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Massive industrial park in Maryland to be sold at foreclosure
Baltimore A Carroll County industrial park near Baltimore is slated to be sold later this month after its owner allegedly defaulted on the $13 million loan it borrowed to buy the 147-acre property, according to the Baltimore Business Journal.
Alex Cooper Auctioneers has scheduled a May 20 sale of the 900,000-sq.-ft. Hampstead Industrial Center, where Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Stanley Black & Decker and Solo Cup Co. lease space.
The park’s owner is a subsidiary of San Francisco-based BTR Capital Management, which bought the 20-building complex in 2005 for $16 million. BTR Hampstead LLC borrowed $13.2 million from Ixis Real Estate Capital of New York to finance that purchase.
Toys’R’Us raises $4.5 million for children’s charity
WAYNE, N.J. On April 29, Toys”R”Us was joined by leaders from the toy and baby products industries to celebrate the silver anniversary of the Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund Gala in New York City. According to the company, the event raised nearly $4.5 million for the charity. The Gala’s 25th anniversary milestone event was hosted by Emmy and Tony Award-winning comedian Martin Short, and featured a performance by five-time GRAMMY award-winner Faith Hill.
Additionally, Gala attendees pledged nearly $140,000 to support the Special Olympics Young Athletes program.
“In 1985, our company first gathered friends from the toy and baby products industries with a simple goal of giving back to children who need help most. Last night’s Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund Gala marked the 25th anniversary of what has become a beloved tradition in our industry and a celebration of how much we love kids,” said Jerry Storch, chairman and CEO of Toys“R”Us. “Thanks, in part, to the generosity of our business partners throughout the years, the Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund donates millions of dollars each year to programs that keep children safe and help them in times of need.”
Kohl’s gets more green accolades
MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. Kohl’s Department Stores announced that it has received the inaugural Gold Edison Green Award at the annual Edison Awards Gala held on April 29 in New York City. The Edison Awards, associated with the Thomas Edison Papers at Rutgers University, symbolize the persistence and excellence personified by Thomas Alva Edison. Kohl’s receipt of the Edison Green Award recognizes the company’s commitment to developing sustainable solutions and green business models in an effort to reduce the community’s carbon footprint.
“Kohl’s is honored to be recognized by its peers for our ongoing efforts to improve our shared environment,” said Ken Bonning, Kohl’s EVP store planning and logistics. “By engaging associates, partners and members of the community, Kohl’s continues to operate our business with a commitment to environmental responsibility. From partnering in green building pilot programs to supporting renewable energy initiatives, we’re focused on long-term solutions that help protect the Earth’s resources.”
The Edison Awards, a peer-review honor, are voted on by roughly 2,000 members of the not-for-profit Marketing Executives Networking Group (MENG), America’s top executives and academics. Edison Awards are judged on marketplace innovation, marketplace success, technological innovation, market structure innovation, societal impact and design innovation.


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On November 18, Embassy of Georgia participated in SIWA Bazzar 2019, organized by Seoul International Women’s Association and Diplomatic Community.
During the event, Embassy of Georgia introduced Georgian wine, handicrafts and promotional materials on Georgian culture and tourism.
SIWA Bazzar is Seoul’s largest international fundraising event, held annually with participation of Embassies and vendors of local enterprises.
Donations from the bazaar will be used for charity purposes.
November 18, 2019

domain: news


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updated 11:55 am EST, Mon December 29, 2008
Pay-per-use PCs coming?
Microsoft may be experimenting with the idea of selling PCs in the same way as cellphones are currently sold, patent filings suggest. A recently-published patent application proposes selling "standard model" PCs at a significant discount, with the rest of the price being subsidized by an unspecified part of the supply chain. The real cost would be shifted into a usage contract, determining how long a person would have to use their machine.
Microsoft admits that a subscription PC would thus be more expensive than a regular one, but argues that the tradeoff would be a longer "useful life" made possible by access to cheaper high-end hardware. A more unusual aspect of the patent is that costs could be linked to the actual usage of hardware and software; running database applications or choosing faster graphics performance, for instance, could raise the price of a subscription.
Buyers might alternately be asked to pick from general packages, such as office, gaming or browsing bundles, each with a different hourly rate; expanding functionality would require switching to a new package. Controlling a person's ability to use their computer would be a new security module, locking a PC to a given supplier, while also restricting functionality.


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A Toyota Avanza car is seen on the road. Toyota Motor Vietnam announced on May 5 that it will recall 3,280 cars to inspect and replace fuel pumps – PHOTO: TOYOTA VIETNAM
HCMC - Toyota Motor Vietnam announced on May 5 that it will recall 3,280 cars to inspect and replace fuel pumps.
Cars subject to the recall include 899 imported Avanza cars and 2,381 imported Rush units that were manufactured between July 16, 2018 and June 28, 2019.
According to Japanese carmaker Toyota Motor Corporation, the affected cars might see warning lights flashing on the dashboard and the engine breaking down. The issue might also cause vehicles to stall when running at both low and high speeds, leading to an increased risk of accidents.
The owners of affected cars can take their vehicles to any Toyota dealer nationwide for a fuel pump check and replacement for free, which takes around 1.8-2.2 hours.
Toyota customers can also check whether their cars are subject to the recall or not by visiting the website toyota.com.vn or contact Toyota dealers nationwide or the Toyota Vietnam’s hotline 18001524/ 0916001524 for further information.
- Toyota recalls 13,000 cars due to fuel pump errors
- Honda Vietnam recalls cars to replace fuel pumps
- Toyota Vietnam recalls 2,700 cars over faulty airbags
- Mitsubishi Vietnam recalls Outlander and Xpander cars to fix fuel pump issue
- Mitsubishi recalls over 9,000 Xpander, Outlander cars in Vietnam
- Hyundai Thanh Cong Vietnam to recall over 23,000 faulty cars nationwide
- Over 1,300 autos sold each day in April
- Policies encourage firms to assemble cars in Vietnam
- Car sales in Vietnam bounce back in September


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The two new FLEXI footwear stores are located in the MULTIPLAZA Shopping Center in Bogotá, and in the FONTANAR Shopping Center, in Cajicá, 17 kms. north of the capital. The new points of sale are added to the 500 own, multi-brand and department stores throughout Mexico, Central America, the United States, Canada and Chile, among the countries and regions in which the brand has a presence.
Currently, the company has several industrial plants that reach a production of close to 80,000 pairs per day, and employs more than 5,000 people in its entire structure.
According to the Country Manager of FLEXI in Colombia, this entry is the first step to start an expansion process, which will allow them to reach cities such as Medellín, Cali, Santa Marta and Cartagena.


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Update, June 6: Ubisoft has confirmed the release times for Rainbow Six Siege Para Bellum.
Been waiting for Rainbow Six Siege’s latest operation to go live? You won’t be waiting much longer, as Ubisoft has detailed exactly when tomorrow the new update will launch, bringing the two new Italian operators, the Villa map, and a host of other changes.
As usual, the update means an hour of downtime, after which the new operation will be live for all to play. On PC, that downtime begins at 6:00 PDT / 9:00 EDT / 14:00 BST. (It’s an hour later on PS4, and two hours later on Xbox One, if you’re interested in, er, alternative platforms.) Once downtime wraps up, Para Bellum will be live for your enjoyment.
Prove your tactical expertise with our list of the best FPS games on PC.
As usual, season pass holders will get access to the new operators, Alibi and Maestro, on day one, with everyone else having the chance to unlock them a week later on June 14. The operation also includes the new map Villa, the Clubhouse map buff, and the Thatcher elite skin.
Other confirmed changes in the patch include the Echo buff. Ubisoft has made an addendum to the patch notes since originally posting them, with varied additional items like easier claymore placement and the removal of grenade throwback. But we still don’t know if things like the dropshotting fix, which has kicked around the TTS for ages, will actually hit the live game here.
If you’re heading to Los Angeles for E3 next week, you’ll have the chance to take Para Bellum for a spin against a team of devs during the afternoons. You’ll get a charm pack just for playing, but if you bring a whole squad and manage to beat your dev opponents, every player on your side will get a chibi figure to commemorate the occasion. That’s an adorable way to commemorate your tactical supremacy.


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UK: Arran Brewery says grant refusal bad for Scotland
Arran Brewery planned to create jobs
A Scottish brewer has said the government's refusal to give him a GBP1m (US$1.52m) grant will damage the country's brewing industry.
Arran Brewery chief executive Gerald Michaluk said today (28 February) an appeal against the Scottish Government's decision has failed and he does not expect to receive any financial assistance. It dashes Michaluk's plans to match the GBP1m with private investor money and increase capacity in Arran by up to ten times.
Michaluk said the refusal is a blow for brewers like Arran who want to take locally-sourced beer into the international market.
“We make beer where we say we make it,” Michaluk told just-drinks. “Consumers are becoming more educated about where beer comes from and soon they will realise that the brewery they think their beer is made at doesn't actually exist. That will hurt Scotland and hurt Scottish brewing.”
The decision also delays Arran's merger with fellow micro-brewer Isle of Skye Brewing Company, announced in November. Michaluk said the merger, along with Arran's increased capacity would have allowed his company to produce more beer without making a loss, as well as create jobs on Arran.
He said: “How they cannot see that this is good for Scotland and how it is money well spent, I cannot fathom.”
The Food Processing, Marketing & Co-operation grant was only opened up to drinks companies last year. The Kingsbarns distillery in Fife was one of the first to secure a payment under the scheme, helping it to attract investment from Wemyss Malts in January.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: "The grant scheme is competitive and cash-limited and it is therefore inevitable that not all applications can be successful."
Michaluk said that he still plans to expand his business. “It'll just take me longer and be a bit more painful,” he said.
- What's so special about Islay anyway? - Comment
- Six key trends for alcoholic drinks in 2016
- With MegaBrew sorted, is MegaBev next? - Research
- Diageo gets 2016 off to a strong start - Analysis
- What do Bourbon and craft beer have in common?
- Bacardi ups ante in US Havana Club row
- Alcohol industry warning over Kroger plan
- SABMiller hits back in UK corporation tax row
- The US is "the first place I look" - Diageo CEO
- Suntory bids for Lucozade, Ribena Nigerian network
- What Next for Beer and Brewers Following the MegaBrew Deal?
- Global travel retail insights - market forecasts, product innovation and consumer trends
- Global Beer Trends 2015 : Global Beer Trends and Long-term Forecasts
- Global Whiskey Market 2016-2020
- Global sparkling wine insights - market forecasts, product innovation and consumer trends research


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Over a hundred guests from London’s media and advertising world converged on Google’s gleaming Pancras Square HQ on 29 March. They came to get a taste of the future of VR storytelling with Daydream, and in particular the projects that the Guardian has created together with Google’s News Labs. These are my takeaways.
1) The Guardian’s First Impressions wins by treating you like a baby. It’s clever idea to replicate the vision colour perception of a baby and submit you to an occasionally terrifying experience – at one stage alone and desperately pressing a button to cry and alert your virtual parents. It launches in April on Daydream.
2) 3D video mapping technology has improved exponentially. First Impressions nails it, and keeps the Point of View (POV) simple
3) The experience is still niche. “Underworld can currently only be experienced through a Daydream-ready phone with a Daydream View headset.” says the Guardian website. The same will be true for First Impressions.
4) Focus on impact versus reach. Perhaps to reflect the small number of Daydream ready devices on the market, the Guardian have focused on influencing policy makers or educational productions. So for example they took solitary confinement simulator 6×9 to the White House for South By South Lawn.
5) VR and 360 video producers can learn a lot from magicians – i.e. the misdirection needed to focus your gaze in the right place. VR Producer Katy Newton has an awesome deck on this. Meanwhile look for the moonwalking bear.
6) It’s tricky for publishers to produce gaming experiences – like the Guardian’s Underworld. The CGI in a walking simulator will never match up with Resident Evil on a PSVR, and waving a torch around palls after a while. The best part is the voice-over with Will Self and others.
7) VR is still expensive. I spoke to one major British publisher at the event who told me quotes of €100k+ from developers are not unusual. They were not planning any projects at all. Many of the agency and PR people I spoke to were new to VR or still puzzling over how best to use it. But it’s clear they are the ones with money to experiment right now.
8) Reuters Institute is producing a VR report – due out on 27 April. Until then you should definitely make sure you read the USA Today VR report. It’s gold dust.
9) Publishers (with money) should invest in 3D video mapping, awesome narrative or conversational audio, and try out CGI experiences for news (check out the BBC’s We Wait). But Nonny de la Pena could have told you all that back in 2015!
10) In short, VR in news publishing is for “events and encounters that you couldn’t otherwise have, to involve you in the story and give you different points of view” says Francesca Panetta, the Guardian’s executive editor, virtual reality.


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2015 is the 40th Anniversary since Pam appeared on TV’s Opportunity Knocks in 1975. Among the Spring Tour dates are a return, after 10 years, to the Grassington Arts Festival where Pam will be on June 25th, a return visit to the Ledbury Poetry Festival on July 5th, and for garden lovers a special concert at the RHS Garden Rosemoor, in Devon, on Sunday 31st May.
In February 2015 Pam’s latest book, You Made Me Late Again!, which was first published in September 2013, will be released in paperback, in time for Mother’s Day on March 15th.
Pam’s range of Greetings Cards, launched in early 2014 by card publishers Peartree Heybridge, which are already on sale in many Gift & Card shops, will be available in both Waitrose and the National Trust shops from early 2015. The cards can also be bought online from www.shopperfrolics.net. Click on link below to view/order cards.
Thursday 28 July – 2.30pm
SIDMOUTH Folk Week, Ham Marquee 01395 578627 www.sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk
Thu 15 7.30pm FARNHAM Maltings 01252-745444


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Monday, 31 May 2010
It is hard to believe that it is now the fourth summer for Whitstable Harbour Village.
After modest beginnings where the market resembled a refugee camp on the quay-side, we are now up to 20 smart fisherman's huts. Three new huts have opened this year, with three new traders on show for summer 2010 and one more to arrive soon.
In those four years we have been victimised, patronised, marginalised and even pedestrianised but we carry on regardless flying the flag and trying to help keep our local harbour about local people.
No subsidies, no EU grants, no arts council hand outs and no council rent or rates concessions by the way.
About eight of our original traders (artists, photographers, food producers and crafts people) have now moved on to bigger and better things setting up retail premises or galleries in local towns and contributing more to the local economy. The village is finally earning some modest recognition as an incubator for fledgling local business that can start up without taking huge risks or making massive investments.
So welcome to Peter and Jessica at Cocoa and Spice the artisan patissiere. Their home-made cakes, tartes, cheesecake and chocolate mousse are now firmly established as part of my calorie out of control diet. Less guilt is inflicted by the new Whitstable Juice Company who offer juices and wonderful smoothies from locally sourced fruits with special kiddy's juices to keep the young ones in good health. The Juice Company is partly owned by Mark at Granny Smith's green-grocers in the High Street making our third high street retailer to open an outlet in the village.
And more is coming soon including Whitstable's own silversmiths...


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- One more time: Use two-factor authentication on iCloud, even if there's a waiting period
- Home Depot breach could potentially be as big as Target's
- Home Depot investigates possible payment data breach
- "Outraged" Apple issues update on celebrity cellphone nude photo breach
- Apple says iCloud flaw not at root of celebrity photo hack
Anonymous - News, Features, and Slideshows
Ferguson, Mo., the city now in the midst of protests over a fatal police shooting, runs the type of IT department that gets almost no attention.
A leader of the LulzSec hacking group is walking free after serving about seven months in prison because of his cooperation with police that has helped prevent hundreds of other attacks.
Anonymous members, charged with a distributed denial-of-service attack on PayPal, entered a plea Thursday that could see some of them walk free at sentencing next December.
A man from Wisconsin was sentenced for participating in a DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attack by hacker group Anonymous on a Kansas company.
Why are the world's most IT savvy companies unable to keep attackers out of their networks?
The first half of 2012 was pretty bad - from the embarrassing hack of a conversation between the FBI and Scotland Yard to a plethora of data breaches - and the second half wasn't much better, with events including Symantec's antivirus update mess and periodic attacks from hactivists at Anonymous.
Perhaps it was an omen of what was to come when the city of San Francisco on New Year's Eve 2010 couldn't get a backup system running in its Emergency Operations Center because no one knew the password.
- Rocket Fuel latest programmatic ad tech vendor to come to Australia
- Apple partners with Mastercard and Visa on mobile wallet
- Skills and silos still inhibiting leading Aussie brands from being modern marketers
- Deloitte describes four-step model for customer-led marketing
- Melbourne Cricket Ground to give away pies during Beacon trial


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After a vicious and lengthy legal battle, the U.S. Supreme Court hammered the last nail into Aereo's coffin in June 2014, ruling that the cloud-broadcasting service fundamentally violated the copyrights of TV broadcasters.
Sixteen months later comes CloudAntenna, a product that, at first blush, seems remarkably similar to the dear, departed Aereo: “CloudAntenna allows you to record and watch FOUR channels at the same time,” read an email pitch sent last week. “You can watch Live TV from anywhere, anytime; from our cloud or your hard-drive with FreeAir.tv service.”
So why after SCOTUS smacked Aereo into bankruptcy, would CloudAntenna's founder (and self-described “Chief ‘TV Rebel’”), Vlad Kroutik, launch a product that sounds so similar? Did he miss the whole “American Broadcasting Companies vs. Aereo” decision last year? “No, we were aware,” he says with a chuckle. “It was actually that decision that inspired us to introduce our product.”
A deeper look reveals a key difference between the two services. Whereas Aereo provided users with their own off-site antenna, CloudAntenna lets them purchase a device (for a one-time payment of anywhere between $79 and $199) that attaches to their regular antenna and plugs into their Internet, allowing them to use CloudAntenna’s standard cloud storage for free or pay $2 or $8 more per month for additional space.
CloudAntenna is available for purchase now, but won’t ship until June 2016, giving the TV industry plenty of time to review the device’s legality.
One of the biggest beefs broadcasters had with Aereo was their inability to collect the fees they usually do from stations and cable providers who retransmit their signals. (Retransmission consent fees have skyrocketed over the last 10 years and represent a rapidly growing portion of broadcasters’ revenue.) According to Kroutik, because CloudAntenna users are purchasing a device and activating it in their own homes, and using their own antennas to receive the signals, his company is not “publicly performing” the copyrighted works the broadcasters are transmitting. That was the legal hiccup upon which the Supreme Court ruling against Aereo hinged.
Cloudy, But With A Silver Lining?
The bigger problem Kroutik could face, judging by the briefs filed in the Aereo case, is storing recordings in the cloud, a service that Kroutik and others (including federal judges) argue is no different from recording a show onto a tape from one’s own personal VCR back in the day. “It’s just a little more convenient to play,” he adds. Customers choose to record the shows themselves and (potentially) use the company’s cloud storage, sort of like renting a storage unit to house one’s collection of dust-gathering “Dawson’s Creek” tapes.
Those are customers who won’t be buying episodes online or viewing them on streaming services, though, which are increasingly important revenue sources for broadcast networks like CBS and ABC. That might ruffle a few feathers.
The good news for Kroutik is, the Aereo decision may work in his favor. “Existing law seems to indicate this is acceptable,” said Matt Schruers, VP of law and policy at the Computer & Communications Industry Association, and an adjunct copyright law professor at Georgetown. “That doesn’t mean a rightsholder can’t make an argument the other way, though.” Cloud-computing and -storage cases currently being sorted out in the lower courts are attempting provide further clarity around the rights of copyright holders in these situations.
Kroutik anticipates “hundreds of thousands” of potential customers. There are indeed legions of Americans who would love to have an easy way to record shows without forking over $99 per month (on average) for cable and DVR service, or jury-rigging some other recording setup. But CloudAntenna is also touting itself as “an alternative to cable TV,” which isn’t quite accurate. Over-the-air programming is one thing, but CloudAntenna still won’t get you access to AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” the highest-rated scripted show on all of television. (And just a side note: You also need an Internet connection to use CloudAntenna, so odds are you’ll still be giving a cable company your money, as they account for the largest percentage of broadband customers.)
Amusingly, Kroutik intends to sell the data collected via his products to the very people who are providing the content Kroutik’s product uses. The broadcast networks themselves don’t necessarily need this data, since they make ratings guarantees to advertisers based on numbers from research giant Nielsen and have a host of other data sources besides, but local affiliates, who’ve been hit harder by cord-cutting and need more granular information to use to sell local ads, are possible clients.
The big broadcasters don’t quite view Kroutik’s service as much of a threat, for now -- Aereo had the high-profile backing of mogul Barry Diller, while CloudAntenna is a grassroots sort of operation. But Kroutik’s not the only one with this kind of service in the offing, and it’s only a matter of time before loopholes in still-forming digital copyright laws are found and exploited.
The networks will be ready for that. As a CBS spokesperson wrote in a statement to the IBT, “As new technologies are developed, each must adhere to one basic principle: the creators of content must be paid for their work, and those who wish to profit from content without doing so will not succeed.”


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The following is a guest post by Victor Love, co-owner of Josephine's Southern Cooking in Chicago, written on behalf of One Fair Wage.
This opinion piece is part of a package that explores arguments in support of and against the Raise the Wage Act. Read the National Restaurant Association's article arguing against the proposal here.
The other day I was trying to explain to a friend why the Raise The Wage Act would be a good thing for independent restaurant owners like me. I described a block of businesses you might see in any town across the country. There would be a hair salon. And a dry cleaner. And a grocery store. And a restaurant like mine: Josephine's Southern Cooking on the South Side of Chicago. Why, I asked my friend, should the hair salon and the dry cleaner and the grocery store have to pay their workers a full minimum wage, but restaurants get away with paying less? Why are there special rules just for us? I'm trying to be a decent business owner and make sure my staff makes a living wage with tips on top, which is more important now than ever with tips down during the pandemic. Restaurant prices are set by the market, and unfortunately, there are many restaurant chains that lobby to keep wages low, so that they can convince consumers that food and hospitality are cheap.
This isn't a debate. We know that in the seven states that have moved to One Fair Wage — a full minimum wage with tips on top — restaurant industry growth is stronger and tipping is higher. One Fair Wage isn't only the just thing to do, but the smart thing to do from a financial perspective. So why even have a subminimum wage in the first place?
The disturbing fact is that the subminimum wage is a vestige of slavery. When the 13th Amendment formally ended chattel slavery in the United States, businesses in the South wanted to be able to continue to profit off of free Black labor. Some resorted, for instance, to pressing for new laws to criminalize Black people and then access free labor through prison convict leasing arrangements. But restaurants and train operators had a unique idea. Tipping, which had become popular in Europe as a form of "noblesse oblige" among wealthy landowners, would be introduced in the United States as a replacement for wages. Black train workers fended off this plan by forming a union and organizing to demand real wages. But groups of restaurants banded together — the earliest iterations of what would become the National Restaurant Association lobby — and tips as wages became the industry norm. In fact, in some cases, restaurant owners actually made Black workers pay the restaurants for the "privilege" of being able to work and hopefully earn tips.
Restaurant workers were excluded when a national minimum wage was created under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in 1938. For decades after, the industry lobbied to maintain the exclusions, and by the 1960s the American Hotel and Motel Association estimated that the continued exemptions from full minimum wage requirements were saving the industry $1 million per day.
Now let's layer a few more disturbing realities on top. Women who have to rely on tips as wages in states that pay the subminimum wage have documented rates of sexual harassment that are twice as high as women restaurant workers in states with a full minimum wage plus tips on top. That makes sense. When you rely on customers to make rent, the customer is always right — even when they do something incredibly wrong. And studies show that White servers are tipped at higher rates than people of color, which accounts for the fact that White restaurant workers in general earn more than workers of color. Both of these dynamics have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nationwide in 2020, White male restaurant servers made on average $5 more per hour than Black women servers because of implicit bias in tipping and the subminimum wage. And at the same time, women servers of all races have reported an increase in sexual harassment during the pandemic, often taking the form of "maskual harassment." This entails male customers saying things like, "Take off your mask so I can see how much to tip you” or "Pull down that mask so I can see if I want to take you home later. "
Obviously restaurants are suffering, too. Yet our salvation should not and cannot come at the further expense of workers. For too long, many restaurants in our industry have taken advantage of laws that were originally designed to take advantage of workers of color and especially women of color. But the fact is, those of us who run restaurants — and actually interact with our staff on a day-to-day basis — know that worker fates and owner fates are ultimately intertwined. When we have happy, supported, successful staff we have low turnover, engaged guests and successful restaurants. And it's important that our economy going forward, including any pandemic relief, raises all boats. That's what the Raise The Wage Act does, bringing the restaurant industry into the 21st century and ensuring that the recipe for our success isn't based on racist and sexist policies from the past.
Indeed, this is what more and more restaurants are clamoring for — restaurants like mine leaving the National Restaurant Association and joining groups like RAISE High Road Kitchens, which supports and advocates for owners in our industry who want to do right by workers and our communities. And during the pandemic, more and more cities and states have embraced policies to support so-called "High Road Kitchens," including California and Michigan and Boston and Chicago and New York City, to provide financial relief for restaurants that pay One Fair Wage. It’s time for the federal government to follow our lead.
The Raise The Wage Act is good policy for the restaurant industry. We should all play by the same set of rules — rules that are fair to owners, customers and employees. If my restaurant succeeds, it should be because we offer a good experience and a great meal to customers, not because we're cutting corners on worker wages. Saving restaurants has to include saving our workforce, and envisioning a future where the true cost of food and service is fair and just.


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The Swedish Consumer Agency (KO) has accused William Hill’s Mr Green and Karl Casino of violating the provisions of the country’s gambling act by marketing its brand to gamblers listed on the self-exclusion registry.
The authority has issued injunctions to William Hill-owned online gambling brands.
The operators have been asked to cut all communication with consumers who have signed for Sweden’s national self-exclusion system Spelpaus.
The KO has also warned to penalize each operator with a fine of SEK2m (£162,053/€189,388/$208,455) in case they continue to violate the regulations.
“The law is very clear on this point; the idea is that players who want to pause or stop playing should be completely protected from direct inducements to gamble, as well as from getting advertising directly on mobile devices or via email,” KO process counsel Johanna Nyblom said.
Mr Green explained the violation as an error on their part as it said that communications to the excluded gamblers was a mistake due to mismatch of customer database and email campaign.
Gambling addiction has been on the rise in Sweden. The number of people who signed up for self-exclusion has also gone up. Recently, the gambling regulator revealed that a total of 41,703 people have signed up to its Spelpaus.se self-exclusion register. The figure represents an 11.0% increase from the number of people registered by the end of Q2.
Currently, there are 92 gambling operators operating in the Swedish market.


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Poorest hurt most by fuel price surge
The poorest sectors of society have suffered the most from the hikes oil prices have undergone over the last two years.
A study by John Hawksworth, the chief economist at PricewaterhouseCoopers, explodes the myth that the middle class have felt the impact the most, as they have bigger houses and cars.
Resent reports have concentrated on claiming that so-called middle-class inflation is nearer 10% than the two officially measured annual inflation rates of 2.4% and 3.3% on the consumer price index (CPI) and retail price index (RPI) respectively, because of things such as rising energy prices, school and university fees and council tax.
But the new research shows that the rise in general inflation caused by oil prices has primarily affected the poorest third of the population because they spend a greater proportion of their income on energy than the better off.


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We can’t help but think that the Seoul-based smartphone manufacturer hasn’t learned its mistake. Back in 2015, Samsung released its Galaxy S6 with a flat screen while its Galaxy S6 Edge sported a curved edge. The next year, it did the same thing with the Galaxy S7 duo.
However, this year, Samsung has decided to take it up a notch. According to the numerous leaks, both the devices from the Samsung Galaxy S8 series will be sporting curved screens.
This is especially surprising considering the fact that not all fans actually like the curved edge screens. Plus, the curved edge devices usually cost fairly higher.
It’s not that the edge device failed to sell but several surveys have disclosed that not many owners found the curved screens to have more practicality features over the standard flat screens.
Samsung’s decision to make both the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ devices with curved screens have robbed users of making a choice based on their preference. And, a look through the Reddit forums prove that fans aren’t pleased.
The fact that the latest duo may be narrower in shape, judging from the leaked images, just made it worse. Although the devices do not sport bezels, the device isn’t as wide which could result in substandard media experience.
Previously, Samsung claimed that it was aiming to sell about 12 million Galaxy S8 devices; but, will that still be possible when the manufacturer has omitted a flat screen option that some fans love?


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Consumers' big purchases lift hopes for US economy
WASHINGTON -- Americans ramped up spending at retail businesses in November, providing a boost to the economy just in time for the holidays.
But traditional retail stores didn't benefit as much from the latest burst of spending. Consumers bought more cars, electronics, furniture and other big-ticket items. They also did more shopping online. Those trends reflect changes in consumers' shopping habits and in the broader economy.
Total retail sales rose 0.7 percent in November, the Commerce Department said Thursday. It was the biggest gain in five months. And spending at retail businesses rose 0.6 percent in October, higher than previously estimated.
Steady hiring and modest wage gains have boosted consumers' confidence and given them more money to spend. Big increases in stock and home prices have also driven up household wealth. Stock indexes have reached record highs this year, disproportionately benefiting wealthier households.
Those trends are probably pushing up sales of more-expensive goods. Auto sales jumped 1.8 percent in November, furniture purchases increased 1.2 percent and sales at electronics and appliance stores rose 1.1 percent.
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Selling dagga can still land you in jail
Written by Lethiwe Mdluli on 4 November, 2019
The South African Police Service is warning that the establishment of illegal dispensaries, online sites and social media platforms which are marketing and selling dagga and related products remains illegal, except where specifically allowed in terms of the Medicines and Related Substances Act.
Last year the Constitutional Court ruled that it is not a criminal offence for an adult to use, possess or grow dagga in private for personal consumption.
The police’s, Vishnu Naidoo, says they are mandated to and will act against businesses that sell dagga illegally but also act against the customers who buy the products.
By Gagasi FM News


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A Nigerian inventor is claiming the the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) organisation stole his keyboard design, and he's taking the legal battle to US federal court.
Ade Oyegbola claims to have invented a keyboard that caters to the extra characters needed in Nigeria, that aren't available on a regular keyboard.
He says the OLPC organisation bought a couple of his keyboards and later copied them on OLPC laptop computers for sale in Nigeria.
He filed a lawsuit in a Lagos court, which recently overturned OLPC's bid to have it dismissed.
Now he has also filed in a US federal court, looking for $20-million in damages.


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Led by a Former Yahoo Executive, Fanhood Combines Social Betting with Personalized Sports Content
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Fanhood (www.fanhood.com), a developer of social apps, launched a new social gaming platform on Facebook today that empowers fans with a new way to experience sports with friends. Featuring all major professional and college sports, Fanhood offers users the ultimate gathering place to engage fellow fans through friendly wagers, challenges, pools, trivia games and more. The game uses only virtual currency, yet the competition is very real, appealing to both the casual and hardcore fan. Fanhood had over 40,000 registered users on its pre-launch beta product and is now available to play on Facebook at http://apps.facebook.com/fanhood/.
“With Fanhood, we are engaging sports fans on a whole new level, making their opinions matter,” said Brandon Ramsey, Founder & CEO of Fanhood. “As fans ourselves, we saw a distinct opportunity to create the perfect platform to make following sports with friends easier and more fun.”
Based in San Francisco, Fanhood was founded and is led by Ramsey, who previously founded BigDeal.com and served as head engineer at Yahoo! Shopping, Yahoo! Deals and Yahoo! Travel. Ramsey has dedicated substantial resources to infrastructure and technology development, as well as building a dream team of entrepreneurs who worked previously at Yahoo, Zynga and Slide. Privately held, Fanhood has already raised capital from prominent investors First Round Capital, Mayfield Fund and Foundation Capital.
“Fanhood is providing a unique way for sports fans to engage in their passion. We are thrilled to be a part of the continued growth and development of this exciting platform. This is a creative team that knows how to execute – I’m betting on them,” said Josh Kopelman of First Round Capital.
The Fanhood platform combines the connectivity of social casino gaming with the sports content that you care about, taking fandom to the next level. Whether it’s engaging in competitive banter with a rival fan or placing a wager with a friend, Fanhood has users covered on casual, friendly action.
Fanhood develops social apps on Facebook and mobile that make following sports with your friends easier and more fun. It is an entertainment platform that enables communication and competition around spectator sports using game mechanics. The company is led by entrepreneurs who worked previously at Yahoo, Zynga and Slide and is backed by First Round Capital, Mayfield Fund and Foundation Capital. Fanhood is based a chip shot away from AT&T ballpark in San Francisco, CA. To learn more about Fanhood and get in on the action, visit www.fanhood.com.
Scott Weiss, 212-981-5242


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Leading German importer and wholesaler for fish and seafood, that initially specialised in Scottish salmon steps into the unknown.
“It’s the same everywhere but people are still ordering,” though Scottish Import Finefood Sales & Purchasing Manager David Rosenow told SalmonBusiness that though he said that no one will know what is going to happen.
“We got some Scottish salmon in, imported today,” said Rosenow.
The company uses a range of Scottish partners and producers such as Loch Fyne, Bleiker´s Smokehouse, Kenmare, to import salmon into the German market.
“For the moment, the fish restaurants are open but in the middle of the week, I expect them to be closed,” he said. Though he added that supermarkets have been open.
In terms of logistics, the company uses a range of logistical companies – including Kotra Logistics – which is, to date, still able to operate.
Germany imposed temporary controls on its borders with France – but goods will for now continue to flow between EU countries.


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All the news from the annual Google I/O event, including the latest on Android.
An internal Apple document profiling a mobile phone trade show notes that the company was keeping a close eye on its image.
Samsung pumps out additional handsets at the Barcelona trade show.
Catch the latest cell phone news from the 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona.
CNET shows you a gallery of new sexy Samsung and Motorola cell phones announced at 3GSM in Barcelona.
Nokia unveiled a slew of new smart phones at the 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona this week. There's a little something for mobile professionals, the directionally challenged, and multimedia mavens. See all the new models here and find out what each has to offer.
Moto unveils new a new Krzr, Razr and Slvr at the annual 3GSM show in barceloan
You won't find buttons on Neonode's new N2
Samsung unveils new cell phones with unique designs.
Next week, Bonnie and I are off to Barcelona with Maggie Reardon of CNET News and CNET TV's Ariel Nunez for the annual Mobile World Congress (MWC) brouhaha. As the global show for the cell phone industry, MWC (nee GSMA and 3GSM), sets the stage for what will happen in the cell phone world. This week on Dialed In, we devote the entire podcast to what will happen in Spain.


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Happy Friday, April 12th Everyone!
We’ll get right into the Big News of the Day! STAR WARS!!
So Much Information being released With the Star Wars Celebration going on right now in Chicago. We have also been given a first look at The new Rise of the Resistance Attraction ride vehicle that is currently on Display.
Now the BIG News being released today is the new Movie, Star Wars – The Rise of Skywalker.
This movie will hit theaters this December.
Speaking of the Star Wars Celebration, This Saturday as part of the celebration, Disney Parks Blog will be LIVE streaming from 11 am – 12:30 pm in Chicago with not only updates but an In-Depth look at what’s to come for The New Land.
In DCA News, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit appears to have made his way back. After the announcement last year that he would no longer be in the parks, he’s been spotted back in DCA! We don’t know if this is permanent yet but for now, we say, Welcome Back Oswald!
Don’t forget, Eggstravaganza (Disney’s Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt) is going on right now in the in Disneyland & in DCA until April 21st. If you’re not an AP holder or blocked from the parks during that time, No worries you can still participate in the Eggstravaganza in Downtown Disney as well as at your Local Disney Stores.
Disney just announced that for a limited time beginning next Friday, April 19th there will be a Sneak Peek Preview of Disney’s All new Live Action Aladdin presented at the Main Street Opera House in Times Square at Disneyland. Aladdin hits theaters May 24th.
Just Announced, Disney has just revealed that a New Animated Series, Monsters at Work inspired by Disney Pixar’s Monsters Inc will premier on Disney’s new Streaming Service in 2020
Billy Crystal & John Goodman will reprise their roles as Mike & Sully! This series will pick up 6 months after the Moster’s Inc Power Plant is changed to use Children’s Laughter instead of screams.
Also Announced this week, Disney MaxPass will now offer Digital Fastpass for World of Color and Fantasmic at the Disneyland Resort.
New This week, an All-New Lion King Trailer just dropped and it’s giving us all the Feels!!
Disney’s The Lion King hits theaters July 19th.
In Park News, Permits have officially been filed for the demolition of the Adventureland Sign in Disneyland near the Enchanted Tiki Room in preparation for Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Opening.
Now to the Big News released yesterday! We have an Official Date! Disney +, (Disney’s New Streaming Service) will premiere on November 12 for $6.99 a month or $69.99 a year. (That’s less than Netflix) Disney + offered a first look and with TONS of streaming options of old and new, there will be no shortage of content from movies & TV Shows from Marvel, Lucas Films’ StarWars, Pixar & Disney Brands.


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Bring on the Middleweights
The latest slew of motorcycle and PTW registrations data from Europe’s trade associations are less convincing in market growth terms than the January and February results suggested they were going to be.
As previously reported, in the context of the growth seen in the three years prior to the data distortion of the 2016/2017 Euro 3 pre-registration issue especially (prior to transition into Euro 4 production), the results for the 12 months of 2017 were better than they appeared to be according to the officially collated registration statistics.
In turn, January and February of this year appeared to be proof of concept in that they reinforced the suggestion that the underlying health of the market was better than it appeared, and that 2018 was going to be another year of growth.
Maybe not of the kind seen (in percentage terms) in 2015 and 2016, but growth nonetheless.
However, whether or not the latest data is affected by short-term factors such as poor weather and holiday timings remains to be seen – at this stage caution is advisable, for as far as we all know, it could be the first indicators of an unwelcome trend - a reality wake-up call, rather than seasonal blip. We just don’t know yet – or do we?
There are suggestions emerging on the international stage that the economic optimism that greeted early 2018 indicators may have been misplaced. The current thinking is that global growth is set to slow, importantly in Europe as well as China, and one of the first victims of such uncertainty is always consumer confidence.
‘list prices have exploded’
As confidence evaporates, so does spending. We’ve seen how that cycle unfolded at least three times in the past 10 years. But surely not again? Surely not all dawns can be false? Just for once, can’t stability be the new black?
Drill down into the statistics released so far for March and April 2018, and it becomes apparent that larger displacement machines are still selling well, with, ironically, the loss in numbers being in the lower displacement power bands and especially among mopeds and 50cc scooters.
The irony is that these are the lower cost machines, and the real worry is therefore that we appear, again, to be seeing the entry level to be the choke point – meaning we could be storing up real problems for the future as the number of riders available to migrate up the price and power tree diminishes.
That said, there has been a major trend to later entry for the past 20 years anyway. However, the trend in new motorcycle prices has been up for the past decade…seriously up. List prices and the real prices achieved for current production models have grown, indeed exploded, far ahead of inflation, as manufacturers seek to recoup losses and fund more expensive technologies and product standards and requirements.
Worse, the relative cost of entry-level machines (mopeds and scooters) has actually increased even more than for larger displacement models, hitting the market’s future hard.
These phenomena aren’t isolated to Europe. The same has been happening in the United States. It is a factor of the “developed” markets, and one clearly seen in the quarterly and annual financial reports of many of the manufacturers, especially the Japanese manufacturers and those with major stakes in the “entry level”.
The evolution of the “emerging” markets is well documented, and regardless of short-term bumps in the road, many are saying that they have seen the future, and that the future is Asian – both in terms of where sales are to be found, and where, shorn of northern hemisphere overheads, the low-cost “entry level” and increasingly popular middleweights are going to be coming from.
The members of ACEM have been pointing to the importance of export sales from Europe to Asia, Africa and South and Central America for years, and for years they have been lobbying the EU (among others) to support their ability to make cheap in Europe and sell well elsewhere. And they have been right to do so.
Projects such as the British/US/European derived and tuned but Asian made Royal Enfields, Zongshen Nortons, Baja Triumphs and Mahindra built BSAs and Jawas are set to shake up the price-points and speak connivingly to the Millennial and Centennial attitudes towards the (largely urban) ownership and riding experiences in a way that current pricing and production values are not yet managing to achieve.
Add into the equation the opportunity for “cost-effective, energy efficient and comfortable ELVs” to take ownership of the urban riding landscape, then maybe the apparent instability in the new registration statistics seen for the past 18 months has as much to do with the end-game play of the change of direction for the market that appeared to have been kick-started by the financial crisis of 2008.
Maybe there is more to what is happening than “simply” the impacts of regulations and consumer confidence. Maybe demographics, technology, pricing, consumer confidence, environmental issues, entry level pathways and lifestyle changes represent a combo perfect storm that is set to sweep all before it?
Either way, there has to be an end to the cycle of economic uncertainty that defines our times and to the ever-increasing list prices that manufacturers are seeking to sell at in order for the PTW market, any kind of PTW market, to prosper. Bring on the middleweights I say!


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Retailers Sell Xbox 360 Version of Titanfall Early, Requires 1GB - NewsPatrick Day-Childs, posted on 04 April 2014 / 1,876 Views
The Xbox 360 version of Titanfall has fallen into the hands of consumers early through retailers. Images have surfaced online via Titanfall Blog showing images of the entire box, including the back and inside. The back of the box states that users will need to install the game, which takes up 1GB of space.
Respawn have noticed, and simply stated that the game will be playable when it's actually meant to launch on April 8th.
There are no comments to display.


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The Honda e’s Side Camera Mirror System brings several advantages in styling, aerodynamics, safety and refinement.
The first over-the-air update released today adds functions to the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
Over-the-air updates are so last year; soon, you’ll be able to adjust major features of your car with an app.
This SVO-tuned Land Rover Discovery will travel through Namibia, Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya.
The first BMW vehicles featuring the Tmall Genie intelligent voice assistant will arrive in China by the end of 2019.
While at it, the tech company also converted the electric city car into a cool-looking roadster.
In what looks like a PR stunt, Promobot went on to tweet Elon Musk about the incident .
Audi envisions a future where backseat passengers will watch movies and play video games using VR glasses.
This flash drive was built to look like an official Mercedes key fob.
This special edition smartphone will go on sale in North America and Western Europe on Thursday, December 13.
The smartphone’s full moniker is the OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition Speed Orange and it comes with 10 GB of RAM.
The cloud-based voice service is now available on the Ibiza, Arona, Leon, Ateca, and Tarraco.


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Remember the Camera app? No, not the one that ships with every iPhone, but the app that Facebook announced on May 24, 2012. It had the same name as Apple's photography app, but functioned quite a bit more like Instagram. Well, in order to avoid any confusion between the Apple and Facebook apps,...
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player...
What do you do after spending a billion dollars buying a popular photography app? If you're Facebook, you then release your own branded app that does the exact same thing. Yes, Facebook has just launched the Facebook Camera app. The app allows you to take photos or select current photos from...
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February 17, 2020
Odisha Tourism’s pioneering digital efforts have got peaking applause from Adobe Systems. Adobe(Odisha Tourism makes a splash on digital radar) has recognized the uniqueness of the Odisha Tourism portal that has leveraged Adobe stack. This is the first of its kind implementation of Adobe technology in the government or public sector.
Last year, Odisha Tourism had revamped its web portal to a position as the one-stop solution for all needs of tourists.
Moreover, the launch of the 5T (Technology, Transformation, Teamwork, Transparency & Time) governance framework has accelerated Odisha’s bid to leverage technologies to unlock potential in an inclusive manner.
The tourism department envisioned the website to be a one-stop solution for all travelers, supported by an entire ecosystem of tourism service providers on the same platform.
In a span of a little over a year and three developmental stages, Odisha Tourism’s website, social media and digital campaign now run as an integrated well-oiled machine, disbursing uniform brand messaging across platforms.
AEM’s Adobe(Odisha Tourism makes a splash on digital radar) Analytics continues to be used to increase the efficacy of targeting travelers, influence their purchase decisions and thus result in an increased tourist footfall in the state.
Using an extrapolated RoI (Return on Investment) model, the objective is to orient digital marketing spending strategies to attract high-value tourists.
The website features a travel aggregation portal for travel and tour operators to showcase their products and services, a contribution portal for bloggers and vloggers (video bloggers), a ready reckoner on 50+ tourist destinations in Odisha along with a trip planner.
It also features booking for OTDC (Odisha Tourism Development Corporation) hotels, heritage properties and various hotels.
The digital initiative has given a tremendous impetus to the Odisha tourism brand and has generated over 1100 online leads, nearly half a million monthly website visitors feature more than registered travel agents, 232 hotels and their 115 crowdsourced packages and trails and over 70 active members from the bloggers’ community.
These statistics are a definite indicator of the enhanced interest in exploring Odisha by potential tourists, sector intermediaries and content generators from across India and the globe.
The technology implementation partner for Odisha Tourism is CSM Technologies, a home-grown firm with an active presence in Indian & African markets.
In addition to preparing a UX (User Experience) blueprint based on user personas, CSM has leveraged its expertise in the Adobe(Odisha Tourism makes a splash on digital radar) Experience Management stack to deliver a state-of-the-art website for Odisha Tourism.
Panigrahi has insisted upon the hotel and hospitality industry to focus on offering quality services at lesser costs for making the state a popular destination among both domestic and overseas tourists.
“The Government has embarked on a mission for boosting the infrastructure as the State has a shortage of around 10,000 rooms and other resources. But the existing hotel rooms need to offer the best services. Our objective should be to make tourists feel good by the way of offering quality services at a reasonable price,” he observed. Odisha Government, Panigrahi said at a recent conclave.
According to news outlets, approximately 150 cartons of Cadbury chocolate bars worth 1.7 million were ...
A Kerala court has said that criminalising outraging a woman's modesty is not applicable to ...
In a reshuffle of its parliamentary board, the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday dropped ...


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BOSTON, Dec. 9, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Ocean Spray, the agricultural cooperative owned by more than 700 cranberry farmers, announced today the addition of three new unsweetened juices to their Pure Fruit Juice portfolio along with redesigned packaging being distributed throughout Walmart stores across the country this month. The Pure portfolio expansion and its ethos of simple ingredients represents the cooperative's continued focus on health and wellness, and Ocean Spray's commitment to reshaping the future of the food system into a health and wellness system.
Ocean Spray® Pure fruit juices contain no added sugars, no artificial flavors, no preservatives, and are non-GMO. Building off the success of Pure Cranberry at Walmart since 2017, Pure will now be available in Pure Cranberry, Pure Tart Cherry, Pure White Grapefruit, and Pure Concord Grape. The unsweetened juices can be enjoyed on their own or added to smoothies or sparkling water for an extra health boost.
"By extending our portfolio of Pure unsweetened beverages at Walmart, we are demonstrating our commitment to deliver a wide variety of juices that have the incredible health benefits of the cranberry and other superfruits," said Chris O'Connor, Vice President of Marketing at Ocean Spray. "We will continue to develop innovative options that expand awareness of cranberries and exemplify our dedication to health and wellness."
Ocean Spray® Pure Cranberry, Pure Tart Cherry, Pure White Grapefruit, and Pure Concord Grape are currently available online at Walmart.com and in 1,400 Walmart stores and will roll out nationally at other retailers in January 2020. To learn more, visit: www.oceanspray.com. The suggested retail price of Pure Tart Cherry is $4.78 per 32 oz. bottle, while Pure White Grapefruit and Pure Concord Grape are $2.98 per 32 oz. bottle.
About Ocean Spray:
Founded in 1930, Ocean Spray is a vibrant agricultural cooperative owned by more than 700 cranberry farmers in the United States, Canada and Chile who have helped preserve the family farming way of life for generations. The Cooperative's cranberries are currently featured in more than a thousand great-tasting, good-for-you products in over 100 countries worldwide. Leading by purpose, Ocean Spray is committed to the health of people and planet. For more information visit: www.oceanspray.com
For PR Inquiries:
SOURCE Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc.


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TOKYO — London’s favorite fashion mecca, Topshop, is expanding in Japan.
The chain will open its second store in Tokyo on Sept. 16, the company said Monday. The 10,000-square-foot flagship will join the brand’s three existing stores in Japan — in Tokyo’s Harajuku district, Yokohama and Sapporo.
The new Tokyo store, which will be located in the lively shopping district of Shinjuku, will act as the company’s Japan flagship. The Topshop/Topman will feature women’s wear, men’s wear, cosmetics, a shoe lounge and personal shopping suites.
Modeled after Topshop’s flagships in London and New York, the Shinjuku store will aim to have a more exclusive, premium atmosphere than that of other branches in Japan, the company said.
The second floor shoe lounge will be decorated with chandeliers and gilded bronze mirrors. The Shinjuku location will also mark the introduction of the company’s personal-shopping services to Japanese consumers. The service, which is free of charge, allows customers to relax with sweets and drinks while a personal shopper puts together a selection of items chosen specifically for them.
The company is also planning a range of exclusive items for the store’s opening.
The Topman floor will showcase a new project called Japan Collaboration, which will aim to introduce up-and-coming Tokyo men’s wear designers such as Heath, Ambush and Roc Star to customers not only in Japan but also in London and New York.
In addition to shopping space, the store will include a permanent DJ booth, and Topshop plans to invite DJs and rock bands to perform for intimate in-store events.
@kering_official is spinning off its stake in puma in an effort to focus on its luxury brands, the brand operator announced yesterday. “We are proud to have supported the turnaround of Puma, which now has unrivaled capabilities to take full advantage of the specific dynamics of its global markets and is poised to achieve substantial growth,” said François-Henri Pinault, Kering’s chief executive officer and chairman. Artémis will become a “long-term strategic shareholder” of Puma with a 29 percent stake. #wwdnews #wwdfashion (📷: @jilliansollazzo)
The fashion world mourns for celebrated street style photographer, Nabile Quenum, who died at age 32 in Paris.
Quenum, creator of the fashion blog “J’ai Perdu Ma Veste,” was a fashion week fixture, and regularly shot for New York magazine’s The Cut, among other outlets, and brands such as Louis Vuitton, Moncler and Adidas. He was also actively involved in the #NoFreePhotos initiative, which kicked off in the fall. Read more about Quenum in @kbsmoke's story on WWD.com. #wwdnews
@verwanggang and @maisonladuree have teamed up on a dessert collab called Vera Wang Pour Ladurée. The collection, which launched this week, features a specialty macaroon, as well as a wedding cake inspired by one of the designer’s gowns. “I could not imagine a more delicate or sophisticated creation to grace any couple’s celebration,” said Wang. #wwdfashion
“I’m Russian and I love to use all these little tricks that I got from my grandma or my mom. We didn’t have a lot of money for creams or anything like that so we would use a garden as a beauty treatment regime. We’d put cucumber in the fridge and do a cucumber mask,” says model @irinashayk on one of her beauty hacks. WWD asked celebs what their go-to self-care rituals are. See what Naomie Harris, Freida Pinto and more said on WWD.com. #wwdeye #wwdbeauty (📷: @zefashioninsider)
Exclusive: @viktorandrolf are teaming up with @Zalando on a collection made from leftover clothing. The lineup, which lands at the retailer February 1, includes 17 pieces adorned with sliced up and repurposed overstock from the retailer’s private label collection. Pictured here is a look from the collection –– see more on WWD.com. #wwdfashion #wwdnews
@duewestnyc is the newest bar joining the collection of intimate neighborhood-focused spaces in the West Village. The cocktail menu, which includes bitters and syrups made in-house, offers a “Build Your Own Old-Fashioned” – like the one pictured here – where guests can choose from a list of spirits and unexpected sugars and bitters. #wwdeye
Spotted at last night’s National Board of Review gala in NYC: Angelina Jolie. Jolie – along with Meryl Streep, @lupitanyongo and more – continued the all-black dress code from Sunday’s Golden Globes. #wwdeye (📷: @lexieblacklock)


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The Banking Industry's Varied Views on Bitcoin The Banking Industry’s Varied Views on Bitcoin Decentralized, math-based currencies can provide a framework for autonomous banking. To the average person that may not mean much, but to some the Bitcoin ATM Banking — How To Find a Bitcoin Friendly Bank ... Operating as a Money Service Business – The Bitcoin Banking Burden in the United States (Zachary Owens, June 2018) Obtaining a Bitcoin MSB Bank Account – The Importance of De-risking Your Business (Zachary Owens, October 2018) For latest news in Bitcoin … The Impact of Bitcoin on Central Banks - International Banker Home Banking The Impact of Bitcoin on Central Banks. Banking. The Impact of Bitcoin on Central Banks. by internationalbanker April 11, 2016. April 11, 2016. The Growth of the Responsible Investment Industry. Related Articles. The Fed’s Cuts Weaken Outlook for Singapore’s Banking April 1, 2020. Bitcoin offers the cannabis industry an alternative to banks
Home Banking The Impact of Bitcoin on Central Banks. Banking. The Impact of Bitcoin on Central Banks. by internationalbanker April 11, 2016. April 11, 2016. The Growth of the Responsible Investment Industry. Related Articles. The Fed’s Cuts Weaken Outlook for Singapore’s Banking April 1, 2020.
Mode - The Bitcoin Banking App Easy. Open your Mode app, select 'Create a Bitcoin Jar' and follow the instructions. You'll be asked to make a transfer from your main Bitcoin account into your new Jar and once you've done this you’ll start generating interest within 24 - 48 hours. You can read more about the Bitcoin Jar here. Pipe Dreams: Bitcoin Won't Solve Pot Industry's Banking ... Pipe Dreams: Bitcoin Won’t Solve Pot Industry’s Banking Problem Charles Alovisetti is a senior associate and co-chair of the corporate department at Vicente Sederberg LLC, and works with legal Can blockchain transform the banking industry? - JAXenter Sep 26, 2019 · For a clear understanding, let’s count on the top areas blockchain is transforming the banking industry with. Improved identity system – KYC. Financial frauds and money valeting are rapidly increasing as the criminals are also using new technologies for committing such fraud. KYC is an effective way of fighting against such crimes. Did Bitcoin Disrupt the Banking Industry? – Sidekick Blog
Bitcoin.com | Buy BTC & BCH | News, prices, mining & wallet
Bitcoin and blockchain: threats and opportunities for the ...
Blockchain Is Changing Banking and Financial Services
May 29, 2013 · Launched in 2009, Bitcoin, this year, has achieved global ascent, tapping into concerns over capital controls, a loss of confidence in the banking system, and fears over the integrity of the G7 money supply as central banks expand their balance sheets. Bitcoin.com | Buy BTC & BCH | News, prices, mining & wallet Digital money that’s instant, private, and free from bank fees. Download our official wallet app and start using Bitcoin today. Read news, start mining, and buy BTC or BCH. eKomi StarInsights: Blockchain & The Banking Industry ...
3 fintech companies that are disrupting the banking industry
Bitcoin Mining Energy Comparison: Global Banking Industry ... Specifically, bitcoin costs 500 times less per year than the global banking industry and 30 times less than gold mining. We hear a lot about the wastefulness of the bitcoin network. People inside and outside the industry will convince you that bitcoin is unsustainable because it uses too much electricity. RBI | Bitcoin: RBI bans Bitcoins, other virtual currencies ... Apr 06, 2018 · Industry › Banking/Finance RBI has also in the past clarified that it has not given any license to any company to operate or deal with Bitcoin or any other virtual currency. Nearly a dozen countries including China have already prohibited the digital currency. Bitcoin will Crush the Banking Industry - YouTube Aug 28, 2017 · Bitcoin will crush and replace the current banking industry. Anyone can participate in this financial revolution! Visit: https://www.alexfortin.com. Blockchain In Banking Industry: 8 Success Stories – Changelly
If you’re familiar with Bitcoin, blockchain is the underlying technology that makes it possible to transfer currency and have confidence that transactions are successfully completed. But banking and other industries are using blockchain (with or without Bitcoin) in a variety of ways. The Banking Industry Cashes in on the Crypto Craze | NewsBTC The Banking Industry Cashes in on the Crypto Craze. Guest Author 5 months ago. Guest Author 5 months ago. Next Article: Bitcoin Price One need only examine the price fluctuations in Bitcoin, and altcoin over the course of 2018 and 2019 for indications of this asset class’ volatility. For example, Bitcoin was priced at $6700 per unit in DCC: Distributed Banking, Future of the Financial Industry ... Distributed banking is a brand-new cooperative service relation among financial institutions on a decentralized blockchain basis. Distributed Banking as the Future of the Financial Industry? How? Centralization and monopoly have long been the biggest drawbacks of the traditional financial system. Blockchain Technology To Revolutionize Traditional Banking Jun 25, 2019 · Blockchain technology is being taken seriously by the financial sector as it may prove to be a great disrupter to the traditional banking industry.


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TOLEDO, OH (FOX19) - Ohio's attorney general is accusing a Toledo company of taking advantage of people who are worried about losing their homes. Making Home Affordable USA and its owner Jason Keating of Maumee violated Ohio's consumer laws, Attorney General Mike DeWine says, and he's suing them.
DeWine says the firm would tell customers to stop making their mortgage payments even if they were current on their payments. Then, he says, consumers would give a big chunk of their usual mortgage payment to Making Home Affordable USA after being told it would be held in escrow and submitted to lenders once a home loan modification was approved. But DeWine says the money was never sent.
Thirty consumers who say they've lost a total of about $75,000 have filed complaints with DeWine's office, the Better Business Bureau, and the Federal Trade Commission.
The Toledo company, located at 120 10th Street, should not be confused with the federal government's Making Home Affordable program.
Attorney General DeWine offers these tips if money is tight and you're thinking of contacting a company that promises help in hanging onto your home:
- Call or e-mail "Save the Dream Ohio" first. The program offers free foreclosure assistance. Its phone number is (888) 404-4674. It's on the web at: www.savethedream.ohio.gov.
- Don't pay any upfront fees. By law, these companies are not allowed to even accept any money from you until you've accepted a loan modification offer from your lender.


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After the official release of a crypto browser for iOS at the end of last month, Opera Software adds support for two cryptocurrencies to its wallet, Bitcoin and TRON, according to a press release on July 10th.
Prior to this, the wallet supported only Ethereum and ERC tokens. With the new update, users can send and receive BTC and TRX, including TRC10 tokens, using the beta version of Opera for Android.
The company announcement also states the following:
“It’s now safe to say that our browsers are Web 3 ready and that this should be the new standard for all browsers [...] The decision to add two major blockchains to our platform marks one further step in our strategy to make Web 3 more inclusive and user-friendly for people around the world.”
Image from Opera blog


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During his talk Lau, senior executive vice president and president of Tencent's Online Media Group (OMG), pulled up BrandZ’s latest report that featured 14 Chinese brands in the top 100—compared with just the one in 2006. “China is taking her place at the table," he said. "I’m proud of the potential of China and the role tech has played.”
In his 20 years in China, Lau says, he’s seen a string of MNCs fail even as local enterprises achieve success. He attributes this to their grasp of the human face. “Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is insanity," he said. "You can have all the big data, but if your criteria remains the same nothing will change.”
Lau, who will receive the Cannes Lions 2015 Media Person of the Year award, offered three pieces of advice for succeeding in China:
- Think math men not mad men: While approaching the China market, be imaginative. “You don’t have to be an engineer to travel new frontiers of connectivity, but we do have to stretch ourselves with the right passions to amplify the power of imagination,” he said.
- Think of exploration not exploitation: Have the spirit of an entrepreneur. In Lau's view China is an economic powerhouse, but it’s complexity is understated and returns are magnified.
- Have a global-citizen mindset: Finally, Lau advised companies to have a cooperative mindset, not a competitive one. Resources are not unlimited and we have to find better ways to allocate them. “Our success is not about wiping out competition but about maximising the potential of companies by nurturing the ecosystem," he said.
Lau began his talk with a timely Father’s Day reference, recalling gifting his daughter a 3D printer on her 16th birthday. He added that he owes his kids for helping him see the true importance of technology.
“My kids taught me that a balanced view of tech revolution...it will continuously be about people," he said. "Because people will benefit from tech. it will always be about the human face behind the device."
An example of this, he says, is the more than 1 billion red envelopes shared by WeChat users at Chinese New Year time. According to Lau, while the internet hasn’t changed tradition or the act of expressing respect, it has altered how it is delivered by extending reach. What MNC marketers might take from that is the willingness of China's people to integrate traditional lifestyles with modern technology.
Internet connectivity is the engine that will drive improvement in the country and, he says, while it might seem like easy work it’s far more complicated. “It takes an evangelical zeal to embed the industry,” he said.
But Lau is quick to add that technology itself isn’t the final goal. Instead, it is about the free flow of information. “A critical mass will be achieved, the benefits of which are yet to be seen,” he said.


text: Abstract: HLL, a state-owned enterprise in India, now known as Hindustan Latex (India rubber), has an interest in expanding the health industry, which is estimated to be as high as $1 billion ($). The company’s flagship product Nirodh condom is the first local condom brand in India, when Nirodh condoms for the promotion of the India government’s birth control program, gave a great help. In addition to condoms, the company’s products also include lubricants, vibration rods and other adult products. 0″ India condom brand poster of Nirodh HLL Lifecare of India state owned enterprises, now known as Hindustan Latex (India rubber company) declared interest in developing the health industry, according to the company estimates the relevant value of $1 billion. The company’s flagship product Nirodh condom is the first local condom brand in India, when Nirodh condoms for the promotion of the India government’s birth control program, gave a great help. In addition to condoms, the company’s products also include lubricants, vibration rods and other adult products. HLL Lifecare director M. Ayyappan told the media: “we try to Adult supplies industry, and will continue to promote our products in the major social networking sites, we believe it will be of great advantage to our marketing products.” In the packaging of the product, HLL Lifecare also pursue excellence, the company has appointed a special designer to design a special package for condoms, to reshape the image of the company’s condoms. The pattern of playing or playing the violin together is likely to be the company’s next Nirodh packaging. According to the company executives said the company will launch a series of new condoms brand Moods, Crezendo, Ustad, Saheli, HiCare, New Life, Xoom, Velvet will meet with the public in the near future. When people will be able to purchase these products through online shopping or market. For Indians, the use of these products, or some common sense about condom use, popularity is very low. The rise of adult products in India set off a pink revolution, in time, the industry will benefit more people, with a brighter future. “Our main goal is to encourage more India couples use condoms in India, you know, a very surprising fact is that even some well-educated people how to use condoms, still almost utterly ignorant of.” HLL Lifecare, the chairman is a senior staff working in this company for over 10 years, he told the media about the secret of the success of the company lies in product marketing, “so that everyone can afford condoms.” Is a “golden rule” of product market positioning”. Hindustan Latex1960 was founded in May in Kerala, now has a number of subsidiaries, in the aspect of scientific research and development, especially the great achievements in birth control and maternal care.


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The Olympics of StyleReena Jana
Unless you’ve been living in a proverbial cave, you’re surely aware that the Beijing Olympics have just begun and run through August 24. And you’ve most likely been paying attention to the press coverage of cool new athletic gear that will be shown off at the event. Perhaps you’ve even noticed our own cover package, hitting newsstands today, focusing on the Olympics as a showcase for R & D projects and new products. But have you been paying attention to how fashion designers are taking part in this year’s Olympic mania?
Hong Kong retailer Lane Crawford, for instance, has asked 12 forward-thinking fashion houses — 3.1 Phillip Lim, Alberta Ferretti, Alexander McQueen, Burberry Prorsum, Costume National, Emilio Pucci, Givenchy, Maison Martin Margiela, Neil Barrett, Rick Owens, Stella McCartney (who designs real athletic-wear for Adidas, of course) and Yves Saint Laurent — to create fantasy uniforms for a dozen Olympic sports, from archery to sailing. The outfits, on view at Beijing’s Today Art Museum, will eventually be auctioned to benefit UNICEF.
While athletes themselves might not be wearing these dramatic designs, creating sportswear that fashionistas might wear outside of an Olympic arena is a huge trend. A new report from market researcher NPD Group found that “more than a third of the overall global revenue in the sports market is being generated by sport-inspired sneakers and garments vs. sneakers and garments actually used for sports. If we take out equipment and bikes, the ratio goes beyond 50% of the business done on ‘sport- style’ rather than ‘sport- use,” as Renaud Vaschalde of NPD, author of the report, said in a statement. “So, it comes as no surprise that manufacturers are jumping on the lifestyle wave in the hopes that their businesses can ride it into profits,” Vaschalde continued.
No doubt Nike, Speedo, and other makers of increasingly stylish sports gear will be paying attention to what these high-end designers are creating, if not to lure in their own audience of athletes, then to attract other consumers looking for stylish, yet sporty clothing and accessories.
It will be interesting to see how fashion continues to influence sportwear in seasons to come, and how athletes will influence fashion as well, especially in the light of the NPD report.


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EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of popular eyewear brands like Ray-Ban and Oliver Peoples, has reported strong financial results for 2019 and is optimistic about continued growth in 2020. Despite concerns over the outbreak of the coronavirus, the company has stated that its Italian factories are operating normally and production in China is gradually returning to normal. However, the virus has had an impact on EssilorLuxottica’s Chinese business, which represents about 5% of its total revenue.
The company is projecting a sales increase of 3%-5% for this year, with adjusted net profit growth expected to reach up to 1.2 times its revenue growth. However, due to worries about the potential disruptions caused by the coronavirus leading to a global economic slowdown, shares in EssilorLuxottica fell by 3.24%.
EssilorLuxottica has reassured investors that its plants in China are currently operating at slightly reduced capacity but are quickly normalizing. Plants in other locations, including Italy, are running at full capacity. In 2019, the company’s adjusted net profit, excluding acquisitions and other costs, surpassed targets by increasing 4.8% at constant exchange rates to 1.94 billion euros ($2.18 billion).
Despite the positive financial results, the company still faces challenges, particularly in terms of governance. The merger between Essilor and Luxottica in 2018 was marked by disagreements over leadership. The company’s founder and largest shareholder, Leonardo Del Vecchio, initiated an arbitration process in 2019, but it was ultimately abandoned. Both parties have committed to finding a new CEO by the end of 2020.
Recently, EssilorLuxottica experienced a departure in its leadership team, with co-chief financial officer Hilary Halper stepping down without providing any reasons. She was replaced by David Wielemans, who previously served as the CFO of Essilor’s Sun & Readers unit. The governance issues surrounding the company raise concerns among investors about its ability to deliver on the merger and promised cost cuts.
U.S. hedge fund Third Point has been urging EssilorLuxottica to boost earnings and expedite leadership transitions. Additionally, the company needs to convince regulators that its proposed acquisition of Dutch opticians group GrandVision for up to 7.2 billion euros in cash will not result in higher prices or reduced consumer choice. The European Union’s antitrust regulators are currently investigating the case, with a decision expected in July.


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Tickets have gone on sale today (Thursday, March 17) for the popular Mid Summer Beer Happening in Stonehaven.
Organisers of the three-day celebration of beer, music and food, from Thursday, June 16, to Saturday, June 18, expect a huge demand following the success of last year’s inaugural Happening.
“We were delighted that more than 4,800 people came to our first Happening last year and we expect as many again – and more – to come along and enjoy themselves this year,” said Robert Lindsay, organiser of the event which is staged in a purpose-built marquee in Baird Park.
“We are starting our ticket sales earlier than last year to give more people a chance to buy online so they can grab a place at this unique event,
“We have already had so many inquiries about when the tickets will go on sale from people around the country – and further afield - we expect the online sales to be busy.
“And we are introducing a new entry system where pre-paid festival goers have their tickets scanned to get them into the marquee and enjoying themselves as quickly as possible without lengthy queues.
“We will be offering not only day tickets and a limited number of weekend passes that will allow entry to all three days of the Happening. Those weekend tickets are only available online.”
The festival will have more than 140 beers on offer, ranging from real ale to craft to Belgian beer – many of which people may not have seen before.
“We hope people enjoy old favourites and find new ones to savour in the midst of the current explosion of excellent artisan brewing in this country and further afield,” said Robert Lindsay, owner of 6°North Brewery and one of the oranisers of the popular event.
But the Happening offers far more than a dizzying choice of beer.
There is also a superb music strand with the cream of local talent, and a street food offering with some of the finest cuisine from burgers to hog roast to award winning fish and chips.
The Happening will also see the return of the cycling Sportive, the challenging Redo, over the Cairn o Mount and back.
And a corporate dinner will kick off event, allowing guests a chance to learn more about beer and how to match excellent brews with outstanding cuisine.
Robert added: “We couldn’t have asked for a better launch to the Happening and now our challenge is to not only match that, but make it even better for the thousands of people who are looking forward to a wonderful experience.
“All we need now is for everyone to come along and have fun … it is Happening again.”
Tickets are priced at £15 for a day ticket, plus booking fee, or £25 for the limited edition weekend pass, plus booking fee.
To purchase tickets or find out more about the Midsummer Beer Happening in Stonehaven, go to www.msbh.co.uk


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Russia’s international reserves, liquid foreign assets managed by the Central Bank of Russia, fell by $5.4 billion to $369.2 billion in the week of Oct. 23-30, Tass, a state-owned news agency, reported Thursday. This was the official numbers and the real numbers are a lot worse. Many of the reserves may not be actually available.
Alongside the drop in international reserves, other indicators of Russia’s slump included a 10 percent reduction in retail sales while inflation hovered around 16 percent.
Authorities in Russia said they were fearful of shortages when it came to basic food supplies, such as meat and cheese. The country could see a shortage of meat and dairy in 2016, according to a report released by Russian news agency Ria Novosti Wednesday, as a result of ongoing sanctions.


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CANADA: Toyota boosting RAV4 output at Woodstock
The Woodstock RAV4 line
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) will increase RAV4 compact SUV production at its Woodstock, Ontario assembly plant from 150,000 annual capacity to 200,000 vehicles, the automaker announced on Wednesday.
Ultimately, this CAN$80m investment will result in about 400 new jobs between now and implementation in early 2013.
TMMC chairman Ray Tanguay said, “We are optimistic that the market is coming back and we’re grateful for the strong sales of the RAV4 in the North American market, which has created this increase in production and jobs.”
The North American RAV4 is larger than the version sold in other markets and engine options include a petrol V6.
TMMC also currently manufactures the Corolla, Matrix and Lexus RX350 in its plants in Cambridge, ON and one plant in Woodstock, ON. It is the only Toyota unit outside Japan to build Lexus.
The operation employs 6,500 workers.
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As car and motorcycle enthusiasts, we’re often looking for new stories that go beyond what a typical Google Search will find.
We know it’s not just about the simple facts of a car or bike, or the stats about them. It’s about everything that goes with them: their history, documentation, the people behind them and their stories. Turtle Garage is all about telling these stories, so you can learn more about your passion.Browse All Stories
I spent the weekend of March 10th and 11th in southern Italy on assignment for Sports Car Market Magazine. The purpose? A weekend test drive of the new Dallara Stradale. A handful of leading global automotive journalists were invited to take part in the historic unveiling of Gian Paolo Dallara’s masterpiece. SCM publisher Keith Martin […]
“Demography is destiny.” —Auguste Comte, French sociologist On Saturday I made my annual pilgrimage to the South Florida Fairgrounds to take in all the fun at the Barrett-Jackson car auction. This year’s successful formula was identical to last year—and the year before that. Rows of cars under tents. Hot dogs and beer. One Barrett-Jackson merchandise store after […]
“Our own model does not incorporate a capital raise, but our lowered estimates newly show the company with less than $1 billion at the end of the third quarter, which the company has previously defined as its minimum comfort level, suggesting to us an increased—not decreased—likelihood of a capital raise,” —Ryan Brinkmann, JP Morgan analyst […]
Last month Turtle Garage joined a dozen leading global automotive journalists in Italy for the first official media test drive of the new Dallara Stradale. My upcoming story will be featured in the June issue of Sports Car Market. Some articles and videos from other journalists also in attendence are now making their way to […]
Two unrelated events could prove to have a profound impact on Daimler-Benz and the capital city of the German automobile—Stuttgart. Li Khufu, the billionaire owner of China-based Geely automotive, has recently taken a 10% stake in Daimler. The potential impact of such a large Chinese investor in Mercedes-Benz could be significant in the years ahead. The […]
Turtle Garage has been closely following the evolution and development of autonomous cars, ride-hailing services, and the electrification of vehicles. These three megatrends have the potential to radically disrupt not only the auto industry, but everything from commerical real estate to public transportation. Earlier this week Bloomberg reported that a 49-year-old woman was killed by an […]
In 1961, racing legend John Cooper unleashed the potential of the Classic Mini on the racing world. Though it wasn’t the biggest, fastest, or most powerful, this feisty underdog took the motorsports scene by storm, dominating opponents with its nimble handling, near perfect balance and innovative engine and wheel layout. Our eponymous line of high-performance […]
“In May 2012, Porsche Engineering took over responsibility for the Nardò Technical Center in Apulia, South Italy. The testing center was founded in 1975 and is today one of the most important and famous proving grounds in the world. The testing center remains—as always—open to all clients. The characteristic feature of the Nardò Technical Center […]
Sports Car Market has just published our article on the 2018 Scottsdale Insider’s Seminar. It was an honor to be on the diverse panel with industry experts Keith Martin, Donald Osborne, Stephen Serio, Paul Hageman, and Carl Bomstead. The discussion was lively and we all left Scottsdale with more knowledge and a greater understanding of […]
This morning I headed south from Wellington and spent the day at the Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance. The annual event is held at the Boca Raton Resort & Club and is now in its 12th year. I attended the show several years ago when it was a small and simple affair. Founders Rick and […]
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Blockbuster Re-enter Administration, Cancel All Xbox One & PS4 Preorders
DVD and Videogame rental chain Blockbuster is set to go into administration for the second time this year, according to its current owner, placing some 2,000 jobs at risk.
The rental retailer first entered administration in January but were saved by Gordon Brothers Europe, a private equity firm, in March. Now, the nationwide firm finds itself in administration again.
Following Gordon Brothers Europe’s take over of the troubled chain, Blockbuster promised an increased focus on gaming. Speaking in April, new Managing Director Gary Warren said that Blockbuster had “an ambition to be much more of a partner to the games industry in the UK”, adding that the company was “serious about games”.
However, these renewed efforts have proved unsuccessful, with Gordon Brothers Europe affirming that their attempts to turnaround the loss-making company have failed.
Frank Morton, the chief executive of the Gordon Brothers Europe, said:
“Since the acquisition we have worked extremely hard to reignite the Blockbuster brand, make our investment work and put the business on a viable footing.
“Despite our best efforts, we regret that we are now forced to make some redundancies and would like to thank any affected employees for their support during the last six months.”
Blockbuster’s 264 UK stores will remain open during the administration period, whilst a new buyer is sought.
As a result of Blockbuster’s administration any customers with preorders for the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 will now have to seek alternatives. Posting on their Facebook page, Blockbuster informed customers that in order to claim any refunds on Xbox One or PlayStation 4 preorder deposits they would have to write to the company, via snail mail.
At time of writing Blockbuster’s site is still advertising its games rental service, however of course we’d advise against signing up. With the potential of Blockbuster possibly disappearing your choices for renting games are now severely limited.


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In an embarrassing episode for AbbVie, the company was reprimanded by a U.K. pharmaceutical industry trade group for appearing to condone “strategic loitering” by one of its sales reps, who visited a hospital in hopes of encountering numerous health care providers.
The incident raised questions about the extent to which the company sufficiently addressed the issue. And the Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority — the self-regulating arm of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry — decided that AbbVie failed to maintain high standards expected of companies and breached the industry code of conduct.
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