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GVC Reports Potential Losses of £50m a Month
by Glenn Baird - April 6, 2020
GVC, owners of brands such as bwin, Coral, Crystalbet, Eurobet, Ladbrokes and Foxy Bingo have released figures that suggest they could be set to lose roughly £50m each month as the sports betting industry braces itself for what will be a very difficult next few months.
Despite this, the number is actually significantly lower than the company first feared, with projected losses per month predicted to be twice as bad just a few weeks ago.
Add the this the fact that the company are actually 1% from the same point last year and there is some grounds for the company, one of the biggest sports betting company’s in the UK, to remain optimistic.
However, the real financial sting, is likely to be felt within the next few months, as all sports betting companies prepare themselves for what is likely to be a very difficult time.
Kenneth Alexander, GVC CEO, commented: “As our Q1 trading numbers once again demonstrate, GVC is a business that, in normal times, delivers an outstanding performance. However, while our global and product diversification is standing us in good stead during the current uncertainty, the COVID-19 pandemic is posing an unprecedented challenge to our business and our industry.
“We are responding decisively, and have put in place a range of measures to keep our people safe, strengthen our financial position, limit cash outflow, preserve jobs and maintain a compelling customer offer.
“I am confident that we will emerge from this period in a position of strength, and we will be well placed to take advantage of a range of attractive growth opportunities which we believe will be available to us.
“We are also sensitive to the fact that at this time of economic stress and isolation, it is vital that we ensure a safe, responsible and enjoyable gaming environment for our customers and do everything that we can to minimise the potential for harm.
“Accordingly, not only have we supported the Betting and Gaming Council’s 10 pledge action plan on safer gambling, but we have gone further and introduced a range of additional safeguarding measures to ensure that we are able to rigorously monitor and protect anyone who may be vulnerable at this time.
“Finally, I would like to thank our outstanding teams around the world for the manner in which they have rapidly adapted to the challenge, and for their continuing hard work and commitment to ensuring GVC’s long-term success.”


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Budget in price, mainstream in aspiration.
Despite a shaky beginning, Turtle Rock's cooperative shooter is a worthy successor to Left4Dead.
After years trapped in licensing hell, the classic action-RPG is back. But does it still hold up in the days of Dark Souls?
Sees serious growth in the post-PC market.
CES 2009: Gary Shapiro, president of the CEA, spoke this morning about how the global economic slowdown will affect the consumer electronics industry through 2009.
Nvidia's CEO Jen-Hsun Huang said that GPU shipments were down 20 percent in Q2 because of the economic slowdown.
October 14 2021 | 15:04
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AT&T is reportedly mulling over charging Web merchants a transactional fee for every customer delivered to them over an AT&T network. John Levine already explained why this isn’t going to work in a story for IBM developerWorks last month.
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Following consumer trends and fueled by the pandemic and related loosening of restrictions on in-state retailer alcohol delivery regulations, the marketplace for alcohol delivery services has expanded exponentially over the last several years and shows no signs of slowing down.
On January 26, 2022, the Pacific Alliance and Singapore signed the Free Trade Agreement (Agreement) at the 16th Summit of the Pacific Alliance. With the signature of the Agreement, Singapore became a member state of this international organization, whose members are Colombia, Chile, Mexico and Peru.
On January 28, 2022 the Consumer Protection Section of the Colorado Attorney General’s Office issued guidance regarding data security best practices. Businesses subject to the Colorado Privacy Act can look to these best practices as a roadmap for the technical and organizational data security safeguards the law requires businesses to implement.
Both the House and Senate have passed legislation under the Railway Labor Act to avoid a railroad strike by imposing the bargaining agreement brokered by President Joe Biden in September 2022.
College life was just one of the many things affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The regulations implementing the CCPA require that a business verify the identity of a consumer that submits a specific-information access request to a “reasonably high degree of certainty.”
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) in November 2022 released a targeted exam letter pertaining to communications for crypto products and services.
It has been a long and heated debate as to whether NFTs and certain cryptocurrencies can be deemed as securities under applicable laws and precedents.
From changing regulatory to employment issues, get practice advisories designed just for In-House Counsel. Subscribe for free.Subscribe Now
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The Walt Disney Company has reportedly offered concessions to European Union regulators who are set to rule on whether the company can complete their planned purchase of 21st Century Fox assets.
- Yahoo Finance reports that Disney submitted a proposal the European Commission on Friday.
- Unfortunately, the details of what fixes Disney would be willing to make in order to address the Commission’s antitrust concerns were not disclosed.
- Disney made a similar deal stateside, with the Justice Department making the acquisition contingent on Disney selling off 22 regional sports networks they’d gain from Fox.
- Due to the new offer, the EU has extended their deadline for ruling on the matter, pushing it from October 19th to November 11th.
- The Commission will use this extra time to obtain feedback from consumers and competitors before making its recommendation.
- While Disney’s bid to buy Fox was originally valued at $71.3 billion, Fox’s decision to sell its stake in Sky to Comcast will result in a $15 billion credit for Disney, taking the transaction down to $56.3 billion.


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- A fashion-inspired person has headed online to display their newly bought sandals of choice – keyboard sandals
- The strange design choice had Twitter users wondering what in the Ctrl+Alt+Del they were seeing
- Briefly News took a shortcut into the comments section to bring readers all the interesting reactions
PAY ATTENTION: Click “See First” under the “Following” tab to see Briefly News on your News Feed!
Belgian fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg once said, "style is something each of us already has, all we need to do is find it". And while that may be true, others have taken this notion to quite an extreme.
This is the case for one fashion-inspired person who has headed online to display their newly bought sandals of choice – keyboard sandals, which no doubt had followers on Twitter wondering what in the Ctrl+Alt+Del they were seeing.
But a user of the microblogging platform @jah_vinny_23 felt confident enough to pose the question, keen to find out what others thought of the unconventional fashion item.
The tweet read:
PAY ATTENTION: Never miss breaking news – join Briefly News' Telegram channel!
"What do you guys think of my dope sandals I bought today?"
The sandals are an exact replica of the peripheral input device used to bring readers this story. There was a massive reaction to it as the post attracted nearly 400 likes.
Enthusiastic Saffas place their orders
Briefly News took a shortcut into the comments section to bring readers all the interesting reactions.
"Do you shut down after taking the sandaks off?"
"Can I type my assignment on my way to campus?"
"Imagine walking in a mall while your steps keep saying 'Ctrl+Alt+Del'."
"I bet they type qwerty while you walk."
"You causing computer errors every time you walk."
Cop in shorts gets tongues wagging online, SA reacts to photos
In related news, Briefly News previously reported that a cop in shorts is serving the heat on social media, and it is all for good reason, too, as spring takes off in Mzansi.
While the men and women in blue have a pledge to serve and protect, one decidedly went the extra mile as he offered up some eye candy for Mzansi's fashion police.
Taking to Twitter, a user @Katlie_Moo shared a series of snaps of a constable in the SAPS ranks spreading the summer feels, thanks to the tight-fitting shorts he is wearing.
The caption read:
"Mohale was found shaking."
The police officer is shown in full police uniform, complete with a service weapon conspicuously strapped to his right thigh. The tweet attracted nearly 850 likes and close to 300 retweets.


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- 2 min read
IndiGo announces new flights between India & Middle East
The budget-carrier has announced operation of new daily flights between Abu Dhabi-Hyderabad, Chennai-Muscat and Abu Dhabi-Chennai, effective March 26, 2023. Operations of these flights will provide more options to customers planning vacations and business trips to and from the Middle East. IndiGo also announced the launch of new one-stop flights to 9 European countries via Istanbul, through its codeshare partnership with Turkish Airlines.
Operations of these flights will provide more options to customers planning vacations and business trips to and from the Middle East.
"We are pleased to announce addition of new flights to cater to the increasing demand between India and the Middle East. These new connections will support the medical students and tourists travelling to Muscat and Abu Dhabi. The increased accessibility to the Middle East, well-known for its food, culture, and oil reserves, will promote both commerce and tourism. We will continue to enhance international connectivity and uphold our promise of providing a courteous, on-time, hassle-free, and affordable travel experience across the wide network," stated Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo, speaking on the occasion.
On Tuesday, the airline also announced the launch of new one-stop flights to nine European countries via Istanbul, through its codeshare partnership with Turkish Airlines. These new 141 average weekly flights will operate to destinations like Malta, Hungary, Belgium, Israel, Ireland, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Greece, and Denmark from Istanbul. IndiGo had previously launched connecting flights to various destinations in Portugal, Switzerland, France, Italy, England, and Austria. In total, now IndiGo operates 335 average weekly codeshare flights to 15 countries in Europe.
IndiGo will operate two daily flights to Malta, Budapest, Dublin, Prague, Amsterdam, Athens, and Copenhagen and three daily flights to Brussels and Tel Aviv. These new flights have been added in view of the increase in demand for outbound travel to Europe as air travel sees strong resurgence in 2023.
“We have witnessed a strong demand for international travel and especially to Europe last year. These connecting flights will not only add capacity, but also provide convenient travel options for people looking to travel between India and Europe. We are confident that with the resurgence of international travel, these exciting options will offer people multiple choices for their travel this summer. We will continue to explore opportunities to provide affordable fares, on-time performance, and hassle-free connectivity for our customers,” added Malhotra on the new Europe flights.


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June 24, 2020
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As coronavirus cases continue to rise, Florida has stopped tracking how many COVID-19 patients are in ICU beds
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California just reported a record number of new coronavirus cases — and it could roll back its reopening if the surge continues
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Companies are selling $229 desktop shields, moveable partition walls, and screens, and it shows how office culture is bending a knee to the pandemic. Here's what the workplace could look like.
Costco is no longer selling one of its most popular cakes in US stores — and customers are not thrilled
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Department stores are reopening in one of the country's biggest shopping destinations. Here's what to expect.
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Parking charges in Solihull's main shopping areas will be suspended until further notice, it has now been confirmed.
A dramatic drop in visitor numbers since lockdown was imposed and concerns about the health risks of using payment machines have prompted the council to agree a temporary suspension in Solihull, Shirley and Knowle.
With a 90 per cent fall in normal usage, road chiefs have admitted that recent events will put "considerable financial pressure" on income, with car parks having been expected to make £3.9 million in the current financial year.
At present, officers estimate that just £10,000 a month would be collected from on-street and off-street facilities across all three locations.
After giving the green light to suspending fees for the time being, Cllr Ken Hawkins, cabinet member for environment and highways, said it was "too early" at this stage to gauge the full impact of Covid-19 on council coffers.
He denied that suspending the fees was an open invite for people to flock to retailers, but felt the measures would support those businesses which had been allowed to remain open.
"There is still activity going on [in the town centre], with Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury's and pharmacies and other businesses who are working from there to fulfil online orders," he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
Cllr Tim Hodgson (Green, Shirley West) said he supported the decision and the proposals to keep it under review in May and June, when the way out of lockdown and the full economic impact on high streets was clearer.
"The priority in doing this is to support key workers and people using the car parks for shopping for essential items and medicine, and importantly, to limit the spread of the virus.
"As the report acknowledges, the pay on foot car parks require customers to interact with physical equipment to take a ticket, make a payment and then exit the car park, and risks exposing people to the virus.
"Similarly, people are coming into physical contact with the parking meters at the pay and display car parks and on-street and off-street parking bays, and handling cash."
Visit Knowle had backed the move after "an unprecedented month", in which traders had hoped to be celebrating a return of two hours' free parking to the village facilities.
Kim Hulse, from the volunteer group, said: "Suspension of parking charges will help Knowle visitors to feel a little bit safer by removing the need to both queue at a safe distance for ticket machines and to touch the machines.
"It makes those essential trips into Knowle that little bit easier and a little less stressful and we welcome the decision."
As in Solihull the shopping area still has a number of businesses open, including the chemist, Eric Lyons butchers, Pets World, Dorridge Auto, The Bread Collection, Tesco, One Stop, Bastock & Bruce Funeral Directors and Thomas Bragg & Sons.
Other businesses have adapted by offering home delivery or more online services.
"Visit Knowle are busy making plans for when the restrictions are lifted and we look forward to seeing Knowle bustling once again when this is all over," added Ms Hulse.
Ticket machines will be covered and signs installed to notify drivers of the changes. Opening and closing times are available here - https://tinyurl.com/yd8wee2a


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The American Soybean Association (ASA), National Corn Growers Association, Farmers for Free Trade and the US Grains Council (USGC) were among the feed growers associations to raise concerns regarding the tariffs signed into action on Thursday by US President Donald Trump. The tariffs are set to go into effect in 15 days.
The action imposed a 10% import tariff on aluminum and a 25% tariff on steel for most countries. Currently, US neighboring countries Canada and Mexico are being excluded from the tariffs and there is some discussion of a process being established to exempt other counties.
The US is currently in the middle of a renegotiation process regarding a free trade deal with both Canada and Mexico. Both countries are major trading partners with the US and Canada is reported to be a major exporter of steel to the US.
The imposition of the tariffs is considered to potentially lead to retaliation by affected countries on agricultural exports, including soybeans, said the ASA.
“These tariffs are a disastrous course of action from the White House,” said John Heisdorffer, president of ASA in a statement. The association has been meeting with members of the commerce and treasury departments along with officials at the US Office of the Trade Representative (USTR) and White House staff to discuss the issue, he added.
“It is unfortunate that our input was not taken into account given the announcement today,” he said. “While we are deeply disappointed and concerned, we reaffirm our commitment to sit down with the president and communicate the importance of trade for soybean farmers.”
“There is absolutely a way to encourage growth in domestic industry without cannibalizing the success of agricultural trade,” he added. “With these tariffs, the administration has taken the opposite approach, and sacrificed the progress and potential of farmers.”
Of particular concern is that China could retaliate against the US by seeking another market for its soybean imports, said the ASA. China has been a major importer of US soybeans.
“[The tariffs] may lead to retaliation by one or more of our valuable trading partners, which in turn will kneecap demand for soybeans in a time when the farm economy is struggling,” said Heisdorffer. “We have heard directly from the Chinese that US soybeans are prime targets for retaliation.”
“The idea that we’re the only game in town, and these partners have no choice but to purchase from the US is flatly wrong,” he said. “Our competition in Brazil and Argentina is eager to capitalize on whatever openings these tariffs create for them in markets like China and elsewhere.”
The ASA is not the only feed and grain industry member to voice concerns regarding the tariffs and the potential for retaliation from trading partners. Farmers for Free Trade and the US Grains Council also said they had concerns.
“We have tremendous concern about the global ramifications of any new tariffs on ag exports,” Tom Sleight, president and CEO of the USGC said in a release. “Agriculture markets are global, and our members – both farmers and exporters – will feel the impacts immediately when new tariffs from our trading partners impact demand. Our products can compete on price and quality anywhere in the world, but the domino effects of new tariffs could make that much, much harder.”
Additionally, there are some concerns regarding what the degradation in trade might mean in the long-term as the tariffs could create economic headwinds, said David Widmar, agricultural economist and researcher with the Center for Commercial Agriculture at Purdue University. “There is some truth in that but you don’t want to be the last item bought – usually that’s a not good price situation,” he added.
“When you’re the last person people want to buy from, you tend to be the residual carrier of ending stocks and you’re sort of feast or famine,” he told FeedNavigator.
China as a buyer, or reducing the amount the country imports also would mean lost growth in the future, he added


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At first, we thought this news meant much less because Google Play Games is actually several things. At its simplest, Google Play Games is an SDK for developers paired with an app for customers. The SDK allows things like could saves, profiles, achievements, and social aspects like leaderboards. The corresponding Google Play Games app is a consumer’s window into some of those details, with some extra tools including its own built-in minigames, a recording tool, a list of all your Google Play Games-compatible titles for easy installation, and even a catalog of compatible Android titles you can conveniently install right from the app.
Google made a big announcement today at the Game Awards. We’re still figuring out the full implications of this, but Google says it’ll bring Google Play Games to Windows in 2022, and it’s verified to Android Police that this will include game distribution. In a nutshell, Google will offer a game app market for Windows next year.
In a sense, that game catalog, paired with its Play Store integration, kind of makes Google Play Games an app store of its own within the larger Play ecosystem. But technically speaking, it’s just a front-end for the Google Play Store itself, simply taking advantage of deep integrations into it. Initial announcement details for today’s news also just highlighted the developer impact and letting players “pick up right where they left off from their pocket, to their tablet, Chromebook and on desktop.” All that sounds like it’s just the SDK, right? Wrong. Those features will probably still be included, but there’s more to it.
More info is coming soon, but 2022 just got a whole lot more exciting. It might just be for games for now, but Google’s launching an app store for Windows. As a potential stepping stone, this is huge. Asus Chromebook CX9 Review: Too much of a good thing.
The company provided Android Police with a statement that confirms game distribution is part of these plans. When asked further, Google explicitly told us that an app store comparison for its plans is valid, though it will just be for games. We’ll have more to share on the service and product next year. But what I can say is this is a new experience that will enable players to download and play their favorite Google Play Games on their desktop. Google will distribute the application and games themselves. We’re excited to help everyone who uses Google Play to continue their gameplay across Android enabled phones, tablets, Chromebooks and Windows.


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GNT, global supplier of plant-based EXBERRY colors, recently dived into how today’s consumers see color in the world of food and drink and beyond. According to the company, the research revealed a powerful new trend shaped by Generation Z’s desire to embrace joy and creativity while staying true to core values.
The new generation of consumers is radical, diverse, and digitally native—and it is rapidly changing global attitudes toward food and drink. Gen Z shoppers are committed to holistic wellness and are actively promoting environmental and social agendas through their purchases. At the same time, their devotion to social media means visual impact is more important than ever before.
This consumer behavior can be described as “healthy hedonism.” GNT’s team indicates the ethos is now set to spark a global surge in demand for eye-catching products that are good for people and the planet. From seductive healthy snacks to kaleidoscopic TikTok treats, the trend showcases a lifestyle that is playful, considered, and nourishing.
GNT’s analysis found that it is already generating new directions in natural color. For example, cute soft-play pastel shades are being used to redefine what “healthy and sustainable” looks like. Psychedelic color schemes now work in harmony with mind-boosting ingredients to tap into new-age well-being. Bright, clashing color combinations can also enable brands to create virtuous products that satisfy the desire for creativity and self-expression.
Maartje Hendrickx, market development manager at GNT Group, says, “Healthy hedonism resonates with the new generation of conscious consumers who are determined to rewrite the rules. To tap into the trend, brands need to celebrate disruption and adopt a new visual language for products that are both healthy and environmentally sound. Earthy colors are no longer a necessity—it’s time to be bold, be creative, and make people smile.”
GMT’s EXBERRY colors are plant-based concentrates created from non-GMO fruit, vegetables, and plants using traditional physical processing methods. GNT has also set out a commitment to become the leader in its field on sustainability by 2030.
Julia Meyer, Healthy Hedonism trend specialist at GNT Group, says, “We have vast experience and expertise in bringing spectacular color concepts to life in food and drink using our plant-based EXBERRY concentrates. We’re here to inspire brands to tap into modern consumers’ emotional needs through color and unleash their products’ true potential.”


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Yesterday ASX up about 30 points, not a lot of news around, DAX hitting a new record high, a bit of concern in the UK over the Royal Bank of Scotland due to seeing if the UK government may sell it off, other English financials down due to this. McDonalds doing ok but a bit lower than expected. AT&T doing well doing deals with a rival. Hasbro doing well with toy sales in foreign sales. Aussie dollar around 96.56 US cents.
22nd Oct 2013, CommSec AM Report: Calm before the storm for US.


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NADA has launched a Women in Automotive video competition that will award 10 Apple Watches to top submissions just ahead of the NADA Show in March.
NADA said there are now more opportunities for women to create lasting, impactful careers in automotive retail than ever before, and this competition is meant to highlight that progress.
“There are so many choices,” Michelle Primm, managing partner at Cascade Auto Group in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio said in a news release. “One of the challenges is figuring out how to put these opportunities in the shopping cart when women are doing their research.”
For a chance to win the video competition, women in automotive retail can share a short video about their experience publicly on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter — using the hashtag: #WomenInAutomotive.
NADA said it will send a free Apple Watch to its 10 most favorited submissions.
Additionally, also in March, the 2018 Women & Automotive Canadian Leadership Forum will take place in downtown Toronto, where automotive industry leaders will discuss approaches for advancing women into leadership roles. The one-day forum is now in its third year.


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Smartflow Technologies, an automation company in Nigeria, and Energy 360 (E360) Africa Limited, a retail fuels technology company have partnered to introduce a technological system that is powered by real-time data to curb operational losses.
The losses that will be blocked include fuel losses, which would, in turn, reduce operational costs, operational control breaches and would, also, improve margins for fuel retailers.
According to the Chief Executive Officer of Energy360 Africa Limited, Dolapo Adeyeye, the E360 Station Manager is an innovative cloud based software, which is very result- oriented, when it comes to business operations margins, adding that it also ensures proper controls at the forecourt.
According to him, the E360 Station analytics helps to manage fuel business more effectively by delivering real-time information that can be accessed whenever and wherever the need arises.
Echoing his CEO, the Chief Operating Officer, Energy360, Abayomi Elebute, noted that Energy 360’s technology boasts of effecient technical capabilities that could help fuel stations to manage the retail business more effectively by giving visibility and control.
Smartflow’s Managing Director, Milin Shah, said that Smartflows’s operation is fortified with strong knowledge of technical know-ho, adding that it was resonated with extensive research and enjoys considerable support support from its Global Equipment Partners (GEP)
He added that that the company’s entire systems had been created with full customisation for the Nigerian market realities.


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There's no doubt that Airbnb has changed the rental industry forever while at the same time making the process of where to stay anywhere in the world a lot easier for the average person.
Thanks to Airbnb's popularity there are 12 popular cities in the world where it's more popular to stay in an Airbnb instead of a traditional hotel.
Since 2008, home-rental service Airbnb has allowed travelers to rent locals' apartments and homes as a new way to experience cities around the world, from Rio de Janeiro to London.
London, in fact, is the most popular city to use Airbnb, as this chart from Statista shows. Staying in a local's apartment versus in a tourist-driven hotel provides travelers with a more native experience, a concept that's only grown in popularity over the past decade.
Airbnb announced in February that it would add hotels to the platform in an effort to hit one billion bookings by 2028, which will broaden the service's reputation from experiencing cities as a local to a more mainstream method of traveling.
Get Airbnb Property Management in Dallas Texas
For Airbnb property management in Dallas Texas contact Square House Property management today by calling us at (972) 523-1389 or click here to connect with us online.


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Asos launches visual search tool for iOS app
Global online retailer Asos have added a visual search tool to their iOS app, allowing UK users to search for clothing with just an image.
With 85,000 products in Asos’ inventory, the visual tool will match images to clothes based on shape, color and print. Whether it be a photo of friends or a screenshot from social media, any photo from user’s camera roll can be used. Accessed through a camera icon in the search bar, users can also take a photo and instantly search.
The Asos iOS app is responsible for 80 percent of UK traffic, so the addition of a visual tool makes sense for the growing retailer.
“We know this is where our customers are and it’s how they interact with us every day, so we are always looking for ways that are mobile native to make their experience even better,” said Andy Berks, digital product director at ASOS.
The launch follows similar features like Pinterest’s Lens, and Ebay’s image search tool that is set to be launched this autumn.
Innovation has been key to Asos’ success since they launched in 2000. Revisiting their ‘as seen on screen’ concept, the visual search is just the start of their customer centred innovations, with an AI powered recommendation engine rumoured to be in the pipeline.


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MANILA - Pre-need firms continued to see their revenues slide in the first quarter despite selling more plans, data from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) showed.
Revenues fell by almost a fifth to P3.2 billion, even as the number of plans sold rose to 62,882 from 53,825 in the same period last year.
The public continued to stay away from education and pension plans, preferring life plans, whose sales jumped by almost half to P2.03 billion in peso terms and by more than two-fifths to 52,173 in terms of plans sold.
Sales of pension plans, which face competition from other investment products, continued to decline, as well as of education plans, which carry the stigma of failed pre-need companies unable to pay clients.
The number of pension plans sold dropped by almost a third to 9,442, and sales, by more than half to P1.05 billion. Education plans fared worse with the number of plans sold reduced by more than half to 1,267, and sales, by more than three-fifths to P173.19 million.
Pre-need sales have been falling since January 2008.
Caesar T. Michelena, president of the Philippine Federation of Pre-need Companies, explained that customers nowadays prefer to buy more but cheaper plans.
Mr. Michelena, who also heads Cocoplans, Inc., said life plans continue to register growth because of the active effort of companies to market these products and customers’ negative perception of education and pension plans.
"We are still looking at growth but maybe not as substantial because of the economic conditions," he said.
On Monday, the SEC ordered pre-need companies to avail the services of independent auditors that would review whether they are managing their trust funds according to its standards or not. The auditors would submit their findings on July 15.
Mr. Michelena, however, does not see this having an effect on the industry’s performance.
"It’s really more of administrative requirement... It would have no major impact overall," he said, pointing out that pre-need companies already employ external auditors to verify the valuation of their trust fund assets.
Pre-need companies now number 22 from 24, after the regulator revoked the license of one firm to sell plans and suspended another due to financial difficulties. — Don Gil K. Carreon


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The Belgian retailer Colruyt is known for its competitive position with the lowest prices. According to Colruyt they have locations in France and Belgium and still see enough potential there. "We know Belgium, but the market isn't sated yet," says Tony De Bock, director of fruit and vegetable purchasing and product promotion at Colruyt.
"Our secret is the low price guarantee," explains Tony. "We also focus on the customer and say what we do and do what we say. The lowest price guarantee is our 'reason to exist', it is lived up to by every employee every day. This is done mainly by aiming for the lowest costs."
In the area of fruit and vegetables, Colruyt believes it is important to provide certain areas. "We supply as many seasonal products with daily quality, the lowest price, safe, healthy and grown in a sustainable manner as we can. Colruyt collaborated with a lot of growers and intend to work this out even further."


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Saigon – Hanoi Securites JSC (SHS) will submit a fundraising plan to shareholders at its general meeting, scheduled for June 16.
Accordingly, the securities firms plans to issue 103.6 million shares for existing shareholders with a rate of 10 per cent, meaning a shareholder who owns two shares can buy one more. With the selling price expecting at VND13,500 per share, the company can earn nearly VND1.4 trillion (US$61 million).
SHS Securities will spend 40 per cent of the amount for margin loans, 40 per cent for bonds, valuable papers investments, and the rest for investment.
The company also plans to issue 10.36 million common stocks from the owner’s equity with a rate of 5 per cent, meaning a shareholder with 100 shares will receive five new ones.
At the par value, SHS is expected to earn VND104 billion ($4.5 million) after issuing new stocks. This amount will be spent for business activities.
Regarding issuing the employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), SHS Securities will issue 4 million units, or 1.93 per cent of the company’s outstanding shares.
Issuing price is estimated at VND12,000 per share. These ESOP shares are restricted from being transferred for one year.
Currently, SHS securities’ charter capital is nearly VND2.1 trillion ($90.4 million). If all three issuances are successful, the company’s charter capital is expected to rise to more than VND3.25 trillion ($141.7 million).
Last year, the firm’s revenue increased 61.5 per cent year-on-year to over VND1.8 trillion ($78.9 million), leading to a gain of nearly 195 per cent in profit after tax to more than VND754.3 billion ($33 million).
In 2021, it set a target of earning nearly VND1.9 trillion ($82.3 million) in revenue, up 4.3 per cent over last year, but lowered its profit before tax to VND751.2 billion ($32.8 million).
On the stock market, SHS shares ended Wednesday at VND41,500 per share, down 3.94 per cent. The company shares jumped 62.2 per cent since the beginning of the year. — VNS
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Health Department provides vaccination clinic to area schools
Aspirin a day ‘risky in old age’ finds major study
2 women drown as van swept into floodwaters
Here are the cool new watch faces on the Apple Watch 4
Your Daily Aspirin Use Could Be Hurting You, Research Shows
The FDA Threatens To Ban Vaping Products Due To Teenage Use
14 September 2018, 03:41 | Rodolfo Wallace
US government considers ban on flavored e-cigarettes over youth 'epidemic'
"We're seriously considering a policy change that would lead to the immediate removal of these flavored products from the market", Gottlieb said in a speech at FDA headquarters.
"The FDA may perchance perchance simply level-headed suddenly high-tail to manage flavored e-cigarettes, as an replacement of ready until 2022, because it is presently planning to function", Bloomberg said in a order.
USA health officials on Wednesday declared the teen use of e-cigarettes an epidemic and issued more than 1,300 warning letters and fines to entities related to the sale and marketing of e-cigarettes to minors.
Other studies have indicated that while e-cigarettes may have milder effects on the lungs, they are just as bad - if not worse - for the cardiovascular system, raising risks of heart disease and high blood pressure. As part of today's action, the agency sent an additional 12 warning letters to another 12 companies that continue to sell the products. "They must demonstrate that they're truly committed to keeping these new products out of the hands of kids and they must find a way to reverse this trend".
Millennials and hipsters beware, big government wants to come for your e-cigarettes if teenagers do not stop using them. And, you know, you've got to remember e-cigarettes - you know, they're thought to be safer than regular cigarettes, but they're not totally safe.
FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said in the press release that the "youth use of electronic cigarettes has reached an epidemic proportion".
Altria Group and British American Tobacco have gained the most intraday since 2008, rising as much as 7.7 percent and 6.9 percent, respectively.
"We won't allow the current trends in youth access and use to continue, even if it means putting limits in place that reduce adult uptake of these products", he said.
The commissioner said flavors play a key role in peaking teen interest.
IPhone XR Poised For Long-Term Success Says Analyst
If there was any takeaway in Apple's big iPhone unveiling on Wednesday, it's that buying an Apple handset is really expensive. Sadly, it's now time to hold a candle to the iPhone X as Apple has discontinued its "revolutionary" flagship for this year.
Canada and U.S
The U.S. has said it plans to present Congress with the deal it has with Mexico if Canada doesn't get on board. Welles Orr, who was assistant USA trade representative for congressional affairs in the George H.W.
Beyond that, vaping research and development is actually costing tobacco companies as they attempt to gain market share in the burgeoning industry, Lavery said.
The FDA's regulation of tobacco products has always been marked by twists and turns and years of debate. "We're going to have to take actions".
"There is no question that a lot of the youth use is being driven by Juul", Gottlieb said.
"Our mission is to improve the lives of adult smokers by providing them with a true alternative to combustible cigarettes". Under regulations finalized in 2016, manufacturers of e-cigarettes and liquid nicotine products that fuel the devices were supposed to file applications to the FDA by August of this year. Above that message is a link to the company's youth-prevention efforts. They noted the survey did not ask specifically about Juul, a sleek, heavily-marketed e-cigarette brand that exploded onto the market and accounts for 70 percent of US sales, according to analyst estimates.
The FDA requested that Juul and four other e-cigarette brands submit plans to "address widespread youth access and use of their products".
JUUL said Wednesday that it will work "proactively" with the and wants to be "part of the solution" in thwarting use among children, though it defended the merits of flavored e-cigarettes for other users. It was "the largest coordinated enforcement effort in the FDA's history", according to the agency.
Bottles of flavor packets for e-cigarettes stand displayed in a tobacco shop in New York on June 23, 2015.
Gottlieb recently began to ask whether the use of Juul and other similar products by kids is overshadowing any benefit to adult smokers using the devices to help them quit cigarettes.
The agency said it's a major concern because "the developing adolescent brain is particularly vulnerable to nicotine addiction".
Apple iPhone Xs vs iPhone X: Here's what is different
The range now starts with the iPhone 7 and is followed by the iPhone 8 and the new iPhone XS as well as iPhone XR models. Arguably the most notable new product: the iPhone Xr delivers iPhone X style with a price cut and some caveats.
Trump says U.S. under 'no pressure' for China trade deal
Such a meeting could take place in Washington or Beijing, though the timing is unclear, according to informed sources. Bush, said he worries that the US will push China "over the cliff" and eventually drag down the global economy.
Apple Event: 5 Big Things Announced, Including New iPhones
Unlike the flagship models, it comes in a handful of new colors including white, black, blue, coral, yellow, and (PRODUCT) RED. The XR uses the LCD screens of Apple's past, and lacks the pressure-sensing 3D Touch feature that debuted on the iPhone 6S.
Georgia declares state of emergency
The storm was about 235 miles east-southeast of Wilmington, North Carolina and was moving at about 17 mph on Thursday. While many people focus on the wind speed of storms, the danger often comes from the water flowing in from the ocean.


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A University of Toronto lab and an international NGO have partnered with a Ugandan hospital in order to use 3D printing to speed up the process of creating and fitting sockets for prosthetic limbs. According…
For some people, a 3D printer is more than just an innovative way to create new things, it’s innovation that can create independence and hope for a better future. Sixteen-year-old Daniel Omar was a victim…
3D printing techniques has given a 6 year old boy from Mongolia a new nose. The young boy named Nerja was born without a nose, a rare condition that often prevents the child from breathing. …
The Open Hand Project on Indiegogo aims to produce a dexterous 3D printed prosthetic for less than $1000.
From hobbyist to humanitarian, Easton LaChappelle tells an inspiring story about his experiences with 3D printing and prosthetics.
Little Liam may have been the first to sport a Robohand, but he’s part of a growing club now.
Tumors can be quite disfiguring. For the first time, a man has had a functional replacement printed for a large portion of his face.
Bespoke Innovations founder Scott Summit talks about his own products but also gave some insights into what’s coming in the future of additive manufacturing.
3D printing, robotics, and prosthetics are all great technologies, so combining them all together only makes sense.
This 3D printed nose is light and all the information is digitally saved, so the recipient can have another printed any time without need of another fitting.


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This new platform offers a unified foundation for data and AI, enabling Communication Service Providers (CSPs) to gain comprehensive insights into their networks, operations, and customer interactions while ensuring data privacy and protection of confidential IP.
The platform is built on an open lakehouse architecture, combining advanced data management, governance, and sharing capabilities with generative AI and machine learning tools.
This innovation comes at a time when the communications industry faces unprecedented changes, including surging global traffic and heightened consumer expectations for quality services.
Databricks developed this platform to help CSPs forecast market trends, predict demand patterns, monetize data, and democratize data insights across their organizations. AT&T, an early adopter, utilizes the platform for fraud protection and enhancing operational efficiencies.
Andy Markus, Chief Data Officer at AT&T, highlights the platform’s role in unifying data and AI, enriching products, and fostering an environment where thousands of employees leverage AI tools for data-driven decision-making. – AsiaTechDesk.com


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South Korean carmakers Kia Motors Corp. and Hyundai Motor Co. could use a shot in the arm. A big victory in an influential quality study might give them a boost.
Five weeks after a liberal president took office in South Korea pledging to ease tensions with China over a controversial missile defense system, the company at the centre of the dispute says it has yet to see any improvement. Lotte Group, which provided land in South Korea for the U.S. THAAD missile system, says it has fixed safety issues at dozens of its Lotte Mart retail stores in China which local fire authorities had shut down earlier this year.
Hyundai Motor unveiled its first subcompact sport utility vehicle Kona for advanced markets, including the United States, Europe and South Korea, as it tries to offset sliding sales in China and catch up with rivals in the segment. The South Korean automaker said it would also launch an electric version of the sporty-looking Kona next year and a smaller SUV and a large SUV by 2020.


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Shirley’s Beauty Clinic marked 20 years in business this month. The salon celebrated its anniversary last weekend with a party for customers and friends in their salon in Glanmire. The event was hosted by Amanda Brunker and guests were treated to beauty demos, goodie bags, and prizes on the day.
With over 3,000 clients, the salon started as a one-woman business, run by Shirley Feeney in 1998. The multi-award-winning salon now has a team of 14. The salon plans to hire a further two staff in the coming months to cope with client demands.
Speaking at the celebrations, salon owner Shirley said: “I never could have imagined when I started out that we’d be celebrating 20 years this year with my team. My business is as exciting to me as the day I started. I have highly a qualified team that deliver pioneering treatments to our clients.
“Our clients don’t just come for the exceptional treatments, they also come for a chat with our staff and the friendly atmosphere. It means the world that we had so many of them come to celebrate our 20 years with us this month. From those who were my clients at the very beginning and have stayed with me throughout the years to newer clients that we have gotten to know recently, there has been such a buzz.”
Special promotions and giveaways will take place for the month of October to mark the salon’s anniversary. More details will be shared across the salon’s social media channels.
Located in the Glanmire Shopping centre, the salon offers a wide range of the most up-to-date treatments, as well as specialised skincare treatments, such as the Nordly’s Laser System, used to treat a wide range of skin conditions.
Shirley’s Beauty Clinic
Unit 4BG, Crestfield Centre, Riverstown, Glanmire, Cork
021 482 2945


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Accurate Cruise Ship Crime Statistics Should Be Available To The Public, Lawmakers Warn
July 24, 2013 7:59 PM EST
The cruise industry has come a long way in reforming its practices since the catastrophic Costa Concordia tragedy last January, but for some U.S. politicians, there is still much more work to be done.
Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) introduced legislation in the Senate Tuesday seeking passenger safety at sea reforms under the Cruise Passenger Protection Act of 2013, or CPPA. Meanwhile, Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) and Rep. Ted Poe (R-Tex.) introduced companion legislation in the House under the same name. Both aim for tougher reporting of cruise ship safety statistics, and both will build off of security measures implemented by the broad Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010.
Rep. Matsui said the 2010 legislation put in critical protections for thousands of Americans, and was “a great first step,” but noted it was just that: a first step.
“The Cruise Passenger Protection Act … will continue to build upon the security and safety measures aboard our cruise ships and ensure that consumers have access to accurate information and victims are given the support and resources they deserve,” she stated. Rep. Poe added that the act would “protect victims of crime and hold their perpetrators accountable.”
The proposal would bolster FBI notification requirements when an alleged incident occurs onboard a cruise ship, and ensure consumers are able to access more detailed information about crimes that occur on cruise vessels by making that information public. The CPPA also mandates more video surveillance requirements to ensure maximum protection for passengers and victims.
“Through the substantial efforts of Reps. Matsui and Poe, historic legislation was passed in 2010 to protect passengers who become victims of crimes on cruise ships. International Cruise Victims Association members are most pleased that this new legislation will further strengthen this law to improve crime reporting and other provisions,” stated ICV President Kendall Carver.
Under the CPPA, a cruise vessel owner would have to notify the FBI within four hours of an alleged incident and ensure that if an incident occurs while a vessel is still in a U.S. port, the FBI is notified before it leaves for the open ocean. The CPPA would also transfer authority for maintaining the website of alleged crimes on cruise ships from the Coast Guard to the Department of Transportation, and it would charge the Department with establishing a victim advocate program, whereby each large vessel would have an assistant who could advise victims of their rights in international waters.
The FBI currently only reports crimes that are no longer under investigation. Last year, for instance, just 15 cases were documented on the Coast Guard’s website, while ICV claims it received hundreds of calls and emails from cruise passengers who said they were the victim of a crime. Critics say such underreporting creates serious confusion and represents a lack of transparency for potential passengers, who do not have accurate information about the safety of each vessel.
Sen. Rockefeller, chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, has probed the cruise industry in recent months on everything from security to a lack of federal taxes. He introduced his latest legislation a day ahead of a committee hearing Wednesday, titled, “Cruise Industry Oversight: Recent Incidents Show Need for Stronger Focus on Consumer Protection,” where he will grill cruise line executives.
The panel Wednesday includes Gerald Cahill, President and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines; Adam Goldstein, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International; Rear Admiral Joseph Servidio, Assistant Commandant for Prevention and Policy for the United States Coast Guard; Dr. Ross Klein, Professor at the School of Social Work, St. Johns College, Memorial University of Newfoundland; and the Honorable Mark Rosenker, former Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board.
The hearing, Sen. Rockefeller said, will focus on “challenges the cruise industry continues to face,” including a lack of consumer protections, a need for more accurate crime reporting and ongoing safety concerns. The Senator is expected to release a report on crimes reported to the FBI but never before made public.
“Sadly, when things go wrong on cruises, passengers are left with no recourse and no way of knowing ahead of time if there’s any history of crime onboard their cruise ship,” Sen. Rockefeller noted. “While I’ve been told time and again that the industry is going to change, that things will get better for passengers, it simply hasn’t happened. So I’m stepping in to make sure cruise lines make those critical changes to improve the safety and security of passengers.”
The West Virginia Democrat said the fine print on cruise contracts is growing, and in the process, new clauses restrict a passenger’s ability to hold cruise lines accountable when things go wrong.
Cruise Lines International Association, or CLIA, announced in May that its board of directors had approved the adoption of a “Cruise Industry Passenger Bill of Rights,” detailing the industry’s “commitment to the safety, comfort and care of guests.” The bill, voluntarily adopted by all major cruise lines, was largely seen as a reaction to demands from U.S. politicians following a series of high profile incidents on Carnival ships, beginning with the Carnival Triumph fire in February.
Included in the new “bill” is the right to disembark a docked ship if essential provisions cannot adequately be provided onboard; the right to a full refund for a trip that is canceled due to mechanical failures (or a partial refund for a voyage that is terminated early due to mechanical failures); the right to timely information updates as to any adjustments in the itinerary; the right to a ship crew that is properly trained for medical emergencies and evacuation procedures; and the right to transportation and lodging if a cruise is terminated early due to mechanical failures. Each cruise line is now required to publish these rights on their respective websites.
CLIA President and CEO Christine Duffy said the industry “appreciates the opportunity” to convey its safety record with the Senate in a statement provided to the Miami Herald. “We believe the senators will see that the industry is not only effectively overseen and regulated by authorities and has an exceptional operational record, but that we also initiate policies and best practices on our own to ensure that we deliver exceptional vacation value for all guests.”
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Originally published at REPORT: ROH's Death Before Dishonor tops 36,000 buys
A report has Ring of Honor’s Death Before Dishonor pay-per-view exceeding Supercard of Honor from this past April.
In the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reports that this past Saturday’s event from Lowell is looking to have done around 36,100 buys – a breakdown provided lists 27,000 digital buys and 9,100 from traditional pay-per-view.
Those numbers would represent sizable increases over the April 2nd Supercard of Honor show held over WrestleMania weekend that generated 15,500 digital buys and 3,700 on traditional pay-per-view for a total of 19,200.
This past Saturday’s card was headlined by a two-of-three falls match between FTR and The Briscoes for the ROH tag titles and included Samoa Joe vs. Jay Lethal, Jonathan Gresham vs. Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta vs. Daniel Garcia.
ROH’s Death Before Dishonor had the advantage of regular television promotion on AEW programming over the past month, although was nowhere near the numbers generated by an AEW branded pay-per-view show.
ROH remains without a television or streaming deal, which owner Tony Khan has stated is the goal with a weekly program in mind for the brand.


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Xiaomi: According to a report, Xiaomi will launch 3 phones with Snapdragon 870 chipset.
Shaomi: Chinese smartphone company Xiaomi, which is actively expanding its high-end devices, will launch three new smartphones this year and it is expected that these phones will be powered by Snapdragon 870 chipset. Gizmochin said in its report on Thursday that the company recently launched the MI10S and Redmi 40 smartphones, which are equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 SC. Read more – Champions Mumbai Indians should not be left out of IPL 2021 XI: Parthiv Patel
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 is a 7nm chipset and it looks like an over clock version of the Snapdragon 865 Plus SC. It has a Kiro 585 CPU, the core of which is 3.2 GHz which is 100 MHz more than the prime core of the Snapdragon 865 Plus. Read more – MI Band 6 launch date and price in India: Xiaomi MI Band 6 will be launched on this day, find out what its features will be
The Adreno 650 has a GPU and includes a Snapdragon X55 5G modem, which supports MMYB and Sub-6 GHz networks. It has support for Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6 and Quick Charge 4 Plus. Read more – Xiaomi will invest Rs 100 crore to expand retail network, employ 10,000 people
The existence of the Snapdragon 870 SC seems to have come about due to the demand of the manufacturers of a new chipset for the much more affordable flashships than the price of the premium phone. The report states that the chipset was originally intended for thieves
However, more information about these devices has not been released.
Recently, another Chinese smartphone giant launched the Vivo X60 Pro, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processor.


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As the wedding industry emerges from its pandemic slump, businesses and betrothed alike are reinventing ceremonies and celebrations to a large extent.
No longer are there only ceremonies. Mini-monies follow micro-weddings while sequel-monies are bigger receptions that are scheduled the following year.
Whether plated or buffet, reception meals are different and guests who belly up to the bar for a cocktail likely will be pouring everything themselves except for the booze.
And couples may have to move off a traditional Saturday for a wedding if they want to tie the knot this year.
These and other pandemic impacts on the wedding industry – and how they affect couples – are part of the first biennial Arizona Wedding Show in a year and a half.
Kim Horn of Ahwatukee, one of the world’s few certified master wedding planners who helps organize this long-time event, said that couples also will be able to check out 175 matrimony-related vendors.
And like most everything else in wedding world, the show is bending to COVID-19: attendees must be masked and their number will be limited at any given point through timed tickets.
Although future brides and their entourage could try on gowns at previous shows, that won’t be happening.
The show – which was canceled both times last year – will run 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 6 at the Convention Center’s South Building in downtown Phoenix. Tickets, which are $8 now or $10 on June 6, will not be sold at the door and must be purchased at arizonaweddingshow.com.
That ticket also entitles one lucky couple to win a package with big discounts on gowns, tuxes, venue, DJ, photography, invitations and décor – courtesy of the vendors.
Horn said the ebbing of the pandemic has “basically unleashed everything” in her professional world.
Think train wreck when it comes to a popular venue or a specific date.
“Put it this way,” Horn explained. “Almost half the couples last year that we’re getting scheduled to get married rescheduled their date to 2021. Many have been rescheduled to fall.”
“Then you have all of the new people who got engaged last year and are looking at having their wedding in the fall of 2021 too,” she continued.
And naturally, most want a Saturday wedding, prompting Horn to reflect, “It’s insane because you only have so many Saturdays.”
As a result, wedding planners like Horn are prodding couples to think other days of the week for their nuptials.
Like Friday – “Then you get the reception out of the way and you have the whole weekend to relax and visit with family and friends.”
Or Sunday, though, “you have the whole weekend to be stressed.”
Or even Monday through Thursday – which could save couples a lot of money from vendors all too willing to make some money on what would be a typically dead day, Horn advised.
The venue operators themselves have their own stresses – starting with the fact that resorts and restaurants can’t find enough people to work.
That’s a big reason why Gov. Doug Ducey last week said the supplemental $300 in unemployment pay will end July 10 and why two weeks ago he rescinded his pandemic order that had relaxed the requirement to prove people are diligently searching for a job if they want to receive the state’s $240 in weekly unemployment compensation.
In rescinding the extra $300-a-week, Ducey specifically cited the difficulty that restaurants, bars and the like are having finding wait staff, bartenders, cooks and other employees.
Arizona Grand General Manager Paul Gray can testify to the wedding challenge.
“As larger gatherings become safer, inquiries for more traditional weddings are definitely coming back,” Gray said. “Many couples that had to cancel in 2020 and chose to wait are now itching to throw their dream wedding. We are currently working aggressively to hire new and returning staff in just about every area of operations to meet current and future demand.”
Horn added, “A lot of the resorts that I’ve talked to are having a really hard time getting cooks back because they went off and found something else.”
The venues themselves have changed their operations to some degree to be in step with the times.
“Everything is very different,” Horn said. “The plated meal is very different. The buffet is very different. Now we have the stations with acrylic dividers so if someone sneezes and doesn’t sneeze in their elbow, the food is covered.”
Even attire has been impacted, though, of course, new fashions still remain a big consideration, COVID-19 be damned.
Couture wedding gowns feature ruffles, high slits and varied necklines, Horn said, adding that mix and match bridesmaid dresses for style and color to accent body shape are a big thing.
“The groom now can choose from designer suits and tuxes in bold colors with pocket squares and accessories to highlight their personality,” Horn added.
Micro-weddings for up to 50 people are still a big thing, so as a result, she said, “floral and succulents have a specific color palette in lieu of a specific flower based on what’s in season and available.”
And while many pandemic restrictions have been lifted, cautious couples are still seeking outdoor venues for weddings – putting even more demand on venues for cooler fall wedding dates.
All of which means, Horn said, is that what “couples should be looking at is flexibility.”
“If they call a venue and they love that venue and this is the venue that I want, they are normally going to save money if they switch to an off-premium date.”
Nonetheless, Horn said, the pandemic hasn’t taken the thrill or the traditional stress out of a couple’s big day.
And that’s what makes the Arizona Wedding Show so useful, she said.
“We have venues. We have invitations.
We have dress shops. We have wedding planners. We have DJ’s. We have live music. There are suits and tux rentals. There are florists, weight loss clinics and hair and makeup, rental companies.”
Asked if she added any type of vendor specifically because of the pandemic, Horn replied “we’re not really adding any vendors but we are adding more people doing sanitation.”


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Nearshoring Boom Faces Growing Pains
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The escalation of nearshoring this year has brought an increased need to bolster infrastructure investments and supply chain operations, according to experts.
“The reality is nearshoring continues to grow,” said Ben Enriquez, head of Mexico logistics and customs at Uber Freight. “We estimate that between last year and this year, there are already 453 new companies that are in the process of relocating to Mexico. At the same time, there’s a lot of investment from companies that already have a footprint in Mexico.”
Uber Freight estimates imports from Mexico could increase by 30% or 40% over the next five years. Its data also showed that out of all the companies either expanding or moving operations into Mexico, about 80% of their cross-border moves are likely to run through Laredo, Texas.
“We’re seeing this as the start of the expansions,” Enriquez said. “Many of these companies are barely getting the land for construction of their manufacturing plants. Some of them are working on expanding their plants. These projects take a few years to get finalized.”
Trucks bound for Mexico wait at the Pharr Port of Entry in Texas. (Michael Gonzalez/Getty Images via Bloomberg News)
The Mexican government found in an economics report that foreign direct investments increased 41% year-over-year to $29 billion during the first half of 2023. The United States has contributed the most of any country to these investments at 43%.
“Trucking, I think, has had the bulk or the lion’s share, if you will, of the cross-border moves,” said TD Cowen analyst Jason Seidl. “I think we’re probably going to see rail win some market share over time. There has been a big pickup in some of the demand for cross-border LTL since Yellow’s demise and companies like TFI have been benefiting from that.”
Seidl is anticipating that nearshoring is going to have a multiyear runway for growth. He noted more investments at the border and ports are necessary to help the supply chain going forward.
“By investments in our ports, I mean, we need to bring them up to speed with technology so we can make them more efficient and cross-border, we need to create more facilities that can handle some of this traffic that’s going to be coming our way,” Seidl said. “So, absolutely, we need more and I think we’re going to get more. It just takes time.”
Enriquez echoed the point while adding that should include new warehouses in Laredo, Dallas and Houston since a lot of the cross-border freight flows through those areas. He also pointed to new highway projects around the Nuevo Leon region of Mexico.
“This will help alleviate some of the traffic,” Enriquez said. “But there are other things that the Mexican government needs to think of, such as electricity. You have to be able to not only supply but distribute electricity to all these manufacturing plants.”
C.H. Robinson has tackled the issue by expanding its operational presence on the border. The transportation and logistics company announced Sept. 11 that it had opened a new facility in Laredo to speed up cross-border movements for customers.
“Many global shippers are really diversifying their risk by moving closer to their customers and that’s the main point,” said Mike Burkhart, vice president for Mexico at C.H. Robinson. “We’re going to feel this along the entire southern border, so not just Laredo. But Laredo’s growth is more evident than anywhere else.”
C.H. Robinson's new facility covers 400,000 square feet and includes 150 dock doors and 700 trailer spaces. (C.H. Robinson)
C.H. Robinson data found that the city experienced a 20% increase in cross-border trade last year to $268 billion. This year has thus far been on track to see a similar year-over-year increase. The new facility was built to capture that activity as well as anticipated growth beyond that. It covers 400,000 square feet and includes 150 dock doors and 700 trailer spaces.
C.H. Robinson Worldwide ranks No. 1 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest logistics companies in North America.
Redwood Logistics released a report warning that nearshoring is causing a growing differential between domestic and cross-border trucking rates. The report identified rising diesel costs, a Mexican driver shortage, cargo theft and dollar-to-peso conversion depreciation as the main causes.
“The Mexican government needs to take major steps to make their highways safe,” said Jordan Dewart, president of Redwood Mexico. “Cargo theft is only part of the problem; unsafe highways lead to heavier traffic during daylight hours, less drivers willing to get behind the wheel and rising insurance costs.”
Dewart believes the company needs to work to shorten loading and unloading times as well as on and off times at intermodal ramps and ocean ports and reduced border-crossing times.
“In response to recent market shifts with the nearshoring trend, we’ve invested in establishing a substantial presence in Laredo, Texas, opening a new terminal several years ago,” said Ali Faghri, chief strategy officer at XPO. We’ve hired more people, including drivers and dockworkers, and bolstered our equipment inventory, adding trailers, dollies and forklifts. Additionally, we’ve established a driving school in Laredo.”
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Batcha of the Organic Trade Association wrote that food with the USDA organic label is rigorously monitored. “No other agricultural system operates under the comprehensive and rigorous set of federal regulations and standards by which organic farmers choose willingly to abide,” she said in her response.
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Dr. Miller responded to their letters a couple of weeks later in The Wall Street Journal, quoting Dan Glickman, who was agriculture secretary in 2000 when the federal organic standards were approved.
“I am proud to say these are the strictest, most comprehensive organic standards in the world,” Glickman said in 2000.
Although Glickman embraced organic food, saying he sometimes buys organic frozen foods, The Washington Post said he made clear that the new organic seal does not imply the organic foods are either safer or more nutritious.
“The organic label is a marketing tool,” he said at the time. “USDA is not in the business of choosing sides, of stating preferences for one kind of food, one set of ingredients or one means of production over any other.”
FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, also weighed in on Dr. Miller’s comments via Twitter, saying he soon would release more detailed information on what different terms mean on food packaging to help consumers best use claims like organic and antibiotic free.
In other tweets, Dr. Gottlieb said the FDA and USDA have different roles in the oversight of organic foods. USDA regulates use of the term “organic” on food labels, while FDA oversees general food labeling compliance and food safety issues.
USDA became responsible for regulatory oversight of organic standards and accreditation of organic certifying agents under the National Organic Program (NOP), which was signed into law in 2000. The USDA Organic seal was subsequently introduced. Today, there are more than 24,000 certified organic operations throughout the U.S., according to the Organic Trade Association.
It is unclear to what extent the booming market for organic foods may be overloading certification operations.
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA), the largest of 15 certifiers in that state, had to stop accepting new certifications in August 2017 because of the large volume of applications. It certifies 260 operations as organic. In August 2017, the number of certified organic food operations ISDA was handling was up 40 percent from four years before. It hired more inspectors in 2016, 2017, and this year.
“There was so much growth and we wanted to make sure certification was done correctly for our current clients, so we placed a temporary cap on new applications,” says ISDA organic program manager Gwen Ayres. She says it is unclear when ISDA will be able to lift the cap.
Organic growers can still try to get certified by other organizations, she says.
Is the USDA Organic Label Enough?
While the USDA Organic label intends to define in detail what is or isn’t organic food, advances in agriculture, food preparation, and internationalization all have conspired to challenge traditional definitions. A number of organic farmers also want to consider environmental impacts of organic practices in labeling.
Some organic food contains trace amounts of non-organic food parts, like spices, which are allowable up to a certain percentage. Also in question are growing techniques such as hydroponics, a process used to grow vegetables in water with nutrients.
The Real Organic Project, based in East Thetford, Vt., wants an add-on label to the USDA Organic label. The group of organic farmers says there are a lot of good things about the USDA NOP rules. But it objects to rules that allow hydroponics and concentrated animal feeding operations to be certified as organic. It announced a pilot farm inspection program in July.


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Aiming an arrow towards the sun, Meta Kongz is a Klaytn-based project that comprises unique and randomly generated 3D NFT PFPs. Designed by Kakao—the founders of Korea’s most used messenger app, KakaoTalk—Meta Kongz aims to be the next-generation global platform based on blockchain technology and marketing.
Meta Kongz aims to leave a positive mark in the metaverse, and according to the project document, it will open the way for co-existence based on the concept of web 3. Consisting of 10,000 profile picture-styled NFTs, Meta Kongz, since its launch, has gained popularity and interest from enthusiasts worldwide. The reason for this is not far-fetched—it is a genuinely profitable project. NFT holders not only stand a chance of benefiting financially but will enjoy more excellent perks in the metaverse.
While the Klaytn Chain is an advanced enterprise-grade blockchain network, the presence of an existing entry barrier, especially for non-Koreans, presents a considerable downside that cannot be overlooked. This has stalled the further growth of Meta Kongz, hence prompting the decision to propose a switch to Ethereum, a more popular and open network.
The decision to segue into the Ethereum chain came after the recently concluded governance vote. Meta Kongz, a community-based project, allowed members to vote on the proposed plan—migrating to Ethereum.
By migrating to the Ethereum chain, Meta Kongz will hope to leverage the blockchain’s popularity to reach and attract a new set of NFT enthusiasts—non-Koreans.
Additionally, this move will solidify the project’s stance as one ready for globalization.
Per a recent press release, Meta Kongz has entered an MoU with Shinsegae Group. Currently, the biggest departmental franchise in Korea, the MoU with Meta Kongz will see the latter produce over 10,000 PFP-styled NFTs with real-life utilities. With minting scheduled for June 2022, these NFTs, according to the MoU, will offer offline benefits to holders.
That's not all; Meta Kongz recently partnered with Hyundai—arguably the largest automobile company in Korea. Per the mentioned source, this partnership will see Meta Kongz create thirty exclusive limited-edition NFTs.
Meta Kongz has partnered with various brands like NFT Mania, Innocean Worldwide, KH Group, Terra World, Sandbox, Market It, and other renowned brands and companies.


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Gmail and Kindle apps for iOS receive updates
This entry was posted on Thursday, December 6, 2012.
Google has recently released a major update for their Gmail client for iOS devices. The app features a sleeker design and a faster and much smoother user experience. Matthew Izatt, the Product Manager at Google posted this on the official Gmail blog:
“Six months ago, our team set out to completely rebuild the Gmail app for iPhone and iPad to give you a faster, sleeker, and easier experience on iOS. The result? Version 2.0. With version 2.0 of the app, you'll get a totally new look and feel, plus a bunch of improvements.”
Apart from the all new design, updates include profile photos in messages, new animations and infinite scrolling in message lists. The update has also added support for autocomplete in search, which will make searching your mails faster and more efficient. Google has also added the widely requested support for multiple accounts. Users can now add and manage up to 5 Gmail accounts through their iOS Gmail app.
According the Gmail blog, the following is the list of major improvements:
- Multiple account support
- App redesigned with a new, cleaner look
- Search predictions as you type
- Infinite scrolling inbox
- Respond to Google Calendar invites inline
- Interactive Google+ posts support
- New welcome experience
The app is live now on the app store.
On the other hand, Amazon has updated its highly popular Kindle app for iOS to version 3.5. This update primarily improves X-Ray integration, support for which has now been extended to all books, and not just textbooks. X-Ray allows you to explore information about the characters and places on a particular page of the book.