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YouTube, always on the lookout for ways to keep people watching more videos and staying on its site longer, is testing out a new feature that could prove to be a honeypot (or major annoyance!) for casual visitors: video autoplays, where once the video you came to watch ends, instead of defaulting to the usual grid of suggested videos, another video starts up.
The feature was flagged to us by Deepanker Verma, whose Indian blog Techlomedia wrote up the appearance of the Autoplay function.
We reached out to YouTube to find out more. A spokesperson confirms to us that autoplay been rolled out globally with a “small percent” of users to the site while it collects feedback on the feature. (In fact, the illustration here comes from an avid YouTube user who lives in Fresno who is also in the test group.)
“With more videos coming to YouTube every minute we’re always experimenting with ways to help people more easily find, watch and share the videos that matter most to them,” said the spokesperson. “We’ll consider rolling features out more broadly based on feedback on these experiments.”
As you can see in the screenshot above, Google/YouTube currently presents autoplay as an optional feature. It’s set to “on” by default every time you open a new video, at which point you get an “up next” dialogue on the screen before the next video plays.
Those who prefer not to see the suggested stream can disable it —
although it seems you have to do this each time you open a new video.
Clarification: YouTube tells me that the autoplay toggle on the top right of the page is permanent: once you turn it off, it will stay off. You’ll only see the countdown screen when autoplay is ‘on’, and the ‘cancel’ button on that screen turns off the autonav just for that video.
Autoplay: more like traditional TV
There are a few good reasons why it makes sense for YouTube to push a feature like auotplay more widely.
As we have seen with other streaming sites, one of the biggest problems with a large selection of content is being spoiled for choice: you can watch anything you want, but you don’t know what you actually want to watch.
YouTube — like Spotify and Netflix — have been trying to come up with different ways of tackling that problem, including integrating social features so that you can see what your friends are watching; creating playlists; and using playlists made by others. You can think of autoplay as a complement to those for casual users who are less social or less organised, or looking for an even more lean-back experience.
In that sense, it is a format that feels a lot like the site’s namesake: the tube, or broadcast television, where you are dealt a stream of video content on channels without much interaction.
Currently users spend on average 24.4 minutes on YouTube per visit, according to comScore — a number very close to the classic half hour of a TV program.
Right now it looks like the other videos that appear in the autoplay stream are just others from the YouTube catalog, but you can see how the format would lend itself to another piece of video content that YouTube already automatically inserts elsewhere: advertisements.
With video ads being a hot commodity these days, having a place where YouTube could insert an ad after a video as well as before the video effectively could double its inventory.
Interestingly, after Susan Wojcicki was appointed head of YouTube earlier this year, it came with a new focus on revenue generation and advertising, specifically looking for ways to inject more advertising and advertiser-friendly formats into YouTube. “Advertisers have said they want YouTube to resemble a TV network,” one writer pointed out. Autoplay would help with that.
It could also potentially be a boost in competition with Facebook for eyeballs and ad dollars. Facebook is passing YouTube for video views by some estimates, in part because of its own version of the autoplay feature — where videos begin to play when you scroll past them in your timeline (albeit on mute).
But as with so many changes on YouTube, despite the positives for the bottom line, it could also become really annoying. We could find tests of the feature once before, back in August 2014, when the autoplay feature was ID’d by Google system enthusiasts, who figured a way to call it up by modifying YouTube’s cookies.
But one ex-YouTuber alludes to it as something that Google has toyed with even earlier. While autoplay was effective in getting people to stay on the site for longer, a “meaningful percentage” of users hated it.
Indeed, many others responding to this story on social media and in the comments below have pointed out how this would be irritating, with one singling out YouTube power users specifically.
Updated with extra commentary.


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We're amazed it's taken this long for a major manufacturer to commit to a decently-sized electric car for the masses. Fortunately, it appears that after years of empty promises from big automakers and garden-shed startups alike, Nissan will be the first marque to offer such a vehicle.
Nissan's European product executive Pierre Loing hinted earlier that a production car featuring the electric powertrain from the Mixim Concept (above) could debut in the Japanese market by 2010 and head to Europe a year later. Now, Nissan USA's product planning director Mark Perry has come out in the open and declared that a 5-seat small electric car will launch sometime in late 2010.
Aside from a supposed 160km range, not much is known about Nissan's upcoming EV. Sticker price is expected to be between $28,000-30,000 USD (over $43,000 AUD) - a lot of money for a small car, but annual costs are estimated to be $1350 USD ($2100 AUD) less than a comparable petrol-powered vehicle. Battery packs will also be leased rather than bought, a strategy that should reduce the car's purchase price and help with the cost of battery replacement.
So, when can we see Nissan's small EV on Aussie roads? Be prepared for a wait. The EV will be slowly rolled out across a number of US cities as charging infrastructure is gradually introduced, with cities in California, Oregon, Washington and Tennessee signed up to be the first to receive the car.

domain: news


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Dado Ruvic | Reuters
The first bitcoin upgrade in four years has just been approved by miners around the world. It is a rare moment of consensus among stakeholders, and crypto experts tell CNBC it’s a pretty big deal for the world’s most popular cryptocurrency.
The upgrade is called Taproot, and it’s due to take effect in November. When it does, it will mean greater transaction privacy and efficiency – and crucially, it will unlock the potential for smart contracts, a key feature of its blockchain technology which eliminates middlemen from even the most complex transactions.
“Taproot matters, because it opens a breadth of opportunity for entrepreneurs interested in expanding bitcoin’s utility,” said Alyse Killeen, Founder and Managing Partner of bitcoin-focused venture firm Stillmark.
Unlike bitcoin’s 2017 upgrade – referred to as the “last civil war” because of the contentious ideological divide separating adherents – Taproot has near universal support, in part because these changes are fairly incremental improvements to the code.
Bitcoin’s makeover has to do with digital signatures, which you can think of as the fingerprint an individual leaves on every transaction they make.
Right now, the cryptocurrency uses something called the “Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm,” which is created from the private


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All new EVs is EU will be fitted with an additional feature of a noise-emitting device, under an EU rule coming into force today.
Starting today, all new electric vehicles sold in the European Union must be fitted with a noise-emitting device called Acoustic Vehicle Alert System, or AVAS to alert the road users of their presence.
The regulation, listed as ‘Regulation on the Sound Level of Motor Vehicle’ on the EU’s legislation website, states that for all-electric vehicles the AVAS must be operating at a minimum of 56 decibels when the vehicle is driving at speeds up to 20km/hr, and no louder than 75 decibels.
The Noise Emitting EVs theoretically will help prevent pedestrians and cyclists from being caught unawares by cars that would otherwise be near-silent. The sound could stop pedestrian from crossing the street when there’s a less-than-attentive driver.
As noted on Euroblind, a UK study released in 2013 showed that despite a reduction in incidents involving internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles resulting in pedestrian injury, there was an increase in the number of incidents involving electric vehicles: The number of accidents where pedestrians are injured by EVs/EHVs has increased, from 98 in 2012 to 151 in 2013, an increase of 54%. Whereas 2013 represented a record low for such accidents involving internal combustion vehicles, it was a new high for electric/hybrid-electric vehicles, with the percentage increase in accidents far outstripping the increase in vehicle numbers.
According to the new rule, all new types of four-wheel eco-friendly vehicles must be fitted with the device, which sounds like a traditional engine. From 2021, all electric cars must have an acoustic vehicle alert system, not just new models.
The device must be activated when a vehicle is reversing or traveling below 19 km/h, but the driver will have the power to deactivate it. Though the feature will chip away one of its benefits for quieter streets, still, this could increase practical safety and help EVs gain acceptance from people worried they could become hazards.
UK Roads minister Michael Ellis said the government wanted “the benefits of green transport to be felt by everyone” and understood the concerns of the visually impaired. “This new requirement will give pedestrians added confidence when crossing the road,” he added.
The charity Guide Dogs – which had complained it was difficult to hear low-emission cars approaching – welcomed the change, but added that electric vehicles should make a sound at all speeds.


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British supermarket chain Tesco Plc said on Tuesday a computer glitch had resulted in the cancellation of many home deliveries and disrupted services nationwide.
“We experienced an unforeseen technical fault which resulted in the forced cancellation of many orders due to a complete system failure” Tesco said on Twitter after customers complained via social media about cancellations and delays to deliveries.
Tesco, which was not immediately available for comment, added on Twitter that it was working to resolve the issue and it was confident the problem would be fixed soon.
Customers were offered a 10 pound ($12.66) voucher as compensation and were asked to re-arrange their deliveries online, the BBC reported.
Tesco computer glitch hits home deliveries, orders cancelled


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Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates has issued his 2014 annual letter from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, predicting that by 2035 there will be almost no "poor" countries in the world.
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SweepSouth, a South African cleaning service platform, has shut down operations in Nigeria and Kenya due to the unfavourable global macroeconomic environment which has continually hit the home services industry hard.
SweepSouth said in a statement that customers will keep receiving its services with bookings ending on Friday, November 25, 2022, and it will monitor the Nigerian market until a suitable time for re-entry.
This follows the cleaning agency’s acquisition of an online marketplace for home maintenance and improvement services such as plumbing, carpentry, electricity, air conditioning, painting and appliances, FilKhedma. Aditionally, it recently raised $11 million funding to expand across Africa.
Launched in 2014 by Aisha Pandor and Alen Ribic, SweepSouth is an online platform providing on-demand home cleaning services, operating across various South African cities. With the exit from Nigeria and Kenya,


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Fans of University of New Mexico athletics, and patrons of performing arts and special events at Popejoy Hall will soon be able to purchase tickets using what university administrators say is a more convenient and mobile-friendly online system.
UNM has signed a five-year contract with a new vendor, Irvine, Calif.-based Paciolan, to design a new ticketing, fundraising and marketing software system that will allow for online ticket purchases for athletic venues and Popejoy Hall.
UNM Athletics Director Eddie Nuñez said the new ticketing system will bring easier access to university events.
“This is the area where we heard from our fans,” Nuñez said. “This will provide dynamic ticketing opportunities for our fan base – more conveniences than what exists on our current platform.”
The transaction fees will remain the same, according to officials. Any fees charged to the customer using the online system will be per transaction per ticket sold and will range from $1 to $5 per ticket, based on the face value of the ticket, according to the contract between UNM and Paciolan. Students will not be charged a ticket fee.
The mobile-friendly technology will include “pick-your-own” seat maps, and allow customers to buy tickets, manage accounts and transfer or resell tickets from a smartphone. The program will also allow customers to bypass the will-call window at the event and enter venues by scanning images of their tickets on a smartphone.
Customers can also manage their accounts directly from their mobile devices and transfer or exchange tickets for events they cannot attend.
Season ticket holders renewing or upgrading tickets will have an easy option to sample the view from their seats without making a trip to the venue.
As part of the contract, there are no fixed costs to UNM Athletics or Popejoy Hall for the ticketing system. Athletics and Popejoy will receive point-of-sale hardware, miscellaneous hardware and access management hardware at no cost.
In addition, Athletics Department and Popejoy Hall will receive a $10,000 annual credit to purchase additional software, hardware, professional services and subscription services.
“We look forward to providing The University of New Mexico fans and patrons with a world-class experience,” said Paciolan President and CEO Kim Damron in a statement. “Armed with Paciolan’s personalized solutions, we know UNM will take their growth strategies to the next level and foster an even deeper connection with their vibrant Lobo community.”
UNM staff will have instant access to customer information, including account data, touch points, ticketing and parking information, donation summaries, transaction history and membership levels.
A more efficient ticketing platform with personalized customer service could mean more revenue for the programs, Nuñez said.
“That’s our hope,” he said. “Our hope is to be able to provide easier access to give people a better experience. When we talk about a better fan experience, that includes the moment that they purchase the tickets. We’re looking at every aspect of the program and this is one of the major components to that.”
UNM administrators are looking to complete the transition to the new system by April, according to Nuñez.


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A controversial book published in 1965, "Unsafe at Any Speed," helped prod Congress into passing the nation's first auto safety law.
A serious air-pollution emergency that gripped Washington in 1970 as Congress was debating air-pollution legislation led to a dramatic toughening of auto emission regulations.
Another milestone in motor vehicle regulation occurred this week as the Reagan administration announced 34 changes in safety and environmental controls on cars and trucks.
Vice President Bush and other administration officials said that the decisions will not harm the environment or make cars less safe. Instead, they will lower the costs of motor vehicles and raise the profits of the manufacturers, the administration said.
But leading consumer attack on General Motors Corp.'s Corvair in 1965 created the auto safety movement, charged that the Reagan administration has turned its back on the government's reponsibility to make cars safer and cleaner.
"In effect, they have repealed the motor vehicle safety and emission laws. They are going to do othing, period, zero, for four years. There isn't an ounce of effort on their pat to see how the health and safety standards need to be strengthened," Nadar said.
Richard Ayres of the Natural Resources Defense Council said the administration's policy "really is a case of giving the auto industry the regulatory advantages it has sought for a long time, which have little if anything to do with its financial problems."
The council is particularly concerned about the proposed relaxation of controls on gasoline-powered trucks and diesel-powered cars and trucks, he said, adding "those are the two types of vehicles that are essentially unregulated."
Pollution from diesel vehicles and heavy trucks will impose a particularly heavy burden on urban areas that already are failing to meet the healthbased goals of the Clean Air Act, Ayres said.
For Nadar, the administration's announcement marked a telling setback to his decade-long campaign to have air bags installed in passenger cars.
"We'll start again. Now comes the backlash to the backlash. If Mercedes and Volvo go with air bags, there will be more pressure," said Nader.
"There will be more product liability lawsuits -- many, many more because lawyers for victims can show that auto engineers could produce a safer car, but the companies aren't doing it," Nadar said.


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The Executive Director/CEO of Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Dr.
Ezra Yakusak has reiterated the significant impact of Export Incentives in keeping exporting companies in business.
Ezra disclosed this while receiving in his office a delegation of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Group (MANEG) led by its Chairman Mr Ede Dafinone in Abuja.
According to him “Without the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) Scheme, a lot of companies would have gone moribund”.
“These incentives such as the Export Development Fund (EDF) among others have over the years, helped to keep exporting companies afloat particularly Small and Medium Entrepreneurs”.
Ezra stated that the promotion of the creative industry particularly music and movies is indeed desirable given the impact of Nigerian music and films in the international market as well as the positive image it generates for the country.
Chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Group, Mr Dafinone requested the support of the Council in retooling the process of payment of the Export Expansion Grant scheme by monthly instalments in order to reduce delay in processing and payment of EEG claims to beneficiaries.
NEPC boss harps on export incentives in keeping companies afloat


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The service comes with multiple titles from various developers.
Earlier in the year Apple announced their plans to launch a new service for their iOS devices called Apple Arcade. It was announced as a service focused exclusively on mobile titles and would offer multiple games under one subscription. Well, today, we got details on the service, and it’s both closer than you expect, and probably a lot cheaper than you expected, too.
Apple announced that the service would launch next week and would only put you back $4.99 USD a month. It’s much cheaper than one would assume from the service. It features quite a gauntlet of mobile titles from various developers, including the likes of Shantae, Pac-Man and ChuChu Rocket! They say that over 100 games will be available, and that you can eventually play all of them across not just your mobile iOS devices, but also your Apple TV, Mac and iPad.
Apple Arcade will launch to all compatible iOS devices September 19th. It will come to iPadOS and tvOS 13 September 30th and in October for macOS Catalina. A one month free trial will be available.


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Dora is heading into the Amazon.
Viacom and Amazon cut an expanded multiyear, multinational digital video licensing agreement — giving the Internet retailer access to hundreds of Nickelodeon and MTV shows just a few weeks after the Viacom content dropped off Netflix.
At this point, Viacom is supplying Netflix only movies from the Epix service, the joint venture with MGM and Lionsgate; Paramount has a separate output deal with Netflix. Netflix has noted that as the Viacom titles have rolled off, it is adding content from Walt Disney Co. under a multiyear pact.
Terms of the new Amazon-Viacom deal were not disclosed. The deal, which covers video available to subscribers of the Prime free-shipping program, includes a subset of exclusive TV shows unavailable via any other digital video subscription service, including kids’ programming such as “Bubble Guppies,” “The Backyardigans,” “Team Umizoomi,” “Blue’s Clues” and “Victorious,” along with MTV’s “Awkward” and Comedy Central’s “Tosh.0” and “Workaholics.”
Prime members also will have access to future episodes of “Dora the Explorer,” “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Fairly Odd Parents” and “Fresh Beat Band.” LoveFilm customers in the U.K. and Germany will get some of those shows later this summer.
“Kids shows are one of the most watched TV genres on Prime Instant Video,” said Bill Carr, Amazon’s VP of digital video and music. “And this expanded deal will now bring customers the largest subscription selection of Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. TV shows online, anywhere.”
Viacom topper Philippe Dauman commented, “Amazon has created a unique, brand-friendly environment for streaming entertainment and consumer products and we are excited to work with Amazon to bring customers shows they love.”
Also under the companies’ deal, certain shows from Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. will be available in Kindle FreeTime Unlimited, a service that provides books, games, educational apps, movies and TV shows on the Amazon tablets.
Still, the Viacom agreement with Amazon does not preclude the media conglom from selling other content to Netflix that is not exclusively carried by Amazon. According to an industry exec with knowledge of the situation, Viacom remains in talks with Netflix about a new deal for TV shows while the company also continues to have licensing deals with Netflix in international markets.
Amazon’s Prime Instant Video now offers 41,000-plus movies and TV episodes. As previously announced, later this month Prime Instant Video will exclusively offer PBS’s “Downton Abbey” and CBS’s “Under the Dome,” with each episode of the latter added four days after initial broadcast. Amazon also last month inked an expanded pact with NBCUniversal, which includes exclusive streaming rights to five drama series from NBC, USA Network and Syfy for four years.
In addition, Amazon last week greenlit its first original series, to be available starting later this year on the retailer’s Prime Instant Video and LoveFilm services. The group of five shows are comedies “Alpha House” and “Betas,” along with kids’ shows “Annebots,” “Creative Galaxy” and “Tumbleaf.”
Viacom, for its part, is expanding its TV Everywhere push to try to preserve its existing cable distribution deals. Nick, for example, has released apps that provide full-length episodes, plus games and other digital content, on iPad and iPhone and expects to launch a version for Microsoft Xbox 360 next month.


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Just a few days after the announcement of the Google Apps reseller program, comes news that an added layer of security has come to Google Apps. The new layer gives administrators the ability to set password length requirements and view indications of password strength.
Apparently, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards are already getting in on the action:
Administrators of Premier and Education Edition apps can find the new features in the administrative control panel under 'Advanced Tools' > 'Advanced Password Settings.'
Twitter Canada MD Kirstine Stewart to Keynote Toronto
ClickZ Live Toronto (May 14-16) is a new event addressing the rapidly changing landscape that digital marketers face. The agenda focuses on customer engagement and attaining maximum ROI through online marketing efforts across paid, owned & earned media. Register now and save!*
*Early Bird Rates expire April 17.


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Revolution has completed the packaging and branding of a new organic dog food for Pascoe’s. Pascoe’s Organic Complete is claimed to be the first product to be 99 per cent organic and will reach supermarket shelves next week. ‘We wanted it to have more than just the stereotypical Green appeal and we found that buyers of organic products are largely families with small children. We used a “mongrelly” type dog with a personality on the packagingÃ¤ instead of the industry standard perfect pedigree dog,’ says Revolution brand manager Clare Joynes. The consultancy worked with illustrator Sarah Nyler on the project.
The trainline has launched an awareness campaign around recycling and sustainability, and has commissioned illustrator Rebecca Sutherland to “upcycle” old newspapers and drink cans into intricate sculptures for it.
The organisation, which offers practical support and advice to children, young people, families and schools, has been given a new identity by Chromatic Brands in time for national Anti-Bullying Week.
MinaLima, the graphic design duo behind the Harry Potter film series, has created all the enchanting props that are due to appear in the upcoming Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of
“Living with less”, “living with others” and “living on the move” are some of the themes in the new show at the Design Museum delving into future visions of the


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Auto sales strong again in Northeast Ohio and rest of the country
As Ohio goes, so goes the nation — true in politics and, apparently, car sales.
At this time last year, Northern Ohio had the best auto sale increases of any region in the country with a 22 percent bump from 2010. Sales nationally were up about 10.5 percent.
Classic Auto Group owner Jim Brown said 2012 has been just as fortuitous for Northeast Ohio while the rest of the country has nearly caught up.
“Compared to last year, we’re still having the same type of success,” Brown said. “We were just a year ahead of the curve.”
According to the Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealers Association, which tracks auto sales over a 19-county range, year-to-date figures show a 3-percent increase of car and light truck sales.
GCADA President Louis A. Vitantonio said after 2011’s “monster numbers,” 2012 so far has been a successful follow-up.
“The inventory is there, the consumers are there and there are a lot of incentives to buy now,” he said.
Comparatively lower gas prices, more fuel-efficient vehicles and Japan’s recovery from last year’s tsunami are just a few reasons for the upward swing, Brown said.
“There’s a lot of energy in this area,” he said. “There’s still uncertainty in the economy but people have become a little more comfortable.”
Vitantonio said when the recession hit the country hard in 2008, Americans put off buying vehicles. He believes the recent surge shows a “pent-up demand” for new cars. Continued...
“People have repaired their vehicles over the past few years and can no longer put off that purchasing decision,” Vitantonio said.
Recent figures from Autodata Corp., a North American auto research organization, show how the rest of the country has caught back up to Ohio.
According to the group’s June report, sales of passenger cars and light trucks were up 22.1 percent this June compared to the same month one year ago. Year-to-date sales are up 14.8 percent.
Also compared to last June, General Motors sales are up 15.5 percent. Ford increased sales 7.1 percent while Chrysler jumped 20.3 percent over the same time.
The increases were even more dramatic for the recovering Japanese automakers. Autodata figures show Toyota increased sales 60 percent while Nissan’s rose 28 percent.
In fact, the only major companies reporting year-to-date losses are Mitsubishi, Volvo, Saab and Suzuki, according to the report.
Sales figures aren’t the only thing climbing. According to reports, the average price of a new car rose 2.9 percent in June from a year ago. Analysts believe 2012 should be the best year for sales since 2007.
Experts said with demand high, gas prices low and retailers offering impressive deals, sales should continue to hold steady, both locally and nationally.
“Going forward, there’s no reason why things shouldn’t continue to do very well in the car business,” Brown said.
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A notorious phishing service that supplied cybercriminals with phishing kits, scam pages, and stolen credentials has been disrupted by a joint operation involving Malaysian, Australian, and U.S. authorities.
BulletProftLink, also known as a phishing-as-a-service (PhaaS) platform, had been operating for several years and had a large customer base that engaged in various forms of online fraud, posing a serious threat to both individuals and businesses.
International Cooperation in Action
The operation resulted in the arrest of eight suspects, aged between 29 and 56, including a key figure at 36.
The Royal Malaysian Police Inspector-General Tan Sri Razarudin Husain announced the success of the operation on Nov. 8, 2023.
He revealed the seizure of servers, computers, jewelry, vehicles, and cryptocurrency wallets containing around 1 million Malaysian ringgit (approximately US $213,000), reads the Intel471 report.
Royal Malaysian Police posted a video of a press conference describing a policing operation that dismantled a phishing syndicate on TikTok on Nov. 8, 2023.
The Australian Federal Police and the U.S. FBI provided vital assistance in this significant takedown.
BulletProftLink was known for its durability and popularity, offering a range of services, including phishing kits, scam page templates, and automated solutions through single-payment or subscription models.
StorageGuard scans, detects, and fixes security misconfigurations and vulnerabilities across hundreds of storage and backup devices.
The service catered to a wide clientele involved in various fraudulent activities, highlighting the importance of initial access brokering in cybercrime.
The threat actor behind BulletProftLink, identified as AnthraxBP (also known as TheGreenMY and AnthraxLinkers), displayed notable lapses in operational security.
Both AnthraxBP and the developers of BulletProftLink made mistakes that allowed cybersecurity professionals to uncover real-world identities, addresses, and even family details through publicly available information.
Operational security lapses extended to the BulletProftLink developers, who posted code related to the phishing operation on public platforms like GitHub.
Disgruntled customers further compromised security by revealing Bitcoin addresses used for payments, exposing invoices, and even disclosing the age of one customer, who was just 15 years old.
BulletProftLink’s extensive impact is evident in its statistics, boasting over 8,138 active clients and 327 phishing page templates as of April 2023.
The phishing templates covered a wide range, targeting organizations such as Microsoft Office, DHL, Naver, American Express, Bank of America, Consumer Credit Union, and Royal Bank of Canada.
The article also reveals the evolving tactics of BulletProftLink, including the integration of the Evilginx2 source code into its inventory.
This addition enabled the threat actors to conduct adversary-in-the-middle (AITM) phishing attacks, capturing not only login credentials but also session tokens, presenting a heightened risk for enterprises by bypassing multifactor authentication.
The international response to BulletProftLink’s activities underscores the importance of coordinated law enforcement efforts in tackling cybercrime.
This successful operation, led by the Royal Malaysian Police, serves as a major step in dismantling a major player in the cybercrime-as-a-service landscape, ultimately contributing to a safer online environment.
Patch Manager Plus, the one-stop solution for automated updates of over 850 third-party applications: Try Free Trial.


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Nutson’s weekly roundup of auto news from August 28th to September 3rd, 2022
AUTO CENTRAL CHICAGO – September 4, 2022; Every Sunday, The Chicago Car Guy and Auto Channel Executive Producer Larry Nutson, with the expert assistance of Senior Editor Thom Cannell of The Auto Channel Michigan Bureau, compiles The Auto Channel’s “take” on the past week’s automotive news, condensed into easy-to-understand news nuggets.
LEARN MORE: Complete versions of today’s news nuggets, along with thousands of pages of relevant news and opinion, information stored in a library of millions of pages published and indexed on The Auto Channel over the past 25 years. You can find complete information by copying and pasting a heading into any Site Search field.
Nutson’s Automotive Weekly Auto News Roundup – Week Ended September 3, 2022 Below you’ll find top, relevant, semi-secret or snappy automotive news, opinion and insider backstories from the past week, presented as expertly crafted, easy-to-understand nuggets of news from the automotive universe.
* US new car sales in August showed that the much slower pace of sales that began a year ago is continuing as new vehicle supply remains virtually unchanged. According to the Cox Automotive forecast, the US auto sales pace, or seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), ended month-over-month unchanged at 13.3 million, up from a year ago’s level of 13.1 million. August sales volume is 1.14 million units, up 3.6% year-on-year but down 0.3% from July. Ford, Hyundai, Kia and Subaru saw sales increase from the low prior-year level. Not all manufacturers report monthly sales.
*A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that many models’ automatic braking systems perform poorly in night tests. Of the 23 models tested, only four received a Superior rating from the IIHS, and more than half received a Basic Score or No Credit. The four vehicles that received the Superior rating were the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Camry and Toyota Highlander. Despite poor night-time performance, 19 of the 23 vehicles performed well in similar daytime tests.
*US DoE Factoid of the Week: Fourteen model year 2022 light electric vehicle models have ranges of 300 miles or more. The 2016 model year (MY) was the first time the Environmental Protection Agency certified an electric vehicle (EV) with a range of 300 miles or more. Over the next five years, the number of EV models achieving a certified range of 300 miles or more slowly increased. However, in MY 2022 the number has almost tripled compared to the previous year. Manufacturers are still introducing MY 2022 vehicles, so additional EV models could be added to the list. To search for new EV models by range go to: https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/evSelect.jsp
* The new EV requirements in the Inflation Reduction Act are powerful incentives for automakers to produce batteries in the US. Honda, Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Hyundai-Kia, Stellantis and VinFast have all announced plans for 10 US battery plants. The $7,500 federal electric vehicle purchase credit requires the vehicle to have a battery that was built in North America, with 40% of the metals on the continent being mined or recycled. The demand for electric vehicles is expected to increase. LMC Automotive projects electric vehicles will account for 5.6% of U.S. new vehicle sales this year, rising to more than 36% by 2030.
* Meanwhile, The AP reports that the new federal loan for US buyers of qualifying EVs made in North America has sparked a possible trade war. The EV loan aims to promote domestic battery and vehicle production. Automakers in Europe and South Korea that sell millions of vehicles in the US have threatened to file a complaint with the World Trade Organization. Officials describe the EV credit as discriminatory against foreign manufacturers versus US manufacturers. Stay tuned!
* The Biden administration is calling for a waiver of “Buy American” rules on federally funded electric vehicle chargers to accelerate the rollout of the infrastructure needed to expand electric vehicle adoption. Domestic content regulations state that 100% of steel, iron, and finished goods consisting primarily of steel and iron in federal highway projects must be manufactured in the United States. But only a handful of companies can build fast chargers for electric vehicles that would meet the requirements, according to an application filed by the Federal Roads Administration on Wednesday.
* Christian Levin, CEO of Volkswagen’s Traton Trucking Unit, says the future of commercial vehicles will be “battery electric as the dominant technology.” Levin predicts a large-scale rollout of battery electric commercial vehicles in Europe as early as 2025. Levin also runs Scania, which has worked with start-ups like electric truck maker Einride and Northvolt, which will supply cells to a battery assembly plant Scania is building . There are an estimated 4 million heavy trucks in Europe.
* The Detroit News reports that major automakers are canceling the revamped Detroit auto show. Overwhelming vehicle demand, insufficient interest, cost and a penchant for more exclusive driving opportunities are among the many reasons major brands are skipping next month’s North American International Auto Show. The one-day media program has events from Chevrolet, Ford and Jeep with the expectation that the Chrysler brand will do something too. The show runs September 14-25, after a three and a half year delay due to Covid. President Joe Biden said he will attend the Detroit Auto Show later this month because he is “a car guy.”
* High gasoline prices in the spring and early summer prompted many truck and SUV buyers to consider downsizing to smaller, more fuel-efficient versions of trucks and SUVs, according to a Cox Automotive analysis of consumer purchasing data in the Kelley Blue Book. Large truck buyers are also considering electric trucks. Mid-size SUV-goers have hybrid versions on their shopping lists. As gas prices have fallen, consumers are now, to some extent, relapsing into familiar shopping patterns. Purchases of electric vehicles and hybrids lost share in July and so far in August. Purchases of full-size vehicles have increased.
* US new car sales in August are expected to show that the much slower pace of sales that began a year ago is continuing as new vehicle supply remains virtually unchanged. According to the Cox Automotive forecast, the US auto sales pace, or seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), is expected to end August month-on-month flat at 13.3 million from last year’s level of 13.1 million. August sales volume is expected to end near 1.14 million units, up 3.6% year-on-year but down 0.3% from July.
* According to industry experts, an electrical fire at a BP refinery in northwest Indiana should not have a major impact on gas prices in the region. If anything, it will slow the price decline. BP’s Whiting Refinery is a major Midwestern oil refinery that supplies gasoline, aviation fuel and diesel used in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. It is scheduled to reopen in a few days.
* Catalytic converter theft is a major national problem. Thefts in the US are up 1,215% since 2019, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. California is the epicenter with 37% of incidents, followed by Texas, Washington, North Carolina and Minnesota. A Carfax study last June found the Ford F-150 to be the number one target, followed by the Honda Accord. Typical replacement costs range from $1,000 to $2,500. Delays in securing the part result in long vehicle downtimes and the need to rent a car beyond the typical 30 days covered by insurance.
* Ford Motor Co. is recalling more than 277,000 2017-20 model year Ford Super Duty trucks and Lincoln Continental luxury sedans. An internal lens on the vehicle’s rear view camera has an anti-reflective coating that can degrade over time from exposure to UV rays. The deterioration “may result in an increasingly foggy or cloudy rear camera image,” the safety recall report said.
* GM is recalling nearly 121,000 2013-15 Chevrolet Spark vehicles and 2014-15 Spark electric vehicles because the hoods can open unexpectedly while the vehicle is being driven, increasing the risk of an accident. GM previously recalled approximately 89,000 2013-15 model year Sparks in 2014. The recent recall expands the scope to additional vehicles that may experience prematurely corroding hood latches.
* Rivian Automotive Inc. is recalling a small number of electric pickup trucks and SUVs because front seat belt anchors may not be properly secured to the B-pillar and therefore may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash. The recall affects 207 model year 2022 R1T pickups and R1S SUVs.
* Jalopnik laughed at Fox News for criticizing Prince Harry’s “gas guzzling” Audi e-Tron electric SUV. The news channel says the prince’s Audi sat idling at the airport for half an hour, pumping carbon into the air. However, the Audi e-tron is battery-powered purely electrically.
* AAA forecasts this will be the busiest Labor Day travel weekend in three years, reaching pre-pandemic levels. More than 80% of people take their car instead of a plane. The trends this year are similar to Memorial Day and the 4th of July weekends. Have a safe weekend!
Take care. Be good.


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|From:||Lenny Siegel <firstname.lastname@example.org>|
|Date:||4 May 2006 04:29:49 -0000|
|Subject:||[CPEO-BIF] Former Lear plant, Walker, Michigan|
Empty plant shows incentives' value|
By Chris Knape The Grand Rapids Press (MI) May 2, 2006
WALKER -- The polished floors and wide open spaces at the former Lear Corp. plant -- soon to be filled by Coopersville-based Amstore -- represent what a partnership between the public and private sectors can accomplish.
That was the message developer and plant owner Jack Buchanan wanted to convey during a walk-through of the massive facility Monday. Amstore, which makes retail store shelving, displays and other equipment, has leased 450,000 square feet at the former automotive parts plant, although its investment and the number of new jobs it may create are uncertain.
State Rep. Dave Hildenbrand, R-Lowell, said the lucrative tax incentives the state and city have piled on the plant will help reinvigorate the region's economy. He was among a team of officials from the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, The Right Place Inc. and Walker that backed a plan to make the plant a Brownfield and a Renaissance Zone, which eliminates most state and local taxes for the plant's owners and tenants over the next 15 years.
For the entire article, see http://www.mlive.com/business/grpress/index.ssf?/base/business-3/114658131922710.xml&coll=6
-- Lenny Siegel Director, Center for Public Environmental Oversight c/o PSC, 278-A Hope St., Mountain View, CA 94041 Voice: 650/961-8918 or 650/969-1545 Fax: 650/961-8918 http://www.cpeo.org
_______________________________________________ Brownfields mailing list Brownfields@list.cpeo.org http://www.cpeo.org/mailman/listinfo/brownfields
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Capcom has revealed the lineup for the company’s two presentations at the Tokyo Game Show.
The first presentation features new Street Fighter 6 trailers introducing the characters. In addition, viewers can experience World Tour and Battle Hub modes. The Gold Edition of Resident Evil Village, which comes out in October, will also have its own segment. Additionally, updates to Exoprimal and Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak will be shared. Finally, information is shared about the Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection. Among other things, it will be announced which updates will be added to the collection in the future.
The above will be shown during the first presentation to be broadcasted on September 15 at 4:00 PM Dutch time. A second livestream will follow on Friday, September 16 at 5:00 PM Dutch time, which focuses entirely on Street Fighter 6.
Tokyo Game Show 2022 lasts four days and takes place from September 15 to September 18. The event will be hosted at the traditional venue: Mukuhari Messe Event Hall in Chiba City. The theme for TGS 2022 is Nothing Stops Gaming.


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Bloomberg could be in for a showdown with Elizabeth Warren, whether he runs or not.2020 Electionsread more
"The Champagne should probably be kept on ice, at least until the two presidents put pen to paper," said state-owned media China Daily.Traderead more
Bank of America says investors should still look to stocks for value rather than bonds.Investingread more
Wall Street analysts estimate GM has lost more than $1 billion due to the United Auto Workers' strike, which began Sept. 16.Autosread more
Check out the companies making headlines in midday trading:Market Insiderread more
Harley-Davidson has halted production and deliveries of its new LiveWire electric motorcycle after reportedly discovering a problem with its charging mechanism.Transportationread more
Uber has laid off about 350 employees across several teams within the organization.Technologyread more
A passenger has complained to United Airlines after a fellow traveler was allowed to fly with a T-shirt that called for hanging journalists.Airlinesread more
"I fear that's what we're headed into" here in America, warns the former Treasury secretary.Economyread more
"But I expect we'll have a deal," Mnuchin tells CNBC.Politicsread more
Kohl's stores are getting a bit of a refresh, and are being infused with new brands, ahead of this holiday season.Retailread more
One Wall Street firm is getting even more excited about Nvidia, even after the stock's stunning triple-digit performance during the past year.
Evercore ISI raised its price target for the chipmaker to the highest among analyst firms, saying the company's products will dominate the artificial intelligence market.
"We hosted NVDA mgmt. (CEO, CFO and IR) on the road with investors over the last few days. … Our sense is management believes that investors still severely underestimates the impact of AI and the size of the potential market," analyst C.J. Muse wrote in a note to clients Friday. "We are only at the cusp of AI's growth potential and NVIDIA is creating THE AI computing industry standard."
Muse reiterated his outperform rating and raised his price target for Nvidia to $250 from $180, representing 48 percent upside from Thursday's close. He now has the highest price target on the stock out of more than 30 analysts, according to FactSet. Two other firms have the second highest forecast at $200.
Muse noted that the company spent more than $10 billion in research and development to build its CUDA software programming platform, which supports building AI software.
"NVDA has created an industry standard for AI systems that will be nearly impossible to replicate," he wrote.
Nvidia's stock is up 170 percent in the past 12 months through Thursday compared with the S&P 500's 16 percent gain. That performance ranks No. 1 in the entire S&P 500, according to FactSet.
"We believe the tremendous growth opportunities led by AI in the Data Center and Automotive verticals supports a clear path to $10 in earnings power over the next 3-5 years," the analyst wrote.
The company generated earnings per share of $2.57 in fiscal 2017.
Nvidia shares rose 4 percent Friday shortly after the market open.
— CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed to this story.


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Ease Of Doing Business
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana jointly topped the 2016 all-India State/Union Territory-wise Ease of Doing Business rankings.
Industry captains lauded the GST calling it an enabler of ease of doing business. GST has cut out the cascading of levies, widened the tax net and added to revenues.
According to the latest data of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), FDI in 2017-18 grew by only 3 per cent to USD 44.85 billion.
The group will review the present Institutional Trading Platform (ITP) framework in the current context as well as identify areas, if any, which require further changes. Besides, any other issue relevant to the framework might also be assessed, Sebi said in a release today.
"Today start-up firms raised their issue before government representative demanding that they should be given opportunity to participate in public projects," COAI Director General Rajan S Mathews told reporters after a round table on ease of doing business in telecom sector.
The industry body in a statement said that "sustained structural reforms" have led to a rebound in the country's economy as businesses across several key sectors experience firm growth trends.
The government is set to enter the final year of its term before the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections on May 26.
UBS already has two captive centres in Mumbai and Pune. The bank is also ‘studying’ regulatory developments that could pave way for it to re-establish a wealth management presence in the market.
Business optimism is however at an "all-time high" globally with the index at net 61%, the highest figure recorded in 15 years of research, as per Grant Thornton's survey.
For India to become an attractive destination for foreign capital, it becomes important that it improves its 2019 ranking on Ease of Doing Business.
Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters here that the Union Cabinet approved an ordinance to amend the Commercial Courts, Commercial Division and Commercial Appellate Division of High Courts Act.
Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins, who was in India recently, said the tech giant has made a significant investment in the Indian market across startups as well as programmes like Digital India, Skill India and Make in India.
This comes a month after the Modi govt pitched the New York City headquartered agency to upgrade the ratings of the country following a series of reforms.
As many as 50 corporates from India participated in the survey, of which 20 respondents said there is widespread bribery and corruption in business.
Garg further said the Modi government has taken many reform measures since 2014, including GST (Goods and Service Tax) and IBC (Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code).
This facility was available only for the apparel manufacturing sector as per the Industrial Establishment (Standing Order) 1946.
For employers, fixed-term contracts are attractive as they provide flexibility in hiring for limited time and freedom from complexities over termination.


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Fashion house Burberry has reported a dip in profits but the firm says it is cautiously optimistic about sales over the important Christmas period.
Cold winter weather will boost sales, Burberry hopes
Pre-tax profits for the six months to 30 September fell to £78.1m ($136m), down from £79.4m a year ago.
Retail revenues rose 9%, but wholesale revenues dipped 1% and are expected to remain weak, Burberry said.
But Burberry's outgoing chief executive Rose Marie Bravo said the forecast cold winter weather should boost sales.
"With cold weather arriving and the holidays approaching, we enter our most important time of year with cautious optimism," she said.
Ms Bravo is due to be replaced by Angela Ahrendts - currently executive vice-president of US clothing company Liz Claiborne - next year.
Burberry is still 65%-owned by its parent firm GUS, although GUS said in May that it planned to demerge its stake by the end of the year.
GUS is now expected to give details of the demerger plans when it releases its half-year results on Thursday, Burberry said.


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Amidst the tense situation in Ladakh, India has thrown a new dice of diplomacy by placing a ban on Chinese mobile apps. Since there is no shortage of apps with features similar to these apps, India is not at a disadvantage. But India’s app market for China was not only huge, but it was also growing. This is a major decision that would harm Chinese business interests. These apps can no longer be downloaded and used in India. The way India has an atmosphere against China, this ban can be extended to many more sectors as well. This decision is an important message from India for Chinese businessmen and China.
India does not want to let the dragon affect young people
India is among the countries where internet prices are the lowest in the world. There are more than 80 crore consumers here. More than half of these smartphone users are 25 years old or younger. By closing 59 Chinese apps, India has not only expressed its intentions but has given a clear message to China. TikTok is the most downloaded app in India. It had more than 12 crores, active users. It was popular among the youth in areas which are usually untouched by modern facilities. 30% of the videos on TikTok are made by Indian users. Indian youth used to spend a lot of time on these Chinese apps, that is, China could serve content as they wanted in front of them. India has closed the doors of a very big market for these Chinese apps by banning them.
China will get hurt due to the ban
Apart from TikTok, social media platforms like Helo and Likee are quite famous. Bigo Live is popular among users who are not comfortable in English. When these users suddenly stop using Chinese apps, then they will have a significant loss of revenue. Most apps show ads in between to users for earning. If the large userbase itself disappears, then the revenue coming from the ad will be hit.
Ban does not affect our health
Banning Chinese apps will not affect India. The users who used to use those apps, now have to find options which are not less in the market. Secondly, due to this ban, many Indian developers will be encouraged to create apps. Many have even started writing ‘Make in India’ in their apps.
How will the government implement the ban?
A notification will be issued by the Government of India in which Internet service providers will be asked to block these apps. Users of the app will soon see a message on the screen that the access to the app has been stopped on the government’s instructions. The same message will appear on Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store. However, apps that do not require an active Internet connection may continue to be used. Although these apps can no longer be downloaded in India, the government has banned these apps using Section 69A of the IT Act.
List Of Chinese Apps Banned In India


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text: Three years after making what was described as the largest residential land deal in Arizona at the time, Newland Communities has bought another 3,000 acres at Estrella in Goodyear, Ariz., for $51 million, or about $17,000 per acre. The San Diego-based developer said today the acquisition was part of its long-term plans to continue expanding the master-planned community of Estrella, located 17 miles outside Phoenix, over the next 25 years. Newland now owns about 12,500 acres in Estrella, which has about 5,000 acres already developed. “For the long-term, the Phoenix market is forecasted to continue with strong population and job growth,” Robert McLeod, Newland chairman & CEO, said in a news release today. “Our confidence and commitment to residential and commercial development in Phoenix is demonstrated by this acquisition.” In May, 2005, Newland bought 3,750 acres of the 20,000-acre master-planned community known as Estrella Mountain Ranch from Sun MP. The purchase price of the initial acquisition was not released at the time, but a May 16, 2005, article in the Phoenix Business Journal noted that a payment of about $250 million was listed in records filed with the Maricopa County Recorder’s office. The story, written by Mike Padgett, cited several Arizona real estate experts noting that it was believed to be the highest-value land transaction to that date in the state’s history. At that time, only 2,150 acres had been developed, including about 3,100 single-family homes. In 2006, Newland purchased another 2,700 acres and in May 2007, the company acquired an additional 2,800 acres. “Development of the recently purchased land will support our efforts to expand community services and our future plans for the expansion of the Estrella community,” Steve Pritulsky, senior vice president of Newland’s Phoenix Division, stated today. Alluding to the problems in the Phoenix area caused by the subprime housing mess and subsequent credit crunch, Greg Bielli, president of the firm’s western region, noted, “We are looking longer term, way beyond today’s current market correction.” With a build-out plan of about 25 years, Estrella is expected to have approximately 50,000 homes in Estrella and about 1,600 acres of commercial space developed. Estrella, located in the Sierra Estrella Mountains in the Sonoran Desert Valley, has a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, and more than 500 acres of parks and open space. The area has seen enormous growth in recent years. Commercial development, particularly retail, has been exploding as companies seek to fill the shopping needs of all the new residents. Last week, CPN reported that Macy’s Inc. was planning to open three new stores in the Phoenix market with the next two years, including a 120,000-square-foot store in Estrella Falls in Goodyear.


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Onion supplies are starting to build in North America.
“The Northwest is coming on with harvest. A lot of the summer onions are towards the end and storage onions will slowly start to come into harvest here for the next week or so,” says Jared Gutierrez of Columbia Basin Onion LLC., a grower/shipper based in Hermiston, OR. Most of the harvests are starting on time. “The summer onions may have been early which caused some sporadic sizing—with average or normal to some below average. But the storage onions seem to be on track,” he says.
Overall, Gutierrez estimates that volume on onions will be average to slightly below compared to last year.
Cooler temps helping quality
As for quality, that’s coming along as well. “Some summer early onions came in okay, maybe a bit smaller,” says Gutierrez. “We had a heatwave with temperatures into triple digits and that took its toll. Now that the weather is a bit cooler, it seems to be working out.”
Meanwhile demand has been good, albeit it inconsistent for onions. “It’s sporadic so it’s hard to gauge,” says Gutierrez. “One minute the mediums are pulling because they’re going to retail which has seen a big increase due to people buying and cooking at home more often. Demand for the jumbo or colossal, which is mainly for foodservice, has backed off a little bit. But then every now and then we get a surge for a bigger profile. It comes in pockets.” Overall though, he adds, the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box program has helped boost demand for the smaller profile onions which has been helpful to the industry.
Overall though, food demand is still leaving growers wondering. “Some people say it’s back 60 percent others say 40 percent. It’s hard to gauge because it depends on who has contracts. It’ll take some time to come back to 100 percent,” says Gutierrez. “Restaurants are one thing but foodservice for sports venues are also not there. People don’t take into consideration how much food goes into a sports venue.”
Pricing to stay average?
All of this leaves pricing as average though pricing pressure is coming with growing areas moving into harvest while New Mexico and California clean up their crops. “It brings pricing down a bit, but I don’t think it should come off,” says Gutierrez. “If we get foodservice back though, it will be a great market.”
Exports are also still to be determined. While shipments to Canada have been happening as well as to Mexico. With California finishing up supplies, Mexico is turning now to the Pacific Northwest for supplies. However, other markets are undetermined. “For the Asian Pacific Rim for example, I don’t know if there’s going to be as much demand as before,” says Gutierrez. “I don’t see it being there as it was previously.”


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Ashtead Group AHT is to increase its interim dividend by 16% and will also over the next 18 months, commence a share buy back programme of up to £1bn. The second quarter results showed growth exceeding that achieved in the first quarter and it is expected that full year results will now exceed expectations. For the half year to the 31st October rental revenue rose by 20%, profit before tax by 23% and earnings per share by 22%’
Balfour Beatty BBY reports that its performance to date is in line but still insists on ignoring the fact that the ludicrous and oft used name of its quality programme “Build to Last” just acts as a constant reminder of the horrors of the not too distant past.
Driver Group DRV saw a significant improvement on all fronts in the year to the 30th September with like for like revenue rising by 15%. Last years loss of £0.4m has been turned into a profit before tax of £2.5m and net borrowings slumped from £9.9m to £0.2m and are continuing to fall further.
Zytronic ZYT The year to the 30th September saw a significant improvement in trading profit which rose from £4.3m to £5.4m, with basic earnings per share up by 29%. The final dividend is to be increased by 39% making a total rise of 32% for the full year. A sound base has now been created, says the company, for further dividend increases in the future.
Joules Group JOUL updates that it has performed well in the half year to the 26th November, with group revenue rising by 18.2% in constant currency. Further expansion has been delivered across channels and products, reflecting the growing appeal of its brands as well as a growing customer base which now exceeds more than 1 million active customers.
Servoca plc SVCA A strong financial performance across all five of its business areas during the year to the 30th September saw revenue rise by 15.9% and adjusted profit before tax and EBITDA up by 11.4% and and 12.8% respectively. The final dividend is increased to 0.4p, a rise of14.3p


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Apple’s Eddy Cue: Best Products in 25 Years Are On the Way
Will 2014 prove to be a watershed year for Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) product innovation? Apple’s Eddy Cue and Beats Electronics’ Jimmy Iovine dropped plenty of gems for Apple fans to latch onto at Re/Code’s first annual Code Conference on Wednesday. Not surprisingly, much of the conversation focused on Apple’s recently confirmed acquisition of Beats Electronics. While the general terms of the $3 billion acquisition were announced in a press release from Apple, Cue revealed a few additional details on the deal, including Apple’s plan to keep the Beats Music streaming music app available for Android and Windows Phone users, reports Re/Code. Iovine also gave Apple investors a glimpse of Beats Music’s current level of success when he revealed that the subscription-only service now has 250,000 users after only being available for barely four months.
However, for Apple fans that are eager to find out what surprises the Cupertino-based company has up its sleeve, Cue’s comments about the iPhone maker’s upcoming products may have been the most exciting highlight of the conference. While light on the details, Cue’s description of Apple’s new products was heavy on the hype.
“Later this year…we’ve got the best product pipeline that I’ve seen at Apple in my twenty-five years at Apple,” stated Cue in a video of the conference provided by Re/Code. While it’s no surprise that a high-level company executive would boast that the latest products are also the greatest, Cue’s comments seem particularly bold considering Apple’s impressive history of innovative products. After all, the twenty-five year time span cited by Cue would encompass the release of the iPod, the iPhone, and the iPad.
The original iPod became the standard-bearer in the personal digital music player market and its iconic “clickwheel” user interface was one of the most recognizable product designs ever created. In 2007, the introduction of the touchscreen iPhone revolutionized the mobile phone industry and spawned multiple imitators, of which Samsung (SSNLF.PK) is perhaps the most famous — or infamous — depending on your perspective. Last but not least, Apple’s iPad practically invented the tablet segment of the mobile device market when it was introduced in 2010. The latest data from market research firm IDC showed that Apple continues to dominate the worldwide tablet market with a 32.5 percent share in the March quarter.
However, while Cue promised products that will outshine the iPod, iPhone, and iPad, he refused to reveal any details about upcoming product releases. Apple is notoriously secretive about its product plans and even Iovine noted that each time he met with Apple representatives over the past two months “they put tarps over everything, it’s amazing — I’m not kidding.”
However, there are various rumors about several new products that Apple may be releasing this year, including one that may even be unveiled at the annual Worldwide Developers Conference that kicks off on June 2 in San Francisco. Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster recently boosted his price target on Apple shares to $732 from $640 based partly on the potential for a new automated home product from Apple this year, including the possible introduction of an automated home software platform at the WWDC.
Meanwhile there are plenty of other rumors that suggest Apple will be unveiling new products and new product categories later this year. For example, Apple’s so-called iWatch or a similar wrist-worn tech product is expected to be released in the third quarter, according to a product roadmap from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, reports 9to5Mac.
Other rumors point to a new Apple TV product or even a so-called iTV television set. It should be noted that rumors of a new Apple product related to television were bolstered by Cue’s recent comments at the Code Conference.
“The experience has been stuck,” said Cue in reference to the current television viewing experience, according to Re/Code. “One of the problems you have with TV is you have a bunch of disparate systems. There’s no standards.” However, despite the criticism, Cue declined to offer any details about Apple’s possible product plans for this area.
More from Wall St. Cheat Sheet:
- Will Apple Announce an iHouse System?
- Hacked: Apple’s Helpful Security Service Turned Harmful
- Analyst: Get Bullish, This Is Apple’s ‘Year of Innovation’
Follow Nathanael on Twitter (@ArnoldEtan_WSCS)


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SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- TrueCar, Inc., (NASDAQ:TRUE), the easiest, most efficient and transparent online destination for buying and selling new and used vehicles, today announced that its Chief Financial Officer, Jantoon Reigersman, has also been appointed Chief Operating Officer, effective March 1, 2022. As COO, Reigersman will play a more significant role driving TrueCar's transformation by seeking to improve operational effectiveness and fulfillment, in order to drive future revenue growth through new products and services.
In this role, Reigersman will focus on the rollout and adoption of TrueCar+, a two-sided marketplace that aims to bring the car buying experience fully online. TrueCar+ is currently in pilot in Florida, with plans for full statewide coverage for new and used vehicles by the end of second quarter.
"As our Chief Financial Officer, Jantoon has been a key contributor to developing our business strategy and advancing new key initiatives and offerings, including TrueCar+. This appointment allows him to expand his contributions to accelerate our growth and transformation," said Mike Darrow, President and CEO of TrueCar.
Reigersman joined TrueCar in January 2021 as Chief Financial Officer, after serving as CFO for Leaf Group, an NYSE-listed diversified internal, media and ecommerce company. "I'm excited to take on this expanded role at such a pivotal time for the company," Reigersman said. "TrueCar+ is an innovative product offering that will revolutionize the car-buying experience for consumers, while simultaneously helping our dealer customers achieve greater efficiency," he added.
Reigersman's appointment will assure TrueCar remains focused on innovation that can be quickly scaled and delivers value to dealers and consumers.
TrueCar is a leading automotive digital marketplace that enables auto buyers to connect to our nationwide network of Certified Dealers. We are building the industry's most personalized and efficient auto buying experience as we seek to bring more of the purchasing process online. Consumers who visit our marketplace will find a suite of vehicle discovery tools, price ratings and market context on new and used cars – all with a clear view of what's a great deal. When they are ready, TrueCar will enable them to connect with a local Certified Dealer who shares in our belief that truth, transparency and fairness are the foundation of a great auto buying experience. As part of our marketplace, TrueCar powers auto-buying programs for over 250 leading brands, including AARP, Sam's Club, Navy Federal Credit Union and American Express. TrueCar is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, with an office in Austin, Texas.


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Toyota is giving e-motorsports a go by launching the new GR Supra GT Cup with Gran Turismo Sport for the game console.
This is Gran Turismo Sport’s first global one-make series and Toyota Gazoo Racing is an official partner of the FIA-certified Gran Turismo Championships, an online competition series.
Set to debut on 14th of April, Toyota's racing arm mentioned that it is more than just about creating entertainment as it feels that this would allow the company to use the experience and feedback gained to “support their mission to build ever-better cars in the future.”
The competition will run till August 2019 with preliminary online rounds held worldwide, before the finals event at the Tokyo Motor Show this October. Players who want to compete need to be six years or older and own the game for the PlayStation 4.
Dubbed FIA Gran Turismo Championship World Tour 1, non-players can also catch the action on the official Gran Turismo YouTube channel.


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Multiplayer Comes to Spin Rhythm XD
Steam Early Access
It’s no secret that we here at Player2 are big fans of Super Spin Digital’s innovative rhythm title Spin Rhythm XD – from early appearances at PAX to Early Access launch in October, it’s been fantastic to see this Aussie Indie receive the acclaim it deserves. The latest addition to the Early Access is an always online competitive multiplayer mode dubbed SpinFM, a ‘live radio’ providing the beats to players versing one another around the globe. A lack of a fail state in this mode means that even new players shouldn’t be shy about giving it a go, as missed notes and failed multipliers will simply result in a lower score. There’s no word whether SpinFM will make it to the Switch version as of yet, but I’d expect more news in early-mid 2020 closer to the planned launch on that platform.
To coincide with this update, Super Spin Digital have also added five new tracks to Spin Rhythm XD, bringing the total track count to 23. The new tracks include:
- ‘Coming Too’ by Melbourne DJ FarfetchD (feat. Elysium and Nutmeg)
- ‘I See Lite’ by Kitty
- ‘Métropole’, the title track of Anomalie’s debut EP
- ‘Showdown,’ by F.O.O.L.’, a Monstercat classic
- ‘Believe’ by Teminitedubstep/saxophone fusion
if you’re a fan of rhythm games in general, you owe it to yourself to check out Spin Rhythm XD. While I’m excited for the upcoming Switch version next year, the unique input system means using a standard mouse or a MIDI device like a CD-J turntable provides an experience unlike any other rhythm title I’ver played before.
Spin Rhythm XD is currently available on Steam Early Access and is expected to release for Nintendo Switch in 2020.


text: Get ready for Alexa to steer you to the mall. Amazon stores in Florida are coming, and it won't be in the pop-up variety. The e-commerce company is opening Amazon 4-Star, a storefront concept to three spots in the Sunshine State.\nWith the founder and CEO set to become the world's first trillionaire thanks to the company's domination of the internet shopping arena, Amazon is turning its focus on brick-and-mortar retail. It's already opened 12 of its 4-Star stores in nine states, and soon Florida will follow suit.\nTwo of the shops will be in South Florida, one in Lincoln Road Mall in Miami Beach, and the other at The Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens. A third will be located in Central Florida at The Mall at Millenia in Orlando.\nThe Miami Beach location will replace Nexxt Cafe, which offers nearly 5,000 square feet of space to showcase the best of what the shop has to offer. They'll be like mini department stores with the products displayed with four stars and up ratings.\nView this post on Instagram Pretty cool concept @stonebriarcentre .......the first @amazon store in Dallas! We stood in line for about 15 mins, not bad! Everything that is rated 4 star on the website is supposed to be in this store. I meant to post this weeks ago lol 😂 #amazon #amazonprime #amazon4star #dallas #shopping #crowded A post shared by de Laurence Burnes (@princedlux) on Nov 23, 2019 at 3:09pm PST\nThe Gardens Mall 4-Star will take over the former space formally occupied by Mayors Jewelry. According to the Palm Beach Post, that location was expected to open by the end of the year.\nThe selection will be eclectic, ranging from toys to housewares. It will feature products that are top-rated or new and trending as a way to stay current.\nThe best part is you won't have to wait three days or have an Amazon Prime account for next-day delivery. You'll be able to buy the item on the spot.\nView this post on Instagram アマゾン4スターに行ってきた😆💕. Amazonでの評価が星4つ以上の商品を売ってるお店。思ってたより広かった。いいなと思うものがあったら、ここで買わないでAmazonで頼もうって思えるのも帰りの荷物が増えなくて良い😍笑 娘のクリスマスプレゼントをそろそろ考えなきゃなぁ🤔1歳の女の子って何がいいんだろう。 #amazon4star #アマゾン4スター #ニューヨーク #マンハッタン A post shared by @ spring_selene on Nov 17, 2019 at 11:23am PST\nThe first Amazon 4-Star store opened in New York City in 2018 to packed crowds on its first day, which provides a glimpse into what lies ahead when the Florida locations open to the public.\nView this post on Instagram 😍 Concrete jungle where dreams are made of. My dreams just happen to be made up of random shit you can buy from amazon. Stumbled upon this and geeked tf out. A post shared by SHELBY FREE (@shelbsfree) on Nov 24, 2019 at 3:22pm PST\nWhile there is currently no set opening dates for these shops, you'll soon be able to wave goodbye to dreaded shipping fees.


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The Trap was closed in September 2011 to be used as a facility for the Ad Astra scholarship scheme. At the time of it’s closure, the pool tables and other games were bringing in over €10,000 a year for the Students’ Union.
Student Centre Manager and Project Co-ordinator Dominic O’Keeffe said: “Procare Pharmacy is moving across to the new unit within the next three weeks as we await certification from the Pharmacy regulator. The space being vacated by the pharmacy will be converted to a pool and games area, as was previously located in The Trap.”
The designated unit for the pharmacy has been fitted out over the past two weeks. Work has almost reached completion this week, with shelves, cash registers and signage all in place.
In addition to the pharmacy, other commercial outlets currently located in the old Student Centre, including the Students’ Union ‘Kiosk’ shop, will be moving to the new building, where they will be joined by new food and retail units. “The students unit are developing up the shop space with tenders back on Friday last for the works to be done. The Procurement Office are handling the tender for the cafe operation, with tenders due back September end so the new unit will open mid to end October,” said O’Keeffe.
UCDSU President Rachel Breslin expressed her hopes for the new Students’ Union shop.
“Yeah, it’s brilliant to be part of the new Student Centre and it’s going to be a hub of student activity. It’s a bigger premises, it’s a new premises and with the cinema and the drama theatre, we’re looking to supply products to students for going to those and I’m very hopeful. I look forward to it. It’s being fitted out over the next few weeks.”


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As bioplastics move towards becoming an intrinsic part of the plastics industry, people are sitting up and starting to take a real interest. This, at least was what Michael Thielen, the brain behind the K 2013 Bioplastics Business Breakfasts, saw at K 2010 when the breakfasts were organized for the first time.
This time around, the event—a three-day series of mini-symposia—has been reworked into a longer program that offers a quarter more presentations than the previous edition: an accurate reflection of the way attitudes towards bioplastics and technologies have evolved in just three short years.
Nonetheless, there are a great many people, including designers, product developers, converters and manufacturers, who are still relatively unaware of what is going on in bioplastics today. Yet with sustainability and green branding becoming a higher priority for consumers, investors, and society at large, it is important to realize that bioplastics can significantly contribute to a company’s sustainability strategy—and impact businesses' bottom lines.
For this reason, Michael Thielen is targeting a broad group of attendees with his Bioplastics Business Breakfasts. “Everyone interested in renewably sourced alternatives for traditional plastics should attend,” he says. “There are recognized experts from industry, academia and associations sharing their expertise and offering responses to all kind of questions that may arise. The breakfast meetings also provide a unique opportunity for networking.”...


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Manila / PH. (jfc) Jollibee Foods Corporation, operator of the Philippines largest fast food network, is a restaurant chain that has also locations in the United States, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Indonesia, Dubai and Brunei. It is an American style fast-food restaurant with Filipino-influenced dishes specializing in chicken, burgers and spaghetti.
Lupfig / CH. (hag) The Swiss Hiestand Group is on track to achieve its sales target of 700 million CHF for the full year, and all its other stated goals. Hiestand boosted its sales by 49,7 percent to 353.2 million CHF in the first six months of 2007.
Beijing / CN. (gov) China would strengthen exchanges and cooperation with other countries to cope with the issue of food safety «in a responsible way», Premier Wen Jiabao said in Beijing. China´s food quality was called into question both locally and globally, so the government has taken since the end of July some measures as follows:
Beijing / CN. (gov) The Chinese government started a four-month nationwide campaign to improve the quality of goods and food safety. During her speech at a conference on quality and safety issues last week, Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi described the campaign as a «special battle» to ensure the people´s health and interests and maintain a good image of Chinese products.
Miami / FL. (bk) Burger King Holdings Inc. delivered robust results for the fourth quarter of 2007 and with own words a record 2006/2007 fiscal year, driven by significant improvement across key business drivers – marketing, products, development and operations. Revenues, net income and earnings per share improved substantially over the prior periods.
Minneapolis / MN. (cg) Cargill Inc. reports net earnings of 628 million USD in the fiscal 2007 fourth quarter ended May 31, up 75 percent from 358 million USD (1) in the same period a year ago. Results reflected increased earnings from operations as well as a decrease in income tax-related expenses. For the full fiscal year, Cargill earned 2,34 billion USD, a 36 percent increase from 1,73 billion USD (2) a year ago. Results reflected increased earnings from operations and decreased income tax-related expenses in the third and fourth quarters.
Ghent / BE. (vg) The Vandemoortele Group announces that it takes over the Polish frozen bakery business of the Group Dossche, Gourmand Poland. The company with a turnover of three million Euro in Poland and a number of other Central European countries produces and sells frozen bakery products.
Berlin / DE. (ftd) McDonald´s Corporation, the world´s biggest fast food chain will invest up to 600 million Euro in Europe this year. «We are an American brand but we have to be more European», said President and Chief Operating Officer Ralph Alvarez to Financial Times Deutschland.
Chicago / IL. (sl) Food maker Sara Lee Corporation says its fourth-quarter profit soared due to higher sales in nearly every division, led by retail meats and household and body care products. For the quarter ended June 30, net income climbed to 117 million USD from eight million USD in the prior-year quarter.
Amsterdam / NL. (csm) Dutch food group CSM has made further progress with the implementation of its initiatives in the first half-year of 2007. The country-based European Bakery Supplies organization is being transformed into a market-oriented European business unit structure.


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Technology giants like Google, Apple and Facebook often make headlines with their deals and acquisitions. Besides developing their own services, these companies often acquire other companies to get them to work for them as an in-house firm. It is a good way of expanding their business, getting more experts to work for them, and at the same time, get a service from a company that is already established in its working. Today, Google‘s latest acquisition has come to light. The company is said to have agreed to pay $2.6 billion for acquiring Looker Data Science, making it one among the biggest acquisition deals of the search giant. But then, Google is known for its expensive acquisitions. Here, we have listed down the 10 most expensive acquisitions that Google has ever made:
2Motorola: $12.5 billion
Yes. You read that right. Motorola Mobility was acquired by Google for a staggering $12.5 billion. This is the most expensive acquisition by the technology giant ever. However, the company did not seem to benefit much from it since it sold the company to Lenovo just three years later for less than $3 billion.


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Gelson's, GROW To Require Masks for All CustomersApr 08, 2020 05:28PM ● By Jeanne Fratello
Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that GROW The Produce Shop will now require customers to wear masks or face coverings while shopping.
In light of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, Gelson's Market has announced that it will require all customers to wear masks or face coverings, effective Friday, April 10.
Manhattan Beach's independent market GROW has instituted a similar requirement, effective Thursday, April 9.
The new policies come on the heels of a Centers for Disease Control recommendation that the public should wear masks outside. Additionally, Mayor Eric Garcetti has issued an order for the city of Los Angeles that all members of the public must wear a mask or face covering when inside grocery stores or essential businesses, effective April 10.
Under Gelson's new policy, no one may enter the store without a mask or face covering. This applies to all of its locations, including Manhattan Beach, and includes employees, all shoppers, and vendors.
"While we are providing extra pay and perks to our employees, we must also do everything we can to keep our employees safe as they continue to serve an essential function in the community," said Gelson's president and CEO Rob McDougall in a statement. "We recognize and thank both our employees and our customers for making sacrifices in their daily lives for the collective safety of our neighborhoods."
Previously, Gelson's had instituted a number of other policies aimed at reducing the spread of the virus, such as banning reusable bags in its stores, requiring employees to wash or sanitize their hands every hour, and installing plexiglass shields at check stands to protect employees.
Last month, Gelson's temporarily closed its Pacific Palisades store for cleaning after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.
GROW Adds Mask Requirement
GROW made the announcement on Wednesday night in an email to customers that no one will be allowed to shop at GROW unless they are wearing a mask or garment that covers their nose and mouth.
"Our team fills a vital role in our community and their safety is paramount to Kathy and me," said GROW owner Barry Fisher. "Please understand this is also for your family's protection."


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ONALASKA — Former Onalaska resident Jarrod Byers has returned to the area to open the 12th Crooked Pint Ale House in the former Ground Round Grill & Bar location at 9348 Hwy. 16, in the Crosseroads Center shopping center in Onalaska.
Byers, who owns and operates the Onalaska restaurant, had been a regional manager for the Crooked Pint chain since 2016. And he spent the previous 20 years working for a number of restaurant companies.
“It’s gone really well,” Byers said of the Onalaska restaurant, which opened Aug. 20 and is the first that he has owned. “People are excited that we’re here.”
Crooked Pint Ale House is part of the St. Paul, Minn.-based Hightop Hospitality family of restaurants, which also includes Green Mill Restaurant and Bar, Sweet Pea’s Public House and Harriet’s Inn. The first Crooked Pint Ale House opened in 2011 in downtown Minneapolis, Byers said.
Crooked Pint Ale House describes its locations as a restaurant and craft beer bar. It says the restaurants offer classic pub fare and are known for a wide variety of award-winning Juicy Lucy burgers, such as the Beer Cheese Lucy and the Peanut Butter and Bacon Lucy.
“We’ll stuff them with anything that tastes good in the middle,” Byers said of the chain’s Juicy Lucy burgers.
“We also have other hot dishes such as tacos, really good appetizers, other sandwiches and Detroit-style pizzas,” Byers said.
“The pizzas are rectangle-shaped and the sauce is on the top, which is unique,” he said. “It’s the dough, then the toppings, then the sauce. The crust gets a little crisper and the sauce doesn’t saturate it as much.”
Crooked Pint Ale House also is known for its large selection of craft beer. It also offers wine, spirits and cocktails.
The Onalaska restaurant has 28 beers on tap, Byers said. “We only have two (on tap) that aren’t considered craft – that would be Old Style and Coors Light,” he said. About half of the craft beers that are on tap will rotate consistently.
Minnesota and Wisconsin craft breweries are well represented on the list of beers that are on tap. And the list includes products from three area breweries – Turtle Stack Brewery and Pearl Street Brewery, both in La Crosse, and Driftless Brewing Co. in Soldiers Grove.
The former Ground Round restaurant, which closed last summer, was extensively remodeled to become Crooked Pint Ale House. As part of the remodel, a garage door was installed between the restaurant’s interior and its outdoor patio, and is open during nice weather.
“The landlord also helped us extend our patio a little bit,” Byers said. The restaurant can seat about 180 people inside. The outdoor patio is set up to seat about 60 people and eventually will be able to seat about 90 people.
Other features include a Hilltopper Game Room, as well as 13 big-screen TVs for watching sports events.
The restaurant has 50 to 60 employees, said Byers, who got his start in the industry as a 16-year-old supervisor at a Taco Time restaurant in La Crosse in 1996. He later worked at the former Chi-Chi’s Mexican restaurant in Onalaska, and then at the Perkins Restaurant & Bakery in Onalaska.
“I was on the (Perkins) new store opening team in 1999 and 2000, so I opened some Perkins around the country,” Byers said. “Then I moved to the Twin Cities and worked for Champps restaurants for 12 years” before joining the Crooked Pint Ale House chain.
“I moved to the (Onalaska) area in seventh grade and was there through my first year in college,” said Byers, who attended Viterbo University after graduating from Onalaska High School in 1998.
Byers, his wife and their two children recently moved to Holmen from the St. Paul suburb of Cottage Grove.
“I had a dream of owning a restaurant and had the opportunity for that to come true,” Byers said of opening his Onalaska restaurant. “Being here in my hometown of Onalaska and the La Crosse area played into my decision a little bit. It’s a great community.”
1985: Ranch House Dinner Theater
Happy Joe's Pizza and Ice Cream Parlor
Circus Supper Club
Elite Restaurant and Candy Shop
Big River Cattle Co.
Fat Sams Bistro
1983: Showbiz Pizza Place
Johnnies Bar & Grill
Cheddar 'n Ale
Mai-Tai Supper Club
Winchell's Donut House
1976: New Villa
Mr. D's Donuts
1975: Bodega Lunch Club
Ponderosa Steak House
1972: Hoffman House Restaurant
1972: Louie Bantle's Restaurant
Royale Pie Shop
Chicago Beef & Etc.
1971: Kewpee Lunch
Bridgeman's Ice Cream
1965: Dog House Restaurant
1954: Triangle Cafe
1952: Harmony Cafe
South Avenue Cafeteria
The Penguin Drive-In
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Today, Parrot introduces its ANAFI FPV drone which features 4K HDR video and 21-megapixel images.
Articles tagged "anafi"
Jul 20, 2019 at 21:34
After initial reports of disappearing stock, a spokesperson from Parrot has confirmed the company is planning to exit the toy drone market.
Apr 15, 2019 at 17:50
Parrot has released an enterprise version of its Anafi drone that features an integrated FLIR thermal camera.
Jun 7, 2018 at 15:56
Parrot has launched its latest consumer drone, the Anafi. This folding drone will retail for just shy of $700 and features a 21-megapixel camera capable of 4K HDR capture at 30 fps.
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OTT is increasingly being tested by advertisers as more inventory becomes available, says Nicole Whitesel, SVP of Enterprise Strategy at Publicis Media. “In the past, OTT was seen as a nascent channel with limited reach,” said Whitesel. “I think now you’re seeing a lot more inventory there available to them to buy.
Starbucks has dramatically increased the use of AI-powered customer insights to drive growth, says Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson. During the most recent holiday season, Starbucks made data-driven decisions on a variety of items from the type of holiday cups they were offering to how they promoted gift cards, all designed to increase sales.
Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson isn’t worried about competitors in the fast-growing coffee market in China. Starbucks has nearly 3,700 stores in China already and is generating double-digit transaction growth. For Starbucks, their growth in China continues to be driven by providing a unique customer experience that is like no other in their industry.
Nordstrom is the class act of the department store segment and doing everything right says Former Toys ‘R’ Us CEO, Gerald Storch. Unfortunately, that is not enough according to Storch because customers are deserting malls for ecommerce.
Glossier is both a beauty company and a tech company that is succeeding by staying incredibly connected to their customers. Glossier founder and CEO Emily Weiss says that they are building a people-powered ecosystem where they are co-creating with their customers.
“For us, our partnership with Amazon was all about new customer acquisition,” says Lands’ End CEO Jerome Griffith. “If you look at searches online, more people go to Amazon to search for clothing than anyplace. If you are not there you are not relevant.”


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The chef is gaining a following at local tailgate markets with her baked goods and take-and-bake lasagnas.
After living in Charlotte for more than 20 years, Ramona Young, owner of the Kente Kitchen and program coordinator for the Eagle Streets Market Development Corp., found herself starting over in Asheville. That change steered her from a corporate career path into food entrepreneurship. Her catering business, Kente Kitchen, specializes in Liberian, Nigerian and Ghanaian cuisine. Mountain Xpress: […]
Asheville has no shortage of local culinary celebrities. Everyone from food truck owners to tailgate market vendors — and, of course, award-winning chefs — could claim to be a part of that group of notables. But even in the midst of Asheville’s constellation of food luminaries, Katie Button is a brightly shining star. Several years […]
On his final day as head chef of Tomato Jam Café, Chef Daniel Wright announces he is about to pioneer a new position at Loretta’s Café: Starting the first week of January, he will become Loretta’s first director of catering.