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Feb. 24--Retailer JCPenney, announcing Friday that it plans to close as many as 140 stores and two distribution centers, for the moment did not say which locations it is targeting with its budget ax.
Thus, the longtime anchor store at Peachtree Mall in Columbus, may or may not be on the closure list. The Plano, Texas-based company said it won't be letting the public know until the middle of March, after it has notified employees.
(Sephora's Friday grand opening is final piece of JCPenney makeover)
Either way, it's possible that the JCPenney in Columbus could be a little lighter in its employee ranks and experience with the retailer also saying it will be offering as many as 6,000 workers "voluntary early retirement." It said the retirements -- which must be accepted by March 17 -- will "far exceed" the number of full-time staffers impacted by the store closings. The voluntary early retirement program is open to those earning a paycheck in stores, the firm's headquarters and in its supply chain.
"We believe closing stores will also allow us to adjust our business to effectively compete against the growing threat of online retailers," Marvin R. Ellison, JCPenney's chairman and chief executive officer, said Friday in a statement.
But the CEO did not discount the need for brick-and-mortar stores that complement the retailer's own online shopping presence. He said those locations that "fully execute" the company's strategy of offering beauty items, home goods and special sizes in a "vibrant" shopping environment are showing higher sales and still are vital.
That should bode well for the Columbus JCPenney, which has undergone major remodels in recent years, while also adding the popular Sephora beauty line within its separate store-like location just steps inside the store's entrance to Peachtree Mall. Another anchor at the 3131 Manchester Expressway mall, department store Macy's, also survived a recent round of store closings by its parent company.
Kevin Berry, senior vice president of investor and public relations at Chicago-based General Growth Properties, the mall's owner, essentially said no comment Friday when asked about the performance and fate of the local JCPenney, its major tenant.
(Sears and Kmart stores in Columbus are closing)
JCPenney and its local workforce are accustomed to rolling with the changes, having relocated to Peachtree Mall from Columbus Square Mall on Macon Road in 1994. Before that, it was in downtown Columbus. The retailer also has watched other major tenants depart Peachtree Mall, including Montgomery Ward (where Macy's now operates) and Parisian (where At Home recently set up a superstore).
The mall on Manchester Expressway opened in 1975 and has been expanded or renovated three times, the last coming in 1994 with the addition of a new wing anchored by JCPenney. The shopping center has about 100 stores with roughly 820,000 square feet of leasable space and 4,000 parking spaces.
On Friday, JCPenney said those employees impacted company-wide by the store and distribution center closures will receive separation benefits that include help with writing a resume and preparing for interviews, along with assistance in "identifying other employment opportunities."
Most of the stores being closed will do so within the second quarter, the company said, which is between April and June. The company currently operates more than 1,000 locations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
"I have a deep appreciation and respect for our associates who are on the front lines working tirelessly to serve our customers every day," Ellison said in his statement. "Closing a store is never an easy decision, especially given the local impact on valued employees and our most loyal shoppers. While any actions that reduce or exclude our presence in communities across the country is always difficult, it is essential that JCPenney continues to evolve in order to achieve long-term growth and profitability and deliver on shareholder value."
The move by JCPenney, which dates to 1902, comes with another iconic retailer, Sears, now holding a liquidation sale on Whittlesey Boulevard in Columbus as it prepares to shutter that department store's doors. Sears Holdings also is closing Kmart discount stores on Macon Road in Columbus and U.S. Highway 280 in Phenix City.
(c)2017 the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer (Columbus, Ga.)
Visit the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer (Columbus, Ga.) at www.ledger-enquirer.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
© Tribune Content Agency, source Regional News


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If you saw the new Aston Martin DB10 created for the James Bond film Spectre and thought “I want one,” too bad.
It turns out the DB10 really was created exclusively for the movie, and won’t be sold to anyone.
That’s what Aston Martin design boss Marek Reichman told Top Gear in a recent interview, so you can stop planning that drug smuggling operation now.
Aston previously said that only 10 examples of the DB10 would be made, and they’ll apparently all be used in filming.
It’s true that production companies often keep multiple copies of a car on hand to use for different jobs, as backups, or because it just plans to destroy a few of them for trailer-bait action sequences.
Reichman said the DB10 was put through the same trials as any other movie vehicle, promising it will do all of its own stunts without any CGI trickery.
Come to think of it, Aston may not have enough DB10s. This is a Bond movie, after all.
Despite looking pretty exotic, the car is apparently based on the smallest and least-expensive Aston, the V8 Vantage. Its wheelbase and track have been stretched, but the DB10 has the same 4.7-liter engine under the hood.
Reichman hinted at an extra party piece too, noting only that “we want to focus on what James Bond’s hands are doing.”
So, manual transmission in this one, then.
While it seems logical to imagine that the DB10 will preview the styling of Aston’s upcoming DB9 replacement, but that reportedly isn’t a given.
Future production models could borrow styling cues from the DB10, but that’s not inevitable. Designers were more focused on giving Daniel Craig an iconic car to rival Sean Connery’s DB5, not building an auto-show-style concept.
Still, at least a few people can actually put a DB5 in their garages. The DB10 will have to rely on screen time alone to make a similarly lasting impression.
- Honda Clarity Electric gets unplugged, won’t return for new model year
- Dainese Smart Jacket vest airbag breaks new ground so you won’t get broken
- James Bond may ditch his V12 Aston Martin for electric power, report says

domain: news


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Under the spotlight: Quindell faces questions over loans backed by company shares made to senior director
Claims processing firm Quindell is facing questions over why it allowed a senior director to fund personal expenses with loans backed by the company’s shares.
Last week three board members used their existing shares as collateral to take out a loan to buy more. But the Mail can reveal one of them used the money for other purposes.
Last Wednesday, the firm revealed three directors – chairman Rob Terry, finance director Laurence Moorse and director Steve Scott – took out a loan ‘to fund the acquisition of shares’.
Investors in Hampshire-based Quindell have experienced a rollercoaster ride over the last couple of years.
The deal saw all three post up to £64million of shares as collateral. The move spooked investors and shares fell 9 per cent during trading on Thursday.
On Friday the company’s corporate broker Cenkos issued a statement, clarifying: ‘We have confirmed that the executive directors are only using the loan to buy equity’.
But Scott, as a non-executive member of the board, is not an ‘executive director’.
This means that Cenkos’s clarification – that he only used the money to buy shares – does not apply.
It has since been confirmed that he used the money to fund personal expenditure, as well as using it to buy 700,000 shares in Quindell.
Scott is a long-term business partner of Terry, and joined the board of Quindell in 2009. Between 1999 and 2006 he was the commercial director of The Innovation Group, a software business founded by Terry – although Terry was forced out in 2003 following questions about the firm’s accounting policies.
Quindell has been dogged by allegations over its business model, and saw its shares halved by a short-seller’s report alleging it is ‘built on sand’. It then successfully sued for libel over the report.
Quindell refused to comment on the Cenkos note.
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It could hold the key to driverless cars, quicker half-time football scores and virtual reality entertainment on the go.
The first 5G mobile phone network launched in the UK yesterday and promises to revolutionise the way we interact with technology – and the way it runs our lives.
5G is the shorthand for the fifth generation of mobile airwaves.
Limited areas of Edinburgh are the first parts of Scotland to get coverage, with Glasgow following on July 3, but to use the network, which is said to be at least five times faster and more efficient for gaming, streaming and downloading, you’ll need a new phone and a new contract.
EE is the first provider to launch, with Vodafone live on July 3 and other main networks O2 and Three set to get on board by the end of the year.
Technology expert and blogger Ken Lo, of kenstechtips.com, brought us up to speed on 5G.
What is 5G?
5G is the next generation of mobile network technology which will give people greater capacity in networks, better response time and higher maximum download speeds.
How can I get it?
EE has it already but you’ll need a new phone which supports it, a price plan for 5G and have to live in an area which covers it.
Are the new phones ready?
The first phones are released in the next few months. Huawei were the market leaders in 5G but the recent US sanctions have caused a lot of issues for them. Samsung and Xiaomi are bringing them out. Apple hasn’t said yet, so who knows when we’ll get a 5G iPhone but I can’t imagine it will be too long.
What will it cost?
Vodafone is charging similar prices to 4G, EE will be about £5-£10 a month extra.
If you are doing the same stuff as you do now, you’re not going to use more data but it might be that virtual reality takes off, or augmented reality, or some crazy new tech which could cause people to use a lot of data.
What are the benefits?
The biggest benefit people will notice will be capacity. Many of us will have been at a football match and you have 50,000 people trying to use the internet and nothing loads.
With 5G, there will be extra capacity so lots of people using their devices in the one place will still work.
The other thing is response time, which will be much lower with 5G. For example, if there is a driverless car which is communicating with the mobile network and talking to other cars, if it’s on 4G, it will have probably travelled 60ft by the time it gets something back, which is not safe if the cars are talking to each other. That’s also a big thing for gaming.
How fast will it be?
On day one, it will have a speed of 150mb per second – 4G is around 30. But you only need 4/5mbs for iPlayer or Netflix so that probably won’t make a massive difference.
There are lots of stages and with 5G the idea is to get up to 10,000mbs (10gb), which is the maximum speed.
Will speed make much difference?
It’s probably more marketing speak than genuine benefit. The 4G network lets you watch HD video. You don’t need 5G for that.
How quickly will everyone be on it?
In the first six months, it will be people who want to be the first to have the latest tech but there will be very few devices and it’s going to be very patchy. It won’t be mainstream until next year – 2020 is when we’ll see a lot more consumers with it.


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Delmarva’s poultry industry increased its economic output by 18.6 percent in the past five years by producing 4.3 billion pounds of chicken worth $3.4 billion in 2018, according to new data released by Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc.
The 20,425 chicken company employees on Delmarva earned $784 million in wages in 2018, and the region’s 1,302 chicken growers earned $268 million in contract income. In total, income earned by employees and farmers associated with Delmarva’s chicken industry was $1.05 billion, the report indicated.
Since 1957, the trade association has compiled data from the poultry companies operating on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and in Delaware.
On the Eastern Shore of Virginia, a large poultry farm expansion is nearing its end as new, more efficient and environmentally friendly houses replace older obsolete ones.


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Intel picks Picture Mosaics’ app to show off its new Skylake i7 processor at the 2015 IDF press event! Picture Mosaics’ new 4K video mosaic technology optimized for Skylake to be featured in more upcoming Intel events. In front of the new demo are Joe Charpentier, VP of Engineering, and Al Charpentier, Founder and CEO.
At Picture Mosaics, we’ve spent the last 14 years pushing the boundaries of photo mosaic design in every way imaginable. We were honored to partner with Intel and present at the IDF 2015 press event in San Francisco! We were tasked with putting together a demo using our latest photo and video software to push the new Skylake i7 processor to its limit.
Currently, our Online Mosaic Tool can leverage your photos from any device, Facebook account, Instagram account, and other online sources and with in minutes build a zoomable, printable, and sharable photo mosaic. With the launch of the new Skylake processor, our app and technology would be pushed further…we were really excited for what this meant for our customers and cleints!
The Intel Skylake 4K Video Mosaic
Once the new skylake i7 system arrived, we were left with one question: with all of this power, how far can we push our creativity and technology to further what consumer can do with their photos and videos? We decided to undertake one of our most ambitious mosaic projects to date: an interactive, 3-D video mosaic sphere comprised of 40 4K videos, all playing simultaneously! Using a touch screen monitor, we could rotate, explore, and zoom into the sphere without compromising the playback of any 4K video. You can check out a clip of the interactive sphere in action at the Intel event on HardwareZone.com, or check out the video at the bottom of this post.
What’s more, we used this 3-D sphere as the basis when creating the new never-ending Intel video mosaic. We knew the Skylake i7 processor would takes us leaps and bounds ahead in this area, but what we weren’t expecting was our render time to drop from twelve hours to just FIVE hours. We were truly blown away. This new processor is sure to be a game-changer for all of our future interactive and video mosaic projects. We are excited that more of our interactive 4K mosaic technology, optimized for Skylake, will be featured in several upcoming Intel events.


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Men can now cinch up their ties while they’re sipping mint juleps during the Kentucky Derby.
As part of a newly launched marketing initiative surrounding the storied race, Churchill Downs Inc., which owns the Derby and its sister race, the Kentucky Oaks, is seeking partners for a high-end apparel license as well as other products to appeal to racing enthusiasts. One of the first initiatives in the program is a men’s necktie, designed and produced by the Washington-based Charles and Patrick. The tie, which retails for $93.50, is available in two patterns and four colors each, and is available on the Kentucky Derby Web site. There’s also a bow tie for $65.
“With the Kentucky Derby, it’s all about women with the great hats and sundresses,” said Brent Patrick Keuch, creative director of Charles and Patrick. “But what do the men have?”
The silk Derby ties are designed to be worn “multiple times,” Keuch said, not just on race day. “You can really wear them with anything,” he said.
Keuch said plans are to expand the offering next year to include a women’s silk clutch designed from the same tie fabrics, as well as printed silk scarves.
“We believe there’s an opportunity to grow our brand from an image and financial standpoint,” said Julie Koenig Loignon, vice president of brand development and marketing for the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs Inc. Although a significant portion of the company’s revenues comes from wagering, she said, Loignon believes licensed products, sponsorships and TV tie-ins can also provide a revenue stream. “There are a lot of women fans of horse racing, but we’re underserving that customer.”
Right now, the bulk of the Derby-themed merchandise is centered on event T-shirts, some outerwear and a few equine-style jackets and vests, as well as glasswear and other souvenirs.
To create a more lasting business, the company has developed an “icon mark” that will be used annually. In the past, the logo was different every year. “It was nice to change it,” said Casey Cook, vice president of brand development and licensing, “but it really dated it. We wanted something that was as stellar as the Masters mark.”
That mark may one day find its way onto luxury apparel. Cook said Churchill Downs is “actively looking for apparel partners” to produce a men’s and women’s Derby-inspired collection. “It would be very spring focused,” she said, “something you’d wear to the Derby, but it would also [encompass] the equine lifestyle, which has a very specific look.” The collection could also be used on fall goods, she said. “We would like a partner to focus on a year-round business.” Cook said, adding she envisions the Derby line being sold in high-end retailers.
In addition to apparel, Cook said she is looking for licensees in health and beauty aids, cosmetics, fragrances and jewelry.
The Kentucky Derby, which began in 1875 and is held on the first Saturday in May every year in Louisville, Ky., is the oldest continuously held sporting event in the country. “We’ve got one year on the Kennel Club,” Loignon said.
The Run for the Roses is “tradition based,” she said of the Derby, but has an aspirational component with its colorful fashions and hats. “We call it stylish indulgence,” she said, noting the race is a “real spectacle where you can watch 250,000 people get wild and frisky.”
@chanel and @pharrell dropped what’s being dubbed as the world’s most exclusive sneakers yesterday. The Adidas Originals NMD Hu, which Williams designed in collaboration with Chanel and @adidasoriginals, has a waiting list of over 120K people who pre-registered online at chanelatcolette.fr –– and only 500 pairs are on sale. The singer predicted the resale value of the shoes could reach $40K. Read the full interview on WWD.com. Link in bio. #wwdfashion (📷: Dominique Maître)
@imanshumpert is diving deeper into his creative endeavors and relaunching his clothing line, Post 90s, and is helping to raise money for the hurricane victims in St. Maarten with a jersey he’s designed with his brother. The Cleveland Cavaliers player talked to WWD about kneeling during the national anthem, working with fashion brands and how he wants to be more than an @nba player. Read the interview on WWD.com #wwdfashion (📷: George Chinese)
Not only does #TheProfit return to CNBC tonight, but @marcuslemonis has launched @shopmarcus, a new shopping and lifestyle retail experience in Aspen and Chicago, with more locations to come. The retail stores offer in-store stylists and a variety of contemporary womenswear selections.
“It’s life, I’m going to face it,” @mingxi11 sighed. “I fell, but you know, I think the most important thing is that I get back up. I had the love, the help from my sister — the girl next to me Gizele [Oliveira] — she’s so nice. When I went backstage everybody was trying to comfort me like ‘Oh Ming, it’s OK.’ I’m really, really touched. I think it’s them who gave me the courage to go back on stage for the finale,” Xi told WWD of her fall at the @victoriassecret fashion show. (📷: David Fisher) #wwdfashion #vsfashionshow #victoriassecret
@louisvuitton tapped @therealpeterlindbergh for its latest city-centric photo book, which is part of a series called Fashion Eye. The primarily black and white book captures the spirit of Berlin in 57 images shot between 1989 and 2019. “Berlin is an inspiration for me, more than a city. I mean @millajovovich is simply Berlin!” said Lindbergh. #wwdfashion
“You know, I think audiences expect a certain performance so I have to deliver to them what they’re expecting to a certain degree. But I’m also a different actor and a different person, I have my own spin on the character,” says @noahegalvin of his takeover of the leading role in “Dear Evan Hansen” following the departure of @bensplatt, who originated the role. Read WWD’s interview with the 23-year-old actor on WWD.com #wwdeye (📷: @jilliansollazzo)
For pre-fall 2018, @etro created richly-colored wonderland, using tapestries, textiles and wallpapers from the Eastern world at large. The line featured floral and graphic prints and jacquard motifs, like this two-piece look featured here. #wwdfashion (📷: Giovanna Pavesi)
@kith is moving into children’s. The men’s and women’s streetwear brand has launched Kidset, a Kith kids line located in New York at 64 Bleecker Street. The line includes mini versions of staple Kith pieces like the Astor bomber jacket and the Kith box logo sweatshirts, along with a wall that can display up to 120 pairs of shoes from @adidas, @newbalance, @timberland and more. #wwdfashion
“I just wanted to create this fully rounded character, but I do think what excited me most was just the opportunity to give a group of people representation that I feel needs it. I like to do characters in projects that stand for something and Karolina definitely does, so that was really exciting to me,” @ginnygardner says of her new role in @hulu’s “The Runaways.” Gardner plays Karolina Dean, a queer superhero, which is a rarity for @marvel. Read more about Gardner’s character on WWD.com #wwdeye (📷: @dandoperalski)


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Rutland County’s sixth brewery will launch next week when Mount Holly Beer Co. ships its first batch.
“The beer is bubbling as we speak,” co-owner Dave Mango said. “I think we’re going to be at nine restaurants, stores and bars in the Ludlow-Killington-Shrewsbury area.”
While the company is starting out contract-brewing at Whetsone Station in Brattleboro, Mango said he and co-owner Dan Tilly have long-term hopes and dreams for their adopted hometown.
“We’re hoping to grow some hops in Mount Holly itself,” Mango said. “Only 4% of U.S. hops are grown outside of the Pacific Northwest. We’re trying to bring it back to New England. ... We have a couple of vines growing in our backyard. I don’t think we’re quite there yet.”
Mango said he Tilly knew each other from their shared youth in Connecticut. He said Tilly grew up vacationing in Mount Holly in the summer and winter, and lives there now. Mango said his family spent similar spans of time in Stowe, and while he now works in finance in New York City, he would love to be able to join his business partner in Vermont.
“Mount Holly is a very small town,” he said. “It’s very communal, very Vermont-ish.”
The brewery’s first beer is named for the Green Stand, Mango said, which was the name of the first bar in Mount Holly.
“It was (started by) a Civil War soldier who moved there after the war,” he said.
Mango said they hope to come up with future beers by collaborating with area restaurants to devise beers that pair with their menus. He said they are already working on a Pilsner to be served at an Italian restaurant in Ludlow.
“I think Pilsners are kind of the next future for us,” he said.
Within Rutland County, Mango said, the beer will be available at Hops on the Hill in Killington, the Rustic Rooster in Shrewsbury and the Belmont General Store.
Mount Holly Brewing Co. joins Rutland Beer Works, Foley Brothers Beer, Red Clover Ale Co., Liambru Tasty and Killington Beer Co. on the roster of Rutland County brewers.
“I was on the phone with a brewer yesterday, who said they were doing quite well and expansion could be possible,” said Lyle Jepson, executive director of Chamber and Economic Development of the Rutland Region. “We do have some top-quality brewers, and I think their popularity is going to allow them to continue to grow. I’m not sure we’ve maxed out the opportunity.”


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Mitsubishi Motors Australia has issued a recall that effects over 20,000 NT and NW Pajeros that were sold between January 2010 to May 2014 that stems fro... (read more)
New face, new tech, but still as green as ever.
The 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrid has arrived in showrooms today, re... (read more)
Mitsubishi Motors has revealed their all-new model that’s planned to slot between the current line-up stalwarts, the ASX and Outlande... (read more)
Mitsubishi Motors Australia has revealed a new Sports Edition variant of their 2017 Triton GLS 4x4 Double Cab ute and should be on sale presently with a ... (read more)
Mitsubishi has revealed yet more photographic teasers of their compact SUV that’s due to be shown at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show i... (read more)
Did someone say ASX?
Mitsubishi will be unveiling a new concept at the upcoming 2017 Geneva Motor Show in March. The Japanese automa... (read more)
Mitsubishi has today announced a recall for 74,935 SUVs built over various model years over an issue with corrosion of the tailgate. ... (read more)
New face for the new model year. For 2017, Mitsubishi has seen it fit to make some cosmetic changes to its ASX crossover for the new ... (read more)
The Triton proves you can be stylish and value-driven at the same time.
We don’t have to talk about the popularity of utes in our market. The utility is... (read more)
The Mitsubishi ASX is a compact SUV - or crossover, however you’d like it sliced - that’s been with us in its current third-generatio... (read more)
Mitsubishi’s Outlander is the Japanese manufacturer’s medium-size SUV offering, seating seven in what outwardly looks like a slick hi... (read more)
This week it’s the all-new Mitsubishi Triton; just a few weeks ago it was the updated Ford Ranger; in a few weeks we have the all-new Nissan Navara and upd... (read more)
In Sydney for the launch of the updated 2016 Outlander range, Tetsuro Aikawa, Mitsubishi’s global President had a clear message: watch ... (read more)
You need look no further than the Mitsubishi Mirage for confirmation the budget end of the compact car segment provides tremendous valu... (read more)
Are you officially a ‘grey nomad’ or a family who enjoys weekend getaways? If the answer is ‘yes’ then no doubt the Mitsubishi Pajero i... (read more)
Mitsubishi knew it needed a strong all-new Outlander to take-on the established stars in the medium SUV segment and it has delivered wi... (read more)


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While iWork's latest versions has come a long way, looking back to previous versions has its advantages.
Glenn and Susie are joined by Roman Loyola and Caitlin McGarry to talk about those apps that deliver all kinds of goods and services to your door. Are they lifesavers, or are they ruining everything?
The new Photos app has easy-to-learn photo editing tools that can make a big difference in making a blah photo great.
When technology goes awry, it's easy to think you don't know enough to fix it. You're not alone.
Siri can't find your Apple Watch just yet, but the online hysteria over its lack of anti-theft features exaggerates the situation.
Well-intentioned attempts to help users improve security could leave them more vulnerable than they think.
Glenn and Susie discuss whether it's smart to put betas of iOS and OS X on your everyday devices. Plus, we praise our experience with the new MacBook and gripe about early Apple Watch apps.
Apple doesn't exactly believe in different people using the same resources or the same person needing multiple identities, but it's working on it.
SiliconDust unwires over-the-air TV signals with a networked tuner.
Despite my fears of a single-port existence, the new MacBook hasn't disappointed me across weeks of use.
Knock has extended from the iPhone to the Watch to let you unlock your Mac with a tap. This is more of what the future will bring.
Glenn, Susie, and Caitlin all have their Apple Watches...and plenty of opinions about them. We praise some things, complain about others, and try to explain what it all means for you.
Bluetooth has become a requirement in Apple's networked devices, even when it doesn't seem to be in use.
Apple's latest earnings show a huge uptick in revenue from China, now the company's second biggest market after the US. But China demands a lot from companies that do business within its borders.
Glenn and Susie talk about the Apple Watch's weird launch, and iFixit CEO Kyle Wiens drops by to discuss ripping one apart at the seams.


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Godzilla’s Appetite for Destruction
With 2020 in the rearview mirror, and all the frustrations that came with it, what better way to unleash those frustrations than with a good old-fashioned rampage? If you’ve ever wanted to take the reins of the legendary lizard creature to smash, plunder, demolish and cause total havoc with every step you take, now you can. TOHO Games has announced the release of their upcoming game, Godzilla Destruction, coming April 27th to Android devices.
Godzilla is experiencing a resurgence due to the new film, Godzilla vs. Kong, which is perfect timing for the game. A new trailer features aspects of the destructive gameplay, and yes, it looks terrific. It seems there isn’t much in the way of story or plot, which is fine. Every once in a while, gamers need some kind of stress reducer. I can’t think of a better way than rolling through pristine cities, leveling skyscrapers, swatting at incoming helicopters and leaving an aftermath of twisted metal along the city streets.
To up the coolness factor to new heights, Godzilla now has laser vision ability, feeding his destructive nature tenfold. The trailer footage features Godzilla expelling a torrent of energy, wrecking massive stadiums and monuments with a single kill-shot stare.
We still have a couple of weeks until the game’s release on April 27th for Android devices, but Godzilla Destruction seems to be just the kind of experience players need right now: a fun and mindless way to expel their aggressions. Sign me up. Check out the trailer below and stay tuned for Hardcore Droid’s official review upon release.


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Anne Mader, owner, The Bike Lane
Attendees networking at the first DRAFT: D.C.-region
On October 18, businesses, organizations, advocates and individuals passionate about bikes came together for the first DRAFT: Washington D.C.-region. PeopleForBikes started the meetups in Denver in 2015, and launched a nationwide series this fall using the DRAFT label. DRAFT events begin with announcements, which are followed by four, five-minute presentations by innovators in the bike industry and a couple hours of informal networking and socializing.
The D.C. event was hosted by New District Brewing in Arlington, Virginia, which is conveniently located between two of the region’s most popular bike commuting trails. The night began with announcements from attendees. DRAFT D.C. featured four fascinating speakers. Jenifer Joy Madden, a journalist, author and active living advocate spoke about the importance of cyclists being a part of the movement to get more people on bikes. Eric Keen, territory manager with Trek Bicycles, talked about why people are purchasing and riding e-bikes and how e-bikes are getting more people on bikes. Beth Fulton, VP of customer success at Clarabridge, a local software company, explained how they use trail building as a way to encourage teamwork and get employees out on mountain bikes. The final speaker was Katie Kelly, co-founder of Squij Kat, which makes fun (yet functional) products to celebrate cycling.
One of the best parts of DRAFT is the networking, talking and story sharing that takes place after the presentations. Attendees were so engaged with each other that organizers had to push people out the door when it was time to go. There are so many exciting companies and passionate people using bikes, and DRAFT is an opportunity to connect them to each other and to the larger cycling community in the D.C. area.
For more information, and to learn about hosting your own DRAFT meetup, click here.


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Hurtado Barbecue owner Brandon Hurtado has plans to open a new bar in Arlington and a new barbecue restaurant in Little Elm.
The bar in Arlington, named Hayters Bar & Taco Lounge, is expected to open in the next 30 days. It’ll be located next-door to the original Hurtado Barbecue, on E. Front Street in a buzzy part of Arlington that’s now home to Cane Rosso pizza, 4 Kahunas tiki bar, Legal Draft Beer Co. and more.
The barbecue joint in Little Elm is expected to open in spring 2022. It will be the second Hurtado Barbecue — this one much bigger than the original, with a special side kitchen for Hurtado’s crew to make all of the company’s in-house sausages. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported the news of the expansion first.
Hurtado Barbecue is a rare COVID-19-era success story. After running a food truck in 2019, Hurtado opened his first restaurant in February 2020, just a month before the coronavirus pandemic swept the United States. Hurtado kept at it, serving Central Texas style barbecue and “Mexicue,” often to long lines of customers who didn’t seem to mind waiting outdoors. The restaurant has just 30 seats inside — which isn’t ideal long-term but probably helped Hurtado attract the COVID-19 cautious to his spacious patio with picnic tables and games.
Still, Hurtado says he worries about the customers standing out in the heat in Arlington.
“I hate people having to wait outside in 100-degree weather,” he says. “We have water outside, we have someone bringing them drinks and snacks. We have tents up for shade. It’s still really, really hot.”
“A larger location will allow us to serve more people in an expedited fashion,” he says.
He picked Little Elm because he likes the activity around Lewisville Lake: the indoor water park called The Cove at Lakefront and the free, lakeside beach called Little Elm Beach. The new restaurant is just down the street from the popular Hula Hut and the Hydrous Wake Park.
It’ll seat 130 people indoors.
Hurtado plans to sell the same menu at the Little Elm restaurant, starting with his most popular item, brisket birria tacos.
“We sell a hell of a lot of tacos. It’s crazy,” he says. The birria tacos were initially offered as a special, but Hurtado now has them on the permanent menu. He hired a cook “just to make tacos every day.”
Other popular items at Hurtado are the smoked brisket and beef ribs. Unlike many restaurants that sell beef ribs as an occasional special, Hurtado sells the honkin’ pieces of peppery, salty meat every day.
Hurtado expects his barbecue restaurant in Arlington and the next-door bar to have some synergy: Bar-goers can order tacos and nachos from 4 p.m. to midnight, when the restaurant next door is closed but crews are still working in the kitchen.
Hayters is named after Andrew Hayter, an early settler the city calls “the father of Arlington.”
Hayters Bar & Taco Lounge will be at 213 E. Front St., Arlington. It’s expected to open in August or September 2021. The second Hurtado Barbecue will be at 100 Hardwicke Lane, Little Elm. It’s expected to open in spring 2022.
The first Hurtado Barbecue remains open at 205 E. Front St., Arlington.


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Report: Sara Lee forges ahead with splitting business
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. — One week after announcing that it would sell off its shoe care business to SC Johnson, Sara Lee is moving ahead with plans to split its business into two units.
According to published reports, Sara Lee will divide its meat and coffee businesses into two separate companies. In addition to its recent transaction with SC Johnson, Sara Lee has been streamlining its business by selling off its beauty and laundry detergent portfolios to Unilever for $1.6 billion. The deal closed last month.
"The divestiture of our body care and European detergents businesses further enables us to concentrate our efforts in key areas where we have a strong competitive position and can generate significant shareholder value," stated Marcel Smits, interim CEO of Sara Lee. "We remain focused on aggressively driving growth in our core coffee and protein categories."
Binaca product re-enters market
LOS ANGELES — Dr. Fresh said that it has reintroduced a Binaca brand product.
Binaca breath drops, available in a compact-sized bottle (3.7 mL) that fits just as easily into a pocket, gives on-the-go consumers a way to keep their breath fresh. Sold as a three-pack, Binaca fresh drops carry a suggested retail price of $1.99.
“Binaca is a classic, but now it’s updated to fit today’s lifestyles. We also hope to bring baby boomers back into the fold through their nostalgia for the breath drops,” said Daniel Enriquez, VP sales and marketing for Dr. Fresh, the oral care company that acquired the Binaca brand in 2008.
Mintel: ‘Down to Earth’ beauty will continue through 2011
CHICAGO — Beauty companies will be looking to get "down to Earth" in 2011, according to Mintel, an independent provider of market intelligence.
The "down-to-Earth" trend is closely linked with sustainability and addresses the practicalities of making and marketing green beauty products. Factors include managing price pressure due to varying supply and demand of natural and organic raw materials, and learning to master the challenges of green chemistry, such as the use of sustainable surfactants, "green" solvents and alternatives to parabens, Mintel stated. The free-from formulas that were a major trend in 2010 will further evolve to avoid petrochemically derived ingredients.
According to Mintel, 13% of new skin care, hair care and cosmetics made the paraben-free claim in 2010, up from 5% in 2008. In addition, nearly 9% of new skin care, hair care and cosmetics made the organic claim in 2010, twice as many as in 2007. The all-natural claim was found in fewer than 3% of launches in 2010.
"Paraben-free claims actually outpaced organic and all-natural claims in new skin care, hair care and cosmetics launches in 2010, backing up Mintel’s Nu Natural trend that predicted that brands would emphasize results and free-from claims over certification," stated Nica Lewis, head consultant at Mintel Beauty Innovation. "[This year] will see beauty companies placing increased importance on the environment, focusing on sustainable sourcing with attention to maintaining biodiversity. A renewed emphasis on repackaging to minimize waste will also be a factor."
Mintel also stated that, around the world, anti-aging claims still are important, with more than 1-in-4 launches making this claim — up 5% compared with 2009. New skin care products with environmentally friendly packaging also were up 5% on the prior year, showing manufacturers’ commitment to recycling and eco-friendly materials.
Added Vivienne Rudd, senior beauty analyst at Mintel, "[The year] 2010 was a year for rebuilding, with new skin care product launch activity almost matching prerecessionary levels. The past year saw [mergers-and-acquisitions] activity resumed, too, as credit markets eased, with consolidation amongst ingredient suppliers and Unilever, Shiseido, L’Oréal, Estée Lauder and Coty all inking deals. This development will influence brands in the year ahead from a marketing perspective linked to the down-[to]-Earth trend, too. Simplifying text and ‘stripping back’ to tell straightforward, direct stories of plant-based ingredients will be key, and manufacturers who treat consumers as educated shoppers instead of novices stand to benefit."


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Around 200 Adobe Connect customers were charged multiple times after a glitch in the firm's online order processing system. One customer said their bank account "just went to zero."
Latest from Zack Whittaker
Code cannot be stolen under federal law, a court has ruled, in the case of a former Goldman Sachs employee who had his conviction for code theft and espionage overturned.
Google's browser, despite being penalised for 60 days for a recent paid-links scandal, was the world's number one browser -- albeit, for a day over the weekend.
A former Goldman Sachs employee, accused of stealing data used in high-frequency trading, is to walk free after his conviction was overturned by an appeals court.
Microsoft is taking one major UK technology retailer to court for "creating and selling" over 94,000 counterfeit copies of Windows.
A plot to bring down the Royal wedding website during the day's proceedings were met by London's police force. But who could have been behind such an attempt?
comScore figures out today shows that Google has lost out to Yahoo and Microsoft's Bing in marketshare, but is still ahead of the fold.
GlobalSign is to resume issuing SSL-website certificates, after the certificate authority said that hackers had breached one of its web servers.
Over 500 stolen SSL certificates from a Dutch certificate authority also appear to have stung Facebook, Google and Windows Update, as well as MI6 and CIA websites.
Nokia's developer online community has been hacked into and defaced.In a statement on the Nokia community pages, which have since been closed amid the hack, the phone giant warns that members' personal information, including dates of birth and email addresses, may have been stolen.


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Jeni Rose and Kate Stirling have been named senior vice presidents and co-heads of fashion representation at the company. President of events Leslie Russo is out.
Bart made the announcement during a call on Wednesday. He says it was a mutual decision for him to step into a new role as senior advisor.
“Who knew, after many years of admiring the gorgeous CoverGirl models, that I would be one at 69 years of age?" she wrote on Instagram.


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With the U.S. launch date of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV still more than a year away, the company hopes to glean some additional insight from real-world use of the little electric vehicle (EV). In order to conduct real-world tests of the i-MiEV, Mitsubishi has announced plans to send a pair of them to the State of California for long-term evaluation. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the California Department of General Services hope to include many electric vehicles in the state's fleet for evaluation purposes and the i-MiEVs will be the first to join the party.
Mitsubishi told Gov. Schwarzenegger that electric vehicles are just the type of thing that California needs to help the state overcome pollution problems and drive it towards a sustainable transportation future (isn't that what the Hydrogen Highway aims to do?). The evaluation of the i-MiEV will help the state develop an EV infrastructure, which will go a long way towards convincing buyers that going electric is doable. Wonder if Nissan will throw a pair of Leafs in for evaluation too?
[Source: Green Car Advisor]


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The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has said it warned three National Broadband Network (NBN) retailers on not providing sufficient critical information on their broadband offerings.
In what it called an "intelligence sweep" of all 131 retailers offering NBN services, the ACMA said 97 percent provided one or more critical information summaries (CIS) on their websites, but that Your Call Telecom, EHW Technology, and Easy Internet Services received formal warnings for not doing so.
"Each provider promptly addressed their non-compliance by developing CIS and including them on their websites," the ACMA added.
A CIS, required under the Telecommunications Consumer Protections (TCP) Code, must include a description of the service, additional charge information, minimum terms, and inclusions, exclusions, and conditions.
At the time of the review -- between November 16 and December 24, 2017 -- the ACMA said just 7 percent of retailers were adhering to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) speed advertising guidelines; 11 percent were providing information on typical peak period speeds; 22 percent were providing information on how customers can test their broadband speeds; and 80 percent were providing information on factors that affect the speed and quality of their broadband services.
The ACMA added that it is now drafting rules that will specify the information needing to be provided to customers on data speeds and conditions that could affect those data speeds, and will consult on those rules "shortly".
The new ACMA rules are also likely to cover information about power outages and over-the-top services including medical alarm systems, and it is additionally continuing its examination into the impact modems can have on service quality.
"The ACMA is aware that the performance of some modems may mean consumers cannot access optimal speeds on the new network," it said.
"We will undertake a study to identify the modems currently being supplied in the market and test their capabilities. The evidence gathered and any issues identified will inform our response to this matter, including whether there is a need for further regulatory or non-regulatory intervention."
Chair Nerida O'Loughlin said the ACMA will also be introducing its new consumer information rules from July 1.
The ACMA had in December published new consumer protections to be implemented during the migration to NBN services after finding that connection issues may not be resolved for over 100 days on some technologies.
"We have had strong concerns for some time about how telcos are helping consumers move to the new network. These concerns have been borne out by our recent analysis of industry's own data," O'Loughlin said at the end of last year.
She added that the data shows many RSPs are not "stepping up to get the right information to consumers and resolve migration issues quickly and effectively".
The ACMA had gathered information about all technologies -- fibre to the premises (FttP), fibre to the node (FttN), fibre to the basement (FttB), hybrid fibre-coaxial (HFC), fixed-wireless, and satellite -- from 16 retail service providers (RSPs), four wholesale providers, and NBN.
The ACMA research called the supply chain between NBN and the customer "non-linear", adding that this can make it difficult for RSPs to provide information to their customers about appointments.
"Industry co-regulatory arrangements are not serving consumers well in a number of important areas. As a result, the ACMA will make new mandatory rules to require telcos to improve their performance in these areas," O'Loughlin said.
A new Consumer Information Standard will require all RSPs to provide network-specific information in a standardised format including speeds to be delivered, the technology being used, technical limitations, exit provisions, and what information will be provided in the event of an outage.
The NBN Connection Assurance Standard will require RSPs to "undertake measures to maintain service continuity when consumers are migrating to the new network".
"If a telco breaches an industry standard, the ACMA can commence court proceedings seeking remedies such as injunctions and civil penalties of up to AU$250,000. For breaching a service provider rule, the maximum civil penalty a court can impose is AU$10 million," the regulator explained.
"There are no pecuniary penalties for breaching an industry code."
The ACMA was ordered by the federal government to research NBN migration issues in August, with NBN at the time also creating a dedicated churn team to work through issues as quickly as possible.
Last week, the ACCC's first fixed-line broadband speed monitoring report found that NBN retailers are actually delivering up to 90 percent of their speed tier promises during peak hours.
The first Measuring Broadband Australia report [PDF] showed Telstra, Optus, TPG, and iiNet delivering between 80 and 90 percent of their speeds at all times, including the busy hours of between 7pm and 11pm.
The ACCC speed monitoring report follows the consumer watchdog forcing Telstra, Optus, TPG, iiNet, Internode, Dodo, iPrimus, and Commander to compensate tens of thousands of customers for not providing them with the NBN speeds they were paying for.
Most NBN speed promises actually being delivered: ACCC
The consumer watchdog has found that NBN speeds are now only 'marginally' dropping off during peak periods, with telcos delivering between 80 and 90 percent of maximum speeds at all times.
NBN announces 'simulated training' for contractors
The first of a series of NBN Network Simulated Labs has opened in TAFE NSW's Lidcombe site, with the facilities to provide training and assessment for external workers on network deployment, activation, and maintenance.
Solving NBN congestion with Juniper's network automation bots
Juniper Networks' OpenLab and network automation technology were leveraged by Telstra in developing its own CVC bots to help track NBN network congestion, Juniper APAC head Ralph Candiloro has told ZDNet.
NBN the key driver of consumer telco dissatisfaction: ACCC
Consumer complaints to the ACCC about both NBN services and major retail mobile and fixed network providers rose during 2016-17.
Server deployment/migration checklist(Tech Pro Research)
One configuration error or overlooked step can send your server deployment off a cliff. This checklist will help you complete the process efficiently and avoid costly mistakes.
iiNet and Internode fall to NBN speed claims compensation hammer
A total of 11,000 iiNet and Internode customers are to be refunded after the providers did not provide consumers with the NBN speeds they were paying for between 2015 and 2017.


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Zenyum, a Singapore-based manufacturer of 3D-printed cosmetic dental products, has raised $13.6 million in Series A funding from RTP Global, Sequoia Capital India, TNB Aura, and Seeds Capital.
RTP Global, originally known as ru-Net, is a venture capital firm established by Russian entrepreneurs, while TNB Aura targets early-stage deals in Southeast Asia and Australia. Seeds Capital is an investment...
KKR has offered to acquire up to 9% of First Gen Corporation, a power plant operator in the Philippines, for PHP7.29 billion ($144 million).
Japan’s Beyond Next Ventures has led a JPY800 billion ($7.4 million) Series A round for local cell-based agricultural technology specialist IntegriCulture.
Chinese drug developer Jiangsu Atom Bioscience & Pharmaceutical has raised $30 million in Series B funding led by Sequoia Capital China and Hong Kong-listed Livzon Pharmaceutical Group.
Hillhouse Capital has led an extended Series A round of funding worth $50 million for Deepexi, a Chinese start-up that provides a suite of smart data services to enterprise customers.


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The GroceryOne platform has total retail sales of $60 billion, which is 71% higher than grocery sales via Instacart.
Retail media technology company CitrusAd has unveiled GroceryOne, a digital platform that enables brands and agencies to manage retail media campaigns from one source. GroceryOne is making it easier for advertisers to engage with customers across multiple retailers, and currently represents retail sales of $60 billion.
The new platform is expected to double in size by the end of next year, and according to CitrusAd, its sales power is higher than the grocery sales of Instacart, Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market combined. Additionally, CitrusAd’s open API allows direct integration of other marketplace enterprises, enabling CPG companies and agencies to buy through the methods they already utilize.
With the platform, the food retailer’s first-party data is combined with CitrusAd’s technology to target high-intent shoppers. Further, an out-of-stock feature prohibits ads from appearing if the product is unavailable at the store where the customer is shopping.
“CPG advertisers now have a platform designed around the grocery industry. An easy execution to reach millions of shoppers generating higher visibility in the shopper mindset with closed-loop analytics that measure ROI in real-time by retailer,” said Lauren Malaguti, VP of GroceryOne media sales at St. Petersburg, Fla.-based CitrusAd. “Relevant, retail media is working. Short-term it is helping brands impact regional online and in store sales. Longer term it is helping grow lifetime customer value in a vast omnichannel manner.”
Retail media is only gaining in importance for both CPG brands and food retailers, and revenue is expected to exceed $50 billion this year. Enterprise software suite Pacvue has also made strides in the field.
Serving more than 9 million customers daily through a digital shopping experience and 2,800 retail food stores under a variety of banner names, Cincinnati-based Kroger is No. 4 on The PG 100, Progressive Grocer’s 2022 list of the top food and consumables retailers in North America. Albertsons operates more than 2,200 retail stores under 24 banners with 1,700-plus pharmacies, 402 associated fuel centers, 22 dedicated distribution centers and 20 manufacturing facilities. The company is No. 9 on The PG 100.


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After a lapse of four years, Dongfeng and AB Volvo (hereinafter referred to as Volvo Group) joint venture company once again become a hot spot in the industry. According to sources, the two parties have already established a joint venture in accordance with 55:45 and have already obtained the approval of the relevant departments, only waiting for an official announcement.
It is reported that the joint venture company is headquartered in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, the production plant is located in Shiyan, Hubei, Volvo truck output technology and standards, Dongfeng commercial vehicles provide "capacity", the daily management of production plants by the Dongfeng Commercial Vehicles.
In response, the relevant person in charge of Volvo (China) Investment Co., Ltd. was interviewed by the reporter of "Daily Economic News" and stated that the contact with Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle has been in existence for a long time and has maintained communication. However, the fact that the joint venture company has been approved has not yet been publicized. The current business development of Volvo Trucks in the Chinese market is normal.
"Daily Economic News" reporter learned that Volvo (China) Investment Co., Ltd. has established a special joint venture project team to promote joint venture projects. In terms of Dongfeng Motor Company, Dongfeng Commercial Vehicles was stripped from Dongfeng Limited Framework at the beginning of this year and became an independent subsidiary. It is reported that the joint venture company operates under the Dongfeng commercial vehicle framework.
In this regard, the relevant person in charge of Dongfeng Motor stated that the joint venture company has not been established at the group level. The relevant person in charge of Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle did not comment on the matter.
In recent years, the shift of commercial vehicle giants' eyes to the Chinese market has become a trend. After the joint venture between Volvo and Sinotruk failed, Futian Daimler, Sichuan Nanjun and South Koreaâ€™s Hyundai, JAC and Navistar, China National Heavy Duty Truck and New projects such as Man settled in China one after another. In this wave of commercial vehicle joint ventures in the Chinese market, the simple 50:50 equity joint venture model may have been broken, and domestic car companies are trying to use the market advantage to win more equity and the right to speak.
6 years joint venture marathon
Dongfeng Volvo's joint venture project originated in March 2006. Li Rongrong, the then director of the SASAC, met with Nissan and Renault Motor Company President and CEO Carlos Ghosn and Volvo Group CEO Leif Johansen. At that time, Volvo Group and Dongfeng Commercial The form of car cooperation was communicated and discussed with the relevant authorities.
In January 2007, Dongfeng Group announced that Dongfeng Motor, Nissan Motors, and Volvo Group have signed a non-binding framework agreement. Dongfeng prepares to produce medium and heavy trucks and engines together with AB Volvo. Nissan will focus on passengers in the future. Production of vehicles and light commercial vehicles.
Since then, the negotiations between the two sides have continued for nearly two years. In July 2008, both parties stated that because Dongfeng Motor, Nissan Motors, and Volvo Group still had differences in capital and equity, they could not reach an agreement on issues such as cooperation ideas, brand use rights, and site selection, and the joint negotiation was â€œcompletely suspendedâ€.
Since then, little news has been reported about the Dongfeng Volvo joint venture. Until September last year, Dongfeng Motors announced a "big commercial vehicle strategy" high-profile, and Dongfeng Volvo once again returned to the field of vision. At the end of last year, Dongfeng insiders disclosed to the outside that the Volvo Group and Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle have successfully concluded the joint venture negotiations and will formally establish a joint venture company in 2012.
In 2012, the joint venture details of Dongfeng Volvo became clear day by day. Relevant information shows that the two parties have already finalized the establishment of a joint venture company in 2012 and will settle in Shiyan. Among the new joint ventures, Dongfeng holds 55% of the shares and Volvo holds 45% of the shares. As a key third party to promote this matter, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. will fully withdraw its capital from Dongfeng Limited's commercial vehicle business, and in return, Dongfeng will support Infiniti and Renault to manufacture domestically.
With regard to the news that the Dongfeng Volvo announced the approval of the joint venture project, both parties stated that the project is progressing, but the final situation shall be subject to the final approval of the NDRC.
According to a source close to the Volvo Group, the "Daily Economic News" reporter said that the negotiation of the joint venture company with Dongfeng has been continuing. However, both parties have not received written approval and the information has yet to be confirmed.
Previously, Jiang Yu, vice president of China Volvo Group, told the media that the previous joint venture did not allow Volvo to abandon the Chinese market.
Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle Integration
Following â€œgrand autonomyâ€, Dongfeng Motor proposed the concept of â€œbig commercial vehicleâ€. The strategy will focus on resource integration, business synergy, and new and old synergy. It will strive to make Dongfengâ€™s total commercial vehicle sales reach 1 million by 2015. Vehicle.
Xu Ping, chairman of Dongfeng Motor Corporation, once stated that the strategy of large commercial vehicles will focus on advancing the self-manufacturing capability of the core components of the powertrain, establishing a new automobile industrial park in Shiyan, and accelerating the promotion of overseas strategies, and the investment of 14 billion yuan will be this strategy. The specific performance of the action.
It is reported that the heavy truck business will be the focus of the Dongfeng commercial vehicle concept. In 2015, the ratio of medium-heavy and light commercial vehicles will be around 3:7 for the target of 1 million commercial vehicles. Commercial Vehicle Segments Strategic positioning is particularly important for Dongfeng Motor. According to the "big commercial vehicle" strategy, the vehicle production capacity of the Dongfeng Motor Shiyan base will reach 700,000 units, which will double.
The accelerating progress of the Dongfeng Volvo joint venture project came into being under this background. Analysts said in an interview with reporters that Dongfeng Motorâ€™s truly competitive segment is the heavy commercial vehicle segment. Therefore, taking advantage of joint ventures in the heavy truck field has become a tool for Dongfeng Motor in the commercial vehicle market.
Therefore, the joint venture can complement the short board for both parties. In the Dongfeng commercial vehicle strategy, the overseas market occupies a pivotal position. The joint venture with Volvo is the solution to the difficult problems of Dongfeng commercial vehicles in overseas markets. After all, the advantages of Chinese commercial vehicle companies in the international brand effect are not obvious.
In addition, Dongfeng Volvo's joint venture structure is currently not clear. In the first half of this year, Dongfeng limitedly completed the combing of its joint venture business. Dongfeng Commercial Vehicles spun off to Dongfeng Limited and reported directly to the Group.
According to the reporter's understanding, there is also a joint venture plan is also brewing, namely the establishment of a new investment company within the Dongfeng Motor Company, the investment company as the main body, with Volvo in the establishment of a commercial vehicle joint venture company.
The industryâ€™s speculation on the above possibility has not been answered by the relevant person in charge of the Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle. With Dongfeng Volvo's good deeds approaching, Dongfeng's â€œlarge commercial vehicleâ€ strategy is accelerating as Dongfengâ€™s â€œautonomyâ€ strategy moves forward.
According to Dongfeng Motorsâ€™ plan, Dongfeng Group is working hard to achieve the traditional advantage of commercial vehicles in order to realize the goal of selling more than 2.5 million self-owned brands at the end of the â€œTwelfth Five-Year Planâ€ period.
The rise of the joint venture in the commercial vehicle market
When the Dongfeng Volvo joint venture became clearer, the commercial vehicle cooperation in the Chinese market was in the ascendant. Recently, it was reported that Liv? Osterlin, executive director of Volkswagen Group's commercial vehicle business, said that it would enhance the performance of its commercial vehicles, Scania and Man brand in emerging markets, respond to the decline in business decline, and consider Established a truck joint venture in China to promote business growth in China.
In this regard, the relevant person in charge of Volkswagen China told reporters that commercial vehicles, whether in the world or in the Chinese market, are increasingly gaining market attention is an indisputable fact.
Recently, Foton Motors and JAC Motors have announced the formation of joint ventures with multinational giants. According to the analysis, the field of commercial vehicles in China has entered a new round of joint ventures, and the Chinese mainstream commercial vehicle enterprises have basically entered the joint venture era.
It is worth noting that this round of joint venture occurred in a markedly declining market environment. The data shows that, unlike the growth of China's commercial vehicle market that experienced more than 30% of annual growth in the past few years, China's commercial vehicle market was already the hardest hit in all market segments in 2011. According to statistics from China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, in 2011, sales of commercial vehicles fell by more than 6% year-on-year, and year-on-year growth rates fell by more than 30 percentage points from 2010.
This year, the situation has not improved. From January to August, the cumulative production of domestic commercial vehicles was 2,456,100 units, a year-on-year decrease of 7.15%; and cumulative sales were 2,520,600 units, a cumulative decrease of 8.85% year-on-year.
According to the analysis, with the shrinking demand of the commercial vehicle market in developed countries, transnational corporations increasingly value the weight of emerging markets such as China. The pattern of China's commercial vehicle market is undergoing changes. As the truck market is maturing, it will force commercial vehicle companies to improve their cost structure, increase efficiency, and upgrade their product lines.
For this segment of the market, some analysts said that because the current market is in a downturn, it is a new opportunity for joint venture restructuring. In terms of joint ventures, the above-mentioned sources suggested that commercial vehicle companies should be vigilant about joint ventures. In the course of the joint venture of passenger vehicles, China will eventually become the production base of foreign markets and profits in China. Commercial vehicle companies must avoid repeating the mistakes.
View related topics: Dongfeng, Volvo wants to cooperate with commercial vehicle business
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Behind the small share of the television market in the US of only 27% is above all a technical deficiency, Hastings told German news magazine Der Spiegel. “One must not forget that in the US half of the households still do not own smart TVs, that is TV sets connected to the internet,” Hastings explained.
The head of the world’s largest streaming company with 209 million subscribers believes that the time of classic TV programming is therefore far from over: “It will take another 10 or even 20 years before linear TV disappears completely.”
Hastings nevertheless does not rely on news or live sports to attract more subscribers. He sees Netflix as an entertainment company that does not do journalism, explaining that is difficult to produce news without making enemies, especially as a global company.
Hastings rules out sports broadcasts for Netflix because the corporation cannot control the source: “We don’t own the Bundesliga, they can make deals with whoever they want. But that kind of control would be a prerequisite for us to be able to offer our customers a safe deal.”
Hastings does leave a small loophole for sports, though. Referring to Formula 1, he said, “A few years ago, the rights to Formula 1 were sold. At that time we were not among the bidders, today we would think about it.”
The group wants to continue to grow with series, films and video games. Right now, Netflix is testing a game based on its series Stranger Things in Poland. Customers can play it on their mobile phones via the Netflix app. Netflix will decide in a few years whether it will become something more: “We still have a lot to try out in this area. Around 10,000 new games are released every year, a gigantic number. Compared to that, producing films and series seems almost easy.”


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Callaway Golf Company (NYSE:ELY) has announced its first quarter 2013 financial results, including 12% sales growth on a constant currency basis on its current business, which excludes the brands and businesses that in 2012 were sold or transitioned to a third party model as part of its 2012 turnaround plan. On a GAAP basis, the Company’s sales grew 1% for the first quarter of 2013 as compared to the same period in 2012.
The Company’s net sales for the first quarter of 2013 increased to $288 million, as compared to $285 million for the same period in 2012. The strength of the Company’s 2013 product line allowed the Company to more than offset the negative impact of foreign currency and the 2012 sale of the Top-Flite and Ben Hogan brands and the transition in 2012 to a third party model for other products, including U.S. apparel and footwear.
As compared to 2012, the Company’s first quarter 2013 net sales were adversely affected by $8 million due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and by $20 million due to the sold or transitioned brands and products. For the first quarter of 2013, net sales relating to the Company’s current business, which excludes these sold or transitioned brands and products, increased by 8% and on a constant currency basis increased by 12%.
In addition to the increase in sales, improvements in gross margins and operating expenses contributed to a 27% increase in GAAP fully diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. The Company’s GAAP earnings results for both periods benefited from the effects of the Company’s deferred tax valuation allowance, which significantly reduced the Company’s income tax provision. The Company’s GAAP fully diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2013 was also adversely affected by approximately $0.02 per share related to charges incurred in connection with the Company’s 2012 cost-reduction initiatives. The Company’s GAAP fully diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2012 was positively affected by approximately $0.05 per share related to a gain on the sale of the Top-Flite and Ben Hogan brands. On a non-GAAP basis, which excludes these charges/gains and uses an assumed tax rate of 38.5%, the Company’s fully diluted earnings per share increased to $0.33 for the first quarter of 2013 as compared to $0.18 for the first quarter of 2012.
“I am very pleased with our overall results this quarter,” commented Chip Brewer, President and Chief Executive Officer. “The strength of our 2013 product line, including our new X Hot products and Versa line of putters, allowed us to achieve a 12% increase in net sales on our current business on a constant currency basis. In addition, we are beginning to see the results of the many cost-reduction and other initiatives we took in 2012, which contributed to improvements in gross margins and operating expenses, and all of which culminated in a $23 million increase in non-GAAP operating income for the first quarter of 2013. However, it is still early in the year, and the second quarter always has a big impact on our ability to achieve our full year financial targets. With that said, the first quarter was an important first step in our multi-year turnaround plan and we are pleased to report our turnaround is on track.”
First Half 2013
“We are lowering our first half 2013 net sales guidance due to continued foreign currency headwinds and a slower than expected start to the golf season in the United States and Europe as a result of unfavourable weather conditions,” commented Brad Holiday, Chief Financial Officer.
“Our earnings for the first quarter of 2013 were higher than anticipated due to better than expected gross margins and operating expenses, as well as gains on foreign exchange hedging contracts, all of which together more than offset the negative impact of foreign currency exchange rates during the quarter,” continued Mr. Holiday. “As a result of our better than expected first quarter earnings, we are raising our earnings guidance for the first half of 2013.”
Full Year 2013
“We are lowering our full year 2013 net sales guidance, primarily due to our expectations that the unfavourable foreign currency headwinds experienced during the first quarter of 2013 will continue for the balance of the year,” explained Brad Holiday, Chief Financial Officer. “We believe, however, that gains on our foreign currency hedging contracts, along with better operating efficiencies, will enable us to mitigate the anticipated adverse foreign currency conditions and maintain our full year earnings guidance at this time.”
As a result, the Company is currently providing the following revised guidance for the full year 2013:
- Net sales for the full year 2013 are currently estimated to be $830 million, compared to previous guidance of $850 million. Net sales for 2012 were $834 million, which included net sales of $60 million related to the brands and products that in 2012 were sold or transitioned to a third party model. Excluding sales from the sold or transitioned businesses, the Company estimates that net sales from its current business on a constant currency basis will increase by approximately 12% in 2013 compared to 2012.
- For the full year 2013, the Company continues to estimate that non-GAAP net income will be break-even with a non-GAAP loss per share of $0.04 due to the impact of dividends paid on the Company’s outstanding convertible preferred stock. For the full year 2012, the Company’s non-GAAP loss was $43 million with a non-GAAP loss per share of $0.77.*
*Note: The non-GAAP estimates of net income and earnings per share exclude for 2013 carryover charges related to the Company’s 2012 cost-reduction initiatives and exclude for 2012 gains and charges related to the sale of the Top Flite/Ben Hogan brands and the 2012 cost-reduction initiatives. The non-GAAP estimates for both 2013 and 2012 are based upon an assumed tax rate of 38.5% because the GAAP tax rates are not directly correlated to the Company’s pre-tax results due to the effect of the Company’s deferred tax valuation allowance.
Callaway Golf www.callawaygolf.com


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Drought and snow has affected about 22.9 million hectares of China's arable land, more than one sixth of the total.
A severe drought that began last winter had affected 11.1 million hectares in north China, said the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters on Sunday.
Meanwhile, in south and east China, freezing temperatures and heavy snow and sleet hit 11.8 million hectares, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.
More than one sixth of China's arable land, which stood at 121.8 million hectares in mid-2006, has been affected either by winter weather or drought.
By Saturday, drought has affected 1.89 million heads of livestock and left 2.43 million people without sufficient drinking water in north China, said the headquarters.
"The north is suffering from water shortage as the region's rain and snow declined by 70 percent this winter," said Zhang Zhitong, vice director of the general office of the headquarters.
Towns and cities are also facing difficulties as ground water levels fall in the major north China plains, he added.
"For instance, the ground water level of Beijing and Tianjin has dropped half a meter while some areas dropped more than one meter," he said.
A total of 120,000 wells in Hebei and Shanxi provinces in north China are unable, or nearly unable, to pump water, he added without elaborating on the impact on food prices.
The consumer price index (CPI), a barometer of inflation, rose to an 11-year high of 7.1 percent last month as snowstorms cut transport links and power, and pushed up food and energy prices.
Analysts said although agriculture prices went up substantially last month, it normally takes one or two months for the pressure to pass through to manufactured and processed food items, which will add pressure to inflation in the following months.
Food price rises may in turn spill over to other sectors, pushing up prices of other products and labor costs.
(Xinhua News Agency February 25, 2008)


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Interest In Yves Saint Laurent Skyrockets By Up To 1,000% Thanks To BLACKPINK’s Rosé
It’s only been a month since BLACKPINK’s Rosé wowed everyone as the star of Yves Saint Laurent’s new global campaign, but she’s already making huge waves in the industry. According to shopping data from iPrice Group, a Southeast Asian price comparison site, interest in Saint Laurent products has skyrocketed across numerous countries. Some have even seen upticks of over 1,000%!
Yves Saint Laurent revealed their first video with Rosé on June 29. Since then, the BLACKPINK star’s Fall 2020 campaign billboards have been spotted across the world, from Hong Kong to Australia.
And in particular, it seems like Rosé is making huge waves in Southeast Asia. Shopping data from iPrice Group shows that within two weeks of Saint Laurent appointing Rosé as their ambassador, searches for the brand increased exponentially on e-commerce sites in Hong Kong, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Searches across all Yves Saint Laurent products increased by 13% on average in the aforementioned countries, with Malaysia and the Philippines seeing big increases of 23% and 22% respectively.
Handbags, however, are where Rosé’s impact really shined. The talented singer is known for her impeccable taste in luxury bags, and she recently revealed that her interest in fashion actually started when she began borrowing her mother’s vintage bags as a teen. Over the last few weeks, she’s been seen modelling Yves Saint Laurent’s Solferino bag.
So, it’s no surprise that everyone is interested in the brand’s handbags since Rosé stepped onto the scene. In Indonesia, for example, searches for Saint Laurent bags increased by a staggering 1,168% in the weeks following Rosé’s campaign launch.
Hong Kong also saw a dramatic search increase of 600%, while searches in Thailand increased by 326%. On average, Rosé’s impact led to a 343% jump in Yves Saint Laurent handbag interest.
While the brand is yet to release any sales data, it’s clear that Rosé’s campaign is already an incredible success. BLINKs who love the partnership can rest assured that Yves Saint Laurent will likely be utilizing her impact and partnership for years to come.
BLACKPINK’s Jennie And Model Kaia Gerber Wore The Same Wedding Dress But Served Different Vibes
Fans Spot BABYMONSTER’s Pharita With A Surprise For Lisa At BLACKPINK’s “BORN PINK” Encore Concert In Thailand
Fights Break Out At BLACKPINK’s “Born Pink” Concert — Jennie’s Reaction Is Captured On Video
BLACKPINK’s Jennie And Jessi Both Wore Sexy Bra Tops But Served Completely Different Vibes


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Huawei recently released an invitation to hold a press conference in Paris on March 27. From the top of the invitation letter, the possibility of using three cameras is very high, which is the first phone with three cameras in Huawei.
Actually, it hasn’t disclosed the model of the phone in the invitation letter, but we can still get something. The background Eiffel Tower is the landmark building of France, showing the conference will be held in Paris, France. Three translucent circles and SEE MOOORE WITH AI are in the middle of the entire invitation. MORE is intentionally added O to suggest that Huawei should launch a three-camera phone this time.
Media reports that Huawei will launch three mobile phones, P20/P20Plus/P20Lite. The P20Lite has been certified by the FCC and has 5.8-6 inches screen with a resolution of 2280 x 1080. The screen ratio is 19:9, with a longer screen size and more content. The three phones will be equipped with kirin 970 AI processor.


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On the back of confirmation that a Rolls-Royce SUV is on the cards, it has emerged that the project has been internally codenamed Cullinan.
That name is in reference to the name of the largest diamond ever found and despite the wealth and pedigree behind such a name, Autocar doesn’t believe that it will make it through to the production Rolls-Royce SUV. Nevertheless, we know that the Cullinan diamond was found 110 years ago in South Africa and is now featured in the spectre of the Queen of England.
Whatever the car is named, it is speculated that up to 1500 units could be sold annually around the world. To put that into comparison, Rolls-Royce managed to sell 4000 cars consisting of the Phantom, Ghost and Wraith last year so the SUV is pinned to become its most prolifically produced model. While recently speaking with Autocar, Rolls-Royce design boss Giles Taylor confirmed that the SUV won’t be positioned above the Phantom as that will remain the marque’s flagship model.
During the initial press release confirming the development of the car, the marque confirmed its SUV will be built around an entirely new aluminium architecture. The British luxury marque reports that it was urged by many customers to develop such a vehicle and reiterated the point that the car will provide all the luxurious features which have made Rolls-Royce products synonymous with society’s elite.
According to chief executive Torsten-Muller Oetvoes, “This car will embody all the values and capabilities that drove our two Founding Fathers to secure Rolls-Royce’s reputation, early last century, by taking top honours in rigorous overland adventures such as the Scottish Reliability Trials, the London to Edinburgh event and the Alpine Trials.”


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RILA also raised concerns about how Amazon and Google support their products over other retailers on their platforms, collect data about competitors, and support the spread of counterfeit goods. It should be “quite concerning to the commission that Amazon and Google control the majority of all internet product search, and can very easily affect whether and how price and product information reaches consumers,” the trade group wrote.
The Trump administration has recently increased antitrust scrutiny of Amazon and Google could have a significant impact on the sector, even if charges are not brought.
FTC has claimed oversight of probes of Facebook and Amazon, while the DOJ will examine Google and Apple. Separately, the House Judiciary’s antitrust subcommittee started an antitrust investigation into the technology industry last month.


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The new unisex sandals from Onitsuka Tiger will be available at all stores and other outlets from April 16 (Fri.), 2021. Spring/Summer 2021 Collection DENTIGRE STRAP There will be three types of sanda […]
The “Neko (Cat) Nyorai Mascot Figure 2” will go on sale. It will be available at capsule toy stores nationwide from April 7, 2021. NEKO (Cat) Nyorai The “Neko Nyorai” is a coll […]
Unfortunately, COVID-19 is raging again in Osaka, and various events have been cancelled. We will keep you updated on the cancelled events.*Information is listed in order of the date and time of the e […]
SHIRO has launched the brand’s first sunscreen serum, Tamanu Oil UV, which will be available at stores nationwide from April 15 (Thu), 2021. “SPF12 PA+ sunscreen serum using only plants. […]
TULLY’S COFFEE has introduced a seasonal Beverage menu, which will be available at all TULLY’S COFFEE stores nationwide except for some stores from April 14, 2021 (Wed). New 3 Beverage Thi […]
Starbucks has launched “Coffee Tiramisu Frappuccino,” “Cold Brew Coffee Frappuccino,” “Double Tall Latte Shakerato,” and “Tea Tiramisu Frappuccino,” all […]
How cute! Gigi, the black cat from Studio Ghibli’s ” Kiki’s Delivery Service,” and Rose have collaborated to create a new line of goods.
From the Studio Ghibli goods store “Acorn Republic” comes the “OKUROSE” series of miscellaneous goods featuring the black cat Gigi from the popular movie “Kiki’s De […]
【Japan & Osaka Exclusive!】 New color of Burberry’s “Soft Pocket Tote” “Vivid Cobalt” launched exclusively at Hankyu Umeda!
A new color model of BURBERRY’s “Soft Pocket Tote” bag will go on sale at the Burberry Hankyu Umeda main accessory store from April 14 (Wed), 2021. Right） Hankyu Umeda Limited Color, […]
Good news for Detective Conan fans! They’ve just released a new packaged plate of chocolate ice cream in collaboration with Detective Conan: The Scarlet Bullet!
Morinaga’s popular ice cream “Ita-Chocolate (Chocolate bar) Ice Cream” has collaborated with the movie version of “Detective Conan: Scarlet Bullet” and has been on sale f […]
On April 5 (Mon), Bathclin started to sell a limited number of products in collaboration with the anime “One Piece” from its popular annual “Bathclin Cool” project, “Summ […]


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On May 22, 2018, Worthington Industries and Manchester Tank & Equipment Co. filed a petition for the imposition of antidumping and countervailing duties on imports of Steel Propane Cylinders from the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, and Thailand. Continue Reading Petition Summary: Steel Propane Cylinders From China, Taiwan, and Thailand
President Trump announced today, May 8, 2018, that the United States will withdraw from the Iran Nuclear Deal and will begin reimposing previously waived sanctions on Iran. The deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA, was signed by the U.S. in July 2015 along with China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, the European Union and Iran. The White House issued a statement which explained that “President Trump is terminating United States participation in the JCPOA, as it failed to protect America’s national security interests.”
On April 30, 2018, the President issued two new Proclamations regarding the 232 tariffs imposed on imports of steel and aluminum articles into the United States. The new Proclamations modify the previous steel and aluminum Proclamations with respect to imports from Canada, Mexico, the European Union, Argentina, Australia, Brazil and South Korea.
On April 15, 2018, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) issued a denial order against ZTE Corporation and ZTE Kangxun Telecommunications Ltd. (collectively “ZTE”), effectively banning U.S. companies from providing components to ZTE because the company had failed to comply with the terms of a disciplinary agreement reached in March 2017 arising from violations of U.S. export control restrictions against Iran and North Korea. It is estimated that U.S. companies provide nearly 25-30 percent of the components used in ZTE products. ZTE’s U.S. subsidiary advertises that it has been ranked by independent industry analysts as the fourth-largest supplier of mobile devices in the U.S. overall and second-largest supplier of prepaid devices.
On April 17, 2018, Cambria Company LLC filed a petition for the imposition of antidumping and countervailing duties on imports of Quartz Surface Products from the People’s Republic of China.
SCOPE OF THE INVESTIGATION
The merchandise covered by the investigation is certain quartz surface products. Quartz surface products consist of slabs and other surfaces created from a mixture of materials that includes predominately silica (e.g., quartz, quartz powder, cristobalite) as well as a resin binder (e.g., an unsaturated polyester). The incorporation of other materials, including but not limited to pigments, cement or other additives, does not remove the merchandise from the scope of the investigation. Quartz surface products are typically sold as slabs with a total surface area of approximately 45 to 60 square feet and a nominal thickness of 1 centimeter, 2 centimeters, or 3 centimeters. However, the scope of this investigation includes products of all sizes, thicknesses, and shapes. Quartz surface products are covered by the investigation whether polished or unpolished, cut or uncut, fabricated or not fabricated, cured or uncured, edged or not edged, finished or unfinished, thermoformed or not thermoformed, further processed or not further processed, packaged or unpackaged, and regardless of the type of surface finish. Continue Reading Petition Summary: Quartz Surface Products from China
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced that it will conduct a review to determine if India, Indonesia and Kazakhstan are meeting the eligibility criteria of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program. The reviews are part of the administration’s new triennial process to assess beneficiary country eligibility under the GSP program which was announced in October 2017. The first assessment covered 25 Asian and Pacific Island countries. Based on its assessment as well as petitions filed by interested parties, USTR has decided to review the eligibility of these three countries. USTR intends to publish a Federal Register notice announcing dates for comments and a hearing.
The next GSP assessment will begin in the fall of 2018 and will cover GSP beneficiary countries in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and the Western Hemisphere.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced on Sunday that it would be imposing duties on 128 different U.S. products beginning today, April 2. They provided the list of products last week, particularly targeting U.S. agriculture. The tariffs are on an estimated $3 billion worth of goods.
There will be a tariff of 15% on commodities such as fruits and nuts, wine, seamless steel pipes and modified ethanol. The 15% tariff will apply to 120 tariff lines, including the following: Continue Reading China Announces New Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Goods
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced that it had reached an agreement with South Korea to provide the country with a long term exemption from the 25 percent tariff on steel products imposed by the President under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1862). Instead, U.S. imports of steel from South Korea will be subject to a product-specific quota equivalent to 70 percent of the average annual import volume of such products during the period 2015-17. Further details on the quota have not been released and the President has raised doubts about whether or when it will go into effect by stating in a speech that he might hold up the deal until after a deal is made with North Korea on denuclearization.
The apparent agreement on steel was part of a larger agreement to amend and modify the Korean-United States Free Trade Agreement (KORUS). A USTR Fact Sheet on the agreement can be found here.
On March 23, 2018, the President signed into law the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018” which, in addition to authorizing certain full-year federal appropriations, also included the renewal for the Generalized System of Preferences through December 31, 2020. The Generalized System of Preferences (commonly referred to as GSP) allows duty-free entry for over 5,000 goods from a wide range of designated beneficiary countries. The program was authorized by the Trade Act of 1974 to promote economic growth in developing countries and was implemented on January 1, 1976.
On March 28, 2018, GEO Specialty Chemicals, Inc. and Chattem Chemicals, Inc. filed a petition for the imposition of antidumping and countervailing duties on imports of glycine from the People’s Republic of China, India, Thailand, and Japan.


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Need some help with your Christmas shopping - how does 15% off from The Disney Store sound?
A new voucher code has been making the rounds of the internet, giving online shoppers a discount on toys and other items on The Disney Store website.
All you have to do is add what items you want to your basket and at the checkout page, enter VCPIXIEDUST into the ‘Add Promo Code’ box.
You’ll have to be quick though because the code expires on Sunday, October 30.
Other offers will be available in the run up to Christmas thanks to Black Friday .
Shoppers can take advantage of a huge range of Black Friday savings this year, with high street retailers, supermarkets and online retail giants all getting in on the act.


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A federal judge has sided with Meta, Facebook’s parent company, paving the way for the company to buy virtual reality startup Within Unlimited, maker of the popular fitness app Supernatural.
Federal antitrust regulators tried to block the acquisition on the grounds that it would hurt competition in the emerging virtual reality market.
But US District Judge Edward Davila rejected the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) request for an injunction against the deal. The judge’s ruling notes that the agency did not offer enough evidence to prove his case.
Meta said it will now proceed with its acquisition of Within Unlimited.
The FTC had argued that Meta’s acquisition of the small company — reminiscent of Facebook’s early purchases of Instagram and WhatsApp — would affect competition in the emerging virtual reality market.
Allowing the tech giant to buy Los Angeles-based Within Unlimited, the FTC had argued, would violate antitrust laws and reduce innovation, hurting customers who might face higher prices and fewer choices outside of controlled platforms. by Goal.
Meta Platforms Inc. said in a statement Friday after the ruling was unsealed that it was “satisfied” with the decision.
“This deal will bring pro-competitive benefits to the ecosystem and spur innovation that will benefit people, developers, and the VR space in general,” the Menlo Park, California-based company said. “We hope to close the transaction soon.”
The FTC had argued that Meta scrapped its own plans to enter the nascent VR fitness market in mid-2021 when it decided to buy Within Unlimited. Without the competitive threat of the tech giant’s own entry into the market, the agency says, innovation stalls and hurts end users.
Source: El Nuevo Herald


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SALEM, Ore. -- Oregon legislators at their upcoming session will consider a bill to impose a per-mile charge on super-efficient or battery-powered cars.
Government has long collected money at the gasoline pump to pay for building and fixing roads.
Officials in Oregon and elsewhere have been trying to figure out how to raise that money from vehicles that use the roads but use gasoline sparingly or not at all.
The Salem Statesman Journal reports the Oregon bill would require cars that get at least 55 miles per gallon, or the equivalent, to report their mileage. That could be done with a smartphone app, or through GPS technology. Drivers could opt for a flat annual fee.
Opponents of the idea say it will hurt sales of the highly efficient vehicles.


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WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. home prices rose 9.3 percent in February compared with a year ago, the most in nearly seven years. The gains were driven by a growing number of buyers who bid on a limited supply of homes.
LAS VEGAS (AP) - Las Vegas is getting a mega bowling facility.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The number of Americans who signed contracts to buy homes rose in March to the highest level in three years, pointing to higher sales this spring.
PLANO, Texas (AP) - J.C. Penney on Monday confirmed that Goldman Sachs will provide it with $1.75 billion in financing.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Trail mix. Potato chips. And now gum.
DENVER (AP) - Marijuana as a potential tax bonanza has Colorado lawmakers wrestling with a question both sides say they don't know how to answer: How much will people pay for legal weed?
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Siri may be feeling a little job insecurity. The sometimes droll assistant that answers questions and helps people manage their lives on Apple's iPhone and iPad is facing competition from an up-and-coming rival made by Google.
It must be a sign of the times, but almost every single day I get emails from seniors asking if they might be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. Baby boomers (like me) aren't just getting old; some of us are also getting frail. Our bodies are breaking down at a record pace! I'm probably a pretty good example. After a lifetime of essentially good health (I was once honored for using the fewest sick leave days by my former employer), in the past year or so, I've had to deal with issues as severe as blood ...
NEW YORK (AP) - Research firm IDC said more smartphones than "dumb" phones are being made this year, a milestone in a shift that's putting computing power and Internet access in millions of hands worldwide.
WASHINGTON (AP) - A bill to require Internet shoppers to pay sales taxes for online purchases may be cruising through the Senate but it will soon hit a roadblock in the House.
NEW YORK (AP) - The prom is making a big comeback.
MENLO PARK (AP) - Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg reaped a gain of nearly $2.3 billion last year when he exercised 60 million stock options just before the online social networking leader's initial public offering.
DETROIT (AP) - General Motors said Friday that a base model of the 2014 Corvette Stingray will start at just under $52,000.
PLEASANTON (AP) - Safeway Inc. reported revenue for the first quarter that missed Wall Street expectations as the grocer worked to hold down prices and stay competitive.
NEW YORK (AP) - Amazon.com Inc.'s net income declined in the first three months of the year even though revenue increased 22 percent, as the online retailer continued to spend heavily on order fulfillment and rights to digital content.
NEW YORK (AP) - Shares of Tesla Motors Inc. surged 16 percent Tuesday after a Wall Street analyst told investors that Tesla could shake up the electric utility sector as well as the auto industry.
LONDON (AP) - Early Tuesday, the world's most established exchange for bitcoin disappeared from the Internet, sending the price of the virtual currency tumbling and prompting fears that the world's biggest experiment in electronic cash could soon be strangled by fraud or regulation.
NEW YORK (AP) - Egg McMuffin, meet the Waffle Taco.
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) - Samsung sought Monday to frame its new Galaxy S5 smartphone as a lifestyle product, as it emphasized a built-in heart-rate sensor and improved camera features over its slightly larger size.
NEW YORK (AP) - Mark Zuckerberg, known for his outsized ambitions for Facebook, is applying a similar long-term vision to bringing the Internet to the billons of people around the world who don't already have access.


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After the Honor brand split from the Huawei subsidiary, it was freed from US sanctions and related bans. Thus, in the global market, Google services, which Huawei devices are deprived of, will finally return to the company’s smartphones.
When and where?
This information was confirmed by the German division of Honor. One user asked if the new Honor 50 line would come with Google services pre-installed. To which he was answered: “Yes, we can confirm that. But psst, there must be another surprise.” What kind of surprise is still unknown.
Ja, das können wir bestätigen. Aber pssst, soll noch eine Überraschung werden 😉
— HonorDE (@HonorGermany) May 21, 2021
Recall that the manufacturer recently confirmed that the basic Honor 50 will be one of the first to receive a new Snapdragon 778G processor. By the way, Qualcomm chips are also unavailable to Huawei due to US sanctions.
The Honor 50 is also credited with a 120 Hz AMOLED screen, multiple dual-ring cameras, and 66-watt fast charging. The new product will be presented together with the Honor 50 Pro next month.