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Data of 200,000 Starbucks customers stolen from Singapore
The Starbucks chain in Singapore announced today, Friday, that its customer database was hacked via the Internet, while local media indicated that the breach affected the data of two hundred thousand people.
In an email to its customers, the Starbucks chain, which is licensed by the global Starbucks Group and owned by Hong Kong-based Maxims Ketterers, said it had "discovered ... unauthorized access" to customer details, including the name gender, date of birth, telephone number and residential address.
"The relevant authorities have been notified, and Starbucks Singapore is assisting them in this regard," said the email, seen by AFP.
The network said it learned of the breach on September 13, noting that no data associated with credit card numbers had been leaked because it did not originally store such information.
It urged customers to change their passwords.
A public relations agency representing Starbucks in Singapore told AFP it was "unable to reveal the number of customers affected."
However, the Straits Times reported that 200,000 customer data had been stolen and put up for sale in an online forum on September 10.
One copy of the database has already been sold for 3,500 Singapore dollars ($2,500), the newspaper added.
The Singapore Personal Data Protection Commission told AFP that it had received a notification of the incident, and that it had contacted Starbucks Singapore for more information.
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If you thought Finland was tough on smokers before, now things are REALLY getting grim for people who want to lit up.
Finland is on it's way to becoming the first country in the world to eradicate smoking. The previous official goal from 2010 was set for a smoke-free Finland by 2040, but the updated legislation now mentions 2030 as the new goal.
To make Finland smoke free the government is coming down hard on smokers.
Starting this year, housing associations can now apply for a municipal permit for a smoking ban on balconies and yards belonging to the housing complex. Capsule cigarettes that activate a taste such as menthol or blackcurrant when squeezed are getting banned outright and annual control fees charged from every retailer selling nicotine products are skyrocketing. The maximum fee can now be as much as €500 per point of sale - and there is little reason to believe municipalities would voluntarily chose to collect less.
Stores are seeing fees multiply to the point that selling cigarettes is becoming unprofitable.
According to a statement given to Länsiväylä by Satu Kattilamäki, quality and environmental manager at HOK-Elanto, one S-Market store in Espoo is seeing their fee rise from €215 in 2016 to €4000 this year. The fee for a nearby Prisma store ballooned to €12500, having been only €470 the previous year.
Germany’s LIDL, a grocery chain that with almost 160 locations in Finland currently holds the position of being the 3rd largest supermarket chain in the country is considering reducing the availability of nicotine products. Each LIDL store has an average of 6 cash registers, so the control fees now add up to sums that are impossible to ignore.
In fact, many retailers are now saying the fee increase makes selling nicotine products unprofitable and that if it weren’t for smokers also spending money on food, they wouldn’t be selling cigarettes at all.
Legislation is so strict that even candy associated with tobacco is affected.
Since it also covers ‘imitation products’, legislation taking effect this year has brought some comical (or very sad) confusion as many retailers were under the impression that liquorice pipes, a type of candy with zero actual nicotine content are no longer to be sold to anyone under the age of 18.
Valvira, the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health has since clarified their stance on the issue: liquorice candy pipes are not an age-restricted product, however, they are to be excluded from any and all loyalty points programmes utilized by retailers. Yes, really.
Finland was the first country in the world to set a goal of eradicating smokers.
Being the first country in the world to have enshrined the goal of getting rid of smoking in legislation signed in 2010, Finland has quite a history of making life tough for smokers: advertising of nicotine products has been banned since 1978, smoking at the workplace since 1995 and in bars and restaurants since 2007. Since 2012, the only nicotine products retailers are allowed to keep on public display are smoking cessation aids such as chewing gum and plasters.
According to statistics gathered by THL, the National Institute for Health and Welfare, the popularity of smoking cigarettes has been on a steady decline over the past 20 years – though 17% of Finns are still daily smokers as of 2015 (levels have historically been over 60%).
In the meanwhile, another substance popularly smoked has been steadily gaining popularity in the country over the same 20-year period. As of 2014, 19% of Finns reported having tried cannabis at some point in their life.

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Toll Brothers Inc. said Thursday its fiscal fourth-quarter loss narrowed slightly as it took fewer write-downs on land values, but warned that fiscal 2009 revenue will fall significantly below 2008 levels.
The Horsham, Pa.-based luxury home builder said the economic environment is too uncertain to be able to further forecast fiscal 2009 results.
For the quarter ended Oct. 31, losses totaled $78.8 million, or 49 cents per share, including $175.9 million worth of pretax write-downs. That's slightly better than the year-ago loss of $81.8 million, or 52 cents, on $314.9 million write-downs.
Excluding items, profit totaled 23 cents per share.
Revenue fell to $698.9 million from $1.17 billion a year ago, slightly above the preliminary sales results of $691 million Toll issued last month.
Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters expected a loss of 46 cents per share on revenue of $681.4 million.
The company said it ended fiscal 2008 with more than $1.63 billion in cash and over $1.32 billion available under its 32-bank credit facility, which matures in March 2011. Toll said it has no public debt due until its 2011 second quarter.
Net signed contracts for the quarter slid 27 percent to $266.7 million from $365.3 million, while backlog dropped 54 percent to $1.33 billion from $2.85 billion. The cancellation rate dipped to 30.2 percent from 38.9 percent last year, but rose from 19.4 percent in the third quarter.


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Video game 'Shivah' is first to star Rabbi
EmptyWhile Christian games like the newly released "Left Behind: Eternal Forces" gain mainstream attention, Manifesto Games in New York City is billing "The Shivah" as the first to star the leader of a Jewish congregation.
In the murder-mystery game named after the Jewish mourning ritual, protagonist Rabbi Stone is having a crisis of faith and his congregation on New York's Lower East side is losing members and cash.
When he inherits a small windfall from a controversial congregant, Rabbi Stone must solve the mystery behind the gift and make sure it is not cursed.
Manifesto, which announced the title via e-mail, said "The Shivah" plays on personal computers and is the first commercial game from creator Dave Gilbert.
Representatives from Manifesto, which sells downloadable games, were not immediately available for comment. "The Shivah" sells for $5.


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Opened in May, HP said the new industrial warehouse is the result of a careful analysis following HP Indigo’s annual level 1 customer survey, which identified an increasing need for a UK-based supplies warehouse.
With this new facility, it said delivery times would be significantly reduced while the need for international shipping to meet supply demands would be lessened.
The new warehouse leverages HP’s pre-existing partnership with contract logistics and warehousing distribution services, Kuehne+Nagel. Its flexible workforce will allow HP to streamline processes and offer quicker express shipments, as well as same-day deliveries, with next-day delivery offered as standard.
With Indigo supplies now under one centralised roof, HP said the warehouse would be able to quickly resolve any supply shortages in the UK, by reducing the need to swap or borrow supplies, usage items, and ink cans from various warehouses around the UK and Europe.
There is also an additional layer of flexibility in the event of an emergency, eliminating the risk of cross-border delivery delays.
“We are excited to be launching our new industrial warehouse this summer,” said HP UK&I country manager Peter Jolly.
“Like all of our warehouses and ongoing projects, we want to deliver the best-in-class experience for all of our customers, which is why after careful analysis of our annual customer survey, it made sense to open the doors to a new warehouse that meets our customers’ needs.”
HP said that implementing a new Warehouse Management System (WMS) has also extended its ability to manage the most complex of supply chains.
The new warehouse effectively manages GB customer orders and reduces reoccurring emergency express orders. As a result, there will be less frequent freight deliveries from The Netherlands and reduced travel from the warehouse to end customer sites.
Jolly added: “Whether it’s high-speed delivery, maximising efficiency, or meeting sustainability credentials, the Staffordshire warehouse will deliver on all fronts.”
HP is also looking to expand its efforts and will look towards using the new warehouse for its PageWide inkjet business in years to come.


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Interesting electric bikes to India in 2022
Electric mobility in India is majorly driven by the low-speed electric scooters in India. However, with the demands rising, electric motorcycles with long-range and high-speed capability too are witnessing increasing numbers, as several brands are bringing their respective products into the segment. This year, some interesting electric motorcycles are expected to launch in the Indian market.
Also Read : Upcoming TVS bike to launch on this date next month
Here are some of the interesting upcoming electric bikes in India in 2022.
Hero Electric AE-47
Hero Electric is one of the largest electric two-wheeler manufacturers in India. After introducing a range of electric scooters in both low-speed and high-speed segments, the EV maker is now gearing up to introduce its first electric motorcycle AE-47 in India. The bike was displayed at the Auto Expo 2020 and is likely to enter the market later this year. It gets power from a 4,000W electric motor paired with a 3.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This bike is claimed to offer 85 kmph top speed with acceleration capability of 0-60 kmph in nine seconds. Also, it is capable of running 160 km on Eco mode.
Pierer Mobility-owned Husqvarna is working on an electric bike that is expected to launch later this year. This model could come with similar styling as the Husqvarna Vitpilen, which is currently available in India. The only major difference will be the electric motor and battery in place of the internal combustion engine. This Husqvarna e-Pilen electric bike is expected to come equipped with an electric motor with a capacity of around 10 kW. It could be priced at around ₹2-3 lakh. Also, expect this to come offering high-performance.
Also check these Bikes
Electric vehicle startup EeVe is working on electric bikes and scooters. One of the products from the company is the Tesoro bike that was showcased at the Auto Expo 2020. The EeVe Tesoro is expected to come with a top speed of 70 kmph and a range of 100 km. The electric bike can be fully charged in 3 to 4 hours.


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The founders of Skype are suing eBay and the investor consortium buying the Internet phone company, accusing them of copyright violation, reports the Wall Street Journal. The suit is only the latest bump in eBay's disastrous ownership of Skype and may complicate the planned $2 billion sale. Janus Friis and Niklas Zennstrom allege that their new company, Joltid, owns a peer-to-peer technology that is also used in Skype's software and claims it is suffering damages "of more than $75 million daily."
The suit says Skype's license for the global index software was terminated in March, and that Skype used it "in manners unauthorized by Joltid," making it available to third parties and copying and altering it. The suit may derail the recently brokered acquisition; it also names as defendants all of Skype's would-be purchasers, including Andreessen Horowitz, the venture capital firm founded by the inventor of Netscape.


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At its annual conference last April
, Google unveiled its newest device: Glass. It's a headmounted computer, with a lens hovering over the the upper corner of your right eye. You can take take pictures, record video, and access the internet. The device had a limited roll-out last month, and now 2,000 people across the US are Glass owners. The device has been both marveled and scrutinized. While the NSA's PRISM project
grabs headlines, critics have jumped on Glass, and the implications it poses for privacy and data collection. Brent chats with Google Glass owners Breon Nagy
and Taylor Hatmaker
, about whether concerns around Google's new gadget are warranted.


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Before it shuts its doors for good, Peace Centre at Sophia Road — which was sold in a joint collective sale to CEL Development, Sing-Haiyi Crystal and Ultra Infinity — will transform into an interactive community playground with a series of events and activities, led by social movement PlayPan.
From October 2023 to February 2024, Peace Centre’s 400,000 sq ft retail space will be a vibrant hub for creative collaboration focused on positive change and societal impact. Expect immersive workshops and enriching experiences, including World Sight Day, World Coffee Day and Halloween events. Activities include thrifting and raising, mural art, digital art, animation, music, AI, blockchain, Web3 and more. Plus, a whole floor for a user-generated Halloween experience is open to all.
PlayPan aims to be the heart of a “City of Good,” where changemakers and thought leaders collaborate to write a new chapter promoting unity and shared community benefits. It has included several non-governmental organisations (NGOs), organisations and communities like OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, Society of St Vincent de Paul, National Volunteer, Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped. Other NGOs will be offered complimentary booths during the different festivals so there will be a captive community to support their various FUNraising activities
Led by Ten Square founder Gary Hong, and OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation head Yvonne Siow, PlayPan is supported by Michael Ng, the regional executive director for CEL. “Michael loves the idea of repurposing this old mall for a final do-good ra-ra, and in double quick time, assembled his whole team to hear us pitch about this out-of-the-world social experiment,” says Siow at the official handover party for PlayPan.
On how the name PlayPan came about, Siow says: “We both love the idea of using ‘play’ to harness good and positive vibes to re-energise and bring people together. ‘Pan’ is a metaphor for individuals, brands, governments and associations to bring their “ingredient of good” such as expertise and skill sets to create thought leadership and change.”
Aimed at young adults and students in neighbouring art schools and universities, PlayPlan's mission is to foster a culture of giving and service among future leaders. “Our hope is for this social movement to have a dynamic lifeform and the ideology of Do Good, Do Well, and Do Well, Do Good to create an Economy of Good. We have two parts to our philosophy: Instill compassion, empathy and action amongst the haves, and create an economy of good for the have-nots.”
Siow’s vision for PlayPan involves transitioning from a physical to a digital (metaverse) and, finally, a phygital (hybrid) space. She says: “Peace Centre was a gift from the universe for all of us to come together for a better tomorrow. We believe PlayPan will manifest itself in another exciting dimension through collective contribution.”
Key project highlights
OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation (OSELF)
The OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation is a charitable organisation reflecting the commitment of EssilorLuxottica to eliminate uncorrected poor vision in a generation. Global Digital Twin will be launched at PlayPan, giving individuals an immersive experience that reminds them on the importance of good vision and encourages them to take care of their eyes. It will be inaugurated on World Sight Day by Guest of Honor, Mayor of Central Singapore and District Member of Parliament, Jalan Besar GRC, Ms Denise Phua and Mr Anurag Hans, President of the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation and Head of Mission, EssilorLuxottica.
AI Playground and AI Academy
An incubation hub for technology and innovation, AI Playground and AI Academy focuses on bringing expert industry leaders together. This is the perfect environment for artists, creators and enthusiasts to come together to exchange ideas, skills and perspectives. This collaborative journey will harness the transformative power of digital innovations and allow everyone to be at the forefront of this tech revolution. Guests are encouraged to collaborate and co-create new possibilities and unlock a world of limitless possibilities.
LaSalle’s McNally School of Fine Arts
For more lifestyle, arts and fashion trends, click here for Options Section
In celebrating and honouring the centenary of its late founder Brother Joseph McNally this year, LaSalle will bring SoFASoGood Action Lab to PlayPan, with a series of weekend activations—ranging from material storytelling and critical craft to social practice and community engagement. This includes a recurring Book Culture Growing Group and a Pop-Up/Pop-In Holiday Makers’ Mart in December.
Thryft has opened its largest retail store, Second Story: Peace Edition, in collaboration with PlayPan. It curates from over 50,000 books and 20,000 pieces of clothes in Thryft’s inventory, and also showcases vintage and rare books, and products from local sellers. Established in 2020, Thryft uses smart recommerce technology that enables users to trade-in or donate their items at speed and scale. For users who trade-in, they receive credits that they can use in person or online. For donations, credits are in turn donated to charities in the form of cash after their items are sold.
Blockchain Association of Singapore
The BE Club is an exciting initiative by Blockchain Association Singapore. This club is designed to bridge students with the association's extensive network, catering to their blockchain-related needs, projects, and future career aspirations. The BE Club focuses on nurturing the next generation of blockchain leaders by offering students the chance to connect with professionals who can guide them in their blockchain journey, providing real-world experience, internships, and mentorship opportunities.
The Good Market by BoxGreen
A pop-up concept by BoxGreen, The Good Market offers a unique retail experience bringing their signature snacks as gifts alongside other socially responsible brands. Beyond shopping for meaningful products, visitors can engage in workshops focused on sustainability and social entrepreneurship. Visitors can explore curated sustainable gifts and PlayPan merchandise, indulge in mindful caffeinated creations, and engage in educational workshops.


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In a spending mood
The Commerce Department issues its October snapshot of U.S. consumer spending today.
Spending rebounded sharply in May and June after a sharp pullback in the spring when the economy nearly shut down entirely due to the coronavirus. Since climbing 8.7% in May and 6.5% in June, spending has been running at higher rate than before the pandemic. The rebound in spending is a key reason why U.S. economic growth surged by a record 33.1% annual rate in the third quarter.


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Volkswagen has rejected a newspaper report that it has halted technology transfers of its Santana sedans to joint venture partner Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC), according to the Xinhua News Agency.
“The statements made in the China Business Post about the stop of knowledge transfer from VW to SAIC are not true,” Volkswagen Group China spokeswoman Melanie Behrens said in remarks reported by Xinhua.
“We do not know where these claims came from and are still working on the subject, trying to clarify the situation.”
The China Business Post reported Monday that Volkswagen had decided against the further transfer of a technical platform for the sedan model. It said SAIC had invested large sums in the scheduled acquisition of the platform, including acquiring an auto manufacturing plant in Yizheng city in eastern Jiangsu province.
The reported plan was for SAIC to produce a new sedan model designed on the Santana platform, with the car set to be launched in May.
It said the termination was due in part to Volkswagen’s adjustment of its China strategies and to ineffective communication with its Chinese partners.
Many Chinese carmakers with overseas venture partners have been researching and developing cars independently or with subsidiaries and this has emerged as a sensitive issue with Western partners.


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Coffee Planet unveils largest premium coffee roastery in Middle East
Dubai-based Coffee Planet, a multi-solutions coffee company supplying every market sector in the coffee retail chain, today launched its new $2million roastery at Gulfood 2011, the region’s premier event promoting food and beverage-related products, which is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
“Our new roaster will increase Coffee Planet’s capacity to more than 160 tonnes per month of premium Arabica coffee. In 2010 we served around 4 million cups of coffee, by 2013 we hope to be serving almost 6 million cups a year, which means we’ll be serving one cup of coffee every 5 seconds,” said, Richard Jones, Managing Director, Coffee Planet.
Having enjoyed strong demand for its coffee since launching in Dubai six years ago, Coffee Planet’s annual turnover has increased exponentially. Since it began locally roasting in 2008, Coffee Planet’s production has grown from five tonnes per month to nearly 15 tonnes per month in 2010, with projections of around 60 tonnes per month by 2013 as it takes on wider regional roasting contracts and expansion.
Strong financial performance supports Coffee Planet’s $2 million investment in the new state-of-the-art roasting facility in Jebel Ali Free Zone. Annual revenue has grown steadily year-on-year, from AED600,000 in 2005 to a projected AED44 million by 2013.
Commenting on future prospects, Jones spoke about the strong demand for coffee, with global production currently forecast to grow from 5 million tonnes in 2010 to more than 7 million tonnes by 2012.
“Global consumption of coffee has continued to climb over the last decade, rising steadily each year, despite green bean price rises recently fuelled by concerns over consecutive annual bad harvests in key coffee-producing regions,” said Jones.
He referred to a recent survey from Euromonitor International, which showed the regional coffee industry continues to thrive despite the economic downturn.
“Since 2004, overall coffee consumption in the region has posted steady increases, with the UAE growing by 85 per cent, Morocco and Saudi Arabia by over 30% and Egypt by 20%. Coffee Planet is capitalising on this growth, boosting capacity and bringing new levels of coffee quality to the market,” added Jones.
Setting it apart from its competitors, one of Coffee Planet’s defining strengths is its local roasting, which ensures each cup of its premium coffee is no more than two to four weeks old. No other regional coffee company can lay claim to such freshness.
Another of Coffee Planet’s trademark secrets is its dedicated, highly experienced roastmaster, Rosco Franklin. He has more than 16 years experience in sourcing beans from the best growers, roasting and creating different blends and flavours.
“Our role at Coffee Planet involves ensuring the final coffee in the cup is the best it can be. We are passionate about our coffee and take a lot of care in its production, striving to deliver some of the best blends you will ever taste,” said Franklin.
Coffee Planet uses premium Arabica coffee beans sourced from 15 origins around the world including Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Brazil and Honduras. In addition to its new roastery, it is also expanding its regional presence, further growing from five retail outlets and 140 petrol station outlets in the UAE in addition to manned mobile kiosks for special events. Its newest retail opening was in Oman, with further outlets planned for Malaysia, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and South Korea.
You can meet the Coffee Planet team on stand B2-24, Hall 2 at Gulfood from 27th February to 2nd March.
Coffee Planet was born in Arabia and our goal is to help more people experience the finest global Arabica coffee that has been roasted, here on the peninsula, for over 500 years.


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Almost 15 years ago, Klarna was founded in Stockholm, Sweden with the aim of making it easier for people to shop online. Klarna pioneered the concept of ‘buy now, pay later’ (BNPL) in the Nordic e-commerce industry, giving consumers the possibility to buy products and pay later with invoice. Since then, the company has evolved and is now offering a wide range of payment solutions and features to enhance the shopping experience. Last year, Klarna launched its shopping app in the US which enables people to buy now and pay later everywhere. To date it has 1.2 million downloads – and the number is growing.
Pay later down under
Another interesting market to look at if you want to understand the rise of BNPL is Australia. Let’s head down under to understand what’s going on.
The Australian market is a full-blown testbed for the booming trend. When the field was reviewed by the national regulator ASIC last year, six players were identified. And soon, Europe’s highest valued non-listed fintech (yes, that’s Klarna) is heading south, joining forces with Commonwealth Bank, one of Australia’s Big Four banks.
So why this growth-on-steroids* of buy now, pay later services? The ASIC report is rich material for any retailer looking to understand the phenomenon. Key takeaways:
- 60% of users are young, aged 18–34 years
- 55% of users reported they are spending more than they did before the BNPL era
- 81% of users agreed that BNPL allowed them to buy more expensive items
- 1/3 of users reported not having any other credit facility
In short: this is THE method preferred by millennials, the hard-to-reach consumer group born roughly between 1980 and 2000. A group which is wary of the credit card industry and which has, it seems, limited patience with unsmoooth user interfaces. But although they have truly embraced this payment channel in their cash-strapped twenties and thirties, the question is whether the romance will live on as millennials become more financially established.
Recent research showed almost 1 in 3 Australians have used a BNPL service. The data also suggested BNPL users were more averse towards credit.
On the same note, ME Banks chief executive Jamie McPhee said in an interview that the arrival of ‘buy now, pay later’ has fundamentally disrupted the payment market. Consequently, the bank decided to stop investing in its new credit card platform.
“I don’t think my daughters will ever own a credit card. They will have a debit card and a buy now, pay later account,” he said.
The irony is, of course, that paying later with interest-free installments is simply a new way of spreading the cost over time – just not via a credit card.
“It’s a fundamental economic shift,” Jamie McPhee said. “All I am doing is looking at the trend, and the trend is debit cards up, credit cards down and buy now, pay later up”.
Millennials don’t do credit cards
This rings true with US millennials as well. A survey in 2016 by Princeton Survey Research Associates International showed that 67 percent of American millennials (aged 18 to 29) didn’t carry a credit card. A similar survey two years earlier had recorded 63 percent of the same age group without a credit card to their name. So yes, the trend is real. What to do with it?
In a recent video, NYU Stern School of Business Professor Scott Galloway explains in depth how – and why – US retailers are making use of new flexible payment solutions offered by buy now, pay later companies. “[Klarna, Affirm and Afterpay] have been explicit in targeting young professionals without credit cards,” he says, pointing out a few key factors which have contributed to their success:
- Half of today’s 30-year-olds make less than their parents did at their age. Hence 3 out of 5 millennials say they are interested in installments for large purchases.
- The psychological effect. Four payments of $20 feels less intimidating than $80 sitting on your card.
- Like any good disrupter, BNPL providers are savvy marketers. Klarna’s Smoooth collaboration with Snoop Dogg has been noticed.
But BNPL is not only a way of satisfying the transaction needs of these consumers. According to Scott Galloway’s data, average basket sizes go up 20–30 percent with this payment method. This is in tune with how Daniel Jensen, Vice President of Product at Klarna, has outlined the pros of paying later.
“The younger generation want this kind of simple and flexible payment solution that suits their financial situation without forcing them into one-sided credit agreements with unfair interest rates,” he said. “Offering a consumer-friendly payment method that provides an easy, short-term, no-interest solution – without requiring a formal credit agreement with these customers – is great for your business.”
Back to Scott Galloway at NYU who’s expecting credit card giants to strike back against the smart disruptors in the BNPL industry. To stay ahead they, i.e. Klarna and others, need real moats, he argues, meaning true competitive advantages that aren’t easily replicated.
“They are trading at exceptional multiples, they should be making acquisitions and massively reinvesting in the business and the relationship and turning those rivers and those puddles into real moats,” he says.
It’s safe to say that it’s not lost on anyone at Klarna that building customer loyalty and developing relationships are drivers for success – and deeper moats. The Klarna app is absolutely key here. Not only do millennials expect smoooth shopping, fun browsing and uncomplicated delivery; when the Klarna loyalty team summed up lessons learned earlier this year, the first takeaway was: nothing beats a superb shopping experience that you want to come back to over and over again. Before even considering rewards, make sure you choose a platform that’s up to the task.
The vision, according to Michael Yee, product manager for Klarna shopping, is a one-stop shopping app where each merchant has their own branding, and can push offers to consumers.
“Klarna merchants will have the benefits of a much more integrated experience overall, with better conversion, higher retention and significantly lower administration costs.”
How does Buy now, pay later work?
At checkout, shoppers have the option to receive a product right away, but pay for it in smaller installments over time.
Participating merchants pay the provider 2 to 6 percent commission plus a fixed fee for every transaction.
Merchants are promised new millennial and Gen Z customers, more repeat visits and more spending.
Buy now, pay later with Klarna
…pay the full amount up to 30 days later.
…split the amount across equal, interest-free installments.
…finance it, which splits the cost of bigger purchases into as many as 36 monthly payments. Interest charges can apply.
How Klarna installments affect shopping
68% increase in average order value from shoppers paying with installments.
44% of users say they would have abandoned their purchase if installments weren’t available.
90% of shoppers were satisfied with their 4 installments experience.
85% of users say Klarna is a better experience than other online checkouts.
U.S. millennials doing more shopping online
Millennials in 2019 are making 60% of their purchases online, up from 47% in 2017.
40% of purchases are made in stores, down from 53% in 2017.
The survey of 1,002 millennials was conducted by CouponFollow, an online coupon platform.
*According to ASIC data 400,000 customers were using interest-free payment plan services in 2016, and 2 million in 2018. Revenues were reported to be up from $32 million in Q2 2016 to $78 million in Q2 2018.


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A pizzeria in Lebanon will be expanding to Belleville with a carryout-only location.
Mama Gustos To Go anticipates opening later this month in the shopping center at the intersection of Green Mount Road and Illinois 177.
The business is a second locale for Mama Gustos Pizzeria, which has been serving pizza and an assortment of Italian dishes for years at 115 W. St. Louis St. in Lebanon. Stay tuned.
Papa Murphy's has opened at 2691 N. Illinois St. in Swansea Plaza. The business was founded in 1981 and has become the world's largest "take 'n bake" chain with more than 1,425 locations in 38 states, Canada and United Arab Emirates. Other metro-east locations are at 1407 West U.S. Highway 50 in O'Fallon and 207 Harvard Drive in Edwardsville. You can reach the Swansea locale at 618-235-8710.
Metro-east chiropractor Kevin Schmidt has gone into the restaurant business with a Grandpa Luke's Deli/Coffee House in Millstadt. Located at 741 W. Washington St., next door to Dollar General Store, Grandpa Luke's serves fresh-cut deli sandwiches and hot coffee and provides drive-through service. Schmidt, who runs chiropractic practices in Millstadt and Smithton, has decorated his restaurant with historic photos of Millstadt and antique farm equipment. You can call the restaurant at 618-406-8677.
Schmitty's Bar & Grill is a new eatery in Smithton. The menu at 102 N. Main St. includes Mediterranean chicken, lamb burgers and lamb fritters. Ice cream and snow cones are coming this summer. You can see for yourself from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Call 618-416-8145 to find out more.
Brick ovens have recently been installed in what will be the second metro-east locale for the Peel Wood Fired Pizza. Co-owner Patrick Thirion said he and his business partner, Brandon Case, anticipate the pizzeria to open at 104 S. Cherry St. in O'Fallon by September. A microbrewery is planned for the second floor of the building. The brewing tanks and other beer-making equipment are expected to arrive and be installed about a month from now. In the meantime, Peel's first location serving wood-fired oven-baked pizzas is at 921 S. Arbor Vitae in Edwardsville or call them at 618-659-8561.
The metro-east's newest Penn Station East Coast Subs in East Belleville will celebrate its recent opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday. The event will be held at 10:30 a.m. at 651 Carlyle Ave. Call 618-277-2287 for more information.
Certified Title & Escrow, which has offices in Highland, Edwardsville, Brighton, and Troy, will soon now be known as Midwest Title & Escrow Inc. Aside from a new name, the title company is incorporating a new logo, website and social media sites. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held May 12 at the Highland location. For more information, call 618-654-7675 or go to www.midwestescrow.com.
And finally, the Oatman House Restaurant in Collinsville is now an on-site donation spot for used shoes for the Shoeman Water Project. The organization collects used shoes and sends them to vendors in Africa. The proceeds are used to establish and maintain clean water services for African citizens. You can drop off your used and unwanted shoes at the restaurant from Tuesday through Saturday at 501 E. Main St. or call 618-346-2326 to learn more.
Contact reporter Will Buss at email@example.com or 618-239-2526.


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Programa Invierte takes foreign investment to market
(Page 2 of 3)
“The only service that we charge for is ... the actual creation of the investment plan that is part of our Programa Invierte service,” Martinez adds.
Addressing a need
Although this program is geared toward foreign investors in general, says Smith, many of the investors and entrepreneurs seeking the center’s assistance are from Mexico.
“That’s one of the reasons we created this program,” Smith says.
But these individuals, he says, are different from those who may have come to San Antonio because of the current security situation in Mexico. Some may be buying a new business, while others have infrastructure or businesses in Mexico and wish to export their products to San Antonio.
“There are more large corporations moving here; it’s not small businesses only,” Smith says, adding that the violence in Mexico is not the only reason Mexican investors are coming. “They see the opportunities that San Antonio is creating and that has launched a diaspora of firms moving (here).”
This was the case of Adrian Rosas and Carmen Tarragona who opened a pastry shop in Alamo Heights called Tatakuá Alfajores USA in December of last year.
The husband and wife duo own and operate a family pecan orchard in Durango, Mexico, and were looking to further diversify their investments by launching a separate business here.
Initially, they sought help from the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and were directed to the San Antonio Small Business Development Center.
The process took about two years from beginning to end, says Rosas. But, he says, the help he and his wife received was phenomenal and included assistance with getting FDA, USDA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection approvals to import their products to San Antonio.
Tamarind Phinisee serves as the copyeditor of the newspaper and also works as a reporter covering finance, Mexico/international trade and education.
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Yamaha has released the pictures of MT-03 in August and the vehicle got its public unveiling at the 2015 EICMA show in Milan which began on 17 November. The new Yamaha MT-03 is basically a stripped-down version of Yamaha YZF-R3 supersport motorcycle which is currently sold in India and many reports already claims its India entry is certain.
The MT-03 will remove the front fairing from the YZF-R3 and will come with a single-pod headlight over the twin in faired version. The motorcycle opts for a more conventional single piece and wide handlebar and dumps the clip-on handle bars. The design of Yamaha MT-03 is be true to the street bikes with a muscular tank, small tail lamp and exposed frame.
The motorcycle has been powered by a 321cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled motor churning out 41.6bhp at 10,750rpm and peak torque of 29.6Nm at 9,000rpm. The mill is mated to a six-speed constant mesh gearbox.
The MT-03 weights just 165kg, about four kilograms less than the YZF-R3, which should give the naked street fighter a slight power-to-weight advantage over the faired version. The MT-03 runs on a 120/70 and 140/70 section tyres at the front and rear respectively on 17-inch alloy wheels. The motorcycle will feature disc brakes for both wheels 298mm at front and 220mm at rear while dual-channel Anti-lock Braking system is expected as standard in India.
The MT-03 will assembled in India to keep the pricing competitively. Following the trend of pricing the naked version lower to its faired version, Yamaha MT-03 is expected to be affordable than the YZF R3, which is priced at Rs 3.25 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi.


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Apple Watch owners have a new option to easily unlock their iPhones when wearing a face mask. The global pandemic has made it more difficult to unlock iPhones using Face ID, given that the TrueDepth camera looks to match an entire face. With the mouth and nose covered, this process mostly ends up with the user entering a passcode. Some have tried to train their iPhones to recognize a mask, but there is a more secure way.
People with implanted pacemakers and defibrillators are being warned to keep MagSafe iPhones and accessories away from their medical devices. Cardiologists at the Henry Ford Heart and Vascular Institute have tested the effect of an iPhone 12 Pro passing over the chest of a patient. Reporting on the results, Dr. Gurjit Singh explained that the patient's defibrillator was temporarily deactivated by the MagSafe magnet inside the iPhone.
Some of the latest features on iOS make it possible to directly monitor headphone sound levels and even categorize different Bluetooth devices paired with your iPhone or iPad. Yet another feature provides customized headphone audio for listeners, optimizing specific frequencies or boosting soft sounds to enhance hearing.
The investment app Robinhood has made waves across markets as a simple way for smartphone owners to buy and sell stocks. As more people sign up for accounts, new users of Robinhood must keep in mind their security. As with all financial apps, extra precautions such as two-factor authentication (2FA) can help restrict unwanted account access. Using 2FA on Robinhood is highly recommended.


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KTM has confirmed the 390 Duke will be brought to the American market for the 2014 model year, making it the first of the Austrian manufacturer’s small-displacement single-cylinder naked models to arrive in the U.S. This timeframe would put the 373cc Duke a year behind the 2013 launch date from a leaked Powerpoint presentation slide that said it would be available in the U.S. for the 2013 model year as a 350 model.
Stefan Pierer, chief executive officer of KTM, confirmed the news in an interview with Indian daily Business Standard. The 390 Duke will be produced at a plant in Chakan, India, owned by Bajaj Autos, a 47% stakeholder of KTM. Pierer predicts KTM will sell 10,000 units of the 390 Duke in Europe and the U.S.
“It is a strategic decision with Bajaj to go for sporty, stylish motorcycles, even for the saturated markets, because cars have become too expensive,” Pierer tells the Business Standard. “We are entering the US street-bike segment for the first time and, beginning next year, the Duke 390, built in India, would be sold in the US market.”
The KTM 390 Duke will first launch this year in Europe where its predecessors, the 125 Duke and 200 Duke, have done extremely well. KTM will then introduce the 390 Duke to India where the 200 Duke is also now available. KTM credits the smaller Duke models for helping set a sales record of 107,142 units in 2012 including 8,000 units of the 200 Duke in India alone. That pushed KTM past BMW to become Europe’s largest motorcycle maker last year.
“These small-displacement street bikes are ideal for urban commuting, especially in saturated markets like the US and Europe,” says Pierer. “What we are talking about are powerful (40-44 bhp) but affordable bikes; at 138 kg, these are powerful and agile. With a target price of €5,000, including VAT, we think it could be a big success.”
[Source: Business Standard; photo by Schedl R.]
Discuss this further at our KTM 390 Duke Forum.


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Verizon has indicated that it will make its home 5G available in all locations that can access its network. Verizon's Home 5G announcement came to form the company's consumer division chief, Ronan Dune, where it was stated that Home 5G would be viable, "in due course."
Verizon has scheduled the full-scale launch for Home 5G at the end of 2019. The Verizon 5G service was offered at fist as an in-house network that could run at a speed of 300Mbps.
Verizon has launched 5G networks in 10 cities, with plans to expand to 30 cities by the end of 2019. Launching 5G networks has unique challenges associated with it, as ultra-wideband technology relies on a large number of cell sites.
Image Credit: Verizon


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“The Alcatel 1X is the first-ever smartphone to come with Android Oreo (Go Edition)”
With Mobile World Congress 2018 all set to kick off from February 26th, Alcatel has already gone ahead and announced its lineup in a pre-MWC event held on February 24th. The brand launched its 5, 3 and 1 series of smartphones along with a couple of affordable tablets. Of these devices, Alcatel 1X happens to be the world’s first smartphone to boot the Android Oreo (Go edition) out of the box.
Android Oreo (Go Edition) has been designed especially for low-end devices with less than 1GB of RAM. The OS has three key components – the lightweight OS, a an optimised set of Google Apps and a tuned version of the Google Play store. It offers performance and storage improvements with data management features and security benefits built in. Coming to the spec sheet of the Alcatel 1X, the handset ships with a 5.3-inch 18:9 display which offers a resolution of 960 x 480 pixels. In the performance department, the device gets a 1.3GHz quad-core MediaTek MTK6580 processor, which has been accompanied by 1GB of RAM. The onboard storage on the handset is 16GB, and can be further expanded up to 32GB using a microSD card.
Moving on to the imagery department, the Alcatel 1X gets an 8-megapixel rear camera (interpolated to 13-megapixel) and a 5-megapixel front camera (interpolated to 8-megapixel). The brand has equipped the cameras with a Social Mode, which lets users review and share them on social media, as soon as they are clicked, right from the viewfinder. In terms of connectivity, the handset features 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Hotspot, Bluetooth, A-GPS, VoLTE, and VoWi-Fi. A 2,460mAh battery completes the spec sheet. The Alcatel 1X will be offered in different variants in different markets, and select variants of the device will come equipped with a Face Key and fingerprint sensor for security.
Alcatel is offering the smartphone in four hues – Gold Satin, Rose Gold Satin, Dark Grey Suede and Dark Blue Suede, with single SIM or dual SIM functionality depending on the region. The single SIM variant has been priced at €99.99 (~Rs 7,500) and dual SIM variant at €109.99 (~Rs 8,750). The device will be made available in the month of April.


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DMA Group chief executive Chris Combemale has succeeded Dutch DMA director Diana Janssen as co-chair of European direct and digital marketing group Fedma, working alongside Dr Sachiko Scheuing, who is also European privacy officer of Acxiom.
The duo will lead the organisation through a period of continued change for the industry, with a focus on data privacy and key consumer issues that are affecting the marketing discipline.
The new leadership team will help to guide Fedma through the challenging times ahead, from the new laws to which the industry must adhere, to the prospect of Brexit.
Marketers across Europe and beyond will be getting to grips with the implementation of GDPR and the soon to be confirmed ePrivacy Regulation. In the midst of this, the UK will be finalising its departure from the European Union, while also ensuring that despite Brexit the UK remains part of the European Digital Single Market.
At the start of his term, Combemale said: “In an era of augmented intelligence and machine learning, the technology at the disposal of marketers is more powerful than ever. But with powerful technology comes great responsibility and marketers must ensure they create the ethical frameworks in which their technology can operate.
“As marketers, we’re no longer just responsible for short term sales and long term brand loyalty, but the custodians of the technology that is powering the fourth industrial revolution. In this new environment, marketers must act with a responsibility to society, not just to their company.”
Dr Scheuing added: “It is Fedma’s mission to ensure the industry operates with an ethical code that ensures the strategic opportunities of big data can be deployed to customers, the economy and society as a whole. We will continue to advocate for the right legislative balance between privacy and innovation, not just one or the other. We will bring together policy makers, legislators and regulators to share the views and ensure the right balance is struck, enabling Europe to remain at the heart of the global data-driven economy.”
Fedma shacks up with IDM to tackle skills shortage


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Xbox One players of Gears 4 have been dealing with stuttering at the beginning of multiplayer matches, and during long continuous sessions. Earlier this week, The Coalition updated its list of known issues with a strange but simple workaround for the hitching problem: “Open four other games (allow them to load past the initial splash screen) and then load Gears of War 4.”
Players shouldn’t have to deal with the issue or that odd solution anymore. Today’s patch — which was released only on Xbox One, since the hitching problem didn’t affect the Windows PC version of the game — weighs in at about 218 MB.
“This will help iron out any user still experiencing this that has not done any of the workarounds we posted about the other day,” said Adam Fletcher, director of community for the Gears of War series.
As for remaining issues like long matchmaking times and the game not saving changes to audio settings, The Coalition said it’s still working on fixing them.
For more on Gears of War 4, which launched this week, read our review.


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CBE is delighted to have recently partnered with Central England Co-Operative in the UK, installing two of our card-only self-checkout solutions at their Fradley Food Store in Staffordshire as part of an exciting new trial.
The new technology allows customers to quickly pay for items by card but still allows Members to swipe their Membership card and gain access to great rewards.
If successful, the technology could be rolled out at further stores across the entire country.
Mark Swaffar, IT Project Delivery Manager at Central England Co-operative, said: “We are delighted to be underway with our self-scan trial in Fradley with two units.”
“It is early days but we have had great feedback from customers and colleagues. The idea behind trialing technology like self-scan is that we want to meet the expectations of our customers and ensure they have the best shopping experience possible.”
“We are proud of how the trial is going so far, look forward to receiving more feedback and cannot wait to see what it means for the future shopping experience in more of our stores in the coming weeks, months and years.”
Read more here:


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Pskov: Smuggling routine of customs office
News of the Russian FSB arresting Pskov Customs Office Deputy Head Sergey Shubin stirred the customs world. People involved with international commerce claim it is just the tip of the iceberg of corruption, since the office is a battlefield both literary and figuratively.
Sergey Shubin was arrested in the Mama Roma Restaurant on Bakunin Avenue, St Petersburg, as the media reported earlier. The operation was carried out by the FSB Central Administration and the FSB Pskov Region Department. They found $10 thousand when inspecting the high-ranking customs authority figure. It was a bribe from a yet unnamed entrepreneur, according to available reports. Shubin was escorted to Moscow after being caught red-handed, arrested, and exposed.
Customs employees are divided on the issue. Some believe it was Shubin’s own people who informed on him. Others think Shubin had been extorting money from entrepreneurs for a long time and they gave a call to people in power. Anyhow, Shubin’s subordinates were not particularly saddened by their superior’s arrest, according to our sources. As for people involved with international commerce, they do not even try to hide their joy. Smuggling has grown immensely in the region despite Shubin’s immediate superior Major General Svetlana Stepanova vigorously reporting major achievements in their fight against customs law violations. She even went as far as to nominate her agency for the Best Border Customs Staff contest held by the Russian Federal Customs Service in 2016.
Pskov Customs Office Head Major General Svetlana Stepanova
The thing is, the Pskov Region that has a 30 km long border with three other countries has been under supervision by Russian law enforcement groups for a long time. These groups act as 'supervisors' for powers that be. Local smuggling system is worth several millions of euros, according to some people involved with international commerce. Smuggling is flourishing here. That is not a surprise really, given it is possible to not only engage in shady activities but confiscate a lot of things as well. The latter helps make activity reports quite epic.
The Pskov Customs Office was founded following USSR Council of Ministries Main Department for Customs Activities Federal Oversight Order No. 173 on May 23, 1991. The office went through reorganization in 2000; Pitalovsky and Pechorsky customs stations were attached to it. The Office has 9 customs stations today; 5 of them are located along a border.
Today, the office’s top goal is to "control cargo and vehicles moving across the Russian customs border," according to its official website. Sources think otherwise, saying the office is nothing but a cover for arms, tobacco, alcohol, and drugs smuggling.
What is it about the Pskov region that makes it so attractive to criminals? The answer is simple – its location; it borders three foreign nations, namely Estonia, Latvia, and Belarus. On one hand, it is an ever vigilant Russian army stronghold on the border between Russian and the NATO countries. On the other hand, it is a place that is ripe for establishing smuggling lines between Russia and Europe. In others words, one can make fast and easy money here (given one has enough resourcefulness). Borders are transparent. The transport corridor between the countries is just perfect for illegal trade. The office stations’ importance skyrocketed since the war of sanctions has begun.
The office oversees 470.7 km of external border - 223.7 km of the Russian-Latvian border and 247 of the Russian-Estonian border.
The recession and ruble devaluation made near-border smuggling an immensely profitable and large business. Let’s say there are reasons why Baltic countries have suggested building a wall between them and Russia. The bulk of the business in the region is based on smuggling. There is a saying among entrepreneurs wishing to trade: "You will get a visit from the local authorities if you have made 100 million rubles ($1.7 million) and from Moscow ones if you have made more than that." Trading sanctioned goods have become on par with such popular smuggling items as alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.
Pskov Customs Office
The Pskov customs border’s status changed drastically since the arrest of St. Petersburg oligarch Dmitry Mikhalchenko and the following criminal prosecution of broker Igor Khavronov, Boris Avakyan, and others involved with the North-West smuggling empire. Moreover, the majority of customers buying sanctioned goods live in St Petersburg and Moscow, not poor Pskov. Illegal goods are traditional for the two capitals, Pskov residents’ saying goes.
Cat-and-mouse game and history
In others words, the current state of smuggling at the Pskov borders looks a lot like after the WWI. Here is a description of how it used to be back then: "Smugglers were most interested in near-border areas close to large consumption hubs, Petrograd and Moscow above all. That is why the Pskov county ended up being the ideal corridor for smuggling in North-West Russia, being as far from Petrograd as from Moscow. A considerable portion of the local population engaged in smuggling, according to the Unified State Political Department. There was a distinct trend for professionalization of Pskov smugglers. Individual smugglers would soon unite into stable gangs working for hire and taking from 10% to 25% of the value of contraband they delivered."
Many decades have passed since then. Yet, the same gangs work for the same 10% to 25% rate. The only difference is that entrepreneurial police officers began protecting the smuggling. The police copied the criminal community’s practice of having 'supervisors', too.
The only difference between the historical and contemporary criminal intentions is the fact that contraband is now smuggled through green corridors by customs officers. They do it systematically, too. The northwest customs officers have a very tough anti-corruption task with three unknowns at hand, people involved with international commerce say when out of public view. Namely, they are to eliminate corruption without affecting their own business and keep their positions. It is no coincidence it was the office that has one of the highest numbers of public officials in the northwest.
Pskov Customs Office
That is why the Pskov Customs Office deputy head's arrest in St. Petersburg was not a coincidence. First, 'respectable people' do not make decisions in Pskov; St. Petersburg is much more suitable for that. Second, the $10 thousand confiscated from Colonel Shubin was either an installment or a shop contribution, according to sources. Or, it was a warning about appearance of mobile groups, according to yet another opinion on the reason for the scandalous arrest. Smugglers’ main enemy is the unexpected. Mobile police groups going after sanctioned goods are truly a nightmare for shadow commerce players. They are never to be expected and catch someone every day, including on the border between the Pskov region and Belarus.
According to the Russian Federal Customs Service, there are 35 mobile groups in Russia. They specialize in intercepting illegal goods and preventing their import to Russia. They were founded on the basis of customs agencies. They are stationed near the Russian State Border. The bulk of the work is carried out at the border between Russia and Belarus.
At a recent meeting in August, Head of the Federal Customs Service Main Department Valery Seleznev spoke about how interception of illegal goods was a priority for customs agencies. That is why a timely warning of a mobile group coming after someone is very valuable. $10 thousand is a sort of the standard rate for information from high-ranking customs officers, according to sources. Anyhow, Colonel Shubin’s currency story may clue the Russian FSB in on other, more interesting stories from lives of corruptionists and smugglers, according to some reports. The CrimeRussia will follow the developments.


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Airtel 3.75G launches in Rwanda
MOBILE| July 4, 2012, 12:47 p.m.
Airtel today announced the introduction of what it bills as ‘the fastest mobile Internet in Rwanda’, with the launch of its 3.75G platform in the country.
Airtel says the launch of the 3.75G platform promises profound changes to how users in the country experience the web on Internet-enabled devices.
It says the HSPA+ technology with up to 21 Mbps speed, is the fastest and latest 3G available and will be enormously beneficial for a variety of users, from large corporates, Small or Medium Businesses and the youth.
“The technology on our 3.75G network will give our customers the opportunity to interact with data in a different way,” explained Marcellin Paluku, Country Manager, Airtel Rwanda. “This is why Airtel doesn’t see 3G as a product but a platform that enables the community to expand its social and commercial horizons, alongside the rest of the world.”
He added: “Our 3.75G platform will allow customers to combine the enormous potential of the internet with the convenience of cellular phones and other devices. It will enable fast access to the Internet for social networking, creating, accessing and sharing learning content like e-books and music. For the small and medium business, it will enable the entrepreneur to embrace a highly mobile way of working with high speed access to email and Internet and it will allow large companies to increase productivity through vastly enhanced mobile Internet speeds.”
Airtel has teamed up with Ericsson to ensure seamless upgrade of the existing network to the 3.75G network.
"We are pleased to have been selected by Airtel for the upgrade of their network in Rwanda, and see mobile broadband as key to realizing our vision of the Networked Society," said Lars Linden, Head of Ericsson sub Saharan Africa. “The new technology will enable Airtel to meet its desire to provide its customers with the most advanced solutions and quality browsing experience to its customers in Rwanda and Africa.”
The new 3.75G network will initially be available to Airtel customers in Kigali, but will become available to other parts of the country over the course of the month.
Airtel will offer all its customers introductory free internet access to experience the service for the first two weeks. Every customer will receive 1 GB free every day upto the 17th of July. When the offer period expires, customers will get a great rate of 20 rfw per MB from 6:00 hrs to 00:00 hrs and 10 rfw from 00:00 hrs to 5:59 hrs. For additional information, customers can contact the customer service team on 456.
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IN DEPTHNIG President speaks his mind
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Walmart Announces Sustainable Product Index
a sign of the growing demand for green products, Walmart has announced
plans to develop a worldwide sustainable product index to establish a
single source of data for evaluating the sustainability of products.
The company will introduce the initiative in three phases, beginning
with a survey of its more than 100,000 suppliers around the world. The
survey includes 15 questions focusing on energy and climate, material
efficiency, natural resources, and people and community.
“The questions aren’t complicated but we’ve never before systematically asked for this kind of information. The survey is a key first step toward establishing real transparency in our supply chain,” says John Fleming, chief merchandising officer, Walmart U.S.
As a second step, the company is helping create a consortium of universities that will collaborate with suppliers, retailers, NGOs and government to develop a global database of information on the lifecycle of products -- from raw materials to disposal.
The company also plans to partner with one or more leading technology companies to create an open platform that will power the index.
The final step in developing the index will be to translate the product information into a simple rating for consumers about the sustainability of products, Walmart says.
Disclaimer: Please note that Facebook comments are posted through Facebook and cannot be approved, edited or declined by CleanLink.com. The opinions expressed in Facebook comments do not necessarily reflect those of CleanLink.com or its staff. To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines.


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Xenoblade Chronicles 3D launches in North America on April 10th
Nintendo of America have announced that Xenoblade Chronicles 3D will adventure across North America on April 10th, arriving a week later than Europe.
Monster Games have carefully ported Monolith Soft’s expansive Wii RPG to New Nintendo 3DS, reworked to support the revised hardware’s CPU, additional buttons and “super-stable” stereoscopic 3D. It has been revealed that the Shulk amiibo will also be supported, allowing players to earn in-game tokens.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D will launch exclusively for New Nintendo 3DS XL in North America on April 10th.


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Honduran company plans mega-mall for Alajuela
In 2014, the city of Alajuela, northwest of San José, will inaugurate one of the largest shopping malls in the country. The design of the 185,000-square-meter City Mall project will rival the gigantic Mall Multiplaza Escazú, southwest of the city.
The City Mall will include 280 stores and 2,400 parking spaces, according to El Financiero. Honduran company Lady Lee plans to start construction in October, once permits are issued. The structure is expected to be as large as the five-story Mall Multiplaza Escazú.
The business did not release the price of the investment, but based on the amount of land acquired, El Financiero estimated that already $13.7 million could be invested in the project.
The mall will include the department stores Aliss, Universal and Carrion and a 10-screen movie theater. Foreign brands from Europe, Israel and the United States are looking to open stores, including Gap, Kenneth Cole, Tommy Hilfiger and restaurant Chili’s.
The mall also will include an arcade with a “ferris wheel, bumper cars and a nursery.”
El Financiero also noted that in time for the holiday season, two new malls will open, and Mall Multiplaza Escazú will be remodeled. The Lincoln Plaza in Moravia, northeast of San José, and Paseo Metrópoli in Cartago, east of San José, debut in November. The refurbished Mall Multiplaza Escazú includes U.S. brands new to the country, such as Gap, Banana Republic and Forever 21, and also U.S. eateries Chili’s and Cosi.
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The Bright Lights Boat Parade marked the official kickoff of the holiday season in the Central Pacific town of Quepos…


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OLEAN — Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce has set the dates for three StrOlean events to take place this year in June, August and October. It is encouraging businesses, non-profits and school groups to plan to participate in one or all of the events.
The GOACC held its first ever StrOlean August 2017 as an event to be held in downtown Olean where event goers were able to saunter, amble, wander, walk North Union Street; and enjoy food, music, fine arts, classic cars and fun for all ages. Seventy organizations participated selling goods or services or organizing an event.
The Chamber’s Events Committee recently met and decided to host three StrOleans in 2019, June 15; August 16 and October 26.
GOACC is asking businesses, non-profits and school groups to start now and plan to participate in one or all three StrOlean events. Last year, Hinsdale Central School hosted a Color Run during the August StrOlean and had more than 100 participants.
There are several ways to participate at StrOlean:
Popup Markets — If your business is a brick and mortar store, host an event outside your store, if your business is a restaurant, vend outside. As an existing storefront, there is no fee to participate, but application would be appreciated.
On North Union/State Streets, Pop Up Markets will include arts and crafts, artisans, catalog/home party, farm market stands, artwork, jewelry and more.
GOACC is also encouraging organizations to create an event that would benefit their organization such as a Walk or Run, Story Time, Tasting station, Sports demonstration, outside fitness class, strolling chorus or create a children’s activity. There is no charge to run an event. The event would be included in the overall promotion, poster, Facebook, etc., so GOACC suggests some small promotion
There is an application for those businesses wishing to open a Food spot during StrOlean and existing restaurant will still need to fill out the food application.
For more information or registration forms, call GOACC at 716-372-4433 or email email@example.com.


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Your favorite Apple, iPhone, iPad, iOS, Jailbreak, and Cydia site.
04-13-2012, 02:51 AM #1
Apple's Java for OS X 2012-003 Update Removes Flashback Malware
Apple had previously announced that they were working on a tool to kill the Flashback malware and low and behold, it’s here! Apple released Java for OS X 2012-003 to remove “most common variants of the Flashback malware.”
According to the update notes, the Java web plug-in is also configured to disable the automatic execution of Java applets, which is another way to keep malware like Flashback from spreading. According to Apple, “the update is recommended for all Mac users with Java installed.” For those of you who want to get the update, you can download it directly from Software Update on the Mac OS X (coming in at 66.8 MB).
For those of you who didn’t catch the buzz, the Flashback Trojan created a botnet of more than 600,000 Macs around the world and tracked web browsing information, user IDs, and password. The malicious software was able to install itself automatically on a user’s computer by exploiting a Java security hole. Flashback was first discovered last year and evolved into its current iteration, which self-installs itself.
04-13-2012, 06:42 AM #2
And just like that the problem is solved.
04-13-2012, 07:57 AM #3
Installing a java update removes the malware or patches the hole the malware was using?
04-13-2012, 12:29 PM #4
04-13-2012, 04:53 PM #5
Wasn't the other 2 updates this week the ones that actually patched the issue. This one is just clean-up?[CENTER][SIGPIC][/SIGPIC][/CENTER]


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Produce, music on tap for weekend in LaGrange
Published 7:22 pm Thursday, July 25, 2019
By Grace Braswell
The LaGrange Daily News
With a weekend filled with fierce female songwriters and farmers market festivities, LaGrange is getting ready for another stretch of exciting events.
On Saturday, Flag Pole Park in downtown LaGrange will be taken over by Market on Main. Taking on the style of an outdoors farmers market, vendors will be selling homegrown, fresh products coming directly from the farm. This event will take place on the corner of Main Street and Lafayette Parkway. Market on Main will begin at 8 a.m. and end at 11 p.m.
Later that day, Pure Life Studios will host three female singer-songwriters for a songwriter’s round on Saturday. The writer’s round will feature Jess Jocoy, Abigail Dowd and Lyn Koonce. According to Pure Life, all three women have an honest, folksy sound that will make for a night of peaceful, easy listening.
Koonce’s style leans toward blues and ballads, while Dowd has more of a soulful, storytelling gospel. Jocoy is a Nashville dwelling songwriter on the rise as a new heart, old soul musician.
“These women give a throwback vibe, sort of a 70s feel,” said Maggie McDonald, owner of Pure Life Studios. “Their music is easy going, with a flare of modern folk.”
Tickets are $16.50 or $5 with student ID. Pure Life is paper bag approved, which means that it is acceptable to bring alcohol to the event. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the show beginning at 7:30.
To learn more about the concert, visit Purelifelagrange.com


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She made her come out as the newest face for the brand Calvin Klein in a sizzling commercial for the fragrance Deep Euphoria. The Suicide Squad actress admitted that although she didn't have a say in the casting rule for the male models she was 'very happy with [Calvin.
But in a photo race shared on Tuesday, stunning model Bella Hadid looked to be in perfect form. The 20-year-old sister of Currency favorite Gigi Hadid was clad in black lingerie for a photo session for Calvin Klein underwear. The daughter of Yolanda Further was laying on a red floor.
Crochet and lots of dots and spots. They are all back and acquiescent to be spotted at the Vogue American Express Fashion’s Night Out, (VAEFNO) which is returning for the second year to... The sunset, which will take place throughout the Melbourne CBD will help to officially launch Melbourne Spring...
David Jones launches smaller boutique-taste shops in inner-city suburbs - that are only a tenth of the size of its department stores David Jones...
David Walliams and ex-strife Lara Stone are still embroiled in High Court fight over money more than a year after their marriage ended Pair's...
Her tee off on someone a put on dinner is a white and blue floral design that perfectly suits her complexion. The advert begins with Margot appearing to become lower asleep on a lounge before dreaming she is in bed with the models after they all attend a party at a... Margot was announced as the newest fa of the brand earlier this.
And Rocco Ritchie and Kim Turnbull did thimbleful to dispel rumours of a romance on Thursday night, as they attended the Dazed + Calvin Klein event... The 16-year-olds put on a completely cosy display at the glamorous London bash, with the fashionable brunette posing with an affectionate arm around her...
'Congrats on giving another inception of girls eating disorders': Furious debate over 'plus-size' Calvin Klein model after Corrie's Catherine...
Bridget Jones's Infant opened earlier this month and is a critical and box office hit. Yet as the two-hour film spools through the zany 'who's-the-daddy' story line, something else is going on in the background — something much more devious. SAINSBURY’S BAG, MULBERRY.
Campbell and Jones ... Harris, David Burtka, John Demsey, Cheyenne Jackson and more. The “energy series” gala will also feature a men’s fashion show, with looks from Louis Vuitton, Thom Browne, Acne, Alexander McQueen, Calvin Klein Whip-round ...
Earlier David Jones CEO Paul Zahra says the scenario is ... Daniel Avakian dress was $285 now $171. Calvin Klein belt was $89.95 now $59. Innovare bag was $399 now $160. Warble boots was $299.95 now $189 Picture: Tony Gough She says Myer’s strategy for ...
At the climax that amounted to an order every 30 seconds as shoppers splashed out on big ticket brands like Calvin Klein and Helsinki ... segments in forge and David Jones is already reporting strong sales of luxury handbags. Woolford says the luxury ...
Over at David Jones, men's shirts, towels and Lego sets are being pulled off shelves. Luxurious-end products popular with buyers included Jimmy Choo shoes, the Michael Kors tote bag, Chanel No.5 perfume and linen from Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Yves Saint ...


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The People’s Bank of China has announced strict new guidelines for the country’s ballooning peer-to-peer (P2P) and crowdfunding sector, a popular but unregulated part of China’s economy. One reason? Climbing property prices.
Despite an overall slower growth economy in China, we’ve been seeing property prices in China’s wealthiest cities climb to new heights. One of the reasons for this is that more and more Chinese home buyers are using these online lending platforms to obtain mortgage down payments on new homes.
P2P platforms have become a very popular way for Chinese consumers to make big purchases. The nearly 4,000 P2P platforms in China had outstanding loans worth around $90 billion at the end of March. Many of these P2P platforms are funding these loans by attracting customers to invest in short-maturity investment products of all shapes and sizes, promising big returns to Chinese investors who aren’t incredibly sophisticated, or perhaps new members of China’s consumer class who simply don’t have or know about other investment options for their money.
P2P lending and investment platforms may seem new, but we’ve seen this before. They’re a new version of good old-fashioned underground lending, an industry that’s worth hundreds of billions of dollars. In China it’s unregulated; it operates under the radar and can cause problems in the overall economy because the bean counters in Beijing aren’t keeping track of it at all. They aren’t prepared for the greater economic shock if and when this very large gray sector of China’s economy should begin to collapse.
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With more than 400 partner manufacturers, the Android ecosystem is particularly enormous — but cluttered. This could eventually lead the hardware makers to pursue copyright and patent infringement against each other, thus, causing a disruption in experiences handed down to the consumers. Google is looking to avoid such complications and propagate healthy competition in the future.
Therefore, the Mountain View-based tech giant and some of its major Android partners have come together to announce the launch of a new patent licensing initiative called PAX. Though the license agreement has actually been named as ‘Android Networked Cross-License Agreement’ but Google is called it PAX for obvious reasons – comfort. PAX stands for “peace” in Latin and holds a particular importance in the IP and patent ecosystem. Google is using this license agreement to propagate legal peace among their open-source Android developers.
Defining the primary objective of this new initiative, Jamie Rosenberg, VP, Business Operations, Android and Google Play said,
We believe PAX will further expand the openness of Android for its members, promoting patent peace that will free up time and money for members, who can then dedicate those resources to creating new ideas.
The manufacturers who’ve already signed up for this initiative include Google (of course!), Samsung, LG, Foxconn Technology Group, HMD Global, HTC, Coolpad, BQ, and Allview. The partners have agreed to share over 230,000 patents covering “Android and Google Applications” on any device which is compatible with the Android’s requirements.
The PAX licensing initiative is completely open and free for any hardware maker to join and contribute positively to the community. Others, including the community, are totally free to gain access to these patents. This means that the members of this initiative agree not to harbor hate and sue each other for making use of patents shared under the agreement.
So, this means that Samsung is free to make use of any of HTC’s patents in their Android offering or vice-versa. The PAX initiative also supports innovation and enables Google’s Android partners to go ahead and amalgamate any patented technologies to further enhance user experience. It is also gunning directly for patent trolls, who’re only in the market for collecting royalties and filing a frivolous lawsuit to bring in more funds to their company. PAX will enable the expansive Android community to share resources and steer clear of such trolls.
In addition, PAX is not the first initiative which Google has launched to simplify the patent and licensing process. It already has some active efforts such as License on Transfer Network (eliminating patent trolls from the equation) and the Open Patent Non-assertion Pledge (aimed at decreasing threat around open-source software). These initiatives are aimed at encouraging small and medium-scale hardware manufacturers to join the movement and accept Android without any fear of lapsing on patents.


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Clarifying the doubts over the services that will remain open during the nation-wide lockdown, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has released its new order on Saturday, April 25. The order explains clarification on the services that would remain open or shut in rural and urban areas for these days.
Shops in rural areas remain open
Punya Salila, Joint Secretary (Home Affairs) has released the new order that modified the guidelines, allowing all shops in rural areas, except those in shopping malls to be open.
In urban areas, meanwhile, standalone shops, neighbourhood shops, and shops in residential complexes are allowed to open.
The order clarified that the shops in markets or market complexes should also remain shut. In addition to this, shops in the containment zones or hotspots, along with the hair salons and barbershops will remain closed. The list of unavailable services also includes hotels and restaurants, as well as the sale of liquor and other such items.
Meanwhile, the online delivery of goods and essential things by e-commerce platforms are permitted by the MHA.
The markets in urban areas are prone to large customers albeit the risk of the pandemic. While neighbourhood shops like general stores can open, it is confirmed that the electronics and hardware shops in organised market places will have to keep its shutters down.


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November 24, 2015
In October, Hulu reached No. 8 on the worldwide iOS Top Revenue chart and No. 10 on the worldwide Top Revenue chart for iOS and Android combined, a gain achieved after it made several moves to attract more subscribers. Among them, Hulu struck a deal with Epix when Netflix declined to renew its deal. It also debuted a commercial-free paid tier, the “No Commercials” plan, in September, priced at $11.99 per month. Pleased with the growth, chief executive Mike Hopkins says the company plans on producing original content.
According to TechCrunch, Hulu wasn’t even in the top 10 for iOS and Android revenue in the month prior to its most recent rating. App Annie says that only one other video streaming service, HBO Now, ranked higher than Hulu’s No. 8 during October, at No. 4. HBO charges $14.99 a month for the premium streaming service.
The Hollywood Reporter says that Hopkins called the “No Commercials” service “part of a larger strategy to change the conversation about Hulu with consumers.”
“When we looked at our brand metrics, our brand health, the advertising issue was really eating away at the foundation of the brand,” he said.
Reporting that the company’s revenue is about 50-50 advertising and subscriptions, Hopkins notes that, “the vast majority of customers” are choosing the $7.99/month “Limited Commercials” plan, which was expected. Hopkins also states that due to Hulu’s healthy growth the company plans to create original content “to boost brand awareness and subscribers.”
Hulu, which is owned by 21st Century Fox, Walt Disney and NBCUniversal, now has 9 million subscribers, 50 percent more than in 2014, and viewers are watching “at least 30 percent more content.”
Hulu is now ranked No. 5 behind Netflix, Vine and Fandango on the U.S. Monthly Active Users (MAU) charts in the iOS Entertainment category. “We’re growing,” said Hopkins. “So we’re taking some shots on original programming to ring the bell, if you will, and get that attention, get subscribers.”


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E&E profit rise set to continue
Forty years after his death, two of Bruce Lee's siblings reminisce about their famous brother's life and a legacy that is inspiring a whole new generation of fighters. Jo Baker reports.
DESPITE disappointing results in 1991, Elec & Eltek (E&E), a leading manufacturer of printed circuit boards (PCBs) in Hongkong, recovered strongly in 1992, and it is expected that the rebound in earnings will continue.
E&E's PCB manufacturing accounts for 80 to 90 per cent of its total production, which in turn represents 0.5 per cent of the world market. In addition to PCBs, the company is also involved in the manufacture and sale of facsimile machines, and computer-grade switching mode power suppliers.
The company experienced difficulties in the last two years, due to the economic recession in the US, which affected the computer industry and hence the PCB industry.
Brokerage Seapower Securities forecasts the company will register 102 per cent profit growth to $72.4 million in 1992, and 23 per cent to $89.1 million in 1993.
Three main structural changes may have contributed to the company's recent achievement.
Firstly, E&E has phased out its loss-making telephone answering machines, and now concentrates on making PCBs - in particular, multi-layer PCBs, which provide a higher profit margin at approximately seven to 12 per cent.
Secondly, the Thailand branch, which has been losing money steadily, has reported a small profit since 1992.
Thirdly, the company has aggressively participated in various China projects.
Besides manufacturing, E&E has also diversified into property investment. The company is one of the eight members in the consortium which will participate in the Guangzhou Underground Mass Transit Project.
It is a large-scale property investment plan with a total development site area of 50,127 sq m, of which E&E will take 2,457 sq m for retail and office development. E&E's investment in this project will be about $300 million including land cost of about $119 million. Payment will be made in four instalments over four years.
The project is expected to be completed in 1996.
The company plans to expand its production capacity in the mainland through joint venture arrangements with existing PCB manufacturers and business associates.
E&E intends to hold a 55 per cent stake in each of the joint ventures. The acquisition cost would be about $10 million for each project.
Considering China's overheating economy, Seapower Securities warn that investors should stay cautious on the company's property development in China.
They recommend the stock as a speculative buy.


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TANZANIA (eTN) East Africa’s leading tourism exhibition, the Karibu Travel and Tourism Fair (KTTF), will kick-off this Friday in Tanzania’s sprawling tourist city of Arusha.
Now in its 11th year edition, Karibu Fair stands as the largest and most ambitious travel industry event in East and Central Africa. As such, it has become “the place to meet,” for the region’s travel industry partners with others from around the world.
Organizers of the fair, the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO), said the 2010 Karibu Fair, taking place June 4 to 6 just outside of Arusha, Tanzania’s northern safari capital, promises to be the largest ever.
The annual event is organized by the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO), Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB), and Tanzania’s ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism.
“Tanzania is very proud that the Karibu Fair, what started as a modest initiative, has evolved into a major travel industry showcase for all the East African destinations,” the director of marketing for the Tanzania Tourist Board Mr. Amant Macha said.
Mr. Macha added that a special target during the 2010 Karibu Fair would also be directed to tap the rich and strong American safari market. Since America continues to be Tanzania’s number-one source market for tourists, special effort to attract more travel agents from the US market is in progress.
“There are currently over 1,400 qualified Tanzania travel agent specialists in the US, and we hope to encourage them to participate by offering special pre- and post-safaris,” Macha said.
Part of the uniqueness and excitement of the this premier travel fair is that it is an outdoor event that offers a real safari experience. Over 250 exhibitors and thousands of regional and international visitors are expected to attend the 2010 fair, open to the trade June 4 and the public June 5 and 6, respectively.
Travel industry suppliers, large and small, including tour operators, tourist boards, hoteliers, support service representatives, and equipment manufacturers are typical participants.
International travel trade journalists regularly cover the event along with local media, and familiarization trips are being offered to encourage international travel agents to attend.
During the fair, a special soccer bonanza will be part of the climax activities to the event.
Track records show that the Karibu Fair has been pulling in more participants every year. Last year, the fair attracted an attendance of over 5,000 trade visitors with 250 exhibitors.
Traditional exhibitors are from The United Kingdom, South Africa, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya Zimbabwe, and Namibia. A number of travel and tourism agents come from Germany, Australia, Holland, Canada, South Africa, Britain, and the United States.
Karibu Fair is also a travel trade platform targeting to raise the East African safari profile by promoting regional tourism to the global marketplace, to produce the premiere travel and tourism trade fair in East Africa, and to bring all key industry stakeholders in East Africa together in one place at one time.
The fair is also aimed at creating opportunities for international visitors and overseas tour agents to meet and network with members of the East African tourism industry; bring new destinations, facilities, and products to the attention of overseas tour agents; and facilitate opportunities for overseas tour agents to visit the national parks and properties.
For the past ten years, the Karibu Fair has generated direct spending in the local economy, created direct and indirect employment by assisting development of small and medium enterprises, built alliances with neighboring East African member countries, and brought together key tourism stakeholders through combined efforts to promote regional tourism.


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Behind the Cover: Rashid Ali and His Family
Rashid Ali and his children were featured on the cover of the 2016 FINCA Annual Report. Rashid Ali, a factory owner in Pakistan, received FINCA’s microfinance loans to expand his brush business. Learn more about the 1.6 million people FINCA served in 2016 in our Annual Report.
Rashid Ali grew up in a very poor household where his father struggled to support the family. Even though he was a good student, Rashid decided to drop out of school and help his father. He sacrificed his own chance at an education so that his younger siblings could stay in school. He began working at a local power loom in Pakistan’s vast textile industry and, within a short time, he became a factory foreman.
Then in 1996, his eyesight began to fail. Doctors were unable to treat his condition. Rashid became legally blind which forced him to resign from the factory to focus on his medical care.
For the next six years, Rashid and his family struggled to adjust to the new reality of his blindness. Then, he heard about a plant in his neighborhood that manufactured specialty wire brushes used in the construction trade. The owner of the factory agreed to hire Rashid despite his blindness. With a little extra training, he was able to do the job.
The job gave me a sense of hope.
With this renewed hope, Rashid’s confidence had grown to the point that he realized he could have his own brush factory.
With the help of FINCA’s loans, Rashid’s dream came true. He has steadily expanded his brush factory, acquiring more machines, hiring workers and selling more products. Today, he has created multiple jobs for others in his community. Rashid is also a proud breadwinner for his family again, supporting his young children’s aspirations for a brighter future.