text:
Kanye West’s A.P.C. Line Sells Out…Even His ‘Hip-Hop T-Shirt’
By Sowmya Krishnamurthy
Kanye West’s new capsule line with French brand A.P.C. has been wildly popular since its reveal yesterday, but a specific item has been the talk of the town: The “Hip Hop T-Shirt,” a shirt made of Egyptian cotton, which retails for $120 and is available in white and dark navy. And apparently, ‘Ye fans love it.
According to People, Ye’s collection has sold out and A.P.C. is currently restocking items. “The nine-piece capsule collection (which A.P.C. designer Jean Touitou said was two years in the making) crashed the site and sold out promptly, though A.P.C. is still taking pre-orders for the next shipment until Wednesday at 1:00 p.m.” shares People.
Fans on Twitter blasted the shirt for being overpriced and many compared it to a plain white tee. “LMAO…dying over the fact Kanye is selling a plain white t-shirt for $120 called “Hip Hop T-Shirt” and y’all buying into it,” said Whadafunk.
Rev Mike Cohen and others found the shirt contradictory, given Ye’s recent song “New Slaves” which critiques materialism. “Kanye ‘Plain White T’ goes for $120. what about #newslaves?” Cohen asked.
Guns And Crayons added, “Gotta love Kanye West he will make a song like new slaves then turn around and sell you a $120 white tee made of Egyptian cotton smh.”


text:
New partnership agreed
Waracle offers online boost to ScottishPower
The deal will also see ScottishPower build upon the opportunities presented by SMART metering.
David Romilly, business development director at Waracle, which was recently acquired by Exception, said that the company was keen to bring the experiences of partnerships it had established in the financial services and pharmaceuticals industries to the utilities sector.
He said: “It’s been a big year. We became part of the Exception Group, moved offices and continue to expand our team. We are delighted that we have this opportunity to share our expertise and innovation with such an important customer.”
ScottishPower has already developed mobile apps, including its ‘Your Energy’ service offering, which enables customers to remotely control their heating (water and heating), review and submit meter readings, manage energy usage, make payments, review and change tariffs.
Craig Paterson, head of digital at ScottishPower said: “We see mobile, wearable and IoT as crucial to our ability to offer great service to our customers and are excited about the opportunities this new partnership brings.”
Photo: L to R – Mike Wharton – Waracle Technical Director, David Romilly – Business Development Director at Waracle, Craig Paterson – Head of Digital at Scottish Power

domain: news


text:
The Brexit effect on the UK property market could knock Travis Perkins and Intu Properties out of the FTSE 100 this week in the latest stock market reshuffle.
Building materials company Travis Perkins, shopping centre owner Intu Properties and precious metals producer Polymetal International all stand to be downgraded from the blue chip index when the FTSE Russell EMEA Committee confirms the results of its quarterly review, according to the Share Centre.
Companies listed on the UK stock market are reviewed four times a year and reshuffled among the indexes based on their market capitalisation, a measurement derived from the price of a company's shares.
Helal Miah, an investment research analyst at The Share Centre, said: "The property sector as a whole has been hit hard since Brexit and Travis Perkins' performance has not been helped by the knock on effect of weaker construction and overall sentiment.
"In the aftermath of the vote, we felt it prudent to advise investors to take a step back - at least until the picture becomes a little clearer."
Travis Perkins shares have fallen over 26% since the vote on June 23.
The post-referendum drop in commercial property prices has also impacted Intu Properties, which owns shopping centres across the UK and Spain.
"Most business retail properties have been devalued post Brexit albeit some have regained losses since. Furthermore, there continues to be tough conditions on the high street as the trend of consumers moving to online shopping is hurting physical outlets and as a result rental yields could go down so it really is a mixture of several factors," Mr Miah said.
Shares in Intu properties have fallen more than 14% since the EU referendum.
Polymetal International also stands to be bumped from the blue chip index just months after being upgraded to the FTSE 100 back in September, following a drop in the gold price.
Gold prices have failed to gain momentum despite a small spike at the start of November when US election jitters sent investors running towards safe haven assets. Gold has dropped nearly 12% since its mid-year peak in July.
Polymetal International shares are down over 37% since their mid-August peak.
Other companies that are in the running to be demoted from the index include Dixons Carphone, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, and outsourcing giant Capita.
Relegated stocks are likely to be replaced by the likes of paper-based packaging company Smurfit Kappa, which has benefited from a surge in online shopping, as well as automotive classified advertising business Auto Trader, thanks to an active second hand car market, the Share Centre said.
Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust, which is weighted towards international investments, is also in the running as it stands to benefit from the weaker pound.
"Weir Group, Rentokil Initial and Just Eat are suspended just below the promotion zone so these companies could also be in the race and it will be worth keeping an eye on their prices over the next few days," Mr Miah said.
The next set of stock promotions and relegation will be announced after the market closes on November 30, and are set to take effect on December 19.


text:
It’s a limited test for now, but Netflix said it’s bringing the features to these three markets so it can understand how well they work before potentially rolling them out to the rest of the world. Now the people sharing passwords may have to pay a charge that is slightly below the ad-supported plan. According to estimates put forward by the company, over 100 million Netflix viewers watch shows and movies on the streaming service app or website using passwords borrowed from friends and family. This arrangement will be put to an end starting in 2023. The United States may be used as the testing ground for the decision.
Netflix has for much of its history turned a blind eye to password-sharing. But with the company now serving nearly 222 million subscribers and competing in a crowded market, it’s thinking of new ways to bring in revenue for premium content so in can bring in new users, keep old ones happy and compete with rivals like Disney+.
Netflix has started testing their feature of additional fees for password sharing in a few Latin American countries and they are charging around $3 extra. Under this arrangement. now the actual subscriber in these countries will have to provide a verification code to anyone outside the household wanting to access the account. Its investors are worried about slowing growth. Netflix’s stock is down 41% this year, and the company issued a subscriber outlook in January that was weaker than expected.
Netflix announced in its Q1 2022 earning report that it lost 200,000 subscribers due to fierce competition and the war in Ukraine. The loss of 700,000 subscribers was one of the reasons they suspended services in Russia. The second quarter was even worse, with the company losing nearly 1 million subscribers, the biggest loss in company history. Following the report, Netflix’s stock tumbled 26%, erasing about $40 billion of stock market value.
Netflix has known it for long that their password sharing feature is a reason for their low profits but they were hesitating in executing the decision since this would make the customers angry. Then the company ignored the problem after pandemic struck, leading to a surge of subscribers in 2020.
Netflix said in its blog post that features like separate profiles and multiple streams for its standard and premium plans were intended for people who live together, but they have “created some confusion about when and how Netflix can be shared. As a result, accounts are being shared between households — impacting our ability to invest in great new TV and films for our members.”
With “Extra Member,” people who subscribe to Netflix’s standard and premium plans can pay to add an account for up to two people they don’t live with. Though the third quarter of 2022 brought the news to the company reporting the addition of 2.41 million global subscribers. However, Netflix CEO Spencer Neumann, said during the company’s earnings call that they’re “still not growing as fast as they’d like,” which brings us to the decision to kill password sharing.


text:
If you’re my age or older then you probably remember the days when Biggie Smalls and Lil’ Kim used to rap about each other. Well, turns out Lil’ Kim is back in the spotlight. However, this time, it’s not for busting a few good rhymes. She’s got the lights on her today and it’s all over an incident that people are pointing figures about. Yes, it has to do with her skin.
Lil’ Kim Unrecognizable Because Due To Skin Bleaching
The female rapper is without a doubt one of the most talented female rappers on this planet. However, she’s not being recognized one bit for her musical talents. That’s because of what she’s recently done to her skin.
Lil’ Kim posted a picture of herself on her Instagram feed and many of her fans are accusing her of attempting to look “white” which obviously rejects her true skin color.
The people that were interviewed by Pix11 about the situation didn’t think any differently. Many African Americans are speaking out about the issue and they are letting their voices be heard. This isn’t the first time that an African American was called out for their skin treatments and conditions.
Now you’re probably questioning why I’m even reporting on this. Well, truth be told, I’m not reporting because of the racial issues that this may be causing Lil’ Kim and those that are involved. I’m reporting this because I think it’s important that people understand that skin bleaching isn’t a 100% safe procedure. In fact, skin bleaching is known to cause serious problems.
Overuse of any of the products can put you at risk of getting cancer. It’s also been known to result in drier skin and has even left those who undergo the procedure with a blue tint in their skin.
Whether you are a Lil’ Kim supporter or not, it’s truly best to avoid bleaching your skin and only doing so when completely necessary.
Here’s a video of the story and interviews that took place.


text:
Class Actions Over Business Interruptions Target Six Insurers
April 23, 2020—Six small businesses are among the latest to sue insurers and seek compensation for business interruption claims due to the coronavirus, reported Insurance Journal.
The class action lawsuits have been filed against Aspen American Insurance, Auto-Owners Insurance, Lloyd’s of London, Society Insurance, Oregon Mutual Insurance, and Topa Insurance Co.
The plaintiffs include a San Diego restaurant and nightclub; a Cleveland-area bridal retailer; a Madison, Wisc., bakery and cafe; a Minnesota chain of restaurants and bars; a St. Paul, Minn. dental practice; a Portland, Ore. restaurant; and a New York restaurant group and pizzeria, according to the report.
The lawsuits claim that the businesses purchased business income insurance coverage, which promises to pay for losses due to necessary suspension of operations.


text:
NAPA Auto Parts has signed with Nationwide Series rookie Chase Elliott for full-season sponsorship, and ESPN.com's Brant James wrote the brand following last year's Michael Waltrip Racing scandal "needed an assurance ... of good citizenship." JR Motorsports co-Owner Kelley Earnhardt Miller said, "This situation really kind of came together for us in the last 30 days full force, and to really get serious about it, we had to stand up to a lot of different things for NAPA as they have very high standards. We had to prove to them that we are going to go out and do what we said we could do and be a great representative for them." James wrote JR Motorsports offers NAPA "a place to cleanse itself of the stain of the MWR scandal while remaining in a series it has used as a ubiquitous marketing platform for 19 years" (ESPN.com, 1/7).
LINSANE IN THE MEMBRANE: BLOOMBERG NEWS' Scott Soshnick noted Rockets G Jeremy Lin's new endorsement deal with adidas "includes public appearances in Asia." Lin said, "I definitely have the international appeal. There will be tours in Asia -- that's part of the package." Lin will have "input on product development and design" (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 1/6).
ON THE AUCTION BLOCK: Bloomingdale's in celebration of Super Bowl XLVIII is collaborating with the NFL and the Council of Fashion Designers of America to auction off 48 one-of-a-kind helmets at bloomingdales.com. Each helmet will be customized by a fashion designer, and fans can bid on them from Jan. 15 through Feb. 4, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the NFL Foundation. The helmets will be unveiled in Bloomingdale's windows on Jan. 15 at 5:00pm ET (Bloomingdale's).
CHECKMATE: Espen Agdestein, the manager for chess player Magnus Carlsen, said that his "ability to attract commercial sponsorships -- in 2013, he brought in revenues of about [U.S.$2.41M] -- is 'pioneering' for chess." The FINANCIAL TIMES' Martin Sandbu notes Carlsen "models for the Dutch clothing company G-Star RAW, whose advertising campaign has partnered him with British model Lily Cole." Carlsen this month "heads to California to meet the big names in Silicon Valley." Arctic Securities Head of Int'l Sales Gaute Ulltveit-Moe, whose company organized a chess event this week in London, said that the association with Carlsen had "brought the firm new clients." Ulltveit-Moe said, “People have called saying, ‘I see you sponsor Magnus Carlsen; I want to do business with you'" (FINANCIAL TIMES, 1/8).


text:
A “new life” may be what most of the world is seeking as the pandemic, hopefully, lifts its lock on humanity and fades to a bad memory.
One Nokesville family is eager to create a new life for themselves and their village that will help speed, in a small way, the transition back to normal.
Tom Millar, 55, and Paula Millar, 53, are the force behind the new business. Their homeschooled children, now grown up, are their enthusiastic partners. The close-knit family hopes to offer a home-like atmosphere in their soon-to-open shop, which will feature unique gifts, art and all manner of espressos.
The store will be run by Paula Millar and her two daughters, Danielle Millar and Rebecca Ferguson, and her daughter-in-law, Jessica Millar, who is married to the couple’s oldest son Alex. Their fourth offspring, Jerrod, is in his early 20s.
Many people had expressed interest in a local coffee shop, Paula Millar said, and that helped drive their dream forward. There are no comparable businesses in the area.
The shop is expected to launch with a soft opening in June after the interior build-out is completed and they finish procuring coffee-making equipment, gifts and art.
The 1,500-square-foot shop will be located at 13059 Fitzwater Drive at the Va. 28 intersection in Nokesville.
The Millar family has lived in Nokesville for 18 years. Daughters Rebecca and Danielle have worked in coffee shops before, bringing experience to the family’s first business venture.
“I’ve always enjoyed art and painting,” said Paula Millar. “Tom is one of the pastors at our church, Evergreen Community in Manassas, and a full-time real estate agent. I also ran a children’s church for about 20 years.”
“We considered running a coffee shop back in 2005 as I was getting close to retirement as an Air Force major,” said Tom Millar.
Now those earlier musings are becoming a reality.
Everyone in the family is a coffee lover, so envisioning the next chapter of their lives as a business centered on java and art made sense.
Paula Millar had spent years tracking quaint coffee shops and checking out the atmosphere while enjoying a cuppa brew.
“I loved how each one had a different vibe, a different feel,” she said.
Rebecca Millar echoes her mother’s feelings.
“I worked in a coffee shop full-time for almost a year. It was an experience I will not forget. The relationships I built with the customers are ongoing today. The friendships, getting to know people’s names and their daily orders was fun. I had many wonderful conversations with customers at the coffee bar.”
She added, “Relationships are important to our family. We know people are made in God's image, and He loves them and us. To have a place where people are drawn to the coffee while enjoying a warm and welcoming atmosphere will be great.”
She underscores that, unlike major coffee chains, people visit the smaller shops to sit and visit while getting their coffee fix.
Paula Millar has a broad number of connections within the art community and said she expects to draw on them to find art items to sell.
Additionally, a line of paints will be available for restoring furniture and recycling home décor items. Transfers, molds, stamps and related materials for embellishing crafts, cabinets, and other furniture projects will be for sale.
The Millars will also be offering local artisans the opportunity to feature their products in the store. Items will include pottery, painted signs, water bottles, towels and more.
“It’s an eclectic mix that works well together,” said Paula Millar.
The coffee shop area will seat up to 25 people and is being planned to include a children’s play corner. They hope to offer classes on at painting, furniture painting, macrame, jewelry making and more in the fall. The classes will be held after hours in the evening.
Edible selections will also include a selection of pastries, including gluten-free and vegan choices.
The coffees will be produced using a professional espresso machine and include cappuccinos, frozen coffee beverages and various teas.
The Millars volunteered the costs of starting their small venture, offering a peek to others who might be considering doing something similar.
The startup costs will be about $110,000. A coffee shop consultant cost $5,000 (and included the equipment); $9,000 was for the architect and about $40,000 for the interior design build-out.
The Millars have put $25,000 of their personal funds into the shop. They also secured a $50,000 loan but are hoping not to use it all.
To further help with expenses, they created a crowdfunding page at Indiegogo.com.
People interested in supporting their efforts can make contributions at their indegogo.com page.
Their goal is to raise $30,000 and they are already more than a third of the way there.
The shop will be opened six days a week, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Sundays.
After the shop opens its doors in June, a grand opening is scheduled for July. For more information on the shop, visit their Facebook page.
Tom Millar said, “We love the community aspect of our new business and are looking forward to providing something the local community has been clamoring for a long time.”
Reach John Hagarty at firstname.lastname@example.org


text:
While social media offers many advantages for businesses, there can also be significant pitfalls that come with a poorly conceived social media campaign.
The following five campaigns are a point of reference on what not to do.
One of the most recent social media missteps was made by our very own Coles supermarket chain. On Twitter, they intended to inspire engagement from followers by asking them to finish the following sentence: “in my house it’s a crime not to buy...”
This led to a number of negative comments. @TarraMacca wrote, “In my house, its a crime to not to buy LOCALLY - and I don’t mean from a @coles supermarket.” @Pollytics wrote, “Food from markets while Coles exploits mental illness via pokies.”
Coles did try to back-pedal later, but the damage had already effectively been done.
Earlier this year, McDonald’s started a Twitter conversation using #McDStories which encouraged users to share their McDonald’s stories. Unfortunately for them, some users didn’t really have flattering things to say.
@SkipSullivan wrote, “One time I walked into McDonalds and I could smell Type 2 diabetes floating in the air and I threw up.” User @alexroth3 wrote, “Dude, I used to work at McDonald’s. The #McDStories I could tell would raise your hair.” Needless to say, McDonald’s backed out of the campaign.
Although this certainly wasn’t the intention, Coca-Cola caused a number of Australian Facebook users to throw obscenities towards one another in response to a post by Coke that encouraged users to add a word to the comment of the person above them to write a happy story. Instead it fell into online anarchy and Coca-Cola removed the offensive comments.
4. Dr Pepper
An older but still very relevant example, Dr Pepper ran a campaign on its UK Facebook page that allowed users to opt in and allow the brand to take over their status updates. While some were amusing - “Lost my special blankie. How will I go to sleepies?” - the campaign eventually got out of hand when an offensive update was made on a 14-year-old girl’s page.
While we won’t post it here, it resulted in the 14-year-old girl's mother being offended, parent company Coke apologising for the incident, and the campaign being shut down.
Occurring at the end of last year, QANTAS held a Twitter campaign akin to McDonald’s and Coles. QANTAS were offering a first class luxury flight package for the person who could best explain what a luxury flight experience would be for them. Entrants had to use #QantasLuxury in their tweets.
Certain Users took this as a way to take stabs at the company, including, “#qantasluxury is a QANTAS plane that actually flies” by @jaseellis. QANTAS were not concerned by the negative comments and thanked those who participated.
Giving power over to your audience can be a risky procedure, especially if they have any gripes with your business. So any time you encourage discussion on social media, make sure you have a damage control plan just in case.
Know of any other social media campaigns that have gone awry? Share with us in the comments below.
* Image sources:


text:
Website Lets Military Prove Their Service To Online Retailers
The new website ID.me allows service members and veterans to verify they're in the military, in order to obtain exclusive discounts from online retailers.
Stars and Stripes reports Army Ranger veterans Matt Thompson and Blake Hall developed their idea for ID.me (previously called TroopID.com) in 2011 while both men were students at Harvard Business School.
Thompson and Hall created their database with the help of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the United Services Automobile Association.
MarketWatch.com lauds ID.me as...
...a Single-Sign-On solution that solves the digital credentialing problem by instantaneously verifying a customer's eligibility against an authoritative database and relaying a trusted response to the retailer.
San Diego-based Navy Lt. Kristen Michele Murdock told Stars and Stripes that ID.me was a lifesaver while she was recently deployed in Afghanistan:
“I’ve used discounts or deals on everything from travel to clothing, picture frames to massages, Christmas gifts to frozen yogurt …
In Afghanistan… going to a real mall just isn’t an option.”


text:
Google Books: Authors Guild v. Google Case Back in Court Today, Fair Use is the Focus
UPDATE September 24, 2013 7pm
ARL Has Posted the Complete Transcript of Yesterday’s Hearing (PDF)
UPDATE September 23, 2013 7pm
Coverage of Today’s Authors Guild v. Google Hearing Re: Fair Use
1. U.S. judge boosts Google ‘fair use’ defense of digital books (via Reuters)
At a hearing in U.S. district court in New York on Monday, Judge Denny Chin said the question of fair use relies in part on whether the project “is a benefit to society.”
Chin then rattled off several examples of how Google’s project has helped people find information, including his own law clerks.
“Aren’t these transformative uses, and don’t they benefit society?” asked Chin.
An attorney for the guild said that while some uses may benefit society in some instances, it should not override authors’ rights to control the content they created.
“Then there’s a question of whether Google has to pay for it,” Edward Rosenthal, an attorney representing the Authors Guild, told the court.
The back-and-forth between Rosenthal and Chin dominated a 45-minute hearing on the eight-year old proceeding.
Another question Chin fixated on was the guild’s argument that the Google service harms authors by diverting business away from Amazon and other booksellers once consumers realize they can find excerpts on the Google site for free.
Chin conceded that it is possible that a reader might decide to abandon a possible purchase because of the Google site, but questioned whether such an outcome was a “reasonable” possibility.
At Monday’s hearing, a lawyer for the authors harrumphed that Google was “the copy shop of the twenty-first century” and that the company is getting rich off book-related searches. This argument may be wearing thin, however, given that there’s little evidence that Google’s book search function undercuts online book sales.
Monday’s hearing was shorter than anticipated and its biggest surprise may have been the high profile Googlers in attendance. Head counsel and SVP David Drummond was there, as well as renowned copyright scholar Bill Patry. So was Alexander MacGillivray, a longtime Google lawyer who recently stepped down as general counsel of Twitter.
The company is set to argue today in federal court in Manhattan that the fair-use provision of the Copyright Act shields it from liability for copyright infringement. Authors and a trade group oppose the project, claiming Google has taken away their rights for its own gain without compensating them.
U.S. Circuit Judge Denny Chin will preside over a hearing at which Google seeks to end an eight-year-old lawsuit by the Authors Guild and individual writers. If Chin eventually finds Google liable for infringement, it could cost the company more than $3 billion in damages and end a project on which it has spent as much as $40 million annually.
The issue of fair use is being argued today because of a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals in New York. Chin certified the suit as a class action, meaning that the named authors — Jim Bouton, Betty Miles and Joseph Goulden — could stand for all authors of books in Google’s project. Google appealed and the appeals court overturned Chin’s ruling in July, saying that the District Court should rule on the fair-use argument first.
About Gary Price
Gary Price (firstname.lastname@example.org) is a librarian, writer, consultant, and frequent conference speaker based in the Washington D.C. metro area. He earned his MLIS degree from Wayne State University in Detroit. Price has won several awards including the SLA Innovations in Technology Award and Alumnus of the Year from the Wayne St. University Library and Information Science Program. From 2006-2009 he was Director of Online Information Services at Ask.com.


text:
April 22, 2019
Online TV service Philo TV is ending its longstanding $16 monthly plan (with pay-TV 45 channels) for its $20 plan with 58 channels, beginning May 6 for all new subscribers.
Subscribers who join the service before May 6 and existing subs will not see immediate fee hikes to their basic plans but will instead be grandfathered into the new price point over time.
CEO Andrew McCollum made the announcement in a post on the service’s website.
“Since we launched 18 months ago, most of the other companies in our space have raised their prices, in some cases multiple times,” McCollum said. “We didn’t want to do that. Still, when we looked at all of the costs of operating Philo — which increase over time — consolidating into a single $20 package was the best way for us to maintain the same offering we have today without raising prices for everyone or having to cut back in places we strive to excel, like customer support.”
The price hikes comes as Hulu with Live TV raised its prices, followed by Google-owned YouTube TV. DirecTV Now, Sling TV and PlayStation Vue have all raised basic subscription plan pricing in recent months.
Philo is also reportedly working on technology that would allow users to share links with friends and watch programming concurrently from different locations.
Doing so could elevate social media interactions between users – a driving point for user retention and marketing. While the app has been completed, McCollum said Philo is waiting to launch it.
“We want to balance creating more options with making sure people don’t feel like they’re being coerced into stuff they don’t care about,” McCollum told TechCrunch earlier this year.


text:
AR Stickers for the Pixel and Pixel 2 were announced at the October 4th event and launched in December with Star Wars and Stranger Things content. In time for the 2018 Winter Olympics, Google is now launching a new “Winter Sports” pack and updating another.
Announced earlier this week, the new stickers are included with the launch of the Pixel Visual Core for third-party imaging apps, like Instagram and Snapchat. Version 1.1 of AR Stickers is rolling out now, though updating does not immediately add the new packs.
Instead, the latest version of AR Stickers alerts users that the new packs are available for download. Tapping will open a Google Play sheet where users can quickly download “Winter Sports.”
Gear up for your favorite winter activities with some AR characters that have absolutely no chill!
Meanwhile, there is an update to the built-in “Blocks” pack.
We’ve updated Blocks! Install to get a few new stickers, including a microphone and more balloon types. Light up the celebration with flashy and energetic characters and objects created with Blocks.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.


text:
Nike SB continues their expansion of the Dunk Low lineup and just today a new theme surfaced that showcases a “Thermography” design that sports a vibrant multi-colored design.
We keep saying this but it’s because we mean it. We knew the Nike SB lineup would pop off this year but we never knew it would become this. More colorways are set to release this second half of this year and this new iteration will be one of the highlights of the entire year. Featuring a multi-colored theme, the Nike SB calls for a heatmap makeover that’s said to be dedicated to “Thermography” the test that uses an infrared camera that detects heat patterns and blood flow in body tissues. Similar to a heatmap design that we’re all accustomed too, the SB Dunk marks a new trend to the collection.
The entire upper of the SB Dunk arrives in all-leather while featuring a variety of different colors like Green, Blue, Yellow, and Red. The Thermal imaging covers the entire sneaker on the base, overlays, and Nike Swoosh. Black laces tie the sneaker down while a white midsole and black rubber outsole begin to finish off the sleek new offering. The shoe also appears to be releasing with alternate laces that don blue, yellow, and red laces.
CIVILIST X NIKE SB DUNK LOW “THERMOGRAPHY” RELEASE INFORMATION
The Nike SB Dunk Low “Thermography” does not have a release date set just yet but we expect a release to go down very soon in the coming months via select Nike SB retailers and Nike.com. Check out the first look images below and make sure to keep it locked to JustFreshKicks for updates and more of the latest sneaker news from Nike SB and your other favorite brands.
Civilist x Nike SB Dunk Low “Thermography”
Style Code: CZ5123-001
Release Date: August 29, 2020
UPDATE 8/19: Civilist has officially confirmed their Nike SB collaboration will be releasing August 29th, 2020 at select skateshops. Stay tuned for online links & raffles.
UPDATE 8/14: Check out new on foot images courtesy of Yankeekicks below.
UPDATE 8/10: New images have confirmed the recently leaked thermography Nike SB Dunk Low will be part of an upcoming collaboration with Civilist. The shoes feature a black upper that reveals a heatmap under-layer when exposed to light. Check out the video below for more details and stay tuned for further updates.


text:
Ontario government announces Next Generation of Jobs Fund
Canadian PlasticsCanadian Plastics
The Ontario McGuinty government has announced a Next Generation of Jobs Fund, as part of the province's plan to kee...
The Ontario McGuinty government has announced a Next Generation of Jobs Fund, as part of the province’s plan to keep pace with changes in the global economy and create jobs.
According to the government, the fund will provide $1.15 billion over five years in support to companies whose products reduce pollution, save energy, make transportation more efficient or help the environment in other ways.
The government said it would now be accepting applications, with decisions guaranteed within 45 days of submitting a complete proposal.
“We’re sending the message to companies around the world that if you’ve got a project that will grow your business and create jobs, we’ll make it happen in Ontario,” said economic development and trade minister Sandra Pupatello in a press statement.
There will be three components to the fund: a Jobs and Investment Program (JIP), to support business expansion and attract foreign direct investment; a Biopharmaceutical Investment Program (BIP), to support new biopharmaceutical R&D and manufacturing; and a Strategic Opportunities Program (SOP), supporting industry-led work that turns Ontario research into products and services.
The Jobs Fund’s target sectors include green auto research, parts production and vehicle assembly.


text:
An illustration exhibiting bodily bitcoins alongside binary code displayed on a laptop computer.
Jakub Porzycki | NurPhoto through Getty Photos
Bitcoin neared $50,000 because it continues to rebound after months of weak point
The world’s largest digital forex by market worth rose to $49,821 on Saturday afternoon in New York, according to data from Coinbase. It was buying and selling at a worth of $48,876 as of 10 a.m. ET on Sunday.
The restoration comes after Bitcoin was buying and selling at a worth between roughly $30,000 and $40,000 during the last a number of months. It had dropped from a document of just about $65,000 in mid-April.
Ether, the coin linked to the ethereum blockchain community, additionally rose not too long ago, reaching $3,295 early Saturday, according to Coinbase.
International cryptocurrency adoption amongst particular person traders has risen considerably over the previous yr, based on Chainalysis, a blockchain knowledge agency. International crypto adoption rose roughly 881% within the final yr.
The worldwide cryptocurrency market cap was at $2.16 trillion on Sunday, based on knowledge from CoinGecko.com, and cryptocurrency buying and selling quantity within the final day was at $109 billion.


text:
April 28, 2017
At NAB this week, Google introduced its latest VR camera, the Yi Halo, one year after partnering with Xiaomi-backed, Chinese action cam maker Yi Technology. The $17,000 spherical device, which uses Google’s cloud-based stitching system Jump for producing stereoscopic 360-degree videos, will be available this summer. The Yi Halo combines 16 4K action cams with an extra camera facing upwards. While Google unveiled Odyssey two years ago, featuring 16 GoPros, the rig has largely served as a test case. The Yi Halo, however, is commercially designed with feature improvements and multiple extras.
It also addresses the blind spot limitation of Odyssey’s horizontal camera alignment by adding the upward-facing camera, which does not provide a stereoscopic upward view, but reportedly eliminates blur, reports Variety.
The Yi Halo is a “17-camera monster capable of shooting stereoscopic video in 8K resolution at 30 frames per second, or 5.8K at 60 frames per second,” according to The Verge. Extras include an LCD screen, spare cameras, an SD card reader and more.
The $399 Yi 360 VR, capable of capturing 360 video at 30fps in 5.7K resolution, is a consumer option. At 5.7K, Yi’s camera edges out alternatives such as GoPro’s Fusion, the Nikon KeyMission 360 and the Samsung Gear 360.
“IMAX is also working on a Jump-compatible camera setup, and Facebook has its own $25,000 and up solution in the Surround 360 rig,” adds The Verge.
Google also introduced its new Jump Start program at NAB. “The Jump Start program connects filmmakers with the resources they need to create virtual reality films,” notes the program website. “Creators get access to a Jump virtual reality camera and unlimited stitching with the Jump Assembler.”
Applications are being accepted from April 24 to May 22 for the first round of Jump Start.


text:
The amount of the investment, along with specific terms of the deal, remain undisclosed.
“We’re excited to support Icon with this strategic investment as they look to continually build a simplified, collaborative payments ecosystem, driving emerging payments rails and innovation,” said Sara Castelhano, EMEA Head of Payments, Digital, and Solutions at JP Morgan Wholesale Payments.
As part of today’s deal, Icon has added Castelhano, to its Board of Advisors.
Icon will use the funds to expand development of its Instant Payments Framework technology, a collaborative, open source payments platform that helps clients process instant payments.
To facilitate these instant payments for U.S. clients, Icon has teamed up with The Clearing House to offer an accelerated route to accessing The Clearing House’s (TCH) real-time payments system. The company has also partnered with Featurespace to facilitate integration and block fraud attacks at scale and in real time.
“We will directly benefit from the support, scale and insight of a global banking leader and one of the most visionary technology companies in the world, while retaining our flexibility and independence,” the company said in a blog post. “We can now accelerate our strategic roadmap, invest more in our technology and team, and expand our geographic reach.”
The investment comes at a pivotal time in the U.S. payments scene. The U.S. Federal Reserve is lagging behind the rest of the globe in launching a real-time payments and settlement service, anticipating a delay until 2024. As the current speed of payments fails to meet consumer expectations, which have evolved to demand the delivery of everything from messages to groceries in real time, private players are coming to the market with their own solutions.


text:
Maplin Electronics could be put up for sale with a price tag of around £400m.
Maplin’s private equity owner Montagu has been interviewing investment banks with a view to appoint one for a strategic review, reports the Telegraph.
Sources said KPMG has bow been appointed to look at “strategic options” for the business which may or may not lead to the sale of the electronics retailer.
Montagu bought Maplin for £256m in 2004 from Graphite Capital. The retailer has since doubled its portfolio to 176 stores.
In 2009 EBITDA rose 10.8% to £40.5m on sales flat at £203.7m.


text:
Advance tickets for the Phantom Regiment's 2013 debut performance Friday night in Belvidere can be purchased at a $2 discount until 9 a.m. Tuesday.
Advance tickets for the Phantom Regiment’s 2013 debut performance Friday night in Belvidere can be purchased at a $2 discount until 9 a.m. Tuesday.
Tickets are priced from $17 to $65 and can be purchased at www.regiment.org/sos.
Tickets will be held at Will Call and will be available for pick up at the Belvidere High School stadium after 3 p.m. Friday. Day of show tickets also will go on sale at that time.
The Show of Shows, sponsored by the Register Star, is being held in Belvidere this year because of scheduling conflicts at Boylan Catholic High School. In addition to the Phantom Regiment, other units competing include The Cadets of Allentown, Pa.; the Madison Scouts, the Blue Stars of LaCrosse, Wis.; Pioneer of Milwaukee and the Colt Cadets of Dubuque, Iowa.


text:
Looking for a good used diesel? Don’t try your neighborhood Volkswagen dealer.
He will have some new and some used, but last week he learned they’re all in violation of U.S. emission standards, and he can’t sell them. If that wasn’t enough trouble, the dealer is also awaiting replacement parts for the airbag system, so you’d better try another make.
To take a positive view, at least you’re in better shape than your next-door neighbor. He bought one of VW’s ”clean diesels” a few months ago. Last week he learned his new car is essentially worthless, and he still owes the bank that financed it.
The dealer is even worse off. He has 40 units in inventory that can’t be sold until VW’s “dieselgate” problems are solved — if ever. And the airbags are another concern.
Now multiply these examples by a few million. And add similar situations in most other countries.
Welcome to the world of the automobile, vintage 2015.
* * *
In most cases of auto manufacturer malfeasance, once the violation is exposed events follow an established pattern:
The “problem” — the polite term for it — is explained by the manufacturer.
A public apology is made, a few heads roll, others get demoted or promoted, depending on where they sit. Fines are levied, sometimes there is a congressional inquiry that accomplishes nothing, and things return to normal (whatever that is) until the next occasion.
Most of the media give a collective yawn. They’ve been through this before.
(After all, we’re all still breathing, aren’t we?)
For some mysterious reason, however, automakers seem to be more mistake-prone than ever.
In the recent past General Motors has produced, in addition to what it is supposed to build, Chevrolets with ignition locks so poorly designed that the key could fall out, and did in hundreds of cases. This has cost, among other things, 124 lives, yet no one has gone to jail; but that’s another story. It is an unfortunate demonstration of an industry in crisis despite healthy sales figures.
Next up is Japanese airbag manufacturer Takata. It has delivered millions — literally — of defective systems to a number of brands… possibly in an attempt to be ecumenical, one would-be comedian suggested. Whatever humor might have been in that remark vanishes with the fact that at least five people have died as result of Takata system failures, according to the New York Times. Again, there’s been no penalty of a game-changing nature.
VW’s “Dieselgate,” some wishful thinkers maintain, could be what finally changes this state of automotive impunity.
* * *
There are several reasons why this might be so, the first and foremost being the nature of the crime. And it was that — a crime — ethically and morally, and most probably legally. (The criminal aspects will be determined at a later date, although various attorneys general are already reviewing the case.).
This was a deliberate, one could even say sophisticated, attempt to deceive a number of regulatory bodies over a period, most probably, of at least a decade; and it had to involve dozens of the most senior VW employees. That erstwhile chairman Martin Winterkorn — he fell on his sword last week — claimed he “didn’t know” is a bad joke. His company was in an 18-month negotiation with the EPA on this very subject and he didn’t know?
If you believe that, we have a bridge we’d like to sell you…
For some mysterious reason automakers seem to be more mistake-prone than ever.
Then there is the scale of the violation: approximately 482,000 diesel VWs in the U.S. and a total of 11 million — repeat, 11 million — worldwide. The fine for this sort of cheating in the U.S. is $37,500 per car. That adds up to roughly $18 billion in this country alone. Now try and calculate the cost of bringing 482,000 cars — much less 11 million — into compliance. Even if it were the simple task of replacing computer chip A with chip B (which it is not).
Is the long-term solution to junk the existing illegals? The costs involved with that can hardly be calculated. Volkswagen, for the first six months of this year, was the world’s largest auto manufacturer on a volume basis when all 12 of the VW nameplates are included. The auto industry is the driver of the German economy. So does VW pay the $18 billion and repair the 11 million vehicles? Or do we kick the can down the road — again?
And what about the long term?
The fuel cell is still scarcely out of diapers. And even if it were a viable solution today, how long would it take to replace all the diesels on the roads of the world, and at what cost?
It seems Pogo was right.
We have met the enemy, and he is us.
Leo Levine has worked for the New York Times and, many years ago, the New York Herald Tribune, and has written for a variety of other publications. He was general manager for public and government relations for Mercedes-Benz of North America from 1969-1990, and also spent three years as a racing driver in Europe and South America.


text:
By Mike Davey
Toronto, Ontario — February 23, 2016 — You may have heard of the asTech2. It’s a scanner that provides coverage for nearly all makes and models of vehicles, 2008 and newer. It’s produced by Collision Diagnostic Services (CDS) and works by submitting the scanned information to the cloud. CDS then runs the data through an OEM factory scan tool and reports back to the collision facility. In essence, it allows a collision centre to access many different OEM scans at a fraction of the cost.
CDS has just announced that it has selected Precision Marketing to remarket the asTech2 device to the Canadian collision repair industry. Precision Marketing’s independent manufacturer representatives will market the asTech2 device to professional collision repair organizations and insurers. Precision Marketing’s representatives will provide local support, as CDS prepares to expand its existing Canadian business with the release of the new asTech2 device.
The next generation asTech2 device is expected to begin shipping in March. In addition to launching a new mobile app, CDS has also added new features to the asTech2 device that include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capability.
“CDS is uniquely positioned to serve the Canadian collision repair industry with its patented technology and years of business experience in diagnosing and servicing vehicles,” says Dan Dominato, President of Precision Marketing. “As cars become more and more complex, the challenge of servicing them increases as well. This is where CDS can help. By providing master tech expertise and OEM diagnostic tools on-demand, CDS can ensure repairs are done correctly, the first time. I am excited to be representing such a great product and look forward to helping repairers deliver a quality repair.”
For more information, please visit astech.com.


text:
Verizon Wireless is blocking the new flagship phone running Google's Android software, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, from running Google's in-store payment application, the Wallet.
At SCTE Cable-Tec Expo, Cox President Pat Esser said his company would deliver on its iPad app during the holiday season. The free app, which Cox calls Cox TV Connect, is available for downloading from the Apple App Store.
While the shockwaves from Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks' decision to sell their wireless spectrum - through their joint venture of SpectrumCo – continue to settle, company execs hit their respective blogs to provide additional insights.
Microsoft is rolling out a new interface for its Xbox game console, one that allows you to navigate through music, movies, TV shows and games with the wave of your hand or the sound of your voice.
Company battles perception that it is capturing consumer data.
Provider of mobile banking and payments services mFoundry announced $18 million in growth capital from MasterCard, Intel Capital, FIS and Motorola Mobility.
The $3.6 billion sale of AWS spectrum by Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks to Verizon is mind-boggling on many levels, so here are a few additional thoughts.
AT&T has come out swinging against the FCC's scathing report on its merger with T-Mobile USA, calling the agency's analysis "obviously one-sided" in a post on its official blog.
Strange days indeed. Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks announced that they are selling their wireless spectrum, which was held under the guise of joint venture SpectrumCo, to Verizon Wireless for $3.6 billion.
Rogers Cable has inked a long-term distribution deal with Shaw Media that covers on-demand, online, mobile (through linear) VOD and mobile content rights.
SeaChange International founder, chairman and CEO William Styslinger, 65, has retired, and board member Raghu Rau will take over, serving on an interim basis.
Rovi and Pace said they are teaming to develop a hybrid gateway featuring the former's Total Guide, which emphasizes search and discovery capabilities.
Sprint and Clearwire reached a billion-dollar-plus deal that will allow the WiMAX operator to make a key debt payment on time and keep its network up and running for the next four years.
Verizon has launched a national online simulcast of the Longhorn Network's University of Texas-related sports programming.


text:
By now, you know all about the trade that the New York Yankees' general manager was able to pull off on Monday. If not, well, just know that he acquired Ichiro Suzuki in a trade with the Seattle Mariners.
Yes, that Ichiro.
Truth be told, the trade is not that big of a deal. Ichiro is old and over the hill, and you can tell that his star power has taken a hit just by taking a look at what Cashman gave up to get him. All he had to surrender were two pitching prospects that only diehard Yankees fans will have heard of.
What's really interesting is how quietly the trade came together. There's never a shortage of trade rumors where the Yankees are concerned, but nobody ever said anything about the Bombers possibly making a deal for Ichiro. That's the kind of tidbit that would have stuck out.


text:
US jobs increase not helpful for many Americans
US businesses are hiring again, creating 236,000 jobs in February, and helping to decrease the unemployment rate from 7.9% in January to 7.7%.
A slight rebound in the housing sector, and retail and factory jobs increasing again meant overall unemployment hit a four-year low.
But many people are finding they are unemployed for longer periods, and some 130,000 people have given up looking for work all together.
Michelle Fleury reports from New York.
08 Mar 2013
- From the section Business


text:
Goldman Sachs is warning that U.S. economic growth will stall to just 1.5 percent while the rest of the world will expand at a 3.9 percent annual clip.
The U.S. economy probably expanded at about a 2.5 percent annualized pace in the third quarter, restrained in part by the effects of two hurricanes, economists forecast the government to report on Friday.
The U.S. Commerce Department's official figure had U.S. growth at 3.1 percent after the second quarter of this year – the last quarter for which statistics are available.
President Donald Trump has made 3 percent economic growth a key part of his administration's bar for success.
Goldman also identified 50 stocks best suited for this kind of global economic environment, CNBC reported.
Using what it calls its "rule of 10" the firm found the most growth potential in the consumer discretionary and tech sectors. Criteria for Goldman's "rule of 10" include growth of at least 10 percent in the last two years along with growth forecasts of at least 10 percent in 2017 and 2018. In order to qualify the company must also have a market cap of at least $2 billion.
Some of the notable American companies making Goldman's top 50 list include Amazon, Tesla, Red Hat, and Ulta Beauty, CNBC reported.
Meanwhile, the New York Federal Reserve has scaled back its estimates of U.S. gross domestic product growth for the third and fourth quarter as Hurricanes Harvey and Irma hurt home construction and industrial output in September, Reuters reported.
The regional central bank’s “Nowcast” model calculated the economy was expanding at an annualized pace of 1.46 percent in the third quarter, slower than the 1.70 percent rate calculated a week ago. It estimated GDP is growing at a 2.61 percent clip in the fourth quarter, down from 2.91 percent a week ago.
Elsewhere, the U.S. economy is on track to grow at a 2.7 percent annualized pace in the third quarter, even as data showed home construction fell to a one-year low in September, the Atlanta Federal Reserve’s GDPNow forecast model showed last week.
The latest estimate for third-quarter gross domestic product growth was unchanged from the rate calculated on Oct. 13, the Atlanta Fed said.
For his part, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross told Newsmax TV that the economy would be growing at a very healthy clip if it weren’t for the recent string of deadly hurricanes.
“If it weren't for the hurricane, two hurricanes the fact is we would've been over 3 percent this quarter without a lot of the things that we're already doing,” Ross, 79, told Newsmax Finance Insider, economist and moderator Larry Kudlow in a "Newsmax in the Nation's Capital" special sponsored by Newsmax and Google.
“So the notion that we were in some sort of 1.8 percent prison is simply wrong,” Ross said of financial pundits who allege that economic growth is struggling.
Ross also said there are other plans in the wings to boost economic growth.
"Remember, too, after we get the tax (cut), the next program is going to be a big infrastructure program,” he said.
Ross also explained to Kudlow that Trump’s plan to lower corporate taxes will also eventually benefit middle-class workers.
“Most middle-income wage earners are employed by somebody. Most of them are not self-employed people and if more employment comes in, if there are more capital expenditures, more growth, clearly it will benefit those folks,” Ross said.
(Newsmax wire services contributed to this report).
© 2023 Newsmax Finance. All rights reserved.


text:
DAVID E. MOORE, a grandson of the publisher Joseph Pulitzer, is bankrolling the startup of a publication aimed at encouraging businesses in the Northeast to market internationally.
Due in March as a monthly, Northeast International Business is expected to have a circulation of 40,000, which will be a combination of free and paid.
Mr. Moore, 64 years old, is executive editor of the publication and president of the American International Publishing Corporation in Rye, N.Y., which publishes the maagazine. David L. Hall, 37, is publisher. John Fitzgerald, the ad director, is based in New York City.
A one-time four-color ad page is going for $5,400 and a black and white for $4,800. The magazine, however, will be more circulation driven than advertising driven, with a cover price of $4.95 and an annual subscription rate of $44.95.
The publication could well be the first of its kind and that would be fitting since Mr. Moore was a pioneer of local business publications, having converted a political weekly to a business weekly back in 1968. That was before the explosion of regional business magazines and newspapers in 1979-1980. There are now 96 members of the the Association of Area Business Publications, whose executive director, Stephen Conn, estimates that there are between 50 and 75 nonmembers as well.Continue reading the main story
Mr. Moore, a native New Yorker, is also a descendant of Clement Moore, who wrote ''A Visit From St. Nicholas.'' Mr. Hall, who started in print selling classified ads for the Macy newspaper chain in Westchester County (now owned by Gannett), then moved into regional business publications.
The partners have already cut the country into seven regions, each of which could be expected to support a similar internatonal magazine and, Mr. Moore said, they should be ready to initiate the second about a year after the first.
They said something else that was rather surprising. Research indicates that there are between 500 and 600 companies that advertise their international services in the Northeast. The companies' officers will be the target of a direct-mail subscription campaign that will follow the first free copy. There will be a 200,000-piece mail drop Dec. 31.
In a sense Mr. Moore has already tested the Westchester waters. A Harvard man, he first got into weekly small-town journalism after Army service in World War II and working for the Marshall Plan. He bought the Harrison Independent in 1962 and two years later picked the Port Chester Item. What led him to the point where he now is was the success of a section called International Trade and Transportation that appeared in both papers in the 1970's. It did nicely in attracting advertisers.
Since it is to be a monthly, the editorial content of the magazine will be largely analysis, features and profiles supplied by two reporters under contract in Washington covering the Hill and the agencies, and stringers in the rest of the territory. They have already come up with some interesting international marketing tales, including one about a New Jersey manufacturer of pizza-making equipment, which is selling pizza vans to Russia for use in Moscow.
Glasnost with anchovy?Continue reading the main story


text:
The Transportation Security Administration allegedly has plans to enroll approximately 25 million people in its Trusted Traveler programs, particularly Precheck and Global Entry, by 2019. The program will ostensibly give travelers five years of expedited security clearance in exchange for some personal information (as well as $85). As part of a deal with concert promoter LiveNation, travelers are encouraged to secure Precheck status at music festivals, and Precheck and Global Entry will also be available at Department of Motor Vehicle offices across Virginia and several national hotels.”Our brand research found that Precheck makes people feel rewarded, respected, empowered and engaged … So, broadening distribution is critical to making it easier for consumers to buy our product,” said David Lim, the TSA’s Executive Marketing Officer.
To read more on this story, go to NBC News.
[Photo: Indianapolis Business Journal]


text:
The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) will not accept the government’s 6% funding cut “without a fight”, chief executive Sue...
EXCLUSIVE A C+D letter has inspired a Labour MP to fight back against the government's plans to slash pharmacy funding. John Mann launched an early...
Labour MP Paula Sherriff was in the room when pharmacy minister Alistair Burt admitted up to a quarter of pharmacies could close because of planned...
EXCLUSIVE The sector has accused the government of conducting a “dangerous experiment” after the pharmacy minister admitted more than a quarter of...
*This article was first published as breaking news on January 22* The government is braced for more than a quarter of pharmacies in England to close...
EXCLUSIVE Nearly half of readers will reduce their staff as a result of the government’s planned 6% cut to pharmacy funding in England, a C+D poll...
EXCLUSIVE Government plans to slash the pharmacy global sum will see contractors' net funding fall by 12% for the six months from October, according...
EXCLUSIVE The government’s plan to cut pharmacy funding in England by 6% will drive down locum rates, a leading finance expert has predicted. The...
There has been a lot in the press about the recently announced cuts to pharmacy funding. Beyond the usual immediate outcry, I thought I'd try to...
Download the C+D app today for free on your iOS or Android phone or tablet. Access the latest and most popular news.
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTERS
- C+D Daily Bulletin
- • C+D CPD Bulletin
- • C+D Saturday Review
- • C+D Careers Bulletin
- • C+D Briefing Newsletter


text:
Heaven Hill acquires Deep Eddy Vodka
Heaven Hill Brands has acquired fast-growing Deep Eddy Vodka, just three months after the brand said it had “no plans to sell at this time”.
The US spirits producer, owner of the Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Bourbon brands, has purchased the entire business of Texas-based Deep Eddy Vodka and its distillery from Eliza Spring for an undisclosed sum.
The brand has experienced rapid growth since its launch in 2011 with sales of more than 500,000 cases today. Since the launch of its Ruby Red expression in 2013, Deep Eddy has increased sales by 300%.
“This is a milestone day for Heaven Hill Brands as we add Deep Eddy Vodka and their entire team to our dynamic and innovative family,” said Max L. Shapira, president of Heaven Hill Brands.
“Deep Eddy Vodka is a star on the rise in the spirits industry and is redefining the premium vodka market with a quality product and iconic marketing programs. The brand is a perfect fit for our established portfolio of rapidly-growing products.”
Deep Eddy, which has also attributed a large part of its growth to “innovative marketing and sales programmes”, will continue to be made in Austin, Texas, and will operate independently.
The news of the brand’s acquisition comes just three months after Eric Dopkins, CEO of Deep Eddy Vodka, said it did “not have any plans to sell at this time” and that it will “continue to maintain independence” amid takeover rumours in the US.
An article in Market Watch stated the Texas-based vodka producer was being sold through investment bank UBS AG back in May.
Dopkins, who will remain continue as president of Deep Eddy Vodka, said of the acquisition: “This is an incredible day for Deep Eddy Vodka. The Deep Eddy team and their distributor partners will remain in place and continue to build on the exceptional momentum of the brand alongside Heaven Hill.”
It was revealed last year that Deep Eddy planned to open a new distillery in Texas that would allow it to exceed production of two million cases. The 30,000 square foot premises opened in December 2014.
Deep Eddy is reportedly “on track” to shift 1m cases in 2016.


text: The consolidated unaudited revenue of Kaubamaja Group for the fourth quarter of 2019 was €192.6mn, exceeding the prior year sales revenue by 5.6%. Its 12 months sales revenue was €717.2mn, up 5.3% compared to 2018 results, when sales revenue was €681.2mn. The consolidated unaudited net profit for the fourth quarter of 2019 was €14.1mn, which is 22.0% higher than the comparable period last year. The Group's net profit for 2019 was €31.1mn, 2.3% higher than a year ago. Pre-tax profit for the twelve months was €37.7mn, up 2.5% from the previous year. The net profit was influenced by the dividend tax, which in the first quarter of 2019 was taxed at €6.3mn, a year ago it was €6.7mn. Net profit was reduced by €1.5mn for the first time in 2019 IFRS 16 lease accounting.


text:
Report: Many Commercially Marketed CBD Products Tainted with Psychoactive Adulterants
New York, NY: One-third of commercially marketed CBD products tested positive for the presence of synthetic, psychoactive adulterants while others tested negative for any presence of CBD, according to an investigation by the Associated Press.
Reporters commissioned laboratory testing of 30 commercially available CBD products sold at retailers (non-state licensed dispensaries), including edible products and vapor products. The AP reported that ten of the 30 products analyzed tested positive for the presence of synthetic cannabinoids typically identified in illicit products such as 'Spice,' 'K2,' and other controlled substances. These synthetic agents are illegal under federal law and their consumption may be associated with significant adverse health effects.
A case report published in May in the journal Clinical Toxicology previously reported the identification of the synthetic cannabinoid agonist AB-FUBINACA (aka 5F-ADB) in a brand of CBD products commercially marketed online.
The AP reported that the adulterated products in question were marketed commercially in 13 states, including Alabama, Florida, Maryland, Mississippi, and Texas. It acknowledged that the packaging and labeling typically fails to identify the manufacturers of the products.
Several of the products analyzed in the AP investigation also tested negative for the presence of CBD or only contained trace amounts of the compound – a finding that is consistent with those of prior reports. Last week, a Hawaii News Now report identified the presence of bacteria, THC, and only trace levels of CBD in several products commercially available at local retail markets. Not a single product tested contained the precise amount of CBD that was advertised on the packaging.
Currently, commercially marketed CBD-infused products are not subject to explicit federal regulations. As a result, third-party lab testing has frequently revealed inconsistencies between the percentage of CBD advertised and the amount actually contained in some of these products. In many cases – such as those reported here, here, here, here, and here – actual quantities of CBD in the product are far lower than advertised. In other cases, testing has revealed the presence of THC, which may put consumers in jeopardy for legal ramifications – such as arrest or the loss of employment (due to a drug test failure). Some commercial products have also been identified to contain elevated levels of heavy metals and solvents.
By contrast, CBD-infused products sold at state-licensed dispensaries are typically subject to state-specific regulations and lab testing protocols.
In May, NORML provided written testimony to the US Food and Drug Administration urging the agency to move expeditiously to provide regulatory guidelines governing CBD-infused products, including best practices for their manufacturing, standardization, and purity. NORML opined: "For years, producers of these products have navigated in a gray area of the law – manufacturing products of variable and sometimes questionable quality and safety. Now it is time for the FDA to craft benchmark safety and quality standards for hemp-derived CBD products in order to increase consumer satisfaction and confidence as this nascent industry transitions and matures into a legal marketplace."
Full text of the Associated Press investigation is online.
Washington, DC: The Director of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Acting Commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have acknowledged that existing federal regulations hinder clinical cannabis research, and are suggesting that scientists be able to legally access cannabis products from sources other than the University of Mississippi – the only federally licensed supply source of marijuana for research purposes.
In a letter to Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), first obtained by Politico, the officials acknowledge that the existing monopoly on federally authorized cannabis production limits "the diversity of [cannabis] products and formulations available to researchers, [thus] slowing the development of cannabis-based medications." The letter's authors suggest both "licensing additional entities to supply cannabis," as well as "enabling researchers holding Schedule I licenses for marijuana to obtain products from state authorized dispensaries" – changes NORML has long argued for.
They conclude that the current regulations governing the clinical study of cannabis, along with the Schedule I status of marijuana under federal law, create "significant administrative cost challenges that slow this research and may deter scientists from pursuing cannabis research altogether."
Since 2016, officials at the US Drug Enforcement Administration have promised to license additional, private producers of research-grade cannabis. As of yet however, the DEA has failed to take action on more than 30 applications pending before it, and the agency has yet to provide a timeline as to when they intend to do so.
Since 1968, only the University of Mississippi has been federally licensed to engage in the growing of cannabis for FDA-approved clinical research. Scientists familiar with the product have consistently said that it is of inferior quality and fails to accurately reflect the types of marijuana varieties commercially available in legal states. Further, the University only provides scientists with the option to access herbal cigarette formulations of the plant, not concentrates, edibles, or extracts. Strains high in the compound cannabidiol (CBD) – a chemical of particular interest to many scientists – are also not currently available from the University.
Earlier this year, Maryland became the first state to enact explicit legislation authorizing academic institutions and researchers seeking to study the "medical use, properties, or composition of cannabis" to obtain source materials from state-licensed cannabis dispensaries.
On Wednesday, members of the United States Senate Appropriations Committee expressed similar concerns that existing regulatory barriers unduly inhibit the clinical study of cannabis.
Washington, DC: Mayor Signs Order Expanding Workplace Protections for Cannabis Consumers
Washington, DC: Mayor Muriel Bowser signed an order on Tuesday clarifying legal protections for certain District employees who consume cannabis while away from the job. The new rules apply to all District government agencies under the direct administrative authority of the Mayor.
Under the rules, many would-be employees will no longer face pre-employment drug screenings. The order states: "Employees who are not in a safety-sensitive position will be tested for drugs only upon reasonable suspicion, or after an accident or incident. Thus, those employees not in safety-sensitive positions may find that they can use cannabis, with or without a medical card authorizing [it], so long as they are not impaired at work."
Commenting on the policy change, NORML NE Political Associate Tyler McFadden said: "Employment protections are critical to ensure that law-abiding adults are not unduly discriminated against in their efforts to be productive members of society solely because of their use of cannabis while off the job. This order provides clarity and guidance to employers and peace of mind to the employees who work in the District of Columbia."
For employees seeking safety-sensitive positions, the order states that those who test positive for the presence of cannabis on a pre-employment drug screen may be "disqualified." In some cases, however, the order states that those who initially test positive for cannabis may receive a "second opportunity to take a drug test at least two weeks after the initial test results have been provided."
In cases involving post-accident testing, a positive drug test result for cannabis metabolites will continue to be viewed as presumptive evidence of impairment. However, this "presumption may be overcome if the employee presents clear or convincing evidence that he or she was not impaired at the time of the test."
Because THC's primary metabolite, carboxy-THC is lipid soluble, residual levels of the compound may persist in urine for weeks or even months post-abstinence. According to the US Department of Justice, a positive urine test screen for drug metabolites "does not indicate abuse or addiction, recency, frequency, or amount of use; or impairment."
Earlier this month, members of the DC City Council approved Act Number A23-0114: The Medical Marijuana Program Patient Employment Protection Temporary Amendment Act, which seeks to impose explicit protections for medical cannabis patients against workplace discrimination.
It states: "A public employer may not refuse to hire, terminate from employment, penalize, fail to promote, or otherwise take adverse employment action against an individual based upon the individual's status as a qualifying [medical cannabis] patient. … A qualifying patient's failure to pass a public employer-administered drug test for marijuana components or metabolites may not be used as a basis for employment-related decisions unless reasonable suspicion exists that the qualified patients was impaired by marijuana at the qualifying patient's place of employment or during hours of employment." Like all District legislation, the act must undergo a 30-day Congressional review prior to taking effect.
Additional legislation strengthening employment protections for qualifying patients remains pending before the DC Council.
Utah: Lawmakers Send Medical Cannabis Law Revisions to Governor
Salt Lake City, UT: Members of the Utah House and Senate unanimously approved legislation revising the state's nascent medical cannabis access program during a special legislative session this week.
Under the revised plan, the distribution of medical cannabis products will no longer be overseen by public health regulators. Rather, the state will license as many as 14 private entities throughout the state to dispense cannabis products to authorized patients. The new legislation also permits courier services to engage in cannabis deliveries to those patients who either reside a significant distance from an operating dispensary or who are homebound.
Republican Gov. Gary Herbert expressed support for the changes, stating, "The bill will help provide safe and efficient access to an important medical option for patients while also taking public safety into consideration."
This is the second time in less than a year that lawmakers have convened a special session to amend the state's medical cannabis law. Voters in 2018 approved Proposition 2, which legalized the use and dispensing of medical cannabis to qualified patients. Shortly thereafter, lawmakers held a special legislative session where they voted to repeal and replace the initiative law with their own legislation. Specifically, lawmakers eliminated patients' option to home cultivate cannabis, narrowed the list of qualifying conditions, and placed additional restrictions on the dispensing of cannabis products, among other changes.
Washington, DC: School Officials Clarify Policy Permitting Medical Cannabis Use on Campus
Washington, DC: Students with a doctor's authorization will be able to access medical cannabis while attending DC public schools.
Washington, DC Public School officials issued a policy update last week acknowledging that school administrators are authorized to provide non-smoked medical cannabis products to authorized patients while they are on school grounds. Democratic Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes-Norton, who represents the District of Columbia, advocated for the policy change, according to media reports.
Several other jurisdictions, such as Delaware, Illinois, and Washington, already have instituted similar policies.


text:
Ugg boots — the cozy footwear beloved by celebs — could be causing women serious knee injuries, warns a top surgeon.
The comfy shoes don’t offer enough support, says Ian McDermott, and could cause “knock-kneed” stance.
He said he did not specifically have a gripe with Ugg boots, but with any soft boot — due to the lack of support.
The expert said this style of boot can lead to a bad posture, knee pain and even back pain, which could need surgery to tackle.
McDermott, a knee surgeon in London, said: “This is a bit of a ‘red flag’ and a sign that it’s potentially worth investigating the knee with X-rays and an MRI scan to check exactly what is going on inside the joint.
“The longer these things are left, the worse the damage can become, and the harder it can then be to fix.
“Sheepskin boots and high heels may look great, but vanity may come at the cost of potential physical damage to your body.
“Unsculpted and flimsy footwear can mean that your feet aren’t fixed in one location as you walk, meaning that the lower limb is working harder, with a greater risk of damage.
“Listen to your body and make sure to not wear flimsy boots every day.”
He added: “If someone born with an inherently poor structure or with poor alignment then wears a poorly supported pair of shoes or boots, this can exacerbate the whole issue and this can then end up being the final straw that pushes them into developing symptoms and actual orthopaedic problems.”
An Ugg spokesman said: “Ugg is the leader in premium sheepskin footwear. The Ugg Classic boot provides the full experience of warmth, comfort and flexibility.
“The Classic II is lighter weight for increased wearability and offers added innovative enhancements, such as Treadlite by Ugg outsole technology for increased traction, durability, and cushioning.
“As with any shoe, we encourage customers to ensure the proper fit for maximum comfort.”


text:
Dr. Nii Narku Quaynor, dubbed ‘the father or the Internet in Africa’, for many reasons.
Not only did he establish some of the first connections in Ghana and West Africa, he continues to play a central role in advocating for the Internet’s role in driving economic development throughout the continent and bridging the north-south economic divide.
“When I first connected people to the Internet, they’d see something on CNN and shiver,” says Quaynor. “Some people would say that was like magic.
As an active member and recipient of the Johnathan B. Postel Award, he is also an intricate part of the Internet Society’s 20th Anniversary and a speaker at this year’s Global INET, an international forum dedicated to promoting the open development, evolution, and use of the Internet for the benefit of all people throughout the world.
While in his office in Accra, East Legon, Dr. Quaynor fiddles with a smartphone, with his tablet sitting on the table in front of him. At 62, Quaynor is not only fluent in the latest technology, but also remembers a time when single computers filled entire rooms.
In 1969, at the age of 20, Quaynor who was a strong mathematics and physics student, set off from his hometown of Accra, Ghana’s capital, to the United States to study computer science. His only contact with a computer had been with a simple handheld calculator he had used in math class. But when he arrived at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire he learned how to operate a system that would demonstrate the enormous capacity of computers to connect people.
In 1979, Quaynor, the first Ghanaian to receive a PhD in computer science, returned to his homeland to set up the nation’s first computer science department at the University of Cape Coast.
“I had this feeling that I had to do something to ensure that the knowledge was available within Ghana,” says Quaynor. “I was okay in the U.S. but I felt I had to come back and fulfill some responsibilities here and ensure that Ghanaians start to learn about computer science (…) I felt strongly that if I didn’t do it, Ghana would lose something.”
Over a decade later, Quaynor would become an Internet pioneer in Ghana by establishing it’s first continuous connection in 1992, later aiding Gambia, Togo, and Nigeria in setting up their connections.
It was during this period that he came to realize the enormous potential of the Internet in Africa. For Quaynor, with increased access, the Internet could be used to “liberate” Africa, through fostering economic growth and acting as a way for Africans to assert their presence and cultural identity.
“We have to be involved,” Quaynor said. “If you are not involved you are just a consumer of foreign things. But you want these things to be localized to fit your environment.”
Currently Africa’s Internet penetration is 11.4 percent, the lowest penetration of any region in the world, according to Internet World Stats. But in the past year, the number of Internet users has grown by 2,527.4 percent, in part due to the fact that people can now access the Internet via mobile phones. Quaynor, like many other experts in the field, argues that software developers in Africa will have focus on developing apps for mobile phones primarily because most Africans use mobile phones to access the Internet and there are currently 500 million mobile phone subscribers in Africa according to the Mobile Africa Report 2011.
But Quaynor argues the Internet could also become a “colonizing force” if Africans do not develop their own capacity, through creating content and applications and allowing an environment for local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to grow and compete with the larger telecommunications companies that are major industry players.
Quaynor is hopeful, that with the right policies and entrepreneurship and drive of local software developers Ghana and Africa as a whole, can become an equal player in the development of the Internet.
“I believe the global community is looking for you,” says Quaynor. “They are saying where are you? What is your added value? Because globalization means locals coming together, (…) You have a global network, so you must bring your local alongside my local and it becomes global. People sometimes miss that.”
While Quaynor recognizes the many challenges Africa faces with regard to increasing Internet access and connectivity, he thinks the possibilities the Internet offers the continent are too great to ignore.
“Let’s democratize it and make sure everyone can get involved,” Quaynor said. “It’s a revolutionary mission.”
To see Dr. Quaynor speak in person you can register for Global INET, scheduled take place between April 22nd – 24th in Geneva Switzerland.
original version published on : http://www.internetsociety.org/


text:
Court orders Spa D’Athena owners to pay more than $275,000 in restitution
BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - The Burleigh County District court announced Wednesday that Spa D’Athena owners must pay more than $275,000 in restitution for defrauding customers.
Investigators say the owners, Jill Becker and Brent Voorhees, continued to sell gift cards for future services after they planed to close the business in 2017.
Becker and Voorhees are ordered to pay $275,195 in restitution to customers and $28,660 in civil penalties.
According to a press release, Becker and Voorhees moved to Nevada and filed for bankruptcy, admitting they did so to discharge debts owed to customers for gift cards.
Parrell Grossman, Director of the Attorney General Consumer Protection division said records showed more the $500,000 in gift card debts.
“Unfortunately, because the restitution likely will be discharged in the bankruptcy, it means there is no money for refunds to consumers who purchased the worthless Spa D’Athena gift cards,” said Grossman.
Grossman added most businesses take steps to refunds the gift cards, but because of the owners filing for bankruptcy many customers wont get their money back.
“Their conduct was inexcusable and it was very unfortunate that, despite concentrated efforts to obtain relief for consumers in state court, these defendants avoided their obligations to make refunds by leaving the state and filing bankruptcy in Nevada,” Grossman said.
Copyright 2020 KFYR. All rights reserved.


text:
Thr3e Wise Men Broad Ripple Site Heading to Auction
INDIANAPOLIS - The former Thr3e Wise Men restaurant and brewery in Indianapolis' Broad Ripple neighborhood is going up for auction next month. Indianapolis-based Key Auctioneers says the auction will include the facility's 30-barrel brewing system, restaurant and bar equipment, and three-way liquor license.
The property is set for both an on-site and online auction August 1. The auction will also include seating, furnishings and the lease for the property.
Key Auctioneers says financial due diligence for bidding approval is due by July 23 and approved bidders will be notified July 26. The on-site auction will take place August 1 at 10 a.m. at 1021 Broad Ripple Avenue in Indianapolis.
You can learn more about the auction by clicking here.


text:
British economy likely to be 'worse than expected' in 2009
British businesses need to prepare themselves for a worse than expected 2009 as a "very sharp deceleration in consumer spending" and a worsening external deficit put the squeeze on corporate Britain.
According to the British Chamber of Commerce's quarterly economic forecast, pros-pects for next year have worsened over the past few months, and while recession can still be avoided, the marked slowdown in growth will be enough to put many businesses under substantial pressure.
The BCC predicts that GDP growth will remain below trend until the end of 2009, coming in at 1.7 per cent in 2008 and just 1.6 per cent the following year. In February, the BCC had predicted a recovery to 2 per cent in 2009, but the business group now expects conditions to deteriorate.
David Kern, the economic adviser to the BCC, said: "British businesses are facing two difficult years. The Monetary Policy Committee and the Government must adopt pro-active policy measures aimed at countering the threats to growth."
With public finances very stretched, the BCC believes that there is now a clear risk that the Government will breach its fiscal rules over the next two or three years.
"While breaching the fiscal rules would undermine credibility and confidence, such a breach would nevertheless be justified if it helps to alleviate a very severe economic downturn," said Mr Kern.
"At the very least, the automatic stabilisers, which increase the size of the budget deficit when the economy slows, must be allowed to do their job and mitigate the downturn. But, once the economy recovers, the Government must take more determined measures to strengthen the UK's medium-term budgetary position."
Meanwhile, the CBI will reveal today that small- and medium-sized manufacturers have been raising their prices over the past few months, to try to tackle what has been the strongest pressure on costs in more than 20 years.
The CBI survey said that as well as rising costs, manufacturers have also had to deal with slowing demand. Russel Griggs, the chairman of the CBI's SME council, said: "Small and medium-sized manufacturers are continuing to feel the impact of higher fuel and raw material costs, and they are now having to pass these on to customers.
"While the drop in export orders is worrying, particularly for medium-sized firms, there are some more encouraging signs: smaller firms have been quite bullish about taking on extra staff, and some growth in output is forecast for the months to July."
Notes from a small island: Is Sealand an independent 'micronation' or an illegal fortress?
World news in pictures
British man confesses to slitting his two children's throats in Lyon flat
'Swivel-gate': David Cameron goes to war with the press over 'swivel-eyed loons' slur
Revealed: Eerie new images show forgotten French apartment that was abandoned at the outbreak of World War II and left untouched for 70 years
- 1 Heading for America? Prepare for the longest US immigration queues ever
- 2 Notes from a small island: Is Sealand an independent 'micronation' or an illegal fortress?
- 3 You thought Ryanair's attendants had it bad? Wait 'til you hear about their pilots
- 4 'Swivel-gate': David Cameron goes to war with the press over 'swivel-eyed loons' slur
- 5 It’s official: thanks to Stephen Hawking's Israel boycott, anti-Semitism is no more
BMF is the UK’s biggest and best loved outdoor fitness classes
Find out what The Independent's resident travel expert has to say about one of the most beautiful small cities in the world
Win anything from gadgets to five-star holidays on our competitions and offers page.
iJobs Money & Business
£550 - £600 per day: Orgtel: Fidessa Analyst / PM - Banking - London - Up to £...
£450 - £500 per day: Orgtel: Sourcing Manager - Banking - London - Up to £500p...
To be discussed at interview.: Queen Elizabeth's School: An experienced and ef...
£294.05 - £330.92 per day + 150 per day travel and accommodation: Orgtel: A le...


text:
Foods that contain resistant starch may help keep blood sugar under control, enhance satiety as well as improve gut health, finds a new study. Some of the sources of resistant starch are bananas, potatoes, grains and legumes.
Resistant starch is a form of starch that is not digested in the small intestine and is therefore considered a type of dietary fiber.
"We know that adequate fiber intake -- at least 30 grams per day -- is important for achieving a healthy, balanced diet, which reduces the risk of developing a range of chronic diseases," said Stacey Lockyer, Nutrition Scientist at British Nutrition Foundation, a Britain-based charity.
Unlike the typical starch, resistant starch acts as a type of fiber in the body as it does not get digested in your small intestine, but is fermented in the large intestine.
This dietary fiber then increases the production of short-chain fatty acids in the gut, which acts as an energy source for the colonic cells, thus improving the gut health and increasing satiety.
According to the researchers, there is consistent evidence that consumption of resistant starch can aid blood sugar control. It has also been suggested that resistant starch can support gut health and enhance satiety via increased production of short chain fatty acids.
"Whilst findings support positive effects on some markers, further research is needed in most areas to establish whether consuming resistant starch can confer significant benefits that are relevant to the general population. However, this is definitely an exciting area of nutritional research for the future," Lockyer said.
The study was published in the journal Nutrition Bulletin.


text:
Mercedes-Benz produced the 20-millionth vehicle manufactured in Sindelfingen, the 100 year old factory. The jubilee car is a Mercedes-Benz S 500 e.
Sindelfingen is the cradle for upper range and luxury class vehicles from Mercedes. The plant celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.
The production started in 1915 with airplanes and airplanes engines and continued with the production of vehicle bodies. Mercedes-Benz started to manufacture complete cars in Sindelfingen in 1946. The S-Class generations have been built at the Sindelfingen plant since Mercedes-Benz 220 was launched in the spring of 1951.
Markus Schaffer, Member of the Divisional Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Production and Supply Chain Management has declared: “We are confident that we will produce the next twenty million cars a lot faster. By 2020, we will invest a total of 1.5 billion euros in an ultramodern and flexible production facility here in Sindelfingen. This will allow us to offer our customers even more options for individualization and to safeguard our top quality. Our focus continues to be on our workforce – we are reducing the degree of automation. At the same time, we are applying modern robots that work hand in hand with our employees without a protective fence, and which assist them with strenuous tasks.”
26,000 people works at Sindelfingen plant and 367,313 cars were produced last year here. The list of the cars produced last year in Sindelfingen include C, E, S-Class, CLS, CLS Shooting Brake, SLS AMG and Mercedes-AMG GT. Over 250 cars roll off the production lines every day.
The first car completely produced at the Sindelfingen plant was 170 S Cabriolet A, which was built between 1949 and 1951. Other legendary cars produced here were 300 SL Gullwing, 190 SL, Ponton and the last sport cars from Mercedes – SLS AMG and Mercedes-AMG GT.
Dieter Zetsche, Daimler CEO has declared: “The 20 million cars from Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen would stretch two and a half times around the world.
The jubilee car was a Mercedes S 500 e Plug-In Hybrid, the first Plug-In Hybrid from Mercedes-Benz and the first one from a list of ten Plug-In models to be launched in the next 3 years together with the GLE 500 e and C 350 e.


text:
After a career in the military, veterans are equipped with numerous skills that make them an easy hire for thousands of civilian jobs. At first glance, the cannabis industry might not seem like the most ideal fit for veterans, but it's shaping up to be a fruitful union.
(Chris Hondros/ Getty Images)
It's no secret that many soldiers have found solace from military-related ailments with medical marijuana: everything from PTSD to slipped discs, to insomnia, have been eased with aide from the versatile plant. In fact, according to a recent study by American Legion, a vast majority of veterans support both marijuana legalization and further research. That kind of support for cannabis extends past personal use and into the job market, where veterans are finding themselves increasingly more involved in the industry.
The most direct translation of military skills is into the cannabis security sector. There are many federal restrictions on the young industry, leading to the reluctance of financial institutions to open accounts for cannabis-centric companies. This means that a plethora of cannabis companies rely on a strictly cash-only basis. This, in turn, leads to a demand for a security detail to convoy alongside both the product and the money.
This demand has formed a reliable network of security companies that hire hundreds of veterans to simply accompany shipments, or post up outside of brick-and-mortar stores like armed bouncers.
Dispensaries are no stranger to security detail
However, the military contributions to the cannabis industry reach much further than security. A growing number of veterans are beginning to get involved in, not only the retail side of the cannabis industry, but the cultivation side as well. According to "The Cannabist" the president of OrganaBrands (a Denver-based company that sells cannabis), Chris Driessen, says about 10% of his total workforce are veterans.
"The veteran community pairs so well (with our business), regardless of the branch of armed forces you're in. (As a veteran) you learned systems, you learned processes, you learned chain of command," he continued. "The fact that we don't have to train people on some of those things — about work ethic and respect and doing what you say you're going to do… is a huge benefit for any company, and of course ours as well... [they] set themselves apart in the interview. A lot of these folks are, on their own merit, heads and shoulders above their competition."
(Veteran's Cannabis Coalition blog)
That doesn't mean that there isn't training involved for veterans in the industry. One company, THC Design, actually has a paid internship and mentorship program exclusively for veterans. The course is 12 weeks long and gives veterans a tangible, hands-on, experience with every aspect of cultivation. According to co-founder Ryan Jennemann, the work ethic and problem-solving ability of military veterans makes them the perfect candidate for cannabis.
"What I was hiring for was not experience," he told The Cannabist. "I was hiring for a work ethic, an ability to handle adversity, an ability to solve problems." The program is both open source and available online as well, making it accessible for veterans looking to see if the cannabis industry is right for them.
As the legalization of marijuana spreads (Illinois just joined 10 other states as of January 1st), the stigma surrounding the cannabis industry begins to lessen. It's no secret that marijuana has been a functional part of treatment for veterans returning from overseas, but now veterans are becoming a functional part of the cultivation and distribution of the cannabis industry itself.


text:
14 Mar Thr3efold’s Plan to Change the Way Designers Deal in Deadstock
You’ve already heard from countless Spirit of 608 guests that the fashion industry is one of the biggest contributors to the planet’s global waste issue. For more on how this happens and a business solution that can help (because you know how much we love a business answer to a social problem), we’re turning to Jessica Kelly of Thr3efold.
The New York-based matchmaker for fashion brands seeking ethical manufacturers, Kelly’s Thr3efold recently debuted Deadstock District, a private portal that allows fashion designers to buy and sell fabric inventory instead of letting it turn into textile waste.
Thr3efold’s Jessica Kelly, founder of Deadstock District
Read on as Jessica gives us the lowdown on solving part of fashion’s waste problem by turning one designer’s fabric liability into another’s eco-minded resource.