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analysis cost-of-living crisis
Settings step up support for
Vitamin Angels UK extends partnership with NDNA as nurseries increase food donations
One scheme provides supplementary food for low-income families Nurseries providing free hot lunches for two-year-olds and running food banks
With the price of food and energy rising – and inflation at a 40-year high – many early years settings are thinking about how best to support their children, families and staff.
Last week, June O’Sullivan, chief executive of LEYF, called on the Government to invest in nursery food provision to tackle food insecurity.
According to market research company Kantar, food inflation is the highest for 13 years. The Office for National Statistics said inflation as measured by the consumer prices index rose to 9.1 per cent in May, the highest since
Laura Weir, manager of Rosedene nursery, Hardwick
February 1982. To support young children’s nutrition, Vitamin Angels UK has expanded its partnership with the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) to provide free weekly nutrient-dense supplementary food to 12 nurseries.
More than 1,000 children from low-income families now access the scheme to help improve the quality of children’s diets in
London, Sowerby Bridge, Middlesbrough, Manchester, Grimsby, Darlington, Scunthorpe, Wolverhampton and Leominster.
Each week the nurseries are provided with a shopping list from which they can select five servings of fruit, five servings of vegetables, and three servings of protein-rich food items per child per week. Vitamin Angles said the programme costs about £1.75 per week (£0.35 per day). The charity provides funding direct to NDNA, which as the scheme co-ordinator places a nursery’s online shopping order, with the food delivered by the local Tesco.
Michelle Shaw, nursery manager at Central Daycare in Grimsby, said, ‘Vitamin Angels has had an immense impact on the children and families that access our service – because of their initiative, we’ve been able to give some of the most disadvantaged children access to healthy meals and snacks without a financial impact to them. Children and parents are also now more receptive to the new healthy menus – and the youngsters that previously wouldn’t eat fresh fruit and vegetables now do.’
Established in 1994 in the United States, the charity’s goal is to increase access to good
case study: Ford Road Nursery and Pre-school, London Early Years Foundation (LEYF)
The 57-place nursery in Dagenham qualified for support from Vitamin Angels because of the proportion of funded two-year-old places. In addition, the nursery also runs a food bank with its donations, and contributions from some parents and staff. Vitamin Angels food is also used for healthy snacks and main meals.
The nursery buys household, baby items and toiletries that it also offers alongside the food bank.
About 80 per cent of the 130 children registered are either on two-year-old funding or the 15 hours for three- and four-year-olds. Fee-paying and working parents receiving 30-hour childcare are in the minority.
The nursery has 94 per cent occupancy. The demographic has changed in the 12 years that manager Pauline Emmins (pictured) has worked there, when there were more working parents.
‘Barking and Dagenham was a very deprived borough anyway, before Covid hit and before prices increased. Now the general population are struggling even more. It’s lovely for us to feel we can make a difference for so many families,’ she said.
The food bank is run from the community room and there is always a trolley outside the nursery for families to help themselves. The nursery also offers dinner bags, such as spaghetti with tomato sauce with a recipe card for ideas to add extra meat or veg.
‘The food bank is being used more in the last month, more products are being taken. I think more people will use it, especially when energy costs go up in October.
‘With the trolley we try to take the stigma out of it. Parents put food in their bag or buggy before they come in to collect their child.
‘It’s made the ‘It’s made the e child ore dren mo dren ore
‘It’s made the children more conscious of what they’re eating. They’ll take a piece of fruit from the trolley on their way home, so they’re getting additional fruit.
‘We have one particular family on social care. We put food in a bag and put it to one side and hand it over when that parent comes in, because she’s struggling to feed her children. So that helps her to get through the week.
‘I told staff the community room is for everybody. It’s the same rules. If we feel we need to take something, that’s absolutely fine. We have got the flipside as well, with some families and staff contributing if they feel they’re in a position to donate.’
6 | NurseryWorld | July 2022
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Something happened, now this stock is moving
Brambles Ltd (ASX:BXB) made an announcement and now the stock is trading 9.2% higher at 1030am Sydney time.
Supply chain logistics company Brambles Ltd has made a response to media speculation regarding the receipt of a takeover bid from private equity group CVC Capital Partners. Brambles this morning confirmed that it has engaged in preliminary, incomplete discussions with CVC but is yet to receive a formal takeover offer. According to the AFR, CVC is assembling funding for a $20bn+ takeover bid for Brambles.
Following today’s announcement, Brambles shares are up 5.95% year-to-date.
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Popeyes made headlines for its chicken sandwich in 2019, and now the popular food chain is capturing the attention of many for their latest launched fashion line based on employee uniforms.
Shortly after the release of Beyoncé's highly acclaimed Ivy Park x Adidas collection, eagle-eyed fans were quick to point out the resemblance many of the maroon and orange pieces had to Popeyes uniforms.
Where there is a will, there is a way, and here we are with a fun mashup of uniforms from Popeyes that can now be shopped.
The imagery shot to accompany the line is very reminiscent of the Ivy Park line that quickly sold out.
The Popeyes uniform collection includes a variety of different pieces including a hooded jacket, a hat and a crewneck sweatshirt, which are quickly selling out. Prices range from $10 to $40.
Fer Machodo, who oversees global marketing for the popular food franchise, posted a tweet clearing things up about the inspiration behind the line.
"The thing is, we are not launching a clothing collection inspired by Beyoncé's Ivy Park brand," he said. "These are our current uniforms! For real. That look from Popeyes."
Another British grocery chain, Sainsbury's, jumped in on the Ivy Park action as well posting a photo of their similarly colored uniforms along with the caption "Repping since 1869" on Instagram.
Since posting, Sainsbury's tweet has received more than 18,000 likes and over 4,592 comments.
This isn't the first time a fast-food retailer has launched a line of clothing. Other big chains such as Taco Bell, McDonald's, Red Lobsters have also forayed into fashion in the past.


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As you probably know, Microsoft has become extremely aggressive with their attempts to push the free Windows 10 upgrade onto reluctant Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users.
Since its official release in July 2015, Windows 10 has gained market share at a healthy clip each and every month as users decided to take advantage of the free upgrade deal while it was still available.
But apparently users weren’t upgrading fast enough to meet Microsoft’s long-term goals, so they decided to change the Windows Update procedure to make the update to Windows 10 virtually automatic.
Long story short, hundreds of thousands of PC users woke up one morning to discover that their machines had been automatically updated to Windows 10 overnight, without their knowledge or permission. Not surprisingly, the backlash was immediate and severe.
A handful of opportunistic companies quickly developed programs like Never10 that prevent PCs from installing the automatic Windows 10 updates. Predictably, users started downloading them in huge numbers.
As a result, the number of PCs upgraded from Windows 7 or 8.1 to Windows 10 dropped to virtually nil in April.
Truth be told, I’ve been using Microsoft operating systems ever since they first released MS-DOS way back in the 1980’s.
I happen to really like Windows. And yes, that includes the new Windows 10. But that being said, I’m not a fan of forced updates, especially when it entails updating to an entirely new version of Windows.
To their credit, Microsoft has often been responsive to user complaints, so hopefully they’ll now re-think their decision to force the free Windows 10 update onto users who simply have no desire to switch to Windows 10.
After all, the guys and gals in Redmond have pretty much said there will not be a Windows 11. Instead, they’ll be releasing security and feature updates to Windows 10 on a regular basis similar to the way Apple releases updates to OS X.
That obviously means as older PCs are replaced with new ones, Windows 10 will eventually replace the vast majority of the older Windows versions currently in use anyway.
Bottom line: It’s hard to understand why Microsoft would be willing to irritate their customers by forcing unwanted Windows upgrades onto the ones who clearly don’t want them. The folks at Apple and Google are probably giggling with delight right now.
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Finning Q2 profit up on strong sales across its regions and efficiencies in Canada
Demand in Canada remains healthy, with net revenue up 18% from last year to due to higher new equipment sales and the acquisition of 4Refuel
VANCOUVER – Finning International Inc. says its second-quarter net income was up 11 per cent from the same time last year amid strong sales in all its regions and improved efficiencies following restructurings in Canada and South America.
The Vancouver-based heavy equipment dealer – which also operates Caterpillar dealerships in the United Kingdom and Ireland – reported $88 million of net income, or 54 cents per share with $2 billion of net revenue.
That was up from $81 million of net income or 48 cents per share, with $1.73 billion of net revenue in 2018.
Adjusted earnings came in at 54 cents per share.
Analysts had estimated 42 cents per share of adjusted earnings and $1.8 billion of net revenue, according to financial markets data firm Refinitiv.
Finning said demand in Canada remains healthy, with net revenue up 18 per cent from last year to due to higher new equipment sales and the acquisition of 4Refuel, which contributed $28 million of net revenue in the quarter.


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The world is in the grips of a food-tech revolution. One of the most compelling new developments is cultured meat, also known as clean, cell-based or slaughter-free meat. It’s grown from stem cells taken from a live animal without the need for slaughter.Proponents hail cultured meat as the long-awaited solution to the factory farming problem. If commercialized successfully, it could solve many of the environmental, animal welfare and public health issues of animal agriculture while giving consumers exactly what they’re used to eating. Despite this, the public is uncertain about cultured meat. Scientists and high-profile supporters, including investors like Bill Gates and Richard Branson, are pushing for broader adoption, but it’s difficult to sell the public on new food technology – case in point, genetically modified food.
‘Cultured meat is not necessary’While there is increasing awareness of the downsides of factory farming, this knowledge has still not spread to all meat consumers, or at least is not reflected in their purchasing behavior. Factory farming supports what many consider cruel and restrictive practices where animals raised in such farms are subjected to extreme suffering, and estimates suggest that over 99 percent of U.S. farmed animals live on factory farms. Animal agriculture is also inefficient. Growing and feeding an entire animal for only part of its body is inevitably less efficient than growing just the parts that you want to eat. Factory farming degrades the environment and contaminates local land and water, in addition to emitting around 14.5 percent of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. The use of antibiotics in farming leads to antibiotic resistance, which could have devastating consequences for human health globally. In 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported that over 70 percent of medically important drugs were sold for use in animal agriculture.
‘I’m worried about the animals and farmers’Some people express concern about the fate of chickens and cows, imagining them abandoned to die or released into the wild. The time frame for cultured meat renders this consideration moot. Even by optimistic estimates, large-scale production is likely still several years away. As new processes are adopted, the demand for farm animals will slowly decrease. Fewer animals will be bred, thus the animals at the center of these concerns will never exist. Many people are also concerned about the negative impact a transition to cultured meat may have on farmers. But this new technology is far from the only threat farmers already face as the industry becomes ever more centralized. Eighty-five percent of beef in the U.S. comes from just four main producers.
‘Cultured meat is disgusting’Disgust is a common reaction to cultured meat. It’s difficult to rebut, as it is not an argument per se – disgust is in the eye of the beholder. However, disgust is often not a good guide for rational decision-making. Cultural differences in meat consumption illustrate this point. Typically, Westerners are happy to eat pigs and cows, but consider eating dogs disgusting. But dog meat is consumed in some Asian cultures. So what is disgusting appears to be somewhat determined by what is normal and accepted in your community. With time, and exposure to cultured meat, it’s possible that these feelings of disgust will disappear.
‘Cultured meat is unnatural’Perhaps the loudest opposition to cultured meat is that it’s unnatural. This argument relies on the premise that natural things are better than unnatural things. While this outlook is reflected in recent consumer preferences, the argument is fallacious. Some natural things are good. However, there are many things that are unnatural that are fundamental to our society: glasses, motorized transport, the internet. Why single out cultured meat?
Lead image by Joes Future Food.The post Cultivated Meat Might Seem Alien But It’s Better Than Animal Agriculture appeared first on Green Queen. meat chicken beef plant-based cultured cell-based cellular cultured meat investors industry


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Nvidia Shield Android TV will soon receive the update "Shield Experience Upgrade 3.2". The changes are numerous and substantial, especially with regard to video playback. Nvidia decoder will be the first capable of streaming Netflix in HDR (High Dynamic Range). Currently the only title available is the first season of "Marco Polo", but in the coming months the HDR content catalog will be expanded considerably.
The Nvidia Shield Android TV also support HDR on GameStream or streaming games through a PC connected to the local network. The owners of a PC with a Nvidia GPU with architecture Pascal will be the first thus take advantage of the HDR while playing on your Shield Android TV. Another outstanding news is collaboration with VUDU, other content management and video on demand platform that Nvidia is working to enable users to access content catalog in Ultra HD resolution.
The update will bring many new features, including support for 4K video at 60 frames per second on YouTube and many other additional content that will come with the firmware 3.2 of Nvidia Shield Android TV, both in terms of new applications and high definition content and video games. For the latter category will feature games like Sadwen and Homefront: The Revolution, which are already available, like the Resident Evil 5 downloadable from the Play Store.
In addition to YouTube and VUDU 4K and Netflix in HDR, owners of Nvidia television can enjoy the content of HDR in new applications, including a special mention for Spotify, available from yesterday, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Comedy Central, Deezer and applications of ESPN, ABC and CNN. Nvidia has not announced when the new firmware will be available, but we should not wait long to install as usual via OTA.


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The official invitation to Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference 2023 went out Wednesday, confirming we’ll get our first look at what’s on the company’s near-term agenda on June 5. Apple promises WWDC23 will bring an opportunity “to learn the latest about Apple platforms, technologies, and tools.”
In other words, expect new versions of iOS, macOS and more — including a possible first look at the company’s long-rumored AR/VR headset (along with the software that will power the device).
WWDC23 will kick off with a keynote on June 5 and run the rest of that week. Even in this post-pandemic world, the event will be mostly online. However, a fortunate few developers and students will be able to watch the video keynote from Apple Park.


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“The latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 GPU, with its new RTX cores, will bring ray tracing performance to a more affordable price point”
NVIDIA has announced the GeForce RTX 2060 GPU at the ongoing CES 2019 event, alongside mobile GeForce RTX 2080, 2070 and 2060 for use in laptops. The GeForce RTX line of graphics cards, which follows the company’s 10xx lineup from previous years, is based on the new Turing graphics computing architecture, bringing to the table higher compute power, AI processing, and real-time ray tracing. This, in turn, enables high frame-rate gaming and visual effects processing, which was so far possible with the GeForce RTX 2070, 2080, and 2080 Ti GPUs.
With the RTX 2060, NVIDIA is looking to appeal more to the affordable segment of gamers, which will also be crucial for success in value-sensitive markets such as India. The Founder’s Edition graphics card, based on the new RTX 2060 GPU, will go on sale globally from January 15, at $349 (approx. Rs 24,300). For this price, the GeForce RTX 2060 gets 1,920 CUDA cores, 240 Tensor cores, 1,365MHz base clock and 1,680MHz boost clock, with 6GB of GDDR6 video memory — so far the only variant. This gives it up to 52 teraflops of graphic processing power, and ray-tracing bandwidth of 5 gigarays per second, making it what NVIDIA claims is the performance equivalent of the GeForce 1070 Ti.
The GeForce RTX 2060 also comes equipped with NVIDIA’s DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) graphics upscaling technology. This has been put in place to make up for drop in frame rates, which will happen once real-time ray tracing is switched on. With pre-ray tracing 4K HDR gameplay frame rate benchmark at 60fps, NVIDIA states that even with ray tracing on, the presence of DLSS will ensure that gameplay is actively rendered at around the 60fps benchmark. In comparison to the RTX 2060, the RTX 2070 has 2,304 CUDA cores and 288 Tensor cores (as well as proportionately higher RTX cores), thereby delivering significantly higher performance, but at a sizeable premium at $499 (approx. Rs 34,700). Potentially, hence, the GeForce RTX 2060 has a massive scope in the industry.
NVIDIA has also unveiled the mobile versions of GTX 2080, 2070 and 2060, to be implemented with NVIDIA’s Max-Q heat/power optimisations. These will further allow these GPUs to be configured in laptops with increasingly thinner and smaller chassis’. While upcoming laptops from MSI, Gigabyte and Acer were flaunted on stage, NVIDIA has stated that up to 40 new laptops across varying ranges will be unveiled from January 29 onward, bringing ray tracing performance to laptops for the first time.
Buyers of the GeForce RTX 2060/2070 graphics cards, or laptops equipped with these GPUs, will get to choose between Anthem and Battlefield V as a free game for a limited period. Those purchasing RTX 2080 and 2080 Ti will, understandably, get both the games free, although the highest version of NVIDIA’s GPUs are available at $999 (approx. Rs 69,600) or higher.


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A group of women in southern Sudan who have set up their own Body Shop-style business producing and selling women’s cosmetics are suggesting that the fragrances can keep men faithful.
The women, who are members of the Anglican microfinance initiative Five Talents, joked with one of the charity’s trustees, Shona Passfield, that one particular product was so good women who bought it would no longer have to worry about their husbands cheating on them.
“These ladies in the Diocese of Wau are wanting to expand their version of a 'Body Shop Sudan'," said Shona. "They have joined a Five Talents’ savings group of 23 members and will shortly apply for a small loan to purchase more ingredients and scale up production. The products were marvellous and are selling really well.
“I do wonder though whether that has something to do with the ladies’ claim that one such fragrance ‘prevented men straying from the marital bed’. If it’s really that effective then there might well be a global market for their products!”
The Wau groups totalling 490 members have already saved over $9,000, equivalent to almost $20 per person and have made loans to their members currently worth over $1,600.
“This savings-led model of microfinance is such a great method of self-help and self-empowerment.” Said Shona.
The Five Talents initiative was started following commendation at the Lambeth Conference 1998 and now has offices in the UK and the USA, and programme delivery partners in 12 developing countries. Each microfinance programme is closely aligned with the local Anglican Province, with work currently stretching over 11 Provinces and 26 Dioceses.
Five Talents is now serving over 27,000 people with business training, small savings and loan schemes (microfinance). This enables people to run their own small informal businesses from which they can meet their household needs and improve their living standards.
At a recent fringe event at the Church of England’s General Synod, Five Talents was described by its patron Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams as “a gift to the Anglican Communion”. He told those gathered at the event: “It has been a privilege to be involved with this [Five Talents], to hear the good news that it brings and to see the excellent modelling of the development work ethic. This is a deeply creative and constructive way forward.”
For more information or an interview contact Tom.email@example.com
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Bold patterns, vivid colours and geometric shapes, evoking elements of traditional African masks, will infuse 100% Design South Africa 2016 with a sophisticated Afro-optimistic spirit.
The eye-catching 2016 campaign is the result of an exciting collaboration between the show and top branding agency, Deep Design, who conceptualised the new graphic identity and execution for the show’s third annual edition, due to be held at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 5 – 9 August 2016.
“The 2016 graphic campaign takes its cue from the rich visual traditions in Africa interpreted in a thoroughly contemporary way,” explains Cathy O’Clery, Programmes Director for 100% Design South Africa. “The sleek yet playful palette combined with the use of basic shapes creates a wonderful toolkit. It will play out in a myriad of creative executions giving the whole show a distinct and directional identity.”Read more


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During the NFO research trip, Zeeuwse and Brabant growers visited the Klein Altendorf Nursery. Gerhard Baab led the group around and started with the planted Morgana. "Morgana is the brand name of the variety Kizuri which was developed by Better3Fruit from Belgium. At the moment there are 120,000 trees in Germany, of which 55,000 at the company Krings. Morgana has a comparable production to Jonagold and doesn't have turnabout years," says Gerhard Baab.
"In the third growing year of the Morgana we picked 50 tonnes of apples. The colouring, however, remains a challenge. The apple has to be 50% coloured which means there are up to three harvest in a period of two to three weeks. The cutting method can also contribute to the colouring of the apple. For an optimal colouring, narrow trees that let through a lot of light are ideal," according to Gerhard. The storage life of the Morgana is very good. The apple can be stored for 8 to 9 months.
Elstar is still a very popular variety in Germany. 35% of the new planting is Elstar. "At the moment we are doing various tests with a new Elstar mutant for the company Krings and the Elrosa." Baab then took the visitors to see the trees being tested on various substrates.
For more information:
Proeftuin Klein Altendorf
Campus Klein Altendorf 2


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Pacific’s celebrity and real life brands have joined forces to release four commemorative Official Australian Olympic Pins.
Supported by New Idea, WHO and that’s life!, the collection of four pins – Swimming, Cycling, Basketball and Athletics – will be available nationally in newsagents over the next fortnight. The retail promotion will allow consumers to purchase any of the four Official Australian Olympic Pins for only $1 when purchasing a copy of New Idea, WHO or that’s life!
Gereurd Roberts, general manager, food, family and home, said: “As part of Seven West Media’s ongoing Olympic support, we are proud to unveil the Official Australian Olympic Pins to all who are looking to support our national team.”
The exclusive promotion will be heavily supported across Pacific’s print, social and digital assets, in addition to a series of 15- and 30-second TV commercials across the Seven Network.
The Swimming and Cycling pins are available this week, with Basketball and Athletics available from Monday 8 August.
This week, New Idea, WHO and that’s life! featured exclusive Olympic content.
New Idea has a 16-page Official Rio 2016 Olympic Games Viewing Guide which showcases the highlights from Rio. In partnership with the Seven Network, the viewing guides will be released weekly over the next three weeks.
Seven West Media chairman Kerry Stokes said: “We are committed to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. It will be an extraordinary event – one we will see unfold live, as it happens, across broadcast television and connected devices. We are also committed to Australian sport. And we are determined to deliver a quality broadcast that embraces these ideals and reflects Australia’s regard for its sportsmen and women.”


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Good food fast
Holland Eats to begin online delivery service
HOLLAND — Following the first heavy snowstorm of the season, food delivery service Holland Eats will begin taking orders on Tuesday, Nov. 27, at 10 a.m.
The online service now includes menus from more than 25 local restaurants, including Windmill Restaurant, The City Delicatessen, The Curragh Irish Pub, Taqueria Vallarta, Applebee’s, Red Robin and Anna’s House.
Daniel Jacobs, co-owner of Holland Eats, already runs a similar delivery service in Texas. He and his business partner Christian Garcia also have restaurant experience.
“We’ve both worked for delivery services before,” said Jacobs. “We both grew up in the food industry, and we understand the service aspect of it.”
Holland Eats will charge $3.99 for all deliveries within five miles and $1 (prorated) for each additional mile, plus a service fee of 10-20 percent, based on the chosen restaurant. Deliveries are available for anyone with a 49423, 49424 or 49464 ZIP code.
Customers are encouraged to tip drivers, who keep a portion of their delivery fee and all of their tips. Jacobs has already brought on six drivers, who will operate under the same concept as Uber — rather than being paid an hourly rate, they’ll earn money based on the number of orders filled.
“We’re looking to give anyone a shot,” said Jacobs. “Whether you’re in college and looking to make some extra cash or you just want to make some money during the holiday season, we’re looking for all types.”
Since announcing the service, several restaurants have filled out an application to partner with Holland Eats. For some of these eateries, the delivery service will offer a downsized menu to protect both the buyer and seller.
“Nobody wants to get rubbery or salty tater tots and nachos,” said Jacobs. “And no restaurant wants to be given poor reviews because their delivery inevitably wasn’t good. So, we sometimes offer condensed menus to make sure the food travels well.”
The company recently launched a smartphone app through which customers can place their orders, rather than navigating the original website. The official Holland Eats app, which features a windmill icon, is available for download on Google Play and Apple’s App Store.
Despite intense planning and organization, Jacobs wants to remind customers that opening day might not be perfect.
“We weren’t anticipating the hype,” he said. “So, we’re asking people to please understand that we are a startup. There may be a few hiccups during our launch, but we will get those kinks worked out.”
Holland Eats will be open 10 a.m.-10 p.m daily. Visit hollandeats.com to place an order.


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2011 Hyundai ElantraEnlarge Photo
Last month was the first time in eight months that new car sales declined, thanks to a mixture of product shortages, high gas prices and reduced discounts or incentives from manufacturers. The sales slowdown means that new cars, on average, are taking longer to leave dealer lots. In April, the average new car stuck around for 48 days before being sold, but in May it took 54 days to move the same inventory.
Some cars beat the odds, moving through dealer inventory almost as soon as they’re off-loaded from car haulers. Others can only hope to achieve a 54 day turnaround, since they often languish on dealer lots for several times the duration of the average car. Below are the ten winners for the month of May, followed by the ten losers. If you’re in the market for a new car, don’t expect a particularly good deal on any of the “winners,” but on the other hand, I’m sure dealers will entertain reasonable offers on any cars on the “losers” list.
May 2011 Winners
May 2011 Losers
Also worth noting is the performance of the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, which took 18 and 19 days to flip, respectively. The 2011 Chrysler 200 deserves a nod as well, taking just 19 days to move through dealer inventory. “Above average sell-through” is certainly not something we would have associated with the Chrysler 200’s predecessor, the Sebring.


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Ant Group Announces Exit from Crypto Market, Pulls Out of $100 Million Fund
Ant Group is leaving the crypto market by selling its $100 million stake in A&T Capital due to recent uncertainties and changes.
Ant Group’s departure from the cryptocurrency market coincides with a notable decline in crypto venture funding, and a growing focus on AI technology.
Chinese fintech giant Ant Group is selling its stake in crypto-focused A&T Capital, a significant step back from its previous $100 million investment in the digital asset market. The news follows the resignation of A&T’s founding partner, Yu Jun, who formerly served as an executive at Ant Group and played an important role in establishing A&T for offshore crypto project investments.
A&T Capital, founded in April 2021 with major backing from Ant Group, invested in promising crypto startups, including digital-asset lender Matrixport and Ethereum software developer ConsenSys. However, recent developments within A&T, including the departure of Yu Jun and an internal workplace investigation into his conduct, have prompted uncertainty regarding the venture firm’s future.
It remains unclear whether A&T Capital will continue its operations independently or seek new investment partners.
Ant Group Exits Amidst Crypto Market Turbulence
Ant Group selling its stake in A&T aligns with a wider trend in crypto venture funding, which dropped significantly in the second quarter due to last year’s virtual asset turbulence and growing interest in AI in fintech.
Venture capital funding in the crypto market hit a record low in June, with just $520.1 million raised in 84 funding rounds, a 23.11% drop from May. The crypto fundraising landscape peaked in February, raising $947 million through 123 rounds, but has seen a consistent decline since then.
Two weeks ago, Ant Group unveiled a finance-focused AI model and began testing applications for consumers and professionals, marking its entry into China’s competitive AI market. Its AI model, including “Smart Wealth” (Zhixiaobao) and a tool for financial professionals called Zhixiaozhu, aims to provide financial advice and investment analysis. The company’s AI models are in closed testing, subject to China’s rigorous regulatory clearance procedures ensuring safety and compliance.
Ant Group’s exit from A&T Capital and focus on AI reflects its strategic adjustment to changing market dynamics.
- China plans to boost VR to $48 billion by 2026
- China Bans Companies From Using ChatGPT After “True News” Scandal
- China Surpasses the USA with 130 LLMs in Global AI Race
Any data, text, or other content on this page is provided as general market information and not as investment advice. Past performance is not necessarily an indicator of future results.
The Trust Project is a worldwide group of news organizations working to establish transparency standards.


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A spy shot of a BMW 3-Series sedan with a different front end has appeared on the web. According to one of the versions, this is an updated version of the model or one of its pre-production copies, which may go “into series” next year.
Judging by the photo that was posted on Instagram / wilcoblok, one of the main features of the updated BMW 3-Series will be a different head optics. It can be distinguished from the actual one by a smoother shape and a different filling, where diode “boomerangs” of DRLs are placed above the main blocks.
A modified front bumper with new “plastic” and vertical air intakes and other mirror housings also indicate restyling.
The interior of the updated BMW 3-Series has not yet been photographed, but it is expected that it will change much more than the exterior. So, one of the changes will be a new version of the “digital cockpit” presented on the electric i4.
According to preliminary information, the updated BMW 3-Series will enter the market no earlier than mid-2022.


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Recruitment plans uninspiring
According to a survey of 293 of?the top 500 companies in terms of sales, 71 percent, or 207, have plans in place for next year’s recruitment.
However, of those surveyed, only?52 percent, or 152 companies, said they will hold open recruitments for college graduates, while 19 percent said they will not hire at all and 29 percent have not?confirmed their recruitment plans.
The 152 companies plan to hire 14,378 employees in 2014, down?1.1 percent from this year’s recruitment.
?In addition, the average number of new hires planned per company fell to 95 for?next year from 98 this year.
By industry, 76.5 percent of transportation industry companies said they plan to hold open recruitments for college graduates next year, the highest percentage among sectors that plan to hire next year, followed by the food, beverage and restaurant industry (70.6 percent), service industry (66.7 percent), retail and trade industry (63.6 percent) and IT and communications industry (61.5 percent).
On the other hand, 33.3 percent of the petroleum and chemical industry and 33.3 percent of heavy industry and shipbuilding companies said they won’t hire any new employees.
In addition, 29.4 percent of the machinery and steel industry, 27.8 percent of the construction industry and 21.1 percent of the manufacturing industry do not plan to hold open recruitments next year.
In the financial sector, where restructuring is under way, more than half of companies (53.3 percent) have not yet made plans for the recruitment of college graduates.
When considering the total number of employees of each industry, most sectors will likely maintain the same scale as this year or slightly reduce it next year.
Compared to this year, the number of new employees will increase most in the IT and communications industry (8.8 percent), followed by the construction industry (6.7 percent), although many construction companies don’t plan to hold open recruitments.
Retail and trading sectors will increase the number of their new employees 2.9 percent and electronics by 1.9 percent.
Meanwhile, the transportation industry plans to reduce hiring by 2 percent, the machine and steel industry by 3.3 percent and the financial industry by 3.3 percent.
The largest decline is expected in the auto industry, at minus 11.1 percent. Other sectors that will scale back their recruitment include the food, beverage and restaurant industry (minus 5.6 percent), petroleum and chemical industry (minus 5.4 percent), manufacturing industry (minus 5.2 percent), and shipbuilding and heavy industry (minus 3.5 percent).
Although many industries will likely scale back their recruitment next year, the electronics industry has plans to recruit 2,800 new employees next year, followed by shipbuilding and heavy industry (1,800), retail and trade industry (1,530), manufacturing industry (1,295), construction industry (1,256), financial industry (1,045) and the food, beverage and restaurant industry (1,005).
BY KIM JUNG-YOON [email@example.com]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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Authorities respond to growing fears of shortages; Egypt still had sufficient stocks of food, cash and fuel.
© MiddleEastOnlineBread of the revolution
There is no money at the banks. Fuel is scarce. Tourism is evaporating.
As a popular uprising to oust President Hosni Mubark enters its second week, Egyptians are feeling the economic pinch.
Banks have been shut since Sunday, and they remained so on Tuesday, the day that protesters hope will see a million-strong demonstration in Cairo to demand an end to Mubarak's regime.
Many automatic teller machines (ATM) in the teeming capital have run out of cash, and those still working were dispensing only a limited number of banknotes.
"I scoured the city in search of an automatic teller and I found only one place -- in a neighbourhood where people do not normally use ATMs," said Mohamed, a driver.
In Cairo, supermarkets that usually accepted credit cards insisted on cash instead, while crowds flocked to grocery stores in several neighbourhoods to stock up on essentials.
Many gas stations were closed, with long lines at those that were still open. The Chamber of Commerce in Cairo appealed to shopkeepers on Monday to reopen, but most ignored the call.


text:
Muller says Apple Inc.’s license to include the YouTube app has expired, but did not explain why it hasn’t been extended.
Google says it’s working with Apple to ensure a quality YouTube experience.
Google has its own operating system for smartphones that compete with the iPhone. Apple has sued companies that use it, saying it copies features from the iPhone. In June, Apple said the next version of its operating system will replace Google Maps with an Apple app.
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MILAN — Bulgari’s first-half net profit plunged 53.2 percent as it trimmed full-year targets and warned there won’t be a significant recovery in business until next year.
Against the backdrop of a marked decline in tourism and weak sales at third-party retailers, net profit for the six months ended June 30 fell to $22.2 million from $47.3 million the year before. Sales contracted 5.7 percent to $332.2 million from $352.4 million the year earlier. Earnings before interest and taxes dropped slightly less, to $32.4 million from $60.6 million.
While chief executive Francesco Trapani said the results were in line with company expectations and noted the difficult comparisons with last year’s strong first half, he was bearish on the full year.
"I believe that a more evident recovery of the business can be realistically expected only during 2003," he said in a written statement.
Trapani backtracked on full-year forecasts, saying 2002 sales and profits should come at a "similar level" to those of 2001. In July, he said profits should grow by 10 to 11 percent and revenues should advance by 5 percent. Even the July estimate fell short of some analyst expectations for 20 percent profit growth.
"The numbers are bad," said Chiara Tirloni, an analyst with UBS Warburg. "Their [full-year] guidance is too aggressive for me given the first-half results. Will this be the worst news? That’s the most difficult question to answer I think."
Bulgari said it managed to cut costs and boost efficiencies. It reduced advertising and promotion expenditures to $33 million from $40.9 million. Overall operating expenses decreased to $170.9 million from $171.9 million, but they had "a strong upward trend in the past," the company said.
Watches remained Bulgari’s weakest category, with sales dropping 21 percent, although Bulgari stressed that the situation had improved in the second quarter. Watch revenue in the second quarter fell by 13.6 percent compared with a 29.2 percent slide in the first three months of the year. Sales weren’t specified by category.
Bulgari has a tough time competing with more established brands like Cartier and Patek Philippe in an already depressed market for timepieces.Elsewhere, jewelry sales rose by 2 percent while turnover from perfumes grew by 20 percent.
Sales were weakest in the Far East, shedding 19 percent. In Italy and the Americas, revenue dropped by 9 percent and 15 percent, respectively. Things fared better in Europe excluding Italy, where sales rose 5 percent. Revenue in the Mideast and elsewhere in the world also rose by 5 percent. Sales in Japan were flat.
Bulgari said inventory levels fell to $521.5 million from $547 million as of March 30 and $558.8 million one year ago. Retailers’ unsold Bulgari watches had become a concern for some analysts.
Net debt fell to $263.2 million against the $295.6 million at the end of March and $280.9 million at the end of June last year.
Peter Kim's Los Angeles-based premium denim line has always had its finger on the pulse of youth. This season, novelty is back in a way reminiscent of early Aughts, with studs, lace-ups, racing waxed denim and more. For more highlights if some of the key brands at the Vegas trade shows, go to WWD.com. #wwdfashion (📷: Patrick Gray; Styles by @thealexbadia; Story by @karihamanaka and @marcy_wwd)
"I was driving back on Saturday afternoon from the beach, and I just saw this sign saying 'Skydiving for $95.' And I was like, I can't not sky dive for $95," says Tom Bateman about a moment in Hawaii while shooting "Snatched." #wwdeye (📷: @vsteves; Interview by @ktauer; Styled by @thealexbadia)


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Politicians, as well as key contributors to eBay, Hewlett-Packard and PayPal speak out for federal legislation on consumer protection and privacy laws on the Internet.
By ZDNet Staff
| June 21, 2006 -- 01:00 GMT (18:00 PDT)
| Topic: Legal
Digital Health and Wellness
How technology can save the NHS
Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is official: Here's what's new
Photos: BlackBerrys through the ages
The scariest tech of 2017, period, end of sentence
Deepfakes: For now women, not democracy, are the main victims
Deepfakes pose a serious threat to democracy in the long run but women are likely to suffer first, a new study says.
EU can force Facebook and social media platforms to remove content globally
This includes content that is posted by users outside of the European Union.
Tesla, we're tracking your Smart Summon parking lot scrapes, says safety watchdog
But Tesla doesn't need permission from US regulators to release a feature like Smart Summon.
Singapore online falsehoods law kicks in with details on appeals process
TSMC accuses GlobalFoundries of infringing 25 patents for node processes
It follows the Taiwanese company being sued by GlobalFoundries last month.
Block.one pays $24m to settle SEC ICO dispute
The SEC finds that Block.one violated the registration provisions of the federal securities laws, resulting in a $24 million civil monetary penalty.
Leave GNOME alone: This patent troll is asking for trouble
Facebook unfurls new measures in Singapore to curb elections interference
GNOME faces 'baseless' patent lawsuit for organising images
The patent is for a system and method for distributing digital photographic images.


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|By Business Wire||
|January 31, 2013 11:03 AM EST||
Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC (Samsung Mobile) has released a 60-second sneak-peek ad, entitled El Plato Supreme, on Samsung Mobile’s U.S. social communities as a lead up to the 2-minute ad for the big game on February 3.
“The Big Pitch,” the full 2-minute ad, and an extended cut version with never-been-seen footage will be released later this week. Consumers will have the opportunity to weigh in on their favorite moments and win prizes using the hashtag #TheNextBigThing.
"The anticipation of Super Bowl ads creates a unique consumer experience,” said Todd Pendleton, Chief Marketing Officer of Samsung Mobile. "'The Next Big Thing' campaign has allowed us the flexibility to tap into significant cultural moments and relevant conversations while showcasing our innovation."
“The Big Pitch” ad features the Galaxy family of products including the Galaxy Note™ II, Galaxy S® III and Galaxy Note™ 10.1.
In 2012, Samsung Mobile aired its first Super Bowl ad launching a new category of smartphones with the Galaxy Note™. The ad, which was developed by 72 and Sunny, won the Twitter Ad Scrimmage that included 30 brands and 42 spots. The Galaxy Note™ went on to sell 10 million devices globally in 9 months followed by the Galaxy Note™ II which sold 5 million devices globally in 2 months.
"The Next Big Thing" campaign has always been about keeping a finger on the pulse of what is current and relevant to consumers,” said John Boiler, CEO of 72 and Sunny. “This ad represents our collaborative, real-time approach to creating ads with Samsung. Their unique approach to marketing has given them a competitive edge and has helped propel the brand to be one of the top 10 in the world.”
Samsung Mobile social media channel links:
Samsung, Galaxy Note, Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II are trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Other company names and marks mentioned herein are property of their respective owners and may be trademarks or registered trademarks.
About Samsung Telecommunications America
Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, (Samsung Mobile) a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets, wireless infrastructure and other telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in consumer electronics and the core components that go into them. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of televisions, smartphones, personal computers, printers, cameras, home appliances, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 227,000 people across 75 countries with annual sales exceeding US$143 billion. Our goal is opening new possibilities for people everywhere. To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com.
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Did you ever get stuck at a level of your favourite smartphone game? Struggled with the controls of a particular app – and were never quite sure whether to blame the games’ fiddly controls or fat fingers for the trouble? British games studio Mediatonic doesn’t have that kind of problem anymore, because its users play “games as a service” – backed by the cloud, whether they play on the web or on a smartphone app.
A combination of cloud computing and real-time analytics allows Mediatonic to observe behaviour patterns across every level of all its games and refine the experience.
“When gamers hit a snag,” says Mediatonic Chief Executive Dave Bailey, “the system quickly flags it up and our developers can optimise the code to ensure a smooth playing experience. It’s this attention to detail that makes Mediatonic games like Disney’s Superbia, and the Amateur Surgeon series so irresistible”.
Mediatonic’s games connect millions of players around the world, both online and through their smartphone apps. The company works with some of the biggest names in the industry, from Activision, EA Games and Disney to Sega and Time Warner.
|With Windows Azure, Mediatonic can see how its community is using the games
March 19, 2014
However, Mediatonic’s “Games as a Service” model is going to the next level after the company beefed up its analytics infrastructure by switching from Amazon Web Services to Microsoft’s Windows Azure cloud technology.
With Windows Azure, Mediatonic can see how its community is using the games: for instance exploring which parts are the most fun, and where its users struggle. It’s this constant “listening to the gaming community” that helps Mediatonic fine-tune its offering and develop new ideas.
Dave Bailey explains: “Our teams work for many months to design and build each game and we try to make them as compelling and fun as possible. Once our games go live, we use Microsoft’s analytics and cloud technologies to understand how players are experiencing the games. Windows Azure helps us to analyse lots of different metrics; we can see, for example, whether users are struggling in a certain level, and then we can fix that. We also get a better understanding of which game play works better on which platform, and can run experiments to test new ideas on a subset of players.
“Games as a service is a relatively new area,” says Bailey. “We use a data-driven approach to understand what our game players like and enjoy, so that we can quickly improve our player experience. It’s critical that we can do this quickly and with minimum overheads.
|Mediatonic can observe behaviour patterns across every level of all its games
March 19, 2014
Microsoft brings best-in-class integration between the cloud platform and analytics and integrates with our wider technology stack. Although we’ve only been using Microsoft’s technology for around three months, we’re already seeing the difference and we’re very happy with how it’s going. My team and I really like the way the solution provides us with much more detailed insight than we have had before.”
Rob Fraser, CTO Cloud Services at Microsoft UK said: “The cloud is enabling a new generation of agile businesses which don’t need an IT infrastructure of their own and can scale as needed. For companies such as Mediatonic, it means they can be nimble and create compelling content and games that can be tweaked on the fly in response to feedback and insight gained from analysing data. We’re proud that Mediatonic has chosen Microsoft over a competitor and is creating and running games people love on our Windows Azure platform.”


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ETS provides technology-based products and services, meeting the demands of the Dutch rail infrastructure market. It will be managed under the Lifecycle Solutions division in the future.
Through this acquisition, Vossloh aims to fortify its position in the Dutch market.
ETS holds market expertise and has been cooperating with major local clients and partners, including Vossloh.
ETS has also signed exclusive distribution agreements with dealers of products and services that are not included in the Vossloh portfolio.
Vossloh stated that this aspect is important when it comes to trendsetting service models.
Vossloh CEO Oliver Schuster said: “The acquisition of ETS Spoor plays a key role in the implementation of our group strategy. It brings us a decisive step closer to important Dutch customers, such as the network operator ProRail, who have so far purchased our products and services directly or indirectly at ETS Spoor.
“As a result, we will be in an even better position in the future to tailor our unique technological expertise and our entire range of services to the needs of our customers.”
The sale closing will take place this month.
ETS reported sales of around $23.65m (€20m) last year.
In November 2020, Vossloh’s Swedish subsidiary Vossloh Nordic Switch Systems secured a multi-year order from Trafikverket for data-based condition monitoring of turnouts in the country.
Trafikverket is the Swedish Central Office for Transport.


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Social media panel for small businesses happening at CentreWorks Monday
Published 9:00 am Friday, April 22, 2022
The Heart of Danville and CentreWorks are hosting a Social Media Best Practices for Small Businesses panel on Monday. It will start at 5:15 p.m. in the CentreWorks space, which is on the third floor of the Hub building.
“View your business through the eyes of others and consider how your messages look or sound to them. Do the messages you’re putting out into the world truly reflect the principles by which your business operates? Can everyone find themselves reflected in your brand?” a promo for the event states.
The panel will cover marketing strategies for small businesses, website practices, photos on social media sites, advertisements, and brand marketing.
Email newsletter signup
Panelists are Haley Perros, national brand manager at Wilderness Trail Distillery; Shana Followell, owner of Bluegrass and Buttercream; Amandalin Ryan, director of marketing at Kentucky Distillers’ Association and Kentucky Bourbon Trail; and Emma Jackson, CEO of The Idea Farm.
One Heart of Danville Service Area business will receive two free hours of action-oriented consulting sessions with The Idea Farm.
All small business owners are welcome, and must register in advance at this link. For more information, people can contact CentreWorks or email firstname.lastname@example.org.


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ATLANTA –September 15th, 2015—Patrick Taylor, Co-Founder and CEO of Oversight Systems, the leading operational expense solution, has joined CEOs from a variety of Atlanta companies in taking the StartUp Atlanta CEO Pledge.
Startup Atlanta, a community nonprofit organization focused on growing and connecting the local startup ecosystem, recently launched the CEO pledge campaign to help strengthen ties between corporate and startup leaders. Several notable Atlanta CEOs, such as Paul Bowers from Georgia Power, Jim Hannan from Georgia Pacific, Larry Gellerstedt from Cousins Property, Kat Cole from Focus Brands, and Hala Moddelmog from the Metro Atlanta Chamber have already taken the pledge. Startup Atlanta hopes that by involving corporate CEOs in the startup ecosystem, these companies will help ensure the next wave of innovation happens in the Atlanta region.
“Prominent members of Atlanta’s business community, in particular retired Coca-Cola CFO, Gary Fayard, and current Coca-Cola CFO, Kathy Waller, gave Oversight a chance when we launched the company and their feedback was invaluable – both the positive and the negative” said Patrick Taylor, “Now we serve organizations around the globe and it’s our turn to pay it forward.”
Oversight Systems is a software company co-founded by CEO Patrick Taylor in 2003. Oversight Insights On Demand™ is a web-based application designed to assist travel & expense, purchase card, and accounts payable programs in automating policy compliance and identifying fraud, misuse, and errors.
Oversight is currently offering qualified prospects a free trial that includes the analysis of 90 days of data. This trial allows companies to experience with their own data how Insights On Demand works.
Oversight Insights On Demand™ is a web based software solution that automates spending program compliance by analyzing 100% of expense report, purchase card, and accounts payable transactions to identify suspicious activity, non-compliant purchases, and inefficient and wasteful spending. The visibility Oversight offers into the interaction between policy and behavior, offers opportunities for ongoing improvement, and helps companies make smarter business decisions, every day.
Oversight makes a difference within the companies it serves, and has the experience to prove it; analyzing $1.9 trillion in expenditures annually at Fortune Global 5000 companies and government agencies. Oversight’s solution is strengthened by partnerships with Concur, Oracle, SAP, and TSYS. www.oversightsystems.com.


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A startup competition revolving around the Internet of Things will be held in Ho Chi Minh City from April to August this year, according to a press conference held on Saturday.
The Saigon Hi-Tech Park Incubation Center (SHTP-IC) launched the 2016 Internet of Things Startup Competition (IoT Startup 2016) with the theme ‘Developing Smart Cities and Improving Quality of Life.’
‘Internet of things’ (IoT) is a term used to describe a network of physical objects such as household devices, cars, and even buildings, embedded within a network connectivity that enables these objects to collect and exchange data, according to the International Telecommunication Union.
Le Hoai Quoc, chief of the management board at Saigon Hi-Tech Park, said the competition would be organized every year as a means to welcome ideas and creations for the development of a better quality life in Ho Chi Minh City.
“The competition is a great opportunity for professors, undergraduates, and the startup community to approach IoT developers as well as gaining access to assistance and professional training from experts in the field to develop, complete, and commercialize the product from its very inception,” Quoc said.
Le Hoai Quoc, chief of the management board at Saigon Hi-Tech Park, makes his remarks at the press conference to announce the launch of the 2016 Internet of Things Startup Competition in Ho Chi Minh City, April 9, 2016. Photo: SHTP-IC
The competition will be held from April to August this year, and registration is open from April 9 to May 31 to all universities, colleges, and startup communities in Ho Chi Minh City as well as provinces in the vicinity.
IoT Startup 2016 is expected to attract an audience of over 20,000 and more than 20 projects have already registered to compete, making it one of the biggest annual events for technology developers in the field of IoT in the city.
According to Le Thanh Nguyen, director at SHTP-IC, apart from the VND100 million (US$4,500) prize pool, the center will also handpick up to five highly-regarded projects to assist in commercializing the products after the competition.
Nguyen added that the center would also provide assistance in training, technical consultations, and finance for potential products to be made for practical use.
Individual contestants may also look for team members who share their ideas through the competition’s forum to form a group to enter the contest.
Any Vietnamese citizen under the age of 45 who possesses creative ideas and are interested in startups is eligible for registration.
Visit the competition’s website for more detailed information: http://iotstartup.vn/.


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Ms. Parwarish Oryakhail, the Vice-President of Afghanistan Women’s Chamber of Commerce & Industry (AWCCI) participated as a speaker in Afghanistan-Pakistan Youth Entrepreneurs Conference held in Islamabad on February 27, 2020. The conference was organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) – an Islamabad-based think tank – in partnership with its Afghan counterpart, Organization for Economic Security and Peace (OESP) – based in Kabul.
The objective of this conference was to engage young business leaders from both Afghanistan and Pakistan to explore regional economic and business opportunities as well as share ideas and experiences, which can be beneficial for both countries, particularly in the field of IT, digital economy, e-commerce and the like.
Ms. Oryakhail spoke to the youth from both countries during this session and talked about the women-led businesses operating in Afghanistan, and the opportunities for cross-border ventures. She shared the challenges Afghan business-women faced in establishing the AWCCI. She invited the youth entrepreneurs to consider focusing on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), stating that SMEs create most jobs and can be expanded with resilience and perseverance. For example, Afghan women businesses have created more than 80,000 employment opportunities for both men and women. She hopes that the relationship between the two countries would improve so that entrepreneurs on both sides would build positive partnerships.
In this conference, around 20 youth entrepreneurs from Pakistan and Afghanistan belonging to various fields came together in the federal capital under a well-conceived plan to boost business cooperation between the two neighboring countries. Other speakers, guests and participants were Ms. Naeem Zamindar, former Chairman, Board of Investment (BoI), Pakistan, Ms. Fatima Anila, a Certified Business Mentor and Director at Alishverish Enterprises, Ms. Afsheen Zeeshan, Senior Vice President of Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI), Ms. Faiza Zubair the Secretary General of Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PAJCCI), Officials from Pakistan’s National Incubation Center (NIC), Mr. Naqibullah Safi, Executive Director, PAJCCI, Afghanistan, and some other Afghan and Pakistani startups.
The conference also inaugurated the formation of a Pak-Afghan Youth Entrepreneurs Caucus, which would hold follow-up meetings over the next year to monitor the progress of joint ventures between the two countries’ youth entrepreneurs.
At the request of IWCCI’s Vice President, the Vice President of AWCCI agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the two chambers to cooperate in women-led businesses across borders and in supporting each other.
AWCCI along with the other Afghan delegates visited the National Incubation Center (NIC), Islamabad the next morning.
AWCCI’s participation in this important conference results in connecting youth entrepreneurs from both countries, which will continue to engage them in follow-up meetings over the course of this year.


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Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.
What: Shares of car renter Hertz Global (NYS: HTZ) have jumped up by as much as 12% today on news that rival Avis BudgetGroup (NAS: CAR) has dropped its competing bid to acquire Dollar Thrifty Automotive (NYS: DTG) .
So what: More than a year ago, Hertz originally proposed a $1.2 billion deal to acquire Dollar Thrifty, only to have Avis jump in on the action with a $1.5 billion offer a few months later. A bidding war broke out over the following year to the glee of Dollar Thrifty shareholders, recently sending shares to all-time highs. Avis has now decided to drop its pursuit "in light of current market conditions," leaving Hertz as the sole suitor.
Now what: With Avis out of the running, it will be interesting to see how Hertz will proceed. Presumably the company is still interested in acquiring Dollar Thrifty since during the bidding war it raised its initial $1.2 billion offer up to $2.2 billion in May. With Avis out of the picture and Dollar Thrifty no longer getting the pick of the litter, Hertz shareholders are clearly excited about the prospect of possibly getting a better deal.
Interested in more info on Hertz Global? Add it to your watchlist byclicking here.
At the time thisarticle was published
Copyright © 1995 - 2011 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.


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Uphold and GlobaliD Launch XRP Debit Card Offering 5% XRP Cashbackbr>
Uphold is a digital money platform serving almost 5 million customers in more than 150 countries. The company claims to manage more than $1 billion in customer assets. Leveraging blockchain technology, the platform provides both consumers and businesses with easy access to 38 digital assets, 27 national currencies, four precious metals and 50 fractional U.S. equities. Uphold’s unique trading experience – ‘Anything-to-Anything’ – allows customers to trade directly between asset classes, saving time and money. Uphold supports financial inclusion by enabling customers virtually anywhere to open an account in less than a minute and trade with no minimum investment amounts.
GlobaliD is a trust platform that seamlessly integrates digital identity, communications, and payments—the core building blocks for the next chapter of the internet. Unlike existing offerings, GlobaliD’s open, portable, and interoperable solutions put individuals back in control of their digital lives rather than governments or corporations, while allowing developers and businesses to easily take part in building the future.
GlobaliD’s XRP debit card, powered by Uphold and issued by Evolve Bank, offers a unique combination of utility, convenience, and crypto-back rewards. The card supports spending in USD or virtually any other digital asset/currency of the user’s choice while providing up to 5% cashback in XRP.
Rather than spending their XRP investments, users can passively earn and save XRP rewards while spending almost 50 national and digital currencies available through the Uphold-powered digital wallet. For example, XRP cardholders will soon be able to pay for their coffee while reaping XRP rewards.
Users can secure their XRP card by joining the GlobaiD waitlist. More than 40,000 people (out of a maximum of 50,000) have already claimed their spot on the waitlist.
“We’re delighted to be supporting GlobaliD with the XRP debit card,” said JP Thieriot, CEO Uphold. “The XRP community is one of the most engaged in the crypto sector and among Uphold’s most ardent users. It’s great that we’re able to give back through our support for this fantastic innovation.”
While the XRP community was an apparent first choice, according to Greg Kidd, co-founder, and CEO of GlobaliD, the sky’s the limit for community-centric finance.
“The GlobaliD vision is for everyone to have an identity that not only enables you to communicate with others and build communities but also hold, transfer, or spend value of any kind,” Kidd said. “The XRP Mastercard® Debit Card builds on that foundation, allowing users to spend their assets anywhere Mastercard® is accepted.”
“The XRP Card is also a reference implementation for a debit card tied to and issued by a trusted community,” he added. “Eventually, any GlobaliD community will be able to issue their own unique debit cards to their members as well as develop their own merchant reward networks and funding mechanisms. That could be in the form of charity organizations, fan clubs, sports teams—any group of people with aligned interests. They’ll be able to leverage the collective social and spending power of their trusted community.”


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Tokyo Game Show 2013 to be held Sept. 19-22
(Japan Economic Newswire Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) TOKYO, Feb. 21 -- (Kyodo) _ The Tokyo Game Show 2013, the world's largest expo for the video game industry, will be held from Sept. 19 to 22, with high expectations of attracting many visitors especially from Asia, the organizer said Thursday.
The Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association said it aims to offer business opportunities at the annual event for new game makers and young experts in Japan, as well as Southeast Asian countries -- where the development of social networking games and those for smartphones are picking up.
As part of efforts to boost the industry, the association said booths specifically for newly established firms will be set up for the first time.
The organizer also said it plans to hold events for costume players -- fans dressed as characters from Japanese "anime" cartoons and video games -- in Thailand, Malaysia and in Myanmar ahead of the expo to promote the show.
This year's four-day event is expected to draw about 200,000 visitors. Last year a record 223,753 visitors flocked to the show.
(c) 2013 Kyodo News International, Inc.
[ Back To Technology News's Homepage ]


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The Pokémon Company released a new Pokémon Sun & Moon trailer today, revealing evolved forms for the starter Pokémon, the return of Mega Evolution, a demo that features Ash-Greninja, a new feature called Poké Pelago, and more. Japan got an additional announcement, as The Pokémon Company has revealed that they’re getting a Pokémon Sun & Moon themed 2DS featuring Pikachu and the Alola region starters.
This light blue model goes on sale in Japan on December 8th for ¥10,584, or just over $100. Unfortunately, it does not come bundled with either of the games. This special handheld will have a limited release, and so far there’s no word on a Western release, but North America and Europe are getting a special edition New Nintendo 3DS XL which is now available for preorder on Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop. You can check out some images of the new 2DS by clicking the gallery below.


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The app was last updated in December, when some users complained about the issues taking up too much iOS storage space. Others complained that the subscription mechanism wouldn’t always recognize the reader and that the app was unresponsive.
The new The Washington Post “Classic” iPad app update addresses the storage problem: print issues will now disappear after three days of being left unopened.
The iTunes app description says the new storage rules will “save space on your iPad.”
Some readers may not be a fan of this feature, especially if you fall behind with your reading after traveling, holidays or an especially busy week.
But the issue of storage continues to be a major problem for iOS device owners, due to the fact that Apple still offers customers the option to buy an iPad with 16GB of storage.
The update also fixes a crash on iOS 8 “that was happening in the background,” according to the iTunes description.
There are no new iTunes reviews regarding the update yet.
The Washington Post “Classic” iPad app differs from the newer Washington Post app, which launched shortly after Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos bought the paper from Donald Graham. It included national and international news coverage, photography and infographics. This app contains stories for WaPo’s national and international readership.The Washington Post“Classic” iPad app, on the other hand, includes national and international content along with local news and weather, arts and entertainment. It also includes a digital replica of the metro D.C. print edition and combines an online news section as well as the ability to download and read a version of the print newspaper.


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For your presence at our website.
We are very pleased that you follow news on Ford-Focus.ST
2016-01-28 - Information
American giant of automotive industry has to withdraw from Japan and Indonesia due to poor sales and unfavorable economic conditions in these markets. Ford made this decision after General Motors confirmed the withdrawal of their [...]


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LONDON (05/05/2000) - Five U.S.-based home builders are joining forces to create a global online exchange in partnership with database vendor Oracle Corp. and venture capital fund Encore Venture Partners LP , the companies announced yesterday.
Called HomebuildersXchange, the business-to-business (B2B) exchange is scheduled to be launched in this year's third quarter. It will be designed for the procurement of labor and materials needed for home building by the founding partners, other home builders, trade contractors, distributors, wholesalers and manufacturers, the companies said in a statement.
The founding home building companies are Centex Corp., D.R. Horton Inc., Kaufman and Broad Home Corp., Lennar Corp. and Pulte Corp.
Financial details were not disclosed.
The companies are looking to streamline the supply chain in the U.S. home building industry, which although valued at US$200 billion is a highly fragmented market, the companies said.
Oracle will provide the technology, functionality and hosting platform for HomebuildersXchange, according to the statement.
Since the beginning of the year, Oracle has announced its involvement in several other B2B marketplaces, including the Global Transport eXchange (GTX) which will serve the transportation services industry, and the GlobalNetXchange, a retail marketplace.
Oracle is also partnering with Chevron Corp. and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. subsidiary McLane Co. to form an Internet purchasing exchange for convenience stores. Called the RetailersMarketXchange.com., it will target the US$200 billion convenience store and small business retailers marketplace in the U.S.
[See "Oracle, Chevron and McLane Form Internet Exchange," March 8.]All of the planned B2B online exchanges are scheduled to launch during the third quarter.
Oracle, in Redwood Shores, California, can be reached at +1-650-506-7000, or via the Web at http://www.oracle.com/.


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PS2 nears five-million as sales rocket
Industry monitor Chart-Track published their weekly hardware sales figures yesterday, and predictably the PS2 led the way as total sales in the UK neared the five-million mark. Sales of 80,000 units were reported in the last week, a rise of 23% from the week before.
Second-place was once again resumed by the Xbox which sold over 20,000 units; sales rising some 22% on the previous week leaving Microsoft's console just a whisker shy of the one-million unit level. It was bad news elsewhere however, as Nintendo witnessed sales of the GameCube drop 10% over the last week, selling 16,000. The Cube is however selling better than during the same period last year - and the company will be buoyed by a GBA sales rise of 10% to nearly 40,000 units.
With this weeks report however it does seem apparent that Nintendo's GameCube Christmas revival is effectively over, and that the future doesn't look too promising with the console now 300,000 units behind the Xbox.
- Resident Evil: Revelations 2 may be coming to the PS Vita
- Destiny gets its first raid today, the Vault Of Glass
- Assassin's Creed: Unity co-op trailer arrives
- Lukewarm Destiny reviews could cost Bungie 2.5 million USD
- Borderlands multiplayer comes back to life on Steam
- Saints Row creative director Steve Jaros announces he's off to join Valve
- We want to rebuild a player-first culture says EA CEO Andrew Wilson
- WWE 2K15 gets delayed on next-gen
- Playground to add eight new cars to Forza Horizon 2 on launch day, VIP and Car pass details announced


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Luxury British retailer Harrods has opened its first 'H Beauty' specialist store in the UK – a move set to solidify its position and long-term vision on upgrading how consumers shop for cosmetics, says an expert.
The ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has accelerated and morphed consumer trends globally, with most shoppers now seeking out beauty brands and products perceived as clean, ethical and community-focused, experts say.
Many aspects of the European economy and political situation are looking increasingly uncertain. A new report highlights that shifting political allegiance and economic volatility could stunt growth and polarise consumers.
It has been a busy time for Procter & Gamble with the brand divestment to Coty and the announcement of its new CEO and this all acts as evidence that the company is shifting its focus away from Beauty, according to market research firm Euromonitor...
Added pressure from the media to look good and the burden that comes from employment stability at a difficult economic time are urging men to take care of their appearance and boosting the men’s grooming market.
Last month Cosmetics Design caught up with Euromonitor’s Irina Barbalova at the in-cosmetics event in Barcelona to find out what trends were prevalent in beauty in 2011 and if the future looks bright for this sector...
The ageing global population is driving the nutricosmetics market and in particular supplements due to factors such as an increased awareness of self-care, age-prevention and general health and wellness.
Brand owners have recognised the opportunities that targeting different demographic groups can offer and it is today’s youth who are clued in on green issues and the digital space that could have a big influence on product and packaging.
Following on from the relatively robust performance of the beauty and personal care market as a whole in 2009, which grew 5.1 per cent to reach a value of $4.05bn, skincare, bath and shower and men’s grooming products are expected to witness the most...
With the male grooming trend taken to the heart of many a marketing
campaign, sales growth figures are said to have plateaued, with
industry insiders now hoping that new innovations in the sector,
such as male cosmetics, will turn...
Male grooming has reached such heights that a new term has been
coined for the section of men that are outside of the traditional
brackets. The 'Ubersexual man' is said to be a potential goldmine
for global manufacturers...
A recent Euromonitor report has suggested that it is the image
conscious female consumer that is driving the recent sales surge in
beauty supplements, a surge that looks set to continue with
persisting emphasis being placed on personal...
The latest new product launches in the body care category are
reflecting the increasing move towards natural ingredients.
Simon Pitman reports on a category that is continuing to
develop increasingly sophisticated functional products...
Volume growth of cosmetics and toiletries in Morocco declined
across many sectors particularly in colour cosmetics, skin care and
fragrances. According to a new report from Euromonitor, this is due
to a shift towards Islamic values...
As the Russian economy stabilises and improves, Avon says that the
country is its fastest growing market and Euromonitor predicts huge
growth over the next 10-15 years, with a potential cosmetics and
toiletries market of US$15-18...
Euromonitor has published a timely report on the Brazilian
cosmetics and toiletries industry as Natura Cosmeticos prepares to
list on the Novo Mercado in the country's first IPO in more than
two years, writes Louise Sheridan.
Disposable wipes have evolved into a global business concept
generating more than $5 billion in sales a year, reports
Euromonitor. Achieving strong double-digit growth year after year,
the category now assumes a major role in the...


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Tue December 11, 2012
FTC: Apps For Children Raise Privacy Concerns
Originally published on Tue December 11, 2012 8:55 am
The Federal Trade Commission has released a report taking to task the makers of mobile apps for children. It says apps are not transparent enough about the personal information they collect. It's the latest sign the Obama administration is concerned about children's privacy online.


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Four Marketing Tactics To Start Right Now To Prepare For Growth In The Coming Year
The International Monetary Fund stated in March 2021 that it anticipates 6% economic growth in 2021, an increase from previous forecasts. As vaccinations roll out along with stimulus from federal to local governments, consumers and businesses are starting to ramp up activity.
Original Article Source Credits: Forbes, https://www.forbes.com/
Article Written By Jessica Scanlon
Original Article Posted on : May 25, 2021


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The Logitech G Pro X Superlight is a premium gaming mouse with best-in-class wireless connectivity, a top-performing sensor and featherweight design.
The HyperX Pulsefire Haste is a compelling ultra-lightweight gaming mouse worth considering at its price point.
The SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless is compelling for people seeking a cable-free gaming mouse on a budget, but it’s not as much of a standout as the original Rival 3.
The Asus ROG Strix Scope TKL Electro Punk is a divisive gaming keyboard that will appeal to a very specific audience, but probably won’t find a lot of love otherwise.
The HK Gaming Mira-M is an excellent mouse that combines many best practices in a shape that FPS players will love.
The Razer Mamba Wireless has a good sensor and handy options for wireless or wired use, but you may not find it to be comfortable for long gaming sessions.
The Mad Catz R.A.T. Air is a confusing, unreliable gaming mouse that attempts to stand out with short-life capacitors powered by a powered mat rather than a battery that needs charging.
We may know which Intel CPUs are powering the new MacBook Air, thanks to benchmark results posted online.
A public database exposed the information of 200 million Americans, and nobody knows who owns the database.
Microsoft explained how it will prioritize Azure users--with first responders getting top treatment--during the COVID-19 crisis.
Microsoft published a blog post explaining how it's defending Windows users against coronavirus-related cyber attacks.
Microsoft announced that it will support Windows 10 version 1709, the Fall Creators Update, until October 13 because of COVID-19.
Verizon said that video game usage has risen as much as 75% during peak hours because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Apple's supply chain might recover as China responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the company's suppliers in other countries are reportedly struggling to meet its needs.
Microsoft released Windows Terminal Preview v0.10 with mouse support, a settings update and other improvements.
Nvidia and AMD released new drivers with improved support for "Doom Eternal" and, in AMD's case, "Half-Life: Alyx."
TrendForce said foundry revenues are expected to grow 30% year-over-year but could then slump because of COVID-19.
Global PC sales could reportedly fall 30% year-over-year in the first half of 2020 because of the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Researchers have discovered thousands of malicious websites taking advantage of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.


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At this moment, in mid December, anyone connected with retail is wondering how the final two weeks of the 2009 Christmas season will turn out. Some retailers report progress, with the last month or two up a bit over the disastrous 2008 figures. While we cannot draw broad conclusions from anecdotal tales, we sense some stability. Confidence remains shaky, and we await an uptick in employment, but maybe, just maybe, we’ve passed the bottom of the recession.
The real question is: Where do we go from here? This year will distinguish those who have taken on the national and global upheavals and moved ahead to take advantage of the profound changes we’ve witnessed and those who are frozen in place.
I’m reminded of other earthquakes in our industry, all wrought by disruptive technologies. The early 1980s saw the application of grading systems into a diamond investment bubble that destroyed countless companies. The Swiss invented the quartz watch movement, gave it away because they thought it was a gimmick, and spent decades recovering their preeminent position in luxury watches. Globalization, ease of travel, free trade, and cast-in-wax setting decimated American manufacturing and contracting. In distribution, we saw the disappearance of regional wholesalers. In retail we saw the near-total consolidation of the discounter channel and the collapse of catalog showrooms. This year we see the end of leased jewelry departments in department stores and many long-established retailers and suppliers crushed by forces that came too fast to be checked. We see De Beers struggle with immense financial problems.
These changes are blithely attributed to “market conditions.” That suggests that if we give it time, the “market” will return to what it was. Nothing could be further from the truth. If we contemplate the disasters listed above we see that in each case nothing came back to what it was. But the jewelry business didn’t die. It adapted. We saw plenty of losers, but many new winners. So it will be this time.
The past 30 years or so have seen the development and rapid expansion of an unregulated, global financial stewpot that encouraged development of a huge consumer market based on debt. Say goodbye to that.
The working public, especially the middle class, has seen its anchors lifted. Job security, pensions, benefits, and pay raises have fallen victim to an unprecedented technology-based explosion in productivity. Remember, the first PC cameout less than 30 years ago. In a technology-based economy, longevity and size mean little—adaptability and speed count. All businesses now seek (or should!) new ways to apply technology with a key objective a reduction in payroll and otherfixed overheads. The middle class will become lesscorporate and more entrepreneurial.
The Internet has evolved as the marketplace of the future. Retailers once laughed at the proposition that people would buy diamonds over the net. Then they said the public wouldn’t buy fine jewelry over the net. Look at what Gilt.com does every day, and with a policy of final sale, no returns. It’s booming.
It may seem like I’m flogging a dead horse when I say the obvious—any consumer-oriented business not well represented on the Internet in five years will be dead. We know that essentially every consumer with disposable income already uses the Internet to research vendors. But that cannot be the whole answer. Translating a brick-and-mortar business to the Internet won’t be enough.
I recently met with a group of designers from France. Most were small companies, as is typical in our trade. But France has a long and illustrious history in jewelry. The quality and creativity of these designers was evident when I saw their selections. But the French jewelry industry also is suffering severe declines, and not just because of the current recession. The problem is global. But these designers showed a real understanding of the issues and are seeking answers. All recognized that time is short.
Over the next months, I will try to propound issues and solutions. I ask readers for questions and suggestions. Let us all move into the new world.


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Albertans are big believers in supporting local businesses — especially when it comes to produce. That’s why Jim was able to take advantage of this opportunity for West Grow Farms. Not only is it better for the environment, but their fresh leafy green produce can last up to three weeks in the fridge. Find out how West Grow Farms has implemented new agricultural technology to create a more environmentally-friendly way to get local produce.
Listen to the podcast here.


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Lê Duy Minh, Deputy Director of HCM City Department of Taxation, announced on Wednesday that the department will stamp seals at all gas station in the city in order to prevent tax loss and fraud. — Photo tuoitre.vn
HCM CITY – Lê Duy Minh, Deputy Director of HCM City Department of Taxation, announced on Wednesday that the department will stamp seals at all gas station in the city in order to prevent tax loss and fraud.
All stamped sealing processes will be conducted in under 60 seconds, and stations will be notified beforehand by the taxation department. The HCM City People’s Committee will provide gas stations with financial support.
Data management will be electronically controlled, including data collecting using a smartphone-based application and data transferral through a central system.
“We have to take this action, since it has been hard to control the origin of fuel at retail outlets. Unqualified fuel found at many gas retail outlets abets smuggled goods and results in inequality in business,” Minh said.
Gas station tax fraud occurs when fuel retailers falsify supplier invoices and tax refunds to decrease tax liabilities.
Nguyễn Thanh Phong, Deputy Director of Quality Management Department under HCM City Department of Science and Technology, said that the joint team will only stamp seals on mechanical and electrical meters. Digital meters, on the other hand, can be adjusted by remote controls.
“Gas stations with separated or broken meters have to fix them all before receiving stamping”, he said.
Gas retailers have voices worries about whom to notify and how long it takes for authorities to record data and open seals in case of damage. However, Minh said that the department predicted this situation and will provide contact when stamping. The data management will be implemented flexibly and finish its first phase by September 30.
The State Budget has lost revenue because of unqualified fuel in the market recently. According to Minh, HCMC is one of the biggest gas consuming markets, with about 3700 pumps. However, it is also one in a few of cities without a stamping plan.
Meanwhile, the scheme has been implemented in northern provinces of Việt Nam since 2016, bringing about positive results. For example, in Quảng Ninh--in which all stations were stamped by November 2016--the monthly average tax on fuel consumption and environmental protection have increased about 15 per cent. --VNS


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The RMT rail union announced late on Sunday (7 January) that the planned tube strikes has been cancelled, averting a week of disruption for hospitality businesses.
The cancellation came as progress was made on a pay deal between RMT, TfL and the Mayor of London.
Our Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “Hospitality businesses in the capital will be relieved that the tube strike planned for this week has been suspended.
“January is already one of the quieter trading months of the year for hospitality, so every sale is crucial, and the suspension means workers and customers will be able to get into and around London simply and safely.
“It’s positive to see that on this occasion the RMT, TFL and the Mayor’s office have reached a short-term agreement. We still urgently need to see all parties reach a long-term resolution and we will be waiting to hear what the next steps are on that front.”
Prior to the strikes, we had continuously warned of the disruption they would cause to businesses in London. We estimated there would be a £50m loss for the sector.
At the time, Kate said:
“We estimate that the impact to the sector from next week’s tube strike could be up to £50 million.
“And that figure is on top of the lost £4 billion in sales over the past 18 months that hospitality businesses have already had to absorb from ongoing transport strikes.
“January is already one of the quieter trading months of the year for hospitality, where every sale counts, and this disruption will make the start to the year even more challenging.”


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Last year’s devastating wildfires put a dent in the world of cannabis cultivators. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like this year will be any different for them.
The Effects of Wildfires on Recreational and Medical Marijuana
Wildfires affect millions of acres of land, deal heavy blows to certain wildlife populations, and drastically affect the cannabis industry. Marijuana cultivators in Oregon and California had the worst of it last year, and with the smoke and ash blocking out the sun for outdoor cultivation sites, farmers were left with less than ideal options to remediate the issues. While this primarily impacts cultivators on the west coast, wildfires are prone to happen anywhere.
“Typically, heavy smoke or particulate exposure degrades the product quality to such a degree that most people won’t knowingly purchase it,” said Linda Abernethy, the director of cultivation science for Steep Hill Labs. “As fires continue to affect cultivators across the state, I’m sure we’ll see products (especially flower) fail regulatory testing—like filth and foreign materials testing due to the presence of ash, cinders, dirt, and mold. Don’t lose hope though—if your crop has been affected by fire exposure, there are a few remediation routes to making successful, market-appropriate products.”
One of those solutions is prevention and treatment of contaminants. “It could be everything from a low-level of contamination and cleaning required, where you have to go in and just wipe down your walls and get rid of all your plants and clean out your hydroponic systems … or whatever … different components that could absorb soot and smoke, all the way to heavy contamination which requires pressure washing, replacing drywall, replacing ceiling tiles—replacing anything that absorbs large amounts of contaminants,” Abernathy stated. The degree to which extra measures must be taken impacts operational efficiencies of the facility, creating additional day-to-day protocols for workers.
How Can Soot Affect Your Marijuana Cultivation?
Last year, 58,950 wildfires burned an estimated 10.1 million acres of land in the US. That’s double the amount burned in 2019 and is more than the 10-year-average. The U.S. Drought Monitor’s latest outlook showed that much of the area in which cannabis is being grown in the West and Southwest are going to be put through prolonged drought conditions. This can lead to pasture loss, unstable crop growth, and water emergencies. As much deterioration as this has brought cultivation harvests, residents of these areas also have problems to worry about, such as air quality.
Willow Creek, California reported that their air-quality readings had reached almost three times the level at which breathable air is considered hazardous. Last year, the town had reported 24-hour average air-quality measures that ranged from 50 to 650 micrograms per cubic meter. Anything over 55.5 is considered unhealthy air which humans should not breathe. If hazardous readings are higher than 250 for a prolonged period of time, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends closing events, workplaces, and even schools.
Jon Vaught, the CEO of Front Range BioSciences went on to say that, “When you start getting into how [it’s] going to affect product and manufacturing and production, it depends on where the wind’s blowing, what your situation is, where you’re located. You could be right next to a fire and have no issues at all, or you could be ten miles from it and have your building filled with smoke. It really just depends on the weather.”
Smoke is generally a volatile substance to the cannabis plant and causes a significant degree of stress to its grow process. This is especially common in those with outdoor or greenhouse operations. The residue, soot, smog, and smoke can also leave behind problems for lab testing and consumer health. But, implementing proper sanitation measures as Abernathy suggests, or hiring an experienced contractor or consultant to find the optimal solution for your case, is the best place to start.
Josh Wurzer, president of SC Labs, had this final note to say about the crop damage that accompanies wildfires, “Smoke taint is the most obvious and the most apparent threat to cannabis as [it’s] exposed to these forest fires, and that’s something you’re going to be able to readily tell from just qualitatively examining the cannabis. So, that’s certainly a concern—just ruining the flavor of the cannabis.” Marijuana enthusiasts can collectively share information about issues facing the cannabis industry and consumer community can ban together and
contribute to the larger conversation of cannabis activism.
At The Weed Blog, we strive to produce the latest online news resources regarding marijuana. We also review various strains of cannabis or other edible counterparts. We are committed to helping you find valuable information about marijuana on our website. With marijuana laws constantly changing, learn from us what you can do to promote activism in your area. Otherwise, consider these other top-tier articles regarding cannabis:


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Remember that HTC ThunderBolt ROM that leaked out a few days ago? Looks like Verizon's getting ready to push it (or something close to it?), as Android Central Forums member jim302 spotted that the release notes have been posted in the usual place and the build numbers match up. Here's the changelog:
Web Browsing and Data Access
- Enhanced data connectivity when accessing the Verizon 3G network
Email and Messaging
- SMS and MMS messages are stored properly in the Messaging
- Application (Inbox, Sent, etc.).
Additional Device Features
- Timing for device activation has been improved.
- “Backup Assistant” is correctly displayed in the Application menu.
- Stability improvements for data centric applications such as
- Facebook, KAYAK, Yahoo! Mail, My Verizon and more.
- Accurate location is displayed when accessing the Weather Widget
- Quickly load GPS updates for Google Maps and VZ Navigator™.
Look for it to push out, oh, any time now, we suppose.
Source: Verizon (pdf); via: Android Central Forums
Edit: Tweaked the story and headline a tad.
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Funko Pop! is getting into the NFT game – and they’re starting out with Iron Maiden’s iconic mascot Eddie.
The company will be releasing a collection of 44 different Digital Pop! NFT’s of Eddie, starting Sept. 30th.
The NFT’s will be sold in packs of 5 and 15, with prices starting at $9.99. A total of 24,000 packs will be available.
NFT’s, or ‘non-fungible tokens’, are unique digital items that can’t be duplicated, allowing them to be traded and sold on the open market.
Have you gotten into the NFT craze? Does it make sense to you?