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The term “microtransaction” has taken on negative meanings in recent years due to their prevalence in videogames, but in the finance world it speaks to the small purchases everyone makes daily. A focus on microtransactions in South Africa has won startup uKheshe the the 2019 Global Fintech Hackcelerator @ Southern Africa competition.
uKheshe revolves around the uKheshe Card, a simple QR code which can be displayed at an informal shop or even on a lanyard around the neck of someone running a stall. Customers can then scan this QR code through an app to pay.
What sets this apart from other similar solutions is the fact that the owner of the uKheshe Card does not need their own smartphone or a bank account to get their money. Dialling up a USSD code and following the prompts allows them to instead draw the cash at a Pick n Pay till across the country.
The Global Fintech Hackcelerator @ Southern Africa competition was launched by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and works in association with KPMG Matchi. This contest is a platform to show off local innovations in the fintech space and to provide backing for the best entries.
uKheshe, as the winner in 2019, will receive a stipend towards travel to the 2019 Singapore Fintech Festival. There it will pitch the product to an international audience in hopes of bringing this South African product to the rest of the world. In addition to this uKheshe also receives funding to develop a proof of concept for these other markets, as well as input from those international companies.
“We have some talented and exceptional businesses in South Africa all breaking new ground. uKheshe is proud to stand alongside these participants and showcase what local technology can do once it transcends geographic boundaries,” says co-founder Clayton Hayward.
Congratulations to the uKheshe team (pictured above) for its win, and we’ll hopefully hear more about the company and its product in the future.


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Tan Chong Motor (Lao) Sole Co., Ltd. (TCML), in collaboration with the Embassy of Malaysia in Vientiane, organized an event to handover school supplies to Nong Song Hong School in Vientiane Province on Monday, May 22.
The school, which provides education to over 700 students, warmly welcomed the Ambassador of Malaysia, Mr Mohd. Aini Atan, and the TCML team led by its Chairman Dato’ Than Tai Hing.
The head teacher of the school, Ms Sonenaly Manylay, teachers and parents were happy to receive the contributions from TCML.
The items presented today are to support the school in providing a more conducive learning environment to the school-going children. Education and learning is an integral part of growing up and we hope that with the support items that we have presented, the students will be able to study in a more comfortable environment,” commented Dato’ Than Tai Hing during the presentation of the items to the school, alongside Ambassador Atan.
Among the items presented are desktop computers, benches for all the class rooms, various stationeries and provisional items. After presenting the items to the school, Tan Chong Motor (Lao) officials and guests were taken on a brief tour around the school.
The students and parents were also served with light refreshments sponsored by TCML.
Tan Chong Motor Laos (TCML) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad (Malaysia). The Group is the franchise holder and exclusive distributor of Nissan passenger and light commercial vehicles as well as Renault vehicles in Malaysia.
In Laos, TCML has the sole and exclusive rights to distribute Nissan brand vehicles.
As Tan Chong Group (Malaysia) celebrates its Diamond Jubilee Anniversary this year with the tagline: 60 Years & Beyond, the Group wishes to attain a more sustainable development with achievable goals and therefore is constantly seeking ways to enhance their CSR community outreach programmes, as well as promoting affordable Nissan vehicle ownership and experience.
Source: Lao News Agency

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Despite legislative victories in the realm of animal cruelty, members of the factory farming and food industries continue to challenge voter-approved initiatives in California. Four years after the state passed Proposition 2, which requires farmers to eliminate the use of gestation crates and battery cages by 2015, egg farmer William Cramer has filed a lawsuit arguing that the proposition is unconstitutional. Cramer, whose farm Norco Ranch was the subject of a 2008 Mercy for Animals investigation, says the measure could destroy the industry. Similarly, more than 100 chefs are protesting the state’s upcoming ban on the sale of foie gras, citing a high customer demand for the delicacy. The chefs are urging the state legislature to revoke the ban and create what they call “humane” foie-gras production standards instead.
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Ventura looks to become the latest city in Ventura County to allow commercial cannabis businesses.
Now that the city’s Measure I to tax such businesses appears to have been approved by voters in the Nov. 3 election, the City Council on Monday night is expected to introduce an ordinance to permit the establishments to open starting next year.
The ordinance was contingent on the measure passing.
But the city now wants the cannabis businesses so they can generate tax revenues to help fund city services.
A limited number of such businesses would be allowed: a maximum of two retail and five industrial – manufacturing, testing labs, and distribution.
Cultivation, however, would continue to be prohibited.
“Implementation of the proposed commercial cannabis program, in conjunction with the recently voter-approved sales tax, is projected to provide a new revenue source for the city,” a staff report to the council states.
“If the maximum number of businesses are allowed, the estimated annual tax revenue would be about $400,000, with the bulk of the revenue from the retail cannabis businesses,” the report says. “The annual revenue could be greater depending on the size and success of the retail establishments.”
If the ordinance is introduced Monday night, it’s scheduled to be adopted by the council Dec. 7 and go into effect Jan. 7, which is when the businesses could start applying to the city.
Currently, the city’s zoning ordinance prohibits commercial cannabis uses, except for deliveries, which the state requires cities to allow.
Had Measure I failed, the City Council would have abandoned its plans to start allowing commercial cannabis businesses.
But in the latest semi-official final results Thursday, the measure was winning formidably: 42,251 votes, 71.86% of the total, in favor; 16,548 votes, 28.14% of the total, against…


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Who: Sunwing, with Conflict for strategy and creative, MediaCom for media.
What:“More, More, More,” a campaign targeting what the company describes as “experience-hungry” Canadians.
When & Where: The campaign is in market now, running across digital video and cinema, supported by radio, out-of-home, and social (including a contest running on Instagram and TikTok).
Why: Coming ahead of the winter travel season, the campaign is aimed at shifting perceptions of Sunwing from a travel company that specializes in affordable vacations to hot destinations, to one that can also help its customers do more than that.
In development for the past year, the new brand is designed to be “more fun, vibrant and energetic,” said chief marketing officer Samantha Taylor.
How: The creative approach is using the very on-trend ’70s aesthetic (grainy video, bubble typography, etc.) to reach consumers.
Soundtracked by the sunny 1976 disco hit “More, More, More” by Andrea True (a #1 hit in Canada, and possessing a fascinating origin story), the 30-second anchor spot whisks viewers into a tropical resort, where visitors enjoy great food and drinks with a lot (like, A LOT) of fruit, as well as activities like snorkelling, dune buggy riding and massages.
The spot was directed by Scott Cudmore, who has previously shot videos for musical artists including Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, NERD, and Bahamas, as well as several prominent brands including No Frills, Doritos, and IKEA.
Sunwing is also running a contest on Instagram and TikTok inviting participants to demonstrate their best dance moves using the hashtag #MoveMoreWithSunwing for a chance to win an all-inclusive vacation for two at Planet Hollywood Cancun in Mexico.
And we quote: “With so much change over the past two years, it was important for us to listen to our customers and find out what matters most to them as we prepared for our winter season. We discovered that Canadians are looking to unlock more value, beyond just price, so they can get the most out of their hard-earned vacations and have an unforgettable experience in destination. Our new brand identity highlights just that.” — Samantha Taylor, CMO, Sunwing


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Chemical injections for cattle
The production of Oxytocin is a natural process in mammals. It is secreted by the pituitary gland during sex, birth of a child and lactation. A lot of dairy giants were using the chemically synthesized version of this Hormone and injecting into cattle for increasing their milk yield. The milk derived from such cattle would also have traces of the external hormone which would eventually be passed on to human beings on consumption.
The Government of India bans production of Oxytocin
In 2016, Himachal Pradesh Court shared the harmful effects of Oxytocin on adults and children which eventually led to the Government banning the production of Oxytocin by private companies.
Sharing an excerpt from The Indian Express on the concerns shared by the court towards this issue:
“…There is a grave misuse of Oxytocin by farmers and diary owners… It is not only the health of the animals, which is a matter of concern, but a greater concern lies in the fact that it is this very milk and vegetables which have been injected with Oxytocin to increase its size, that is being consumed by all of us… Oxytocin filters into the milk and… has been held responsible for breast and uterine cancers, male impotence… Its use is also considered harmful for eyes, especially in children. The hormone affects the reproductive ability of woman… Consumption of Oxytocin injected milk by pregnant woman increases risk of haemorrhage. It is also responsible for high spike in tuberculosis cases…,” the court said.
Source: Clampdown on Oxytocin by Deepak Gupta, The Indian Express.
In 2018, The Government of India lifted the ban on retail sale of Oxytocin with stringent regulations and selling guidelines, transferring it from schedule H drug to Schedule H1 drug (The chemists will have to maintain detailed records of prescriber, patient and quantity sold). This has hugely helped in cutting down the illegal use of this hormone by farmers and dairy farm operators.
Are you sure your Milk is safe?
Milk adulteration and contamination is a grave concern as according to a report by the Animal Welfare Board, about 68.7 percent of the milk production in the country, along with milk by products were found to be laced with polluting ingredients.
We at Aumrut, believe in offering pure cow milk which is free from chemicals, hormones, and antibiotics. The nutrition value of our milk and its impact on your health is something we would never compromise on. To experience the real essence of Aumrut Milk, call 7678-000-111 to order a sample today.


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Exalt Communications’ wireless backhaul routers are now able to transfer 440 MB of throughput using Gigabit Ethernet.
The tri-band routers, dubbed the Ex-r series, cost $15,000 to $20,000 and have a built-in spectrum analyzer.
Throughput will probably double in 2009, CEO Amir Zoufonoun said. Meanwhile, the largest carriers are already shopping for LTE support as part of routine network upgrades, even thought LTE isn’t expected to reach consumers until the 2010 timeframe. Exalt will support that soon as well, he added.
Exalt didn’t ship its first product until April 2006, but already has 370 customers, including all of the major U.S. Tier 1 operators. Competitors include Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, Harris, Motorola and NEC.


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Representatives from German department store groups have launched a common initiative in favour of Sunday openings. They demand a level playing field between offline and online retailers.
Loss of revenue
In recent years, German authorities have limited Sunday opening permissions to four Sundays a year, causing significant loss of revenue for retailers. At a press conference in Cologne, representatives of department store groups Galeria Kaufhof, Karstadt and KaDeWe Group have now pleaded for permission to open freely on Sundays.
According to the chains, an extension of opening hours is no less than a necessity for large stores in city centres, in order to be able to compete with online retailers, border shops and travel retailers. There is also the argument that the many tourists visiting German cities are left in front of closed doors on Sundays.
The retailers are not asking to open 52 Sundays a year, but would like to be free to decide for themselves when and where Sunday openings would be useful. The aim is to initiate a broad discussion on the subject. The department store operators fear store closures, job losses and city centre depletion if the existing strict regulation on Sunday opening hours is maintained.


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June 9, 2022
Tower MSA Partners is recognized as a Top 25 women-owned business by South Florida Business Journal.
We know we’re good, but we enjoy external validation as much as the next guy – or woman. So, we were quite pleased to learn Tower MSA Partners not only made the South Florida Business Journal’s list of Women Owned Businesses, but we ranked among the Top 25.
The publication covers companies in the densely populated Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. When you consider how many women-owned businesses are in this market, the honor is even more impressive. A 2016 Sun Sentinel story said nearly half of all the women-owned businesses in Florida were based in this area.
Among the metrics used to produce the list is the percentage of the company that is owned by women. For Tower, that’s 100%. CEO Rita Wilson and COO Kristine Dudley co-founded the company more than 10 years ago. You can read more about the company’s start in this article.
Tower is not only women-owned but 85% of our employees, including most of our managers and supervisors are women.
Tower is also a certified member of WBENC or the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to helping women-owned businesses thrive.


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No one's saying that $300 is "cheap," but compared to the GTX 670 and GTX 680 before it, the newly announced GeForce GTX 660 Ti is definitely in a more attainable category. The usual suspects have hashed out their reviews today, with the general consensus being one of satisfaction. A gamechanger in the space it's not, but this Kepler-based GPU managed to go toe-to-toe with similarly priced Radeon GPUs while being relatively power efficient in the process. That said, AnandTech was quick to point out that unlike Kepler reviews in the past, the 660 Ti wasn't able to simply blow away the competition; it found the card to perform around 10 to 15 percent faster than the 7870 from AMD, while the 7950 was putting out roughly the same amount of performance as the card on today's test bench. HotHardware mentioned that NVIDIA does indeed have another winner on its hands, noting that it'd be tough to do better right now for three Benjamins. Per usual, there's plenty of further reading available in the links below for those seriously considering the upgrade.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 Ti review roundup: impressive performance for around $300
Darren Murph|August 16, 2012 1:44 PM


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WESTON - For years, people assumed that cannibidiol, or CBD, products could make you high like it's cousin, cannabis, better known as medical marijuana.
Those myths were busted when growing hemp became legalized in Wisconsin almost a year ago.
Now, CBD products are spreading across the state.
One CBD store opened in Weston this past weekend.
'Your CBD Store' owner Morgan Trone decided to take her passion for CBD products and turn it in to her career.
"I started to see how much it was affecting my family. My daughter was using it, myself, my dad was using it," said Trone. "So it wasn't just personal anymore. It became something that I just wanted to reach out to other people and be able to offer it to them as well."
Trone opened 'Your CBD Store' in Weston on Feb. 2; a store filled with all kinds of CBD products.
"Lotion and bath bombs, lip balm, collagen cream," said Trone. "I'm really passionate about helping [here] so people have an alternative method of getting relief instead of taking prescription medication."
Trone and her employees, like Lauren Halstead, want to help people use CBD has for whatever problems they have.
"For pain, for anxiety, for inflammation, migraines, the list goes on," said Trone. "It's really endless."
"If I'm having an anxiety attack, it can help bring me down a bit," added Halstead. "The vape is super fast-acting so like when I had that onset of the migraine, it can act very very quickly."
Trone said her products stand out because they're much more natural compared to other options, like prescription medicine.
"It's our body and we only have it one time, you know, that's it," said Trone. "You have one body and then it's gone, so to really take care of it and make sure you're being healthy."


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Gannett newspaper sites earning high ad rates from online video
Gannett's local sales staff is getting a $40 to $50 CPM for preroll ads attached to online videos in several of its smaller market newspapers, Senior Vice President for Video Kate Walters tells Beet.TV. The biggest challenge is not selling the ads, but working with local small businesses to create them, she said. Other panelists in the same video interview say the most valuable video content is in narrow topic verticals that draw a dedicated audience. Blaise Zerega, CEO of pay-per-view video site Fora.tv, says people are most willing to pay for content that targets their "passion or profession."


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Ring, today announced its participation in the 2nd Saudi International Exhibition and Conference for Internet of Things (Saudi IoT 2019) to promote its innovative home security products and services. In addition the company will also offer an opportunity to the visitors experience its products first hand and to learn about its features and benefits via demos.
“Following Ring’s successful launch into the Middle East last year, we are excited to be part of Saudi IoT 2019 which we are confident will increase and expand the visibility of our security products and solutions within the Kingdom. Ring’s mission to reduce crime in neighborhoods drives every decision we make, and we hope to provide convenience and peace of mind to homeowners across the region by keeping an eye on their most important possession, their home, even when they can’t physically be there. Globally, Ring’s products have been hailed as dependable second set of eyes and ears to deter would-be thieves from entering homes. The goal is to bring the same convenience and security to Saudi Arabia’s neighborhoods,” said Mohammad Meraj Hoda, Vice President of Business Development – Middle East & Africa at Ring.
The Saudi Ministry of Housing has launched programs and initiatives to achieve Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program (NTP) 2020, which aims to increase the rate of property ownership to 52 percent. “Under these directives, there are huge opportunities for the housing sector to grow and develop and we believe that the IoT is set to disrupt the way we live. Homes are going to get ‘smart’ with connected products offering endless possibilities to make our lives easier, more convenient, and more comfortable. The awareness and demand for smart entry devices, such as smart doorbells that keep families, neighborhoods and communities safe are growing within the country,” said Mohammad Meraj Hoda.
Ring will be exhibiting at Stand A22 during the SaudiIoT 2019 at Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from February 13 – 15, 2019.


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A reflection on the 2018 Berkshire annual meeting.
The more the U.S. abstains from imposing new barriers to imports from the EU, the more may the EU support U.S. efforts to change Chinese trade and investment practices.
The world has recoiled from Trump’s unilateralism. But history tells us that good things can come from false starts.
Not a single Congressional Committee is looking into the abuse and utter mockery that is being made of official U.S. government ethics rules.
Stephan Richter talks with Marketplace host David Brancaccio on why Trump’s trade policies may resurrect COMECON, an old Communist trade policy.
A note on U.S. and European car tariffs to a very stable genius.
Vanity and materialism — not cheating — drive German luxury car sales in the US.
The purpose of the steel tariffs is motivated by the same political force that drives Trump – playing blame games. After Obama and Hillary, now it’s the entire world’s turn.
Everything you always wanted to know about section 232 of the U.S. Act on steel and aluminum, but were always afraid to ask.


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Los Angeles tourism industry leaders hope the Biden administration’s plan to end its COVID-19 testing requirement for international travelers will boost visits among high-spending foreign vacationers.
According to a senior administration official, the mandate that international air travelers to the United States test negative within a day of boarding expires Sunday at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity on Friday to preview the official announcement, said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had determined the rule was no longer needed but could reinstate it if a troubling new variant emerged.
The policy change is big news for Los Angeles, which has ranked among the top three U.S. destinations for international travelers, who typically stay longer and spend more than domestic visitors. Before the pandemic, a burgeoning middle class in China helped fuel a rise in the number of Chinese tourists to Los Angeles, who spent an average of about $6,900 per visit, according to US Travel Assn., a trade group for the country’s travel industry.
“Our City of Angels is ready to roll out the red carpet for travelers around the world,” said Adam Burke, president and CEO of the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board, in response to the news.
In 2019, Los Angeles County welcomed 7.4 million international visitors and 42.6 million domestic visitors, according to the council. International travelers spent $11.6 billion that year, about 56% of all tourism spending, even though they made up only about 14% of all visitors. In 2020, the number of visitors fell to 27.7 million, with tourism spending plunging to $10 billion. Tourism experts estimate the county welcomed around 40 million visitors in 2021.
The Biden administration implemented the testing requirement last year as it moved away from restrictions that banned non-essential travel from several dozen countries – most of Europe, China, Brazil , South Africa, India and Iran. This came with a requirement that non-immigrant foreign adults traveling to the United States be fully immunized, with some exceptions.
The original mandate allowed those who were fully vaccinated to present proof of a negative test within three days of travel, and those unvaccinated had to present a test taken within a day of travel. In November, as the highly transmissible variant of Omicron swept the world, the Biden administration toughened the rules and required all travelers, regardless of their vaccination status, to test themselves within a day of traveling to the United States. United.
Airlines and tour groups have been lobbying the administration for months to scrap the testing requirement, saying it discourages people from booking international travel. Many other countries have lifted their testing requirements for fully vaccinated and boosted travelers in a bid to increase tourism.
The move, however, comes amid an increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Los Angeles County.
Reaction to the impending policy change has been positive in the local tourism industry.
Danny Roman, who runs Bikes and Hikes LA, a tourism agency for visitors to the city, struggled so much during the pandemic shutdown that he was forced to add a bike sales and repair shop to his tourism business to make ends meet. He hopes the change in testing policy in the United States will bring back the booming business he had in 2019.
Before the pandemic, international visitors accounted for around 60% of its business.
“We are beyond thrilled,” he said. “We hope this kicks off our summer season as we depend on Europeans, Australians and Canadians to drive home sales.”
Industry representatives also expressed their approval. “We look forward to welcoming the millions of travelers who are ready to come to the United States for vacation, business and reunion with loved ones,” Nicholas E. Calio, president and CEO of Airlines for America.
“Today marks another major step forward in resuming inbound air travel and the return of international travel to the United States,” said Roger Dow, president and CEO of US Travel Assn., in a press release.
The Associated Press was used to compile this report.
#increase #tourism #COVID #testing #rule #expires
Post expires at 7:37pm on Tuesday June 21st, 2022


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Creator of Rick's Chophouse opening McKinney farm-to-table restaurant
The restaurateur behind Rick’s Chophouse is preparing to open his second McKinney concept.
Rick Wells plans to open Harvest, a seasonal kitchen concept of Wells Hospitality Group/DFA, in downtown McKinney in late September. Chef Andrea Shackelford will oversee the menu development of the restaurant.
Shackelford also guides the direction of Rick’s Chophouse in McKinney. Shackelford has previous experience at Craft Dallas working with Tom Colicchio, Kevin Maxey, and also has worked with Central 214 Executive Chef Graham Dodd.
For Harvest, the Southern Methodist University graduate plans to create a menu that touts fresh ingredients from local and regional farmers.
“Andrea’s proven talent in some of the area’s top kitchens and her passion for fostering farm relationships in order to bring the best in ingredients to her cooking, combined with our commitment to investing in the needs of the local community, was the inspiration behind Harvest,” Wells said in a released statement.
Shackelford is credited for introducing the chophouse’s seasonal market menu, which features items including cage-free chicken and grass-fed beef from a ranch in Pottsboro and shrimp from the Texas Gulf Coast.
Danielle covers technology, retail, restaurants and hospitality for the Dallas Business Journal. Subscribe to our new TechFlash email newsletter.
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If you’ve been following the news recently, then you should have heard that the upcoming Google Pixel and Pixel XL could be announced on October 4th next month. In case you do not know, earlier this week we reported that Google has been rumored to ditch the Nexus moniker for their upcoming Sailfish and Marlin handsets and named them Pixel and Pixel XL Respectively.
Today, the Google Marlin smartphone had finally made its debut at Geekbench which revealed some of its core specs in the listing. As revealed by its AnTuTu listing previously, the Google Marlin was listed with a Snapdragon 820 SoC along with 4GB of RAM under its Geekbench listing as well. Under its operating system, it was touted to run on the Android NMR1 which translates to Nougate Maintenance Release 1 confirming that the device will run on the latest Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box.


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ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, May 24, 2018 – LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) today announced that Fujian Zhongjing Petrochemical Co., Ltd. has selected LyondellBasell 5th Generation Spheripol technology. The polypropylene process technology will be used for two 600 KTA polypropylene (PP) units to be constructed in Fuzhou, China. This represents the world’s largest single PP plant license announced to date.
Mr. WENG Shengjing, Chairman of the Board of Fujian Zhongjing stated, “We selected Spheripol for its proven track record, advantaged economics, and its ability to produce the industry benchmark products that are demanded by our customers”.
“The selection of the Spheripol technology by Fujian Zhongjing to build the world’s largest single train polypropylene units shows the confidence the market has in our technologies”, said Dan Coombs, Executive Vice President of Global Olefins and Polyolefins and Technology at LyondellBasell. “This again demonstrates LyondellBasell’s leadership in polymer process technologies”.
LyondellBasell is a leading licensor of polypropylene and polyethylene technologies with more than 250 polyolefin process licenses. Spheripol is the leading polypropylene process technology with more than 22 million tons of licensed capacity. It combines globally recognized quality PP grades with leading monomer consumption and investment costs to make it the technology of choice.
In addition to the Spheripol process, LyondellBasell’s portfolio of licensed polyolefin technologies and associated technical services is comprised of:
- Spherizone – The breakthrough Spherizone multi-zone circulating reactor provides a unique and innovative platform with flexible operating conditions to manufacture added-value polypropylene with novel architecture and enhanced properties
- Metocene PP – technology for the production of specialty polypropylene products using single-site catalyst systems
- Lupotech – the leading high-pressure tubular and autoclave process technologies for the production of LDPE and EVA copolymers
- Hostalen – a low-pressure slurry process for the production of high-performance multimodal HDPE
- Spherilene – flexible, gas-phase process technology for the production of LLDPE, MDPE and HDPE
LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) is one of the largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies in the world. Driven by its 13,400 employees around the globe, LyondellBasell produces materials and products that are key to advancing solutions to modern challenges like enhancing food safety through lightweight and flexible packaging, protecting the purity of water supplies through stronger and more versatile pipes, and improving the safety, comfort and fuel efficiency of many of the cars and trucks on the road. LyondellBasell sells products into approximately 100 countries and is the world's largest licensor of polyolefin technologies. In 2018, LyondellBasell was named to Fortune magazine’s list of the “World’s Most Admired Companies.” More information about LyondellBasell can be found at www.LyondellBasell.com.


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Thanks to iPhone, Li's 3G dream finally gains critical mass
After a decade of promises and billions of dollars in investment - one estimate puts the global phone bill at around HK$240 billion - the 3G dream might finally be coming true for Li Ka-shing's Hutchison Whampoa.
And it is largely thanks to Twitter, Facebook and other social media.
This emerged yesterday after the 3 Group, part of Hutchison's ports-retail-property-energy-telecommunications business, finally staunched nine years of red ink to emerge into the black last year. The 3G operation reported total earnings before interest and tax of HK$2.9 billion last year, albeit buoyed by a net gain equivalent to around HK$2.3 billion from a revised network-sharing agreement in Britain.
But what was also shown is that while 3G's global customer base, excluding Hong Kong and Macau, climbed 12 per cent last year to around 27.5 million phones, average revenue per user (arpu) fell 5 per cent, despite a 41 per cent surge in the non-voice revenue per user.
This suggested that people are messaging more and talking less.
As Canning Fok Kin-ning, group managing director, pointed out in a post-results briefing, the company in Britain had 10 per cent of the prepaid 2G and 3G sectors, but 40 per cent of the broadband market. He thought social media were helping to drive this growth.
Thanks to the iPhone, Fok said, 'the whole world understands what we're doing', which he cheerfully admitted was a lot more than it did in the past decade when people questioned the use and impact of 3G.
But he also pointed out that 3G's market penetration was still very low, with smartphones accounting for just 10 to 15 per cent of the total market.
Even so, 3G was no longer a drag on the company and instead 'had reached a critical mass and [it] will push us forward', Fok said.
As for the transition to 4G, Frank Sixt, Hutchison's group finance director, said the capital expenditure involved in shifting from 3G to 4G will be relatively benign because much of the infrastructure is already in place.
It is hard not to buy into the Fok-Sixt 3G critical-mass theory, although one part of 3G's Neverending Story is just when Hutchison will recoup its total investment. Ever-optimistic, Fok said: 'It's coming. Watch this space.'
But Hutchison is much bigger than just 3G. Paintings of 18th- and 19th-century ports and trading scenes on the walls of the 23rd-floor conference room at Hutchison House perhaps give a more accurate reflection of Hutchison's retail and trading background.
Sixt said 'people are less concerned about the outcome of 3G' and instead more attention is being paid to the other parts of the business. 'Our financial profile has never been stronger,' he said, buoyed by HK$45 billion in cash from the port trust listing in Singapore.
Which led Fok to comment that he thought investors undervalued Hutchison.
Asked if investors would value the company more if it was listed elsewhere, Fok replied, 'I love Hong Kong.' To which Sixt added: 'I love Hong Kong, too.' No secondary Singapore listing likely there then.
The 3 Group's average revenue per user fell 5 per cent, although non-voice revenue per user surged: 41%


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Amazon Luna was released one year ago, and the retail giant continues to support and improve the streaming platform based on player feedback. Today, the company acknowledged that it “learned so much” from subscribers so far, and with their feedback in mind, plans to “make Luna even better” by expanding it to more devices, with more games.
Starting now, Fire table owners in the US can start streaming games. All they need is a compatible Fire tablet and the Luna app. The games support touch screen controls as well as the Luna controller or any supported gamepad.
One of the new channels launching today is the Family Channel, which offers a “carefully curated” group of 35+ games that are appropriate for younger players. The channel costs $3/month and includes titles like SpongeBob Squarepants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated, Garfield Kart: Furious Racing, and Transformers: Battlegrounds. Skatebird will come to the channel later this month.
Continue Reading at GameSpot
Go to Source
Author: Eddie Makuch


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As Cyanogen moves along a new path (apparently with help from Microsoft) phone maker OnePlus is working on its own flavor of Android, and now it has a name: OxygenOS. Unfortunately, it doesn't have much
Another day, another phone gets update post. But this time, it's a smartwatch -- Samsung's Galaxy Gear -- that's party to a software refresh and it's going to bring you closer to that Go! Go! Gadget dream.
Well, take a look at this Quora thread, which is being used by current and former Google employees to dish the dirt on working for Big G. We've edited some of the standout comments into this excerpt. is
For the longest time, Android was an operating system that eschewed visual flair in favour of giving flexibility and power to the user, and since third party developers took their cues from the OS itself,
So you want a console for free, eh? BlueStacks is apparently prepared to offer you just that in its GamePop game console, which costs nothing for the month of May with a one-year subscription to the service
Now that China is comfortable letting drivers access Beidou to get around the middle kingdom, it's decided that everyone else should get easy access as well. Talking to Xinhua News, state official Yang
Flipboard announced today that it has 50 million users, and also released a new version of its app that lets every one of them become an editor-in-chief. Flipboard 2.0 is "the most epic release we've done,"
There's a fight over spam — and it might be the cause of one of the largest-ever cyberattacks in history. The two sides in the dispute are an anti-spam group and a Dutch hosting company that the group
Gyft, the mobile platform that lets users buy, send and store virtual gift cards, is now giving developers a crack at its APIs. Launched late last year on Android and iOS, the service currently counts
Google Play's book collection opened up in India and Mexico just a few weeks ago, and now Mountain View's movie hoard is available in both countries on the web and through the content's Android app. It's
OUYA may have nabbed the spotlight in the Android-based, Kickstarter-supported console wars, but the diminutive GameStick's got some heat behind it, too. The device's makers are putting on a bit of a at
Pros have long had access to Google Maps Engine if they need to highlight anything from local stores to natural resources. Today, Google is catering to the rest of us would-be cartographers with a beta
Just because you have a Raspberry Pi, and the know-how to change the world, doesn't mean you want to do everything the hard way. For those who haven't already applied the 12.1 update to XBMC running on


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Galaxy Note 4 release hint from holiday blackout
The anticipation is building nicely now for the next device in the Galaxy Note series that is due to be seen officially in the coming weeks, and now there are some Samsung Galaxy Note 4 release date hints from a supposed holiday blackout.
As reported previously the unveiling of the Galaxy Note 4 will take place at the beginning of next month just before the IFA trade fair, and now a new report is claiming that an insider from the company has revealed that a holiday blackout has been imposed around that time.
There are two periods that Samsung employees can’t take a holiday which include September 3rd until the 5th, and again in the same month from the 15th until the 28th. These dates fit in with previous reports on when the Galaxy Note 4 will be released.
If this proves accurate it will mean that Samsung will be getting the device out to the market quicker than its previous flagship handsets, and fits in with recent claims that the company wanted the device available to take on the iPhone 6.
The handset has long been promised to be getting an all new design and is the next smartphone that I will be upgrading to despite all the recent problems I have experienced with my Galaxy S3, so we will be providing plenty of hands on reviews for the phablet device.
Are you going to upgrade to the Samsung Galaxy Note 4?
Source: Android Authority.


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A dozen Chinese financial institutions, mainly shadow banks loaned 20 billion yuan (US$2.8 billion) over the past five years to a company named Wuhan Kingold Jewelry which used pure gold as collateral. The “gold” turned out to be gold-plated copper. Lenders are now left with 16 billion yuan vacuum in collateral because of the fake bars.
Dongguan Trust set out to sell the fake bars to cover defaulted Kingold debts but soon discovered that it had been hoodwinked.
Turns out the scam went even deeper – all the way to real estate…the full story here.
Australia’s latest ultra-high security $50 bank note has fallen foul of a misspelled word “responsibility.” One assumes all counterfeit notes will carry the correct spelling. Apparently 46mn notes, or $2.3bn worth of the misspelled currency are in circulation.


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Daily Chemical Reaction
- Asia polymer prices reflect upward support, which we view as well-known. This report puts the severity of sector disruptions linked to recent US storms into perspective as US polymer prices hit a five-year high relative to Asia.
- We flag pertinent chemical sector corporate items (e.g., multiple global facility and production rate updates, commodity price hike announcements, & sector capital deployment outlooks, including new project announcements)
- This report’s other relevant items include comments on the Acorn CCS development in the UK and other ESG updates, the rebound in US refinery operating rates that should further rise in the near-term amid higher prices, and the continuation of automaker production cuts amid supply chain woes.
See PDF below for all charts, tables and diagrams


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What's New in Mobile
November 29, 2012 by Darren Murph
It's a fact: a Nielsen study concluded earlier this year that half of all mobile phone users in America are now using smartphones. That's an astounding growth ... Read More »
Our Experts save you money with travel deals and advice
It’s nearly always the more economical option to check two bags than to go overboard on one.
Laura Motta Director, Deals Publishing
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to get exclusive weekly deals


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Budget retailer Aldi has been named the best supermarket by shoppers - knocking Waitrose off the top spot for the first time in three years.
Waitrose was knocked into fourth place as Aldi shot to the top in the Which? survey of 6,800 shoppers, with Marks & Spencer and Lidl, in second and third place.
A key factor in Aldi’s climb to the top was its value for money - despite some customers complaining stores were “untidy” and looked like “a jumble sale.”
Shoppers were surveyed over their experiences of in-store and online supermarkets in the past six months, and in the in-store category were asked about the appearance of stores, queuing time, staff availability, the range and quality of products and value for money.
While Aldi gained a five star rating for value for money, Waitrose scored just two. Aldi fans loved the supermarket’s “fantastic prices” with many also praising an “always improving” selection of food, Which? found.
Which? said Aldi’s special offers also rated well, as did the quality of its fresh and own-label products and the ease of finding items on its shelves.
One customer said Waitrose is “a bit pricey - which is why I don’t do my main shop there”, while others praised its “top quality” produce and “polite customers”
Aldi last came top in Which?’s annual survey in 2014.
Chief executive Matthew Barnes said: “We’re over the moon to be named the best supermarket in the Which? annual customer satisfaction survey voted for by UK shoppers.
“At Aldi, we’re proud to offer fantastic quality products at amazing prices and to be named the UK’s favourite supermarket shows just how much we are resonating with shoppers.”
A Waitrose spokesman pointed out that Which? had awarded its shops more categories with a five-star rating for customer satisfaction than any other retailer in the study and that its score for its online grocery service had also improved.
Five star ratings were not directly linked to Which?’s overall scores. The Waitrose spokesman said: “As Which? itself says, many customers praised our top quality produce.”
A Sainsbury’s spokeswoman said it was “confused by the methodology” used to create the rankings, pointing out that its stores had outperformed the top-ranked in-store supermarket in the star ratings system on measures such as store appearance, queuing time, staff availability and range of products and had matched it on quality of own-label products and fresh products.
Meanwhile, in the online category, people were asked about the convenience of delivery slots, the choice of substitute items and drivers’ service as well as quality, product ranges and value for money.
Among the online supermarkets, Iceland claimed the top spot for the third year running, which it shares with Ocado for the first time.
Iceland received five stars for its drivers’ service and the availability of delivery slots - with three-quarters of shoppers saying their most recent order was delivered on time.
Asda was bottom of the online table, where Which? said it has been for more than a decade.
Alex Neill, managing director of Which? home products and services, said: “With food costs rising it seems as though shoppers have felt the pinch and are voting with their feet and wallets.
“Aldi and Lidl have won over their customers with value for money, knocking Waitrose off the top spot.”


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Alexandria, Va. вЂ“ the customer Financial Protection BureauвЂ™s (CFPB) short-term credit guideline comment portal has received significantly more than 172,000 general general public remarks, establishing an innovative new record for CFPB rulemaking remark periods. Now publicly easily obtainable in the Regulations.gov remark portal, almost all remarks seem to express the issues clients have actually within the negative impact this guideline may have on the capacity to access credit.
вЂњWe have actually known all along that clients appreciate a choice michigan payday loans of having payday advances, but even we’ve been overrun by the sheer amount of clients who possess opted for to speak up to make their sounds heard,вЂќ stated Dennis Shaul, CEO for the Community Financial solutions Association of America (CFSA). вЂњThis record-breaking range remarks highlights the grave concerns consumers have actually in regards to the BureauвЂ™s guideline while the disastrous repercussions it’ll have on the capacity to access credit.вЂќ
In remarks a week ago, Director Cordray stated, вЂњFor small-dollar loans, we now have granted a rulemaking proposition that could cover payday advances, car name loans, and specific installment loans,вЂќ adding, вЂњWe are taking general public input in the proposed guideline, and curently have received over fifty percent a million feedback, with several more anticipated ahead of the remark duration closes the following month.вЂќ
To date, the CFPB has uploaded about 68,000 remarks for public viewing on its remark website that is portal of this at the very least 500,000 feedback Director Cordray referenced. This implies there clearly was a backlog of at the very least 432,000 commentary yet become uploaded to your remark portal, which can be only very likely to develop as extra reviews are submitted to your CFPB prior to the close for the remark duration on 7 th october .
Whenever it announced the guideline at the beginning of June, the CFPB enthusiastically encouraged the public that is general be involved in the comment duration procedure. The extremely higher level of public input represents the largest quantity of general general public commentary ever submitted to your CFPB, that has proposed around 200 guidelines since its founding last year. In reality, the amount of reviews currently into the CFPB remark portal in reaction to its cash advance rule is 3 x compared to the next number that is highest of general general general public reviews submitted, that was 51,796 for the Arbitration Agreements guideline proposal.
вЂњIt is imperative that the Bureau read every one of the reviews and seriously consider them while they deliberate in the guideline,вЂќ Dennis Shaul said. вЂњThis could be the time that is first CFPB has truly heard the voice associated with customer with this rulemaking procedure. While these clients have already been so far ignored because of the CFPB, they have been talking really loudly now meant for short-term credit choices.вЂќ
Whenever credit that is short-term have now been expected their viewpoints on these loan items into the past, the outcomes have indicated they significantly appreciate it and oppose regulating it further.
- By way of a FOIA demand early in the day this season, CFSA discovered that significantly more than 98percent of people that presented testimonials towards the CFPBвЂ™s вЂњTell Your taleвЂќ portal had good feedback about the payday lending industry to their experiences.
- In addition, a recently available survey of pay day loan clients confirmed they will have overwhelmingly good attitudes for the item, with 97% of clients expressing their satisfaction with pay day loans and 96% saying they might suggest the merchandise to others. Additionally, the study unearthed that 74% of customers are worried about more limitations regarding the industry by the federal federal government and 80% stated present laws are sufficient.
- This really is in line with publicly data that are available the CFPB, the Federal Trade Commission, and state regulators from around the world that show pay day loan complaints submitted by individuals are exceptionally low and pale when compared with other items like mortgages, bank cards, and figuratively speaking.
вЂњConsumers destination a exceptionally quality value on their capacity to use of short-term credit, which can be clear into the thousands of responses currently published,вЂќ Shaul added. вЂњThe CFPB has not paid attention to or comprehended the short-term credit consumer. This flooding of client commentary supporting pay day loans delivers a message that is clear this burdensome guideline which should maybe not be lost regarding the CFPB since it deliberates.вЂќ
In regards to the grouped Community Financial Solutions Association of America
Town Financial solutions Association of America could be the only organization that is national entirely to marketing responsible legislation associated with the cash advance industry and customer defenses through CFSA’s guidelines. As a result, our company is invested in dealing with policymakers, consumer advocates, and CFSA user businesses to make sure that the pay day loan is a secure and credit that is viable for customers.


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The FDA approved two new types of GMO apples and six new types of GMO potatoes for consumption in march of 2015. The first GMO apples are scheduled to be sold in select Midwest stores beginning next month.
According to the FDA, Okanagan’s Granny Smith and Golden Delicious varieties of apples, also known as Arctic Apples, are genetically engineered to resist browning associated with cuts and bruises by reducing levels of enzymes that can cause browning. Simplot’s varieties of Ranger Russet, Russet Burbank and Atlantic potatoes, also known as Innate, are genetically engineered to reduce the formation of black spot bruises by lowering levels of certain enzymes. They are also engineered to produce less acrylamide by lowering levels of amino acid called asparagine and by lowering levels of reducing-sugars. Acrylamide forms in some foods during high temperature cooking.
The Capital Press reports the apples will appear in 10 stores this February and March with approximately 500, 40 pound boxes of sliced apples will be sold in grab-and-go pouch bags.
“We’re very optimistic with respect to this product because people love it at trade shows,” said Neal Carter, founder and president of Okanagan Specialty Fruits of Summerland, B.C.
Carter also stated the goal is 800 to 1,000 acres planted in the Northwest and nearly the same acreage in the eastern United States along with 600 to 800 acres in Canada by 2021.


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Informative article from the New York Times. In 2 parts cannot post more than 10,000 characters
Chinese Auto Parts Enter the Global Market
By KEITH BRADSHER
Published: June 7, 2007
JINZHOU, China — Zhao Qingjie’s favorite book, he says, is a Chinese translation of Lee A. Iacocca’s autobiography.
Mr. Zhao, who runs one of the largest manufacturers of automotive starters and alternators in China, has long been interested in the United States. That should make his counterparts in the auto parts industry elsewhere very nervous.
“Entering the U.S. market is one of our key strategies,” said Mr. Zhao, whose company, Wonder Auto Technology, has obtained a Wall Street stock listing and is preparing to start exporting.
China’s auto parts exports have increased more than sixfold in the last five years, nearly topping $1 billion in April and emerging as one of the fastest-growing categories of Chinese industrial products sold overseas. More than half of these auto parts go to the United States; most of the rest to Europe and Japan.
The rise of Chinese auto parts exports is part of a much broader shift. China is moving up from basic goods like textiles, toys and shoes and toward higher-value industrial goods that pay better wages — but also compete more directly with products from countries like Mexico and even from advanced industrialized countries like the United States.
Still, while China has room for considerable growth in auto parts exports to the United States, it is not competitive overseas in bulky products like car seats that are uneconomical to ship or need to be manufactured close to a car factory for quality-control reasons. And China’s rising labor costs and strengthening currency are making automakers leery of becoming too dependent on China for parts that can be shipped.
The latest wave of auto parts exports is led by domestic Chinese auto parts manufacturers like Wonder Auto that are rapidly gaining strength and starting to enter markets around the globe.
Domestic manufacturers like Wonder and the Wanxiang Group are relying on the same inexpensive Chinese assembly-line labor as multinationals like Delphi Automotive Systems and Visteon. But they can undercut the global giants in part by hiring talented but cheaper Chinese engineers and headquarters staff as well.
Soaring output at auto assembly plants in China is generating enormous demand for auto parts and creating the economies of large-scale production previously possible only in North America, Europe and Japan. And with at least a half-dozen Chinese automakers planning to start exporting in the next few years, Chinese auto parts will soon be going overseas not just in crates, but as part of fully assembled cars.
Multinational automakers set virtually the same quality standards for their operations all over the world. They are working closely with Chinese parts companies to help them meet these standards; once they do, they are allowed to submit bids for supplying factories elsewhere.
“They get put on the global list and then can quote for anything worldwide,” said Nick Reilly, the president of Asian and Pacific operations for General Motors.
Chinese auto parts have surged in the American market as imports have declined from Japan, Canada and Malaysia and have stagnated from Mexico and the European Union.
China is strongest in electrical and electronic components and in cast-metal parts that require environmentally hazardous casting and a lot of manual labor for machining.
Feeling the pinch are small auto parts manufacturers and their employees in the United States, heavily concentrated in Ohio and mainly supplying larger auto parts companies instead of shipping directly to the big automakers.
While overall American industrial production is on the upswing, the troubles of the auto parts industry could become an issue in next year’s presidential elections.
Ohio elected a new Democratic senator in November, Sherrod Brown, who favors a more aggressive American trade and currency policy, including the filing of legal cases with the World Trade Organization challenging China’s currency, labor and environmental policies.
“It’s not a fair competition because over and over again in terms of currency and labor standards, China doesn’t play by the same rules as we do in the United States,” Senator Brown said.
China is rapidly grabbing orders for replacement parts sold to repair garages. The Wanxiang Group of China is already building up its distribution in the United States by buying Neapco, a steering shaft company in Pottstown, Pa., and striking a deal with Ford in April to buy its prop shaft business.
Many of these imports from China are simply replacing goods from other countries. New starters and alternators, for example, are no longer made in the United States, as production has moved to Mexico, Singapore, Malaysia and now China.
But used starters and alternators are still remanufactured in the United States, reusing the costly copper wiring in each device and selling them in the $1.5 billion market for replacement starters and alternators. Companies in this business, like Motorcar Parts of America with its headquarters and main factory in Torrance, Calif., have been struggling to compete with imports of all-new starters and alternators.
Mr. Zhao of Wonder Auto calculates that it costs him $4 million to set up an assembly line here in Jinzhou with mostly manual labor, employing 20 workers.
The combined wages of 20 workers here come to only $40,000 a year at the current exchange rate of 7.65 yuan to the dollar. That is in the range of annual base pay for one unionized auto parts worker in the United States and comparable to two nonunion American auto parts workers. Mr. Zhao recently explored and rejected the idea of opening a factory in the United States, after calculating that it would cost $10 million to set up a heavily automated line that would employ three workers.
Total benefits for 20 workers come to an additional $20,000 a year, Mr. Zhao said.
The company’s wages of $170 a month remain respectable by the standards of this gritty refinery city of 800,000 in northeastern China. A small apartment without modern amenities like a refrigerator or air-conditioning rents for as little as $40 a month, while even a large meal at the restaurant of the city’s best hotel costs less than $3.
Jobs at Wonder Auto are much sought after and turnover is almost zero, said Sun Shaohua, 30, who strips copper wires for alternators, the devices that take mechanical energy from the engine and turn it into electricity to recharge the battery.
“Many people come, but nobody ever leaves,” he said.
Mr. Zhao said he was already in discussions with General Motors and Volkswagen about supplying their operations, first in China and then overseas. For now, Mr. Zhao mainly supplies domestic Chinese carmakers, notably Brilliance China Automotive, which has a high-roofed factory in Shenyang, a three-hour drive to the northeast, where workers in tan shirts and trousers labor at a modern assembly line.
While China’s auto parts industry is growing rapidly, automakers are nervous about buying all of their parts from China. They cite three important costs that are becoming increasingly unpredictable for any manufacturer doing business in China: labor costs, raw material costs and the exchange rate of the yuan against the dollar.
Industrial wages are still low in China compared with wages in other car manufacturing countries. But Chinese wages have been soaring by 10 to 30 percent a year for the last several years, auto executives said. Skilled workers at car factories in high-income coastal areas can earn nearly twice as much as workers here in northeastern China, a rust belt of aging industrial complexes built with Soviet help in the 1950s.
But even as China’s labor cost advantage is narrowing, it is simultaneously creating a new advantage: lower material costs.
As recently as four years ago, severe shortages within China of industrial commodities like high-quality steel resulted in high prices. Now the opposite is true: China has invested so much in new steel mills and other factories that it has become the world’s largest steel maker and faces an increasing glut.
The biggest question mark hanging over China’s exports lies in the currency exchange rate — a problem that Japanese auto executives in particular know well after dealing with the yen-dollar exchange rate.
China has allowed the yuan to appreciate only by 6 percent against the dollar in the nearly two years since breaking its fixed peg to the dollar. Chinese officials have repeatedly warned of their reluctance to accept faster appreciation.
But Chinese foreign exchange reserves have ballooned to $1.2 trillion from $316 billion in the last four years as Beijing has bought dollars on an enormous scale to prop up demand for the American currency and prevent it from falling faster against the yuan.
The question is how much longer Beijing can keep up these purchases, which require adroit handling to prevent them from causing inflation in China. Atsuyoshi Hyogo, who runs Honda’s China operations, said that China had slightly lower costs than its Japanese counterparts at currently prevailing exchange rates, but he added that the Chinese currency should be much stronger than it was now.
For all the uncertainty, Wonder Auto and other Chinese parts makers are growing quickly. Wonder’s sales rose 45.8 percent in the first quarter, to $21.6 million; profits nearly doubled, to $2.7 million.


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Microsoft to host a press event today at 3:00 pm local time (7:00 pm IST) in IFA 2015, Berlin. The even is being hosted by Nick Parker, Vice President of OEM at Microsoft.
The Redmond-based tech giant will be showing off loads of new and upcoming Windows 10 products from third-parties during the press conference. But, we expect that Microsoft will not show any of its own upcoming devices like rumored Lumia smartphones or the upcoming Surface tablet. However, Microsoft has scheduled a separate press event to launch its own products in the New York City sometime in October.
As we all know, IFA is one of the biggest tech event that happens every year in Berlin. This year, many key companies have announced handful of devices ranging from smartphones, tablet, wearables, laptops, hybrid device, home security and much more.
As always, GizBot is on deck to bring you all the best news and reviews straight from IFA 2015. Stay tuned for latest live updated of IFA 2015 Berlin. You can watch the live streaming of the Microsoft's press event at IFA 2015 straight from Berlin here.


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SEATTLE -- Aside from the rain, Seattle's caffeine-crazed reputation includes the notion that there's "a coffee shop on every corner."
While that might be mostly true, a new study out says there are a few cities in America that have more coffee-related businesses per capita than the Emerald City.
Apartment Guide says Seattle ranks 4th nationally at 1 coffee business per 2,308 residents, ahead of Portland (5th) at 1 per 2,322 people.
But that ranks behind San Francisco and -- drumroll -- Vancouver, Washington, which checks in at second place at a coffee shop for every 2,224 residents.
No. 1 on the list? Berkeley, California. Just 59 coffee shops and cafes in town, which is home to a main University of California campus, but good enough for one spot to get coffee for every 2,073 people.
By the way, Everett also made the Top 10 list at No. 9, and Washington was well represented in the Top 30, including Spokane (13th), Renton (15th), Tacoma (19th) and Bellevue (28th).


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We're joining UK Finance’s call for social media scams to be included in the upcoming Online Safety Bill.
News and insight
The most-read news and insight from across the Group
Filter by topic to see the content you're most interested in
Rob Hailey sets out why including online financial scams in the Online Safety Bill is a crucial step in protecting platform users from fraudsters.
Paul Davis, Group Director for Fraud and Financial Crime Prevention, speaks about how fraudsters trick you out of your money.


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The company has long to go before the full transition to electric.
Last year, Ferrari released their first hybrid production car called the SF90 Stradale, and during its launch period, a spokesperson for the company told reporters that Ferrari had set an internal target for hybridisation – specifically for three out of every five Ferrari models by 2022. In addition to this, the spokesperson added that the company had plans to launch their first electric car by 2025 to 2030.
This has been added to in a statement made earlier this week by Ferrari’s CEO, Louis Camilleri. Discussed through an online conference call about the company’s third quarter earnings, Camilleri’s transcript reads “…my own sense is that, you know, to sort of say 100 percent electric, that’s pushing things… I really don’t see Ferrari ever being at 100 percent EV and certainly not in my lifetime will reach even 50 percent.”
It’s an undeniably odd but interesting statement to hear from Ferrari, as it would be strange for the marque to be unveiling their ‘next high-displacement supercar’ in 2040 while other carmakers have moved on to electricity. Additionally, evident from Formula 1 and cars like the LaFerrari and SF90 Stradale, it’s clear that Ferrari has its interests in hybrid and electric technology. Therefore, it would be equally strange for the marque to avoid total-electrification altogether, as realistically, theres nothing stopping Ferrari from dedicating a little extra time to the development of a full-electric system. An electric Ferrari may happen, but the company will always retain the internal combustion engine.
According to senior car analyst John Rosevear, Camilleri also voiced that “a Ferrari V12 that runs 3000 kilometres per year probably has less total emissions than a small ICE car that runs every day. We have to take that into account.”
We’re not sure what to make of this claim, but it’s clear that Ferrari’s CEO doesn’t think the company will be going 100% electric anytime soon.


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NEW IRISH DIGS: Select Hotels of Ireland, a
Limerick-based group of 13 luxury Irish properties, is setting its
sights on the U.S. market for the first time in its three-year
history. To help acquaint U.S. agents with its Ireland-wide
offerings, Select--which to date has focused on the domestic Irish
market--teamed with operator SMI Tours Ireland, of Dedham, Mass.,
which will feature the group's hotel portfolio in its 2004
brochure. Select Hotels director Patricia Coughlan said the group
had intended to market to Americans from the beginning, but
postponed active promotion after the post-9/11 travel downturn.
Now, the time is ripe, particularly since U.S. guests already
account for as much as 40% of its clientele at some of its
better-known properties, including the Renvyle House Hotel in
Connemara, Co. Galway. "The feedback from U.S. agents has been an
eye-opener," said Coughlan. "Many already know some properties very
well, and can therefore trust in our standards."
MEANWHILE, SELECT HOTELS--with
four-star-quality "European-style" properties in Belfast, Donegal,
Dublin, Galway, Connemara, Killarney, Kilkenny, Laois, Westport,
Bettystown Beach, Waterford and Wexford--"is trying to provide
agents a one-stop shop" for quality Ireland-wide vacations, she
added. The group pays retailers negotiated commissions, starting at
a base rate of 10%. For more information or to book, visit www.selecthotelsireland.com, e-mail [email protected] or call (011) 353-6
144-0440; or, contact SMI Tours Ireland [formerly Siobhan Moore's
Ireland] at (800) 499-1899 or at www.smireland.com.
BELFAST ONLINE...AGAIN: The Belfast Visitor and
Convention Bureau in the Northern Ireland capital upgraded its
online presence Wednesday with a revamped Web site at www.gotobelfast.com. According to the BVCB, the site
is now "more visual, informative and interactive, and easier to
navigate." A new content-management system also gives the
organization the ability to update or change online content within
seconds. That will keep "site visitors informed and always up to
date," said a spokesperson.
MORE GREENS ON SCENE: Luxury property Dromoland
Castle, in Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare, is spending a lot of
green to better its greens. The 100-room, 375-acre palatial resort
is investing some $5.75 million in a new golf course that staff
claim will be "like no other" in Ireland. Set to open in April, the
championship course--designed by Ron Kirby and J.B. Carr--runs for
more than 6,850 yards, through the woodlands and around the lakes
of the 16th century property. Greens fees will be about $115 for
day visitors, $98 for hotel guests and $70 for golf-club members'
guests. Advanced reservations are being taken at (800) 346-7007 and
by email at [email protected]. For more information, visit www.dromoland.ie.
TAXING, TRAINING: Irish tourism minister John
O'Donoghue Monday promised a group of Kerry hoteliers that he'd
press the government for a freeze on VAT rates in the newest
budget, according to Dublin newspaper the Irish Independent.
Hoteliers have asked for a drop in VAT to 10%, down from the
current 13.5%, claiming Ireland's rate on accommodations is twice
that of Spain and the fourth-highest in the European Union.
IN OTHER GOVERNMENT NEWS, meanwhile, Irish
tourism body Failte Ireland opened a $1.6 million training center
in Cork. The center will provide courses in cookery, food and
beverage and bar operations to as many as 250 locals in the greater
Cork/Kerry region each year, boosting training capacity by 20%.
Failte Ireland CEO Shaun Quinn said the new center is integral to
tourism development in Ireland's southwest, home to 18% of all
Irish hospitality workers. "So much of the Irish tourism experience
is inextricably linked with the attitude and aptitude of the people
working within it," Quinn said. For more information, visit www.failteireland.ie.


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November 22, 2016 - Are you curious about getting your money's worth with your next vehicle. See which vehicles are the best to buy here.
November 22, 2016 - What makes the Jeep Wrangler so hot? Find out here.
October 27, 2016 - What kind of automotive parts do you want to fix your vehicle up after a collision?
October 21, 2016 - You ready for the most powerful and capable truck?
September 28, 2016 - FCA vehicle are upgrading to 4G LTE network capability.
September 20, 2016 - Check out this special-edition Charger.
August 30, 2016 - Want your teen to be safer on the roads? Check out this opportunity!
August 19, 2016 - There is a new Wrangler in town! Check out the 75th Anniversary concept vehicle.
July 28, 2016 - There will be events for law enforcement to test out the Dodge Charger Pursuit.
July 21, 2016 - The Dodge Viper will soon be no more, but there are some special editions to celebrate the end of a great thing.
June 23, 2016 - The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is a vehicle that has been thoroughly tested and it has stood up to the challenge.
June 10, 2016 - Do you want a car that can drive itself? It may be coming soon!
May 23, 2016 - The 2017 Power Wagon is made to go off the beaten path! Do you have what it takes to try out this truck?
May 23, 2016 - Have you taken the opportunity to appreciation the men and women that serve our country recently? Right now, you can with the help of Jeep!
April 21, 2016 - As soon as you think the Dodge Durango can't get any better, it does!
March 29, 2016 - Fiat Chrysler's CEO, Sergio Marchionne, has taken recent fallings to his advantage to help rebuild his company.
February 29 -
The 2016 Chrysler 300 has been a hot topic of conversation recently, and it's easy to see why.
All-New Mopar Winter Tire Delivers Cold-Weather Control
December 21, 2015 - Mopar is rolling out their first-ever offering of winter wheel assemblies.
December 14, 2015 - Automotive Fleet Magazine has selected the Ram 1500 truck as its 2015 Fleet Truck of the Year.
FCA Vehicles Named 2016 Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buys
November 24, 2015 - The Dodge Durango, Jeep Renegade, and Ram 1500 were the vehicles named Automotive Best Buys.
November 14, 2015 - Jeep unveiled the new 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Night and the 2016 Jeep Wrangler Backcountry.


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With the final Harry Potter movie premiering next week, fans of the wizard may be wondering where to go next.
Well, on 31 July – Harry Potter's birthday – the website Pottermore will go live.
The site will allow users to "rediscover" the Harry Potter saga.
Author J.K. Rowling has also said she has new material about Harry Potter's world to add to the experience. But the site isn't just a free 'thank-you' to fans.
It will also feature a shop where users will be able to buy eBook and digital audiobook versions of the best-sellers. They will be published through Rowling's Pottermore Publishing company, which owns the digital rights.
Print media has been kind to J.K. Rowling. The Potter novels have sold more than 450 million copies through Bloomsbury in Britain and Scholastic in the USA. So has it been difficult for her to move away from "dead-tree" media?
She said: "The format isn't particularly important to me. I am a big fan of print and paper... But very very recently this year for the first time, I downloaded eBooks and I was travelling, and it was a godsend."
Writing on the Digital Spy website, Mayer Nissim dismisses the site as "a pretty eBook store with a monopoly on selling Potter books. With sales of Kindles and iPads going through the roof, it's a pretty lucrative market."
But Pottermore is still sure to please many a potty Potter fan. It will launch in October, but a million users will be allowed to join in July.
1. Will the Pottermore website be launched before or after the final Potter film?
Afterwards, at the end of July. The final Potter film will be premiered next week.
2. How will the Pottermore website make money?
Users will be able to buy eBooks and digital audiobooks.
3. Did J.K. Rowling have to get permission from her publishers to sell the eBooks?
No. She owns the digital rights to the material.
4. Look at the article. What is a noun meaning a long story or a series of books?
5. Look at the article. What is a noun for a book which sells very well?
to premiere 初次上演，首映
to go live 上线
digital audiobook 有声电子书
digital rights 电子版权
print media 印刷媒体
"dead tree" media 对印刷媒体的幽默称呼
to download something 下载什么东西
to dismiss something 认为不值一谈
a monopoly on something 对什么的垄断
with sales... going through the roof 销售量超高
a lucrative market 利润丰厚的市场
to launch 新产品的出版，推出


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Gate Ventures PLC invested 1 million pounds ($1.45 million) for a 5 percent stake in PlayJam, a UK-based technology company that delivers online big-screen gaming and video-on-demand content to users. Gate’s share of the company will increase to 8 percent if certain criteria are met.
PlayJam is backed by Adobe Ventures, GameStop, Cox Communications and Chinese venture capital firms Innoplay and Avit PLC.
Gate Ventures plc, an investment company focused on the media, entertainment, e-commerce, fashion retail, consultancy & operational projects, today announces that it has completed a £1 million investment in PlayJam, a technology company focussing on the distribution of interactive content. Gate’s investment represents a 5% stake in PlayJam, which will increase to 8% based on certain criteria being met.
PlayJam is a UK based technology company that delivers online big-screen gaming and VOD (video on demand) content to hundreds of millions of users in over 80 countries, through its plug-in devices for Android-powered TV. PlayJam is backed by high-profile blue-chip investors including Adobe Ventures, GameStop – the world’s largest games retailer, Cox Communications – a top tier US cable operator, as well as two China-based venture capital companies, Innoplay and Avit PLC.
The PlayJam platform, in addition to assisting Gate distribute content for its current and potential investee companies, presents a further route for Gate to expand its e-commerce and fashion retail businesses. PlayJam launched services recently in the United States and is working with a range of tier-one and tier-two Multi System Operators (“MSO”), industry-leading set-top box manufacturers and silicon providers to power a suite of Over-the-Top (“OTT”) services, including TV-ready games directly into the living-room, which is a rapidly expanding market.
In addition, PlayJam has recently added significant scale to its operations in the growing Chinese market, through its investors and strategic partners, Innoplay and Avit. Gate will assist PlayJam in establishing close relationships with leading players in the gaming and content industry in China owing to Gate’s already extensive network in the region.
The Company’s £1 million investment in PlayJam will part fund the Investee’s working capital to drive activities that accelerate user growth of its platform. This includes expansion of PlayJam’s distribution network and activities, in particular in China and other emerging markets, optimising the promotion and advertising function of its platform, and improving the platform’s purchasing systems and customer relationship management system.
As part of the agreement, the Company and Playjam have agreed to set up a Joint Venture (“JV”) in the Asian marketplace, including but not exclusive to China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, where Gate Ventures will possess 80% and Playjam 20% of the JV. In addition, Richard Carter, Chief Financial Officer of Gate Ventures has been appointed director of Playjam with immediate effect.
Dr Johnny Hon, Chairman of Gate Ventures PLC, said: “The investment in PlayJam represents the continuation of the Company’s investment in the high-tech media sector and diversification of Gate Ventures’ expanding portfolio. We believe that our investment will give PlayJam the resources and knowhow to further expand into the Chinese high-growth home gaming and entertainment space. PlayJam’s position in the high-tech media industry will complement Gate’s other investee companies, allowing the Company to continue its progression as one of the leading entertainment and high-tech media organisations.”


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Netflix: Virgin Media best broadband to stream our programmes
Virgin Media is the best internet service provider for watching Netflix, according to the streaming service’s own research.
Netflix produces a monthly speed index for each country in which it is available, with Virgin finishing top of the UK index for July.
The average streaming speed of five providers – Virgin, BT, Sky, TalkTalk and EE – was measured across devices connecting to Netflix during peak viewing hours.
The average bitrate – the amount of data transferred in a given period of time – for Netflix content streamed by Virgin Media customers in July was 3.96Mbps. BT’s average speed was second fastest at 3.63Mbps.
TalkTalk was third, recording an average speed of 3.34Mbps. Sky measured 3.22Mbps and EE was slowest with 3.18Mbps.
Netflix said a faster performance generally means better picture quality, quicker start times and fewer interruptions.
The company's figures come a week after Ofcom’s 2015 Communications Market Report, published last week, said 15% of all UK adults use streaing services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Around a third (34%) of connected TV users watch content via free catch-up services from public service broadcasters such as BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, All4 and Demand 5.
More than half (56%) of UK TV homes had a TV connected to the internet, either via a set-top box or smart TV, by the end of 2014.
Earlier this year, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings predicted that streaming and internet-based TV will replace traditional TV broadcasting within 20 years.
“Linear TV has been [on] an amazing 50 year run. Internet TV is starting to grow. Clearly, over the next 20 years, internet TV's going to replace linear TV,” he said.
Mr Hastings said Netflix's continued growth was a reward for focusing on improvements to content, streaming and user interface.
In June, Netflix denied rumours it was to start showing adverts on its streaming service.
The company confirmed that, although it won't be running paid adverts, it had been showing teaser-trailers for original Netflix series before programmes begin for a limited number of viewers.
Reports in the US had suggested the company was “experimenting with advertisements” running both at the start and at the end of programmes.
But a Netflix spokesperson said: “We are not planning to test or implement advertising on the Netflix service.
“For some time, we’ve teased Netflix originals with short trailers after a member finishes watching a show.
“Some members in a limited test now are seeing teases before a show begins.
“We test hundreds of potential improvements to the service every year. Many never extend beyond that.”
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The Poco F3 GT
is expected to be one of the most affordable high-end gaming smartphones in India when it launches. A new leak suggests that it could be a lot more affordable, but a lot less gaming.
The Poco F3 GT was expected to be the global counterpart of the Redmi K40 Gaming phone
, which was unveiled in China in late April. Xiaomi sub-brands often share devices between them, so this move wouldnt be very surprising. However, there seems to be another device from the company which might actually end up being the next Poco flagship in countries like India.
Digital Chat Station, a leakster based out of China took to Weibo to reveal that there will be another gaming device in the Redmi K40 family in the near future, which will be cheaper than the existing one. The “Lite” variant is tipped to be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 1100 chipset instead, and is expected to lose the gaming-specific features such as physical shoulder triggers and RGB lighting — presumably in favour of a more conventional design.
#PocoF3GT Poco F3 GT specifications.-Mediatek Dimensity 1100-8+256GB-FHD+-120hz refresh rate with HDR 10+ support-64MP main camera-5000mAh battery with 67Watt fast chargingNote: Redmi K40 Game Enhanced Edition image is used for reference.Via: https://t.co/pmSwBvzuf8 https://t.co/MerXVzzhm7 pic.twitter.com/Bh7rTXKKkGMay 8, 2021
According to the source, the other specifications of the gaming phone
include a Full HD+ display with a high refresh rate and a punch-hole notch, 64MP primary camera, a 5,000mAh battery and support for 67W fast charging. Reports state that the Poco F3 GT in global markets will actually be based on this cheaper sidekick instead.
The speculation does seem to make sense as Poco has always tried to be a price leader with its smartphones. While most of its phones have excelled at gaming, none has been a dedicated gaming smartphone. Losing the additional bells and whistles should help bring the price lower.
In India, the Poco X3 Pro
continues to be the most premium offering from the brand, with a starting price of Rs 18,999. If the Poco F3 GT does make it to the country, it will take that crown — and become the first true successor to the Poco F1
from 2018. For reference, in China the Redmi K40 Gaming phone starts at CNY 1,999, which converts to about Rs 23,000.
The Poco F3 GT


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Itella developing complete e-commerce service
Finland's national postal operator Itella Group is developing a major new all-in-one e-commerce fulfillment service that could eventually provide same-day delivery for online purchases. The EUR 10m project involves an investment in a new warehousing system, with automated fulfillment systems, at the company¹s logistics centre at Voutila, not far from Helsinki-Vantaa airport. Alongside the new facility, it will expand its parcel delivery solutions into a complete service geared to e-commerce merchants including stock warehousing, picking and packing, delivery and returns.
Resolution calls for swift action on e-commerce
The UPU¹s latest Postal Operations Council adopted a resolution urging the organization¹s relevant groups to speed up their work on integrating actions to facilitate e-commerce, a critical issue shaping the future of postal services. The resolution, adopted during the plenary on 11 April, acknowledges that e-commerce holds many opportunities for the world¹s Posts, including growth as letter-post volumes decline and a chance to retrain postal workers and invest in new sustainable jobs.
Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba builds its B2B business
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. is best known for operating two giant online shopping portals that account for most of the online purchases by consumers in China. But the company got its start in B2B e-commerce. Alibaba.com primarily provided leads to manufacturers, but now buyers can place and pay for orders on the web site. Cross-border buyers place more than 10,000 orders daily worth $30 million on Alibaba.com and that part of its operation is also growing rapidly.
Ofcom launches review into Royal Mail’s downstream access pricing
UK postal regulator Ofcom has launched an investigation into Royal Mail¹s downstream access pricing. Downstream access where other companies collect and sort business mail before using Royal Mail¹s delivery network for the final state of distribution accounts for about 47% of all mail volume in the UK.
“Business as usual” for Digital Post Australia following closure of Zumbox
Electronic postal mail service Digital Post Australia has said it is ³business as usual² despite the closure of one of the two companies behind it. The private sector service competing against Australia Post in the attempt to offer Australians a viable secure digital alternative to paper-based letter mail was a joint venture between financial communications firm Computershare and US digital mail provider Zumbox. However, Los Angeles-based Zumbox informed its US account holders earlier this month that it will close after five years of business.


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Haynes revs up for bigger profit thanks to booming demand for car, motorcycle and novelty manuals
Booming demand for car and motorcycle manuals and a growing interest in online products boosted sales for publisher Haynes.
The company revealed rising sales in the six months to December, thanks to growing popularity of its key brands.
Sales in the six months to November 30 increased by 15 per cent to £14million – up from £12.2million the year before.
Digital products, which include the group's online titles, accounted for 36 per cent of the group's overall sales at £5.1million, an increase of 50 per cent year on year.
Profits rose 67 per cent to £500,000 from £300,000. Haynes said its non-car related titles had also performed strongly in the UK and its new humorous mini manual, 'Haynes Explains', lifted sales 47 per cent.
It added that its sales in the UK alone were up 17 per cent from the previous year.
The strong results follow the decision to close US and Swedish printing and distributing bases in May last year.
Haynes said falling print sales had made it 'no longer commercially viable' to keep the businesses, axing 41 jobs.
The firm now outsources US distribution while Swedish customers are served by the UK.
Haynes said the move allowed it accelerate the development and marketing of its digital platforms.
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Gap’s design blunder and what to do with all those leftover vuvuzelas
Out with the new, in with the old. Gap does about face on logo redesign.
These final notes today. Gap has dumped it’s new logo. In other news, did anybody out there know Gap had a new logo? Apparently, the clothing chain swapped it out for a new one, online, a week ago without telling anybody.
As happens in this Internet age, though, somebody saw it, customers complained, the company caved… You know how it goes. Can’t say as I blame ’em. That new one was uuuuuuuuugly.
Also, vuvuzelas. What to do with the bajillions of noisemakers that provided the soundtrack for the World Cup in South Africa this summer. An ad agency down there’s running a contest. Come up with alternate uses, win $1,500. Send us your suggestions, we’ll pass ’em along. Letters@marketplace.org.
If your idea is a candlestick holder, a watering can, or a light-fixture — don’t bother. They’re already taken.
There’s a lot happening in the world. Through it all, Marketplace is here for you.
You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible.
Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.


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Six South Korea-based owners have reported overheating issues, per a (via ).
According to the report, some units of the health-centric wearable became heated to the point that the display got damaged and it burned the user’s wrist in one instance. Some said they stumbled upon the issue while their watch was charging and others felt a burning sensation when it was on their wrist.
The issue cropped up within several days of usage and a telltale sign of self damage is a yellow spot on the screen spotted by affected uses.
The problem seems to be originating …


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Apple is increasing its operations in Germany after making an agreement to rent out an entire office building that is still under construction in Munich, a location that could hold another 1,500 employees once it is completed in 2021.
The "Karl" office building is currently being built on the former Mahag site on Karlstrasse in Munich, with the location set to offer approximately 30,000 square meters (322,917 square feet) of floor space. Despite still being built, the building's owners have confirmed the entire building has been let out to a single unnamed client.
Though Apple typically does not comment on in-progress deals relating to its office spaces, Sueddeutsche reports Clemens Baumgartner, a business consultant, confirmed the company's involvement. Apple CEO Tim Cook reportedly met Baumgartner at Oktoberfest during a visit to Germany late in 2019.
"This will secure and create high-quality jobs in our city," Baumgartner said. "I use the Oktoberfest to get in touch with business players and to talk about the advantages of Munich as a location for technology and science. If Mr Cook has found positive feedback, I would be happy."
Apple currently operates its Bavarian Design Center in Munich, one of the Cook visit venues, which plays host to approximately 300 engineers from around the world. In one interview, Cook suggested the city was valuable as a team could be put together there that couldn't be created elsewhere, as well as citing the supply of graduates of nearby universities as being a valuable asset to the city.
It is unclear if the existing Bavarian Design Center will be rolled into the new offices or operate separately, but Apple is already seeking people to expand the workforce. More than 60 job profiles have been put up for the Munich location, covering a variety of research and development topics.
Given Apple's acquisition of Intel's modem business in July, it is plausible some of the office space could be used for Intel's engineers based in Germany who worked in the field.
Apple isn't the only tech giant interested in Munich, with Google declaring in October it would expand its current Munich workforce from 1,000 employees to 1,500, along with plans to build approximately 41,000 square meters of office space. Amazon and Microsoft also have their German headquarters in the city.


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One in four over 60s say that either they or others in their household have been unable to eat healthy and nutritious food during the pandemic.
Analysis from Age UK found that 1.4m older people aged over 60 in England have been eating less since the start of the pandemic and could therefore be at a greater risk of becoming malnourished.
While 3.7m say that either they or others in their household have been unable to eat healthy and nutritious food.
The charity said lockdowns have left some older people with reduced appetites and less able to shop for, prepare and eat enough good food. Age UK is worried that this hidden problem of undernutrition and malnourishment in older people is increasing at pace.
A survey by Age UK found that 49% of people who already had difficulty going to the shops saying this has become harder. While 43% of older people said they feel less confident or much less confident going to the shops by themselves than they used to
Eating and drinking enough is especially important as we age. Being well nourished helps to maintain muscle mass, which in turn improves mobility and reduces falls. It keeps us warm, and gives us energy, as well as being a big mood boost that enables us to continue to do all the things that are important to us.
Before the pandemic 1.3 million[iv] older people were already suffering from or at risk of malnutrition in the UK. Covid-19 restrictions instantly and dramatically increased the amount of time older people have been isolated from family, friends and carers.
People were left alone and vulnerable, with the anxiety of catching the virus, restricted access to food shopping and a reduction in essential health care and daily support.
This resulted in many older people feeling isolated and lonely and losing their daily routine has put many more older people at risk of becoming malnourished.
Age UK is calling on everyone to start a friendly conversation with the older people in their lives to ensure they are having enough to eat and drink after an incredibly tough year of coronavirus and the restrictions it has imposed on us all.
The charity is also encouraging people to look out for signs that loved ones maybe be under-nourished.
Caroline Abrahams, Age UK’s charity director, said: ‘We really are worried about the number of older people who are now reporting they are not eating enough and it’s vital that we all raise the issue of eating well and getting enough nutrients with our older relatives and friends, sensitively and supportively.
‘When we are able to see them face to face we should take the chance to look out for warning signs that they may not be getting enough to eat – like rings being loose and slipping off, clothes looking too big, belts needing to be tightened.
‘It is sometimes quite difficult to recognise that an older person may unintentionally be losing weight.
‘If older people become malnourished this can have serious implications for their health. Not eating and drinking enough increases the risk of infection and falls and worsens any existing long-term conditions.
‘It also makes it harder for people to recover from an episode of ill health. We all need to do everything we can to help our loved ones, friends and neighbours to keep up their nutritional intake, and enjoy it too.’
Photo Credit – Pixabay


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This year E3 presentations have been very live and with Nintendo bringing up the rear I believe its set to go out with a bang. However, there is one announcement that we know will be made.
Nintendo conferences in previous E3 shows have often focused on one or two big games, with the announcement of ports and smaller titles sandwiched between bigger reveals. The company kicked off the presentation by announcing the Hero from Dragon Quest XI is joining Smash Bros. Ultimate's DLC characters will be released by February 2020.
While there is no confirmed duration, Nintendo Directs (the name for their video presentations) in prior years have lasted anywhere from 15 minutes to 45 minutes. And while we didn't get any more details about the game beyond a vague "2019" release window, the promise that a new entry was indeed in development was enough to sate Animal Crossing fans, who had been starved for any kind of updates on the status of the franchise. The upcoming Switch game will undoubtedly have some hook of its own, and Nintendo will make a big deal of it when it does finally unveil the title, be that at E3 or during a different presentation. They previously stated it in a financial Q&A, outright noting that there isn't going to be a new Switch unit at E3, despite the fact that they are "constantly working on new projects", and now it's front and center on Nintendo's latest E3 rundown blog post.
Update: Just as teased, Nintendo revealed the next playable character for Super Smash Bros.
But what can we expect to find out about Animal Crossing 2019? And will it incorporate any elements from Happy Home Designer, or even the series' mobile game, Pocket Camp?
It's entirely possible that we'll be seeing the game released during the holiday season of 2019, and there are widespread hopes that Nintendo's E3 conference will reveal an exact release date.