text:
Microsoft Still Confident with Zune
In response to GameStop dropping sales of the Zune,
Microsoft on Friday said
its portable media player has seen "
good momentum online and at retail
." GameStop, which primarily sells videogames, said they pulled the Zune because "
it just did not have the appeal we had anticipated [and] did not fit with our product mix
." Launched in 2006, the Zune in the first quarter of this year accounted for only 4 percent of the U.S. portable music player market, compared to the iPod's 71 percent.
Samsung Releases Eco-Friendly Hard Drive
Samsung last week announced
its one terabyte EcoGreen F1 hard drive, which the company is billing as ideal for surveillance applications and for audio and video recording. Samsung claims a 15 percent power savings compared to other low-powered drives of the same size, and a 50 percent power reduction when compared with performance oriented terabyte drives thanks in part to its 5400RPM rotational speed and 334GB per platter. The EcoGreen F1 will carry a MSRP of $199.
MPAA Targets Movie Linking Websites
The MPAA is sending a strong message to sites that violate movie copyrights with its
recent court victories
. ShowStash.com, who drew the MPAA's ire by indexing and streaming copyrighted movies from around the web, was nailed with a $2.7 million judgment. Just 10 days prior Cinematube.net was ordered to pay $1.3 million in damages. "
Our goal is to stop this kind of blatant and illegal activity
," John G. Malcolm, MPAA exec vpp in charge of antipiracy, said in a statement. Both sites have since dropped off the web.
U.S. Plots Against Pirate Bay
to have obtained a leaked copy of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA), a new bill purportedly being discussed in Congress behind closed doors. One section of the bill would criminalize non-profit facilitation of copyrighted information exchange on the internet, a measure becoming known as the "
," DailyTech reports. Read more
German Police not Amused with Ebay Auction
German police are
investigating a couple
after they offered their eight-month-old son for sale on Ebay, a stunt the mother claims "
was only a joke
." No laughing matter, the baby was put in state custody and detectives are currently investigating the couple on suspicion of child trafficking. No bids were placed on the auction, unlike earlier this month when a man tried to
sell his wife
Windows 7 Screenshots
More alleged screenies of Microsoft's next OS, Windows 7, appeared on the web this weekend, some of which have appeared before and some that appear to be new. Take a peek


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Entrepreneurs’ lockdown invention wins big at London competition
- Credit: Kim Martin-Brown
A drinks business duo won big at a London competition with two of their newly-developed spirits created during the first coronavirus lockdown.
James and Kim Martin-Brown, owners of Martin & Brown whose drinks are created in East Anglia, scooped two silver medals at the London Spirit Competition.
Kim, who was born in Ely and has several family members living in Little Downham and Pymoor, has strong deep-rooted connections to the local area.
Her grandmother would cycle from Newmarket to Ely Sugar Beet Factory after her nursing shifts during WWII to test the beet for its sugar content.
The Italian Spice Blend and the Eastern Splice Blend drinks were the award winners for the couple, who live just outside of Chatteris.
Kim said: “Our Italian blend was a technical challenge and a real risk as it has high notes of tomato-which is a totally new flavour in the spirits market, but we have been blown away with the response.
“As a woman that adores a curry, however, I am most proud of our Eastern Spice product as it goes perfectly with all eastern cuisine and offers the perfect and elegant alternative to a glass of beer!
- 1 Police 'increasingly concerned' for man missing since early hours yesterday
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- 3 Man, 28, dies after truck and lorries crash on A47
- 4 Andre Rieu brings new summer concert to Cambridgeshire cinemas
- 5 Product sold at Tesco recalled due to risk of disease-causing bacteria
- 6 Three rail and bus strikes in London and the East this week
- 7 NHS staff praised for ‘virtually eliminating’ long waiting times
- 8 Driver cleared by reason of insanity over death of Louis Thorold
- 9 Arson causes fire to rip through derelict building
- 10 Painter who captured town before 1978 floods finishes 44 years on
“It’s not been easy, cashing in pensions and investing in a project like this is nerve-racking, but the results are now coming to fruition.”
This is the first competition the pair have entered since launching the company in September 2020.
James said: “In all of my years creating the highest quality foods, I have often seen diners choosing their drinks based on price rather than what would complement their meal.
“The simple fact is that pairing wines is a pretty tricky subject, and with the ability to combine subtle hints of flavour in a distilled spirit I often wondered why nobody had paired such a product with gastronomy.
“It would make the process so much easier; this was the start of a long and fascinating journey for us which came to fruition when lockdown effectively closed our long-standing business.”
With two years of development and a bold, mid-pandemic launch, the Martin & Brown story is certainly one of success.
For more information, visit: www.martinandbrown.uk

domain: news


text:
Apple has made a new acquisition in connection with the world of music. The iPhone maker has got its hands on Platoon, a British start-up whose mission is to discover new musical artists. Platoon has been particularly interested in emerging artists in the United States and the United Kingdom for the last two years.
This acquisition suggests that Apple wants to improve Apple Music so to introduce new artists to each of its users. Platoon knows Apple well anyway since the start-up was co-founded by Denzyl Feigelson. He worked for Apple for 15 years on projects such as the iTunes Store and the iTunes Festival, which was held annually in London with free mini-concerts by various artists.
Music Business Worldwide which unveiled the acquisition, said that Platoon will continue to operate as an independent start-up from its North London office. Apple, for its part refused to comment.
The purchase of Platoon is not the first of its kind. In October, Apple hired the staff of the American music company Asaii, which analyzes streaming music data to find popular young musicians. The company’s website said its goal was to “find the next Justin Bieber before everyone else.


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In the past 24 hours four women have been robbed, three of them at gunpoint, in parking lots of shopping centers in Elkhart and Goshen.
One happened just before 10 Wednesday night at the Wal-mart on County Road 6 in Elkhart, another an hour before that at the Martin's on East Jackson.
And in Goshen, just before 11, a 65-year-old woman had her purse stolen at the Meijer on Elkhart Road.
A few minutes later across the street at Kohl's a woman was nearly robbed, but used her shopping bag to knock the gun out of the thief's hands.
“One of the people here was injured because of confronting the suspect,” explains Adjutant Joseph Brown of the Goshen Police. “The other came at the suspect who had a gun. Whatever is in your purse isn't worth being shot.”
Police say women can be easier targets. “They (robbers) will approach a lone female returning to her car in a parking lot, before they will rob two men going out to their truck,” says Elkhart City Police Captain Tom Love.
Officers warn you should do your shopping during the busiest store hours and avoid being out at night if you can, especially alone. Park your car in brightly lit areas, near other vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and always hide your personal belonging inside your locked vehicle.
Today police arrested 41-year-old Veronica Ponce when she tried to cash a check belonging to a victim of last night's robberies. Investigators believe Ponce was in cahoots with other thieves who've been preying on women in parking lots. They plan to make more arrests very soon.


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And some have. As the crisis began, Netflix reported record-breaking new signups which resulted in huge stock gains for the streamer, and Hulu reported surging viewing numbers for both familiar comfort watches and new series like Little Fires Everywhere. But there's been one area of the streaming industry that has bucked that trend: new services which have launched during the pandemic. Despite a captive audience of viewers stuck at home and people hungry for new content, three major services have launched with more of a whimper than a bang. Let’s look at what has gone wrong with the much-hyped second wave of streaming.
QuibiThe most high profile of these lackluster launches has been Quibi, Jeffrey Katzenberg's ambitious attempt to corral the success of YouTube's short content model and monetize it. The biggest immediate issue here is that Quibi was apparently built to be watched whilst viewers are waiting to do other stuff like waiting for food in a restaurant or running errands. Despite the fact that I'm not quite sure who regularly watches 10 minute videos when they're just out and about, COVID-19 immediately took away the appeal of what the Quibi creators saw as its core concept.
With millions of people under "Stay at Home" orders, there was still arguably a massive base that Quibi could have taken advantage of, had the platform been appealing to users. But there were some key issues that immediately stopped Quibi from getting the positive word of mouth it needed. The biggest one is that Quibi was only available on users' phones. In a world where everyone was at home with the ability to watch their TVs constantly, that was a problem. Then came the decision to not allow viewers to screencap or share their screens, which halted any and all viral capabilities, especially the memeification that often makes or breaks new shows/services. (Who launches a show featuring Emmy-winner Rachel Brosnahan slowly being driven insane by her golden arm and then doesn’t let the internet meme it?!).
Speaking of those shows, despite giant celebrity names, high concept remakes, and a lot of money behind them--one report mentions the figure of $100,000 a minute--Quibi has yet to find a certifiable hit. Not only that, but many critiques were aimed at the fact that the projects didn't seem to be made for the "quick bite" structure, often feeling like standard features that were just chopped up to fit the platform rather than taking advantage of the unique format. Plus, the concept is essentially based on getting people to pay for the same length of content they're used to getting for free on services like YouTube, so without killer shows or movies that everyone's talking about there is little to no draw, aside from the novelty value of the streamer.
Quibi was also not without its controversies. As the streamer launched, popular vloggers Everything Is Terrible accused Quibi of stealing their concept--finding and curating old, weird videos--and aesthetic for their new series Memory Hole. There was also the fact that the streamer's biggest unique selling point, the trademarked "Turnstyle" technology that allows viewers to seamlessly switch between landscape and portrait modes, is part of an ongoing lawsuit where the plaintiffs claim the tech was stolen from New York-based video company Eko.
The public perception of a company has a lot to do with how it lands. From the outset, Quibi has seemed like an expensive and risky endeavor that had little understanding of its demographic. Aiming for a young audience that will embrace shortform programs but not fully understanding that format seemed misguided. The timing of the pandemic certainly didn’t help, and Quibi has since been assailed by several exposés filled with insider knowledge and drama about what went wrong behind-the-scenes of the launch that are arguably more interesting than their programming. And now that the extended free trial has ended three months after the service launched, the streamer is dealing with the reality that only 10% of their original signups have translated to paid users.
HBO MaxOut of 2020's big streaming launches, HBO Max seemed to have the most solid slate and biggest built-in audience due to the popularity of the already established HBO Go platform and much-admired HBO brand. But even with some impressive gets like acquiring the entire Studio Ghibli catalog and making it available to stream for the first time ever, as well as a wide selection of classic movies and new hits like Joker, HBO Max still didn't make the impact that anyone was expecting. There are a couple of key factors that came into play, beginning with the rollout.
Due to issues when trying to strike a deal with Roku and Amazon Fire, HBO Max launched--and is still currently--without apps for either, cutting out over 70 million potential viewers. The problem wasn't just that people couldn't sign up via those platforms, but also the lack of information that was available. For example, if you had Hulu on your Roku, you were offered the chance to sign up for HBO Max, but you couldn't actually watch any of the Max exclusive programming through your Hulu app. The only way to watch was to log onto HBO Max via your computer by using your Hulu login to watch there. Basically, not a very easy or satisfying user experience.
There was also the matter of HBO Go and HBO Now, the two popular services which were already available through the Roku app. The former gave access to HBO programming to people for a $15 monthly fee--the same price as HBO Max--and the latter allowed users with a cable package to access a library of HBO content. After some big confusion about the services and their overlap, HBO announced that after July 31 HBO Go will no longer exist, with HBO Max overtaking it, and HBO Now will be simply rebranded as HBO. Some growing pains are to be expected with any new service, but all of this happening after the launch date with many customers suddenly unable to access tons of new content whilst paying the same amount as customers who could was not exactly an auspicious beginning. At best, the rollout was confusing. At worst, it diluted HBO's usually slick brand identity.One of the biggest draws of HBO Max is the fact that the company is owned by WarnerMedia, meaning it has access to a large catalog of classic films and, most importantly to a large demographic of fans, DC films. But when the service launched there were a lot of gaps in that particular category. Neither Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy nor the original Superman films were anywhere to be seen, and newer DCEU flicks like Man of Steel and Birds of Prey were also missing, while some of the DC movies available were leaving the service in mere days. Part of this was to do with previous licensing agreements, but there was also the additional complication of WarnerMedia’s DC Universe app.
That niche streamer only launched in 2018, though the announcement of HBO Max had many observers wondering if it would be made obsolete by its newer, bigger sibling. So far, at least, that appears to not be the case as certain shows like Swamp Thing, Titans, and Batman: The Animated Series--which would have been a huge draw for binge-hungry HBO Max viewers--are all only available on DC Universe, and it seems there’s no plan to move them to the newer service. That means fans would need to subscribe to both to be able to access all the DC content they’re likely looking for.
The DC Universe conundrum is a big one. Why didn't HBO Max just fold it into the service? Or even add a small fee to make it an add-on? The fact that DC Universe also offers digital comic books as part of its subscription would have been an interesting way of helping HBO Max stand out from the ever more saturated streaming crowd. And, of course, there's also the matter of all that other DC content that lives only on the smaller platform, from comics-focused programming to documentaries and more. It's an example of the company not utilizing all their assets, something that seems to be a recurring issue for HBO Max.
Popular anime streaming service Crunchyroll has been majority-owned by AT&T since 2014 and has been under the watchful eye of Warners since 2019. Yet when HBO Max launched it included less than 20 anime series. I should note that more will be added, but once again it seems like a waste of potential content that could've been something for viewers to really dig into at launch--not to mention tempt subscribers who feel underserved elsewhere. And speaking of streamers that Warner Bros. has owned, there's the case of DramaFever, the hugely popular Asian drama VOD service which they shut down in the fall of 2018, only a month after launching DC Universe. In hindsight, that might have been another misfire as Netflix is currently finding great success in this very popular area with a large catalog of shows from Korea, China, and Japan… an arena that Warners now can’t compete in.
There are other more specific problems too, one which has particularly perplexed fans: HBO Max doesn't offer the 4K / HDR viewing options which are becoming more or less the standard for new services. With major confusion, a muddled rollout, and multiple irritating issues, HBO Max is still struggling to find its feet two months since its launch and over a year since it was officially announced.
PeacockThe most recent addition to the strange streaming saga of 2020 is Peacock, NBC's big budget service which, despite a soft launch in April to Xfinity customers, was still struggling when it hit wide release on July 15. In some ways Peacock has been more obviously affected by the current global pandemic, since a lot of its launch appeal relied on its big slate of Tokyo Olympics coverage (including both the opening and closing ceremonies). With that event cancelled, the service lost one of its biggest selling points as well as time and money spent filling its catalog with Olympic-centric programming which just won't have the same resonance now.
Even without that major loss, Peacock hasn't been delivering the experience viewers would expect from a company as huge as Comcast NBCUniversal. Although execs surely saw the fallout of HBO Max not being available on Roku or Amazon Fire, Peacock also launched without app support for either, once again isolating those 70 million potential streaming customers. Then for those ingenious Roku and Fire users who thought they might have found a work-around, Peacock decided to block subscribers from using HDMI cables to connect their computers to their TVs. This was a particular sticking point for users who had paid a premium and were hoping to watch the UK's Premier League soccer games on a bigger screen.
That wasn't the only problem with the interface. Android users struggled to find the app on launch day, whilst other viewers reported issues with watchlist features disappearing, as well as the “continue watching” section. And even the parts of the app that are supposed to be selling points are causing issues. Peacock decided to list certain genres, like horror, under different categorizations - spotlighting sections that highlight their monster movies or other more particular niches. It’s also not very easy to find offerings from particular studios. Simple hubs like these are something that HBO Max has been lauded for, but that Peacock’s designers didn't think to--or chose not to--add.
Just like HBO Max, Peacock has also had issues around its confusing branding, specifically the way subscription tiers are broken down. One of the streamer's biggest draws is the Free tier, which is an ad-supported video-on-demand service akin to Pluto TV, Vudu, and Tubi. The Premium service is $4.99 a month, but despite opening up more content options, it's still supported by ads. Then there's the Premium Plus tier which costs $9.99 and is sold as ad-free, but the reality is that the service still breaks up binge-watching with ads for its own shows.
Going back to Pluto TV for a moment, CBS Viacom's acquisition boasts hundreds of curated channels and ad-supported on-demand content for free and has found a passionate following. Peacock seems to be attempting to replicate that by programming channels that show nothing but reruns of certain shows including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Keeping up With the Kardashians. It'll be interesting to see how these curated spaces land as part of the paid service when the most well-established version of this model is available for free.
Some of the smaller scale issues with the app include Peacock's bigger draw properties like The Office not being available on the service at launch, as well as a strange feature which could be great but inadvertently showcases the limits of the catalog. Something many viewers would enjoy is the ability to know when something is leaving a service, and Peacock offers that on some titles. At launch, big Universal franchises like Jurassic Park were already tagged as leaving at the end of the month, and the 2009 movie Fast & Furious was already gone one day after the service launched, with none of the other Fast & Furious movies available for a Fast binge, presumably due to existing licensing deals. With a small launch collection of nine original series that are only available to paid customers and multiple issues with the interface, Peacock seems like yet another example of a new streaming service that hasn't learned from the mistakes of the streamers that preceded them.There are plenty of lessons to be learned here, but what seems clear is how important accessibility is not just to a service itself -- which is obviously key -- but also when it comes to finding and enjoying content. Knowing what your unique selling point as a platform is seems obvious, but was often ignored in these cases. Also important is showcasing a vision for what your service offers in comparison to competitors, especially considering there's so much overlap as the streaming landscape becomes more saturated and curating an experience that people want to be a part of seems ever more essential. Finally, branding in a simple and easy to understand way is a necessity. Do people need your service? Is it superfluous to what they already pay for? And, most importantly, what are you offering that viewers want?


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An update to the Google Play Store will ensure that all tablet users will see the "Designed for tablets" tab as the default view in the Play store, Google has confirmed.
SBS has today announced the availability of its catch-up TV application, On Demand, for Android smartphones and tablets, but the app is initially exclusive to Samsung devices.
Google has slashed the price of its Nexus 4 Android smartphone by $100 in Australia, fuelling suggestions the device is due for an upgrade in the near future.
Google Play gift cards are now on sale through Woolworths supermarkets and Big W department stores across Australia, Ausdroid has confirmed.
Paying for an app in Google's online store, Google Play, will banish nagging in-app ads, but it won't dam the flow of personal information from your phone to marketers.
Google has finally launched its Play Music service in Australia, almost a year and a half since it made its debut in the US.
Google has begun rolling out an updated Play Store app on Android devices, with a new design that focuses on "bigger images that jump off the page".
Microsoft and BlackBerry have been tripping over themselves to toss cash at developers and beef up their app stores in recent months, trying desperately to gain ground on the behemoth selection of iOS and Android. But is the rush to fill app store sh...
Telstra has become the first telco in Australia to allow Android smartphone users to purchase apps from the Google Play Store through their mobile bill.
Hundreds of free apps in the Android market vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks as a result of unsound use of secure socket layer (SSL)
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GGG Evaluation Team
First impression on unpacking the Q702 test unit was the solid feel and clean, minimalist styling.


text: Bellevue Brewing is scheduled to debut at 1820 130th Ave. N.E. on October 1, according to Seattle Met. The 12,000 square foot space will seat 250, as well as offer private rooms for special events. Patrons can expect 12 in-house beers and sustenance in the form of handmade pizzas, locally sourced meat and cheeses, plus sandwiches. The owners must be confident it will be successful -- a second undisclosed location of Bellevue Brewing is already in the works.


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Leaked iPad Photos Showed a Next-Gen iPhone?
During last week’s flurry of iPad rumors and leaks, photos of what looks like the next generation iPhone have been ignored for about a week. According to AppleInsider, people with “an impeccable track record in matters such as these” say that Engadget’s leaked iPad photos also show a next-generation iPhone prototype. However, because the photos are oddly blurry, AppleInsider asked if Engadget had photos of higher quality, which they don’t.
Interestingly, the iPhone pictured doesn’t show the shiny metal bezel around its perimeter. It could indicate that the next iPhone lacks the chrome, but it’s more likely that the iPhone is in a protective case, similar to the iPad below it.
AppleInsider’s sources indicate that this next generation phone is running on custom silicon developed by Apple, similar to the iPad’s A4 system-on-a-chip.
AI also points out that the photo shows what looks like a hole to the left of the earpiece grill. The marking could be the long-rumored front-facing camera, although it could also be a simple photo distortion.


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The latest news and insight revolving around global trade, logistics services, evolving customs and regulations, supply chain security, and the technology necessary to speed freight through the global supply chain.
Posted 05/19 · 12:21 PM · LM Editorial
Join us for this in-depth, and easy to follow discussion on the tariff classification system, including steps you can take to ensure shipments arrive at the border with proper codes assigned.
Posted 05/19 · 11:05 AM · LM Editorial
Memphis-based FedEx said yesterday that it has unconditionally declared its offer for TNT, with 88.4 percent of all shares committed and a settlement date for the deal of next Wednesday, May 25 and all offer conditions having been satisfied or waived.
Posted 05/17 · 10:08 AM · LM Editorial
As many U.S. shippers are well aware, Canada is the top export destination for U.S. manufacturers, claiming 19 percent of all American exports. And due to the explosive growth of e-commerce, that number is only going to get bigger.
Posted 05/16 · 11:40 AM · LM Editorial
Total April POLA volume at 656,177 TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) was down 1.03 percent annually, and April POLB volume at 478,842 TEU was off 22.1 percent annually.
Posted 05/13 · 03:50 PM · SCMR Editorial
Coupa Software, a cloud-based spend management solutions provider, recently announced Coupa Release 15 (R15), its second major release of the year that delivers enhancements across the platform.
Posted 05/10 · 01:58 PM · LM Editorial
Slow to lackluster global trade themes were apparent in the most recent edition of the Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and maritime consultancy Hackett Associates.
Posted 05/10 · 08:10 AM · SCMR Editorial
Pangea Logistics Network, an international group of independent freight forwarders based in London, recently presented a cautionary economic forecast for the industry through the remainder of the year.
Posted 05/06 · 01:45 PM · SCMR Editorial
Trade was a drag on growth in five of the last six quarters, including the last three...
Posted 05/05 · 02:33 PM · LM Editorial
Industry analysts contend that the Teamsters are not declaring a strike outright, but rather, voting to give their leadership permission for such an action.
Posted 05/05 · 12:35 PM · LM Editorial
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings said it will provide air cargo services to support Amazon’s package deliveries to its customers.


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While Jamaica’s cannabis industry awaits long-delayed rules for exports, local regulators and policymakers focused this week on one critical step in that process: quality control. In observance of World Accreditation Day, which will be held on June 9, the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC) held a virtual forum on Wednesday that centered on “Jamaica’s Cannabis Industry and the Supporting Role of Accreditation.” A major theme was the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 9, which is “industry, innovation, and infrastructure.” More broadly, officials and regulators emphasized that Wednesday’s event should be considered a “candid conversation about cannabis.” In 2015, Jamaica became the first Caribbean nation to legalize cannabis for medical, therapeutic, and scientific purposes. Since then, local leaders have been eager to see Jamaicans claim their piece of the global cannabis economy. But, as Cannabis Wire has reported, the country’s cannabis industry, which has attracted international interest, has been in a holding pattern of sorts, due recently in part to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alyson Martin, Cannabis Wire, 06/02/2021 20:00:00


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Car crime in Darlington's town centre car parks has fallen to an all-time low, according to latest figures.
There were 11 reported incidents of car thefts or thefts from vehicles last year in the car parks that are covered by the council's CCTV system.
The surveillance system was first installed in 1994 at a cost of £750,000 when 374 incidents were recorded.
CCTV provides 24-hour coverage of car parks with live pictures relayed to the Town Hall and control room staff.
Total investment in the CCTV scheme to date is £1.5m with more than 100 cameras operating in Darlington.
Council leader John Williams said: "I think we can say that our CCTV system has now all but eliminated car park crime in the town centre.
"Safe car parks are a real boost for any town centre because when people drive into town to work or to shop they need to know their car is safe."


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Media company Odyssey has raised $1.3M in funding according to a recent SEC filing. The funding comes from seven investors. Odyssey faced some growing pains in 2017 when its CEO was removed and the editorial staff was let go. For a short period of time, the company was one of the fastest-growing media companies with over 30M monthly users and had previously raised $32.3M in funding. Investors in previous rounds include Wakestream Ventures, Michael Lazerow, and Jason Epstein. The company was founded in 2009 by Adrian France and B. Evan Burns.
Talk change with CX leaders on August 11th. Hear from Shark Tank’s Daymond John and Zendesk customers on navigating the ever-evolving consumer landscape.
Join Zendesk and Daymond John in a live virtual event focusing on leading through change, entrepreneurship, and the importance of customer retention in our new, ever-evolving consumer landscape. REGISTER NOW FOR FREE


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GHPs may not often be a consumer’s first choice for heating and cooling, but many contractors remain dedicated to the technology, and they’re still finding consumers who want GHPs — even in areas where their benefits are not known as well.
As customer interest in geothermal has increased, numerous HVAC contractors have begun offering GHPs as a way to expand their businesses and give their customers another energy-efficient HVAC option. But, while many of these contractors have undergone extensive training and took the time to properly design and install their GHP systems, others may not have been so careful.
Emerson Climate Technologies asked 1,500 U.S. homeowners about the most important features they consider when purchasing air conditioning and heating systems, as well as what typifies a high degree of satisfaction with their HVAC contractors. They also asked about factors that might prevent someone from buying a new HVAC system if they own an older, more problem-prone system.
The annual awards competition honors the most inventive and original products, systems, and technologies showcased at each year’s AHR Expo in 10 categories. The winning products are selected from numerous entries by a panel of judges consisting of ASHRAE members who evaluated the products based on innovation, application, value to the user, and market impact.
The AHR Expo, which began more than 85 years ago, is held annually in key markets and major cities across the U.S., hosting close to 2,000 exhibitors and crowds of more than 60,000 industry professionals. The event provides a unique forum for the HVACR community to come together and share new products, technologies, and ideas.
With eight tracks, 100 sessions, and more than 300 speakers, the technical program at ASHRAE’s 2016 Winter Conference is bound to impress attending engineers, contractors, manufacturers, and building professionals. The technical program will have a fresh feel with new tracks focused on design-build practices, cutting-edge technologies, and residential systems.
Making the decision to open another location is no small undertaking and involves finding the right people to staff the new location and doing a lot of research to make sure the new area can support another HVAC business.


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The coronavirus epidemic has sent shockwaves through the American economy, as many investors already know. Still, with a little economic sense, investors should be able to maintain long term confidence in their portfolios and in the market. The United States economy was due for a recession; since 2009, the economy has rebounded to the tune of 121 consecutive months of GDP growth, a national record. With such large expansion, however, must come an eventual downfall (due to market overvaluation, inflationary output gaps, etc.). It has been nearly 11 years since the last recession in the United States. Recessions, on average, occur every 5 to 6 years. Long story short, a recession was on the horizon. The coronavirus epidemic caused the recession through fear. Consumer expenditures, based on popular economic belief, make up approximately 70% of total economic expenditures. When consumers are faced with outside influences, such as fear imposed by a deadly virus, spending habits change, and the economy is forced to shift accordingly. In the case of the coronavirus, fear decreased consumer expenditures. People are afraid to go out in public to eat, shop, etc. With the decrease in consumer expenditure, the economy was done in. However, the bright side of the economy’s current standing is this: the cause is known. In the 2008 financial crisis, the cause was not so easily identifiable. Some economists blamed it on market overvaluation while others blamed consumer confidence and the housing market. Knowing the problem makes finding a solution infinitely easier. The FED has already moved to halt the onset of a recession; similar action from the FED took much longer in the 2008 financial crisis. Ultimately, there is no system malfunction that is causing the current economic decline. The culprit is an outside invader, a virus that will be beaten by the United States medical system. Once the virus is gone, consumer confidence will return, and the economy will surge once again.
As COVID-19 takes hold of the world, investors need only remember one thing: patience is a virtue. The stock market will rebound; it always does. And portfolios will gain back their value after the recent bear market. Michael Wilson, Morgan Stanley’s chief US equity strategist, believes that the stock market will begin to recoup value in the near future and urges people to jump into the market. With cheap prices and nowhere but up to go, the stock market is primed for a rebound. With an influx of new investors, prices could begin to rise again in the near future. For investors who have lost large percentages of their portfolio value, now is not the time to sell. Remain patient and wait until the market upticks again, and maybe even look into investing more while the COVID-19 has prices so low.
The Bear Market is here. On Wednesday, March 11th, the DOW closed in Bear market territory. The S&P 500 is not far behind. This is defined as a decline of more than 20% from the peak. So, where do we go from here? What will happen to the economy and the market as we deal with the Coronavirus (COVID-19), an upcoming Presidential election, Brexit, and plummeting oil prices?
The quick answer is that nobody knows for sure on any of the above. Here is what we do know. We know that economies around the globe, including the U.S. will slow due to the fears surrounding COVID-19. Fewer people will travel, dine out, attend sporting events, and in general consume. This will inevitably cause consumer spending to slow, which will impact company revenues and earnings. Oil has dropped to nearly $30 per barrel as the demand will contract as fewer people fly and drive. But for how long?
If you cancel your spring break trip, will you not go later in the summer? If you don’t go to Lowe’s this weekend to buy a grill for the season, isn’t it probable that you will eventually buy one? Your demand and desire for traveling, a grill, and the latest tech gadget is still there, but the logistics of attaining those items has become complicated.
The initial drop in consumer demand will impact the economy in the near term. It is possible that we enter a recession in the U.S. over the next few months. It is important to remember that an average recession lasts 9 months and we have not had one for almost 11 years. They typically occur every five years, so we are overdue.
As for the market, equities have pulled back in very quick fashion in anticipation of this economic slowdown and recession in earnings that will inherently arrive. The average contraction for the S&P 500 is around 30% leading up to an economic recession. Therefore, given the already realized 20% pullback, it is possible that a good portion of the correction has already occurred.
If you have been to our office for a meeting in the last 4-6 months, you are aware that we have been warning clients that a pullback in the market was inevitable given valuations. In fact, we spent a lot of time in 2019 trying to reduce risk in the portfolio. We shifted to a more conservative bond allocation and we changed some of our equity allocation. So far, the changes have been effective in minimizing the downside correction that we are experiencing. We are still long-term investors and believe in ignoring the short-term market fluctuations. We don’t know what the next few weeks will bring for the markets, but we know that a diversified portfolio is the best way for clients to stay ahead of inflation, while minimizing risk, over the long-term.
The average investor has earned a 1.9% annualized return over the last 20-years. A 60% Equity 40% Bond portfolio has earned 5.2%. The average investor makes emotional decisions leading them to buy and sell at the wrong time. Keep the focus on making sure that your investment allocation is in line with your financial plan, so that you can achieve your long-term goals.
Liz Ann Sonders (Chief Market Strategist for Schwab) said the following in a letter this week to advisors: “Panic is not an investment strategy.” We agree and encourage remaining steadfast in your long-term strategy with a diversified portfolio.
Galecki Financial Management Investment Committee
The recent wave of fear surrounding the Coronavirus had led to the lowest all time average rate for 30 year fixed mortgages this week (at 3.29%). With the cratering of the mortgage rate, talks of refinancing mortgages have sparked among the masses of homeowners in America. According to data from Black Knight, Americans stood to save an average of $268 monthly if they were to refinance their mortgage with the current mortgage rates. Given the circumstances, many experts encourage homeowners to explore refinancing their mortgages. Still, refinancing at the current mortgage rate is not a full proof plan to save money. Refinancing can cost thousands of dollars in fees, and taking on too steep of a monthly payment could prove to be a disaster when the economy is as unpredictable as it is now. People should make sure to seek professional financial help to ensure their financial betterment and safety. Still, with the right help, refinancing a mortgage can save thousands of dollars for a homeowner.
To the majority of Americans, investment is a familiar term. People see investment as a means to an end, but they might be missing out on the idea of investment and why it is beneficial. Many Americans see investment as a fast track to retire early, or to retire in a sound financial position, but it can be much more than that. For example, investing can be used to achieve other financial goals such as paying off a house or car mortgage; investment is not just used to build up retirement accounts. Also, investing allows people to become part of new ventures in the economy. When new, cutting edge companies are founded, they need capital to invest. This allows people willing to invest the opportunity to become part of a venture that is much larger than themselves. Investment also allows people to set a financial foundation for the next generation. By investing, establishing a portfolio, and building up financial stability, parents can help ensure the financial stability of their children.


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Cops: Teens shoplifted $1,249 in clothes at Palisades Center
Police did not release the suspects' names.
WEST NYACK - Two Westchester County teenagers face felony charges involving the theft of $1,249 worth of merchandise from the Lord & Taylor store at the Palisades Center, police said.
Clarkstown Police Officer Peter Walker said in a news release that the 16- and 17-year-old girls from Irvington were spotted by a store security officer taking clothing from the dressing room. Police arrested them and later released them into the custody of their parents, he said.
The teens were charged with felony fourth-degree grand larceny and a misdemeanor count of fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property. Police did not release their names.


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Louis Vuitton’s latest luggage campaign was hard to miss.
On Saturday, on the eve of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the image exploded through Annie Leibovitz lens of football superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi locked in a friendly game of chess on social media. As of Monday, Louis Vuitton’s tweet of the image (captioned “Victory is a state of mind”) had been reposted more than 55,000 times. On Instagram, Ronaldo and Messi both shared the photo, with a total of 65 million likes, the highest number in the history of the platform.
On some level, the success of the campaign came down to numbers. Ronaldo has Instagram’s most popular account with over 500 million followers. And only a brand with Louis Vuitton’s marketing budgets could provide the shock and awe of featuring not one, but two of the world’s best footballers in one image.
But the image also had a clever emotional resonance. Both Ronaldo and Messi have said they plan to retire from football soon and the 2022 World Cup will likely be their last. The depiction of the old competitors taking their rivalry into the more contemplative and mature chess arena clearly struck a chord.
Displays of sportsmanship and mutual admiration tend to provoke strong reactions: tennis greats Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have long elicited critical acclaim for their affectionate exchanges on and off the court, culminating in a highly emotional (and much shared) match earlier this year as Federer prepared to retire from the sport. It’s the kind of moment that brands like Louis Vuitton dream of being associated with – so why not create one?
Chess fans also noticed that the state of affairs in the campaign matched an iconic 2017 showdown between chess champions Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura, adding a layer of intrigue and topic for online buzz.
Louis Vuitton’s campaign deftly managed to tap the rising interest in football ahead of the World Cup while sidestepping the controversies surrounding the event, from Qatar’s brutal treatment of LGBTQ minorities to the exploitation of migrant workers (from who are estimated to have lost thousands during construction). of World Cup stadiums). Sportswear giants such as Nike, Adidas and Puma (who collectively dress more than 80 percent of the teams), beverage partners such as Budweiser and Louis Vuitton itself (which has been producing a special trophy cabinet for the event since 2010) were unwilling to withdraw their participation. in the crowded tournament.
Louis Vuitton is revisiting its trophy case collaboration this year, selling a World Cup-themed capsule collection. But it hasn’t posted about any of these activations on Instagram — and it doesn’t need to if the bad buzz about Qatar doesn’t die down. With the chess photo and ensuing media coverage, the brand has already garnered online buzz worth an estimated $13.5 million in just 48 hours, according to Launchmetrics. That’s more than twice as much as Adidas’ recent collaboration with K-Pop supergroup Blackpink, and about 40 percent higher than the initial buzz around Versace’s “Jungle Dress” revival starring Jennifer Lopez in 2019, according to data from the consultancy.
A spokesman for Louis Vuitton declined to comment on the controversy surrounding this year’s World Cup, or say how much Messi and Ronaldo’s sponsorships have cost.
Louis Vuitton’s football marketing coup comes during a crucial holiday shopping season, as luxury brands try to maintain their post-pandemic momentum amid mounting macroeconomic headwinds. After a 22 percent increase this year, consulting firm Bain & Co. that growth in the luxury industry will slow to between 3 and 8 percent next year thanks to inflation, lower economic growth and strict coronavirus measures hindering the recovery of China’s retail sector.
In an uncertain economy, Louis Vuitton seems more than ever invested in bolstering its broad appeal by showcasing well-known ambassadors with timeless pieces that are unlikely to go out of style. Annie Leibovitz’s campaign is an aesthetic throwback to the ‘Core Values’ series she created for the brand from 2007 to the 2010s, which promoted Louis Vuitton’s monogrammed luggage alongside such prominent faces as Russian statesman Mikhail Gorbachev, film directors Francis Ford and Sophia Coppola and football greats Pelé, Diego Maradona and Zinedine Zidane. Those ads aimed to rebalance perceptions in favor of the brand’s historic territory of travel and craftsmanship, after it entered pop culture and fashion under designer Marc Jacobs.
“This kind of advertising is not about the specific product, but about the allure of the brand,” says London-based luxury consultant Mario Ortelli, who called the new campaign a “masterstroke.” “It’s about reaching a very broad consumer base with a message of heritage and exclusivity that is relevant to everyone,” he added.
The blockbuster luggage placement could help defend Vuitton’s marketing territory as the travel brand after a major rival, Kering-owned Gucci, attempted to promote its own monogrammed travel bags and suitcases in a major marketing campaign spearheaded by Ryan Gosling.
The photo opp of Messi and Ronaldo also raises awareness of Louis Vuitton’s Damier Azur checkerboard motif, a best-selling signature for which the brand has repeatedly lobbied for trademark protection with mixed results. While competitors argue that the chessboard is too commonplace to qualify for trademark status, Vuitton argues that the pattern’s long history of investing in marketing makes it a brand signature worthy of protection. In October, the European Union Intellectual Property Office said Louis Vuitton had failed to prove “distinctiveness acquired through use” across the EU.
Disclosure: LVMH is part of a group of investors who collectively hold a minority interest in The Business of Fashion. All investors have signed the shareholder documentation guaranteeing full editorial independence from BoF.


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Jushi Holdings Inc. Expects Record Third Quarter Revenue of Approximately $24 Million
- Provides Updated Q4 2020 and Fiscal 2021 Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA Guidance;
- Company to Host Virtual Investor Day starting today at 10:00 am ET
BOCA RATON, Fla., Oct. 01, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jushi Holdings Inc. (“Jushi” or the “Company”) (CSE: JUSH) (OTCQB: JUSHF), a globally focused, multi-state cannabis and hemp operator, announced preliminary financial results for its third quarter ending September 30, 2020 (“Q3 2020”) and provided updated guidance for its fourth quarter ended December 31, 2020 (“Q4 2020”) and fiscal year 2021. Based on a preliminary review, the Company currently anticipates:
- Q3 2020 expected revenue of $24 million from the previously announced range of $22-25 million, representing 61% sequential growth;
- Q4 2020 total revenue to be at the high end of the previously announced range of $25-30 million and to report positive adjusted EBITDA;
- Total fiscal year 2021 revenue revised from $200-250 million to $205-255 million; adjusted EBITDA is expected to be between $40-50 million;
- On a geographic basis, fiscal year 2021 total revenue is expected to break down in each state where Jushi is currently active as follows:
- Pennsylvania: $95 – 110 million
- Illinois: $70 – 80 million
- Virginia: $17 – 25 million
- California: $12 – 20 million
- Nevada: $5.5 – 10 million
- Ohio: $5.5 – 10 million
- Operating cash flow positive in fiscal year 2021
Jushi also confirmed that as of August 31, 2020, the Company had approximately $44 million of cash, as well as $7.5 million in marketable securities.
By selectively investing our shareholders’ capital in high-growth markets with strong barriers to entry across the country, we’ve positioned Jushi for sustained, long-term profitable revenue growth.
Jim Cacioppo, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Co-Founder of Jushi
To complement our strong operating assets, we have also carefully curated a team of experienced executives with diverse backgrounds and industry experiences to lead Jushi as we continue to scale our operations and grow our market share.
Mr. Cacioppo added, “Our projections do not include any significant changes in the regulatory environments. We’re thrilled with the great performance Jushi has achieved to date and encouraged by the immense opportunity ahead of us.”
Virtual Investor and Analyst Day
Later today, Jushi will host an Investor and Analyst Day. The virtual event will include presentations by James (“Jim”) Cacioppo, Co-Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Erich Mauff, Co-Founder, Co-President and Board Member, Jon Barack, Co-Founder, Co-President and Corporate Secretary, and Kimberly Bambach, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
In addition, members of Jushi’s extended senior leadership team will provide updates on each of the Company’s operating divisions. The event will conclude with a Q&A session.
The event will be webcast live and all interested parties are invited to join by registering in advance using the below link:
VIRTUAL INVESTOR & ANALYST DAY DETAILS
DATE: Thursday, October 1st, 2020
TIME: 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time
REGISTRATION: Click to Access
REPLAY: A replay will be posted to Jushi’s Investor Relations website and will be available until 12:00 midnight Eastern Time Thursday, September 30th, 2021
About Jushi Holdings Inc.
We are a globally focused cannabis and hemp company led by an industry leading management team. In the United States Jushi is focused on building a multi-state portfolio of branded cannabis and hemp-derived assets through opportunistic acquisitions, distressed workouts, and competitive applications. Jushi strives to maximize shareholder value while delivering high quality products across all levels of the cannabis and hemp ecosystem. For more information please visit www.jushico.com or our social media channels, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.


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British economy is the slowest since 2012
In late 2018, the British economy speeded down steeply, pushing full-year surge to its weakest value for six years. It occurred because Brexit fears impacted hammered investment by companies, while the global economic deceleration put pressure on trade. That’s what follows from official data uncovered on Monday.
The tempo of economic surge inched down to a quarterly rate of 0.2% between October and December, in contrast with the previous quarter’s reading of 0.6%. The given outcome happens to be in line with estimates in a Reuters survey. Meanwhile, December’s output sank by the most since 2016.
The UK pound lost a third of a cent, diving below $1.29.
For the previous year in general, surged went down to its lowest value since 2012 hitting 1.4%, in contrast with 1.8% - the outcome of 2017.
Exports were affected by global weakness as well as customers and companies greatly worried about the lack of a clear plan for when the United Kingdom is due to depart from the European bloc on March 29.
Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May hasn’t managed to win parliament's approval for the plan the stateswoman agreed with Brussels in order to dodge reimposing checks on goods exported from the United Kingdom.
Key economies around the globe also speeded down in late 2018 because of trade clashes between China and America, while Brexit is an extra challenge for the United Kingdom.
The previous week the Bank of England reduced its estimate for surge this year by 0.5% to 1.2% that would appear to be the weakest year since the 2009 downtime.
Monday's data disclosed that net trade lost over 0.1% from the fourth-quarter surge rate.
In December, the British economy shrank by about 0.4%, which is the biggest dive since March 2016.
The level of GDP growth for Canada will be published on June 28, at 15:30 MT time.
Read and find out the market movers
In July, Britain's inflation rate rallied for the first time in 2018, thus leaving many UK households feeling quite squeezed by prices, soaring at nearly the same tempo as their wages…
On Friday, the evergreen buck rallied versus its counterparts after data disclosed that the American economy generated more jobs than anticipated In October, thus backing the Fed’s case to proceed with gradual rate lifts…
On Monday, gold declined because the evergreen buck managed to gain early traction, thus putting pressure on the most popular precious commodity, which has been sticking with the year’s minimums…


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Reporting "Asre Khodro", Auto parts needed for new Peugeots, namely the 208, 2008 Sports Utility Vehicle and 301 sedan will be produced at the new facility in the northwest and is known as Amirnia, ISNA reported.
Initially 500 billion rials ($13.2 million) was invested to launch the new production line. The plant will create 350 jobs.
The parts produced at the plant will be for the new Peugeot cars that will be produced under a joint venture between France's Peugeot and the local Iran Khodro Company – a JV commonly referred to as IKAP.
Amirnia was established in 1990 in Tabriz as a private manufacturer of auto spare parts.
Peugeot-Citroen announced its return to Iran on June 21, signing a €400-million joint venture with IKCO in Tehran.
Previously, it had been reported that the first cars produced under the new venture are set to hit Iranian roads last February, with an annual production target of 200,000 vehicles by 2018.
The 50-50 joint venture will manufacture three models reportedly using parts mostly made in Iran.
According to an IKCO press release, Iran Khodro Tabriz Co. recorded 167% year-on-year production boost as it rolled out 80,198 cars in the current fiscal that ends on March.
The Vice President of Iran Khodro Tabriz, Mokhtar Asghari, said his company manufactured 12,323 gasoline and CNG Arisun pick-ups, 66,172 Samands and 1,503 Sorens in the outgoing year.
According to Asghari, IKCO Tabriz has set a production target of more than 120,000 vehicles for the coming fiscal year.


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Barbie dolls have long been criticised for promoting poor body standards, but in recent years, Mattel, the company that manufactures the dolls, has put in effort to make the dolls more inclusive. In keeping with those efforts, the latest dolls seem to be standing up for LGBTQ+ rights.
Last week, an official Barbie Instagram account posted a photo of two dolls wearing shirts that read "love wins" in rainbow-coloured letters. The shirts are based on style blogger Aimee Song's line of shirts, which were released during Pride Month. Half of the proceeds of the shirt go to the Trevor Project, a non-profit organisation dedicated to helping LGBTQ youth in crisis.
While having Barbies wear shirts supporting LGBTQ+ rights may seem like a small step, it's a meaningful one nonetheless. Some wondered if the shirts meant that Barbie was bisexual, and others were just happy that Barbie could be an ally for the LGBTQ+ community. While there isn't a clear indication that these dolls are meant to be queer, they still meant a lot to people.
"I grew up playing with Barbie dolls and as a member of the LGBT+ community my heart is full with this amazing step towards equality in the media," one person commented on the photo on Instagram. "The next step for Barbie is to expand its available skin tones and hair types! Let’s make sure every girl and boy and can get a Barbie doll that represents them!"
"My girlfriend's daughter and this proud step mom are both OBSESSED with Barbie — thank you for showing us how to win with love and acceptance," another person wrote.
Refinery29 has reached out to Mattel for comment, and will update this article when we receive a response.
Read these stories next:


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Freight firm EV is eyeing a £1billion float in London if the flops stop!
One of the UK’s biggest logistics companies could stage a London IPO worth over £1bn – provided the series of stock market flops ends
One of the UK’s biggest logistics companies could stage a London IPO worth over £1bn – provided a series of stock market flops ends.
EV Cargo, backed by private equity, is considering an IPO either in Britain, which is its main market, or in Hong Kong. New York, the hometown of the company’s chief executive, Heath Zarin, could also be an option.
Zarin told the Mail on Sunday that the company would be more likely to debut in the UK if other companies successfully launch floats on the London Stock Exchange following the fall of some high-profile IPOs.
On the move: EV Cargo transports goods for companies like Asos, Primark and Next
EV Cargo transports goods for companies such as Asos, Primark, Next, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Kraft Heinz, Dyson, AB InBev and Fever-Tree.
It operates and manages road, ocean and air freight with a network of 9 million square feet of warehouse space and 20,000 delivery vehicles. The company employs 5,000 people in Britain, including 2,200 drivers.
Zarin said EV Cargo aims to become one of the world’s top 20 logistics companies by both growing its own businesses and taking over others, so a flotation is a “possible step,” but he doesn’t. there is no timetable in place.
“We would of course consider a listing on the London Stock Exchange,” he said. However, Hong Kong is home to the company’s global headquarters, so an IPO there could be attractive, especially as an expansion strategy is underway in Asia. Zarin said Wall Street could also have some upside, especially with a potential U.S. acquisition looming.
“Any of these three would be under consideration as a place to register and each has its respective strengths,” he said. “Unfortunately the London Stock Exchange has had a few public listings in recent years which have not gone as well as they could have.
“A key thing would be to see success stories happen there. It would be encouraging.
“We’re a technology-based logistics company born in the UK but competing globally, so that’s something we would definitely consider.”
London has seen a series of unsuccessful flotations over the past 18 months. Online food delivery company Deliveroo got off to a disastrous start in March last year and is now worth just a quarter of its opening price.
Flotations from Dr Martens and Moonpig initially looked promising, but both are now also underwater, with shares down around 30% and 40% respectively.
The London market has had a difficult first half of 2022, with IPO proceeds down 94% compared to the same period last year, according to accounting giant EY.
EV Cargo, like others in the industry, has experienced supply chain strains caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Problems caused by shortages of truck drivers and port workers persist, Zarin added, although they have eased recently.
EV Cargo is trying to offset the increased payroll by finding cost savings and using innovative technologies.
It also has to deal with soaring energy costs, some of which are passed on to customers.
However, despite all this, Zarin describes himself as “more optimistic” than some observers.
He said “consumers still have money” and are spending it.


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ASUS X99 Deluxe Reboot Issue has Been Fixed
If you own an ASUS X99 Deluxe motherboard, it is probable that you would have come across the infamous spontaneous reboot that the system had fifteen minutes after cold booting the PC.
The issue, which was agreeably a peculiar one, has finally been fixed by ASUS.
However, before the official fix came in it was a rather notorious issue that wouldn’t let go off the system even after you made changes to everything from the graphics card to the SSD and from the memory to the CPU. Experimenting with the memory settings did not help at all.
However, thanks to a BIOS update that was released by the company for the ASUS X99 Deluxe motherboard at the start of this year, the problem has finally been fixed.
Ocaholic has reported that they flashed the system to the latest version of the BIOS and the bug did not bother them after that. Similarly, they have reported that another user, who had booting issues where the PC got stuck with post code B0, has also flashed the BIOS and found out that the problem is no more.
This is exactly what ASUS had promised when the released the BIOS update and said that it would improve system stability.
In case you are still facing rebooting or booting issues with your ASUS X99 Deluxe motherboard, we suggest you download the latest BIOS version 2101 and flash immediately. Here’s the download link.
Being the Managing Editor of TechFrag, Sarmad splits his time between keeping up with latest news, technology, gaming and other awesome things like unearthing the merits of staying up at night and Californication!


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Our test of the new F-150 PowerBoost netted an extraordinary 19.2 average mpg with a 1,732-lb. payload and 25.1 mpg without. Adding PowerBoost’s 12,700 lbs. of max towing, is it blasphemy to finally turn our backs on diesel for true work applications?
January 4, 2021
While the Endurance launch event offered more big-picture proclamations than actual truck specs, Lordstown CEO Steve Burns pointed out one reason why an all-electric pickup will be so tantalizing for fleets.
June 26, 2020
Lordstown Motor Corp.’s CEO Steve Burns said preorders from commercial and fleet customers for the all-electric Endurance pickup exceed the company’s production capacity of 20,000 units for 2021.
June 25, 2020


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REACTION : Ciguatera Poisoning: Out of adversity an opportunity to better understand the live fish trade
In June of this year, 19 people who had eaten coral reef fish at a Lamma Island, Hong Kong restaurant fell ill with symptoms of the potentially lethal ciguatera poisoning. Ciguatera poisoning is caused where the reef fish consumed carries Ciguatoxins, which come from toxic micro-organisms living on dead coral and algae that large predatory coral reef fish feed on.
While not affecting the fish, symptoms arising from humans ingesting the deadly toxin include numbness of the mouth and limbs, heart palpitations, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, and flushes, with excessive consumption affecting the circulatory and nervous systems.
Fortunately none of the fourteen men and five women aged 23 to 71 were seriously affected, and only one was hospitalized. The Hong Kong government takes the issue of food health and safety very seriously however, so seriously in fact that it recently passed legislation through its Legislative Council (LEGCO) aiming to safeguard the consuming public against future ciguatera incidents by identifying where the infected fish were caught.
A big appetite for live reef fishHong Kong is a culinary oasis—the world’s epicenter for the consumption of live reef fish, by locals and international tourists alike. The sight of aquarium tanks outside restaurants filled with a variety of colorful “live” seafood, including coral reef fish, is one of Hong Kong’s iconic images.
But with Hong Kong waters now depleted of these fish, reef fish are captured across Asia Pacific, kept alive for sale, and transported over thousands of kilometres to be steamed and eaten.
Most of the high value species such as the Leopard coral grouper and Humphead wrasse are transported by air but a high number of these live reef fish enter Hong Kong each year via sea onboard “Live Transport Vessels” (LTVs).
Tracing seafoodIn the past, it has not been a requirement for these Hong Kong-registered LTVs to either disclose their ‘live’ cargo – interestingly because “live fish” are not regarded as food – or the source of their catch.
It is this information vacuum that authorities are attempting to fill through the new Food Safety Ordinance which compulsorily requires live fish importers to keep records of fish origin, description (e.g., fish species), quantity, and all subsequent traders of live fish to record who they bought from.
Theoretically, with this system, the fish from the restaurant on Lamma Island could be traced back to the distributor and importer and eventually the fishing area in the country where the fish was landed.
While this Ordinance is mainly intended as a measure to improve food safety for consumers, it may be too early yet to assess its effectiveness.
From food safety to traceabilityThe potential benefits of this Ordinance go well beyond just food safety. Seafood traceability is becoming increasingly important to all kinds of seafood businesses. In Hong Kong, there is a growing trend in restaurants, hotels, retailers, and even consumers wanting to know the origin of their seafood and whether it is wild-caught or farmed.
Currently, it is not mandatory for the information now being collected under this Ordinance to be submitted to authorities, except where a food safety incident triggers the need, and traders are under no obligation to share any information with non-government agencies such as WWF or academic institutions.
However, making the whole trade more transparent and information more available to consumers and businesses not only helps address food safety concerns, it also provides key information to empower them to choose more sustainable seafood options using the WWF Seafood Guide. This is like killing two birds with one stone.
While these measures are driven by a domestic need for food safety, the information this Ordinance will collect does spill over into the international arena and could notionally provide fundamental trade and scientific data where little currently exists; particularly Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) exports of live fish from the Coral Triangle countries and beyond.
As one of Asia’s most important hubs for imported seafood, we see this as an opportunity for Hong Kong to become a more responsible global citizen and hope that in time, this information will become more readily available to all.


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KUALA LUMPUR, April 5 (Bernama) — The Sixth China International Halal Food and Muslim Products Show (CIHAS 2011), to be held in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region from Sept 19-23, is expected to attract over 10,000 buyers and more than 400 exhibitors.
In a statement Tuesday, the organising committee said the halal show was positioned as an international trade-show providing a unique business platform to showcase halal food, Muslim products and Islamic services catering to the fast-growing global market.
“Realising the vast potential of halal food industry, China’s Ministry of Commerce has decided to upgrade the traditional halal show from a consumer fair to a professional trade show,” it said.
It said CIHAS 2011 has also been placed under the high-profiled platform of China-Arab States Expo, which would also be held during the halal show.
China, considered as a fast emerging source for the halal food sector, has an estimated Muslim market of about 150 million.


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The district is seeing numerous changes, bringing business and people back to the area
Celino Dimitroff was hanging out at the High Dive with a friend one day, when they overheard someone say “the whole So-Ma arts district is blowing up.”
“And we thought ‘Wow, somebody just coined a phrase.’”
And just like that, a brand was born.
Dimitroff had only recently named his art store on South Main Street the SoMa Art Media Hub, and the new catch phrase was already spreading to encompass and brand that often overlooked, somewhat blighted area south of downtown as a new destination for the arts.
“I love it,” he said. “There was a time during the recession when it was hard to get people out to even see the arts. But there’s a great resurgence, and in a part of Gainesville that hardly anyone ever goes to.”
And here’s the thing: It’s not just that Gainesville’s historic railroad center turned warehouse graveyard turned industrial strip is fast becoming an emerging center for the arts, culture and music. Recent years have seen an increasing number of small businesses, restaurants, tech start-ups, a brewery and other enterprises open their doors — often in long-unused buildings that offer cheap rents and lots of available space that is readily adaptable for multiple uses.
Thus the old Baird Hardware warehouse complex now accommodates a recording studio and concert venue, a community theater, a woodworking shop specializing in fine furniture and Dimitroff’s art store.
The old Cox Furniture building, across the street, now houses the corporate offices of a restaurant chain. Next door to that is a nonprofit bicycle collective, a fitness gym, a marketing company, a pretzel maker, a Realtor’s office and other small enterprises.
And on the corner of South Main Street and Depot Avenue, a building that for many years touted discount hi-fi gear is gearing up to provide small start-ups with all of the space, equipment, training and support they need to manufacture, promote and get their new products to market.
But lest anyone think this South Main resurgence is happening spontaneously, think again. This revival is being fueled by years of strategically driven public infrastructure improvements running into the tens of millions of dollars … with millions more to come.
The arduous task of converting a one-time hazardous waste site into Gainesville’s newest and most popular park, Depot Park, cost more than $60 million and took longer than 20 years. The current South Main Street makeover between Depot Avenue and Southeast 16th Street is an $8.5 million project in progress.
Throw in another $5 million for the latest improvements to Depot Avenue and pretty soon we’re talking about real money.
Not all such investments have paid off. The city’s initial bid to lure business to the old John Kelly utility yard — now known as the Power District — failed spectacularly with the collapse of its first tenant, Prioria Robotics. But now Gainesville’s Community Redevelopment Agency is in negotiations with a Baltimore, Maryland, company to undertake a wholesale redevelopment of the Power District that could eventually attract millions more in public and private investments.
“A lot of this has been happening incrementally,” said Anthony Lyons, Gainesville City Manager who also was CRA director for several years. “We addressed some problems in the area by redoing Lynch Park, turning it into a dog park for residents, and then a restaurant opened up next door. And then a tamale shop opens up across the street.”
The strategic value of the money Gainesville has been pouring into South Main over the years cannot be overstated.
“Its vital,” said John Fleming, whose company, Trimark Properties, has been developing apartments in the area between UF and downtown. “I’ve been in town since 1985, and South Main has not changed for the better since.
“As far as revitalization, without public investment the private sector is going to stay away from it. Depot Park and the improvement of South Main is crucial to getting things started.”
Mike Conroy, who has been involved in construction in Gainesville since 1998, thinks the city needs to continue to fine-tune its strategic plans in order to attract more light industry and manufacturing to the area.
“We need thriving businesses to put people to work, to get young professionals to live in the urban core,” said Conroy, whose new company, Make.Work, is opening a manufacturing incubator for small start-ups on South Main.
“The city has been trying, somewhat prematurely, to get residential developments downtown. We need to do a better job of retaining companies that provide meaningful employment to our people. We need advanced manufacturing,” he said.
The South Main Street portion of the CRA’s “Trans4ming East GNV Initiative” — scheduled to be completed by the end of the year — will convert a wide, four-laned, high-speed roadway into a narrower street with wider sidewalks, more on-street parking, attractive landscaping and other traffic-calming features that will slow average speeds from 50 mph to 30.
The road changes have drawn complaints from some existing businesses that depend on large trucks to make deliveries, but the CRA’s project director, Andrew Meeker, insists that the redesign won’t deter truck traffic on what will be a slower, narrower road. And when the improvements are completed, the street will be safer and more pleasant for pedestrians and cyclists, Depot Park and the Cade Museum will be more accessible, and South Main will be a more attractive and hospitable corridor in which to do business.
All of these ongoing improvements: Depot Park, the Power District, the South Main Street redesign and more, are “pieces of the puzzle,” Meeker said.
And “the puzzle is finally coming together,” he said. “You are starting to see the overall vision behind it.”


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Aarti K Singh’s James Bond poster collection was incomplete. “I was looking to source the poster of On Her Majesty’s Service and there is an unbelievable story of how I managed it,” she says. As a film buff and freelance writer, the 34-year-old happened to meet one of the famous Bonds, Roger Moore, in Mumbai in 2005.
“I mentioned to him that I was looking for the poster, and a week later, it landed on my doorstep, stamped, autographed and posted by Moore himself,” says Singh. It is a spectacular story, and there is a story behind each of the 9000-plus posters that she has stored in her Delhi house.
Currently based in Panchkula, Singh — along with her husband Gursimran Singh — decided to go commercial with their poster collection. It started with Posteralia in October 2011, with their first sale-cum-exhibition on Facebook. From vintage art to cinematic classics and contemporary shots, from old print adverts, flyers and lobby cards to handmade film premiere invitations, tickets and songbooks, the couple has a reservoir of rare posters, sourced over the years from flea markets, locked-up studios and during their many journeys. “Now that people are investing in home theatres, the demand for such posters has gone up,” says Aarti, who, over the years, has ventured out of Facebook and started retailing from online shops including Indiebazaar.com, Facebook page Posteralia, and
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· 5 min read
Your big breakthrough. With a career in tech at Capital One, you’ll turn your ingenuity into impact. Their team of technologists combine design and data to inspire product vision. From data engineering to machine learning to cyber risk, align your skillset with the right tools—and a passion for building a better tomorrow. Join the Capital One team.
Ask any executive where they’d most like to put a chatty AI to work, and there’s a good chance they’ll say customer service.
The versatility of chatbots powered by large language models (LLMs) can seem like a natural fit for fielding gripes and headaches, which could spell trouble for call-center or other support workers. So will the next generation of AI assure that you never talk to a human representative again and that headset workers will be out of a job?
Experts say it’s not so simple. One thing that’s certain is that customer service jobs are here for the foreseeable future—and the field may always require some form of human touch. But AI is already starting to change how some of these workers do their jobs in the form of generated scripts and call summaries.
Research firm Gartner predicts that generative AI will prompt a 20%–30% decrease in the number of customer service and support agents by 2026. Customer service was classified by Pew as one of the most likely jobs to have “medium exposure” to AI, meaning the technology could replace workers in the sector or enhance their productivity. And McKinsey found that the field was one of those most at risk for automation-related job losses.
“[Generative AI] is just really going to reshape customer service in ways that we don’t even understand yet,” Forrester Principal Industry Analyst Max Ball told Tech Brew.
A “fear dam”
All of these sweeping predictions come as companies like Expedia, AT&T, and Delta Air Lines talk a big game about deploying fine-tuned chatbots or other AI-powered customer experience tools tailored to the specific needs of their user bases.
But customer service workers may be able to rest easy, at least for the time being; Ball said many of these projects are still “lagging” where execs might have imagined they’d be by now. There’s a “fear dam,” wherein businesses are still too concerned about risks like hallucinations to fully automate their operations.
“The brands I talk to, the conversations there, up until July—I make this joke, and I never got this actual request—but they were all along these lines: ‘Somebody in the C-suite said, Hey, let’s get three ChatGPTs and fire all our agents. Can we do that by Tuesday?’” Ball said. “And now it’s more, ‘OK, I kind of understand what this is, where’s it going to fit? How’s it gonna work?’ It’s early.”
The appetite for this tech is clearly there; however, Ball said customer service is seen as a ripe area for cuts among companies aiming to trim spending, and once they can feel confident that AI is reliable enough to handle these tasks, the equation will likely change.
“The interest in self-service is way up there because the cost savings are so huge,” Ball said. “As soon as the fear dam gets broken, it’s gonna go crazy.”
Press 1 for a human touch
Not everyone agrees on what exactly the jobs impact will be if this happens. Cory Stahle, an economist at jobs site Indeed, said his recent research on AI and work looked at fields like customer service differently than some of the other reports out there.
Stahle said his team aimed to dig deeper into the skills commonly listed for customer service jobs on Indeed and evaluate how much exposure each attribute might have to AI.
“When we look at customer service, what we see is that, yes, generative AI has the potential to really impact those jobs to potentially help aid those workers by offering things like chatbots,” Stahle told Tech Brew. “But many of those human skills that are involved for customer service workers are still going to be required, even if chatbots and some of those things become a more normalized part of these roles.”
Researchers at Stanford and MIT studied the effects of a fine-tuned chatbot deployed in the call center of a Fortune 500 software company, and their paper earlier this year found that the technology could boost agent productivity by an average of 14%. But they also found that the technology had a “minimal impact” on the productivity of highly skilled and more experienced workers.
“Indeed, we find evidence that AI assistance may decrease the quality of conversations by the most skilled agents,” the authors wrote.
An uncertain future
A caveat offered by everyone we talked to is that it is still very early days for the technology, and it’s hard to know just how fast it will develop. Daniel Colson, co-founder and executive director of the AI Policy Institute think tank, said call-center workers are likely to be more exposed if the technology is able to get better at mimicking human traits.
“I think [that] once you get the personality interface worked out for these chatbots, I think that’s going to really change the game to the customer service stuff,” Colson said.
With millions of people employed in call centers or other customer service–related professions, any job losses could have a big impact. While Colson said that, historically, the public has “generally been willing to tolerate” job losses around technology when the benefits are apparent, a significant percentage of workers being displaced by AI could create “a real political hurricane.”
Keep up with the innovative tech transforming business
Tech Brew keeps business leaders up-to-date on the latest innovations, automation advances, policy shifts, and more, so they can make informed decisions about tech.


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“The Irish Independent has today reported that Apple has received planning permission for an expansion at its European Head Quarters in Cork that is to deliver 1,000 jobs,” Robert McHugh reports for Business World.
“The plan by the iPhone maker comprises a four-storey office block and a 752-space car park that is planned to accommodate the additional 1,000 employees,” McHugh reports. “The move will bring Apple’s workforce in Cork to 6,000 and in documents lodged with Cork City Council, Apple stated that the proposed new office space will enable Apple to expand its workforce at the Hollyhill site while also supporting its economic development objectives.”
“The construction period is five months,” McHugh reports. “Apple has confirmed that the construction phase will employ 200 workers.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Apple CEO Tim Cook said last November that Apple was in Ireland for the long haul and expected to expand significantly in the future. Apple has become an important employer in Ireland and is also partnered with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to support research in offshore energy technology.


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Nike has ended the “Boston Massacre” rivalry shirt between the Red Sox and the Yankees. The tragedy last week changed everything, especially a shirt known for a baseball campaign.
The phrase was first put to use from a four-game sweep of the Red Sox by the Yankees in 1978 that was part of an epic late-season collapse for Boston. The T-shirts in question were printed in Yankee colors, with drops of blood splattered over the lettering.
Following the fatal attacks in Boston, Nike “took immediate action last week to remove this product from distribution,” company spokesman Brian Strong said in a statement.
“The shirts being referenced are older baseball shirts that were predominantly being sold through our Factory Store Outlets,” Strong said.
Nike rival Adidas, meanwhile, is selling shirts reading “Boston stands as one” on its website, with all proceeds going to the One Fund Boston relief effort.
“There has been an overwhelming demand for the Boston Tribute Tee since its launch last week, and we were out of stock within a day,” Adidas spokeswoman Katja Schreiber said in an email. “Due to the overwhelming demand, we decided to further extend our support.”
The Nike shirt is now popping up on eBay for a premium price.


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The Colmont Restaurant Group, LLC, is pleased to announce the opening of its newest LOTSATM Stone Fired Pizza restaurant in Annapolis, MD located in the Annapolis Mall.
This marks the fourth location for LOTSA Stone Fired Pizza, and its first in a mall, with more locations slated to open before the end of 2016.
“LOTSA customers appreciate the opportunity to craft their pizza and salads choosing from 50 fresh, local ingredients, and receiving their meal in just 3 minutes from our stone fire oven,” said Mike Hannon, chief financial officer, Colmont Restaurant Group, LLC.
“Using the LOTSA App, customers can also order and pay ahead, then simply pick up their meal at the location. We expect this convenience will be especially helpful for mall employees and movie theater guests.”
The LOTSA Annapolis location opened for lunch and dinner on September 20. Hours of operation are Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Monday through Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.


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Following yesterday's reveal of a few screenshots of the upcoming Resident Evil 2 remake showing Hunk and Tofu, Capcom sent in a press release with more.
Looks so fantastic!
Tofu hunk for the win
N4G is a community of gamers posting and discussing the latest game news. It’s part of NewsBoiler, a network of social news sites covering today’s pop culture.


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Friday, March 1, 2013
It opened earlier this month in the former Sero's on Walton in Rochester Hills.
For me it was the homemade roll that sealed the deal. I was at Lucky's Prime Time for the first time this week and there was plenty to impress me. First off: the service. Lucky's is clearly a restaurant filled with regulars, but the great thing about the staff is that they make everyone feel like a regular, even if it's their first time there. The redecorated space, in navy and brick with dark wood, has been opened up, with booths around the edges and tables in the middle. A glass divider etched with "Lucky's Prime Time" separates the cozy new full-service bar from the dining area. Four flatscreen televisions hang in the corners of the restaurant. And then, of course, there was the food. In the booth behind me, a regular customer was …
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
We asked; here's what you had to say.
On Sunday, the Detroit Free Press featured Bacco Ristorante in Southfield as its 2013 Restaurant of the Year. Soon after, a discussion began on the Rochester Patch Facebook page: "What would you say is our 'Restaurant of the Year' here in Rochester and Rochester Hills?" we asked. The nominations ran from date night favorites (Rochester Chop House and Silver Spoon) to the newbies (Lucky's Prime Time and The Meeting House) to fast food (Lipuma's Coney Island and even Taco Bell). Kruse & Muer took the most votes in our unofficial poll. Here's a look at the restaurants you offered up as tops in Rochester and Rochester Hills: Here's what you had to say about some of the nominees: "The Meeting House should win...or at least give it Rookie of …
Friday, February 15, 2013
Here's a guide to fish dinners around Rochester and Rochester Hills.
The Lenten season is upon us, and for many, that's a good enough reason to eat fish on Fridays. Every year, the Knights of Columbus hosts a Lenten Fish Fry from 5-7:30 p.m. on Fridays at the Rochester Community House. The Moose Lodge on Livernois Road in Rochester Hills also has a Friday night fish fry starting at 5 p.m. Here are more options: Other restaurants that Patch readers say have tasty fish options on the menu: Where is your favorite place for fish in Rochester and Rochester Hills?
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Here's what else is going on at The Meeting House.
What kind of town is Rochester? After two months of doing business at the corner of Main and Third streets, owner Jason Mood from The Meeting House thinks it's "kind of a Happy Hour town." Today at 4 p.m. The Meeting House puts Mood's theory to the test with the restaurant's first Happy Hour. The Meeting House Happy Hour will be held daily from Tuesdays through Fridays, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Happy Hour specials include the Burger Plate for $5 and the Truffle Chicken Wings for 50 cents each. "We'll also have deals on house wines, draught beers and other food and beverage features," Mood said. Downtown's newest restaurant opened Dec. 4. Owners Chris Johnson and Jason Mood spent nine years working together as chef and manager at the Beverly …
Monday, February 11, 2013
We asked Patch readers about their favorite desserts around town; here's a look.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
In honor of Valentine's Day this week, we asked readers about their favorite sweet treats around town. Here's a roundup of answers.
Last week we asked a simple, sweet-sounding question on the Rochester Patch Facebook page: "What's your favorite dessert around town?" Patch readers responded with some ideas that will make you hungry — or give you inspiration for a Valentine's Day or Fat Tuesday treat. Here's a roundup of answers and ideas: What's your favorite dessert around Rochester and Rochester Hills? Tell us in the comments!
Monday, February 4, 2013
All of these restaurants are in the works in Rochester or Rochester Hills.
We've told you about a few restaurants that have closed in the past month (Chapman's Mill and Flat Top Grille). Now, here is some news about the restaurants that are coming soon. Which one are you most looking forward to? Every time Rochester Patch asks readers which restaurants they would like to see come to town, this fresh-made-salad cafe is often mentioned. The Big Salad, a franchise that started in Grosse Pointe Woods in 2008, indeed has plans to open in Rochester this year. "Currently, we have a franchisee ready to open in Rochester but we have not yet secured a location," said John Bornoty, president and CEO of The Big Salad, in an email message to Rochester Patch." On the company's website, it lists a Rochester location as opening …
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
A sign in front of Chapman's Mill indicates it is for sale.
Chapman's Mill, a restaurant created to honor the area's industrial era history by paying homage to the woolen mill, has closed. A sign posted on the front door of the Rochester Hills restaurant blames the economy and ongoing road construction for the closure. "I am sad to report that Chapman's Mill has CLOSED," the sign reads. "We had over three years of great fun and great food, but sadly, the economy and perpetual road construction put us in a position where we can no longer serve you. Thanks for your patronage." A sign on the marquee outside the restaurant says "Restaurant For Sale." Chapman's Mill, located at Crooks and Hamlin roads, endured two summers of construction. In 2011 the Crooks Road bridge over nearby M-59 detoured north-…
Draft Magazine's list includes Clubhouse BFD, which opened last year.
One of the newest bars in Rochester Hills has been included on a national beer magazine's list of top beer bars in the country. Draft Magazine's "America's 100 Best Beer Bars" list for 2013, which was released this week, includes Clubhouse BFD, which opened in February near Crooks and M-59. "Think traditional beer house, but quirkier: beer-kitsch décor with a sense of humor, samplers served on ping-pong paddles, and the occasional cheeseburger slider sandwiched between two Krispy Kremes," reads the description. Four bars in Michigan made the list, including Ashley's in Ann Arbor. Read the full list here. Clubhouse owner Scott LePage learned of the distinction Monday afternoon while meeting with a brewer on the west side of the state. "We …
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
The name has changed, the decor is new but the pizza has remained the same; a new menu debuts today at the former Tower Pizza.
A lot has changed at 334 North Main. The storage room has become a beautiful dining room. The dining room has become a hip bar. The name has changed, twice. And today, a brand new menu is being introduced. But there is one thing that will never change, according to owner Shelly Anderson. "We still serve, and will always serve, the one and only Tower pizza." Blackbird Bistro spent nearly 50 years doing business as Tower Pizza. When Anderson took ownership she wanted to make sure the restaurant did at least 50 more. She applied for a bistro license, which would allow her to serve liquor. "Everyone was asking me for a beer with their pizza," Anderson said, "I'm happy that people can now have their favorite beer with their favorite pizza." …


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Bitcoin’s decentralized nature has been one of its biggest selling points, but imperfect storage methods have made millions of the tokens inaccessible.
about twenty % of the 18.5 huge number of bitcoin in existence – worth about $140 billion – is predicted to be lost or perhaps stuck in locked off digital wallets, The new York Times reported on Tuesday.
For today, those coins are effectively trapped behind incredibly complex encryption and forgotten passwords.
Remedies can continue to come from cryptocurrency reform, Jimmy Nguyen, president of the Bitcoin Association, told Business Insider.
Emergency mechanisms that are able to recover bitcoin in the event of forgotten wallet passwords or maybe estate transfers can make it a more “open and user-friendly” cryptocurrency, Nguyen said.
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Cryptocurrency enthusiasts praise bitcoin’s decentralized nature. Still the imperfect methods used to secure the digital tokens are actually pulling millions of bitcoin out of circulation with very little hope of recovery.
Bitcoin owners hold private keys required for spending or perhaps moving tokens. These keys exist as advanced strings of information and are frequently saved in protected digital wallets.
Those wallets are then generally protected with passwords or authentication measures. While their complexities enable owners to more properly store their bitcoin, losing keys or maybe wallet passwords are able to be devastating. In situations that are quite a few , bitcoin proprietors are locked from their holdings indefinitely.
Roughly 20 % of the 18.5 million bitcoin in existence is estimated to be lost or even trapped in inaccessible wallets, The brand new York Times reported on Tuesday, citing data from Chainalysis. That sum is currently worth aproximatelly $140 billion. These bitcoin remain in the world’s supply and still hold value, though they’re effectively kept from circulation.
Put simply, those coins will stay trapped indefinitely, but their inaccessibility will not replace the price of the cryptocurrency.
Read more: The CIO of a $500 million crypto asset supervisor breaks down 5 methods of valuing bitcoin and deciding whether to own it after the digital asset breached $40,000 for the very first time “There’s this phrase the cryptocurrency community uses:’ not your keys, not the coins of yours ,'” Jimmy Nguyen, president of the Bitcoin Association, told Insider.
For today, the adage is true. Some exchanges such as Coinbase have a bit of emergency recovery procedures which could assist users regain access to forgotten keys or passwords. But exchanges are much less protected compared to wallets not to mention some have actually been hacked, Nguyen said.
The bitcoin society is currently at a crossroads, in which members are split on whether bitcoin ought to keep its rigid security solutions or exchange several of the decentralization of its for user friendly safeguards.
Nguyen lands in the latter team. The cryptocurrency advocate argued that mechanisms should be produced to make it possible for users to recover unavailable bitcoin in cases of forgotten passwords, estate transfers, and improperly tackled payments. The absence of such methods maintains a barrier between the population and cryptocurrency enthusiasts which has not yet warmed to bitcoin.
Read more: Julian Klymochko wakes up at 4:30 a.m. to manage an ETF that seeks to profit from the SPAC boom. The investing chief breaks down the way the method works, and shares 2 new SPACs on the radar of his.
“If I hold the keys to your residence, it does not mean I have the keys. I might’ve stolen the keys to the house of yours. It’s likely you have lent me the keys,” Nguyen said. “It doesn’t prove who’s ownership of that asset.” or perhaps that property
Keeping the present method of storing bitcoin additionally cuts into its value, both as a whole new kind of fee and as a security, he added.
“There is an inconsistency, if not downright hypocrisy – among the bitcoin supporters, because they want to progress this narrative that you simply have to have the private keys for the coins to be yours,” Nguyen said. “If they want the worth of the coin to develop because it is growing in usage, then you have to adopt a significantly more open and user-friendly strategy to bitcoin.”