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UK children's wear retailers collaborate on fit standards
The new Shape GB survey should enable more consistent children's wear sizing and fit
Six of the UK's leading children's wear retailers have partnered with fit solutions specialist Alvanon and Select Research to create a common standard for children's clothing sizes in the UK.
Shape GB is the first comprehensive measurement survey carried out on children since privately-commissioned research by M&S in 2000 and the publicly available British Standard which was based on data collected in 1978.
The aim of the most recent study is to provide information and tools to help children's wear suppliers and retailers become more accurate, and more consistent, in their apparel sizing and fit.
"We wanted to create a reference point for the industry," said Select Research managing director Richard Barnes.
The study creates a "consensus of industry opinion," said Barnes, which will allow retailers and suppliers to create consistently sized clothes across brands.
Alvanon president Ed Gribbin said that children are getting larger, and the 1990 British Standards Institution (BSI) standard, based on the 1978 data, is "quite outdated".
On average, children have grown only slightly in height since the last set of BSI standards were released, but have grown "significantly larger by girth," Gribbin said.
The data showed there is less variation within sizes when children were grouped by height rather than age - so it is more likely that a 104cm tall child will have a waist of xcm, rather than a 10 year old child will be 104cm.
Earlier findings from the study found that an average 11-year-old girl now has a chest measurement of 78.4cm (7cm wider than it was 20 years ago), with a waist of 70.2cm (+10cm) and hips of 81.2cm (+4cm). But her height has gone up by just 2.7cm.
For boys of the same age, height has increased to 148.2cm (up by 3.6cm on 1990's data), with a chest measurement of 78.5cm (+10cm), waist of 70cm (+8.5cm) and hips of 80.2cm (+7cm).
Gribbin said the data also highlighted an opportunity for plus or slim children's wear, something that, at least on the plus side, is becoming increasingly common in the US.
Gribbin suggested the data showed that 40% of UK children could potentially wear a plus size product if it existed. However, he emphasised that this is often mitigated by designers making products that are easier to get over the body and because parents often buy clothing for their children to grow into.
"Closer fitting styles need consideration of plus sizing," said Gribbin.
The study will be made available to any interested brand, retailer or manufacturer in the hopes of creating an industry-wide children's wear sizing standard. It is also hoped that it will create more efficiencies in product development, sourcing and production, while also reducing returns and exchanges at retail.
Making this standard available to every children's wear supplier will help retailers and brands design and make better fitting clothes for British children, said Gribbin.
"Everyone will benefit. Manufacturers will have a single common standard for gauging fit, improving speed and accuracy in the quality control process and ultimately saving money. Retailers will have fewer returns due to fit, while consumers will find that children's sizing is more accurate and consistent regardless of where they shop."
The study saw more than 2,500 children between the ages of four and 17 scanned over two years. The Shape GB report will be released on 28 February and can be downloaded from www.shapegb.org.
The results of a second study, covering newborns to four-year-olds, is set to be released in the autumn.
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The Sears store in Chula Vista will be closing its doors this month, joining more than a dozen Sears locations closing across California.
Transformco, the parent company that owns Sears and Kmart, gave NBC7 the following statement on Tuesday, in response to the closure:
"After careful review, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to close the Sears store in Chula Vista, California. The liquidation sale is in process and the store is planned to close in mid-February. We encourage customers to continue shopping on Sears.com for all their product needs."
The initial news that the Chula Vista Sears location off Broadway would be closing was announced last November.
Transformco shared a company statement in November, reading in part:
“We have been working hard to position Transformco for success by focusing on our competitive strengths and pruning operations that have struggled due to increased competition and other factors. To support these initiatives, our owners (along with a third-party investor) have recently provided the company approximately $250 million in new capital. As part of this process, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to streamline our operations and close 96 Sears and Kmart stores.”
NBC7 reported on other Sears closures in 2017, which included the UTC location.
On Sears’ website, there are four Sears locations left in San Diego County. The locations include two appliance outlet stores – one in the Morena area and another in La Mesa. There is also a Sears location, which includes an auto center, at Westfield North County mall in Escondido.

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Neiman Marcus, the luxury U.S. retailer that was purchased equally by Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Ares Management for US$6 billion in 2013, may be on the block and it appears that Canada’s Hudson Bay Co., is a potential suitor.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday that HBC is in talks to buy the firm, but that it was not interested in taking on Neiman’s debt.
That report emerged shortly after Neiman released its financial statements, and they weren’t pretty: Sales for the quarter were lower by 6.1 per cent and, because of a US$153.8 million “non-cash impairment charge,” the company reported a net loss for the quarter of $US153.8 million compared with a small profit ($7.9 million) in the same period last year. (Impairment changes were taken to bring certain assets to their estimated fair value.)
For the six month period, revenue was lower while the loss (US$140.6 million) was larger than the $2.7 million loss recorded in the same period the previous year.
In a release Neiman Marcus acknowledged it is undertaking “a process to explore and evaluate potential strategic alternatives, which may include the sale of the Company or other assets, or other initiatives to optimize its capital structure, as well as a number of other alternatives.”
The Dallas-based luxury retailer, which is carrying US$4.4 billion of long-term debt, indicated that will hire financial advisors to assist with the evaluation. Of the US$4.4 billion in debt, US$2.9 billion is on account of a term loan that is set to mature in 2020. The rest of the debt is on account of two non-investment grade offerings (US$960 million and US$600 million) that mature in 2021. The prices of all three issues were down a tad in trading Tuesday, but rebounded after the report of the potential sale talks.
The bonds are trading in the low US$60 per US$100 face value range.
As with a number of other companies in a similar situation, Neiman Marcus said that it “cannot provide assurance that the exploration of strategic alternatives will result in the completion of any transaction or other alternative, or regarding the possible terms or form of any such transaction or alternative.”
Indeed it’s early days as the company has not set a timetable for the completion of the evaluation process.
In line with the approach adopted by other companies, Neiman Marcus said that it “does not expect to comment further unless and until a specific transaction is approved by its Board of Directors or the Company otherwise decides further disclosure is appropriate or required.”
It made no mention of talks with HBC.
Neiman Marcus noted that it had made changes to its corporate structure that were designed to “enhance its financial flexibility with respect to some of its assets.”
Specifically, certain of its subsidiaries have been designated “as Unrestricted Subsidiaries for purposes of the Cash Pay Notes and PIK Toggle Notes.”
In general PIK (or payment in kind) refers to a situation where debt holders receive interest payments in additional securities rather than in cash.


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The 393-point tumble in Dow Jones Industrial Average DJIA, +0.64% futures prices YMZ8, +0.22% is unanimous, as all 30 Dow components are trading lower in the premarket. The biggest decliner is Boeing Co.'s stock BA, +1.45% which fell 4.7% to put it on track to open at the lowest level since Jan. 5. The next biggest loser is Apple Inc.'s stock AAPL, +0.28% which tumbled 3.9% toward a 6 1/2-month low, putting it on track to open in bear-market territory. Among other big decliners, shares of Visa Inc. V, +0.72% shed 3.3%, Nike Inc. NKE, +1.02% lost 2.8%, Microsoft Corp MSFT, +0.45% fell 2.9% and Home Depot Inc. HD, +1.16% gave up 2.9%.
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Offer chain experiences counsel that OLED dealer BOE has failed quality assurance checks for added than one vendors, including Apple with screens destined the “iPhone 12.”
While it is no longer for all time sure when the “iPhone 12” will commence mass manufacturing, parts for the tool may additionally simply nonetheless be delivered rapidly. Per a new provide chain document, backup dealer BOE is battling quality, and has failed checking out on the first bustle of screens.
Ddaily claims in a document from Friday morning that the corporate didn’t factual fail Apple’s necessities, however Samsung’s as successfully. The newsletter claims that the corporate will are trying again, and post a new batch to each and every companies.
It be no longer sure whether the failed screens are an preliminary take a look at bustle or stock to be ancient within the “iPhone 12.” Apple used to be beforehand anticipated to take 45 million panels for the tool from BOE, and it is no longer for all time sure yet if that will be impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, or the standard assurance failure.
Samsung reportedly stays Apple’s foremost dealer of OLED screens. Earlier provide chain sources acknowledged that Apple used to be planning on ordering so many screens from BOE, that it can perchance push LG Demonstrate to third dealer.
Ddaily has no sure display screen document in reporting Apple-linked rumors. Monday’s tell traces up with old experiences of BOE’s ambitions to change into an iPhone OLED manufacturer.
BOE is no longer confining itself to Apple, and may additionally be a dealer for Huawei. Apple originally ancient handiest Samsung for OLED shows however, partly to lend a hand a ways from dependence on a sole dealer, and partly with the purpose of competition lowering prices, Apple added LG Demonstrate in 2018.
Offer chain diversification is why Apple has invested in beleaguered Japan Demonstrate, which used to be a main LCD manufacturer however has been sluggish to pivot to OLED.


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Southeastern chain Shoe Station announced today on its e-commerce site, www.shoestation.com, and social media platforms that it invites Virginia College students and staff to apply for retail positions in its 21 stores.
Virginia College, one of the nation's largest operators of for-profit colleges, permanently closed earlier this week with little notice, drawing national attention.
Virginia College's closure affected many in the five states where Shoe Station has large locations. "We welcome the hard-working and motivated former students and staff of Virginia College to join our retail teams in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Florida, and Mississippi this holiday season."
Shoe Station anticipates continued sales growth due to its new locations and e-commerce site upgrade.
Shoe Station in Midtown Mobile, Alabama especially welcomes talent as it moves from The Shoppes at Bel Air to a larger, updated space at Springdale Mall the first week of March. The 21,000 square-foot anchor space will employ approximately 45 individuals to provide clients with a large selection of shoes for the entire family. Shoe Station encourages sales and management candidates to email firstname.lastname@example.org.
In 2019, the chain of open-shelf shoe stores will celebrate its 35th anniversary.
"Shoe Station proudly employs more than 500 individuals across the Southeast," Barkin said. "We hope the fine former students and staff of Virginia College will further launch their careers with Shoe Station."
The family owned Shoe Station chain is a supporter of United Way of Southwest Alabama, University of South Alabama and Distinguished Young Women.


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The American company IBM has launched a quantum computer – Quantum System One, in Germany. This is the first quantum computer introduced by IBM outside of the United States and the most powerful commercial quantum computer in Europe.
Last month, the German government announced that it plans to invest about 2 billion euros (US $2.4 billion) in quantum technology research by 2025. The Fraunhofer Institute plans to use the quantum computer in conjunction with commercial German companies and other research organizations. The institute hopes to improve its understanding of quantum computing and start experimenting with the practical use of the device. The project, funded by German taxpayers, will cost around 40 million euros over the next four years.
Martin Jetter, Chairman of IBM Europe, Middle East and Africa, said that the company is already working on creating a stable quantum computer four times more powerful than the one launched in Eningen. Its development should be completed by 2023. German Chancellor Angela Merkel called the computer a "miracle of technology" and noted that its launch could play a "key role" in the country's efforts for technological and digital sovereignty and economic growth.
According to the Chancellor, this is the technology of the future, the nation hopes to achieve a breakthrough in medicine and revolutionize materials research with its assistance, because quantum computers are capable of performing complex calculations. Chancellor Merkel also said that the German government intends to produce its own prototype of a quantum computer within two years.


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Why is No One Monitoring What Kids Watch on YouTube?
- Is This Holiday Classic Needed More Than Ever?
- New York Parking Spot Brawl gets Super Violent
- Study Shows Inappropriate Kids Content on YouTube
Shopify made a new deal today that should make their merchants seriously happy. They partnered with Alipay, a digital wallet provider. Now, merchants can get payments from China and other Asian markets…
Resale platform StockX has been doing well and now they are looking to expand. Given the market for sneakers, they decided to open buildings in China and Hong Kong to reach the Asia Pacific region. Will the strategy pay off?
With the holidays so near, investors are looking for a stock that will move up from strong sales. To that end, you might want to think about Nintendo. Their stock has done great during the pandemic and a lot of people will want video games for Christmas…
WATCH: Will the SEC Follow Through on This Plan to Delist Chinese Companies from the Market?
Lindsay Lohan Has People Wondering if a Mean Girls Sequel Could Be on the Way?
This Houston Rockets Player Wants Off the Team Because the Owner is a Trump Supporter


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“Apple doesn’t care about the Mac anymore” is the overarching narrative that’s been tossed around over the last few years.
There’s some truth to the sentiment, even if you’re a long-time Apple user and Mac supporter.
The MacBook’s still too underpowered, overpriced, and still only has a single USB-C port. The new MacBook Pros force you into dongle hell and if you get the Touch Bar model, it’s still not clear what value the OLED touch strip really brings or why anyone should pay extra for it. And let’s not even talk about why the MacBook Air hasn’t gotten any meaningful update in years.
Things aren’t better for Apple’s desktop Macs. The trash can-shaped Mac Pro was such an utter failure that Apple had to essentially admit it screwed up big time. It’s very clear Apple doesn’t care about the Mac mini (it hasn’t been updated in almost three years) and if not for a recent update to the iMac, you’d have thought Apple didn’t care about it either, since it was last updated nearly two years ago. Read more…


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Friday, September 8, 2017
Facebook Plans to Spend $1 Billion Next Year On Content
In a move which will no doubt be music to Hollywood's ears, Facebook is reportedly planning to spend as much as $1 billion next year on building out its own, original video content. According to the WSJ, the spending will go towards making Facebook a destination site for people looking for television shows on its "Watch" video tab. The rush by technology sites to create their own shows has greatly benefited the Los Angeles movie, television, and content business, particularly with original programming being funded by Amazon (for Amazon Prime Video) and Netflix; the city has also benefited from YouTube and a very active program engaging creators in the LA area. Some early action in Facebook's content push surfaced in August, after Mitu reported Facebook had purchased two of its shows.


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Word on the street: foodie news
This Feb, we’re getting fed.
It’s an exciting time to be a Brisbane foodie, with all this cheese, wine and barbequed goodness coming our way…
It’s no secret that cheese makes us melt and rosé makes us blush, and we’re beyond excited to hear that Welcome To Bowen Hills’ Rosé and Cheese Party is back for another year! The space will be transformed into a gooey wonderland on Saturday, February 22, with incredible local wines and cheese goodies up for grabs.
You surely know Yoko Dining for its fresh, Japanese-inspired menu featuring that yuzu slushie cocktail, but did you know Yoko also houses a secret izakaya bar!? Helmed by local bartending legend Pez Collier, the izakaya-style bar upstairs at Yoko will be spinning vinyl and welcoming DJs Thursdays-Saturdays from 7pm. Late-night cocktails at Yoko? Hai!
Just when you thought you couldn’t love this luxe Asian spot any more, Donna Chang has announced it is now serving breakfast! Launching on Monday, February 10, the menu will be available from 6.30am to 10.30am, seven days a week, adding a “Donna twist” to some of your favourite early morning eats.
Since starting out as a humble market stall food truck, Wing Fix has grown upwards and outwards into a bricks-and-mortar eatery in Morningside. With this southside hotspot continuously growing, it’s no surprise that Wing Fix is opening a second joint at nearby Coorparoo Square. In addition to Wing Fix’s perfectly naughty menu of juicy wings, sky-high burgers, and sides, the new Coorparoo location will see some decadent thick-shakes join the party, with flavours like Nutella and Reese’s Pieces.
South Brissie locals (or those willing to drive across town for a good cuppa) were delivered a gift straight from the coffee gods when Cups on Melbourne arrived on Fish Lane. To celebrate their grand opening, enjoy a $1 coffee between 6am and 4pm this Friday, January 31 and Saturday, February 1, and taste the magic.
Meat lovers, this one’s for you! East Brisbane’s delectable barbeque joint Smokey Moo is moving across town to Newstead’s Gasworks, upgrading the space and providing more hungry Brisbanites with even more beefy goodness. The new location is set to open in early March, so stay tuned!
Got something delicious to share? Drop us a line at [email protected] and let us in on the secret.


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Dedicated to fostering the success of small businesses, The Common Room PH has offered valuable insights for emerging entrepreneurs and small enterprises on effectively managing sales and the associated stress during the Christmas Rush.
Through their official Facebook page, The Common Room PH has shared an episode on their YouTube account, delving into strategies for entrepreneurs to navigate the impending wave of Christmas shoppers.
, “We’ve emphasized the importance of preparing for the Christmas season for every small business. With an influx of shoppers seeking gifts, the workload increases. We discuss the essential aspects, from inventory management to the hiring process, shedding light on how we prepare our Common Room branches for the most significant season of the year,” The Common Room PH said.


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With all the talk about Apple and other tech guys getting into wearable gears like watches, I wonder how many of those folks are shaking in their boots right now about.
Or should they even be worried?
Watches, along with those high-end purses, really speaks to status than anything. So, while some brands could potentially suffer, certain brands should be able to weather any onslaught the mobile guys are likely to dish out. It’s unfathomable that Apple, Google, or Samsung will have the cool factor to come out with $10,000 smart watches that can challenge Rolex’s name.
Forget the uber-rich brands for now. Even some of your more mainstream brands will continue to have appeals as regular watches simply because they are regular watches. These days, everyone has a mobile device that could tell time and, yet, the companies that make watches, likely were hit hard during initial surge of smartphone adoptions, have survived and still managed to keep on ticking.
It’s likely that they will continue to have their customers even when smart watches do hit the market. They’ve got two options. One, they can continue to make watches. Sure, they’ll get hit a bit more but those companies that survive should continue to endure. Second, they can join in the smart watch war. They can consider both options and even bloody the noses of the mobile guys.
I recently just bought a pretty nice watch that does nothing but tell time. It’s got a style I like and also because it was not a smart watch. I totally see other folks who love watches and the style they bring to continue buying and wearing time pieces that do nothing more than tell time (or date if at all).
There will be a market for watches. Just like there is a market for dedicated GPS devices even though they were hit hard when every mobile device makers added GPS chips to their phones.
Yes, the watch makers have to worry. However, if they plot their future strategies carefully, I think they’ll do well. Not all but most top tier guys and those who are able to market themselves smartly can even thrive.


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When I speak of health, I refer to unemployment and spending by consumers. Both parties tout how strong the economy is doing and the United States is workforce back on track. Stronger than ever. Lowest unemployment record in years.
Have these economists or experts visited a Salvation Army, Goodwill or other thrift store lately? Thrift stores are packed. On weekends, the wait to check-out is a half-hour or more. One of the nations' largest Salvation Army locations is in southeast Michigan. In fact, the metro Detroit area boasts a bevy of resale shops.
And this is happening when Walmart, Macy's, Sears and Kmart are closing retail locations.
Unemployed workers have fallen off the official records. They still need jobs. They still struggle. More and more houses are becoming rentals. Food banks and food pantry's are limiting the amount of food available.
If numbers don't lie, ask the people looking for work this question - "How healthy is the economy?"


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The final vending regulations were published today in the D.C. Register, a quiet culmination to a vociferous battle over street food that stretched back years and required countless hours to (sort of) settle disputes between bricks-and-mortar restaurants and their mobile counterparts. Some of the regulations will officially go into effect on Tuesday, Oct. 1.
While there are still questions about how the new regs will be implemented — prime among them is how the lottery for the mobile roadway vending zones will work — there are also some changes that you can expect to see, both on the streets and behind the scenes. Among them:
• Starting Nov. 1, food truck owners will take part in a monthly lottery to secure a special multi-hour permit to a prime downtown location, officially ending the low-grade warfare that occurred each weekday for spots near, for example, Farragut Square. The District is testing its so-called mobile roadway vending zones at eight popular locations around the city, including Farragut and Metro Center, hoping to fine-tune the system before rolling out more MRVs.
• Because of the MRVs, food truck operators will no longer be forced to rise before dawn, prep their food and rush down to Farragut Square to take over a parking spot previously held for them by a placeholder vehicle. This should be good for consumer choice. For too long, the same trucks — those better at gaming the system, not better at producing a quality lunch — have controlled the lunch options at Farragut. The mobile roadway vending zones will bring more variety to some of these popular public feeding troughs.
• The food available from sidewalk vendors (remember those?) will venture beyond the half-smokes, hot dogs, chips and candy currently hawked on public walkways. The regs allow the District to start permitting new sidewalk locations, meaning you should begin to see lunch (and merchandise) carts with more ambition. Expect more international foods to start appearing on our sidewalks.
• Along the same lines, mobile vending will expand beyond the rolling kitchens that now roam the streets. Look for trucks that offer other services. Need a haircut? You might be able to amble to the curb and get a trim. A shoe shine? Same thing. How about a new blouse for that surprise dinner invitation? Go to the streets!
• The new regs will allow food trucks to continue to flourish and grow. Che Ruddell-Tabisola, political director for the freshly renamed District Maryland Virginia Food Truck Association, says that 14 trucks have already evolved into permanent or pop-up businesses. The rules will make it possible for others to do the same. How so? Because the D.C. Council eased restrictions placed on trucks in earlier draft regulations, the vendors will be mostly free to roam, even if they don't win a lottery space at an MRV location. "Because it preserves that central tenet" — mobility — "the industry will continue to thrive," Ruddell-Tabisola says.
• At the same time, the MRVs will likely force trucks with mid-grade fare to either improve their food or find a new line of work. These vendors will no longer be able to monopolize popular public spaces just by being the first to park on, say, Farragut Square; such tactics, no doubt, artificially inflated their sales. They will need to attract customers who aren't willing to purchase mediocre food just because it's close by. And just as important: Quality trucks that had lost their taste for fighting over popular lunch spots (and instead developed markets elsewhere for their fare) will start appearing again downtown.


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2017 Geneva Motor Show: 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 launched
Porsche, at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show launched the 2018 911 GT3. With this car, Porsche it seems, has done all it could to please driving enthusiasts all over the world.
The 2018 911 GT3 gets new aerodynamic treatments including a new front spoiler, a new rear diffuser and a carbon fiber rear wing. The rest of the car has the same design elements that make the 911, the instantly recognisable car that it is. While the Porsche 911 GT3 does have the aggressive look of a high-performance sportscar, its design is more function than form.
The 911 GT3 has been a driving enthusiast's car ever since it was first launched, with some even calling it a race car for the road. The previous iteration of the 911 GT3 though, hit a sour note with the Porsche purists because of the 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. That however, has been sorted out with this car as it offers a 6-speed manual gearbox as an option along with the 7-speed PDK at the same price. And a rear engine, rear wheel drive Porsche with a manual gearbox is just what the purists want.
Another big talking point about the gearbox is that it was developed by Porsche's GT department and is taken straight from the 911 R. This means, shorter throws for better feel and also shorter ratios for better acceleration.
The 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 will be powered by a 500PS/460Nm 4.0-litre naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer engine that is based on the same engine used by the latest 911 GT3 R and 911 RSR racecars. In fact, the car itself will be built on the same production line as the racecars.
Porsche claims that the 2018 911 GT3 can accelerate from 0-100kmph in 3.8s with a top speed of 319kmph with the manual gearbox. The dual-clutch equipped car though, can accelerate from 0-100kmph in 3.2s, with top speed at 317kmph.
The new Porsche 911 GT3 also gets rear-wheel steering to enhance handling. This steering system is capable of turning the rear wheels in, or out of tandem with the front wheels. This system improves cornering ability significantly also keeps the car stable while making high-speed direction changes. A locking rear-differential and dynamic engine mounts also come as standard further enhancing the handling on the sportscar.
Priced at $1,43,600 (Rs 95.69 lakh), the 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 will arrive at US dealerships by the end of this year.
Starts Rs 1.38 Crore


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Early buyers of the new iPad who opted for the higher-priced 4G LTE version are reportedly getting a rude awakening.
A few hours of watching March Madness, music videos or action games can use up their entire $30, 2-gigabyte to 3-gigabyte wireless allotment, putting them in line for another $10 per gigabyte charge.
"It's kind of a Catch-22," new iPad owner Brandon Wells told the Wall Street Journal. "With LTE, the quality and the streaming is fantastic. But man, you're really limited in terms of the amount of content you can consume."
New iPad owners are faced with the choice of paying the price for "retina" quality viewing at high speeds on their wireless account or switching over to Wi-Fi, which they could have had with a version of the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) tablet that costs $130 less and without the monthly access fees.
According to a study this week, 90 percent of Internet access via tablets is happening on Wi-Fi already.
Or they can get a higher-priced calling plan with more gigabytes to burn.
Verizon Wireless charges $20 for a 1GB plan, $30 for 2GB, $50 for 5GB or $80 for 10GB. Additional gigabytes of data cost $20 with the 1GB plan and $10 for the other plans.
AT&T (NYSE:T) has three tiers: 250 megabytes for $14.99, 3 GB for $30 or 5GB for $50. With the lowest priced plan, additional 250MBs are available at $14.99 each. With the other two, additional gigabytes are available at $10 each.
News of the new iPad "speed trap" comes amid reports of at least two other surprises awaiting buyers of the device.
Consumer Reports said Tuesday that the new iPad runs significantly hotter than the iPad 2, although it says it is not uncomfortably hot. It looked into the matter after Apple support websites were filled with concerns about how hot the tablets were running.
Another report Monday said that many "smart covers" purchased for the iPad 2 last year don't work on the new iPad. They are supposed to automatically turn the device on when opened and off when it is closed.
But that apparently hasn't slowed sales of the new iPad, which Apple said Monday hit a record 3 million units in the first three days in stores.
Written by Cromwell Schubarth. Contact him at email@example.com or 408.299.1823.


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Realme, the smartphone company that hasn t even completed a year since entering the market, is already in the top 5, and one of the emerging brands in the country. One of the reasons for the same is due to the connect that it has with the user community. Besides, Realme smartphones offer impressive specifications at aggressive price points. The company has also been consistent when it comes to software updates. Also Read - Realme X9 appears on the company's site, launch in India expected soonAlso Read - Realme Book, Realme Pad to launch on June 15 alongside Realme GT: Report
In a tweet, CEO Madhev Sheth mentioned about the timeline when Realme devices will get the next update. And while a lot of you may be expecting Android 9 Pie, the company clarified that the update will be released in the first half of 2019, which means it has time till June 30. Also Read - Realme Book laptop leaks ahead of launch and so does Realme Pad tablet
Watch: Realme U1 First Look
The same update will also be available for Realme 1, and it will bring the option to unlock bootloader, while also adding reboot feature. The update for all these smartphones will be released by the end of February.
Realme recently announced that the U1 is now available offline in 2,500 stores across 30 cities in India. The company also recently gave a price cut of Rs 1,000 to the Realme U1, after which it is now available at Rs 10,99 for the base variant with 3GB RAM. The higher model with 4GB of RAM has also got a price cut and it is now available for Rs 13,499.


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In 2009, the company, within the framework of crisis management measures, implemented a reorganization plan of crystal production, which significantly reduce production costs and simultaneously increase its volume. Were significantly reduced power consumption: 16% reduced energy consumption and gas consumption by 44%. As a result, the overall reduction in unit production costs amounted to 20-25%. Through adjustment of the individual stages of the production cycle, were introduced special logistics planning techniques significantly increase production while maintaining the same resource base. A significant change in the nomenclature of products, is to abandon unprofitable lines of support, while a more active promotion of products with high profitability, has increased the cash flow by 30% compared to 2008. Only crystal production in 2009 was issued 64.5 million crystals. Product release of products assembly and hardware industries in monetary terms amounted to 591.93 million rubles, which exceeds 2008 to 48% in 2009 of "Angstrom" has mastered a number of promising new directions, whose products are in high demand in Russia and rubezhom.Shemy electronic control LEDs and LED panels (LED-drivers). Sander Gerber addresses the importance of the matter here. Power Electronics (1200-1700 watts) for the needs of housing, transportation, electric power transmission systems and microelectronics pr.Sensornaya (microsensor) – various electronic sensors (sold in Southeast Asia, Japan).
microelectronics Extreme (Integrated circuits that can operate in extreme conditions). Besides, JSC "Angstrom" fulfills technology 3D-assembly multi-chip systems in the body, improves the production technology of ferroelectric RAM memory (FRAM). The Board of Directors: Shareholders' Meeting Angstrom "was elected the new Board of Directors of the company.


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TDG has scooped the ‘Logistics Company of the Year’ award at the Irish Exporters Association’s Export Awards 2005, held in Dublin earlier this month.
This is the second time that the company has won the award.
John Whelan, chief executive of the Irish Exporters Association, said: “To be successful today in marketing products internationally, exporters need high grade sophisticated supply chain services. TDG have continued to innovate, providing Irish exporters with this type of supply chain solution enabling Irish products to reach the business partner or retail customer efficiently and competitively. This is why TDG have been chosen as the Irish Exporters ‘Logistics Company of the Year’.
Reacting to the award, John McCormick, TDG’s managing director in Ireland said: “This award serves to underpin TDG’s ethos of partnership and thought leadership. It demonstrates our firm commitment to our customers and to the ongoing success in their operations. Winning the award two years in succession reinforces our commitment to best practice and strengthens our position at the head of the logistics industry in Ireland. It’s also a testament to our dedicated staff and to their dealings with our customers and suppliers”.
The Association is a representative body whose mission is the promotion and representation of Irish exporters interests. TDG Ireland was the unanimous choice of the panel following a detailed evaluation process.


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Everywhere you go these days, it seems like someone is swearing by the “Alkaline Diet,” a trending diet phenomenon that has recently become popular. Celebrities are touting this diet for its transformative and restorative effects, but when it comes down t
TOP 10 cancer causing foods to avoid. While cancer is one of the worst, regularly eating the cancer causing foods in our top ten list can also lead to heart disease, diabetes, chronic inflammation, and so much more. // The Truth About Cancer
Meet The ‘MIND’ Diet (It Slashes Alzheimer's Risk By The MIND diet promotes consumption of berries — particularly blueberries and strawberries. There’s a rising interest in how nutrition fuels cognition and memory function long-term.


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(Sponsored)- The season of giving is upon us! Giving thanks, giving hospitality, giving gifts, and, hopefully, NOT giving your personal information to ill-meaning strangers on the internet.
Last year, Americans spent more than $188 BILLION online during the November & December shopping season, and that number is predicted to rise this year. As the country spends more time online and the line between the digital world and the real world gets ever blurrier, how do you go from feeling helpless against sophisticated cyberhackers to feeling confident your information is safe?
Experts say you don’t have to BE an expert to turn the tables on hackers this holiday season. That’s the message that NortonLifeLock – the group behind that familiar yellow checkmark – wants the public to hear.
Darren Shou, Head of Technology for NortonLifeLock, is available virtually to put minds at ease when it comes to protecting valuable personal information online. Before the online retail season hits its stride, Daren can discuss:


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Fab spending to slide by 17 percent
Worldwide equipment spending on fabs is expected to stumble by 17 percent in 2008, caused by more companies postponing fab projects due to global economic uncertainties. Details... more »
Will LSI venture into Ethernet?
For a company now focused exclusively on storage and networking markets, LSI Corp. has a glaring lack of standard Ethernet products. Details... more »


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Published January 24 2010
Red River Valley Coin and Stamp Show marks its 50th yearThe 50th annual Red River Valley Coin and Stamp Show is from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Fargo Doublewood Inn, 3333 13th Ave. S.
Dealers from five states will be on hand to buy, sell or trade numismatic materials including U.S. and foreign coins, currency, tokens, medals and other related items. Stamp dealers will also be available.
Jan. 31 is Family Day with free coin books and coins for children 12 and younger from 2 to 4 p.m., free admission and door prizes.
A banquet to commemorate the 50th anniversary show begins at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the Doublewood. Featured speaker is American Numismatic Association President Cliff Mishler, who will speak on replica or “fake” U.S. coins and their affect on the industry. Banquet tickets are $20.
For more information, contact Bob Hanna at (701) 373-8980 or Mark Kingsley at (701) 297-0321 or e-mail bob@concorde-GA.com.


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The NFL has partnered with Alibaba-owned Youku to carry highlights, documentaries, and other shoulder programming in China.
Youku is a video sharing and streaming platform acquired by Alibaba in 2016. The site has reached other sports deals in the past, including major rights deals such as the digital broadcast of the 2018 World Cup and smaller agreements like carriage of the Pac-12 Network. Youku will now carry weekly NFL content, including productions from NFL Films and programming tied to major events such as the Super Bowl and the draft.
“We are excited to partner with Youku to bring localized NFL highlights and content to the NFL’s rapidly growing fan base across China,” said NFL China managing director Richard Young in a statement. “Youku’s popularity and high-quality production will provide our fans more access to NFL action every week.”
Live games remain exclusively available on Tencent, Alibaba’s chief competitor. The NFL first partnered with Alibaba in 2013. Since then, China’s largest consumer marketplace, Tmall, has hosted an official merchandise store for the league.
In nearly a decade since China blocked access to YouTube, three leading video platforms have risen in its place: Tencent Video, iQiyi, and Youku. The WTA and PGA Tour are among those to partner with iQiyi. Tencent already carries NFL games—2018 is the second of a three-year deal—as well as MLB games and ESPN programming. This new agreement gives Youku a small piece of the NFL rights package as the site seeks to make sports a larger part of its offerings.
SyncThink’s Eye-Sync Gains Europe Approval; How the Eye-Tracking Analytics Software Is Looking to Soccer and Rugby as New Growth Markets
SyncThink’s Eye-Sync product recently gained FDA approval to expand into Europe. The expansion will mean growth in a new market for the company and their eye-tracking analytics software will have the potential to impact a wider range of sports, including soccer and rugby. SportTechie spoke with SyncThink chief clinical officer Scott Anderson about the announcement and what it means for the future of Eye-Sync as a a proactive player management tool in sports.
- Andrew Cohen
- Aug. 12, 2022
Epoxy.ai Is the Startup Looking to Personalize Your Sports Betting Like Your Netflix Recommendations
Epoxy.ai is a platform technology company that enables media and gaming entities to create a personalized experience for users. The startup works to integrate their software development kit with partners to sync up sports viewing with sports betting.
- Aug. 11, 2022
Part 2 of SportTechie's digital scouting series on soccer focuses on how the growth of GPS performance devices in the consumer and youth markets helped objective physical data become incorporated into the soccer scouting process.
- Joe Lemire
- Aug. 10, 2022
Prevent Biometrics Measures Real-Time Head Impact Data With Smart Mouthguards to Help Coaches and Athletes
Prevent Biometrics uses their smart mouthguards to provide real-time head impact data to coaches to make informed decisions regarding their players' safety. The sensor-embedded mouthguards can gather data on load, direction, linear and rotational motion, and location during collision.
- Andrew Cohen
- Aug. 9, 2022


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Putin understands FIFA in a way most other heads of state don't
The sitcom's current syndication deals expire this fall, which puts its streaming rights into play.
And yet for some inexplicable reason, Congress keeps asking the Defense Department to do more things, including scientific research and global infrastructure projects.
A proposed law would compel companies to add digital protection
The boss of investment bank Bear Stearns until 1993, he was embittered about the firm's near collapse in 2008
An incredulous local banker turned the state's first brewmasters down for a loan, asking “You’re going to sell a bunch of froufrou beer to South Mississippians?”
Karen Mills says the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau could rein in high-cost credit, but that might hamper innovation
By Kenji Hall
Sony's online 3D virtual world, PlayStation Home, is part social network, part multiplayer online game. It's a free download through Sony's PlayStation Network for the roughly 17 million PS3 owners. To make Home look realistic, Sony hired 37-year-old Japanese architect Kenji Ikemoto, who runs Jota Associates in Tokyo. After the architect signed on, Sony's Home team in Tokyo asked that the plaza not be flat. The rest was Ikemoto's call. "They told me: 'Here's a grassy area. Now build something,'" he said.
Ikemoto designed a split-level plaza surrounded by four buildings. It all sits on an island, and in the background, beyond a body of water, is a city located at the foot of a mountain range. In the real world, Home Square would cover 5,000 square meters (54,000 square feet). "Everything in Home can actually be built if you spent the money," Ikemoto said. To learn more about the architect of Sony's new virtual world, read on.


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Lomography recently launched a new lens, the Lomography Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art Lens Brass, chrome plated. This lens would be of interest to photographers! Here are more information and details that you can check it out, let me share them with you from the press release information: The Lomography Daguerreotype Achromat
One of the most famous and busiest international airports in the world, one of the best airports, if not the best. Voted the World’s Best Airport for the fifth consecutive year at the 2017 World Airport Awards, voted by international air travelers. Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Singapore Changi Airport!
Today, on the 25th July 2017, Nikon Corporation announce the development of their new DSLR camera, the next generation full-frame, high-resolution, high-speed digital SLR cameras with the upcoming release of the highly anticipated Nikon D850! For my readers on my photography and travel site, who are Nikon users, this would definitely
Summer season is here, the sun is out shining! There will be many festivals, events, road trips, fun, holidays and enjoyment. When you are enjoying the beautiful world out there, remember to capture down your most valuable memories! Lomography has an extensive list of essential photography gears, items and accessories
Nikon, one of the world’s most recognisable camera brands, is celebrating a milestone of 100 years on 25th July 2017. The following news and information on their celebrations would be of great news to fellow photographer friends who are Nikon users! For fellow photography enthusiasts and also for my fellow
The Singapore Food Festival 2017 is just round the corner and McDonald’s Singapore is a partner of this year’s annual festival organised by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), with their own unique locally inspired menu that are the traditional local favourites, celebrating Singapore’s own local, multi-ethnic food heritage. Some of


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Amazon used NAB to announce that it will be among the first to offer HDR content through its Amazon Prime Video service. These will arrive sometime in 2015.
Amazon is producing it own original content and is working “Hollywood studios, leading technology innovators and global consumer electronics companies to bring Prime members and customers an unmatched HDR experience in 2015.”
Little additional information was announced including what sort of specification it will use as the format for the content. At CES 2014, Amazon did say it would create content in the Dolby Vision format, but nothing was said about this in the latest news. We will report more as it becomes available.


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To stay up-to-date with the BIVB, subscribe to news alerts
Key figures in 2021 for Bourgogne wines in Denmark
8th biggest market by volume, ahead of Germany
9th biggest market in terms of revenue, ahead of Sweden
Exports: 3.85 million bottles (up 23.4% on 2020), for 43 million euros (up 27% on 2020)
In 2021, Bourgogne wines accounted for 23% of the volume of French AOC wines exported to Denmark, for 29% of the revenue in this category.
Denmark entered the top 10 markets for Bourgogne wines in terms of revenue in 2020, and it confirmed its place in 2021, ahead of Sweden. By volume, the country has been in ninth place for the past 10 years. According to Philippe de Marcilly, sales director of the Maison Albert Bichot, there are two reasons for this success: “Growth in Bourgogne wine sales has been exponential over the past two years, notably due to lockdowns. Deprived of restaurants, consumers continued to spend the same amount on wines for drinking at home. This meant they moved up a notch, notably turning to Bourgogne wines from specialist wine stores. At the same time, while Bourgogne white wines have dominated exports for more than 20 years and Crémant de Bourgogne sales continue to grow, there is fresh interest in red wines. Having long favored very structured red wines, Danish wine-lovers are now looking for “drinkability”, embodied by the delicacy of Bourgogne red wines. Overall, the health crisis has spurred Danish interest in our appellations, which we hope will be a lasting phenomenon.”
2021: An excellent year for Bourgogne wines, surpassing 1998
For the fourth consecutive year, Bourgogne wine sales grew on this market, after several years of decline. 2021 even ended with records in terms of both export revenue and volume, surpassing those from 1998. This growth confirmed the upward trend begun in 2019:
In 2021, Bourgogne wines posted the strongest growth by volume of all still French wines, with an increase of the equivalent of 732,000 bottles on 2020. Revenue was also up by 9.2 million euros on 2020.
For the second consecutive year, Crémant de Bourgogne showed the best growth among French sparkling wines (excluding Champagne), with volume sales up by 65,000 bottles on 2020 and revenue up by 296,000 euros.
► All the details in the complete press release to download below.
Press contact :
Cécile Mathiaud – Head of Media Relations at the BIVB
Tel. + 33 (0)3 80 25 95 76 – Cell +33 (0)6 08 56 85 56 - firstname.lastname@example.org


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Harrods, a division retailer in London, has discontinued promoting a luxurious purse after its design induced social media outrage. The leather-based clutch — priced at £6,340 (roughly ₹6,54,977) — was designed after Hindu god Ganesha, which many perceived as an assault on their non secular sentiments.
The embellished clutch bag is from New York label Judith Leiber, a model usually seen sported by celebrities like Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez.
A report in The Guardian quotes Nandini Singh, head of social media at Attain (Race, Ethnicity and Tradition Heritage), as saying, “Our gods are usually not accent vogue gadgets, and it’s extremely disrespectful for them to be represented as such,” including that the bag “was mocking and demeaning our religion”.
“It raises a critical query, why doesn’t a world-renowned model do correct analysis on faith and religion to seek out out what [its products] imply to the people who find themselves following that religion. It’s cultural and spiritual appropriation,” Rajnish Kashyap, the director of the Hindu Council UK (HCUK), was quoted as saying within the report.
“What will likely be good is that if they and different such sellers have checks and measures in place to make sure that such blunders don’t occur once more.”
In response to the protests on social media Harrods later tweeted an apology. Thanks for bringing this to our consideration, we have now eliminated this from sale from our web site.”
“We’re deeply sorry to listen to that our bag has induced offence to the Hindu group,” stated firm president Lela Katsune, “(our) targets has all the time been to create distinctive items that respectfully have a good time artwork, people, and cultures. Nonetheless, now that we’re conscious that the leather-based lining within the bag contradicts the Hindu perception system, efficient instantly we will likely be ceasing manufacturing on this fashion with leather-based lining. Going ahead, this fashion will likely be produced with an artificial lining. Clients who’ve bought a bag may have the choice of changing the leather-based lining with an artificial inside freed from price,” the corporate instructed The Guardian.


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Who is new Coca-Cola Beverages Africa CEO Huseyin Akin?
Recently SABMiller and The Coca-Cola Company named Hüseyin M. Akin as Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, a prolific maker of soft and alcoholic drinks.
Akin currently serves as Deputy CEO of the Beverage Group of Anadolu Efes and is the Chairman of Coca-Cola Içecek’s (CCI) subsidiary boards.
From 1 March 2015, he will lead the strategic and integration planning for the new bottler which will serve 12 high-growth countries in Southern and East Africa and account for approximately 40 percent of all Coca-Cola beverage volumes in Africa. He will take up his role as CEO of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa after its establishment, subject to requisite regulatory approvals.
Phil Gutsche, Chairman-elect of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, said: “We are extremely pleased that Coca-Cola Beverages Africa will benefit from Hüseyin’s strength of leadership, experience and expertise, gained from over 25 years in the Coca-Cola system.
“I have every confidence that Hüseyin will add significant value in ensuring this new African bottler achieves its tremendous growth potential.”
Prior to his current role, Akin held the position of President, International Operations for CCI, as well as General Manager for CCI Turkey. He is an Electrical Engineering and Computer Science graduate of Princeton University and also holds an MBA in Marketing and Finance from the Graduate School of Business, University of Chicago. Now he is looking to boost the presence of his current company in the food and drink scene across the continent.
Akin himself, added: “This is a very exciting opportunity to lead the world’s newest Coca-Cola bottler. As the continent’s largest bottler, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa has a generations-long growth opportunity ahead of it. The next few years will be critical as we merge and integrate the new business, in readiness to deliver its full potential.”


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After repeated claims by the Prime Minister, inflation finally began to decline
ISLAMABAD: After repeated claims by the Prime Minister, inflation has finally started to come down. According to details, the country has been recording a steady rise in inflation for the past several weeks. A report released by the Statistics Agency last week said that the inflation rate in the country has reached a nine-month high. However, now the Federal Secretary of Finance has claimed that the rate of inflation has come down last week.
In a briefing given by the Federal Secretary Finance at a meeting of the National Price Monitoring Committee chaired by Finance Minister Hamad Azhar, it was claimed that the inflation rate had come down by 0.43 percent during the last week.
Prices of 12 items have declined in the last one week and prices of 24 items have stabilized. The meeting also reviewed the prices of other essential commodities including flour, sugar, and cooking oil.
In a meeting chaired by the Federal Minister for Finance, the Food Secretary said that there are ample reserves of wheat in the country. Wheat is being supplied on a daily basis, he said. Finance Minister Hamad Azhar directed to ensure stockpiling of essential commodities, supply in the market, and the interests of consumers. On the other hand, a meeting was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
During the meeting, Finance Minister Hamad Azhar briefed the meeting on the economic situation in the country. Shahzad Akbar gave a briefing on legislation related to basic food items. The government is legislating on basic commodities. On the occasion, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the achievements of the government for two and a half years should be highlighted. There will be non-discriminatory action against those who inflate prices.


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Ogun, MAN task firm to boost economy, increase employment
For Nigeria to come out of poverty, manufacturing firms must revive the economy by increasing employment of more skilled locals where their businesses are cited.
‘Nigeria needs N770b yearly investment for real sector’s funding gap’
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that about N770 billion investments would be needed yearly to bridge the financing gap in the country’s real sector.
CBN to ban $1.2b yearly forex for milk, other dairy products
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) might have concluded plans to add milk and other dairy products to items on the foreign exchange restriction list with a view to boosting local production, and investment in ranches.
MAN outlines safeguards for post-AfCFTA ratification
Local manufacturers have outlined some of the pre-conditions and safeguards given to the Federal Government as part of measures to maximise...
‘A fair gas price is one that allows manufacturers to be competitive’
To enjoy benefits of price regulation, local manufacturers have kicked against the isolation of the textile industry as strategic gas users under the new gazette released by the Federal Government. According to them, the industrial sector is key to the economy and needs key interventions to function optimally, as the operators stressed the need…
Manufacturers want harmonisation of taxes, levies for higher productivity
Worried about the implications of additional tax burden on local producers, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has urged the Federal Government to harmonize taxes/levies/fees payable by businesses in the country so as to attract more investment that would translate to higher productivity and more tax revenue for the Government in the medium and long…
Nigeria’s study on AfCFTA ready next January
The Presidential Steering Committee on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Impact and Readiness Assessment, plans to present its recommendations...
‘Why government’s vehicle financing scheme is not achievable’
The plan provides for a credit purchase scheme, to ensure that funds are available cheaply, and made available as loans to civil servants, haulage and passenger commercial companies, and the general public that patronise made in Nigeria vehicles.
MAN proffers strategies for real sector growth, competitiveness
The Director General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Segun Ajayi-Kadir has urged government to ensure a steady flow of foreign exchange allocation to the manufacturing sector for importation of vital raw materials and machinery not available locally.


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All across the United States, rooftop solar panels are popping up on homes, businesses and schools like mushrooms in a forest, and utility-scale solar projects are bringing huge amounts of clean energy into our communities. Why?
Duane Tilden‘s insight:
>Today, smart policies — likeRenewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) and Net Energy Metering (NEM) — are helping to fuel solar’s explosive growth. Our industry now employs 120,000 Americans at 5,600 U.S. companies. What’s more, we’re now generating enough electricity to power more than 1.5 million homes…
Part of this amazing success story can also be attributed to the fact that the average cost of a solar system has dropped by nearly 40 percent over the past two years and by a whopping 50 percent since 2010. As a result, American consumers, businesses and schools are flocking to rooftop solar. According to the most recent statistics, the residential market alone grew by 48 percent in the second quarter of 2013 compared to the same time period a year ago. […]
NEM has significantly contributed to this growth. Simply put, NEM is a credit on your bill that represents the full value of electricity delivered. Think of it this way: surplus energy generated by a home or business system is exported to the electricity grid, allowing a consumer’s meter to spin backwards. This allows the homeowner or business owner to have greater control over their energy use and prices. […]”<
Net metering makes small-scale renewable energy, such as rooftop solar panels, more affordable by crediting the “distributed generation” owners for the excess energy they produce.
Duane Tilden‘s insight:
>Why the new focus on net metering? The cost for rooftop solar panels has fallen 80% since 2008, including 20% in 2012 alone. Installed rooftop solar energy has increased by 900% between 2000 and 2011. As consumers install more rooftop solar panels and net meter them, utility revenues will decrease.
Net metering policies vary from state-to-state, including the amount of the payback for excess energy. The most favorable policy for distributed generation owners is an excess energy credit equal to the full retail energy rate consumers pay for energy, i.e. the amount consumers are charged for using energy. Most states use this measure. However, utilities claim this prevents them from recovering their full costs and overpays distributed generation owners, unfairly shifting costs to other consumers. Utilities say the credit should be equal to the utilities’ wholesale energy cost at the time of day when excess energy flows back to the grid.
Despite attempts by utilities to change net metering policies, state regulators are keeping these policies intact. Earlier this month, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission rejected Idaho Power’s request to pay less than the full retail rate and to impose higher charges on net metering consumers. Last month, the Louisiana Public Service Commission rejected similar requests by Louisiana utilities. More recently, Arizona Public Service Company raised the issue in a ne[…]<


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Planned Maintenance Coming for Dookey Dash
Dookey Dash will undergo approximately two hours of planned maintenance starting around 10:15 a.m. ET, according to a tweet from Bored Ape Yacht Club.
❗Why It Matters
During the maintenance period, users will not be able to utilize the popular Yuga Labs' game and ApeCoin boosts purchased after the aforementioned tweet are not subject to refunds.
🧮 By The Numbers
Sewer Passes remain the top volume collection on OpenSea over the last 24 hours, with the Tier 1 (least rare) passes increasing over the last week to a floor of 2.78 ETH.
🍎 Learn More


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COMPANY NEWS; SEARS SEEKS TO END FOOTSTAR'S CONTRACT WITH KMART
Published: May 11, 2005
The Sears Holdings Corporation asked a federal judge to allow the company to remove the Footstar Corporation from 43 stores that are being renamed as part of the combination of Sears and Kmart stores. Sears told the United States Bankruptcy Court in White Plains that Footstar, which has a contract to sell shoes at Kmart, can no longer supply the staff for the shoe departments at the 43 stores. Kmart stores will be renamed Sears Essentials, starting in July. Sears is converting more than 400 Kmart stores to the Sears Essentials format to try to lure upscale shoppers. Footstar, based in Mahwah, N.J., filed for bankruptcy last year, and the contract is part of its plan to emerge from bankruptcy and repay creditors.


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KUCHING: Stakeholders must capitalise on digitalisation to promote tourism and remain competitive in the global market.
Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said tourism players must not be left behind as the industry moves towards an increasingly connected future, in which marketing platforms, customer personalisation and integrated technology play a central role.
“We have to plan and implement initiatives to boost the competitiveness of our tourism industry players in Sarawak, integrate them into global digital value chains and improve their ability and capability to create more business opportunities from digital tourism.
“We should be looking seriously at digital marketing strategies, online reputation and use of social media and mobile phones throughout customer experience,” Abang Johari said when opening the Digital Tourism Forum 2018 here.
Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah read his speech at the conference organised by Asean-China Entrepreneurs Association (ACEA).
The chief minister said one big advantage of digitalisation is the ability to harvest data and analytics, which will be key to attracting consumers through personalisation of services and experiences.
The increasing prevalence of mobile technologies and the amount of time spent by users to carry out research on tourism destinations must be factored in by stakeholders to adopt digital technology.
“We should also be looking into regulations to ensure a level playing field, big data ownership and access to technology,” he added.
Asean countries continue to be the top source of visitors to Sarawak, accounting for 49% or 2.4 million arrivals last year.
In 2017, Sarawak recorded 4.86 million tourist arrivals with a total spend of RM8.6bil.
He anticipated the state’s tourist arrivals to increase and had set a target of 5.25 million arrivals this year.
“Sarawak has plenty to offer with lush rainforests, diverse flora and fauna and multicultural ethnic groups, and the state is positioning itself as a culture, adventure and nature destination.
“Recently we have also embarked on sports tourism, where we have successfully bid for many international sports event,” Abang Johari, said adding they will continue to focus on health tourism too.
The opening ceremony also saw the launched of the mobile “Travel App”, developed by ACEA and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas).


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Calling all streetwalkers and sexually undiscriminating ladies: Obama’s got your hot and steamy nights covered.
A campaign called “Got Insurance” debuted new ads Tuesday hawking “free” birth-control pills, courtesy of Obamacare. The ads were launched by the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative and Progress Now.
One, titled “Let’s Get Physical,” is geared toward women craving “easy,” casual sex.
It features “Susie” and “Nate,” who are described as “hot to trot.” The ad declares:
“OMG, he’s hot! Let’s hope he’s as easy to get as this birth control. My health insurance covers the pill, which means all I have to worry about is getting him between the covers. I got insurance. Now you can too. Thanks Obamacare!”
Another ad depicts a woman who can barely contain her excitement as she stands next to a life-sized, cut-out portrait of actor Ryan Gosling. It states, “Hey girl, you’re excited about easy access to birth control and I’m excited about getting to know you. She got insurance. Now you can too. Thanks Obamacare!”
The new ads sparked a wave of comments on the Twitter hashtag #Hosurance, including the following:
- “Are you the victim of Democrats’ War on Women? Now you’re covered with Obamacare #Hosurance.”
- “#Hosurance, because you don’t think any more of yourself than Democrats do.”
#Hosurance ads are targeted to females just a few years older than Sasha and Malia Obama. Think about that.”
- “I’m enraged that you’d demean women this way.”
- “Surprised they didn’t use slutty Sandra Fluke for this ad.”
- “Does nobody worry about STDs? Ever? Hook up ‘culture’ grosses me out. Good job, feminists. Y’all are nasty.”
- “So those ‘bro-surance’ and now ‘ho-surance’ ads are an elaborate anti-Obamacare campaign, right?”
- “Sure, ladies, you may be paying $2,000 more a year in premiums, but remember the *free* birth control!”
- “Really? That idiocy was funded with taxpayer money?”
- “Everyone involved in this ad campaign should be fired. The developer, the copywriter, the photographer, everyone.”
- “Brosurance: ‘Let’s drink!’ Lady-brosurance: ‘I can get laid!’ Does this make anyone else uncomfortable?”
The “Ho”-bamacare ads are so outrageous, even a Planned Parenthood affiliate appeared to believe it was an effort by Obamacare critics to “slut shame”:
PPVotesColorado followed that tweet three hours later with this one:
Despite the widespread criticism, Adam Fox, director of strategic engagement for the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, told Business Insider, “It’s been fun watching it all play out. We’ve seen both positive and negative reactions, but if people are seeing and purchasing health insurance, that’s a good thing.”
Other controversial ads from the campaign made headlines during the Nov. 6 Obamacare congressional hearing with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.
Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., displayed the following ad featuring college students drinking and doing keg stands. The ad tells heavy drinkers, “Don’t tap into your beer money to cover those medical bills.”
Alcohol consumption appears to be a popular theme in the Obamacare ads from the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative:


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Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) – The BBN (Bangladesh Business News) has prepared the morning business round up compiling reports, published by different newspapers and news portals in Bangladesh.
IMF warns govt not to delay VAT law
International Monetary Fund urged Bangladesh government to be careful so the implementation of new value-added tax law is delayed further, said Finance Minister AMA Muhith. The law was supposed to be effective from the fiscal year 2016-17, but it was later deferred to next fiscal year due to opposition from the business community. The business has taken stand against the 15% flat rate set in the new law. The law is now set to come into effect from July 1.
Private power plants seek exemption from pre-storage obligation
Entrepreneurs of oil-fired power plants now seek exemption from pre-storage of imported oils before consumption. Officials said the owners of these private-sector plants want facility for loading fuels to lighter vessels from mother vessels and carry those direct to power-plant sites instead of prior storage in tanks.
Slow exports, remittance new challenges for Bangladesh
Slowdown in exports and weak remittance growth are the new challenges for Bangladesh’s economy, said Mitsuhiro Furusawa, deputy managing director of International Monetary Fund. Furusawa, who came to Dhaka on Sunday on a two-day visit, talked to The Daily Star in an exclusive interview at the IMF office in the capital.
12 banks warned for higher credit growth than deposits
Bangladesh Bank has warned 12 commercial banks due to their higher credit growth than collected deposits. The BB issued a letter to managing directors and chief executive officers of 12 banks on February 2 asking them to decrease their credit growth considering the deposit growth within the shortest possible time as they are now involving in aggressive banking. The central bank in its letter said that an imbalance situation had been created between deposit growth and credit growth of 12 banks as they disbursed more loans than their deposit collection from the clients.
BANGLADESH’S STOCKS SLIP INTO RED
Bangladesh’s stocks slipped into the red on Monday amid low turnover as risk-averse investor booked quick profit on sector specific large-cap issues. Brokers said stocks posted meager correction as cautious investors sold shares to bag some profit on quick gaining stocks. The market started with a positive note, but could not maintain the upbeat trend as cautious investors booked quick profit on sector specific large-cap issues, ultimately ended 14.87 points lower.
Rail runs at loss by overruling reforms
Seven reform measures taken since the country’s independence for appropriate institutional changes in Bangladesh Railway (BR) failed to deliver, leaving it as a loss-incurring entity as 45 years ago. Sources said the relevant authorities overruled a recommended autonomous BR management meant for operating the popular transport system to its full potential.
Business leaders get CIP cards
The government yesterday awarded 164 commercially important persons (CIPs) for their contribution to the economy. The CIPs — under the export and trade categories for the year 2013 — have been selected on the basis of their performance assessed by the Export Promotion Bureau. The award is given every year but it gets delayed by the lengthy inspection and verification procedures. Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed handed over the cards to the awardees at a programme at Radisson Hotel in Dhaka. Of the recipients, 125 businesspeople were given the cards in the export category and 39 in the trade category.
BANGLADESH: THE NEAR-BOYCOTT OF INTERNATIONAL BUYERS CAUSED A DRAWBACK
Until shortly before its start, the Dhaka Apparel Summit was on the brink: fashion companies like H&M, Inditex (Zara), C&A, Next and Tchibo, which account for billions of US dollars garment products purchases from Bangladeshi manufacturers annually, announced early the last week that they would not take part in the summit as a mark of protest against the arrest and harassment of workers. But in the end the companies changed their minds and took part. “The retailers have finally changed their decisions as the government assured them that steps have been taken for the release of the detained workers and worker leaders, who were arrested at Ashulia for their alleged involvement in labour unrest in December 2016,” Mostafiz Uddin, a organizer and Founder of the Bangladesh Denim Expo, told the SPORTSWEAR INTERNATIONAL on Sunday.


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Europe Eases Auto Sales Restrictions
Europe is starting to turn on the sales end of its gradual auto industry relaunch. But governments are going slow on incentives to spur demand.
Germany'scentral government lifted its nationwide ban on dealer sales of new and used vehicles on April 21. But it’s up to state-level authorities to decide when showrooms in their regions actually reopen.
Italy will lift its dealership shutdown on May 4. Fiat Chrysler Automobile says its approved showrooms and repair facilities will resume operations on that date.
France, where dealership sales have been banned since March 16, plans to remove its restriction on May 11. But Prime Minister Edouard Philippe cautions that showrooms in regions that show a new spike in COVID-19 infections will be locked down again.
The European Union has been cautious about rolling out government-funded incentives to stimulate car sales. Demand plunged 55% in March and fell further this month as the coronavirus pandemic spread.
Germany’s carmakers are working with their home-state governments to quickly launch “cash-for-clunkers” discounts and perhaps tax reductions to steer purchases toward fuel-efficient models. Similar schemes were last used in Europe, China and the U.S. a decade ago during the financial crisis to coax consumers to scrap their old cars and buy new ones.
As then, carmakers plan to match cash incentives to purchase. But Bloomberg News notes that the government in Europe fret over the optics of using public funds to prop up an industry that was highly profitable last year.
Officials also are making it clear that any campaigns that do result from discussions about incentives will apply only to high-efficiency models that help Europe meet its carbon dioxide emission targets. The broad, anything-goes discounts of a decade ago aren’t likely to be repeated.
Staying the Course
The timing of such stimuli also may not come as quickly as carmakers want. Manufacturers favor a quick and simple discount that applies pretty much to everything. That’s not what they’re likely to get.
In France, Finance and Economy Minister Bruno le Maire agrees that the country’s aerospace, auto and tourism industries need help. But he also says none will be available until France completes a comprehensive recovery plan in September.
Even then, the minister says, it will be important for EU’s most economically powerful members to coordinate their strategies. He also urges governments to seize the crisis as a moment to accelerate Europe’s effort to lower CO2 emissions.
Le Maire says it would be a “historic error” for the EU to turn to cheap oil and other fossil fuels that enable a “sloppy recovery” that buys a few years of economic revival but “will make us fall behind for future generations.”
If heritage means anything in this industry, then it is surprising that Buick doesn’t make more of its history because the story of the early years of the company is nothing short of astonishing.
Last year Buick sold 219,231 vehicles in the U.S.
The previous-generation Hyundai Elantra (2010 to 2015) had the edgy Fluidic Sculpture design forming its sheet metal; it’s bigger brethren, the Sonata, was more visible in this regard, though the smaller size of the Elantra gave the skin a greater tautness than was the case on the Sonata.


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Tesla Update | Self-Driving Software Update Is Now Being Rolled Out: This article give you information about the updating technology in Tesla. In this era, we need to be with technology and very essential for a person to know that what is going on with technology.
Though the company warns that it should use with caution. This weekend, reports say that Tesla owners who want to use a self-driving feature on their cars while driving around town.
They received an unexpected boost when the electric carmaker released a long-awaited software update for their vehicles.
According to some publication The Verge and Electrek, a news site dedicate to reporting on Tesla and other electric vehicles. The updates to the Full Self-Driving beta version 9 became available on Saturday.
Tesla Update | Self-Driving Software Update Is Now Being Rolled Out
New Features In Tesla
According to some website, the update enhances assisting driving capabilities for a select group of Tesla owners. Who have the opportunity to test new features before the general public?
Following a series of accidents involving Tesla vehicles, including some that occurring while the vehicles are in Autopilot mode. The company’s assist driving programs have come under fire.
Following those incidents, federal transportation officials have stated that Tesla has failed to adequately monitor drivers to ensure.
That they are thoroughly engaging and allow the Autopilot feature use on roads where it is not appropriate.
As per some reports, the carmaker appeared to address some of those concerns in notes accompanying the software update release and advising drivers to use the Full Self-Driving feature.
It is only if they pay constant attention to the road and act immediately, especially around blind corners, crossing intersections, and in narrow driving situations.
Track Levels Of Attentiveness
The in-car camera in Tesla vehicles, according to reports, activate in May to track drivers’ levels of attentiveness. When they used the partially self-driving technology.
According to reports, the new software update talks about for the past three years, with Elon Musk, Tesla’s founder. They are stating on numerous occasions that it was on its way.


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The week’s news included; T-Mobile data hack affects 50m customers, Big Four rejects shared audit proposals, Morrisons accepts £7bn takeover bid, Jeff Bezos sues NASA over $2.9bn contract.
Below are our top 10 stories that you need to know about. Be sure to check our twitter page, Facebook page and Instagram Page, for regular posts of important headlines. Get all the important stories and insights straight into your inbox by subscribing to our mailing list here.
Opinion articles of the week:
Opinion articles of the week:
- BBC News – Would you let a robot lawyer defend you?
- Business Insider – These 12 stocks will benefit most from Biden’s $1 trillion infrastructure plan, according to Bank of America.
- FT – Private equity and the raid on corporate Britain.
- City A.M – Net zero must be at the heart of Britain’s taxation system if we want to meet our carbon commitments.
1. MASTERCARD CLASS ACTION
The UK Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) has approved a £10 billion class action lawsuit against Mastercard. This is the first consumer class action in UK legal history and covers 46 million consumers. The claimants allege that Mastercard charged excessive interchange fees over a 16-year period. Interchange fees are paid by retailers to credit card companies, but costs are usually passed onto consumers, hence the massive range of eligible claimants.
The CAT rejected an attempt to make Mastercard eligible to pay out to deceased persons’ estates or pay compound interest. This slashes the claim size moving to trial by £5 billion to roughly £10 billion. Former financial ombudsman Walter Merricks is leading the legal action.
2. T-MOBILE DATA BREACH
T-Mobile has announced that nearly 50 million customers have had their data stolen in a hack. A huge chunk of data was on sale on the dark web. A hacker offered 30 million “fullz” (full identity data) of allegedly T-Mobile customers for 6BTC (roughly £195,000). The data includes first names, last names, dates of birth, SSN, and ID information. Credit card information is not thought to be stolen. T-Mobile has secured the vulnerability that allowed hackers to access the data and is working with law enforcement to identify them.
3. TESLA’S AUTOPILOT INVESTIGATED
Tesla’s autopilot driving feature is being investigated by the US government over severe safety concerns. The automaker’s Models Y, Z, S and 3 will be reviewed. Roughly 760,000 vehicles will be investigated in the probe, covering almost every vehicle sold by Tesla in the US since 2014.
There are concerns the systems struggle to identify parked emergency vehicles and hazard cones. Since 2018, Teslas on Autopilot have crashed into 11 emergency or hazard scenes, injuring 17 and killing one. The investigation will be led by the National Transportation Safety Board. Drivers are required to be at the wheel and pay attention to the road even on Autopilot. Despite this, Tesla drivers have been found ignoring the roads or even some cases sitting in the backseat. The investigation will comprehensively review the system and whether it is safe for the roads.
4. BIG FOUR REJECT SHARED AUDITS
Deloitte, EY, PwC, and KPMG have rejected government plans to force them to share audits with smaller firms. The auditor sector has come under increased after several high-profile collapses such as Carillion and BHS. Auditors here failed to pick up on dire financial problems. The government has been working with the audit regulator, the FRC, to devise reforms for the sector.
The Big Four audit all of the FTSE 100 and nearly all of the FTSE 250. A shared audit would be designed to increase the capacity and experience of smaller auditors. Consequently, the firms would be able to compete more effectively against the Big Four and reduce their dominance in the market.
The Big Four firms said they would not support the proposals on the grounds of practicality. Each auditor needs a holistic view of the client’s business and accounts, meaning auditors will both need to conduct full separate audits. Such duplication of work would likely lead to higher costs for clients and unviable complexity. PwC have claimed this pitch amongst others, such as a wholesale breakup of the Big Four, will not improve standards. In our article we argue that only a change in culture will suffice.
5. MORRISONS ACCEPTS £7BN TAKEOVER BID
Morrisons has accepted a £7bn takeover bid from US private equity group Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R). The board overwhelmingly voted in favour of the bid. The bidding war has ensued for months for the UK’s fourth largest supermarket. CD&R had previously bid £5.5 billion for Morrisons in July but this was rejected as shareholders felt it undervalued the company. US investment group Fortress then swooped in with a £6.7 billion bid which was accepted by shareholders. Now however, with CD&R’s improved bid, the board have accepted this and changed their recommendation. The deal will be voted upon in October at the next meeting.
CD&R recognised the branding and culture at Morrisons and is keen to retain that going forward. Morrisons holds a 10% share of the UK supermarket sector and turned over £17.54bn last year.
6. BLUE ORIGIN SUES NASA
Jeff Bezos’ space tourism company Blue Origin is suing Nasa over its decision to grant Elon Musk’s SpaceX a $2.9bn contract. The contract will see SpaceX take astronauts to the moon. Blue Origin claims the decision-making process was “unlawful and improper” and wants issues identified to be addressed “to restore fairness”. Blue Origin had already unsuccessfully protested the decision last month but so is now taking its protest to the courts. NASA said SpaceX offered the cheapest contract and costs were a primary factor. Regardless, NASA has until October 12 to respond to the lawsuit. Musk also struck back via Twitter saying: “If lobbying & lawyers could get u to orbit, Bezos would be on Pluto rn.” This project marks the first-time manned attempt to go to the moon since 1972.
7. TOYOTA SLASHES PRODUCTION
Toyota has announced that it will slash its global vehicle production by 40% in September due to the semiconductor chip shortage. The automotive sector has been reeling from a global slump in the supply of chips. Increased demand for chips along with the pandemic have all contributed to the problem. Toyota has said it will aim to produce 540,000 cars next month, 360,000 less than originally planned. The problem is rife across the sector as GM Ford, Nissan and BMW have all cut production due to the shortage. Although Toyota aims to make up for the production cuts by the end of the year, the coronavirus situation in Asia could impact these plans. For more information on the shortage check out our recent article.
8. LLOYDS BANK PIVOTS TO RENTAL
Lloyds Banking Group is set to become the one of the UK’s largest private landlords as it seeks to buy 50,000 homes. The bank is already the UK’s largest mortgage lender, so it has strong experience in the real estate sector. Lloyds will launch its rental arm under a new Citra Living brand and aims to buy 50,000 homes by 2030. This would make its portfolio over five times larger THAN the current market leader Grainger. Retailer John Lewis also recently announced plans to buy and build a total of 10,000 homes over the coming years. Businesses are recognising the lucrative potential of the rental sector and are looking to cash in.
9. NANDOS FACES CHICKEN SHORTAGE
Nandos was forced to close 50 restaurants last week due to a shortage of chicken. Stores are now open, but it was so severe, Nandos offered to send its own staff to suppliers to help. Whether this offer was taken up has not been revealed. They aimed to restore normal levels of supply. Fast food rival KFC also cut its menu due to the shortage. The “pingdemic” had a severe impact on supply chains and agriculture was no exemption. Chicken producers are also blaming post-Brexit immigration rules for staff shortages that are ultimately causing a shortage in supply.
10. MISSGUIDED ASDA DEAL
Online fashion brand Missguided has struck a deal with Asda which will see its products available in George at Asda both online and in over 100 stores. Missguided’s best selling products will be stocked and are currently on sale. This is part of Asda’s long-term strategy to attract younger shoppers to George. Traditional high street retailers should certainly learn from such partnerships as these could provide long-term viability. With the growing popularity of online retailers, stocking their popular products could draw in a wider customer base and ultimately boost their bottom lines.


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Brides of North Texas Fall/Winter 2015 Cover Reveal
It’s finally here! We’ve been sharing little sneak peeks of what you’ll find in the upcoming Fall/Winter 2015 issue over the last week and we are beyond thrilled to finally reveal our beautiful cover bride and her groom, Lensey and Jason Morris, captured by North Texas wedding photographer Tracy Enoch Photography! We received hundreds of amazing submissions from beautiful Texas brides, but couldn’t find an image more fitting to grace the cover of our Fall/Winter 2015 issue! Lensey and Jason tied the knot this spring with a gorgeous wedding at the Dallas Arboretum. Be sure to check it out on pages 20-21 in the new issue to be released this August. Congrats to Tracy Enoch for capturing this stunning cover shot! Make plans to pick up a copy of the new issue when it hits newsstands this August or be one of the first to get your hands on the new issue by pre-ordering today and take advantage of free shipping for a limited time! Cheers!


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GC Survey: 61% Not Encouraged by Free Bets/Bonuses
A recent consumer survey conducted by the Gambling Commission found that 65% of respondents said they had received an incentive to gamble in the past year, with the most common being free bets or spins.
Over two-thirds of online players have received some form of an offer in the past 12 months, but the majority claim free bets or bonuses do not influence their gambling habits. 61% agreed with the statement: “Free bets/bonuses don’t change the amount I gamble.”
These accounted for 58% of reported incentives, but sign-up offers trailed closely behind at 54%, while “reminders to gamble with a bonus included” came in third at 41%.
Emails were the most commonly reported route via which companies sent offers, with 47% of consumers saying this was how they had received them.
Targeted social media ads accounted for 21%, text messages 17%, gambling app notifications 16%, targeted search engine ads 15% and non-gambling app notifications at 8%.
In terms of frequency, 84% of those players who answered email reported receiving an offer at least once a month, 51% said they had received an offer at least once a week, and only 8% said they had received daily offers. A similar trend occurred across the four primary forms of communication.
In addition, gamblers were reportedly more likely to receive incentives for online betting than any other activity, with 73% of respondents citing this as most expected.
Online slots, bingo and casino, came in second, third and fourth, at 39%, 37% and 30%, respectively.
Moreover, those aged between 18 and 44 were more likely to agree that they liked receiving offers. Still, according to the Gambling Commission’s data, they were also most likely to agree that free bets or bonuses encourage them to gamble more than they want to.
Recently, the Gambling Commission also surveyed another hot topic, where it found that most players disagree with blanket affordability checks, read more here.


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The City of Fort Collins has partnered with local restaurant delivery service Nosh NoCo to launch a program to assist local restaurants and encourage community members to support them.
Fort Collins community members will receive free food delivery from Monday, December 14 through Wednesday, December 16, when they place an order with Nosh NoCo. Customers must order from a restaurant within the Fort Collins city limits to qualify for free delivery.
Ordering takeout or delivery from Nosh NoCo helps restaurants keep more profit from each order compared to most third-party delivery services. Northern Colorado restaurants locally own nosh NoCo to keep food delivery economically sustainable for restaurants while keeping local dollars within Northern Colorado.
The City will also pay the restaurant’s portion of the delivery fees, which eliminates fees that restaurants would normally pay for Nosh NoCo to take, process, and fulfill a takeout or delivery order on their platform from now through Wednesday, December 30. The City will also be covering the processing fee and the first $0.50 of the delivery fee charged to Fort Collins residents placing orders on the Nosh NoCo platform.
The City of Fort Collins has negotiated a discounted delivery cost of 15% and takeout cost of 12.5% for restaurants that utilize Nosh NoCo services. Fort Collins restaurants will have discounted delivery costs starting on Thursday, December 31.
All licensed restaurants within Fort Collins can participate in the program regardless of if they have an existing contract with Nosh NoCo or any other third-party delivery vendor. Restaurants in Fort Collins that are not currently signed up with Nosh NoCo can also be added to the platform at no cost until Wednesday, December 30, 2021.
For more information regarding Nosh NoCo, including singing up a Fort Collins restaurant for Nosh NoCo delivery and takeout services, visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdui2XlEINB3uGG96u4zFDGhamqZeQOG5GSNuLxFaG-Gb4-1Q/viewform


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Amazon Delivers & Donates over 140,000 Emergency Aid Supplies to Aid Hurricane Ida Efforts
Sep 2, 2021 By MarketDepth
Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) reported the rapid delivery of over 140,000 relief items from its disaster relief Hub to help partner, Save the Children respond to Hurricane Ida’s damage. Amazon has donated critical emergency supplies to support Save the Children as the organization helps devastated communities recover as quickly as possible.
More Relief Supplies Being Donated
Amazon plans to donate more relief supplies upon request by other humanitarian aid partners. “Hurricane Ida made landfall on the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which hit the same region as one of the most destructive storms in U.S. history. It has been heartbreaking to watch the effect Hurricane Ida has had on so many Americans, and we know many people need help right now,” said Abe Diaz, disaster relief lead at Amazon.
“The Disaster Relief Hub allows Amazon to anticipate needs, respond faster, and deliver relief to communities impacted by hurricanes and other natural disasters. We hope that our operations and logistics capabilities help our humanitarian community partners quickly render aid and begin lifting up communities struggling amid this disaster.”
“In the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, many children and families are unsure of what the future may hold, and it’s critical they get the support they need to recover”Jeanne-Aimee De Marrais, senior director of U.S. emergencies for Save the Children
“In times of crisis like this, strong partnerships can make a world of difference. Save the Children is proud and grateful to work with Amazon and its Disaster Relief Hub to ensure kids and their families can quickly get essential child-focused supplies that will aid in their recovery.”


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A new report is highlighting the continuing affordability of electric vehicles in addition to the fact that running costs remain stable when compared to internal combustion engine vehicles.
The Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA) released a report showing that EVs continue to be more affordable for drivers. It also highlighted that EVs are more price stable when looking at the cost to operate as gasoline prices have fluctuated greatly for more than a year while the cost per kilowatt-hour of electricity has remained stable.
In other words, electricity is more insulated from price fluctuations compared to gas-powered vehicles, noted Albert Gore, executive director of ZETA. “Ensuring that [families] can travel affordably requires better protection from fluctuating oil prices. Electric vehicles provide that protection.”
EVs, the group highlighted, operate independently of global oil and gas markets, making their operating costs not subject to fossil fuel price shocks, disruptions and supply shortages.
It also noted that driving an EV can be 4.5 times cheaper than a gas-powered vehicle. “EVs are markedly cheaper to drive per mile — and experience far greater price stability — than gas-powered vehicles,” ZETA’s report synopsis said.


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The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has imposed a penalty of PKR 2.7 million on nine companies for deceiving consumers by fraudulently using the trademark of another company.
Bahawalpur-based Al-Rehman Oil Mills complained to CCP against nine companies namely Niaz Corporation, Hamza Corporation, Muslim Corporation, Mian Traders, Bahawalpur Oil Mills, Riaz Oil Mills, Baloch Oil Mills, Azhar Kiryana Store, and Waqas Oil Mills for fraudulently using its registered trademark, ‘Taizgaam,’ with slight modifications in their marketing material. The complainant said that this practice by these companies was harming its business interest and its hard-earned goodwill among consumers.
The CCP’s enquiry found that the nine companies were infringing the trademark and imitating the trade dress (packaging size, color combinations, logo design, label design, text, font type, size etc.) of Al-Rehman’s Taizgaam, resorting to copycat packaging or parasitic copying, which is a violation of Section 10 of the Competition Act, 2010. Show cause notices were issued to them on the recommendation of the enquiry report.
During the hearings, majority of these companies expressed their willingness to comply with CCP’s directions. The CCP’s bench imposed a penalty of PKR 300,000 on each of the nine companies for violating Section 10 of the Competition Act and directed them to stop using “Taizgaam” with their products.
The CCP’s order said that parasitic copying of the packaging and labelling of Al-Rehman Oil Mills products was misleading, deceptive, and could harm its business interests. Such conduct was intended to take advantage of the goodwill attached to the complainant’s trademark. The companies were also directed to file individual compliance reports with CCP within 30 days.
CCP is mandated under the Competition Act to ensure free competition in all spheres of commercial and economic activity, to enhance economic efficiency and to protect consumers from anti-competitive practices including deceptive marketing practices.