meant to be unveiled at the CES Asia 2019 trade show in Shanghai this week, was pulled because US trade sanctions blocked its access to Microsoft’s Windows operating system and Intel’s processors, which it relies on to function.
Huawei has been placed on an "entity list" which means US companies need permission to do business with the Chinese tech firm from August. Google is said to be lobbying against the decision.
It doesn’t look like we can expect the laptop to launch anytime soon. When asked by CNBC whether it could still launch, Yu said: [It] "depends on how long the entity list will be there."
Taiwanese news site Digitimes also reported earlier this week that Huawei had paused the delivery and development of its laptops.
A spokesperson for Huawei did not immediately respond to Business Insider’s request for comment.
Huawei previously acknowledged that it is speeding up efforts to develop its own smartphone operating system and app store to reduce the impact of trade sanctions.
It has also reportedly stopped some smartphone production lines and has "reassessed" its target to become the world’s top smartphone vendor by the end of 2020.
- Google’s former engineering boss outlined 4 ‘radical’ steps for keeping AI bias in check
- From a new Xbox to the next ‘Halo’ game, here’s everything that Xbox announced during the biggest gaming event of the year
- It looks like the US has abandoned any pretense that its war on Huawei is unrelated to the China trade talks


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Vehicle Scrappage Policy 2021 India: Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced a vehicle scrap policy 2021 in the Lok Sabha. Nitin Gadkari said in the House that the Indian auto sector would get a boost under the scraping policy 2021. Along with this, the polluting vehicles will be removed from the roads. He further said that to encourage the scrapping of old vehicles, the government will give discounts and other benefits along with road tax exemption. The vehicle scrap policy was announced for the first time in the Union Budget 2021-22. However, it will be fully implemented from 2022 onwards. Know about the FASTag and how to get it.
What is Vehicle Scrappage Policy 2021?
According to the new Vehicle Scraping Policy 2021, if any commercial vehicle is more than 15 years old, then that vehicle registration will be canceled. Similarly, for a personal vehicle, this limit is 20 years. You will not be able to drive the vehicle beyond the limits.
It will be mandatory to do a fitness test of all vehicles as soon as the vehicle registration limit is over. If the vehicle fails in the fitness test, it will be considered “End-of-Life”. Instead of re-registering such vehicles, the government will encourage vehicle owners to scrape them. Vehicle Scrappage Policy 2021 is an amended version of Motor Vehicle ACT 2019. This will be implemented by 1st April 2022.
The Benefit of New Vehicle Scrappage Policy 2021
There are many benefits to this new Vehicle Scrappage Policy 2021. It will give a boost to the automobile industry in the country. This policy may have the following advantages:
- Automobile markets will gain momentum
- It will help to control pollution
- There will be a reduction in the rates of vehicles
- New Vehicles will produce less pollution
- The manufacturing sector will accelerate
- A large number of jobs will be created in the automobile sector
- This will greatly increase the production of steel.


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Credit Suisse reporeted on Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc. (NYSE:DPS), boosting its stock price target to $108.00 earlier today
- Updated: September 15, 2016
Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc. (NYSE:DPS) had its estimated target price raised to $108 by Credit Suisse in a report released Thursday September 15 2016. The new target price implies a possible upside of 0.20% from the company’s previous stock close price.
Previously on 6/29/2016, Goldman Sachs released a statement for Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc.(NYSE:DPS) dropped the target price from $90.00 to $89.00 that suggested a downside of -0.06%.
Only yesterday Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc. (NYSE:DPS) traded 0.07% lower at $90.22. The company’s 50-day average is $94.80 and its 200-day moving average is $93.02. With the last stock price close down 3.01% relative to the 200-day average, compared with the S&P 500 Index which has decreased -0.01% over the same time period. 1,036,720 shares of DPS traded hands, down from ann average trading volume of 1,140,810.
Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc. has a P/E of 21 with a 52 week low of $76.56 and a 52 week high of $98.80. The company’s total market value is currently $0.0.
Also covering Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc.’s price target, a total of 17 brokers have issued a report on Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc.. The average target is $95.65 with one firm rating the stock a strong buy, three firms rating the stock a buy, 14 firms rating the stock a hold, two brokerages rating the stock to underperform, and lastly 0 brokeragesrating the company as sell.
More About Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc. (NYSE:DPS)
Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. is an owner, manufacturer and distributor of non-alcoholic beverages in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Company’s products consist of flavored (non-cola) carbonated soft drinks (CSDs) and non-carbonated beverages (NCBs), including ready-to-drink teas, juices, juice drinks, water and mixers. The Company operates under three segments: Beverage Concentrates, Packaged Beverages and Latin America Beverages. Its brands include Dr Pepper, Canada Dry, Crush, Schweppes, Sunkist soda, 7UP, A&W, Sun Drop, RC Cola, Squirt, Diet Rite, Vernors and the concentrate form of Hawaiian Punch. Its Beverage Concentrates brands are sold by its bottlers, including its own Packaged Beverages segment, through retail channels, including supermarkets, fountains, merchandisers, club stores, convenience stores, gas stations, small groceries, and drug chains and dollar stores. It distributes finished beverages and manufactures beverage concentrates and fountain syrups.
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Dana Burgio reopened her salon in June after government officials reduced the novel coronavirus restrictions.
But as of Friday, she had to shut her doors once again, leaving her and other business owners miffed over the lack of publicized data that is driving orders that some businesses shut down as Covid-19 infection rates increase in communities across western New York and particularly in Erie County.
Salon La Moda, her salon in the Town of Tonawanda, had served hundreds of customers between June and this most recent shutdown. She required everyone to fill out a screening questionnaire and have their temperatures checked. She had a mandatory mask policy, as required, and sanitized every station after every customer.
In other words, she followed the rules. And according to her, not a single person contracted Covid-19 and her business has never been called by any contact tracer.
Based off Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s orders, gyms, barbershops, spas and nail salons also had to close, and restaurants are mandated to delivery or take out. Schools changed to virtual classes.
“I know a lot of salon owners,” Burgio said.
“Everybody I’ve talked to, nobody’s had an issue. I haven’t heard anything on the news about outbreaks at salons.”
In fact, health officials here in Erie County called for limiting Thanksgiving guests to less than 10 people to prevent “living room spread,” which they said last week was a major cause of the burst in infection rates.
But Cuomo calls the shots and the impacted business owners are wondering where is the data and science that points to their industries as a problem, while grocery stores, box stores and other retail remains open.
“They sort of have an argument,” said Dr. Thomas Russo, infectious disease expert at UB Jacobs School of Medicine.
“I think the difference between a grocery store or a retail store is that you can package together both masks and distancing. So, we know that distancing then sort of makes up for the imperfect mask use and imperfect protection from masks. Whereas in the nail or hair salons, you’re unable to distance. I believe that’s the likely rationale for the governor’s decision.”
But that’s not good enough for Burgio and Philip Pohlman, a stylist at R Salon in Williamsville.
“And we have followed all of New York State’s guidelines from sanitizing every station after a client leaves to new wardrobes for every client, to decreased amount of chairs in the salon for social distancing, which led to decreased amount of clients in the salon, which led to longer hours,” said Pohlman, who has been a stylist for 35 years.
“We have now just finally started to get rolling to where clients actually feel more comfortable coming in. It’s very frustrating to then all of a sudden have the brakes put on, especially when you see that the malls are open. You’re not to have social gatherings of 10 or more inside and you see the malls packed, stores packed. Why are we affected first?”
News 4 asked Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz Monday on News 4 at 5 about any recent data he has that shows gyms, spas, salons, barbershops and even schools rank high for spreading the disease.
“It’s not like these businesses were just picked out of a hat, okay, these are industries we’re going to shut down” said Poloncarz, who added that the orders come from the state and he has no authority to change them.
“It was based on empirical evidence and that’s why the state includes them in their cluster zone model.”
News 4 Investigates has also asked for this data, but so far nothing has been released.
“I really just wish I had some reasoning,” Burgio said.
“Like, we haven’t heard anything all along that salons have been a problem.”
Russo said “theoretically” if everyone in a hair salon or nail salon properly uses a mask, “even if you’re within six feet that should afford a significant degree of protection, but we know masks aren’t perfect, as well.”
Burgio said she is very strict about the guidelines in her 2,000-square-foot salon that she opened in 1996.
“They walk in the door, it’s immediate hand sanitizer, temperature check and questionnaire,” she said.
“Masks do not come off at all for any reason. We have three private rooms, I’m more than 6-feet away from (other stylists and customers) … I do not allow any more than 10 people in here at a time.”
Shutting down twice in a year is devastating for the self-employed hair stylists.
“After 35 years of doing this, we’ve never ever experienced anything like this, but personally, with holidays coming, this is a very, very busy time of year for us,” Pohlman said.
“So, it’s going to take a deep financial cut in our family, personal needs, but we just have to work it out and work through it.”
And Burgio said, “I’m a single mom of two children. I have a home to cover.”
“Honestly, I’m worried about a lot of people making it, even like I said, my staff, they’re family to me,” she said. “And kids, single parents, we have bills to pay. The financial hardship to put on us rather than giving us some (more restrictions), but I don’t know how much safer we could be here.”
Gym and restaurant owners are asking the same questions. They want to see the data that supports closing their businesses.
Russo said that there is “pretty good data and very strong plausibility” that indoor restaurants are a “significant risk.”
“And that makes sense because people are going to be indoors where the risk of infection is much greater than outdoors not wearing masks for a prolonged period of time and as we all know, there’s nothing magical about six-feet, particularly when the ventilation is poor.”
As for gyms, Russo said there is data that demonstrated gyms were an increased risk, but this study was done early in the pandemic and some enhanced measures have been put in place to mitigate those risks.
“Having said that, I always worry about gyms because when people undergo at least aerobic exercise they’re going to be breathing heavily, they’re going extrude a much larger number of respiratory particles,” Russo said.
If a person is infected and huffing and puffing on an exercise machine without optimum mask usage, then “gyms are a reasonable concern,” he said.


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Netflix Brings HDR Support to 3 More Phones
Netflix has granted three newer phones the ability to stream HDR video. The latest devices include the Huawei Mate 10 Pro, the Huawei P20 Pro, and the Sony Xperia XZ2. HDR content has more contrast than standard content, creating deeper blacks and brighter brights for a richer viewing experience. Other devices already able to access HDR playback on Netflix include the LG G6 and V30, Sony Xperia XZ1 and XZ Premium, Samsung Galaxy S9 and Note 8, and the Razor Phone.
Researchers Suggest Phone Makers Mislead Consumers About Security Patches
Security Research Labs says Android phone makers often miss security patches but still tell owners the phones are up-to-date. Researchers Karsten Nohl and Jakob Lell examined the code of some 1,200 phones from more than a dozen phone makers for every security patch released during 2017.
Hands On with the Sony Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact
Sony's new flagship phones for 2018 pack all the bells and whistles into a curvy new glass design. Both phones include top-end features like a Snapdragon 845 processor, 2:1 ratio display, stereo speakers, HDR video capture and viewing, water resistance, and advanced cameras.
Hands On with the Huawei Mate 10 and Mate 10 Pro
Huawei is taking aim at Apple, Samsung, and LG with its latest flagship handsets, the Mate 10 and Mate 10 Pro. These high-quality devices feature stunning hardware, top specs, and table-stakes features such as fingerprint readers.
Google to Bake Google Lens Directly Into Its Camera App
Google today made several changes to its Google Lens visual search tool. First and foremost, it is adding Google Lens directly to the camera app of Pixel phones.
Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium Captures and Plays 4K HDR Video
Sony today announced the Xperia XZ2 Premium, a high-end Android phone that boasts some of the most advanced imaging features available in a mobile device. The XZ2 Premium has a 5.8-inch 4K HDR display (16:9 aspect ratio) that Sony says is 30% brighter than its previous mobile 4K screen.
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text: This May 31, 2012 file photo shows a man leaveing a 7-Eleven store with a Double Gulp drink, in New York. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File) by Connie CassAssociated Press Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — They are among our most personal daily decisions: what to eat or drink. Maybe what to inhale. Now that the government’s banning trans fat, does that mean it’s revving up to take away our choice to consume all sorts of other unhealthy stuff? What about salt? Soda? Cigarettes?


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Five lucky winners of Lumia’s Achieve More campaign, launched by Microsoft Mobile Devices earlier this year, were today feted at a grand finale party and treated to a colorful reception to celebrate their great wins.
During the event, the winners drove off in 5 luxurious Chevrolet Cruze saloon cars, all valued at KES 17 Million. The Chevrolet Cruze cars were the ultimate prize in the competition, which sought to encourage productivity among users by using Microsoft services. Participants were required to buy any Lumia phone, send the IMEI number to 22860 to get into the draw.
The campaign was premised on Lumia’s value proposition of providing a device that integrates both work and play to enable users achieve a work life balance and in turn do more with their smartphones.
Throughout the 8-week campaign, consumers got the chance to learn more about the Lumia devices by utilizing the seamlessly integrated Microsoft Office experiences such OneDrive, OneNote, Skype, a free one year subscription to Office 365 and wide variety of applications in the store both free and paid for. Thousands of entries were submitted and five luck winners emerged top driving off the General Motors distributed cars
Kennedy Ngige 35, a truck driver based in Kitale in Western Kenya, was perhaps the most doubtful of the winners and only yielded to the insistence by the Microsoft team notifying him of the win.
“I thought it was a hoax. I doubted the authenticity of the phone call and actually thought it was an attempt to defraud me. I had to go to the shop to verify before I could believe it,” said Ngige.
Presenting the cars to the winners, Microsoft Mobile Devices General Manager Mariam Abdullahi said, “We are indeed happy to fulfil our promise with the presentation of this unique salon cars to users that have gone ahead to achieve more and increase their productivity with our Lumia devices. I hope a lot more people will be inspired by this”.
A highly-elated Cornelius Kiprop, winner of the first car could not hide his joy as he shared his experience leading to the new status: “I couldn’t believe my luck. I saw a Lumia billboard in Nairobi and immediately participated in the competition after purchasing a Lumia 640. The device has increased my productivity greatly as I can access my documents from anywhere using OneDrive and I’m thankful to Microsoft for the car”.
But even as the curtains fell on the #AchieveMore consumer promotion, Microsoft continues to champion productivity through innovation and the company is keen on building smart devices capable of enriching the lives of users around the world.
“We shall continue with our commitment to combine the right hardware, software, services and apps with the right price to give people smartphones they can afford and be proud to use. Our vision is to ensure that as many consumers as possible can enjoy signature Microsoft experiences and achieve more in their lives,” Ms. Abdullahi said.


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Warframe Octavia Prime Now Live On All Platforms
Warframe Octavia Prime Now Live On All Platforms.
Warframe’s most popular frame, Octavia, has already been released on all platforms for the looter-MMO today, bringing the dancing heroine to Prime Access.
To commemorate, the team at Digital Extremes made a flashy new trailer, showing off Octavia Prime in action, dancing her way past all the enemies. The Prime Access frame grants Octavia a new look, too, with golden hoop earrings, boombox legs, and a Shawzin across her torso.
Digital Extremes states in the press release the demand for Octavia Prime “Access underscores a large Community movement generating thousands of inspired Mandachord and Shawzin-created songs that have exploded across YouTube and Warframe’s forums ranging from the Beatles, Queen, and Michael Jackson to Warframe’s own theme songs from The War Within and The Second Dream.”
They also shout out a player named “Baffoon,” who produced over 3,600 unique Manachord songs. Warframe has recently previewed its imminent slate of Spring content, which consists of new Railjack battles in the upcoming content drop. Also, Digital Extremes declared they are gonna be running a new player experiment to assist in collecting data on how new players interact with the crafting experience after the tutorial.


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Volkswagen teases new Taos compact utility before reveal
Volkswagen has announced a new compact crossover-SUV called the Taos. The new utility will fit underneath the Tiguan in the VW lineup and will be sold only in the North American region.
Named after a town in New Mexico, the Taos is a compact that Volkswagen says proves its "doubling-up" SUV strategy after the Atlas Sport launch earlier in 2020. VW claims the new compact will have value and fuel economy as its focus, with technology as a high point.
"We’re thrilled to announce the name for the newest member of the Volkswagen family," said Hein Schafer, Senior Vice President for Product Marketing and Strategy, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "It was important to choose a name that really embodied the nature of the car and the town of Taos, New Mexico was a perfect fit. It’s a small city that offers big things – from outdoor adventure to arts and design and great cuisine."
The Taos clearly slots into the new arena of nearly-sub compact sport utilities that are growing in popularity. As such, it will likely be competing with the Mazda CX-30, Honda HR-V, and the new Chevrolet Trailblazer, among others.
Details for the new vehicle will come in October, VW promises.


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Not feeling well after that big meal? Chances are it's not because you over indulged at your favorite restaurant. Foodborne illnesses are unfortunately becoming more common. According to Elisabeth Hagen, Under Secretary of Food Safety for the U.S. Agriculture Department, one in six Americans will be sickened this year by contaminated food. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that food poisoning accounts for an estimated 48 million illnesses, 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths across the U.S. each year.
Food contamination can occur at any point in the production process, whether it be growing, harvesting, processing, storing or shipping. However, the transfer of pathogens from one surface to another commonly leads to food poisoning. This is especially troublesome for raw foods, such as salads or other produce. As such, harmful organisms are not destroyed before consumption.
Regulatory agencies have made progress in reducing illnesses caused by Campylobacter, Listeria, Shigella, and Yirsinia. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has implemented many new rules and methods to ensure that safe products are available for public consumption. Through the Food Safety Modernization Act, the FDA now partners with other agencies to focus on illness prevention.
Nevertheless, Salmonella and E. coli are still common threats to the nation's food supply. A recent outbreak of salmonella-infested turkey processed in Arkansas has already caused the wrongful death of one person and left 77 more seriously ill. Salmonella is found in raw or contaminated beef, poultry, milk or egg yolks. It can be harmful in food that is not fully cooked, or through infected cutting surfaces.
E. coli is commonly found in beef contaminated with feces during the slaughtering process. It can also be found in contaminated vegetables such as spinach and alfalfa sprouts. Most food poisoning victims experience nausea, vomiting and diarrhea for up to 48 hours.
Recently the Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Department of Agriculture reported a Salmonella outbreak linked to a hatchery that supplies chicks and ducklings to suppliers. The outbreak has spread to nearly 15 states.
Consumers can do several things to protect themselves from Salmonella poisoning. First, proper storage is essential. Meats should be stored at cool temperatures, and frozen as needed. Meats should also be cooked thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria. Vegetables should be washed properly before use in salads or other dishes. Also, consumers should be mindful of washing all utensils used in food preparation.
If you have been harmed through food poisoning, an experienced Ohio foodborne-illness attorney can advise you of your rights and options.


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U.S.-EU Free Trade Agreement: Global Game-Changer?
Momentum is building for a new and comprehensive free-trade and investment agreement between the United States and the European Union, with President Obama pledging his support for the plan in his State of the Union address. Such a deal would not only boost growth on both sides of the Atlantic, it would also strengthen the U.S.-EU economic axis relative to developing nations and key emerging powers like China.
While a high degree of market integration already exists between the U.S. and Europe thanks to existing agreements, much more can be done to fuse the world’s two largest economies together. A transatlantic trade and investment pact would not only be about reducing tariffs, it would also be about reducing non-tariff barriers and harmonizing the web of regulatory standards that inhibit transatlantic trade and investment flows, and which add to the cost of doing business on both sides of the ocean.
The issues are more micro than macro.
An ambitious agreement would include the harmonization of food safety standards, e-commerce protocols, and data privacy issues. It would also encompass the standardization of a myriad of service-related activities in such sectors as aviation, retail trade, architecture, engineering, finance, maritime, procurement rules and regulations, and telecommunications.
The move towards a more barrier-free transatlantic market would also include product standardization: for example, a car tested for safety in Bonn would be sellable in the U.S. without further tests in Boston. Or a drug approved by the Federal Drug Administration would be deemed safe and market-ready in Brussels. Labeling and packaging requirements on both sides of the pond would be standardized, saving companies millions of dollars over the long run.
Technical regulations and safety standards are hardly headline-grabbing topics, but when these hurdles to doing business are stripped away, the end results are lower costs for companies, reduced prices for consumers, and more aggregate demand of goods and services. That in turn spells more transatlantic trade and investment, with total trade between the U.S. and EU amounting to over $500 billion last year. Cross-border foreign direct investment (FDI) between the two parties topped $300 billion last year, making U.S.-EU investment ties among the largest and thickest in the world.
As for tariffs, average transatlantic tariffs are relatively low -- in the 5-7% range -- although tariffs remain quite high in such categories as agriculture, textiles and apparel, and footwear, so there is room for barriers to fall in a number of industries. More importantly, in that a large percentage of transatlantic trade is intra-firm, or trade in parts and components within the firm, even a small decline in tariffs -- which are in effect a tax on production -- can lower the cost of producing goods and result in lower prices for consumers on both sides of the pond. The more intense the intra-industry trade component of trade between two parties, like the one that characterizes U.S.-EU trade, the greater the effects and benefits of lower tariffs.
In addition to trade in goods, there are services: the transatlantic service economy is the sleeping giant of the partnership. Unleashing service activities requires that existing regulatory rules and regulations be eliminated or reduced, which means doing away with “behind-the-border” barriers that include complex domestic regulations, cumbersome licensing and qualification requirements, and duplication of professional credentials, to name just a few barriers.


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Google, one of the leading tech giants in the industry, has recently caused concerns among its employees with the changes made to their year-end bonus payouts. According to documents obtained by CNBC, Google executives have decided to delay certain portions of the bonuses paid to employees, resulting in the alteration of the previous bonus payment structure.
Previously, Google employees received their total bonus payments in January. However, this year, the company has decided to pay 80% of the bonuses this month and defer the remaining 20% to April or March. This change has been described by Google as a “one-time event” due to the transition of its employee-evaluation system and the new schedule for future rewards. The company has told employees that “after 2023, full bonuses will be paid in March.”
The delay in bonus payments has come at a crucial time for Google, as the company’s President, Sundar Pichai, seeks to reduce costs while avoiding significant cuts. Unlike its large tech rivals, Microsoft and Amazon, Google’s parent company, Alphabet, has prevented substantial staff reductions. Instead, it has focused on cutting back on slowing companies and groups.
In the latter part of 2022, Alphabet took steps to streamline its operations and make the business more efficient by canceling the next generation of the Google Pixelbook laptop, reducing the amount allocated to its Area 120 in-house incubator, and shutting down its gaming platform, Stadia. In September, Pichai announced that his goal was to make the business 20% more efficient.
As part of these efforts, Google has also been overhauling its system for assessing employee performance. The company recently announced new data showing that more employees could be easily categorized into lower-rated categories, causing concerns among employees that this information could be used to cut headcounts without layoffs.
The delay in bonus payments has become a hot topic among Google employees, with internal memes circulating among staff members and expressions of concern regarding the changes to bonus payouts. Some employees have reported needing to be made aware of the postponement of a portion of their bonus payment and have received no assistance from the internal team when searching for solutions.
The delay in bonus payments reflects the current economic challenges faced by many companies, including Google. While this change may be disappointing for some employees, Google’s leadership has emphasized that this is a one-time event and that total bonuses will be paid in March in future years. The company’s efforts to streamline operations and make the business more efficient are critical aspects of the Google Employee Bonus Delay. The company has explained the rationale behind the delay to its employees.
As Alphabet prepares to announce its fourth-quarter results on February 2, analysts expect revenues to grow by less than 2% from the previous year, and earnings per share are expected to decrease to $1.18 instead of $1.53. The stock has also declined by 31% over the year.
In conclusion, the Google Employee Bonus Delay has sparked concerns among employees. Still, the company has assured its staff that this change is part of its efforts to streamline operations and make the business more efficient. Total bonuses will be paid in March in future years, and the company has taken steps to explain the rationale behind the delay to its employees.


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The Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayeni, has resolved to put measures in place to address the hike in the prices of goods and services across the state.
Ekiti residents had raised the alarm over the high cost of living in Ekiti compared to other neighbouring States.
People are crying and wailing calling for the attention of the state governor, Kayode Fayemi, for immediate intervention in ever increasing high cost of living in Ekiti.
The citizens had also begged the monarchs of their district for immediate intervention.
Meanwhile, the state governor, Kayode Fayemi, met with leaders of Transport Unions and other stakeholders in Ado-Ekiti.
At the meeting were representatives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Pick-up and Lorry Association of Nigeria (PLAN), Okada Riders Association, Tricycle Riders Association, National Association of Cooperative Transport and Tipper Drivers Association.
Fayemi, represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Biodun Omoleye, said the meeting was in demonstration of government’s concern over skyrocketed transport fare which has impacted negatively on the prices of goods and services in the state compared to what is obtainable in the neighboring States.
He gave an instance of the transport fare of less than 45 kilometers- Ado Ekiti to Akure, the State Capital of Ondo State, which used to be N500 now between N1,400 to N1,500 whereas transport fare of a similar distance between Akure to Owo in Ondo State still goes for N500.
He said; “The Government is worried about the high cost of price of goods and services in Ekiti State and has directed that a cross section of stakeholders in the various groups be invited for dialogue of which the transport sector is a very crucial sector among the stakeholders and that’s why we are starting with them.
“You will recollect that in the last few weeks there have been cries by commuters that transport fare within the State is prohibitive. Examples were cited that Akure before use to be N500 gradually it went to N700 and now is between N1400 to N1500 a distance less than 45 kilometers.
“Similarly we observed that in Ondo State, Akure and Owo Township which is also 45 kilometers is still N500 while Akure to Ondo is under N500, so we find no justification in price hike in Ekiti State, particularly Ado metropolis.
“If you are traveling between Ado Ekiti and Abuja, it ranges now between N6500 and N7000, while in Akure for instance it is less than N4000. Whatever is the cause of hike in transport fare in Ekiti is worrisome to Government.”
The situation, according to Fayemi had affected other sectors of the economy resulting in increase in the price of goods and services which has placed a burden of hardship on the people of the State.
Expressing the readiness of government to crash the price of commodity in the State, the governor assured that a taskforce comprising of representatives of various economic sectors would be constituted to monitor and regulate the prices of commodity across the State.
He said his government was committed to create and sustaining a business- friendly environment, adding that anyone that failed to comply with government regulations to make life comfortable for the people would be sanctioned.
Speaking on behalf of the Unions, the RTEAN Chairman, Olanbiwonninu Rotimi said the increment in transport fare were caused by the hike in fuel price, vehicle spare parts and the Covid-19 guidelines that restricted commercial vehicles from operating in full capacity.
He lamented that proceeds from trips embarked upon by transporters barely cover the cost of purchasing fuel if they don’t operate in full capacity.


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New products are also being launched by a range of the brand’s existing partners, which are managed by Rocket Licensing in the U.K. for World of Eric Carle through the worldwide agent The Joester Loria Group. Those products include a refresh of its wooden toy collection this autumn by Rainbow Designs, while Dennicci launched a babywear range this spring/summer.
MORI will relaunch its zip-up sleepsuit, long-sleeve T-Shirt and printed pajamas , as well as the launch of two new sweatshirts this fall. Smiffy’s is working on a new “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” range of paper partyware and Robert Frederick launched its branded Little Gardener’s range in May, including Paint Your Own pots, Paint Your Own butterfly house and garden tool set.
“It’s an honor to have these four new partners on board for ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar,’”
Play teepees, mats and cushions based on the ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ are being created by Great British Teepee Company and are due to launch on the company’s website and flagship store this fall.
Findel Education is designing a range of educational resources for nurseries and daycares. Products include a storytelling scene and an outdoor board in an international deal covering the U.K., Europe, Africa and Asia.
DNC U.K. will launch a range of homeware items including lunch bags and containers, tableware, hydration and drinkware, cutlery and baby food coolers. The products are set to launch Q1 2022.
New experiential partner Gullivers Theme Parks have recently launched their theme park branded activities, including character costume appearances and ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ accommodation for families to stay overnight in their very own cocoons.
“It’s incredible to see so many new lines launching from our brilliant partners,” says Skevington. “Consumers have been turning to heritage and nostalgic brands during these uncertain times, and ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ is a firm favorite across generations over 50 years since it was first published. All of our partners create on-brand, bespoke, beautiful products which appeal to a range of ages and these new lines are no exception.”
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The 180 cities are big, small and in between. What its numbers show is that right now Tucson’s economic recovery is ranked 90th. That’s squarely in the middle.
The unemployment rate tops 12% right now and is slow to go down.
“We are still seeing layoffs, we are still seeing a lot of restaurants and businesses close,” said Jill Gonzalez, an analyst for Wallet Hub. “It’s going to take Tucson a little bit longer to recover.”
That’s in part because Tucson relies on tourism and seasonal workers for a big part of its economic base.
“Those things have unfortunately not recovered and will not recover until further into 2021,” Gonzalez said.
The state of Arizona was ranked ninth in its economic recovery but has since fallen back to number 28.
“It was recovering pretty well early on and then it kind of stumbled back,” Gonzalez said. “It has to close again and then reopen.”
The bright spot she said is in logistics and deliveries because more people are shopping on line.
Companies are hiring drivers and delivery specialists but that’s not enough to prop up an economy shattered by the pandemic.
“Because six months into the pandemic, this is a make it or break it for a lot of smaller mom and pop shops,” she said. “So this is nowhere near the end in terms of unemployment, unfortunately.”


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It looks like a normal six-string electronic guitar. But after Li Shuyu and Chase Philpotts fiddled with some little secret parts on it, the guitar magically split in half, creating two three-string “baby guitars” that could be played by two to make the same wonderful music.
This special guitar, named “Splita,” was invented by Li and Philpotts, both second year graduate students majoring in Industrial Design at the New York City-based Pratt Institute’s School of Design, dubbed a “cradle” of modern elite designers. The young men spent a month on designing and making the piece, before presenting it at a mini-concert held in their department weeks ago.
“We surprised our fellow students a little bit when we tore the guitar apart,” said Li, 28, at his department’s workshop on Pratt’s Brooklyn campus. “You know, that’s what we want to achieve.”
On the other side of the room, 24-year-old Hong Sisi was playing on her lap a crescent-shaped wooden instrument. Hong said it’s an adapted Kalimba, an African instrument which originally looks like a small cutting board with over a dozen metal pieces as keys attached to it.
Although Hong’s work is several times bigger than a normal Kalimba, she said it’s actually easier to handle than the original version. “I care about the ergonomics in designs,” said Hong, who can play the piano, Guzheng (a traditional Chinese string instrument) and bass. “For example, violin players may suffer from shoulder pains because of the orthodox way to hold the instrument. My Kalimba enables the musician’s arms to be placed in a more natural way.”
The room was crowded with youngsters like Li and Hong, who were displaying their creative works ranging from more wearable shoes, 3D-printed chocolates to furniture that can also function as decorations. Nearly half of the students came from China.
Though it’s very competitive to enter the program at Pratt, a growing number of Chinese students have been enrolled in recent years, Constantin Boym, chairperson of Pratt’s Industrial Design Department, told Xinhua while making a random inspection at the studio.
“We very much appreciate the Chinese students here because of their skills, the quality of their work and their attitude,” said Boym, pointing at a stockpile of creative designs. “Things are done in such a meticulous way that, you know, it gives me much pleasure.”
As more Chinese students come to study in the United States, their choices of majors have expanded from natural sciences that often promise a good career, to a wider spectrum that includes arts and design, which used to be dominated by Western talents.
This trend has also been seen in the area of fashion design, where some freshly graduated Chinese designers have started to gain a foothold in top global arenas. During the latest New York Fashion Week (NYFW), nearly a dozen young Chinese talents held runway shows for their self-developed brands, a stunning growth in number compared with just five years ago.
Leaf Xia, who made her debut at the NYFW in early February, is a typical example. Born and raised in China, Xia graduated from the New York-based Parsons School of Design in 2015 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts before going back to Shanghai to launch her eponymous brand. She has been invited to hold runway shows for three times at the London Fashion Week, another global fashion extravaganza.
Xia’s show sprang up as the cutest one of the two-week long New York event, as models holding Hello Kitty dolls turned the runway into a teenage girls’ party full of pinky colors, sweet smiles and vibrant strides, melting even the coldest poker faces sitting on the benches.
In a backstage interview with Xinhua, 26-year-old Xia said that an array of Parsons alumni from China have thrived in the industry, such as Calvin Luo, who became the youngest designer to present works at the NYFW’s 2018 Spring/Summer edition and also won wide acclaim.
“In my opinion, this is something that’s meant to be happening,” said Xia, pointing to the fact that an ever increasing number of Chinese students studying abroad have chosen to learn design.
Xia attributes the phenomenon to the rapid economic growth and social development in China in the past decades, which enabled more students to chase their dreams just for passion and aspiration, instead of a stable job. “In the past, a lot of brilliant Chinese students majored in maths, but as the country develops, more talent in art will emerge,” she noted.
“We Chinese are born with the desire to excel, and we have a great taste in art owing to the long history and rich culture of our country,” she added.
Now Xia has settled in Shanghai, which she sees as a good place to do her branding. Hong at Pratt also plans to develop her future career back in China because of its burgeoning design industry and market.
“I can see the progress of design in China especially on culturally creative industries, like those developed by the Palace Museum (in Beijing),” said Hong, referring to the souvenirs sold at the museum’s gift shop that have captivated millions of visitors in recent years. From lipsticks with Chinese paintings, to “princess-style” necklaces and earrings, many of the items were immediately sold out at the museum’s online shop once released.
Such designs are not simply making things more beautiful, said Hong, but have added a strong cultural connotation to the otherwise-common products.
Hong believes there are still “infinite possibilities” for Chinese designs, and she wants to take a full advantage of the knowledge and experience she gained at Pratt.
“As more and more people are talking about ‘created in China’ rather than ‘made in China,’ I hope I can find the opportunity to do my little part in boosting China’s design industry,” said the young designer.


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The Chinese tech giant, which also owns WeChat, demoed the working of the model, and said Hunyuan had become the foundation of more than 50 of its products and services.
“By July, there are more than 130 large language models in China. A war of a hundred models has begun,” news agency Reuters quoted Jiang Jie, Tencent’s vice president, as saying.
Tencent said its model is capable of conversing in both Chinese and English and is “better” than OpenAI’s ChatGPT in areas, which include writing long text with thousands of words and solving certain math problems.
Tokens and parameters game
Tencent highlighted that its LLM has more than 100 billion parameters and was trained with more than 2 trillion tokens. These two metrics are often used to measure AI models’ power and complexity.
In comparison, OpenAI’s GPT-3 AI model contained 175 billion parameters in 2020 and Meta Platform Inc’s Llama 2 model had 70 billion parameters in 2023. Reports suggested that Google’s PaLM 2 LLM that was unveiled at Google I/O, is trained on 3.6 trillion tokens and has 340 billion parameters.
Tencent claimed that its model experiences 30% less hallucination compared to Llama 2. Hallucination is a concept where AI models generate incorrect information but present it as if it is a fact.
Recently, several Chinese tech firms, including Baidu Inc and SenseTime Group unveiled their own AI models.