text:
Adding another layer of complexity to sensitively marketing in the COVID-19 environment, YouTube announced on March 11 that it will permit certain creators to monetize (i.e., enable ads on) content relating to coronavirus. Companies and brands should review their approach in this pandemic, including refining YouTube content exclusion parameters and policing their ad environments, if they do not wish to risk association with potentially undesirable videos.
Prior to the recent announcement, YouTube classified coronavirus content under its “Controversial issues and sensitive events policy.” The policy bars monetization of videos related to, among others, “an unforeseen event in which there has been a loss of life” (e.g. natural disasters, mass shootings). The policy protects advertisers from the perception of capitalizing on controversial or tragic events. According to YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki, enabling ads on coronavirus-related content started with “a limited number of channels, expanding to more soon.” Initially, only news partners and creators “who accurately self-certify” are eligible to monetize under this policy change.
Amidst the “infodemic” of misinformation about COVID-19, YouTube’s decision to permit ads on coronavirus content heightens the risk that branded advertisements may be displayed with content that is misaligned with brand values, or downright harmful. For example, a brief search on YouTube shows branded ads before and during videos about, among others, using Corona beer for homemade hand sanitizer (in violation of the relevant WHO guidance on the topic). These and other instances may damage brand credibility and messaging, create a perception of the brand exploiting the pandemic, and adversely affect PR in general. Indeed, a 2017 study by the Chief Marketing Officer Council found that when consumers encounter branded ads around objectionable content or fake news, 37% said it would change their perception of the brand during a purchasing decision; 11% say they would not do business with that brand, and 9% said they would become vocal critics of the brand. The same study also corroborated consumer backlash if the company is not seen as proactive in controlling the integrity of their ad environments.
Marketing, advertising, and trademark teams should collaborate on a consistent approach to tackle thorny branding, marketing, and advertising issues in the sensitive COVID-19 environment. In light of YouTube’s announcement, this exercise should undoubtedly include reviewing content exclusion parameters and destination videos on the platform.


text:
This week on Simulcast 158, we’re joined by Brian Feldhaus and his new Galaxy Nexus. Bill has a new Galaxy Note, and we have news from AllThingsD, Xbox360, and Google.
We’ll talk about it all, right here on the Simulcast.
Google + Local goes live, Google Maps for Android infused with Zagat
Flipboard beta for Android coming soon, Flipboard Beta for Android officially released
WWDC schedule confirmed
Possible iPhone 6 case?
Apple applies for optical stylus patent
Tim Cook on AllThingsD
Amazon Instant Video for Xbox 360
Verizon doubles FIOS speeds up to 300Mbps!
We have our own Google+ page! and an Android app! You can also email us firstname.lastname@example.org – Call us 203-903-CAST
What are we playing with /watching/reading this week?
Bill – America’s Got Talent
Brian – Game of Thrones
Patrick – Battlefield 3, Snow Crash
Geoff – UFC 146, Diablo 3
Picks of the week
Bill – Galaxy Note
Brian – Galaxy Nexus
Patrick – Cyman Mark 2 (Android)
Geoff – AOKP, Franco Kernel
Podcast: Play in new window

domain: news


text:
22 October 2013
Singapore – Nikon is glad to be the Supporting Digital Imaging Partner of the “AFC Foodie Face-Off” event coming to Singapore this December.
Following the successful launch of the “AFC Foodie Face-Off” event in Malaysia earlier this year, the Asian Food Channel (AFC), part of the Scripps Networks family of lifestyle networks is now bringing this exciting event to Singapore in celebration of the holiday season.
From Thursday, 24 October to Thursday, 21 November 2013, local foodies who are passionate to share their signature recipes, can submit photos of their best homemade dishes on the AFC Facebook page, where fans and friends can subsequently vote for their favourite dish submissions. AFC judges will choose 20 finalists from the top 50 most voted entries submitted – The 20 finalists will be chosen based on fan ‘likes’, creativity, photography skills and dish presentation. Those chosen will be given one week to prepare before they go head-to-head at an exciting public cook-off held at local kitchen retailer and cooking school, TOTT Cooking Studio on Sunday 1 December 2013. The first 50 StarHub subscribers who submit an entry on the AFC Facebook page will receive a special AFC goodie bag courtesy of AFC and StarHub.
The 20 Finalists will be required to prepare two of their best dishes with a ‘Christmas theme’ using a secret ingredient revealed to only to the top 20 days before the on-ground event. Finalists dishes will be judged by well-loved AFC Celebrity Chef, Emmanuel Stroobant, host of AFC Original Production, 36 Ways to Live and honorary guest judge, ToTT Executive Chef, Clarence Chong. Criteria of judging will be based on creativity, plating, use of sponsor ingredients and taste.
Fans who are looking to participate in the cook-off can look forward to a range of exciting top prizes worth over S$3000 (1st Prize), S$1000 (2nd Prize) and S$500 (3rd Prize) – The top three prizes include cash, AFC merchandise and Nikon cameras as follows:
1st Prize of Cook-off:
SGD2000 + AFC hamper + Pink Nikon 1 J1 D-zoom Kit (with 1 Nikkor VR 10-30mm and VR 30-110mm lens): SGD$1059
2nd Prize of Cook-off:
SGD 300 + AFC hamper + COOLPIX P7100 (worth S$749)
3rd prize of Cook-off:
SGD 200 + AFC hamper + COOLPIX P310 (worth S$399)
Best Photography Category Prize:
COOLPIX S6300 (worth S$249)
The online portion of the initiative will be mainly driven through all AFC social media channels using strategic posts and through the AFC official website using placed banner ads. All efforts will aim to reach out and create awareness for the database of over 1.3 million regional fans. Marketing of the initiative will also be supplemented through the official AFC website (http://www.asianfoodchannel.com/), and online support from partners.
This initiative was created in partnership with SCS – Official Butter and Cheese Partner, ToTT– Official Venue Partner, Nikon Singapore Pte Ltd – Supporting Digital Imaging Partner and supported by Wine & Dine Magazine and StarHub Singapore.
If you are an avid foodie looking to share your culinary skills with like-minded food lovers, then visit the AFC Facebook page www.facebook.com/AsianFoodChannel from Thursday, 24th October 2013 onwards to submit your entry now!
For more information about the Asian Food Channel, please visit http://www.asianfoodchannel.com/.


text:
As the body’s largest organ, skin is responsible for the transduction of a vast amount of information. This conformable, stretchable, self-healable and biodegradable material simultaneously collects signals from external stimuli, which translates into information such as pressure, pain and temperature.
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd (VTT) has its sights set high.
SEMI’s Nishita Rao caught up with Mike Wiemer, Ph.D., VP of Engineering, CTO and co-founder, Mojo Vision, to preview his February 25 keynote, The Art of the Possible, at FLEX|MEMS & Sensors Technical Congress (MSTC) 2020, February 24-27 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in San Jose, California.
To be sure, low power is king when bringing machine learning to the sensor edge. Battery-powered, always-on sensing devices require it since frequent recharging is the death knell of any electronic product. That’s why semiconductor companies are offering new ways to conserve power.
MEMS and sensors are proliferating across consumer, automotive, biomedical/healthcare, robotics, industrial and agriculture applications to harvest sensory data in a hyper-connected world and meet demand from workers and consumers alike as they clamor for more intelligence in electronics. Take the ubiquitous iPhone. Shipped in 2007, Apple’s first iPhone sported five sensors. By 2021, the most feature-packed smartphone will embed up to 20 sensors, according to Yole Développement’s Jérôme Azémar. He estimates that the device will feature four MEMS microphones, four CMOS image sensors (CIS), a RGB color sensor, a laser rangefinder, an infrared sensor, a gas sensor, a heart rate monitor and a fingerprint sensor, not to mention the MEMS inertial sensors that device users have come to know and trust.
Most of today’s blockbuster MEMS products – from pressure sensors and resonators to accelerometers and microphones – originated from academic research, a trend that Alissa M. Fitzgerald, Founder & Managing Member, A.M. Fitzgerald & Associates, expects to continue. While many of these potentially game-changing new technologies will require many more years of intensive development and up to $100 million in investment to reach full commercialization, Fitzgerald sees their potential for generating new waves of activity and opportunity in the MEMS and sensors industry.
The BioMEMS market is becoming increasingly diverse, encompassing gas and pressure sensors, ultrasound, specialized biomedical sensors, and other types of MEMS and microfluidic chips used for drug delivery and analytical applications.
The 3D optical sensing market is once again surging – and it’s all thanks to Apple. What will we see in the next wave of end products enhanced by this technology, how will other market segments approach – and eventually use – 3D optical sensing, and which suppliers stand to gain the most from this very vital technology?
TERRA-REF aims to transform plant breeding by using remote sensing to quantify plant traits such as plant architecture, carbon uptake, tissue chemistry, water use and other features to predict the yield potential and stress resistance of 400+ diverse sorghum lines.
Every day it seems like a new portable voice-first device is coming to market. From smart speakers small enough to fit in your pocket to tiny wireless earbuds and voice-activated TV remote controls, we are using voice increasingly to play music, select TV shows, turn on the lights or interact with our smart thermostat.


text:
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy has published its annual list of the top 12 greenest electric cars of the year, but with a 12th-place tie, the list includes 13 vehicles.
With the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid and Nissan Leaf electric car now being delivered in the U.S., experts would have expected that one of them would occupy the first place, but they were wrong, because Leaf earned a second place while Volt ranked 12th with the Mazda 2. Honda Civic GX, a model produced on a limited scale that runs on compressed natural gas, has been ranked first, becoming the greenest car of 2011.
In between are vehicles with old-fashioned gasoline-combustion engines and conventional hybrids. This thing is possible because the Council has used a method of calculating the environmental impact different from those of the Environmental Protection Agency.
“We consider not just what emissions are coming out of the tailpipe while the vehicle is running. The E.P.A. would consider the Leaf a zero-emissions vehicle because electric vehicles have zero tailpipe emissions,” said Therese Langer, the group’s transportation director, in a telephone interview.
She added that so-called upstream emissions of an electric car can be substantial, depending on where and how its energy is produced. The electricity generated in hydropower plants, for example, emits much less carbon dioxide than that produced by burning coal.
Here’s the top of the 13 greenest vehicles for 2011:
1. Honda Civic GX
2. Nissan Leaf
3. Smart Fortwo cabriolet and coupe
4. Toyota Prius
5. Honda Civic Hybrid
6. Honda Insight
7. Ford Fiesta SFE
8. Chevrolet Cruze Eco
9. Hyundai Elantra
10. Mini Cooper
11. Toyota Yaris
12. Chevrolet Volt
13. Mazda 2


text: Encinitas, Calif.--MetaFacts, a technology market research firm, announced Thursday it has acquired the Technology User Profile service and database from Ziff-Davis. The Technology User Profile is a semiannual study of computer usage in U.S. businesses and homes. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Tokyo-based Softbank Corp., which owns 70% of Ziff-Davis, is selling off the media company piece by piece. Major units remaining unsold include ZD Events and ZDNet. The fate of these units is expected to be decided before Christmas.


text:
In a conference call with reporters, GTE executives introduced the service as a way to extend its reach to Internet users worldwide.
"We believe we are becoming a one-stop telecommunications company," said Michael Bolduc, director of product management for GTE.net, the company's consumer and small business ISP.
"A year ago, we asked ourselves what it would take to get people to believe in the Internet experience," Bolduc added. The answer the company settled on was email, he said.
What may be most striking than the offer itself is the fact that it took the company a full year to roll it out, setting itself far behind in a market where established players like Hotmail and Yahoo have already garnered millions of users.
But that timetable has been characteristic of the big telephone companies' move online, analysts said.
"It's definitely typical of the glacial speed at which the telcos are moving towards the Internet and towards making it a part of their offerings," said Abhi Chaki, a senior analyst at research firm Jupiter Communications.
"It's part of the telcos coming late to the game in the Internet," agreed Forrester Research senior analyst David Cooperstein. "They've been dealing with mergers and getting into long distance. The Internet kind of went by them the first time, and now they're stepping over each other to get into the business."
Bolduc said the company initially struggled with trying to do the Web mail program internally, but ultimately decided to contract out for the service
The contract with iName will initially extend for one year, GTE officials said. The phone company will not pay iName for mailbox space, but iName will keep ad revenue that results from the deal.
Bolduc also said the company would have further consumer announcements in the near future, ranging from low-cost access plans to devices allowing users to check their e-mail over the phone.
GTE recently said it would sell about $3 billion worth of assets, including close to 1.6 million phone lines, in an effort to transform itself into a full-service telecommunications company. Much of the proceeds would be applied to fast-growing segments of its business such as data transmission and Internet services.
But the company's future depends on regulators' approval of its proposed merger with Bell Atlantic. Critics have said the merger would concentrate too much power over local phone lines in the new companies hands, and some Federal Communications Commission officials have said they are skeptical of whether it would benefit consumers at all.
Even with these distractions, Cooperstein said GTE and other telephone companies have started to pick up the pace, slowly packaging Internet services with voice offerings, and picking up the pace of their high-speed DSL access rollout.
"They're thinking of the consumer not just as a buyer of voice services, but as a buyer of telecommunications services now," Cooperstein said. "It's something they're starting to get religion around."


text:
SYDNEY, May 29 (Reuters) - The Australian competition watchdog has approved a merger of the Australian arms of mobile phone companies Vodafone VOD.L and Hutchison Whampoa 0013.HK, the regulator said on Friday.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said the deal is unlikely to substantially lessen competition.
In a deal announced on Feb. 9, Vodafone's Australian arm and Hutchison Telecom HTA.AX will form a joint venture operating under the Vodafone brand, with 6 million customers.
The new mobile operator will be of a sufficient scale to challenge the two dominant phone companies, incumbent Telstra Corp TLS.AX and Optus, a unit of Singapore Telecommunications STEL.SI, Vodafone and Hutchison said in February. ($1=1.28 Australian Dollar) (Reporting by Adrian Bathgate)
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.


text:
A new limited-edition watch has a tourbillon swirling in what appears to be a deep, infinite black hole. But, in fact, the mesmerizing dial is covered with what the National Physical Laboratory, Britain’s measurements standards institute, has verified as the darkest material on Earth.
The concept seemed perfect to Edouard Meylan, chief executive of the watchmaker H. Moser & Cie. — where the words “very rare” are part of the company logo. “We produce every single component, even hairsprings,” Mr. Meylan said. “I knew if we wanted to make black watches we would have to do something unique.”
A friend, Pierre Jacques of the De Bethune watch company, told him about the material, generically called carbon nanotube film — and Mr. Meylan reached out to Surrey NanoSystems. In 2015, Surrey’s chief technical officer, Ben Jensen, finalized a spray-on version of the substance he had trademarked as Vantablack.
The company’s website describes the material as a collection of carbon nanotubes that are 3,500 times smaller than the diameter of the average human hair, with one square centimeter containing as many as 1,000 million nanotubes. Light becomes trapped between the nanotubes, the site says, because the tubes are so long in relation to their diameter and there is so little space between them. (The site uses the example of a forest with trees almost 2 miles high, noting that little light would reach the forest floor.)
The coating used on the Moser watch is Vantablack S-VIS, which Mr. Jensen described as the blackest spray-applied coating commercially available today and the same coating used on instruments for space travel to protect them from sunlight.
“Moser ships us the dials and we treat them,” Mr. Jensen said. “It’s very complicated.” And costly.
The new watch, introduced in December, was the Endeavour Tourbillon Concept Vantablack, a limited edition of 50 selling for $75,000 each. It was the latest in a line that began in fall 2018 with the Endeavour Perpetual Moon Concept, a limited edition of 50 that sold out at $35,000 each. “It looked like a black hole with the moon floating in it,” Mr. Meylan said. “We could have sold hundreds of them.” Then came the simpler (“it’s not a limited edition and there are no special complications”) Venturer Concept Vantablack for $27,600 and a version of the Venturer with each watch containing 313 diamonds totaling 3.77 carats and selling for $54,000.
H. Moser & Cie. has no plans to introduce more “black hole” watches anytime soon, but Surrey NanoSystems is continuing to explore applications for Vantablack. “A California company is testing its use in cinemas,” Mr. Jensen said. “You’re not distracted by any reflected light. It’s a completely immersive experience.”


text:
National / International News
Oil prices have been on a downward swing for the past few months and now there is an expectation among industry forecasters that demand for oil will slow soon.
The International Energy Agency says oil demand growth is at its lowest in five years, with demand expected to grow by 700,000 barrels a day. That’s 200,000 fewer than it previously expected.
Antoine Halff is the chief oil analyst for the agency: “The main driver really has been the economy," says Halff. “The economic recovery continues to be slower than expected.”
The agency lowered its forecasts in large part because the International Monetary Fund recently lowered its forecast for GDP growth worldwide.
“And now China, which for the last 10 to 15 years was the main engine of economic growth, has been slowing dramatically as well,” says Halff.
Slower growth in Asia and in developing nations around the world is a big factor in oil demand. Last year, for the first time, the demand for oil in developing countries exceeded that of developed nations.
Growth in those developing nations is slowing, a worrying sign for oil producers, says IHS oil analyst Jamie Webster. “It’s also a worrying sign for the economy and for oil markets because that is really considered to be the home for demand growth long term.”
Despite the drop in global demand, so far at least, oil production has not declined. As a result, analyst Steven Kopits expects gas prices to drop in the U.S. which could spur demand.
“The caveat on that is that the miles per gallon for our automobiles has increased quite a bit," he says. "For new cars over the last seven years, or so it’s up 20 percent.”
Renewable energy sources don’t make up a big enough share to cut into demand for oil. But gains in efficiency, and the rise of the electric car, Kopits says, could be game changers.
Dao Nguyen got a big promotion Tuesday. She's now BuzzFeed's publisher, a title that means something a whole lot different than it used to in the media world. But that media world is a whole lot different too, in no small part because of Nguyen.
As BuzzFeed's head of growth and data, Nguyen is credited with orchestrating the by-the-numbers approach that has made the site explode to more than 150 million users a month and changed the way we consume media. Before a listicle gets posted or a headline goes viral, it's gone through BuzzFeed's testing system, orchestrated by Nguyen.
"Data should not dictate your strategy," Nguyen says, "But you should understand what data tells you and also what its limits are."
Nguyen and her team have used that data to figure out how and why we share content, and it's led to some surprising discoveries.
"Women share at a much higher rate than men, and when I talk about that now at a conference or with other people I say women share more than men online as it is in life. But men click at the same rate as women," Nguyen says. "So women will start the conversation and men will participate. If you think about it in the context of just regular human people, it isn't that surprising."
Nguyen says she spends her days deep in sprea sheets and data, but her team thinks about people all the time. "That's our competitive advantage."
She now has a seat at BuzzFeed's leadership table, and Nguyen is pretty confident in the company's future.
"I think that BuzzFeed has a great opportunity to become the pre-eminent media for the social age."
A World Bank projection pegs the total global economic cost of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa at $32.6 billion by the end of 2015. The New York Times reports that model is a "worst-case" scenario, but doesn't take into account dramatic, global spread. In contrast, the same report notes if the disease is contained in the short term, the total economic hit might be as low as $359 million.
As a nurse in Dallas is hospitalized with Ebola, the Centers for Disease Control is calling for a reassessment of treatment protocols.
Here's what we're reading - and other numbers we're watching - Tuesday.$950 million
That's how much Disney could end up paying for Maker Studios. The YouTube network was acquired by Disney in May, and now Maker's YouTube stars are getting their own programming blocks on Disney XD and Fusion, Variety reported. The news comes less than a day after the Wall Street Journal reported on the wave of book deals being thrown to YouTube personalities.$50,000-$75,000
The cost of digital projectors, the new movie theater standard some studios are still subsidizing. Digital distribution should theoretically be cheaper, but those costs could still be keeping major releases from small markets, the Los Angeles Times reported, and theater owners aren't happy about it. Another reason one executive gave for the delayed release of "Gone Girl" in those markets: "R-rated movies in small towns don't always go together."25
In a bid to take a bigger bite out of Amazon’s business, this week Google is expanding its same-day delivery service.
If you didn’t know Google was in the delivery business, here's the gist: In a handful of cities — now including Boston, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. — you can buy stuff from brick and mortar stores and receive it the same day.
The service formerly known as Google Shopping Express, and formerly free, it will now be called simply Google Express. Members can pay $10 a month for unlimited same-day and overnight delivery on items costing more than $15.
Google used to be the go-to place for product research, says Forrester Research analyst Sucharita Mulpuru.
“Amazon is now the primary place where consumers go when they are looking to research almost any product,” she says. “Google wants its crown back.”
In a speech in Berlin yesterday, Google chairman Eric Schmidt acknowledged as much.
“Many people think our main competition is Bing or Yahoo,” he said. “But, really, our biggest search competitor is Amazon.”
Delivery is an expensive and labor-intensive business, though, says analyst Colin Gillis with BGC Financial. Another same-day delivery service, offered by eBay, has struggled to get off the ground.
“Either you hire an army of people to get these packages and to deliver them to your customers, or you outsource it to a carrier or logistics company,” Gillis says.
Then again, Forrester’s Mulpuru says Google is such a profitable company, it can afford to experiment.


text:
It’s hard to imagine pizza making making being the primary profession for most people, but that’s what the Italian firm Milanos has done with the world’s first mod pizza menu.
The company launched the new menu last week, which includes all of the pizzas available at Pizza Hut and the other major chain Pizza Express, in addition to a few items that the company has created for the likes of Subway and Wendy’s.
The menu was released on Wednesday, the day after Milanos CEO Giancarlo Galantis unveiled his vision for the future of pizza in a video presentation to a gathering of food-industry executives in New York.
In the video, Galantas said that the future is pizzas made in a way that would allow them to be enjoyed by consumers and serve as an alternative to traditional fast-food.
The concept is to have the pizzerias make their own pizzas, using their own ingredients and working with local farms and restaurants.
The idea is to offer a more traditional pizza that is a little more refined and less expensive.
And it’s going to be something that people will come back to over and over again, Galatas said.
“We want to create a pizza that’s made in the same way that people have been eating for centuries, a kind of classic Italian pizza, but with a little bit more flavor,” Galatis said.
The pizza is also expected to be offered in the United States and in other parts of Europe, but not everywhere.
It was only possible because of the huge amount of investment that the world has made in technology over the past several years, and the increased ability to customize pizza by adding toppings and toppings combinations.
That has made it easier for pizza restaurants to adapt to changes in customer preferences.
In fact, in a 2015 study, a team at Cornell University found that the majority of American customers said they prefer pizza made with ingredients that are cheaper and fresher than traditional pizza.
And research from the National Academy of Sciences in 2011 found that when pizza delivery services like Uber and Deliveroo began offering their services in the U.S., the pizza sales there doubled.
And pizza-makers are now able to sell their pizza at places like Walmart and Costco.
The Milanos pizzas are being produced in a factory in Tuscany, Italy, that was founded in 1872.
“For a long time, there were a lot of people in Italy who made pizzas that were very simple, and they were not really considered pizza,” Galantys son, Stefano, said in a phone interview.
“They were basically made of wheat, and that was how the Italians ate.
So when they moved to the modern era of food processing, they went to the whole wheat pizza.”
The company also has a manufacturing facility in the northern city of Tuscans Capuchino, where it uses the same technology that is used in the factory that was built in 1871.
But instead of building the factory from scratch, the new pizza factory uses a process called extrusion, which involves mixing flour with a liquid that allows the dough to rise.
“When the liquid rises and the dough is stretched, you get a nice structure,” Galanis said in the video.
The result is a soft dough that is just a little less sticky than a traditional pizza dough.
And because the flour is extruded into the dough, it doesn’t have any flavor, so it doesn.
“So that gives you a little different texture,” Galas said, noting that the result is softer and easier to eat than a typical pizza dough, and therefore better for those who like their pizza soft.
The process also means that the Milanos pizza is not as expensive as some other types of pizza.
It costs about $8 to make a single pizza, while a regular pizza can cost $15 or $20.
The new Milanos pies will be available in the first quarter of 2019, with the full menu set to be available later this year.
The future of pizzas will likely include the use of technology that helps to make the pizzesticks softer and cheaper to make, Galatias said in his presentation.
“I would expect to see these things to be integrated into the future pizza making process.
And in the future, the whole process will be more efficient,” he said.
In a video that Galatias shared with The Associated Press, he also talked about a future in which people will be able to order their own pizza using their phones and have it delivered.
He also said that he hopes to use technology to let people order pizza from any place that they want, with a tap of their phone.
The video also included a few photos of Milanos’ current products.
The family-owned company is one of Italy’s most successful pizza companies.
It owns Pizza Hut, the world-famous Italian chain, and has several pizza franchises throughout the country.
The pizzas sold in the Milanys pizzas were made from the


text:
The Ford Fiesta is the automaker's entry-level offering, and it has added new engine options of late to make for a very diverse range.
Read This Article
Unless you've been living under a really big rock for the past five months, you're well aware of the Ford Atlas and all of the hype it has created.
Ford refines the Fusion even further for the 2015 model year.
We're live at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, and back once again with our Reporter's Notebook.


text:
Recall information for Canadians who own the Samsung Galaxy Note7.
If you are one of the 2.5 million people that have purchased one of Samsung’s latest flagship device; the Galaxy Note7, then you will want to read this.
To date, roughly 35 of the Note7’s have been confirmed to have their batteries explode while charging. If you were to be holding the phone in your hand at the time, or sleeping with the phone charging beside your head, this could insure a very unexpected serious injury. Let’s try and stay away from that.
Samsung announced a global replacement program for the Galaxy Note7 a little over a week ago.
Turn off your Note7:
The company is asking its customers that own the Note7 to power down their phones and exchange them as soon as possible.
Roughly 0.1% of all Note7’s are said to be affected by this malfunctioning battery. Samsung says that there are two separate battery manufactures for the Note7, and only one of the two companies responsible for manufacturing is having these issues.
The Note7 and flying:
The Federal Aviation Administration informed the public on Thursday that the Note7 should not be transported on airlines through checked baggage, and that it should especially not be charged on the plane while travelling.
The Galaxy Note7 is said to have caused a Jeep in Florida to catch fire and explode as the owners left the phone to charge.
Samsung writes in a newsroom release:
We are expediting replacement devices so that they can be provided through the exchange program as conveniently as possible and in compliance with related regulations. We sincerely thank our customers for their understanding and patience.Samsung Electronics
Although the number of cases reported is impeccably small in the grand scheme of things, it is important to realize that this could happen to any one Note7 owner globally. Better safe than sorry. Take your phone in and have it exchanged.
Samsung urges owners of the phone to contact the place that they purchased the Note7’s from to get the proper information for your specific area.
For Canadians specifically:
Samsung Canada is working alongside Health Canada in regards to this recall. On September 9th, Samsung Canada stated that they are working together with Health Canada on a corrective action plan to expedite a Canadian recall of the product affecting the following model numbers within our country:
If your phone is black in color:
- BOM Code/Part #: SM-N930WZKAXAC
- UPC Code: 887276171883
- SKU Code: SMN930WK64
- Remark: Black, 64GB
If your phone is silver in color:
- BOM Code/Part #: SM-N930WZSAXAC
- UPC Code: 887276177229
- SKU Code: SMN930WS64
- Remark: Silver, 64GB
If your phone is blue in color:
- BOM Code/Part #: SM-N930WZBAXAC
- UPC Code: 887276177243
- SKU Code: SMN930WB64
- Remark: Blue, 64GB
Customers who have Galaxy Note7 can replace their current device with a new device under the terms of the Canadian Product Exchange, which was previously announced Tuesday, September 6, 2016. To register for a Galaxy Note7 Exchange, owners should visit this page to initiate the Galaxy Note7 product exchange.


text:
Canada’s discount-brokerage channel continues to attract clients, growing assets under administration (AUA) at more than twice the rate that the full-service brokerage channel has in recent years, according to a recent report.
“The comfort level people now have [in] making financial transactions online,” says Bob Grant, managing director and head of global online brokerage with Bank of Nova Scotia, the parent of discount-brokerage arm Scotia iTrade, “coupled with the education tools and business research available on self-directed platforms, has made direct investing far, far easier to do.”
According to the Retail Brokerage and Distribution Report, Winter 2014, published by Investor Economics, a Toronto-based division of U.S.-based research firm Asset International Inc., total AUA among Canadian discount brokerages stood at $292 billion as of Dec. 31, 2013, up from $180 billion as of Dec. 31, 2007 – a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4% over that six-year span. In contrast, AUA at Canadian full-service brokerages were $918 billion as of Dec. 31, 2013, up from $720 billion as of Dec. 31, 2007, a CAGR of 4.1%.
Although the full-service advice channel is in no danger of losing its place as the primary destination for Canadian investors – particularly those who are looking for tailored advice – the trends boosting the flow of AUA toward the discount channel are likely to continue, says Grant: “It’s only going to accelerate, to tell you the truth.”
The discount channel’s increasing appeal is a reflection of the level of comfort that many Canadians feel in conducting financial transactions online. Younger Canadians, many of whom have lived their lives online, are inclined to seek out investment products and services online as well. On the other hand, the baby-boomer cohort, which is entering their retirement years, find themselves wanting to take greater control of their financial affairs.
“[Boomers] have more time on their hands, and they want to stay connected to the markets and the business world in general,” Grant says. “They’ll start to manage a portion of their portfolio on their own, even if they don’t move their entire financial wealth [over to a discount brokerage].”
In addition, technology on self-directed platforms has continued to improve, and clients are provided with ever greater levels of support. Self-directed brokerages now offer clients services such as detailed account performance and analysis tools, research and educational material, mobile applications and the capability to communicate with the firm and share ideas with other clients through social media, among other things.
Two years ago, Bank of Montreal‘s discount-brokerage arm, BMO InvestorLine, launched adviceDirect, an online service that offers clients some personalized advice, including features such as asset-allocation advice and portfolio monitoring, for a set percentage fee on AUA. This firm remains the only discount brokerage to offer such a service.
“The online brokerage world has become much more robust,” says Julie Barker-Merz, president and head of wealth direct investing with BMO InvestorLine. “It’s offering many more value-added services than there were in the past.”
Not all investors are well suited to self-directed investing, however. Even those investors who have an interest in managing their own finances often will do so with only a portion of their portfolios, leaving the bulk of their assets with a full-service advisor.
“We do know, in a general sense, that people tend to use multiple channels,” says Guy Armstrong, senior director and managing consultant with Investor Economics.”You can’t sit back and look at the full-service channel or the financial planning channel and say, ‘Wow, there’s money that’s obviously running out of these businesses [and into self-directed brokerages].’ We don’t see that in the data.”
Still, the appeal of low-cost, do-it-yourself investing is likely to endure – particularly as the brokerage industry at large adjusts to new regulations concerning disclosure and transparency.
“I’m subject to [Phase 2 of the client relationship model, but] I’m going to tell consumers they paid $4.99 for their trade,” says Grant, citing Scotia iTrade’s commission fee for active traders. “I’m happy to have everyone else tell the consumer what they’re paying for their trade.”
In fact, after several years of relative quiet, this year has seen a return of a commission fee battle among discount brokerages. Most of the largest players have dropped their standard fee – the one available to all customers regardless of AUA level or activity – to slightly less than $10, with fees for active traders set even lower. In July, Credential Direct, the discount-brokerage arm of Vancouver-based Credential Financial Inc., lowered its standard commission rate to $8.88.
Discount brokerages are hoping that the lower commission fees will spur their clients to become both more active and engaged with managing their own accounts, as well as resist the temptation to sit on their cash.
“Trading is important, not so much from the commission revenue [the firm earns] but from the confidence it gives investors,” says Jim Lund, vice president of online services with Credential Direct. “The more confident they feel with your service, the more likely they are to stay, trade and be successful investors.”
Some discount brokerages – notably, Toronto-based RBC Direct Investing, Royal Bank of Canada‘s discount brokerage arm – have expanded their lineup of so-called D-series funds, versions of actively managed funds that feature reduced management expense ratios, to entice cost-conscious consumers further.
Part of the increased competition in price, products, features and services is strategic in nature, with each discount brokerage looking to stand out in a crowded field of more than a dozen discount-brokerage platforms.
“The discount brokerage industry is a ‘one-up’ industry,” says Glenn LaCoste, president and lead analyst with Toronto-based research firm Surviscor Inc., adding that most firms find at least one competitive category in which to stand out among their peers. “[Participants] one-up competitors in key areas just to say that they are the best, despite the fact that there are minimal differences.”
© 2014 Investment Executive. All rights reserved.


text:
The MoT Files: The first MoT - bottom 10 manufacturers
Contrary to popular belief, buying a new car doesn’t necessary mean years of trouble free motoring. Indeed, analysis of VOSA records show that only 80 per cent of cars (registered in 2010) passed their first MoT, with thousands of motorists left to pick up the bill with many warranties running out after three years.
Here we reveal the worst offenders when it comes to manufacturers failing the first MoT. Not only does this list show the UK’s poorest performers, but it also shows which cars are more likely to fail once that all important (three year) warranty expires.
MINI has improved a lot since our last batch of MoT Files and two years ago the manufacture was the second worst firm for failing the first MoT, with a pass rate of 76 per cent. However, new models and technological improvements have raised its standing to eighth this time round, with the new Countryman being one of the most reliable cars in its first MoT, with a model pass rate of 92 per cent.


text:
SYDNEY (Reuters) - A measure of Australian consumer sentiment inched higher for the first time in five months in April as households became more optimistic on the near-term outlook for both the economy and their own finances.
The survey of 1,200 people by the Melbourne Institute and Westpac Bank showed the index of consumer sentiment rose a seasonally adjusted 0.3 percent in April from March, when it fell 0.7 percent.
The index reading of 99.7 was down 4.9 percent on April last year, but that was an improvement on March when it was down 10.0 percent. A reading below 100 means pessimists still exceed optimists.
While modest, the improvement does suggest sentiment has stabilized after a run of negative news on manufacturing job losses in recent weeks.
The survey showed consumers were a little less worried about keeping their jobs, with expectations of unemployment falling by 3.2 percent.
Respondents were more upbeat on the outlook for the economy over the next 12 months, with that index jumping 10.5 percent in April, from March.
Measures of family finances compared to a year ago improved by 6.7 percent, while the outlook for finances over the next 12 months rose 2.2 percent.
In contrast the outlook for the economy over the next five years slipped a further 4.2 percent. An index of whether it was a good or bad time to buy a major household item also slipped 8.7 percent in April.
The index tracking views on whether it was time to buy a dwelling fell by 3.9 percent, perhaps because sharply rising prices are making homes less affordable.
(Reporting by Wayne Cole; Editing by Shri Navaratnam)


text:
The medications - they can be powder, pills, tablets, capsules, liquids or patches - are converted into a non-divertible and biodegradable gel.
Walmart said a small packet of DisposeRX will now be given free automatically to any pharmacy customers filling new Class II opioid prescriptions at all of the retailer's 4,700 pharmacy locations. Patients with recurring Class II opioid prescriptions can receive the packet every six months.
The move comes as the U.S. grapples with the scourge of opioid addiction, an affliction that often begins when chronic-pain sufferers fill a prescription at a retail pharmacy chain such as Wal-Mart, CVS or Walgreens.
National Weather Service says snow likely tonight, tomorrow
WALB Meteorologists say that highs will only reach the middle thirties Wednesday afternoon and wind chills stay in the twenties. Interstate 78 is closed between exits 19 and 23 in the Strausstown area due to icy conditions on the highway.
While drug distributors like McKesson have borne the brunt of criticism, pharmacy operators have faced pressure as well to step up their role in fighting the crisis. Walmart is incredibly proud to fund this initiative that provides our patients with an opioid disposal solution they can access nationwide, at no cost'.
Walmart's announcement marks the first time one of the nation's largest pharmacies has offered a free way to dispose of opioids at all locations.
Walmart is not alone in trying to address the opioid epidemic.
This story has been corrected to show that the information about the types of drugs on which the packets can be used came from DisposeRx, not Walmart. The patients are already getting counseling on proper opioid use.
Jio's New Offer Gives Over 100% Cashback Upto ₹700
The move is targeted at putting Jio Phone users at par with regular smartphone users in terms of data consumption. Both the sachet packs and the new Rs. 153 plan will provide high-speed data till the daily FUP is met.
Walmart touted an endorsement of its move from Sen.
Senator John Boozman said: 'About one-third of medications sold go unused. "Too often, these risky narcotics remain unsecured where children, teens or visitors may have access", Arkansas Senator John Boozman said in a statement.
Walmart, (wmt) the fourth largest USA pharmacy operator, has unveiled a tool it thinks can help dent the country's raging opioid crisis: a packet that dissolves unused medication to make it easier to throw out.
Will Ferrell hilariously interviews Roger Federer at 2018 Australian Open
Open runner-up, advanced with a 6-1, 7-5 win over Wang Qiang and will be one of four American women in the second round. Novak Djokovic made a successful return to his favourite hunting ground sweeping past Donald Young 6-1, 6-2, 6-4.


text:
Written on July 3, 2011 by Ava Gwynn
The makers of Tylenol announced another recall in a long line of problems concerning a musty odor.
McNeil Consumer Healthcare, Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc., announced the recall of one product lot (60,912 bottles) of Extra Strength Caplets, 225 count bottles, distributed in the U.S.
The voluntary recall is centered around the ongoing problem with 2,4,6-tribromoanisole, a trace chemical used as a fungicide in packaging materials.
Manufacturers of Tylenol said 2,4,6-tribromoanisole generates an offensive odor and has been linked to “temporary and non-serious gastrointestinal symptoms.”
The recalled pills carry the lot number of ABA619 and the UPC code 300450444271.
Consumers with the recalled pills can call 1-888-222-6036 for information on replacing them or find more information at Tylenol.com.
- Recall: More Tylenol bottles with that “musty” smell
- J&J Recall Watch: Extra-Strength Tylenol Pulled Due to Smell
- Women’s Multivitamins Recalled by GNC Due to Failure to Meet Child-Resistant Closure Requirements
- Cigarette Packaging Still Too Alluring, Studies Find
- E. Coli outbreak hospitalizes seven children in France


text:
PITCHBOOK - Acquisitions of VC-backed companies may have hit a decade low in Q1, but the number of conversations between potential buyers and sellers is far from that nadir. "There is a lot of window shopping," said Sheila Patel, general partner at VC B Capital Group. Dealmakers and investors agree that by the end of this year or early next year, M&A activity will increase significantly. The timing comes down to simple math. The runways of many early and mid-stage startups are expected to expire in the next six to nine months. "If companies can't raise money, where are they going to go?" said Navin Chaddha, a managing director at Mayfield. "I see a lot of consolidation."
Larger startups are looking to buy smaller companies with complementary products. These acquisitions aim to create a bigger platform and grow revenue by cross-selling to each other's customer bases. Combining these companies could create a business large enough to be an IPO candidate.
Public companies more recently have a lower acquisition appetite than before because their valuations are down significantly. Strategics will only buy a startup that offers a product they absolutely "must have," and it should be straightforward to integrate the target into the parent business.
A recent survey of CEOs from The Conference Board found executives expect the economy to deteriorate further by the end of the year. Such sentiment may be a reason to wait for valuations to drop even lower.
While a sale to a private equity firm is seldom a great financial outcome for VCs, dealmakers expect a surge in these transactions in the next 12 months. There will eventually be a deluge of VC-backed companies for sale, which means private equity investors can afford to be picky.
by Marina Temkin
See full article at Pitchbook
Mark Brooks: Match Group's cost of capital is higher now, so IMHO they will rest on their laurels and make the most of what they have until the trajectory of the market looks more clear. Other buyers will be bargain hunting, but mindful of the poor outlook for IPO'ing a consolidated dating group. VC money is a little dry. Angels rule. If you're in the market for funding, let me know, and I'd be happy to share a comprehensive list of investors that we've built over the years, and just updated current thru April. FYI, Courtland Brooks works with startups through $500m+ revenue dating companies.


text:
Entrepreneurs! Here’s your chance to tell the Government of India what should be included in Start-up India, Stand-up India
The Government of India is due to unveil the full Action Plan of the much-awaited Start Up India, Stand Up India campaign on 16 January 2016. According to Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
“A structure will be presented before you. This programme will be connected to the country’s IITs, IIMs, central universities and NITs. Wherever there are youth, they will be linked through ‘live connectivity.”
YourStory has always been the voice of startups and entrepreneurs in India. And this time too, we have partnered with the Government of India’s #Startup India campaign to bring them your views, opinions and suggestions. Fill up the survey here.
Can&8217;t see the embedded survey form? Fill up the survey here


text:
Ford India has officially confirmed the launch of the 2011 Fiesta model in India. According to the company press release, Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India said, “We are delighted the new Fiesta is coming to India. It will provide Indian customers a premium sedan that reflects their personality in terms of style, technology and performance, and will add a new level of diversity and dynamism to our showrooms.”
Updated 14 April 2011: The new Ford Fiesta is now here! Read 2011 Ford Fiesta unveiled at New Delhi. Sorry, no prices revealed yet – or engine specs for that matter – but don’t worry, we will find it soon!
The new Fiesta will be sold alongside the existing Fiesta, which will be termed ‘Fiesta Classic’. Boneham added that the new Fiesta launch plan builds on the consumer response to the Ford Figo, which in 12 months has transformed the company’s presence in India and attracted many customers to the Ford brand.
The Fiesta was launched just 6 years ago, in 2005, and while it does live up to the manufacturer’s claim of being a driver’s car, we wonder why Ford would dub it a ‘Classic.’ Perhaps, Ford wants to makes the most of the Fiesta brand name!
The new Fiesta (code named B299), which bears the new Ford’s global kinetic design theme, is based on the Mazda 2 model. We have reported earlier that the test mules of this car have been spotted near Chennai. Looking at the spy pictures, one can tell that the new Fiesta model is the same model that’s sold in China. Related: European Ford Fiesta caught testing in India
Ford will be launching the new Fiesta in the second half of 2011 and is expected to be price it in the Rs. 6.80 lakh – Rs. 7.7 lakh range. Currently, Fiesta prices range from Rs. 6.46 – Rs. 8.51 (ex-showroom, Delhi). That will make the new Ford Fiesta an extremely compelling buy from among cars such as Hyundai Verna, Fiat Linea, Volkswagen Vento, Maruti SX4 and even the segment leader Honda City.


text:
CHINESE cities from Wuhan in central China to Xining in the northwest are doubling down on Covid-19 curbs, sealing up buildings, locking down districts and throwing millions into distress in a scramble to halt widening outbreaks.
China on Thursday (Oct 27) reported a third straight day of more than 1,000 new Covid cases nationwide, a modest tally compared with the tens of thousands per day that sent Shanghai into a full-blown lockdown earlier this year but enough to trigger more curbs and restrictions across the country.
China's coronavirus caseload has remained small by global standards, but its ultra-strict and disruptive containment measures this year against the highly transmissible Omicron variant have weighed heavily on the world's second-largest economy and rattled financial markets.
Guangzhou, China's fourth-biggest city by economic output and the provincial capital of Guangdong, on Thursday sealed up more streets and neighbourhoods and kept people in their homes as new areas were deemed high-risk in a Covid resurgence that persisted into its fourth week.
Wuhan, site of the world's first Covid-19 outbreak in late 2019, reported around 20 to 25 new infections a day this week. Nevertheless, local authorities ordered more than 800,000 people in one district to stay at home until Oct 30.
Wuhan also suspended the sale of pork in parts of the city, according to images and posts on social media, after one Covid case was found that authorities said was linked to the local pork supply chain.
In Xining, capital of Qinghai province, social media posts told of food shortages and price inflation for essential goods as health authorities in the city of 2.5 million people raced to contain a Covid rebound following the week-long National Day holiday in early October.
"To reduce the risk of transmission, some vegetable and fruit stores have been closed and put under quarantine," said a Xining government official on Wednesday.
Other large cities across China including Zhengzhou, Datong and Xian have implemented new curbs this week to rein in local outbreaks.
In Beijing, the Universal Resort theme park was shut on Wednesday after at least one visitor tested positive for the coronavirus.
China has repeatedly vowed to stick to its zero-tolerance response to Covid-19 and implement what the authorities say are necessary measures to contain the virus. REUTERS


text:
If you’ve heard anything about Mobilegeddon, you will know that not so long ago, a reign of terror ruled many websites, scaring them into some much needed mobile action.
Also commonly known as the mobilepocalyse or mopocalypse, the mobilegeddon is a new mobile-friendly ranking algorithm, brought out by Google on April 21st 2015.
Designed to give a boost to mobile-friendly pages in Google’s mobile search results, the new (but frightening) algorithm made many website owners wonder whether their rankings would be hurt.
Although Google already tweak their algorithm on a daily basis, the Mobilegeddon was anticipated to bring about huge changes to website rankings for many. Back in February of this year, Google released a warning about the new algorithm and even provided a tool so that developers and webmasters could check whether their sites were mobile-friendly.
Many SEO specialists believed that the update would be the biggest change since 2011 despite Google reassuring website owners that it was merely a subtle evolution.
However, the fear that Mobilegeddon did bring may have not been a bad thing at all. After all, optimising your website to be mobile-friendly in these times is an extremely important practice.
Why Should a Website be Mobile-Friendly?
Being mobile-friendly or ‘responsive’ is important to Google because it is straightforward to implement an optimal cross-device viewing experience. It is also compatible with ‘search spiders’ who go crawl the web to index your content.
There is also the experience of the user to carefully consider. A study by iAquire and SurveyMonkey found that 40% of people will choose another website if yours isn’t mobile-friendly. That’s a pretty large chunk of users you could be missing out on if you’re not responsive.
One Month On – How did Websites Stack up?
As a result of the Mobilegeddon, Google have stated that there has been a 4.7% increase in mobile-friendly sites in March and April.
There is no denying that the fear of potential traffic loss has prompted web owners to work on their mobile-friendliness. Some may argue that this should have been a priority since the announcement was made about blended mobile ranking in 2009 but nevertheless, this has been the push that many have needed.
The update was, however, a lot tamer than web developers expected. The Mobilegeddon did not level businesses the way that other updates have done, making it not all that significant in that sense.
What can you do to make sure your website is mobile-friendly?
So what now? Well it is certainly not time to get complacent. Follow our some of our tips below on getting your website fully responsive for mobile and look forward to receiving and holding on to many more loyal visitors in the future.
- Many users will use just one hand to explore your website, making actions like scrolling a tricky business. To counteract this, be generous with your tap-to-navigate buttons. You could even add a double tap feature to expand product shots, making the experience far more convenient for the user.
- It is a good idea to make sure that search and email boxes are easy to type in. Give the user generous space both inside and around input areas to stop them getting frustrated and giving up.
- Crammed together links are really a no-go. Links placed too close together do not sit well with Google and are not that appealing to a user.
- Prepping conversion events is an extremely important step towards optimising your website for mobile. Prepping for conversion events can be done in a number of different ways, including streamlining the checkout process for mobile users and making conversion landing pages suited to the mobile visitor.


text:
In survey of 88 IT executives, Forrester Research found that most businesses would rather use utility computing technologies in their internal data centers, than rent computing services from an external provider. As a result, companies that sell hardware and software systems are better positioned to ride the utility computing wave than outsourcing providers and systems integrators, according to the Forrester report.
The vision for utility computing is that computing power can be delivered to companies like electricity or water. Businesses can reduce their costs by purchasing computing capacity as and when they need it, meaning they can make more efficient use of the resources they have in-house.
Get Up to Speed on...
Get the latest headlines and
company-specific news in our
expanded GUTS section.
But Forrester, which refers to utility computing as "," said the industry vision of utilitylike outsourcing is out of sync with what businesses are looking for.
The research firm found that only 16 percent of businesses want to invest in outsourcing services--where an outside company takes over IT operations--when overhauling their IT infrastructure. Instead, 84 percent of respondents said they would rather make over their systems themselves, either with help from outside service providers or with internal staff.
At the same time, companies are looking for pay-per-use options for systems that they run internally, according to the report released last week. Sixty-six percent of respondents said they prefer per-use purchasing or leasing options when paying for IT infrastructure, while only 34 percent said they would rather stick with the traditional model of up-front capital investment.
Coming up with simple-to-understandremains a major challenge for the IT industry, Forrester analyst Frank Gillett said.
"Systems vendors must support pay-per-use without outsourcing--which means creating simple metrics, processor hours, that give a firm glimpse of usage-based metrics," he said in a research note.
HP, IBM and Sun have all introduced such payment options for servers, in which customers pay for processing power depending on how much they use. Next year, HP plans to propose a single usage measurement, called the "computon," as the computing industry equivalent to the kilowatt hour.


text:
The popular and durable CNET tech news and reviews internet portal is about to have a new owner. Entertainment conglomerate ViacomCBS (NASDAQ:VIA) has signed a definitive agreement to sell CNET’s parent, CNET Media Group, for $500 million to privately held Red Ventures, both companies announced in a joint press release.
Since its founding in 1992, CNET Media Group has grown to encompass notable digital assets in its field. In its portfolio are tech news site ZDNet, and a popular video gaming review platform, GameSpot. These should compliment the numerous digital properties owned by Red Ventures, which include online personal finance portal Bankrate.
IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES.
The divestment is part of a broader strategy by ViacomCBS to streamline and focus more on its entertainment assets, notably streaming video.
Although it has a platform loaded with content, CBS All Access, some consider the company to be a bit of an underdog in a world dominated by the likes of Netflix and more recent arrivals from heavyweight entertainment industry rivals such as Walt Disney. ViacomCBS is attempting to be more competitive by bulking up the content on its platform and relaunching it as a “super service.”
ViacomCBS predecessor CBS Corporation bought CNET for $1.8 billion in an all-cash deal signed in 2008. While it is still a recognized name for online tech industry content, it now has a host of competitors.
Nevertheless, investors greeted news of the sale positively. ViacomCBS’s shares closed up by almost 2.4% on Monday, comfortably exceeding the increase of the S&P 500 index on the day.
Where to invest $1,000 right now
When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*
David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Viacom wasn’t one of them! That’s right — they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.


text:
Mattel this week is introducing the company’s first gender-neutral doll line “designed to keep labels out and invite everyone in—giving kids the freedom to create their own customizable characters again and again.”
TIME reports: ‘The doll can be a boy, a girl, neither or both, and Mattel, which calls this the world’s first gender-neutral doll, is hoping its launch on Sept. 25 redefines who gets to play with a toy traditionally deemed taboo for half the world’s kids. Carefully manicured features betray no obvious gender: the lips are not too full, the eyelashes not too long and fluttery, the jaw not too wide.
There are no Barbie-like breasts or broad, Ken-like shoulders. Each doll in the Creatable World series looks like a slender 7-year-old with short hair, but each comes with a wig of long, lustrous locks and a wardrobe befitting any fashion-conscious kid: hoodies, sneakers, graphic T-shirts in soothing greens and yellows, along with tutus and camo pants.’
This article was originally posted on Queer SF


text:
Amazon has mentioned it’ll cease accepting Visa bank cards issued within the UK from subsequent 12 months on account of excessive transaction charges.
A spokesperson for the e-commerce large says: “Because of Visa’s continued excessive price of funds, we remorse that Amazon.co.uk will not settle for UK-issued Visa bank cards as of 19 January 2022.”
In a observe to clients, the corporate identified that Visa debit playing cards and Mastercard and Amex bank cards will nonetheless be accepted.
A Visa spokesperson says in a press release: “We’re very disillusioned that Amazon is threatening to limit client alternative sooner or later. We proceed to work towards a decision, so our cardholders can use their most well-liked Visa bank cards at Amazon UK with out Amazon-imposed restrictions come January 2022.”
That is the newest step in an ongoing battle between Amazon and Visa. The retailer is providing customers £20 off their subsequent buy in the event that they set a debit or non-Visa bank card as their fee default. In Singapore and Australia, Amazon has already imposed a surcharge for these utilizing Visa bank cards.
Within the UK, an EU-enforced cap on charges charged by card issuers is not in place following Brexit. Each Visa and Mastercard have elevated some charges because of this. Each additionally intend to extend charges within the US, albeit with this postponed till April 2022 on account of Covid.
Amazon has a 25% share of the UK’s e-commerce market, in accordance with Euromonitor, representing $29 billion in quantity, or 0.26% of Visa’s whole.


text:
According to a recent study carried out by the RAC, nearly 6 out of 10 (57%) drivers in the UK are more dependent on their cars now than they were in March 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic struck. With this increased reliance on cars, a second lockdown and the colder weather of the autumn and winter months, the threat of faulty car batteries is a very real issue. For convenience and safety, motorists should make sure they have a reliable car battery; and Varta batteries in the UK are known as being one of the most dependable brands around. If you’re having trouble starting your car or your battery won’t hold its charge, you can order a new Varta battery online and have it delivered to your doorstep with no fuss through Orius Batteries.
People are increasingly relying on their private cars as a way to get around, it’s thought, because they’re unwilling to risk using the public transport system in the light of the ongoing threat of coronavirus. As part of their survey, the RAC established that the percentage of motorists who are hesitant to use public transport and instead rely on their cars is the highest in 18 years.
The RAC poll showed there were three specific groups that were most likely to say they needed a car more today than they did back in March, before the pandemic hit. These people are young drivers; those living in London; and those with less than 10 years of driving experience.
The percentage of motorists who now rely on their cars for shopping has ballooned from 54% before the pandemic to 68% now, despite the tremendous growth in home delivery services over the last eight months. The use of private cars for personal reasons such as seeing friends and family also escalated from 45% in 2019 to 59% this year.
On the other hand, commuting by car recorded a drop of 3% on last year, from 67% to 64%. Rising numbers of motorists are expecting to work from home more often than before; and around a third of respondents say that they will be working from their own homes for the foreseeable future.
According to the RAC, the decrease in the use of public transport represents a ‘seismic shift’ when compared to the last few years. It also shows the concerns people have about their own safety, especially when it comes to crowding on public transport systems.
Rod Dennis, RAC data insight spokesperson, said that even with lower traffic volumes, the pandemic appears to have strengthened the bond between the drivers and their cars ? making public transport less appealing to use than ever.
He also added that without collaborative effort from government and local councils, the pandemic threatens to put “efforts to encourage drivers out of their cars for some trips back by years”.
Dennis added that even before the coronavirus, drivers complained that public transport fares were often too high and services didn’t run on time, the primary reasons why people choose to drive their private cars instead. And that situation has only been made worse by the pandemic.
Choosing The Right Battery For Your Car This Winter
With the winter weather on its way, and people using their cars more than ever, now’s the time to check your existing car battery. Older batteries that may have not been used as much during lockdown can be liable to let you down, especially on those frosty mornings.
If your battery is three or more years old, start shopping for newer, more reliable units such as Varta batteries in the UK. You can get Varta and other big brands for any make and model of car here at Orius Batteries.
As well as a host of first-class batteries, Orius also offers the best in customer service. Our online store makes Varta battery shopping for your car easy.
It takes minutes to place your order, and your battery is then delivered right to your doorstep. Check out our website and the discounts we have available to help you power your car, and all from the comfort of your own home!


text:
At a Codex meeting in Hamburg, Germany this week, many countries called for changes to an international standard on follow-up formula, a product marketed for children over six months of age that often displaces breastfeeding. Updating the standard to define follow-up formula as a breastmilk substitute will help protect optimal breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices.
Codex Alimentarius (referred to as “Codex”) is a joint body of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) that develops harmonized international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice in order to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair practices in food trade. Helen Keller International is an official observer at Codex.
Since Codex standards often serve as the basis for legislation in individual countries, they can have a profound impact on the health and nutrition of infants and young children. A Codex committee is currently undertaking a full review of the Codex Standard for Follow-up Formula.
Changes to the standard are needed now because:
• There is growing evidence that companies are promoting follow-up formula in a way that also promotes infant formula, a product targeted for infants under six months of age who should be exclusively breastfed. Products share similar color schemes, designs and brand names and have similar slogans, mascots and symbols. This practice undermines breastfeeding and may also confuse consumers into buying the wrong product.
• The current standard is misleading, stating, “The products covered by this standard are not breastmilk substitutes and shall not be presented as such.” In fact, these products are used by families as breastmilk substitutes.
• In 2016, the World Health Assembly passed a resolution (WHA 69.9) to provide “Guidance on Ending the Inappropriate Promotion of Foods for Infants and Young Children.” This guidance clearly states that the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes applies to follow-up formula/growing-up milks that are marketed as “suitable” for older infants and young children from the age of 6 months to 36 months, as well as to infant formula. Thus the Codex standard needs to be revised to align with this.
At the 38th Session of the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses, in Hamburg, Germany this week (December 5-9th), many countries joined the call for clarifying language on this issue. They called for these milk products marketed for children, who should instead be receiving the far more nourishing and protective breastmilk, to be defined as breastmilk substitutes which fall under the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. While the process of revising the Codex standard is still ongoing, countries agreed that there should be policy coherence with WHA resolutions and WHO guidelines. Including a specific reference to the Code and WHA Resolution 69.9 in the standard would be a significant step toward protecting optimal infant feeding and the health of infants and young children around the world.
In summary, many country delegations at Codex are making it clear— follow-up formula is a breastmilk substitute and should not be promoted.


text:
Welcome to the future of stock trading! As technology continues to redefine possibilities, artificial intelligence (AI) stands tall in the financial domain, driving disruption like never before. The stock market, known for its unpredictable temperament, has been quick to board the AI train, optimizing portfolio allocations, predicting trends, running simulations, and providing data-driven insights to investors.
In essence, AI is set to revolutionize stock trading, promising increased efficiency and reducing human error. It uses machine learning algorithms to analyze historical stock data, make predictions, and place trades, thereby automating the trading process and reducing investor intervention.
As we approach 2023, what could be potent trends defining the future of AI in stock trading? Let's untangle the complexities of AI and explore how they are likely to change the face of the stock trading landscape. From the growing opportunities in the Robotic Process Automation (RPA) market to surging retail trading activity, fasten your seatbelts as we dive deep into the realm of AI-enhanced stock trading.
The global market for Robotic Process Automation (RPA), a vital cog in the evolving digital technology landscape, is poised for an explosive growth trajectory in the coming decade. This burgeoning sector, valued at $2.6 billion in 2022, is forecasted to reach an astonishing $66 billion by 2032. The promise of enhanced efficiency and productivity that RPA offers is increasingly becoming touted as a digital panacea across multinational corporations and startups alike.
The allure for RPA lies with its ability to automate mundane and repetitive tasks, liberating human resources to focus on strategic, value-added activities that bolster a firm's competitive advantage. Here are some key factors contributing to the accelerated growth forecast:
However, the market isn't just about giant companies with deep pockets. Mid-cap companies like C3.ai have made substantial inroads into the RPA market, signaling a democratization of opportunities.
C3.ai, commanding a modest market cap of $4.6 billion, is an exemplar of robust growth in the RPA domain amongst mid-cap companies. Offering AI-driven solutions underpinned by RPA, C3.ai is powering ahead by capitalizing on the burgeoning demand for digital efficiency, intelligent automation, and data-driven insights.
The company's disruptive technology solutions have demonstrated the immense potential that mid-cap companies can unlock in the RPA market. As such, the market's future seems not just promising but buoyant, testament to a future where businesses are continually seeking ways to innovate, optimize, and automate.
The projection of the vibrant RPA market underscores the vast opportunities it brings – a call-to-action for businesses to embrace automation's transformative power. Companies that capitalize on this development stride confidently towards a future characterized by digital efficiency and optimized productivity.
The current era's technological advancements have created unprecedented opportunities to redefine how we approach stock market trading. One of the most promising developments is the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based stock platforms. These platforms stand out for their ability to analyze the stock market's trends more accurately and efficiently than ever before. Yet, a crucial and underappreciated aspect of these platforms is the significant market share they are expected to capture in the next few years.
If current trends continue, AI-based stock platforms are poised for significant expansion in the near future. Between the years 2023 and 2028, these cutting-edge online platforms are expected to undergo substantial growth in market share.
Several factors contribute to this projected upward trajectory, including:
"As we approach the new era of digital stock trading, AI-based platforms are likely to become a household name. They aren't just reshaping how we look at stocks; they're redefining the shape of the market."
In the ever-evolving world of stock trading, staying ahead of the curve is key. The rising popularity of AI-based stock platforms offers promising signs of what the future market might look like. For novice traders and seasoned professionals alike, this could mean a significant change to their methods and strategies. The sooner we adapt to this inevitable shift, the better we can capitalize on these exciting technological advancements.
The market for Artificial Intelligence (AI) is experiencing an explosive growth phase that is broadening its hold across a wide range of sectors. Businesses globally recognize AI's transformative power and are increasingly investing in this technology to fuel their innovation strategies. Contributions to this growth come from numerous sources, including regional advancements. Noteworthy among these are the impressive strides made by North America, as well as compelling global statistics surrounding the AI chip market.
In recent analysis, North America emerges as a significant contributor to AI market growth. As of 2022, the North American artificial intelligence market was valued at a whopping USD 167.30 billion. The region's prowess in innovation, coupled with aggressive investments in AI from leading industry players, make it a predominant force in the global AI landscape. Capitalizing on the burgeoning AI capabilities, businesses in North America have been able to create more efficacious products, enhance customer engagement, and improve operational efficiencies, further demonstrating the transformative power of AI in various industry sectors.
On a broader scope, a different facet of the AI market - the AI chip market - is also witnessing an impressive trajectory. In 2021 alone, the global AI chip market size reached USD 16.86 billion. What's more, experts forecast it's not slowing down anytime soon. It's projected to grow at a staggering Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 29.7% from 2022 to 2033. This exceptional growth rate further illustrates the growing reliance of businesses on AI hardware to fuel AI applications, whether that's deep learning, machine learning, or other Innovative Tools and Trends.
Such remarkable growth of the AI market, whether viewed geographically or by sector, does more than just draw attention to the present state of AI. It provides a promising glimpse into the future of AI, with the global industry projected to balloon to $422.37B by 2028, up from $59.67B in 2021. Looking further into the future, the revenue forecast for the AI market in 2030 projects an astronomical value of $1,345.2B. The reality of these digits reveals a near future where AI is integral to every industry - a reality that businesses and investors should keenly observe and plan for.
The dynamism of the global financial markets has always been an encapsulating phenomenon. Yet, in recent times, this ebb and flow have taken a fascinating turn, pointing to a massive shift in the trading ecosystem. This transformation revolves around the meteoric rise in retail trading activity—a development pushing us to revisit, rethink, and redefine traditional market dynamics.
In the bustling world of finance, change is an everlasting constant. However, few could have anticipated the heightened popularity and consequent rise in retail trading activity, shaping the course of Contemporary Financial Market Trends. This increase is no fleeting trend. Recent indicators highlight a prominent, sustained swell of individual investors entering the trading arena.
As of July 5, 2023, retail trading activity constituted an astonishing 21.9% of the total market volume—an evidence-backed statistic that solidifies its expansive growth. This fact is particularly noteworthy, considering it signifies the most substantial retail trading activity share since January.
If we dive deeper into this data, a full-fledged retail trading revolution seems to be unfolding. This surge bears ramifications beyond just an uptick in numbers. For one, the enhanced participation of retail traders promises a democratization of the markets. It brings the power to shape market trends to the masses, instead of being concentrated in the hands of a few market monoliths.
Moreover, it heralds an era where financial literacy sprawls across a broader base, as more individuals engage with trading mechanisms and financial instruments. As an outcome, the markets may potentially observe heightened volatility due to the influx of retail trading activity.
However, every cloud has a silver lining. With the right approach, retail traders can harness this volatility, turning it into an advantageous aspect of their trading strategy. The key lies in adaptation—understanding these contemporary market trends, mastering their intricacies, and maneuvering accordingly.
This retail awakening in the market mocks complacency. It hints at a need for both individual traders and market stakeholders to evolve continually. They must adapt their strategies, tailor their approaches, and innovate persistently to sail smoothly in these choppy market waters.
The rise in retail trading activity is redefining the quintessential ecosystem of the financial markets. It is much more than mere market participation; it's a dissection of the established order, marking the dawn of a new era. Here’s to the exhilarating journey ahead—a journey driven by the empowered retail trader, spurring a renaissance in the world of finance.
As we move deeper into the 21st century, it's clear that artificial intelligence (AI) is not only here to stay, but is influencing the market in dynamic ways. One area that has been particularly interesting to watch is the realm of AI stocks. In recent weeks, companies primarily engaged in the spheres of AI, which concurrently happen to maintain the lowest labor costs relative to revenue, have outperformed the S&P 500.
When we evaluate the performance of different sectors in recent weeks, a striking alignment emerges between low labor cost companies and their outperformance in the stock market. Among the big winners are those companies known for their involvement with artificial intelligence development.
"AI is like a magic ticket to a market advantage, as it often lowers costs and increases efficiency," commented a noted market analyst.
A clear illustration of AI's market power can be seen in the tale of Nvidia. Thanks to its significant AI exposure, Nvidia boasts the title of the best-performing stock in the S&P 500 in 2023.
The fascinating ascent of AI stocks, coupled with the impressive performance of Nvidia, underscores the larger trajectory of digital transformation we're currently witnessing. AI and automation are not just transforming how businesses operate but are dramatically reshaping the financial markets too. As AI technology continues to advance and companies learn to leverage it more effectively, we can only expect this trend to gain more momentum in the foreseeable future. With the above said, it's safe to say - AI isn't just driving the future, it's driving the stock market too.
Remember, the keys to successful investing are knowledge, strategic timing, and a diversified portfolio. While AI stocks certainly look promising, they're just one piece of the broader investment picture. Happy investing!
As we venture further into the technological age, AI's dominance in the stock trading market only seems to accelerate. Its impressive performance and exponential growth projections signify a paradigm shift in trading dynamics. However, navigating these rapidly changing waters can be complex and challenging.
With this in mind, it's crucial not to overlook the power of knowledge and education. Regardless of whether you're a seasoned pro or an aspiring trader, understanding evolving market trends can directly impact your trading strategy and financial growth.
That's where Market Masters comes in. Our platform empowers traders to evolve with the market, providing an efficient learning resource to cut through the noise of information that often clouds trading. In a world where AI is rapidly gaining traction, staying informed isn't just an option – it's a necessity.
From real-time market insights to exclusive lessons from experienced traders, mastering the market is just a click away. Elevate your trading journey with a community that understands and appreciates your ambitions. After all, the real mastery lies in keeping up with the market's pace, being prepared for the unexpected, and seizing the opportunities that come your way.
As we've seen, AI is transforming the trading landscape, and there's no denying we're in for quite a ride. But with reliable resources like Market Masters, you'll not only survive the ride but truly thrive in it. See you there!
AI is used in stock trading to analyze massive amounts of financial data, recognize patterns, and make predictions about stock market trends. It helps traders in making informed decisions, automating trading processes, and reducing human bias.
Some future trends to watch for AI in stock trading in 2023 include increased use of machine learning algorithms, adoption of natural language processing for sentiment analysis, integration of AI with social media data, and advancements in robo-advisory services.
While AI has advanced capabilities in analyzing data and making predictions, it is unlikely to completely replace human stock traders. Human intuition, adaptability, and ability to factor in contextual information are still valuable in the stock market.
Yes, there are risks associated with using AI in stock trading. AI models are not foolproof and can sometimes make incorrect predictions, leading to financial losses. Additionally, there is a risk of relying too heavily on AI and neglecting other essential aspects of trading strategy.
To get started with using AI in stock trading, you can explore online platforms and tools that provide AI-based trading algorithms. It's important to educate yourself about AI in trading, backtest strategies, and start with a small investment to gain experience and assess the effectiveness of AI-based approaches.


text:
Apple plans to stock up on Jawbone Fitness bands to sell in its retail stores. This decision is a surprising move considering that the company stopped selling the devices awhile back. The Cupertino-based tech giant never offered an official reason as to why it stopped selling Jawbone (and Nike) fitness bands. Many assumed the company wanted to remove devices similar to the Apple Watch to cut competition. However, the Fitbit’s removal was more likely because it lacked support for the HealthKit platform.
Apple Stores to soon start carrying Jawbone UP
Apple’s decision to bring back Jawbone UP wearables is a big move for both companies. Jason Donahue(senior project manager for Jawbone) confirmed that both the UP2 and UP3 bands will be available this summer at Apple retail stores. Jawbone is set to roll out the UP4 wristband sometime this year. This device reportedly features a contact-less payment system similar to Apple Pay.
DG Value Surges On Recovery Plays
According to a copy of the firm's February investor update, Dov Gertzulin's DG Value Partners returned +4.48% net for the month of February, which ValueWalk has been able to review. Q4 2020 hedge fund letters, conferences and more Following this performance, the firm has returned +8.32% net for the year to the end of February. Read More
The Apple Watch is still relatively new, and it’s too early to tell if the product is a success. The reason Apple will bring Jawbone products back into its stores remains a mystery. Jawbone had its share of problems for awhile, with one of the most notable issues involving the delay of the UP3. The company was afraid its attempts to make the device waterproof made it look like a child’s craft project.
Jawbone also received a loan from BlackRock for $300 million, and if the devices sell, BlackRock will receive its money back before the earliest investors.
The reason Apple will bring back Jawbone
It is highly unlikely Apple plans to bring back Jawbone products because it wants to boost the fitness tech company’s image. Apple understands that both products provide different needs. If a customer wants a simple fitness tracking device, they will want Jawbone. If a customer wants something more, they are more likely to purchase the Apple Watch.


text:
[Reuters]-Amazon.com announced on the 29th that sales growth for the current quarter (July-September) will slow from 27% in the previous quarter to 16%. The background is that the use of online shopping, which had been rapidly expanding due to the new coronavirus, is taking a break.
The company has just changed its CEO from his predecessor Jeff Bezos to Andy Jassy this month, and Jassy is likely to face difficult management.
Amazon’s share price fell 7% in after-hours trading after the close.
Third-quarter sales forecasts were $ 106 billion to $ 112 billion (up 10-16%), falling short of Refinitiv’s analyst forecast of $ 118.9 billion.
Amazon’s Chief Financial Officer Brian Olsabski said last year that consumers spent a lot of time at home and doing the daily shopping online, but now in the West The number of people going out has increased, and people have pointed out that they are “becoming more than just shopping.” Sales growth is expected to continue slowing for several quarters, he said.
In the second quarter financial results announced at the same time, net sales were 113.08 billion dollars, an increase from 88.91 billion dollars in the same period of the previous year, but it was lower than the market forecast of 115.2 billion dollars. Amazon’s quarterly sales are rarely below expectations. Growth in North America was 22%, slowing by nearly half from 43% in the same period last year.
Meanwhile, sales of the cloud service “Amazon Web Services (AWS)” increased 37% to $ 14.8 billion, exceeding the forecast of $ 14.1 billion.
Profit increased 48% to $ 7.8 billion, the second largest ever. Operating profit for the third quarter is expected to be $ 2.5-6 billion. It assumes that corona-related costs will be $ 1 billion.
Brian Yarbro, an analyst at Edward Jones, said it was “unrealistic” for Amazon to sustain rapid growth. “The growth rate of online shopping will slow to the 10-12% range. Given the size of the business, it is still an amazing growth rate.”
Meanwhile, Amazon’s costs continue to rise. In addition to paying Jassie CEO $ 200 million in stock compensation over a 10-year period, the hourly wage will be $ 17, more than double the US minimum wage, to secure 75,000 employees in the face of a labor shortage. And promises to pay a bonus. It also plans to raise wages for more than 500,000 employees and expects to increase costs by more than $ 1 billion.
Amazon has recently faced worker dissatisfaction, with a move to form a trade union at a distribution warehouse in Alabama and employees protesting measures to prevent infection with the new coronavirus.
Regarding corona measures, other IT giants such as Google’s holding company Alphabet and Facebook announced this week that they will require employees returning to office to be vaccinated against corona, but Amazon is still working with office employees and It does not indicate a policy on whether to require vaccination for warehouse staff and drivers.


text:
Apparently, it’s your own fault that Dark Matter had such an anti-climactic ending. Fans of the Metroidvania-style sci-fi title were surprised when – after hours of gaming – they were faced with a simple black title card describing the final scenes. Now, fingers are being pointed at the game’s failed crowd-funding drive.
No, the full story is indeed not complete yet because originally we wanted a longer game (12-16 hours) but couldnt finish it completely due to time and money (and Kickstarter failing). So, we choose to go with a 6-8 hour game instead to bring something out to the world and show everyone the world of Dark Matter.
Developer Beastman also jumped in on the forums in an attempt to clear up any confusion, explaining that Dark Matter was “originally planned to be a self-funded game”, but the team wanted to elaborate more on the immersive storyline. This “larger, more epic title” would be a fully-fledged game, selling for $30.
…but then, the Dark Matter Kickstarter failed, raising only around 12% of the game’s £50,000 goal. The team considered releasing the game as a budget-priced episodic series, where each new instalment relied on the success of the previous one.
What actually emerged was a sort of hybrid of both these ideas. There are currently no real plans for a sequel or futher episodes, but Beastman claims the game is “a finished project”.
We would like to stress that the game is exactly as described on Steam (including that it contains 14 levels) – it is simply not true that the game is unfinished, or unplayable. Some people have misquoted the developer as having admitted that the game is incomplete; we should reiterate that what was meant was that this is not the $30 full-priced game, but the episodic budget version (currently selling at $13,49 at 10% off).
Fans, understandably, are less-than-impressed, despite the developers promising to release a patch to “improve” the ending.


text:
on Wednesday, January 15th, 2014 | No Comments
There is some confirmation and news concerning the upcoming 2015 Acura TLX concept. The company has released the information during Detroit Motor Show. Because this TLX will be replacing the current TL and TSX, it is hoped to deliver the most satisfying result and performance.
The TSX is planned to end the production later on this year. And when it is replaced by TLX, Acura will still have the complete configuration of three sedan variant lineups, with the compact ILX at the bottom, TLX for the middle, and RLX for the top spot. So far, the 2015 Acura TLX concept prototype is shorter than the TL, but it still comes with the same wheelbase length, meaning that the interior cabin and space won’t be compromised at all.
For this 2015 Acura TLX concept, the ride will be coming with shorter rear and front overhangs, and also wider and lower stance, making the whole look more dynamic and stylish – when compared to TL. The ride will still be coming with LED Jewel Eye headlights – characteristics of Acura – along with the five spoke wheels with its 20 inches size and made of alloy. The car will be running on inline engine of 2.4 liter capacity with its DCT 8 speed, or the V6 3.5 liter engine with auto 9 speed transmissions – all with all wheel driving system.
on Sunday, June 2nd, 2013 | No Comments
Acura has planned to release their new 2013 Acura MDX variant soon enough. It seems that the company is fairly sure that their new product will be able to attract loads of attention and interest from auto enthusiasts.
It seems that the company is confident enough about releasing the upcoming 2013 Acura MDX price. They state that the crossover line will start with tag price around $45,000 – which also includes $900 destination charge. This price is claimed to be applicable for the two wheel driving variants. For the MDX 2014 SH-AWD you will have to spend $45,000 which already includes the shipping cost. It means that the 2014 variant is somehow $1,000 more expensive that the DMX variant from 2013. For the DX 2014 SH-AWD Advance – packed with the entertainment package – you will have to spend about $57,000 – shipping included.
For the 2013 Acura MDX specs, the car will be running on V6 engine with 3.5 liter capacity that is able to produce 290 hp of power. The speed may be reduced from the previous product, but the efficiency has been improved. For the all wheel driving system, the 2014 MDX has 18 mpg for the city and 27 mpg for the highway, while the 2WD variant, it has 20 mpg for the city and 28 mp for the highway.
on Saturday, April 21st, 2012 | No Comments
After unveiling the ILX Concept at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show earlier this year, Acura takes a quick decision to follow the concept with the production version at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. According to plan, the production version will still carry the same name and Acura will offer it in two different engine options plus a hybrid version, which is specially aimed for customers who care about the environment. Since it appeared for the first time in Detroit, we recognized that it would try to hit young customers who are searching for their first luxury ride. That is why, Acura also promised that the ILX will come in cheaper price tag compared to models like Audi A3 and Buick Verano.
2013 Acura ILX Release date and Price
Recently, Acura has announced to media that the car will reach showrooms in May 22, 2012; the price for the 2013 ILX has also informed. The price of the 2013 Acura ILX will start from Read the rest of this entry »
on Sunday, April 8th, 2012 | No Comments
Acura is pretty busy this year. Besides setting up and planning a new production for the upcoming Avenger’s ride that will be used by Tony Stark, the company is also still working on the roadster version. But somehow, the roadster model is similar to the Audi Spyder R8 from Iron Man’s movie. But of course, it’s still the sketch and the drawing design.
The new 2016 Acura NSX Roadster is prepared in hybrid style – still in the sporty design – that is set to compete against the 911 from Porsche and the R8 from Audi. The new look of this roadster is similar to the one shown by the company during Detroit’s international auto event. The only different is that the design on the rear side of the ride. This design gets roll protection with hump speedster look over the engine department and compartment. The roof style in the drawing is still unclear too, but it’s likely that the company won’t be using the similar design used by Boxster Spyder from Porsche.
This 2016 Acura NSX Roadster revealed will be the first step of the car’s sales planning. It seems that this model has been set up for the 2016 model. The production will take place in Ohio and it’s likely to be sold in American market.
Read the rest of this entry »


text:
Two legal powerhouses in the marijuana industry are branching into the software business, hoping to generate profits in a new line of business.
California-based Greenbridge Corporate Counsel and Colorado-based Vicente Sederberg have tapped Denver tech entrepreneur Marion Mariathasan to develop a software package to help cannabis companies and others involved in the industry comply with the law.
While dispensary owners and growers have diversified their businesses by getting into consulting, this may be the first time that marijuana-centric law firms have have waded into a new field in the industry.
The new compliance software package is dubbed Simplifya. It will
Powerhouse MJ Law Firms Team Up on Compliance Software is a post from: Marijuana Business Daily: Financial, Legal & Cannabusiness news for cannabis entrepreneurs
Continue to source
Powerhouse MJ Law Firms Team Up on Compliance Software
A leading source of financial, legal and other business news for the cannabis industry