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A new class of soft, electrically-activated devices can mimic the expansion and contraction of natural muscles. These low-cost material devices are able to self-sense their movements and self-heal from electrical damage.
In the race to develop faster electric vehicle charging solutions, ITT, via its Cannon brand, recently introduced a new liquid-cooled DC High Power Charging (HPC) solution, offering a 500A at 1,000V charge.
Introducing the XLamp® XD16 LED, the industry’s first Extreme Density LED – proving the first to surpass the 280lm/mm2 Lumen Density Mark.
Research indicates that effective, less costly replacements for expensive platinum in fuel cells are nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes or modified graphene nanoribbons.
Cornell University researchers have made a robot exoskeleton that can rapidly change its shape upon sensing chemical or thermal changes in its environment.
A massive and rapidly expanding range of products, from sensors and monitors to wearable and handheld devices, require flexible circuits. The bar is set high for these electronic devices and equipment.


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DHL eCommerce, a division of global transportation and logistics provider DHL, is partnering with shipping software provider Easyship to offer same-day and next-day shipping to more customers, the company said December 18.
The partnership allows e-commerce merchants to offer same-day and next-day shipping via DHL's Parcel Metro Service. The program went live December 17 in Los Angeles, New York City and Chicago, and offers a more affordable way for small and mid-sized customers, in particular, to meet online shoppers' demand for faster delivery, the company said.
"Historically, it would be cost prohibitive for small- and medium-sized online merchants to offer same-day or next-day shipping delivery options to their shoppers," DHL said in a statement announcing the new service. "But the partnership with DHL Parcel Metro connects directly into Easyship's online platform partners, including BigCommerce, Shopify, and eBay, allowing online merchants to offer best-in-class shipping solutions in a more cost-effective way."
Hong Kong-based Easyship helps e-commerce merchants ship worldwide via its cloud-based technology platform.

domain: news


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Mary Lemmer, co-founder of Ann Arbor-based Iorio's Gelato, says Ann Arbor's food entrepreneurs "take a collaborative approach, where it's not about competition but about sharing resources and ideas and helping each other."
To celebrate that food entrepreneur ecosystem and expand opportunities to learn from one another, the University of Michigan (U-M) Zell Lurie Institute's annual Entrepalooza entrepreneurial symposium will focus on food entrepreneurship from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 21 at the Michigan League.
During this year's event, titled Entrepalooza: Recipes for Entrepreneurial Success, attendees will learn firsthand from successful founders during hands-on workshops and a showcase food fair. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., and the event kicks off at 9:15 a.m. with a keynote address from Ari Weinzweig, co-founder of Zingerman's.
Food entrepreneurs with a connection to Ann Arbor will lead a series of workshops on launching and growing food startups. Workshop leaders will include Bob McClure of McClure’s Pickles and Eric Ersher of Zoup! The event will conclude with a food fair, where attendees can learn more about food-related startups founded by U-M alumni and students.
Lemmer has been involved with Entrepalooza for many years, starting with attending the event as a student at U-M's business school. After she graduated in 2010 and started working in venture capital with startups, she was asked back to the symposium as a speaker. This year, she's not speaking at Entrepalooza, but her business will be offering samples and showcasing their new product packaging during the food fair portion of the event.
Lemmer began her gelato business as a food cart while she was still in high school. Later, with help from her brother Nick while he was still a college student, she expanded into a retail store. This year, the business is branching out into selling pints of its product through grocery stores.
Lemmer says participating in the food fair is a great opportunity to share with the greater U-M community about her company's current stage of growth.
"It's the story of having gone from a little food cart, selling gelato for events and parties, to having a retail store to now having gelato in stores across the region and, hopefully soon, across the country," she says. "It was important for us to include U-M Zell Lurie as part of that journey, because they've been there in support of us since the beginning."
More information and registration are available here.
Sarah Rigg is a freelance writer and editor in Ypsilanti Township. You may reach her at email@example.com.
Photos courtesy of Mary Lemmer.


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|Home page Economy|
In January-February 2016, the value of industrial goods production and services decreased by 0.1 percent and amounted to 4.3 billion manats.
According to the State Statistical Committee, production in non-oil sector grew by 4.5 percent compared to the same period of the previous year, while oil sector dropped 0.7 percent.
61.7 percent of industrial production in mining, 29.4 percent in manufacturing, 8.0 per cent of the electricity, gas and steam production, distribution and supply, 0.9 per cent of the water supply, waste treatment and processing sectors have been produced.
In industry, the share of non-state sector was 77.1 percent.
İndustrial products amounted for 85.6 percent of the total production and the portion of industrial services in total production was 14. 4 percent.
2016.03.25 / 11:50


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Greenpeace banner on the Rainbow Warrior during the WTO's 4th Ministerial Conference in Doha, Qatar.
Genetically engineered food by Bush & Co. E-card designed by Mark Fiore.
Greenpeace volunteers dressed as Uncle Sam dump GE maize on other volunteers representing consumers in straitjackets, suffocating their demand for the right to say no GE food.
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) promotes free trade for the
gain of private interests, over and above our health and the
environment. It is fatally flawed and is moving the world in the
wrong direction - away from peace, security and sustainability. By
stalling on issues that are crucial to poorer countries, the WTO
faces a crisis of legitimacy.
Greenpeace opposes the current form of globalisation that is
increasing corporate power.
We demand that the World Trade Organisation (WTO) adopts a
policy oftrade that truly works for all and that preserves and
We support global environmental standards. Trade must not
takepriority. Governments must work to achieve sustainable
development.This means integrating three things: environmental,
social and economicpriorities.
We campaign to bring the concerns of citizens all over the world
to the decision-makers at the WTO.
We are calling on consumers to join
us and demand a GE free world.
Prepare copper plates and solder the pipes on to them
Bend the pipes and prepare soldering
Clean the absorber
At the end of June Apple will launch its first major product since Steve Jobs 'A Greener Apple' statement. So how green will the iPhone be?
This is the story of a very different kind of Greenpeace campaign. The story of a "people power victory." It's the story of the Greening of Apple.
A self-construction collector installation the size of 164 square meters in Wildhaus, Switzerland shortly before completion (summer 2004).
Functionality of a solar thermal collector
The incident sunlight is absorbed at 98% and is transmitted as heat to the carrier liquid.
Assembly of a 32 squaremeter collector-installation in Bergün Switzerland 2006.
41 - 50 of 375 results.


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PHOENIX — The Ben Avery Shooting Facility (BASF) soon will be open and ready for business, but with some operational changes that will affect customers.
To ensure public health and safety protocols are observed, and to maximize opportunities for all recreational shooters, only online reservations will be accepted when BASF reopens at 7 a.m. Wednesday, May 13. The new online reservation system will be available Monday, May 11.
At this time, the shooting facility is unable to accommodate walk-in customers on its rifle and pistol ranges, as well as the Clay Target Center (CTC). Any changes will be based on gradual reopening guidelines for businesses and customers, as outlined by the Governor’s Office.
“BASF’s implementation of a new online reservation system is two-fold: We want to maximize the shooting opportunities that this world-class facility has to offer, while maintaining common sense health practices,” said Mike Raum, shooting sports branch chief for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Located on 1,650 acres in north Phoenix, BASF is one of the nation’s largest publicly operated shooting facilities. A City of Phoenix “Point of Pride,” the facility has received a five-star rating from the National Association of Shooting Ranges.


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Carnival Cruise Lines will add a third year-round ship to Galveston when Carnival Freedom launches seven-day cruises in February 2015.
This will be the first time the Miami-based cruise line has deployed three year-round ships in Texas. The repositioning represents a 38 percent capacity increase for the line in Galveston, carrying more than 600,000 guests a year from that port.
Prior to arriving at the port, Carnival Freedom will undergo a previously announced makeover that will add several new Fun Ship 2.0 enhancements.
Carnival Freedom will join Carnival Magic, which offers seven-day Caribbean cruises, and Carnival Triumph, which sails four- and five-day departures to Mexico.
"Galveston is already one of our most popular embarkation ports and with Carnival Freedom we’re not only dramatically expanding capacity in the market but also providing consumers with yet another exciting opportunity to experience our spectacular Fun Ship 2.0 innovations on a Texas-based ship,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO, in a news release.
RELATED CONTENT: Princess Cruises trim Japan deployment in 2015
Carnival Freedom will kick off its new schedule from Galveston with a six-day Caribbean voyage to Costa Maya, Mexico; Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico departing Feb. 15.
Following the six-day voyage, the ship will launch year-round departures from Galveston on Feb. 21, encompassing three different itinerary choices that visit ports throughout Mexico, the Caribbean, Bahamas and Florida.
Carnival Freedom’s week-long itineraries from Galveston include:
• Western Caribbean voyages departing Saturdays to Cozumel; Belize; and Mahogany Bay, Roatan.
• Western Caribbean voyages departing Saturdays with stops at Montego Bay, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel.
• Eastern Caribbean sailings departing Saturdays visiting Key West; and Freeport and Nassau, The Bahamas.


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After being one of the most successful hybrids out there, the Japanese from Toyota have decided to give their popular Prius a small facelift for the next year model, not stopping only at redesigning its exterior.
According to the Japanese automaker, the 2012 Prius will get new bumpers, revised taillights and it will be sitting on new 15 inch alloy wheels, but if customers will order the optional Plus Performance package they will get a seven-piece body kit along with larger 17 inch alloy wheels.
According to Toyota, the 2012 Prius will be powered by a 1.8 liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, delivering a total output of 134 horsepower, enabling the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 9.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 180 km/h or 112 mph.
With a 51 mpg urban and 48 mpg on highway fuel consumption, the 2012 Toyota Prius has some minor interior changes too, like the new Entune infotainment system and JBL GreenEdge speakers.
Toyota didn’t announce a price for its 2012 Prius yet but we don’t expect the difference to be more than a few hundred euros.


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Staff at Polo Park store chip in to buy leggings after girl has hers stolen at mall
Employees donate own money to help young girl because 'it's the holidays'
Riah Compardo and her mom Heidi were in Winnipeg to shop for the holidays a few weeks ago. Heidi said they wanted to come to Winnipeg for the shopping, especially at ivivva athletica, which sells athletic gear for young girls such as sweaters, headbands and leggings.
Riah saved up money since March for leggings that are black with a blue and pink waistband. She even sewed a blanket for a woman up north who was having a baby. Her papa gave her money for the blanket and Riah planned to use it to buy her prized leggings.
The two went straight to the store, bought the leggings and stopped to buy some salt and vinegar popcorn before returning to their hotel room.
"She turned to me and was white as a ghost," said Heidi.
After trying security and the store, the two decided the leggings and headband Riah bought were gone for good.
"My heart just ... I became sad right away," Riah said. "We went back to the hotel and I was just crying. I didn't want to do anything. I just wanted to stay in my room."
When the family went back to the store the next day to replace them, the staff there gave them an unexpected surprise.
"Riah went to make the purchase and the cashier informed us that they wanted to do something for our family," Heidi said. "They wanted to gift Riah's purchase for her."
Anonymous donor leaves gift card
Riah was able to get her original leggings and headband. She also bought a new sweater, thanks to the kindness of strangers.
"There wasn't a dry eye in the store," Heidi said. "We left the store and [Riah] said 'Mom, these aren't tears of sorrow anymore. These are tears of joy.'"
Casey Nolin is the store manager at ivivva athletica in Polo Park. She said she and the other girls on shift that day saw how sad Riah was and wanted to do something meaningful.
"You know, it's the holidays and we just wanted to do something nice for this girl," she said.
The family has since returned to Dryden and celebrated the holidays in style.
"[The girls there] sure turned our weekend around," Heidi said. "We had a bad time on Tuesday night, and when we left the city on Thursday to go home, our hearts were filled with love."


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A glam take on alphabet soup. This is about the best I can do to describe the D&G Woman Fall/Winter 2012 collection.
Some pretty dope news came out of Milan today.
Dolce&Gabbana announced that they’ll take their Fall/Winter 2010/11 Women’s Fashion Show worldwide.
The show will stream live on iPhones and Android mobile devices on the following dates and times.
- D&G: Thursday, February 25 from 3pm (GMT +1)
- Dolce&Gabbana: Sunday, February 28 from 1pm (GMT +1)


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Kaylene Hong was Asia Reporter for The Next Web between 2013 and 2014, based in Singapore. She is bilingual in English and Mandarin. Stay in Kaylene Hong was Asia Reporter for The Next Web between 2013 and 2014, based in Singapore. She is bilingual in English and Mandarin. Stay in touch via Twitter or Google+.
China’s mobile gaming is a hot space with lots of potential for growth, and Chinese internet giant Tencent clearly knows that.
Tencent, the operator of popular social networks and apps in China including WeChat, now reaches over 180 million daily users on its game distribution channels. It reported CNY1.8 billion ($291 million) revenue from online games in the first quarter of 2014, about triple the amount from the previous quarter. The paying user base for mobile games also more than doubled compared to Q4 2013.
Meanwhile, the Chinese government estimated the mobile gaming economy generated almost $2 billion last year –and even this figure may be underestimating the value by as much as $300 million.
Tencent seeks Western game content
It is little wonder why the internet giant has recently been stepping up efforts to partner more foreign game publishers as it seeks engaging content from abroad.
Bo Wang, the vice president of business development at Tencent, told TNW in a recent interview that if you look at internet commercialization opportunities, one is advertisement and the other would be entertainment, which includes games.
“So for Tencent, we have the biggest volume, the biggest traffic in China — and how to monetize this traffic is either through advertising or gaming, and we want to do both. Both are important,” he said.
For free-to-play mobile games, it’s even more striking that the game content and game quality make a big difference. So in the long run, we think the innovation part, the creativity part, the unique strengths of Western (game) studios make some very good quality and fun-to-play games that address the market needs.
A recent example of Tencent’s search for popular Western gaming titles comes as it revealed in April that it was teaming up with game-maker King to bring a localized version of Candy Crush Saga to China. Wang told us that the game will land in China next month, with users having to visit Tencent’s Mobile QQ or its Weixin Game Center to get hold of it.
Localization challenges in China
However, Wang noted that even though Western mobile games are starting to make their presence felt in Asian markets including China, he still feels there hasn’t been a runaway success case, primarily because they aren’t optimized for free-to-play in this part of the world.
One of the reasons is that Western markets, for gaming, is still a console market. There are many challenges for Western studios to learn how to make a commercially successful free-to-play mobile game.
That’s the strength Tencent has, to help our partners to improve their game development capabilities. We have done that on PC games with partners, and we would love to do that on mobile games with more partners going forward.
China is a rather unique gaming market, mainly because game consoles have been banned from the country for 13 years, amid concerns about the content of international games and the possible effect that violent titles could have on young children. The ban was only lifted last year, heralding in the arrival of the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. However, this means that a generation of Chinese had grown up without being exposed to consoles at all, and instead got their first taste of gaming either via the PC or mobile phones.
Adapting to this is already a huge challenge, but Wang noted there are even more localization hurdles to cross, which require a lot of local resources and solid infrastructure, and will take up time.
One of them is network connectivity. Wang said that China’s wireless network may be catching up, but the coverage and bandwidth are still less desirable than in Korea and the US, for example.
“When you design a game and publish the game, you’d better have that in mind and make sure the network connection and data issues won’t bring a negative experience to users,” he said.
As Google Play isn’t present in China, getting an app up on Android also means game publishers have to work with hundreds of channels and/or app stores for distribution — and this could make or break your game, with Wang saying that every week, 100 new games hit the market and it’s a tough challenge to stand out.
Even after those issues are solved, there is still payment to settle — Wang noted that many people in China still don’t have internet banking, which means you need to factor in offline support. There is also the lurking problem of hacking, to make sure the game is safe and strong enough.
Tencent doesn’t charge developers for the help it provides — but Wang said that to get the company’s attention itself is a difficult task, as it is rather selective: “We prefer to work with the best partner and make sure the best games get the best results.”
Another key factor for the games that Tencent takes under its wing: interactive, social features.
Wang noted that Chinese gamers are much younger compared to those in the US or Japan, for example. 80 percent of its gamers are below 30 years old, which makes it more difficult to capture their attention. “I would say that how to make the game easy to play and have interactive features designed within the game would definitely help the game build a massive audience here,” Wang said.
He also noted that the biggest difference between Western and Asian mobile games is that Asian developers know how to make their games “connected” — encouraging people to interact with real people who are playing the same game. This comes hand-in-hand with Tencent’s mobile QQ and Weixin (the version of WeChat offered in China).
Wang said that these social networking and chat channels “help to extend the reach of our games and games that we distribute on behalf of game developers.”
As Tencent continues to increase its focus on mobile gaming, popular Western titles will no doubt catch its eye, and it will be interesting to see what new games will gain popularity among Chinese gamers.
And Tencent wants to be at the forefront of such efforts, as Wang said that the company is trying to bring more and more Western game content into China: “I would say Western creativity plus Asian commercialization — probably that’s the right formula.”
Headline image via Peter Parks/AFP/Getty Images, first image via Candy Crush, second via Getty Images, third via Bryanlyt
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By: Jason Best
Food makers want the Senate to pass a bill that would make labeling voluntary and supersede state-level laws.
There’s no doubt about it: The food industry is counting on you to be distracted at this busy time of year, what with all those visions of sugarplums, etc., as it tries to make a stealth end run to quash any effort to require the labeling of foods that contain genetically modified ingredients.
Consumer advocates and other proponents of mandatory GMO labeling are scrambling to sound the alarm, but whether they can make their message heard above the general din of the American holiday season remains to be seen. “If your state wants to label GMOs, Congress is trying a year-end sneak attack to block your right to label,” cries one ad put out by the Center for Food Safety. The headline on the group’s action alert urging the public to petition their senators exclaims: “Don’t let Congress block labeling of genetically engineered food!”
The ins and outs of the fight can get confusing, not least because the official name of the DARK Act is, perversely, the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act. Basically, the food industry wants to upend efforts to force it to label foods made from genetically modified ingredients, and its allies on Capitol Hill have been eager to oblige. While pro-labeling advocates are fighting for a mandatory label that would clearly warn consumers of the presence of GMOs, food makers are busy lobbying to make GMO labeling strictly voluntary and to establish a federal program for the labeling of foods free of GMOs.
Got that? Instead of a pro-consumer label, what we’d could end up with is a snazzy, taxpayer-subsidized marketing gimmick that allows corporations to tout whichever product they decide would sell better with a GMO-free sticker on the package.
And that, friends, is how the GMO Grinch is trying to steal Christmas.
Originally Published: TakePart


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New Delhi, January 13: With the Indian government urging the palm oil importers to stop all purchases from top supplier Malaysia, immediate effect of it could be seen as importers stopped all purchases. Earlier the Union government had made the request privately following a diplomatic spat over Kashmir and its new citizenship law.
According to a report, published in international news agency Reuters, last week the Indian government had asked the private importers to restrict imports of refined palm oil and palmolein as Malaysia's Prime Minister criticised India's actions in Kashmir and its new citizenship law. Retail Inflation Soars to 7.35% in December, Vegetable Inflation Peaks at 60.5% Fuelling Fears of Stagflation.
Informing about the latest update, a leading refiner said, as the agency quoted, "Officially there is no ban on crude palm oil imports from Malaysia, but nobody's buying due to government's instructions." He added that currently the buyers now import from Indonesia, despite paying a premium prices.
It is known that India is world's largest importer of palm oil which buys more than 9 million tonnes annually. This move might hike the price of palm oil related products in India. Data shows, India bought 4.4 million tonnes of palm oil from Malaysia in 2019. Earlier in October, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad criticised PM Narendra Modi by saying that India "invaded and occupied" Kashmir and in December said BJP government was stoking unrest with its new citizenship law.


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Booking.com has announced the launch of a new travel agents tool that provides industry professionals with a bespoke set of tools to book and manage accommodation reservations for their clients.
Users will be able to see a tab of customisable reports that support agents in monitoring individual client bookings and provide them with a convenient breakdown of their earnings over time.
The new launch is an extension of the company’s existing Affiliate Partner Programme and leverages technology and infrastructure being developed for Booking.com for Business, and agents who join the platform will be eligible for similar partner benefits.
The company's senior director of global partnerships, Bryan Batista, said: “We’re pleased to now offer professional travel agents a platform and a programme that has been created just for them, with the special features they need to easily book and manage reservations for their clients, as well as the choice, diversity and seamless experience that they’ve come to love and rely on from Booking.com. We’re excited to continue innovating the platform, and are committed to adding even more useful features and functionality for them over the coming months.”
The platform allows agents to view and manage all customer reservations via one dashboard and also includes a tab of customisable reports that fully support agents in monitoring individual client bookings, as well as providing them with a convenient breakdown of their earnings over time.
For more information visit booking.com/travel-advisors/index.html


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JAKARTA (TheInsiderStories) – Japan’s trade balance recorded a surplus of JPY140 billion (US$1 billion) in September, following two consecutive months of deficits (on a non-seasonally adjusted basis), although the surplus narrowed by 78.7 percent year-on-year (YoY).
The trade balance recorded a deficit for a third straight month, widening by 25.1 percent month-on-month to JPY239 billion.
Exports declined by 1.2 percent in annual basis, marking the first decline in 22 months, which is in line with a 4.8 percent drop for export volumes that partially reflected disruption caused by the devastating Typhoon Jebi and the Hokkaido earthquake. Exports to Asia continued to rise while exports to the United States (US) and the European Union (EU) turned negative.
Major contributors to the decline were exports of autos (particularly to the EU), telecommunication devices (broadly, but largely to Asia), and construction machinery (to the US). Exports of machinery, particularly semiconductor-related machinery, to China continued to grow.
But declines in manufactured goods, semiconductors and other electrical machinery to China, suggest weaker Chinese production from the repercussions of additional US tariffs on its imported goods.
Although import volumes also declined by 2.7 percent compared to last year, the main factor lifting imports was higher prices (up 10.0 percent YoY), particularly for prices for oil and other fuels. Imports of fuel contributed to an increase of 7.6 percentage points, offsetting declines for imports of medical products, aircrafts, power generating machinery, and other products.
The sluggish September results suggest net exports made a negative contribution to real GDP growth for the third quarter of 2018, although the disruption caused by natural disasters could potentially lift exports in short term, rated by Harumi Taguchi, Principal Economist of IHS Markit.
That said, weak external demand and higher oil prices could keep Japan’s trade balance in deficit territory over the near term.
Although there are few signs of a rapid drop in overall external demand, export orders as shown in the Nikkei Japan Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index has dropped below 50 three times in four months, suggesting weak orders from overseas could weigh on Japan’s exports over the near term. On the other hand, ongoing geopolitical risks could keep oil prices high and any pending US-Japan trade agreement could narrow the trade surplus with the US.
Written by Staff Editor, Email: firstname.lastname@example.org


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Asian Paints has announced star cricketer Shakib Al Hasan as the brand ambassador for Bangladesh.
This brings together two of the most consistent performers – Asian Paints and Shakib, both known for their high quality performance across the world, said a press release.Rahul Bhatnagar, CEO, Asian Paints International Pvt. Ltd., said about the new partnership, “As an innovation-driven company, we want to be the most preferred brand in Bangladesh through our superior quality products and providing one stop solution for the beautification and protection of our consumers’ homes.”
Shakib Al Hasan also shared a video message, in which he said “Asian Paints is renowned for high performance, the same thing that I strive for every time I enter the playing field. I am proud to partner with such an iconic brand”


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Android has its fair share of malware attacks and general issues, but Android Nougat will help to combat one of the worse kinds. Ransomware is a type of malware which leaves an infected device open for password resets and allows hackers to capture all of your pertinent information. Although not common for mobile devices, these types of malware still rear its ugly head every once in awhile.
Symantec, the company behind Norton Security and Antivirus, has published findings that show that Android Nougat will prevent ransomware from taking over your device. In previous versions of Android, it was possible for hackers to gain access to your device, reset the password, then steal any information that is on your device. Users would be locked out of their devices due to the password reset and would be left vulnerable to having their personal information taken over.
Android Nougat combats ransomware by a change in the code surrounding the resetPassword API. Previously, this API would be used to not only set a users password, but to change the password as well. With the new update the API has been changed to only set the password, which ensures “that malware cannot reset the lockscreen password, as the change is strictly enforced and there is no backward compatibility.”
Symantec recommends the following steps to help keep your device safe from attacks:
- Keep your software up to date
- Refrain from downloading apps from unfamiliar sites and only install apps from trusted sources
- Pay close attention to the permissions requested by apps
- Install a suitable mobile security app, such as Norton, to protect your device and data
- Make frequent backups of important data
Android Nougat is expected to be released in the next couple of months, but it’s great to see how the latest version of Android will keep its users more protected than ever.


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Microsoft has recently update the Xbox app on Windows 10 for Insiders. Now Xbox One and Windows 10 are coming even closer together as the final release date for the upcoming operating system is drawing closer. Microsoft has added “Game Hubs” which were added to the Xbox One in a recent software update and the new Game Bar, which is similar to the snap feature on Xbox One. The Game Bar allows you to record game play on your PC by pressing “Windows + G” – although this can be customised.
Game Hubs allow you users to view information about a particular game, such as which friends play it and any game clips from the community.
This month, Major Nelson revealed on his blog that Windows 10 Insiders can now test the game streaming in their home network. He also said that it will collect data and feedback to improve this feature before releasing it to the public.
The Xbox app has had some extra tweaks such as better friend management and the ability to turn on or off your console from your PC.
You can test out these features by downloading Windows 10 from the Microsoft website – http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows-10/about


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For Second Wind Sports co-owner Erica Gerald, one word sums up the entire Hood River windustry: Stoked.
“People see the wind blowing and they are truly stoked — it’s not just happy; it’s not just excited; they’re stoked!” Gerald said. “Seeing them on the beach, seeing them in the store, talking about who had the best session, who had the best location, who had the best wind … that’s the best part, the talk at the end of the day.”
Second Wind has been a Hood River landmark since 1986, and has undergone a few changes in its time — changes Gerald calls Second Wind versions 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0.
Version 1.0 was the shop’s beginning with founder Julie Blenn. The first storefront was at 112 Oak St., where Yum Frozen Yogurt stands now, moving to its 210 Oak location just a year later. It was originally all-consignment — thus the name.
Version 2.0 was ushered in when the Geralds — Erica and husband Pepi — bought the business from Blenn in 2005. Both were familiar with the store, and both wanted to move to Hood River and run a business together.
Erica, the founder of the Seattle Women’s Windsurfing Club, and Pepi, president of the Northwest Board Sailing Association, would often bring groups to Hood River to windsurf. And each of these trips brought a “must-go” visit to Second Wind Sports.
“We’d go to other shops, but we always went to Second Wind to get people kitted out, or if something broke,” Gerald explained. “We knew the store really well. It was a bit of a dream… we’d planned for 10 years to go into business together and had looked into different ways to do that. When the opportunity came to buy Second Wind, we jumped on it.”
In October 2005, Second Wind came into the Geralds’ ownership. The store is now 50-50 with consigned and new goods, a move that came at the suggestion of the shop’s consigners.
“Our customers would say, ‘I’m bringing things to consign, but I’d like to keep my money and business here,’” Gerald said.
Selling both new and used goods gives Second Wind a broad range of products to offer its customers; more product lines, budgets and skill levels can be matched, Gerald said. The shop sells equipment for 14 different sports and outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, windsurfing, kiteboarding, stand-up paddling, camping and backpacking.
“It gives customers the full circle of the store,” she said. “It’s been really nice.”
Version 3.0 happened just this spring, when the Geralds moved the business to the store’s new location at the corner of Second and State streets.
It wasn’t an easy decision — Gerald likens it to being in a great neighborhood with great neighbors and not wanting to leave — but what she’d see from her loft office space in the old store gave her a unique perspective on the challenges customers were facing.
“I would see someone come in, buy a pair of skis or a stand-up paddle board or bring things on consignment, and they would have to park everywhere just to get an item to the store or out of the store,” she said of their Oak Street location. Sometimes staff would help carry purchases to vehicles, taking them away from the store for 30 minutes at a time, interrupting service to other customers.
“Customer inconvenience is really hard to watch for me,” she said.
The new location is more convenient for customers, she noted, with its two loading zones that make loading and unloading efficient and easy for both customers and staff. Another perk is State Street’s plentiful off-street parking.
The building itself is bigger, and the Geralds have been able to expand their stock. The store is light and airy, thanks to two large picture windows, and has air conditioning.
“It’s hard to watch someone put on a wetsuit in the summertime when your store doesn’t have AC,” she said. “Tiny little things make a big difference.”
The store has many regular — but not necessarily local — customers, Gerald said. “We have quite a variety. We have a lot of locals, definitely, but we also have some very regular clients that come in from Seattle and Portland on a very regular basis. We have a handful of Canadians who come in consistently — they’re truly regulars at our store.
“Our idea of local is more of the regular customer, people that come to our store specifically for what we have to offer.”
Gerald was born in Kansas City, Kansas, moving to Seattle with her family at the age of 12. She graduated from Western Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in science and biology; this is also where she met Pepi, a recreation major. Business ownership wasn’t her first calling — she was doing etymology in wetland restoration in Corvallis when she and Pepi decided to purchase the store, she said.
The Geralds have two children, daughter Miyuki, 10, and son Colin, 6, who both attend Westside Elementary. When they’re not working or at school, the family is enjoying life in the Gorge.
Hood River, she said, is “such a great place for families, for getting outdoors as your primary activity. Everything you want to do, you can do at about any level — low-impact or high-adrenalin, you can enjoy everything the Gorge has to offer.
“It’s a very special place.”


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MacDermid Graphics Solutions – Joining EFIA as a Diamond Partner
USA • The manufacturer of flexo printing plates for the packaging industry announced its Diamond Partner membership in the European Flexographic Industry Association (EFIA). This premier organization of key leaders in the printed packaging industry promotes tools and initiatives to drive the industry forward with higher levels of technical knowledge, innovation, operational efficiency, and recognition.
“As a Diamond Partner, we look forward to working closely with our industry associates. Having access to focussed training, research and events, will help us, and our customers to continue innovating,” said Matthew Bates, Territory Manager at MacDermid. “EFIA is very pleased to welcome MacDermid as one of our new Diamond Partners in 2018. MacDermid will be championing the UK flexo industry alongside EFIA, which remains one of the UK’s foremost trade associations representing the interests of the entire flexographic supply chain,” stated Debbie Waldron-Hoines, Managing Director at EFIA.
For more information on EFIA click here.


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The flaw, we believe, has been with the practice of outsourcing, not the theory. A high-tech supply chain that relies heavily on outsourcing can be successful, but not if partners approach it with the wrong assumptions. Even for those companies whose participation in technology is minimal, outsourcing has the potential to be a major operational landmine. Especially in industries where product life cycles are growing shorter — set in an economy where volatility increasingly is the norm — a clear understanding of performance expectations, capabilities, and risks will separate the winners from the losers.
How Did We Get Here?
For high-tech supply chains, outsourcing was the panacea of the ’90s. Traditional vertically integrated electronics manufacturers, which had been managing products all the way from design and development through manufacturing and distribution, could slash their balance sheets by placing the low-margin operations with hungry contract manufacturers. For companies as varied as Apple, Nortel Networks Inc., and the Nokia Corporation, manufacturing was no longer where they added value; instead, they got paid for understanding customer needs, design, and distribution. Moreover, the speed with which product demand varied stressed their ability to scale up or down in response. As a result, there were tremendous pressures to get these less-profitable manufacturing assets off the balance sheet.
The contract equipment manufacturers were willing to buy these assets, and even to take short-term losses, if in turn they could count on seizing greater market share in the long term through industry consolidation. The CEMs believed they could make these operations profitable because manufacturing was their core competency, and because consolidation would allow greater purchasing power, increased economies of scale, and less exposure to market variability.
“Higher asset utilization!” the outsourcers proclaimed. “Improved scale and scalability,” they promised. Securities analysts readily accepted these claims, running up the valuations of eight major CEMs by 2,600 percent over the second half of the past decade.
Fast forward to today. High-tech has been rocked by a series of earnings announcements that have cut the Nasdaq index by as much as 68 percent from its March 2000 peak. “Growth hasn’t materialized!” the same voices shout. “The supply chain has been clogged with gobs of capacity and inventory,” they confess. Participants in this great experiment of outsourcing have been hit with lower total earnings and with lower margins.
This wasn’t supposed to happen. After all, hadn’t the value chain already rid itself of the excesses and inefficiencies of fat production?
Not quite. The problem encountered by companies like Cisco, Sony, Philips, and Compaq in the late 1990s was that their in-house production capabilities — those undifferentiated, unsexy parts of their business — were increasingly no longer part of their competitive edge. It was difficult to keep the technology current. And those functions were tough to scale to meet the demands of hit-driven businesses. Asset- and people-intense parts of the business, notably manufacturing, were viewed as a distraction from the high-value parts — product innovation, marketing, and customer understanding. When it came time for businesses to choose, high value won. Companies picked up the mantra of customer focus and concentrated on getting a wider array of products to the market. Getting to market first with a hit was far more important than simply lowering production costs.
The solution was outsourcing — farm out all those prickly nightmares. Outsourcing was greeted as more than just a strategy; it was hailed as a cure-all for whatever ailed the technology sector. The theory was that manufacturing specialists — companies like Solectron, Sanmina, Celestica, Flextronics, and Jabil Circuit — could bring greater focus and expertise to projects, could develop procurement and risk efficiencies better than OEMs, and could lead in innovation if they were encouraged to do so.


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The sky is a now place not only for birds and planes but also for drones – a.k.a. unmanned aerial vehicles. If you own at least one of the best drones in the market, you probably know some basic facts about it. You may also know some of the helpful uses of it, like for agriculture and law enforcement. But how well do you really know this technology? Here are some interesting facts about drones that you should know:
1. The first ever drone was built in Israel.
In 1973, the Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) developed the first drone, the IAI Scout, which worked as unmanned surveillance machines for military purposes. Today, Israel is the biggest exporter for defense drones and drone technologies in the world. The IAI has been selling to more than two dozen countries around the globe. The country is also one of the largest manufacturer of drones besides the United States, while other countries tried to build their own but most failed due to poor technology.
2. The first armed drones were built to assassinate notorious terrorists.
During the turn of the new millennium, the armed Predator drone searched for Osama Bin Laden. A month after the 9/11 attacks, the MQ-1 Predator has attacked the military chief of al-Qaida, Mohammed Atef, by bombing his home in Afghanistan. It was the first known killing using an armed drone.
3. The number of lives taken away by drones is alarming because it is relatively unknown.
From June 2004 to September 2012, the estimated number of killings in Pakistan caused by drones was around 2,662 to 3,325, according to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism. Of these people, around 474 to 881 people were civilians, including 176 children. The Pentagon and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) do not disclose when and where they strike targets, so the exact number of casualties is difficult to discover.
4. In 2020, the government expects 30,000 drones flying in the nation’s skies.
Upon the enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2012, which ordered the Federal Aviation Administration to develop regulations for the testing and licensing of commercial drones in 2015, the FAA projected that 30,000 drones would be overhead the US by 2020. In fact, a consulting group PricewaterhouseCoopers has reported that the value of the commercial drone industry can balloon to as much as $127 billion by 2020 from $2 billion in 2016.
5. Drones are prohibited from all US national parks, and you can be tasered for violating it.
So, you have one of those top-rated drones that flyers are dying to have? Resist the urge to show off when going to national parks. Flying drones are banned by the National Park Service within all national parks in the country since 2015 due to safety and noise concerns. This no-drone rule applies for an area of over 84 million acres throughout the United States. This rule was triggered by a 2014 incident when a tourist crashed a quadcopter into Yellowstone’s Grand Prismatic Spring, and the drone was never found. Eventually, park rangers were tasering drone pilots who can’t be stopped from operating a drone by confrontation.
6. There is a drone big enough to transport a human.
Last year, Chinese drone maker Ehang launched the first drone ever capable of carrying a person. It looks like a small helicopter that contains four doubled propellers like typical drones. The electric-powered quadcopter can be fully charged in two hours, carry up to 220 pounds and fly for 23 minutes. The drone cost $200,000 to $300,000 when it was unveiled.
7. Before Amazon and Google began to incorporate the use of drones to improve their services, a drone delivery startup was already using them to deliver goods.
Matternet, a drone start-up company from Silicon Valley, has deployed its own delivery drone technology in some of the world’s hard-to-reach areas. The company’s drone technology was used in delivering medical supplies and diagnostic tools in areas like Bhutan, Haiti, Papua New Guinea, and the Dominican Republic. Its aircraft were proved adept at delivering medicine and retrieving medical samples to places that are often inaccessible due to poor roads, bad weather, and other issues.
8. Drones are being used to protect elephants from poachers.
Poaching of elephants is a problem in Kenya, as some Asian nationalities illegally gather elephant ivory to sell for as much as $1,000 per kilogram. Conservationists at Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve used Google Earth and drones to keep elephants away from danger and human conflict areas. A team of conservationists lead by Marc Goss modified drones to release paintballs loaded with capsaicin, the active component in chili pepper when the elephants stray near high-risk zones. Goss said that drones are the future of conservation as it can do the tasks of 50 rangers.
9. Insect-sized drones are being developed to search for earthquake and other disaster victims.
The TU Delft University in the Netherlands created the smallest ornithopter drone with camera. The purpose of the technology was to understand insect flight and discover their capabilities. Moreover, the craft was developed for practical applications, like flying through cracks in concrete to search for earthquake victims or exploring buildings contaminated with radioactivity. The military and spy agencies also see the potential of the tiny drones as spies and scouts.
10. Before the existence of camera drones, cameras were attached to kites.
During the turn of the 20th century, a commercial photographer from Chicago named George R. Lawrence pioneered unmanned aerial photography. Lawrence specialized in panoramic photography, which was “impossible” that time as cameras were too bulky to bring hundreds of feet off the ground. What he did was use multiple kites, ranging from nine to 17 to lift his big, specialized panoramic camera up to 2,000 feet in the air. He added bamboo stabilizing arms and ran a steel piano wire from the ground up to carry electrical current that would activate the camera shutter. This attracted the interest of the military, which later on used camera drones for surveillance purposes.
We can say that drones are still relatively new as a flying machine with a future full of possibilities. You can experience the feel of using it by trying out some commercial drones in the market. Before testing out these quadcopters, always refer first to drone reviews so that you may have background knowledge at first in order to get the top-rated drones that will be worth your money.


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HIGH Street shops have rejected claims by Welsh language activists that they are not doing enough to keep the language alive.
Every big name in an eight-shop survey by Wales on Sunday said it is already offering an adequate bilingual service to their customers.
And many claim there is little call for extra legislation to bring in a new dual language policy.
Last week, we reported on the return of direct action by Welsh language group Cymdeithas yr Iaith - the first in more than a decade.
Campaigners are plastering High Street shops with stickers asking Ble mae'r Gymrag? (Where's the Welsh?) in a bid to force private companies to adopt a fully bilingual policy.
Cymdeithas argues that the terms of the Welsh Language Act 1993 means that private companies do not, by law, have to use English and Welsh. Members want to force the National Assembly to introduce a new Welsh Language Act which would require private companies to adopt a bilingual policy, which Burger King revealed this week it would implement across branches in Wales.
But when we contacted stores on Cymdeithas' hit-list, many argued that they already used many bilingual signs and employed Welsh-speaking staff.
nA KWIK SAVE spokesman said: "Every Kwik Save store in Wales will be reissued with dual language category signage by the end of November - these are the signs for each aisle. It wasn't across all stores before, but we have taken the decision to implement that across all stores. It's a huge cost but, wherever appropriate, we do want to include dual language."
nWOOLWORTHS said: "We pride ourselves on offering our customers first class service. Our store in Aberystwyth, which was targeted by the sticker campaign, employs a number of staff who are fluent in Welsh, as well as having some bilingual signs around the store."
nA HALIFAX spokesman said: "We worked very closely with Welsh language groups about seven years ago when we started to introduce Welsh signs. We use a lot of Welsh signs, we have Welsh options on our ATMs and Welsh speaking staff."
nTHOMAS COOK said it employed Welsh speaking staff, but only a few customers request the service. The spokesman added they were open to suggestions on how to expand the Welsh service.
nA spokesman for McDONALD'S, whose Aberystwyth store was closed down for several hours after Cymdeithas campaigners spray-painted the outside, said: "McDonald's wholly respects the fact that everybody has a right to express their own opinions, providing it is done in a peaceful, safe and legal manner. However, we cannot condone acts that break the law and regret the disruption that the demonstrators cause to our customers visiting our restaurant. McDonald's does have a number of restaurants that have bilingual signage and Welsh speakers. We have met with the Welsh Language Board on a number of occasions to discuss ways in which we can accommodate our Welsh customers and will continue to do so."
nWHSMITH referred to its Welsh language signs in their Welsh literature sections, but said it would be happy to consider introducing more.
nCHOICES video store said the Welsh language was only required in a few stores, like Cardigan and Haverfordwest, where there is a majority of Welsh speakers.
nBOOTS told us the decision to use more Welsh language signs is up to branch managers, but the company would oppose any legislation forcing them to introduce a bilingual policy.
Cymdeithas spokesman Dafydd Morgan Lewis said: "Some chains are doing a lot, but others like Boots and WHSmith are not. This campaign is about more than just getting the individual shops to introduce bilingual signs. It's to make it obligatory for private companies to have a bilingual policy.
"We are prepared to accept that the policy for certain shops wouldn't be the same for others, so the policy for a shop in Newport would be different to one in Llandudno.
"But we want a meaningful bilingual policy that they keep to. And we plan to keep the pressure on so they don't forget about it."


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Stoneleigh store open to virtual visitors
Retailers are invited on a virtual tour of Nisa’s latest Evolution format store following the launch of a new tool designed to provide inspiration and insight.
The 360 virtual tour takes users on a trip round Nisa’s Stoneleigh store, as exhibited at the annual trade show earlier this year and allows people to navigate their way round the 4,000 sq. ft. shop, whilst also picking up a raft of useful information.
Category insights and advice on products, merchandising and store layout are all captured in the tour which is to be made available on the Nisa website.
The tool will also be a useful asset for recruitment purposes, with those considering joining Nisa presented with an easy opportunity to get a clear overview of what they could sign up for.
Darren May, head of format and development at Nisa, said: “We presented our latest Evolution store at Stoneleigh earlier this year and ahead of our exhibition in 2020, we wanted to make it available to all.
“We have incorporated a wealth of category advice and insights in a bid to provide our retailers with helpful information that will help them run their businesses and make improvements in category areas where they might need support.”
When showcased at the 2019 Nisa Expo at the National Agricultural Exhibition Centre (NAEC) in Stoneleigh it was well received by retailers, suppliers and other guests, so much so that Nisa partner Amacor Capital bought the entire store and last month it was finally unveiled as a fully operational shop in Brown Edge, Staffordshire.
Key trends in convenience are demonstrated in the store which features modular drop-in units, bespoke display units, self-service tills and the latest energy efficient chiller cabinets.
By sharing the virtual tour of the store, Darren said he hopes to persuade current Nisa retailers of the benefits of investing in their store as well as attracting new retailers to the Nisa business.
“Stores that have converted to our latest format have enjoyed healthy uplifts in sales, growing an average of 12%, so it is important retailers can see what is available as well as get the insights and data to help them understand how they can improve their business,” added Darren.
Visit the link to access the virtual tour.


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Potatoes South Africa (PSA) has recently turned to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries, as well as the Minister of Trade & Industry, in order to address the influx of frozen French fries into South Africa.
The local potato processing industry finds itself in a crisis situation, to a sharp increase in the importation of frozen French fries, from Europe. With every role player in the potato value chain adversely affected, PSA is appealing to government for urgent intervention in creating a sustainable environment for the potato processing industry.
When the chips are down:
The volume of frozen French fry imports has surged from a level of 15,460 tons in 2009; peaking during 2010 at 46,903 tons, and then leveling at 30,054 tons last year (2011).
Why ask for South African chips?
Of the 650 commercial potato producers in SA; more than 100 produce potatoes, under contract, for the processing industry. Says PSA Marketing Manager, Etienne Booyens, “Total local annual production (of French fries) is estimated at around 120,000 tons. However, the actual market size is close to 150,000 tons. The 2010 level of French fry imports equates to 82,000 tons of locally produced (raw) potatoes, as replaced by these ingresses. In real terms: Close to a third of French fries consumed locally.”
Imported frozen French fries – taking food out of South African mouths:
The usage of locally produced potatoes for manufacturing processed potato products is estimated at 435,000 tons, of which, 58 percent is used for producing French fries. Adds Booyens: “With a labour multiplier of close to 1.2 workers per hectare, and over 9,500 hectares planted for the processing industry; we are looking at more than 11,400 workers being affected.”
The three largest producers of frozen French fries in South Africa jointly employ approximately 1,060 workers in their factories alone. “Furthermore, it is of paramount importance that the internal, as well as external jobs created by the industry, are also taken into serious consideration.”
The support of the South African consumer is requested:
Due to the prevailing threat to the sustainability of the local French fry industry, PSA urges all South African consumers to join its fight, and lobby against the importation of frozen French fries.
Concludes Booyens, “South Africans understand that local is lekker, so the next time you dine at a quick service restaurant, please ask: ‘Are these French fries manufactured from SA potatoes?’ By consumers adding their voices, we may be able to prevent the collapse of the local potato processing industry.”
- It is the responsibility of PSA, as a representative body, to protect the interests of the potato industry.
- PSA is a proudly South African organisation, representing proudly South African potato farmers.
- PSA appeals to all South Africans to support the consumption of locally \ produced French fries.
Source: Potatoes South Africa
Related PotatoPro Newsletter: Frozen French Fries Anyone?


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Guildford, UK 18th December 2014. Global Internet of Things solutions provider Eseye are pleased to announce a further expansion to their global presence, with the opening of an office in Rivonia, a suburb of Johannesburg in South Africa, on Friday 12th December 2014. This is Eseye’s first African-based office, and adds to a growing number of Eseye offices across the globe.
From its present offices in Europe, Australia, India and the USA, Eseye manages connected IoT devices in over 96 countries and provides device consultancy and support to its global customers. The Africa office opening is another example of how Eseye are committed to supporting its global partners and customers, locally.
Having worked with M-Kopa and other customers since 2011, Eseye already have a significant install base across the African continent with customers in more than six African countries including South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Nigeria, Tanzania and Ethiopia. In addition, Eseye have had a datacentre in Kenya for several years, supporting over 140,000 devices including M-Kopa’s.
“As the number of devices grew significantly in Africa in the first half of 2014 so Eseye planned the opening of the Rovonia office in line with its global go-to-market strategy.“
Julian Hardy, CEO, Eseye
The new office will enable Eseye to strengthen its relationship with African customers, in addition to supporting their activities across the continent. Initially the team at the Rivonia office will focus on customer relationship management as well as sales and business development, and it is expected they will add core skills in the disciplines of pre-sales and technical support through 2015.
Our efforts in Africa, underpinned by the significant success of our partners such as M-Kopa and others, are continuing to prove and validate the need for highly managed IoT services to deliver asset finance, retails finance, healthcare and infrastructure programs. Eseye looks forward to even more impressive growth across the African continent in 2015.
Eseye is planning to further expand its global presence through the opening of at least 2 new offices and number of new datacentres in 2015, which will enable the company to supply new global customers, whilst continuing to provide them with a local approach and personalised solutions.
For more information or to arrange an interview contact Eseye’s press team on +44 (0)1483 685154 or email firstname.lastname@example.org.
Click here for a PDF of the Press Release


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» 40,000 jobs vanish
» Struggling to find work in the state? You’re not alone
RELATED» Business news
DAILY BREEZE BLOG» South Bay Biz Waves
Home Depot announced Monday the company is shuttering its Expo Design Centers because of poor business performance — including a site that opened about eight years ago near the South Bay Galleria.
The departure of the upscale home interiors store on Hawthorne Boulevard — which is among 34 closing nationwide — will leave a new vacancy outside the Redondo Beach shopping center, which saw Mervyns department store bow out just after the holidays. The Mervyns will be replaced by Kohl’s.
In announcing the Expo closures, Home Depot said the business “has not performed well financially and is not expected to anytime soon” and that continuing on “would divert focus and resources from the company’s core `orange box’ stores.”
“Exiting our Expo business is a difficult decision, particularly given the hard work and dedication of our associates in that business and the support of our loyal customers,” Chairman and CEO Frank Blake said. “At the same time, it is a necessary decision that will strengthen our core Home Depot business.”
Spokeswoman Kathryn Gallagher could not say how many employees would be affected at the Redondo location, which, like other Expos, will start a close-out sale today. The stores will remain open for at least two months as remaining merchandise is sold, but all are expected to be shuttered by the end of April.
Nationwide, the closures will affect some 5,000 Expo associates. Home Depot has also announced staffing changes at its support centers that will affect 2,000 administrative employees.
The impact will certainly be felt by the city of Redondo Beach, which counts the Expo Design Center among its top 25 sales tax generators, Assistant City Manager David Biggs said.
To lure the upscale store to town and eliminate blight south of the Galleria, the city’s Redevelopment Agency in 2000 gave Expo a $1million subsidy to open near the mall and tear down three General Cinema movie theaters on 177th Street west of Hawthorne Boulevard. The 94,000-square-foot store opened in 2001.
At the time, the Daily Breeze reported that the business was expected to create 150 jobs and produce $450,000 in annual sales tax revenue by its fourth year in operation.
The city’s agreement counted on the store being open for at least a decade and meeting certain sales tax goals, Biggs said. If the company leaves early without meeting the tax thresholds, it could have to reimburse Redondo $100,000 per year for the remaining 2-1/2 years before the 10-year anniversary, he said. City officials were trying to determine Monday whether the terms of the agreement had been met.
Local leaders will reach out to company officials to discuss the future of the property, which is owned by Home Depot, he added.
With the economy driving closures nationwide, “That means there’s a lot of surplus retail out there” when it comes to attracting a new use, Biggs said.
But he also believes the site’s location near the Galleria and Target will be a draw for prospective retailers, along with the fact that the Galleria owners are working on plans to redevelop an area east of the Expo Design Center. The site once housed a bowling alley, Rite Aid and CompUSA.
“We do have one of the (area’s) premier shopping destinations, which tends to be a factor,” he said. “I’m hoping we’ll be able to replace the use.”
At the Redondo Expo Design Center on Monday, some employees said they’d found out the day before that the store would close, but were not given a date.
Merchandise was marked down, and no special orders were being taken — to at least one customer’s disappointment.
“I’m redoing my bathroom and kitchen,” said Laney Weston, who lives on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. “I found some tile here, but they’re not taking any orders now. I’m sad to see it go.”


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Sound & Light News
Could Speed the Internet
Newsweek via Yahoo News UK
For the first time ever, researchers from the University of Sydney have discovered how to store light
finding that may someday lead to lightning-fast internet speeds ...
Scientists have stored light
on memory chips for the first time
PA Science via Yahoo News UK
In a pretty futuristic achievement, scientists have converted light
to store inside a microchip. It part of an attempt to create faster, more efficient circuits for ...
'Magic dust' technology could lead to supercomputer that can solve complex problems
International Business Times via Yahoo News UK
You may be interested in: Stretchable artificial 'skin' developed that gives robotic hand a sense of touch Gene editing breakthrough allows cells to be programmed like computers to fight disease ...


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Mike Accavitti, VP-general manager of Acura, has abruptly left the company and has been replaced by Jon Ikeda, American Honda Motor Co. said Monday.
Mr. Ikeda was formerly division director of auto design at Honda's R&D Americas division and has been with Honda since 1989.
Mr. Accavitti, 56, joined American Honda as its chief marketing officer in 2011 before being promoted to his latest role at Acura in April 2014. Acura gave no reason for Mr. Accavitti's departure.
Continue reading at AdAge.com]]>


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Action-adventure title Kena: Bridge of Spirits was announced at the PlayStation 5 reveal event back in June. The upcoming video game from Ember Lab follows the story of a young girl named Kena, a spirit guide on her way to uncovering a mysterious plot involving her village. It also features cute furry little creatures and has a mystic, Ghibli-style theme.
When it was first revealed a few months ago, Kena: Bridge of Spirits was assigned the same launch window as Sony's next-gen console. Today the game's developer announced that this has been pushed back to Q1 2021.
***An update to our Kena community*** pic.twitter.com/rKoy33YWKZ— Kena: Bridge of Spirits (@emberlab) September 11, 2020
According to the game's maker, the decision to delay the release was made due to the ongoing pandemic. In order to slow down the spread of COVID-19, Ember Lab's team members have been working from home which inevitably slowed down progress.
Kena is not the first PS5 exclusive to be delayed recently. Last month, Arkane and Bethesda's timed PlayStation 5 exclusive Deathloop was also pushed back from its holiday 2020 launch to Q2 2021.


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Apple Is Discontinuing iTunes: To Be Replaced By Separate Media Apps
Thinking back to the early days of listening to music (via our PCs), for many of us – our first thoughts are engulfed by the nostalgia of Windows Media Player, and those oddly memorable media player skins and psychedelic visualizers. Listening to the music we loved back in the day as computer technology began developing required bought physical CDs, their tracks burned / ripped into badly-formatted and terribly named subfolders.
Single tracks carefully sourced and burned onto CD mixes, for our friends, lovers and family; CDs to jam to in the car, to play at parties. The excitement of borrowing a CD from a friend so we could finally have that album, with the ability to play it on repeat; not only on our CD players, but on our computers – long after we’ve returned the CD. As time went on, a new alternative was presented to us.
Apple’s iTunes revolutionized this idea as it hit the mainstream, as suddenly we had the ability to purchase these tracks directly from our computers and keep them for as long as we wished. To many, iTunes took over Windows Media Player, and became an integral media player as the early 2000’s pushed on. Even those with Windows PCs would download and install iTunes, as the media player provided users the ability to organise and access music easily. With this being said, the announcement that Apple is officially letting go of iTunes, and instead replacing the media player with specialised apps.
At Apple Inc’s developer conference on Monday, it was announced that the iTunes discontinuation will essentially be a reworking of sort. Over the years, the features added to iTunes have built up in numbers – from podcasts, to films; iTunes has offered itself as a media player with multiple functions, with more and more features being added over time (and for many of us, all these features leading to the dreaded, loading rainbow wheel of doom). In an interesting move, Apple has decided to phase out iTunes and all of its features, to instead focus on providing these services via separate apps.
Three separate media apps are scheduled to be phased in, in place of iTunes, in September 2019 with the release of a new operating system update for Apple products – OS X 10.15, nicknamed Catalina. The three apps consist of Apple Music, Apple Podcasts and Apple Movies: and as one may be able to tell, are focused on streaming services as opposed storing the files on one’s system. Apple Music is centered on just that – an app solely focused on the Apple Music streaming / subscription service. Although this focus is on the streaming service, Apple Senior Executive Craig Federighi has let users know –
“If you want to sync your devices and do old school stuff like put mp3s on them, that process will now take place in the Finder app.”
Which is rather reassuring for those of us who own Apple products but are not subscribed to the streaming service. This phase out of iTunes into separate apps, that are more focused on one form of media with more specific and accessible control, can definitely be seen as a step up in the efficiency of Apple’s products and services.
Words by Jenna Dreisenstock


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The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame will welcome five new inductees on Sept. 22 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio.
The ceremony, which takes place in conjunction with the American International Motorcycle Expo, will officially induct FMF Racing founder Donnie Emler Sr., off-road racing champion Eddie Lojak Sr., world motocross champion and Road 2 Recovery founder Bob Moore, racer and filmmaker Peter Starr and racer, team owner and publisher John Ulrich.
“The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2017 includes giants of the motorcycle lifestyle, sport and industry,” said Ken Ford, a member of the AMA board of directors and chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation board. “Each of these individuals has made a lasting impact on motorcycling in some profound way.
“Generations of riders have benefitted from their accomplishments or can appreciate their competitive talent,” said Ford. “The Hall of Fame will shine a little brighter this Sept. 22, when these five motorcyclists are enshrined for perpetuity.”
Reserve tickets for the ceremony at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/tickets.


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Here's 15-minutes of Toy coming at you from their Southwest trip with the Burndog, featured in our May 2011 issue.
The Toy Machine Subhumans video from their article in our May 2011 issue hits the web Friday April 29th. Here's a little taste of what you'll see.
Another demo crushed and it's off to the streets as Leo Romero, Cory Kennedy and the RVCA team finish their Northwest trip featured in our April 2011 issue.
|Skate For The Cure Bellevue, WA Sep 21|
|20 Years of Chocolate New York, NY Sep 21|
|Hangtown Massacre IV Placerville, CA Sep 28|
|Larb Fest San Diego, CA Oct 11|


text: Google is rumored to be releasing a Nexus TV Android-powered set-top box this year, and the search giant has recently acquired parts of a gaming company that might provide some hints at what’s on the way. PandoDaily reports that Matt Crowley and Karl Townsend, of Green Throttle Games, have both joined Google thanks to a recent deal. Green Throttle Games started shipping an Android Bluetooth gaming controller last year, allowing Kindle Fire HD users to turn Amazons’s tablet into a gaming console that connects to a TV via HDMI. It’s not clear how much of the technology behind Green Throttle Games’ Android controller has been acquired, and the company is still selling the device at retailers. Two of the co-founders are joining Google, but the third, Charles Huang, reportedly retains rights over the Green Throttle business.


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Cardiff Bus helped banish the January blues of a Cardiff Devils fan by surprising her with a special visit from two of the team’s players.
Max Birbraer and Brad Plumton hand delivered tickets to Cardiff Bus customer Natalie Harvey, 24, from Llanishen, as part of a day of gestures by the bus operator designed to cheer up its customers.
This was one of several acts by Cardiff Bus on Blue Monday, officially the most depressing day of the year.
The third Monday of January has been awarded the gloomy title by scientists due to a combination of post-Christmas blues, debt, cold dark nights and failed New Year’s resolutions.
Natalie, who has been a fan of the Devils since she was six years of age, said: “What a surprise! I was told to turn up at Cardiff Bus’ customer service centre but had no idea what was going to happen. It certainly cheered up my Monday, particularly as I got to meet my favourite player, Max.”
A ‘cheer up crew’ was out and about across its network giving out bunches of flowers from Betty’s Florists, chocolate brownies from the Chocolate Brownie Company, pies and pasties from Peter’s Foods and shopping vouchers from St David’s shopping centre. Stand-up comedian Dan Mitchell was also on hand to put a smile on commuters’ faces.
Gareth Stevens, business development manager at Cardiff Bus, said “Our customers are very important to us and we wanted to spread a little cheer and lift their spirits on what is dubbed the most depressing day of the year.
“It was great to surprise Natalie with a visit from the Cardiff Devils. We hope it cheered up her Monday.
“Thanks to all our partners who have helped us cheer up our customers.”
Cardiff Bus is a major provider of bus services with its network covering Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan and to/from Newport. Every year its fleet of 230 buses carry more than 28 million customers a year.


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Agency franchisees with brands such as Hunters, Martin & Co, Belvoir and EasyProperty are being given the chance to sign up to Boomin.
The challenger portal has revealed its latest round of paid-up agents, highlighting partnerships sealed with agency franchise networks.
It comes as Boomin revealed that there have been more than 200,000 requests for its SmartVal real-time agent valuation service in its first year and claimed it is on course to hit one million over the next 12 months.
The latest update shows 15 franchise brands that have signed up to Boomin, although it is unclear how many actual franchisees have agreed to list through the property platform as this is up to individual owners.
It includes brands from The Property Franchise Group (TPFG) as well as other recognisable names.
As with other new joiners, each franchisee who signs up to Boomin will also receive free shares in the company.
Franchisees will also receive ancillary revenues generated through interior design referral service Property Playground, utilities comparison tool Priorities and for mortgage referrals, which Boomin estimates to be a £50m opportunity for agents.
The franchise brands signed up to Boomin are:
- Ellis & Co
- Martin & Co
- Country Properties
- Newton Fallowell
- The Agency UK
- Anthony Martin
TPFG brand EweMove is currently missing from the list but Nick Neill, managing director of EweMove, told Estate Agent Today that the company is planning to let its franchisees trial Boomin when it move to its new VTUK software in the middle of this year.
Kate Randall, group marketing and commercial director at TPFG, said: “A number of branches across all eight of our high street brands have already signed up to Boomin, following encouraging results from the trial, resulting in valuable leads.
“SmartVal continues to gain traction with consumers and is proving its worth with agents, who are looking to secure instructions in a tighter market.
“We have been impressed with the calibre, vision and passion of the Boomin team and are confident that they will continue to enhance and develop products that provide the best customer experience and value to agents.”
Steve Craggs, chief executive of Re/Max, added: “I am delighted to be working closely with the team at Boomin.
“Our associates across the country are already seeing the massive benefits of the platform and what it can deliver.
“We will continue to develop our relationship and promote Boomin as a major lead generation tool to all our team and look forward to a continued profitable partnership moving forwards.”
Michael Bruce, founder of Boomin, said: “Having attended the conferences of many franchise groups I have been so impressed by the quality of agents, the levels of business they are achieving and their commitment to being at the forefront of innovation.
“We will work tirelessly to deliver for agents of all types and sizes so that they can become more successful and create lasting relationships with their customers.
“We are really pleased to see more and more agents continuing to sign-up to the platform day-in-day-out which is clear evidence that Boomin offers something different and valuable.”
* SmartVal is powered in part by The ValPal Network’s valuation tool, owned by Angels Media, publisher of Estate Agent Today.


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Another day, another beef recall. This time a Utah company -- Dale T. Smith and Sons Meat Packing -- is recalling 38,200 pounds of beef products due to possible e. coli contamination, according to a USDA release.
The products were distributed to wholesale and retail stores in California and Salt Lake City, Utah. Here's what is being recalled:
- Various weight combo bins of Boneless Beef "50/50," "85/15," "90/10," "93/07" or "95/05" produced on Aug. 7, 2012
- Various weight boxes of primal cuts, subprimal cuts and boxed beef produced on Aug. 7, 2012
The potential e. coli was detected through lab testing by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, and there have been no reported illnesses. "We're truly grateful that the issue was detected through testing and not because of any illness," company vice president Dennis Smith said in a statement.
The contamination might have occurred due to refrigerator malfunction.
11. Blue Plastic Chips Found In Ground Beef
This was by no means one of the most dangerous food safety incidents of the year, but it was one of the strangest.
10. Metal Fragments Found In Craisins
Metal fragments seem worse than blue plastic chips, right? This one also was non-lethal.
9. Listeria Found In Keebler's Factory
Kellogg's shut down production at its Keebler and Famous Amos factory after listeria was found on the cookies in June.
8. Norovirus Found In Oysters
A shocking three-quarters of oysters in UK were found to contain food poisoning agent norovirus in a November food safety investigation.
7. Salmonella Found In Pine Nuts
42 people fell sick after eating salmonella-tainted pine nuts bought at Wegman's Supermarkets in October. Two-and-a-half tons of the nuts were then recalled from stores.
6. Radiation Found In Fish
Compared to the human tragedy that ensued after the earthquake and tsunami in Japan early this year, this seems small. But discovering that many fish in the Pacific had been contaminated with nuclear radiation sent a jolt throughout the entire fishing industry -- and may still have effects on cancer rates down the line.
5. Salmonella Found In Ground Turkey
Dozens of Americans got salmonella after eating ground turkey from a tainted batch this August.
4. All Sorts Of Food Safety Crazy In China
Multiple deadly food safety incidents cropped up in China this year -- including one, in February, that affected over 100 schoolchildren, some of whom are pictured above. But the Chinese government struck back against food poisoning in a big way: it ruled that the punishment for serious infractions would be death.
3. E. Coli Found In Sprouts
When it comes to food safety, early summer and late spring were dominated by one story: Europe's gigantic E. coli outbreak, in which over 1000 were sickened. Part of the fascination was tied up in the mystery of the outbreak's source... people couldn't figure out the vector of the poisoning until finally scientists isolated one German farm's sprouts as the likely culprit.
2. More Than 150 Die Of Adulterated Alcohol
In what appears to be the deadliest food poisoning outbreak of the year, more than 170 people died after drinking adulterated alcohol in one district in eastern India.
1. Listeria Found In Cantaloupes
The deadliest food poisoning outbreak in a century of American history brought the country to its knees, with dozens dead after ingesting listeria along with cantaloupes from Jensen Farms outside Denver.


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Target Investors Should Replace Seven Directors, ISS SaysLauren Coleman-Lochner
Target Corp. shareholders should vote against seven of the company’s 10 board members because they failed to do enough to prevent the retailer’s holiday-season data breach, a proxy advisory firm said.
Members of the board’s audit and corporate-responsibility committees should be voted out because they failed to recognize the potential threats to the company’s data, Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. recommended in a report yesterday.
The second-largest U.S. discount retailer has been trying to regain its footing as it copes with the theft of 40 million payment-card numbers by hackers during the crucial holiday shopping season. The company has since hired a new chief information officer and ousted its chief executive officer.
“The data breach revealed that the company was inadequately prepared for the significant risks of doing business in today’s electronic-commerce environment,” Rockville, Maryland-based ISS said.
Target “views risk oversight as a full board responsibility” and believes the company is ranked among the best in retail in data security, Eric Hausman, a Target spokesman, said today in an e-mailed statement.
Even so, the board “is re-examining the entire risk oversight structure, including senior management roles and reporting structures, as well as board oversight,” in the wake of the breach, Hausman said.
Shareholders may not be inclined to support the ISS recommendations, Brian Yarbrough, an analyst at Edward Jones & Co. in St. Louis, said today in a phone interview.
“I think this one’s a little too far out there to get a lot of support,” he said. “I don’t know that the board members had much to do with” the breach. He recommends buying the shares.
ISS also recommended that Target split its chairman and CEO roles, a proposal that has failed to gain traction with investors at many other companies, said Yarbrough, who added that he supports that measure.
Target hasn’t made a decision about separating those positions and will evaluate its management structure after it selects a new CEO, Hausman said. Former CEO Gregg Steinhafel resigned earlier this month.
Separately, Target said today that it was forming a digital advisory council to improve its online and in-store technology operations and will hire 50 new software engineers this year. The council comprises Orbitz Worldwide Inc. Chief Technology Officer Roger Liew, OkCupid CEO and founder Sam Yagan, former Google analytics head Amy Chang and Bain Capital Ventures Managing Director Ajay Agarwal.
Target’s stock fell 0.8 percent to $55.34 at the close today in New York. Shares of the Minneapolis-based company have slid 13 percent this year, compared with a 3.3 percent gain for the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.


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Aim To Double India-UAE Non-Oil Trade By 2030: CEPA Council Director
The non-oil bilateral trade between India and the UAE has seen a sizable jump to over USD 50 billion ever since the signing of the CEPA agreement and the aim is now to take it close to USD 100 billion by the end of this decade.
Since 2022, when the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement was signed, non-oil bilateral trade has witnessed a 16 per cent increase between the two partner countries, reaching over USD 50 billion, said UAE-India CEPA Council Director Ahmed Aljneibi, speaking to ANI.
“And we aim to make that around USD 100 billion by 2030. The CEPA Council aims to leverage the benefits of the agreement by informing the business community here in India, and specifically today here in Chennai, one of our first roundtables that we had. It’s been a fruitful discussion,” Aljneibi said in Chennai.
The UAE-India CEPA Council (UICC), in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), held a business roundtable for Chennai-based exporters aimed at promoting the UAE-India economic partnership.
“We aim to have more roadshows similar to this one that we had in Chennai today. We aim to go around the country, especially within the state of Tamil Nadu. I believe there are different opportunities here. Every city has a specialisation in terms of industry, and we aim to explore that and inform them of the opportunities that they can find,” he said.
Speaking about his interaction with business representatives today in Chennai, he said he had an understanding that a lot of people were really keen to expand into the UAE.
“It’s just that they need that push of support or that source of support that they can find. And I think, I hope that, you know, the CEPA Council can provide that guidance for them, that support that they need as a platform,” he asserted.
The roundtable featured more than 20 participants from various sectors like logistics, automotive, agriculture, and healthcare. The roundtable provided a valuable platform for business-owners to discuss opportunities to benefit from the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), and the bilateral strategic partnership more broadly.
CEPA is a full and deep agreement signed on February 18, 2022, during a virtual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. CEPA entered into force on May 1, 2022.
Some of the key sectors, including labour-intensive sectors, that have witnessed significant export growth on account of the CEPA include: Mineral Fuels; Electrical Machinery (particularly telephone equipment); Gems & Jewellery; Automobiles (Transport vehicles segment); Essential Oils/Perfumes/Cosmetics (Beauty/Skin care products); Other Machinery; Cereals (Rice); Coffee/Tea/Spices; Other Agri Products; and Chemical Products. (ANI)
For more details visit us: https://lokmarg.com/


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Spring is often associated with rejuvenation, regrowth, and rebirth. One could argue those three words take on more importance this spring season than most others in recent memory.
The good news is, all three seem to be in play this year, especially in the retail industry.
March brings a time change (for most of the country), one of the greatest sporting events ever created (March Madness) and Auto, RV and Powersports shows fill convention centers across the country displaying the latest and greatest each manufacturer has to offer.
The shows this season are filled with a variety of electric options from many manufacturers. This is not the first foray into electrification for this car-crazed country, in fact, far from it. Take moment to read the article below about the history of the electric automobile and how we got to where we are today.
Speaking of EV’s, please also take a moment to learn more about a VSC option from a great partner of ours, Axiom Administration, for the growing market of electric vehicles.
Lastly, make sure to visit the Toy Box below for an added history lesson about the electric vehicle and its ties to Cleveland, Ohio!
We hope all of you are ready to ‘spring’ into action as we head into the main selling season.
To read the full newsletter follow https://mailchi.mp/advdealer.com/newsletter-march


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Inside the new Green Apple Books at 1231 9th Avenue
Since opening on Clement Street in 1967, Green Apple Books has grown to 10 times the size of its original location, moving into neighboring storefronts as its inventory expanded.
But today, a new chapter begins for the San Francisco landmark as it opens a new location in a completely different neighborhood at 1231 9th Avenue in the Inner Sunset.
The story of how it happened is part business and part good neighbor. In March, Le Video, a video rental store, was struggling in the 9th Avenue space. After years in business, the store was barely making rent and struggling to compete with today’s culture of on-demand digital movies and television shows.
In April, Green Apple announced that they would be taking over half of the space as a co-tenant with Le Video. Green Apple opens today in the bottom floor of the building, and Le Video will maintain their business upstairs.
In addition to getting some help with the rent each month, Le Video also raised $60,000 via an Indiegogo campaign which should help it recover and stay solvent. “THANK YOU FOR SAVING LE VIDEO! We are looking forward to our future with you!” it says on their website.
Though this second Green Apple – Books on the Park location will only be one third of the size of the Clement Street store, it’s a welcome addition to the inner Sunset neighborhood which has not had a bookstore in several years.
Stephen Sparks, the general manager of the new 9th Avenue Green Apple says “we’re thinking of this space as more open and showroom-y where we’ll be able to have great events.” Like the upcoming Colorless Tsukuru Midnight Party on August 11 to celebrate the release of Haruki Murakami’s latest novel, Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage.
Sparks says they’re also planning to carve out a niche for nature books, local interest, and good literary fiction.
The new Green Apple Books in the inner Sunset is open daily from 10am until 10pm. This weekend they’ll be celebrating their grand opening by giving away $25 gift cards every hour from 12noon to 8pm on Friday, and possibly Saturday and Sunday.
Normally we’d say “welcome to the neighborhood” when we write about new businesses here on the blog, but in this case, we’ll say “way to go!”. And to our Sunset readers, be sure to drop by and welcome them to YOUR neighborhood. 🙂
P.S. – Someone tell actor Paul Giamatti. He was spotted at the Clement Street store last night so I’m sure he’d want to see the new location too while he’s in town.


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Short bio: Computer Scientist, FOSS supporter (read more)
Tux Machines (TM)-specific
theregister.co.uk: Big Blue is reviving a Linux-only variant of its Power Systems lineup with cheaper hardware and software pricing that it says gives better value on Linux workloads than an x86 setup.
pcworld.com: There's been a great deal of excitement this year about tiny, cheap computers such as Cotton Candy and Raspberry Pi. Now, there's yet another example.
phoronix.com: Yesterday I reported on it appearing the 295.40 NVIDIA Linux driver effectively fell off a cliff with a range of performance regressions, stability issues, and other problems. This issue has been confirmed.
cnet.com: The credit card-sized Linux system is being delivered to first 10,000 customers worldwide this week.
zdnet.com: The Raspberry Pi is back on track to start shipping, after the $40 (£22) ARM-based Linux computer completed all its certification tests.
internetnews.com: Many Linux users struggled with Wireless on Linux. Simply put, Linux distros didn't always correctly recognize or work with the Wireless hardware. That has changed in recent years.
linuxuser.co.uk: Tired of waiting for Raspberry Pi? With delay after delay, and no fixed release date in sight, maybe it’s time to look for an alternative
aseigo.blogspot: We had expected to be able to pull the lever on orders for Vivaldi by a couple of days ago. Last month there were some developments that have consequently pushed back the project by about a month.
hackaday.com: Linux is generally considered the go-to OS for under powered computers. Wanting to challenge the preconceived notion that Linux requires ‘a computer made in the last 20 years,’ [Dmitry] built the worst Linux PC ever around a simple 8-bit microcontroller.
liliputing.com: The Vivaldi tablet is a 7 inch tablet and open source KDE Plasma Active software. The €200 tablet is expected to start shipping in May, but the folks behind the official Vivaldi user forum at OpenTablets.org got their hands on an early unit — and they’ve ripped it apart to see what makes it tick.
zdnet.com: The $35 mini-Linux computer is off to a great start and its designer plans for more.
pcworld.com: Last week Linux-focused vendor ZaReason launched a brand-new Linux laptop targeting the high end of the market, and it looks pretty attractive. Here's a quick rundown.
ostatic.com: Remember that Spark tablet that is to run KDE for the interface? Well, Aaron Seigo today announced "an adjustment in our naming scheme."


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Image: John Wardell/Flickr
After finding out that a dairy supplier had contaminated equipment, Dunkin’ Donuts is temporarily recalling its hot chocolate and Dunkaccino beverages. The Sydney Morning Herald has more:
The Canton, Massachusetts-based company said on Tuesday none of its products was contaminated and the withdrawal of the beverages from its stores was a precaution to ensure customer safety. It has about 6,400 franchised restaurants in the United States and says it serves three million customers a day.
Plainview, Minnesota, supplier Plainview Milk Products Cooperative announced it had voluntarily recalled its instant non-fat dried milk and whey protein because of potential salmonella bacteria contamination. It says there were no reported illnesses.
Dunkin’ Donuts says it expects to resume hot chocolate and Dunkaccino sales shortly. The chain sells 52 types of doughnuts and more than a dozen coffee drinks.


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American multinational e-commerce company, eBay has forayed into the NFT space after dropping a hockey-themed collection in partnership with OneOf, a green Web 3 company.
- The NFT collection of 13 limited-edition digital collectibles, dubbed “Genesis,” will have four tiers – green, gold, platinum, and diamond.
- It will feature 3D and animated interpretations of the iconic athletes featured on Sports Illustrated covers over the years, the official press release said.
- The first ones will feature Canadian hockey legend – Wayne Gretzky. In a statement, the former player said,
“Forty years ago, I was grateful to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated, it was a monumental moment in my life. I’m honored to bring this collectible experience to my hockey fans who have followed my career for decades.”
- The company also said that each NFT is “priced for the everyday fan” starting at $10 each.
- Dawn Block, Vice President of collectibles, electronics, and home at eBay, underscored that NFTs and blockchain technology are revolutionizing the collectibles space, and are increasingly perceived as an investment opportunity for many players. The exec further added,
“Through our partnership with OneOf, eBay is now making coveted NFTs more accessible to a new generation of collectors everywhere. This builds upon our commitment to deliver high passion, high-value items to the eBay community of buyers and sellers.”
- eBay has 142 million buyers across the world and is the second-largest player in the United States, trailing behind the e-commerce behemoth, Amazon.
- In February, CEO Jamie Iannone said the company would soon integrate cryptocurrency payments as it looks to capture the GenZ and millennial audiences.
- eBay also enabled the sale of NFTs for digital collectibles such as video clips, images, or trading cards last year.
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A Month of Imbalance in the NFT Market
Recent data from analytics platform NFTGo has revealed a consistent trend of more sellers than buyers in the NFT market throughout April. This imbalance might be concerning for those looking to sell their NFTs soon, as it could indicate a lack of demand in the market.
Notable Data Points
On April 5, the number of sellers reached 36,423, dwarfing the number of buyers at 18,495. The last recorded day when buyers exceeded sellers was on March 11, with 9,756 buyers compared to 9,754 sellers. The turbulent market conditions have led to varying reactions within the NFT community.
Silicon Valley Bank Collapse and Its Impact on NFT Trading
The NFT market experienced a decline on March 12 after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), which caused fear among traders. Trading volumes fell from around $68-$74 million on March 10 to just $36 million on March 12. This event also saw a 27.9% drop in daily NFT sales count between March 9 and March 11.
Wash Trading on the Rise
CoinGecko’s March 20 report indicates that the top six NFT marketplaces experienced a rise in wash trading for the fourth consecutive month in February, with a total volume of $580 million. This marks a 126% increase from January’s volume of $250 million. The report attributes the overall recovery of the NFT marketplace as the reason behind this surge in wash trading.
The Future of NFT Trading
With the NFT market experiencing an imbalance of more sellers than buyers throughout April, it remains to be seen whether this trend will continue in the coming months. The market’s recovery, coupled with the rise in wash trading, could potentially exacerbate the situation. However, as with any market, the future of NFT trading is uncertain, and only time will tell if this imbalance persists.