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On August 22, 2022, Stability AI co-released Stable Diffusion alongside talented researchers from LMU Munich and Runway ML. It was a watershed moment in AI that unlocked the power of text-to-image models.
One year later, we’ve grown our team by a factor of four, launched more than twenty new products, and become the only independent, open, multimodal generative AI company in the world. TIME even named us one of its Most Influential Companies (under the category “biggest disruptors”)! Our secret sauce is no secret: We work hard, have the best talent and the most committed community of AI supporters in the world.
Stability AI is on a mission to build the foundation that activates humanity’s potential through our open access foundation models, allowing developers everywhere to download and build on top of our code for free. Easy accessibility meant that in just two months, Stable Diffusion had garnered more than 10 million users globally, creating a moment where “the doors were off their hinges,” according to MIT Technology Review.
That was just the start. Since then, we’ve open sourced three more versions of Stable Diffusion. Our latest model, SDXL 1.0, can now generate four HD images in less than three seconds, and nearly 13 billion images have been generated using SDXL. Our tech was even used to recreate brain activity in medical research, as referenced in Scientific American.
Over the past year, we’ve released more than a dozen more open access foundation models. A recent review of StableCode, our acclaimed large language model for code generation, summed up why we do this: “By democratizing AI-powered coding assistance, Stability AI opens the door for individuals from various backgrounds to harness the power of technology in problem-solving through coding. This approach could level the global technology playing field.”
Along the way, we’ve created important alliances in the AI space, starting with Amazon Web Services, and garnered leading enterprise customers like HubSpot and Jasper – as well as dozens of developers using our API. In March, we completed our first acquisition, buying Init ML, makers of the popular Clipdrop application. These alliances and deals have ushered our business into record revenue territory for the past three months.
Along the way, we’ve recognized the need for oversight in this fast moving space as part of a proactive effort to work with governments on securing artificial intelligence. In May, our CEO wrote an open letter to the United States Senate emphasizing the importance of open models for a transparent, competitive, and resilient digital economy. In August, we took part in a White House-sponsored safety initiative, the largest-ever AI chatbot hackfest at DEFCON 31.
We have also seen our team grow. In one year, Stability AI has gone from a team of 50 to a team of nearly 200 employees around the world. Our world-leading AI research team also features Robin Rombach, Andreas Blattmann and Dominik Lorenz, who led the original Stable Diffusion release as academics. Today, Stability AI maintains senior personnel across the United States, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, the UAE, China and Japan.
We’ve also fostered an incredible community of AI artists, developers and enthusiasts with nearly 270,000 members on Stable Diffusion’s Discord channel. Two hundred of those members put their GPUs to work during our incredible #DiffuseTogether competition collaboration with music legend Peter Gabriel in June.
Thanks to our team alongside our community, partners and clients, Stability AI stands as the world’s only independent, open, multi model, generative AI company – and we are only just getting started.


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What is the Impact of Online Live Streaming in the World People Live in Today?
Online streaming has attained popularity in the past few years. For instance, in the current digital space, more than half of the world’s population of people aged 18-34 are invested in live streaming content on platforms such as Netflix almost daily. Because of the enormous popularity of live programming, experts predict that the industry for live streaming will be worth over $70 billion soon. With all of this in mind, it should be evident that the streaming business will only grow. However, most do not know that this growth will impact the world in different departments. Following are some of the impacts of live streaming on various industries.
Its impact on the media
Traditional media formats have increasingly transitioned to the internet as video and live streaming material have grown in popularity. Digital media has swiftly surpassed its old equivalent, from newspapers, flyers, billboards to blogs, banners, and video commercials. And, given how ubiquitous digital media had become when live streaming like Indoxxi began to gain popularity, it did so with a bang! It didn’t take long for live streaming to become a standard feature on most news sites. Instead of waiting for the 6 p.m. broadcast, you may now capture live news at any time and from any location. And when you combine readily available live material with social media platforms’ massive reach, you’ve got yourself a winning combination. The combined efforts of the news and live streaming sectors have significantly increased global information flow.
Its impact on education
The importance of live streaming on education should not be underestimated. This is because this technology has created many new learning possibilities worldwide. You don’t have to go to a classroom to study these days. You may instead do it from the comfort of your own home. By providing a variety of online classrooms, workshops, and schools, live video has proven beneficial for improving worldwide access to education. This has been incredibly beneficial for developing nations with limited educational possibilities. People may now communicate with professionals and professors from all around the world on that platform. However, the educational advantages of live streaming do not end there. Live video allowed colleges and institutions to continue operating during times of disaster, such as the current worldwide epidemic. Indeed, this technology has proven to be so effective that many people consider making remote learning a permanent option.
Its impact on entertainment
With the emergence of live broadcasting, the entertainment business experienced a tremendous change. With the development of OTT services like Hulu, Roku, Netflix, Disney+, indoxxi, and others, conventional television’s appeal began to wane. These services are preferable to traditional television since they allow consumers to access on-demand material. Viewers may now request the shows they wish to watch at the touch of a button for the first time. Regrettably, traditional television does not provide such an option. But it’s the fact that you can watch video material at any moment that makes these services so enticing.
In conclusion, live streaming video impacts various industries, both positively and negatively. However, this digital revolution seems to be growing immensely, and according to research, the near future is set to have higher numbers of viewers and users.

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The Chinese Ministry of Commerce issued a notice for families to stock up on food in the event of emergency, sparking speculation China might be hit by a big event like war, disease, or famine.
The Sun U.K. reported on the "doomsday prepper" frenzy as shoppers panicked bought food, water, and survival supplies. Among the rumored or fear events was a conflict with Taiwan that might draw in the U.S. and allies, according to the report.
A fear of conflict over Taiwan has been palpable as China has been increasingly bold on challenging that country's sovereignty after President Joe Biden took office.
Fear of another massive, deadly wave of the global coronavirus pandemic remains among the concerns, too. Global supply chain shortages have exacerbated the panic buying as empty store shelves across China fuel online rumors.
Among the items being scooped up in the frenzy, according to the report:
- Cooking oil.
- Hardtack – long-lasting biscuits favored by survivalists.
Shopping centers have been experiencing massive crowds, long lines, wait times of up to two hours, and shelves short on items.
State-run media has attempted to slow the frenzy. The Chinese-owned Economic Daily newspaper urged people to not buy into rumors of military conflict, stressing the warning was coming to prepare for a wave of COVID-19.
"I do not believe that the country wants to send a signal to the public at this time through a notice from the Commerce Ministry that people need to 'hurry up and prepare for war,'" according to Global Times editor in chief Hu Xijin.
The Times itself had warned last month, war "could be triggered at any time" amid talk of a potential Taiwan conflict. Even Taiwan foreign minister warned of the possibility of a "full-scale invasion" by China.
Eric Mack has been a writer and editor at Newsmax since 2016. He is a 1998 Syracuse University journalism graduate and a New York Press Association award-winning writer.
© 2023 Newsmax. All rights reserved.


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There's enough going on here to give anyone visions of Old Ones.
What you need to know
Lovecraftian horror game The Sinking City, which initially debuted just over a year ago, has gone missing. It’s no longer available to purchase on Steam, nor on the Epic Games Store, Xbox One,. The Sinking City was removed from Steam, the Epic Games Store, and the digital storefronts of Xbox One and PS4 on August 25, 2020, following Frogwares' legal disputes with publisher BigBen. Lovecraftian horror game The Sinking City has once again been pulled from Steam as part of the ongoing (and increasingly ugly) publishing dispute between the game's developer, Frogwares, and its publisher, Nacon. Now, a month later, Nacon has put The Sinking City back on Steam, and already it's being review-bombed, with customers complaining that the latest release appears to be an old version of the game.
- Frogwares is the studio that developed The Sinking City.
- Frogwares initially had a publishing relationship with French publisher Nacon (formerly Bigben Interactive).
- Ongoing legal drama over the last two years has seen Frogwares accuse Nacon of attempting to pirate The Sinking City.
- Today, Frogwares published a blog post explaining in detail how the studio believes Nacon pirated the version of The Sinking City currently available on Steam.
The ongoing drama between The Sinking City developer Frogwares and publisher Nacon (formerly known as Bigben Interactive) isn't likely to end soon. Since 2019, the studio has been embroiled in legal battles with Nacon over the publishing rights of The Sinking City, a game heavily inspired by the works of Lovecraft. These legal problems have even seen The Sinking City delisted from multiple platforms, including Steam.
On Feb. 26, Frogwares made a post on Twitter, explaining that the studio was not responsible for publishing The Sinking City's return to Steam, promising more information to come.
Frogwares has not created the version of @thesinkingcity that is today on sale on @Steam. We do not recommend the purchase of this version. More news soon.— Frogwares (@Frogwares) February 26, 2021
Today, Frogwares published a lengthy breakdown explaining how the studio believes Nacon pirated The Sinking City, resulting in the version of the game currently available for sale on Valve's PC storefront.
The main crux of Frogwares' argument hinges around how the Nacon logo was uploaded and replaced the Gamesplanet logo that Frogwares included on some of the screens. Other 'digital footprints' picked up on include how the version of the game on Steam lacks Frogwares' electronic signature, while also noting that it was the Deluxe version of the game that had been pirated. Frogwares has also found evidence in Steam's credentials tracking that the person who uploaded the Steam version of The Sinking City is technical director of Neopica, a studio acquired by Nacon in October 2020.
'Nacon decided to steal and pirate our game and they did so while leaving giant digital footprints,' the post reads. 'Nacon has proved they are willing to do anything possible to serve their interest, including illegal actions.'
The post goes on to explain that this is the third time that Nacon has attempted to force Frogwares to push a new version of the game — once in July 2020 and again in October later that year. This is also the third time that Nacon has attempted to publish a pirated version of The Sinking City, according to the post.
Frogwares notes that it is seeking further legal action against Nacon and to prevent further damages, as well as dealing with the theft of its source code.
Share this article
The Sinking City developer Frogwares has said the version of its game currently on Steam was not made by Frogwares.
In a tweet posted today and shared over to the game's newsfeed on Steam, Frogwares is asking users not to purchase the game.
'Frogwares has not created the version of [The Sinking City] that is today on sale on [Steam]. We do not recommend the purchase of this version. More news soon,' reads the statement.
The studio has not published any additional updates as of the time of this writing. We've reached out to both the developer and the publisher, Nacon, for comment.
The Sinking City was pulled from shelves by Frogwares amid a legal dispute between the studio and Nacon in August 2020, after it alleged Nacon -- formerly Big Ben Interactive -- breached several clauses of the licensing agreement for the game, and allegedly owed Frogwares around €1 million in payments.
Sinking City Steam Key
It was returned to digital platforms last month, following a decision in the Paris Court of Appeal that Frogwares had 'terminated [its] contract in a 'manifestly unlawful' manner.'
Sinking City Pc Steam
In a statement last week coinciding with the release of The Sinking City on PlayStation 5, Frogwares stated that it was both the developer and publisher of the PS5 version, but the PS4 version had a separate publisher and different game IDs due to 'an ongoing current legal and technical situation,' preventing a platform upgrade for PS4 owners.
Sinking City Steam
As it stands, The Sinking City is currently available for sale on the PlayStation Store, Xbox storefront, Nintendo eShop, and various PC storefronts including Steam.


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The U.S. Senate shelved a plan in late July to create a $30 billion loan fund for cash-strapped small businesses, delaying final passage of the legislation until September at the earliest. Even if the Senate approved a compromised bill, it would have to go back to the House, which was set to begin its August break.
"We are disappointed that the Senate could not resolve procedural differences and come to an agreement which would have allowed the bill a final vote, where it would have prevailed with strong bipartisan support," says Mat Dunn, legislative director of the National Marine Manufacturers Association.
The NMMA supported the measure, which included provisions to enhance and expand the Small Business Administration Dealer Floorplan Financing Program.
"Ultimately, we'll have to get back to this bill in September, when Congress reconvenes for an abbreviated period before the midterm elections," Dunn says.
Boat, engine builders reporting progress
Chris-Craft announced a sales turnaround after a couple of challenging years in the industry and production is ramping up at the central Florida-based boatbuilder.
Executives were "pleasantly surprised" when they received twice as many orders for new boats as they expected during a dealers meeting, according to a local newspaper report.
Vice president of sales Jeff Ellis says he thought the worst of the recession was over for the boatbuilder.
- Cummins is expanding its High-Horsepower Technical Center and high-horsepower engine product line at its manufacturing facility in Seymour, Ind., which is expected to result in approximately 200 engineering and manufacturing jobs in the next five years, the company announced.
Cummins plans to invest approximately $100 million in the expansion at the Seymour plant, which now employs nearly 450 people. The technical center expansion will almost double the current engineering footprint in the facility and increase Cummins' high-horsepower mechanical development capability. Construction is expected to be completed by mid-2011.
- Rivolta Yachts of Sarasota, Fla., is launching a new small-craft division that will manufacture panga-style boats. Renzo Rivolta, division chief and corporate vice president, designed the Mojito line to be "sophisticated and practical."
Company founder Piero Rivolta, acknowledging a challenging marine market in a lagging economy, says, "We believe there's still a place for high quality at good value."
Mojitos are available from 16 to 22 feet, with 24, 26 and 28 versions soon to be introduced, as well as jet versions.
- Frisini Motorsports reports production is in full swing at its Rutherford, N.J., facility. Partner/owner John Cunningham, who bought the company in February, says Frisini is producing one boat a week. It was producing about two boats a month after the purchase, he says. Cunningham also announced the company's latest dealer, Oregon Custom Marine.
- Instrument and vessel monitoring manufacturer Maretron moved its manufacturing to a larger facility, doubling floor space and capacity for production. "Maretron is rapidly moving beyond what can be considered as a start-up company and has more recently been stretched by the sales success from our vessel-monitoring products," says Jeff Ingelese, vice president of manufacturing, in a statement. "This new facility not only provides relief, but also room for future expansion."
Whaler launches Costco program, new website
Boston Whaler, together with the Costco Auto Program, announced a pilot program to bring Costco members special pricing on Boston Whaler's Super Sport, Montauk and Dauntless models.
Boston Whaler also will provide Costco members with exclusive incentives of as much as $2,000, all additional incentives available through other national promotions, and a $500 Costco cash card after completing a post-purchase Costco member survey.
"This partnership between Boston Whaler and Costco provides exceptional value for both Costco members and prospective Boston Whaler customers," Boston Whaler president John Ward says in a statement.
Running through September, the exclusive offer will be available at 40 Boston Whaler dealer locations and about 150 corresponding Costco warehouses across the nation. The boats will be purchased through local dealerships.
Boston Whaler also announced the launch of its revamped website.
The new-and-improved "Why Whaler" section, which is meant to educate current and potential Whaler owners about the brand's identity and strengths, has gone from a text-heavy format to one that emphasizes multimedia.
The "Boating Lifestyle Configurator" asks customers to respond to a short series of questions that helps guide them to the model line that suits them best.
Skarne signs contract to deliver patrol boat
Milford, Conn.-based Skarne Marine landed a contract to supply a patrol boat to Santa Barbara Security Services of Curacao in the Netherlands Antilles. The security firm chose the Finland-built Minor Offshore 25 with a Volvo Penta D4-225.
"We are very pleased and proud to have been awarded this contract," says Carl Skarne, owner of Skarne Marine, the exclusive importer of Minor Offshore boats to the United States and North America.
Lawsuit says Suzuki outboard overheats
Two men in Alaska are suing American Suzuki Motor Corp., alleging that the company's DF300 outboard overheats, causing safety concerns and shortening the life of the engine, according to court documents.
The lawsuit was filed in June in Superior Court in the First Judicial District at Ketchikan. Suzuki, which had yet to answer the complaint in early August, asked that the case be moved to federal court.
The suit was filed by Ronald Moyer and Kevin Beck, who are seeking class-action status for the case. They have asked to represent a class of people who purchased Suzuki DF300 outboards and were Alaska residents at the time of purchase.
"Examination of several Suzuki DF300 engines operated in the waters near Ketchikan also disclosed a pattern of valves, valve guides and valve seats with dimensions falling outside of design tolerances," the suit alleges. "Examination of Suzuki DF300 engines has also found, among other problems, cylinders that are out of round."
These problems are indicative of overheating, the suit says. This will lead to reduced service life of the engine and "compromised Moyer's ability to use the Suzuki DF300 engines safely while also achieving Suzuki's intended low emissions of pollution and good fuel economy."
It also causes a dangerous situation on the water, according to court documents.
Moyer says he is aware of at least 40 sales that fall within the proposed class definition, and he believes that the class consists of more than 100 potential claimants. The suit requests that claimants receive three times the amount of actual damages or $500 a violation, whichever is greater, as well as other relief.
Boating fatalities climb despite fewer accidents
The Coast Guard's Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety in August released its Recreational Boating Statistics 2009 report, which reveals a 3.81 percent increase in boating accident deaths and a 0.81 percent increase in related injuries. However, the number of boating accidents decreased 1.23 percent.
The Coast Guard recorded 736 deaths, 3,358 injuries and approximately $36 million in property damage stemming from 4,730 recreational boating accidents in 2009.
"The data in the 2009 publication echoes the message that life jacket wear is critical," says Rear Adm. Kevin Cook, the Coast Guard's director of prevention policy. "Nearly 75 percent of the 736 people who died in boating accidents in 2009 drowned and 84 percent of those victims reportedly were not wearing a life jacket. The two most important things boaters can do to prevent the loss of life is to wear a life jacket and take a boater education course."
Brunswick moving Cabo production to Hatteras
Brunswick says it will consolidate production of its Hatteras and Cabo brands at the Hatteras facility in New Bern, N.C., and close the California plant where Cabo yachts are produced.
The Adelanto, Calif., plant will be closed by the end of the year as production is phased down and moved to New Bern, the company says in a statement. This is the 16th plant Brunswick has closed or is in the process of closing since the end of 2007.
Approximately 40 positions will be lost with the move, Brunswick spokesman Dan Kubera says. Many members of the Cabo manufacturing team and certain managers will be offered jobs and relocation assistance to move to New Bern, the company says in a statement.
Yamaha still seeking a buyer for Century
Negotiations for the sale of the assets of Century Boats have not resulted in a purchase, according to Yamaha Motor Corp. USA. However, the company says it remains interested in selling the assets, in whole or in part.
"We had been in negotiations with entities interested in acquiring Century, but they did not lead to a sale," Yamaha Marine Group vice president Dean Burnett says in a statement. "We want to be sure the industry knows the assets of Century are available."
Yamaha discontinued Century production in December 2009 to focus on its core operations.
The company purchased Century in 1995 as part of a strategic plan to grow market share for its outboards in the offshore category. Century's annual sales peaked in 2007 at more than 1,000 boats.
Burger warns Wisconsin 70 layoffs are possible
Burger Boat Co. officials told a Wisconsin state agency in July that the company could lay off approximately 70 employees during the next six months. By law, employers with 50 or more employees must give 60 days' notice before a mass layoff or closing. Burger has about 230 employees.
"These layoffs will be in addition to a series of small layoffs that have occurred over the last several months," Jim Ruffolo, president, and Pete Bilski, vice president of human resources, wrote in a letter to the Department of Workforce Development in late July, the local newspaper reports.
Ruffolo told the newspaper that the notice was filed "should a worst-case scenario play out."
Industry veterans Gant and Katica are mourned
Roger Gant Jr., who served as president of Glen Raven Inc. from 1972 to 1989, died July 26 at the age of 86.
Gant served the company in a variety of management positions and as president and a board member for 55 years. He also led the Glen Raven team that created the Sunbrella brand of performance fabrics in the early 1960s.
"It was my good fortune to have Roger as a wise and patient mentor," Glen Raven president and CEO Allen E. Gant Jr. says in a statement. "As is true for many Glen Raven associates, Roger not only taught me the principles of good business, but also the value of family, community and people. He was a good and faithful steward of our company and set us on a solid course that is sustaining even today."
Under Gant's leadership, Glen Raven's sales increased fivefold and sales per employee more than doubled. One of Gant's most important achievements for Glen Raven was the introduction of synthetic awning fabrics and creation of the Sunbrella brand, beginning in 1961, the company says.
ZF Marine Group announced the passing July 8 of Thomas P. Katica, the company's longtime account manager for the Western region. He was 56.
Katica died at his home on Whidbey Island, Wash., after a two-year battle with cancer.
"This is a great loss, not only for ZF Marine, but the marine industry as a whole," Wolfgang Schmid, president and general manager of ZF Marine, says in a statement. "Tom's passion for our business and this industry was clearly evident every single day. His warm smile greeted everyone he met and his infectious personality created many lifelong friendships."
This article originally appeared in the September 2010 issue.


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U.S.-based crypto-related startup Ripple (XRP) has announced a partnership with UAE Exchange company Finablr.
It’s expected the blockchain service will go live by Q1, 2019 with one or two Asian banks.
Technology's at the centre of growth strategy. Partnership with Ripple provides customers new payments experience. Adopting this game-changing technology enhances speed of cross-border transactions. @uaeexchange is proud to deliver future of payments with @Ripple. pic.twitter.com/kLTZ13tYQk— Promoth Manghat (@promothmanghat) February 11, 2018
Finablr offers forex & remittance services to institutional and retail investors.
The chief executive at Finablr, Promoth Manghat, claims blockchain holds “tremendous promise for the industry but there is progress to be made before we [industry] see it go fully mainstream.”
As a part of the partnership, Finablr will use Ripple’s technology — RippleNet.
RippleNet is a decentralized global network of banks and payment providers which make use of Ripple’s distributed financial technology, which provides real-time messaging, clearing and settlement of financial transactions.
Previously, in the very beginning of 2018, global payments company Western Union was testing new transactions technology based on RippleNet.
Subscribe to our Telegram channel to stay up to date on the latest crypto and blockchain news.


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Industry Event | The China Fashion & Retail Forum
The TFIA are excited to be part of this amazing industry event being held in Sydney next month and would like to invite you to join us!
The Australia China Business Council (ACBC) and the Australia China Fashion Alliance (ACFA) are hosting the China Fashion & Retail Forum in Sydney on Wednesday 10th February 2016 at the Museum of Applied Arts and Science (Powerhouse).
The full day Forum will be the first major event in Australia dedicated to helping the Australian Fashion and Retail industry access the China market. The event is expected to attract more than 250 attendees, including Australian fashion labels, high end producers and retailers looking to export and to capture the growing Chinese tourist market. The day is an unparalleled opportunity for corporate partners to align with global and domestic brand names.
TFIA's own Dave Giles-Kaye will be one of several key Industry speakers at the event! Hear case studies and panel discussions from industry leaders and brands that have already taken their products into this fast developing market and have had success in engaging the Chinese market here in Australia. Special guest, Editor of Vogue China, Angelica Cheung will deliver a keynote address and give an overview of the world’s biggest luxury market and where it is headed.
The event offers the unique opportunity for Australian luxury retail and consumer brands to gain valuable insight from industry leaders and peers. The Forum will be followed by a special cocktail reception hosted by David Jones from 6:30 pm.
- Chinese consumers
- Retail distribution in China
- Finding Chinese partners
- Brand building in China
- Setting up operations in China
- IP protection
- E-commerce in China
- Chinese social media
- Attracting Chinese tourists
- Fashion media in China
Angelica Cheung, Editor-in-Chief, Vogue China
Edwina McCann, Editor-in-Chief, Vogue Australia
Donna Player, Group Executive of Merchandise, David Jones
David Giles-Kaye, CEO, Council of Textile & Fashion Industries (TFIA)
Bryan Carr, CEO, SmartTrans
Kellie Hush, Editor, Harpers BAZAAR
David Meagher, Editor, Wish Magazine (The Australian)
Rob Langtry, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, Woolmark International
Paul Lacey, CEO & Founder, Kikki K
Courtney Miller, General Manager, Australian Fashion Chamber
Are you a member of the TFIA? The Forum is offering TFIA Members a special discounted ticket price so follow the link to find out more!


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Alternate-fuel vehicles are out and hybrids are in along the Valley’s car pool lanes. Gov. Janet Napolitano on Friday ordered the Arizona Department of Transportation to issue new license plates to the owners of “bifuel” cars and trucks that can run on gasoline and an alternative such as propane or compressed natural gas.
These plates will replace the “alternative fuel” plates that they have been legally entitled to get until now. Those plates had allowed their owners to use car pool lanes during rush hours — and bypass traffic jams — even if they were the only ones in the vehicle.
But the bad news for owners of these vehicles was good news for drivers of some hybrid vehicles powered with both gasoline and electric engines: Napolitano’s order will permit them to use the car pool lanes that have been off-limits to solo drivers during rush hours.
Both changes are due to the Federal Highway Administration.
ADOT spokesman Doug Nintzel said the 1997 law that permitted bifuel vehicles to use car pool lanes conflicts with federal regulations. He said Napolitano decided it was time to finally bring Arizona into compliance.
In exchange, federal officials agreed to Napolitano’s request to immediately open the car pool lanes to 10,000 hybrid vehicles — at least for an unspecified test period.
Doug Hecox, spokesman for the Federal Highway Administration, said the pilot program will help state and federal officials decide whether allowing these vehicles in the car pool lanes makes sense.
Hecox said one potential benefit could be providing an incentive for motorists to purchase more fuel-efficient vehicles. But Hecox said his agency also wants to be sure adding hybrid vehicles to the car pool lanes in Maricopa County does not impair traffic, either by their sheer numbers or because they may not accelerate as fast as gas-fueled vehicles.
Not all hybrids will qualify for the special treatment.
While several manufacturers produce hybrids, only those that can travel at least 45 miles per gallon on a combined cityhighway basis will be allowed to use the HOV lanes. At the moment, that includes only the Honda Insight, the Honda Civic Hybrid and the Toyota Prius.
Vehicle owners will have to apply for new license plates authorizing them to use the carpool lanes. That can be done at Motor Vehicle Division offices or at www.servicearizona.com.
Nintzel acknowledged that Napolitano’s order ousting the bifuel vehicles from the car pool lanes comes despite a 1997 state law specifically allowing owners of these vehicles to use those lanes. But he said that law probably was illegal because federal law specifically bars these vehicles from getting special treatment.
“Our stance is that it’s time to comply with the federal laws and regulations on this issue,” he said.
Anyway, Nintzel said Napolitano’s willingness to jettison the approximately 10,000 alternate-fuel vehicles from the Valley’s car pool lanes helped get the Federal Highway Administration permission to allow the hybrids.
The federal pilot program is limited to the first 10,000 eligible vehicles. But the Motor Vehicle Division said no one is likely to be turned away because there are only about 10,000 of these vehicles in the state, and about 7,000 registered in Maricopa County.


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SkySelect Launches eProcurement-as-a-Service Platform for Aircraft Material
SkySelect's new eProcurement-as-a-Service (ePaaS) platform for aircraft material combines people, processes, and technology to enable airlines to digitize and automate material purchasing for leaner and more asset-light operations.
This comes at a time when airlines and MROs are faced with numerous challenges. The MRO supply chain is often offline, slow, opaque, expensive, and inefficient. ePaaS remedies these problems by bringing in greater supply chain visibility, eliminating capacity constraints, automating previously manual and tedious tasks, and reducing excessive costs.
Adopters of SkySelect’s platform are experiencing up to 20% price savings and 90% automated purchasing. Furthermore, SkySelect ePaaS platform will help airlines automate and speed up human-intensive material purchasing tasks. It empowers material buyers to do up to 100x more and unlock savings with the support of artificial intelligence, while buyers can focus on more strategic tasks. All of this culminates into drastically cutting purchasing turnaround times from days to minutes.
“Our ePaaS platform provides tangible results for airlines and MROs by eliminating the exact pain points our customers have been experiencing,” said SkySelect CEO Erkki Brakmann. “It’s our ambition to enable functional excellence in the entire supply chain and create a better air travel ecosystem for everyone involved, from the MROs and airlines down to the passengers.”
Saving even a small fraction can have an exponential impact on business. According to Oliver Wyman, the global MRO demand for 2022 is expected to be $78.6billion. Depending on aircraft age, type and range, maintenance costs typically represent 10 to 20 percent of direct operating cost which airlines strive to keep as low as possible.
To learn more about ePaaS, book a meeting today.
SkySelect is an eProcurement-as-a-Service (ePaaS) platform for aircraft material. We combine people, processes, and technology to enable airlines to digitize and automate material purchasing for leaner and more asset-light operations.


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Fredericksburg Food Co-op cultivates community spirit
On April 1, sustainably produced grocery items from all over Virginia got together for the first time in Fredericksburg.
There was steroid-free pork from Orange, grass-fed beef from Goldvein, organic lettuce from Culpeper and vintage wines from Purcellville.
Enticing ice cream sandwiches from Richmond showed up and succulent strawberries from Hanover even made a brief appearance. This was no April Fool’s joke, it really happened—at the grand opening of the Fredericksburg Food Co-op.
The new co-op food market, located at 320 Jefferson Davis Highway, opened its doors that early spring morning, realizing a dream nearly six years in the making.
Cooperative Hall of Fame member Rich Larochelle, who retired as senior vice president at the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corp. after a 40-year career in the electric co-op world, is a founding member and sits on the Fredericksburg Food Co-op’s board.
“The co-op model takes a little time to establish,” Larochelle says. “We have around 2,200 members now, but it all started with only five back in September 2015 when we incorporated.”
Larochelle says that he and a small group of like-minded vegetarians originally wanted to support local agriculture and bring healthier food options to the Fredericksburg area.
“We started recruiting people at the farmers market in Hurkamp Park and others, and began offering cooking classes and educational meetings,” he says.
According to Food Co-op manager Chris Roland, Larochelle was able to work financial miracles, including having the co-op become the first of its kind in in the U.S. to qualify for a Small Business Administration guarantee on a $1.4 million bank loan.
In all, the co-op was able to raise $4.3 million, mostly through member loans and buy-ins, in order to make the brick-and-mortar market a reality.
“What Rich has accomplished is nothing short of miraculous,” Roland says.
“Chris is no slouch himself,” Larochelle counters. “We were lucky to get someone of his caliber, with 20 years’ experience in the food co-op business.”
Adhering to the co-op model, the Fredericksburg Food Co-op is owned by its members, who purchase lifetime memberships for $200 and receive discounted prices and financial dividends based on profitability.
Because the store adheres to the Seven Cooperative Principles, its profits are primarily utilized to help bolster the development of the local economy, and to address community needs.
“We want to embed ourselves into Fredericksburg and become a new community resource for the area,” says Roland.
“At the same time, we want to close the loop on food waste, and support local growers so that the dollars stay here. We are trying to accomplish this by offering the best selection of local and organic produce in town.”
Ann Lewis, director of member services and community relations at Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, and her husband, Taylor, are both members and avid customers of the Fredericksburg Food Co-op.
They say the market brings a wide variety of “fresh, clean foods” to the Fredericksburg area. “I have a love for cheese,” Ann Lewis says, “and I enjoy the variety of cheeses available there that I have not seen anywhere else. The cheeses pair nicely with the local organic produce that greets you as you enter the store.”
According to Larochelle, the Lewises were instrumental in the co-op’s development.
“They both participated in our co-op owner loan program,” he says. “They made a loan to the co-op along with 250-300 other co-op members. Co-op owner loans were the primary way that we raised funds for opening.” Larochelle says now that the Fredericksburg Food Co-op is a reality, he encourages everyone to shop there.
“You don’t have to be a member to shop here,” he says, “but you certainly are welcome to become a member; and we certainly would like to see electric co-op members shop here. I assure you, it’s worth the trip.”


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Ram Unveils 1500 Lone Star Silver Edition at State Fair of Texas
As you could imagine, the biggest state of them all represents a pretty significant chunk of all pickup truck sales. Therefore, the Lone Star State just got another shiny new truck named after them.
It’s no secret that diesel pickup trucks can generate ridiculous amounts of horsepower and torque, but what this silver RAM adequately dubbed, “Shredder 2” can do is simply astonishing!
It’s been a few years since RAM built an overly powerful, hard to handle, obnoxious and cool truck like the old SRT-10 Dodge Ram. Perhaps that’s why this guy just built one himself.
These trucks just get better and better. The new 2014 Ram 2500 HD features a new 6.4 liter Hemi which produces 410 horspower and 429 ft-lbs of torque. But that’s not all. Ram has a new rear suspension design, too, which provides a much smoother ride and better handling. Read the press release and get […] More »
Henry Ford would be proud. Dodge and Ram buyers are opting for black more than any other color in 2013. Even with some very cool and wild new colors being introduced each year. “It’s all about the brand. We create colors that will reinforce and accentuate each brand,” Head of Exterior Color & Trim Studio […] More »


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Why Did The Rana Plaza Building Collapse?
A lot of the culprit was put on the negligence of Mr Rana, who had been charged with placing profits over the need for human safety and existence. However, retailers were also attributed over too little diligence to watch the capability of the suppliers, safety standards and wages compensated.
The 5 outfit factories around the upper floors made their workers keep working. Around the morning of April 24 2013 there is an electrical outage. Diesel generators towards the top of your building were switched on. Then your building collapsed.
How long did it take for the Rana Plaza to collapse?
Managers wouldn’t relent. Greater than 2,000 people filed in. A while before 9am, floors started to completely disappear and workers began falling. Rana Plaza required under 90 seconds to break down, killing 1,134 people.
How many workers died in the Rana Plaza building collapse?
On 24 April 2013, the collapse from the Rana Plaza building in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which housed five outfit factories, wiped out a minimum of 1,132 people and hurt greater than 2,500.
Was the Rana Plaza rebuilt?
Now that we know the building was insufficiently inspected and poorly administered, and factory managers keen to satisfy order deadlines made a decision to overlook workers’ concerns, and also the building management couldn’t conceive that the solid building can collapse much like that.
What were the working conditions like at the Rana Plaza building?
Inside factories like Rana, workers labored lengthy hrs, frequently in unsafe conditions, earning typically roughly $50 a month–less than the price of one of the pairs of pants these were assembling for purchase in Europe and also the U . s . States.
What happened after the Rana Plaza disaster?
The next day the Rana Plaza building collapsed, the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Capital Development Authority) filed a situation from the proprietors from the building and also the five outfit factories operating within it. On the day that, a large number of survivors were found within the remains from the building.
What did Primark do after Rana?
Six days following the disaster, Primark started its very own programme of structural building inspections to evaluate its suppliers’ factories against worldwide standards, working carefully using the Accord and also the structural engineering consultancy MCS.
What year did the Rana Plaza collapse?
It is not only your body count, though, that made the collapse from the Rana Plaza, a nine-story building within the Bangladeshi industrial town of Savar (near Dhaka), capture global attention (briefly) and spur activism all over the world to enhance treating outfit workers. This have been any sort of accident waiting to occur.
Who did Rana Plaza make clothes?
In Bangladesh, now marks the seven year anniversary of Rana Plaza, the deadliest industry disaster in our time. On April 24, 2013, a structure structure collapsed, killing 1,132 individuals Bangladesh which were sewing clothes for brands including Primark, Benetton and Walmart.
Who is responsible for the Rana Plaza collapse?
Sohel Rana, who owns the Rana Plaza building, was arrested and stays in prison on many other charges, including breaching building codes. The murder trials haven’t yet begin because of delays in legal procedure. In May 2013, the Accord burning and Building Safety in Bangladesh was signed by 220 companies.
What did Rana Plaza make?
Rana Plaza would be a building that contained multiple clothing factories, on the borders of Dhaka in Bangladesh. Workers in the outfit factory manufactured products for major fashion outlets including Benetton, Bonmarch, The Children’s Place, Joe Fresh, Mango, Matalan and Primark.
Why are sweatshops called sweatshops?
The word “sweatshop” comes from the “sweating system” of production and it is utilization of “sweated labor.” In the centre from the sweating system would be the contractors.


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Microsoft will acquire LinkedIn for $196 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at $26.2 billion, inclusive of LinkedIn’s net cash, according to the press statement issued by Microsoft. The statement further states that LinkedIn will retain its distinct brand, culture and independence. Jeff Weiner will remain CEO of LinkedIn, reporting to Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft. Reid Hoffman, chairman of the board, co-founder and controlling shareholder of LinkedIn, and Weiner both fully support this transaction. The transaction is expected to close this calendar year.
“Just as we have changed the way the world connects to opportunity, this relationship with Microsoft, and the combination of their cloud and LinkedIn’s network, now gives us a chance to also change the way the world works,” Weiner said. “For the last 13 years, we’ve been uniquely positioned to connect professionals to make them more productive and successful, and I’m looking forward to leading our team through the next chapter of our story.”
“It’s really the coming together of the professional cloud and the professional network,” Nadella said in an interview on Monday. Microsoft also sees opportunities in Lynda.com, a channel for training videos that LinkedIn bought for $1.5 billion last year. The deal highlights Nadella’s bid to revamp Microsoft, a little more than two years after taking charge. The tie-up will also put to test Microsoft’s ability to manage a large acquisition.
So, what are going to be the implications of this development? Well, the email sent by Weiner to LinkedIn’s global workforce might be a good start. As Weiner wrote:” No matter what you're feeling now, give yourself some time to process the news. You might feel a sense of excitement, fear, sadness, or some combination of all of those emotions. Every member of the exec team has experienced the same, but we've had months to process,” investors and companies worldwide might just be going through a similar frenzy. Why Microsoft? - Weiner believes that ‘the Microsoft that has evolved under Satya’s leadership is a more agile, innovative, open and purpose-driven company’. Essentially the idea is to combine professional network and professional cloud to unlock new opportunities.
In 2013, Microsoft announced plans to buy the Finnish phone maker Nokia, only to write down the $7.2 billion deal barely a year later. However, as one might argue, unlike Nokia, which was one of many smartphone makers when Microsoft bought it, LinkedIn is a market leader. Jack Gold, analyst at J. Gold Associates said: "Owning LinkedIn gives Microsoft a great way to keep a pulse on what business users are doing on the web and how they may use certain tools and products. This ability will give Microsoft lots of knowledge in how to deploy future products." Now is the time to wait and watch how this deal unfolds.


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Silicon usually comes in rigid chips. But while these chunks of semiconductors are good in computers and cell phones, they aren’t useful for a host of other applications, such as wearable electronics and bendable computers. Meanwhile, new types of polymer-based electronics are flexible but don’t offer the performance of silicon.
Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign recently showed how silicon can stretch in one dimension, like a rubber band. (See “Stretchable Silicon.”) Now, in the group’s most recent work, the researchers have made sheets of silicon that can stretch in two dimensions as well, which could make it possible to put electronics on spheres and surfaces with complicated shapes.
Over the past few years, there have been efforts in research labs and companies to make electronics flex and stretch. Flexible displays, for instance, are currently available. (See “Plastic Electronics Head for Market.”) But these displays rely on the circuits made of organic polymers, which don’t have the speed of silicon, so they can’t be used for computationally intensive tasks. In addition, flexible electronics are limited in the shapes that they can form. They can be rolled and bent, but they can’t conform to the shape of a hand, for instance.
The new results from the Illinois team, led by John Rogers, a professor of material science and engineering, build on the group’s earlier research with one-dimensional stretchy ribbons of silicon, in which they affixed ultrathin ribbons to a prestretched piece of rubber. When the strain on the rubber was released, the silicon ribbons buckled. Subsequently, the ribbons could be stretched again, pulling the silicon taut. However, these ribbons could only stretch in one dimension. A truly conformable sheet of electronics needs to stretch in two directions so it can, for instance, cover a sphere or some other three-dimensional object.
View a video of the formation of the wavy structures in a thin film of silicon.
So, instead of using ribbons of silicon, the researchers affixed sheets of silicon–ranging in size from three to five square millimeters and in thickness from 55 to 320 nanometers–to a stretched-out sheet of rubber. When the stretch was released, the silicon buckled to form complicated waves and zigzags, creating a never-before-seen silicon geometry (see multimedia video). Rogers says that his team was surprised by the actual geometry, a herringbone pattern, which resembles the varying diagonals of the fish’s backbone. Essentially, the snaking patterns of waves allow the sheets of silicon to stretch to two dimensions.
So far, says Rogers, his team has made functional diodes out of the two-dimensional stretchy silicon. The researchers have fabricated an array of square silicon pads that are connected to one another via ribbons of wavy silicon. This device design, Rogers says, could be used in a smart surgical glove that would measure the concentration of hormones or pH in the body, for instance.
In addition, the team is building an array of photo detectors on the stretchy silicon and placing it around a sphere to create an electronic eye. Such an application is many years down the road, says Rogers, but if researchers can get electronics and photo detectors onto a sphere, people can have a much more advanced and powerful camera that could be used in cell phones or by the military.
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Robot vacuum companies say your images are safe, but a sprawling global supply chain for data from our devices creates risk.
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After working for 25 years around the world in the restaurant industry, Brandon Moore has returned home to Tyler to open his own business.
He started as a bartender in college and has worked for franchises in Central and South America, the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East.
About a year ago, Moore, 46, returned to Tyler to serve as director of operations for a local investment group opening Steak ‘n Shake and Scooter’s Coffee franchises on University Boulevard. He also is one of four investors opening a Republic Icehouse in the same development, across the street from The University of Texas at Tyler.
There also will be a Watts Real Estate office and Boba-loompia!, which will offer bubble teas, spring rolls and Filipino takeout, in the retail center.
“This corridor has been underserved for years,” Moore said. He noted that the growth of the university, as well as the Woods subdivision, the nearby lake, New Chapel Hill and several businesses and apartments along University Boulevard will be served by the new businesses.
“Tyler is a great restaurant town,” he added.
Jack Morgan developed the land, which has been under construction for more than a year, and sold the land to the investment groups. There is one additional plot available.
In November 2012, Morgan, a partner in Dallas-based CHM Development, announced his plans for a 7-acre retail center called Patriot Commons.
“We’re very excited about it,” Morgan said. “We think it will service some real needs to that part of the community.”
The Tyler locations will be the first in East Texas for Steak ‘n Shake and Scooter’s.
Steak ‘n Shake was founded in 1934 in Normal, Illinois. Now based in Indianapolis, there are about 520 stores, Moore said.
On Tuesday, employees were being trained at Steak n’ Shake and Moore was waiting for the last bit of equipment and furnishings to be delivered.
Steak ‘n Shake has almost 150 employees and opens today.
Moore said it is a classic brand that has been around for years and offers high-quality steak burgers, milk shakes, salads and sandwiches.
The first drive-thru Scooter’s Coffee shop opened in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1998 and there are now more than 100 locations.
“We really loved Scooter’s concept and the quality of the coffee,” Moore said.
Scooter’s has 15 employees and offers pastries, coffee drinks and smoothies.
Moore said since opening Aug. 8, the response to Scooter’s has been great and two days after opening, they ran out of product and had to get a truck in from Omaha. So far, sales are on pace to make it one of the top stores, if not the top store, in the Scooter’s system, he added.
Moore said they already have plans to open a second Scooter’s and a Steak ‘n Shake next to Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe and Braum’s Ice Cream & Dairy Store on South Broadway Avenue. Dirt work has started and they hope to open the stores within six to eight months, he added.
“They’re totally opposite areas,” Moore said when asked about the second locations opening so quickly after the first stores. “The community over here needed new restaurants … and the traffic counts on South Broadway are incredible.”
Moore said they are looking at the Longview area for additional Steak ‘n Shakes and Scooter’s stores and believe the Tyler market would work for three to four Scooter’s. The investment group has an area development agreement for eight Scooter’s and five Steak ‘n Shakes in a nine-county area in East Texas.
Republic Icehouse will be the first of its kind and is the creation of Moore and three partners. It will be a sports bar and live music venue and with a 9-by-16-foot high-definition projection screen, will offer what Moore believes is the largest television from Dallas to Shreveport. There will also be 18 additional large flat-screen TVs for sports events. On the weekends, there will be live local and regional bands, such as Texas country classic rock, blues and today’s country.
The menu will include thin, crispy-crust pizzas, tacos, burgers, salads and a variety of appetizers. With 40 to 50 employees, they plan to open on Sept. 21.
The 5,200-square-feet building, still under construction, is a blend of brick, stone, concrete and wood and offers an outdoor patio with retractable garage doors. Moore and his partners designed it themselves and handed their ideas off to an architect.
“There has been a lot of blood, sweat and tears going into this thing,” he said.
Moore said they could eventually open additional locations but are focusing on getting the first one right.
Alfred Llave is bringing Boba-loompia! to the center.
One lease space remains available in the developed center.
Moore grew up in Tyler and started bartending while at Texas Tech University and got into restaurant and hotel management. He did international operations for one franchise for six years, worked as director of operations and director of field marketing for Pizza Inn for six years and as director of operations for Papa Murphy’s.
He said he loved the international work when he was younger and especially enjoyed the Caribbean, Brazil and London.
Moore said what he likes most about the industry is starting with zero and building it up to opening the doors to the public and watching them enjoy the “fruits of labor.”
After living mostly out of hotel rooms for the past 20-plus years, he is glad to be back.
“I’m very glad to be home, out of the rat race,” he said.


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The foreign drug manufacturer, Lupin Ltd., has decided to recall 9,210 bottles of the drug called Suprax. The recalled bottles of Suprax failed to pass various purity tests performed in the United States, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Although the defective products are alleged to be harmless by the manufacturer, purity tests are performed for the reason of identifying and removing potentially dangerous drugs from the market before anyone suffers injury. For this reason, New York consumers may wish to avoid consuming pills found in recalled bottles of Suprax -- for safety purposes.
Last year, Lupin Ltd. initiated a recall that affected even more bottles of its drugs when it recalled almost 65,000 bottles for discoloration problems. Other recalls affecting pharmaceuticals made by other manufacturers were also initiated this year. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd., and Ranbaxy Laboratories have all been affected by recalls in this calendar year.
The recall of Suprax comes as the FDA applies more scrutiny to the purity and quality of pharmaceutical medications made in India, where Lupin Ltd. is located. At this time, four out of every 10 of the generic medicines and over-the-counter treatments sold to United States consumers were manufactured in India. Considering that these drugs are distributed to consumers across the country, it is commendable that the FDA is applying more scrutiny to Indian manufacturers.
Doctors administer Suprax to their patients in order to treat and prevent bacterial infections. Patients who are battling infections are highly susceptible to impurities that can be found in defective drugs, and it is important that drugs ingested by these patients -- including Suprax -- be subjected to the highest standards. Any New York resident who suspects that he or she has been hurt after taking dangerous drugs may wish to investigate the strength of pursuing a products liability claim under the law.
Source: Reuters, "Lupin pulls over 9,000 bottles of anti-infective Suprax from U.S. -FDA", April 15, 2014


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Recent rise in trade deficit is not due to the oil prices
Of the total trade deficit of $18 billion in July 2018, the deficit on account of oil and petroleum products was smaller than the deficit for other items
Between January and July, the rise in trade deficit for crude oil and petroleum products has gone up from $7.9 billion to $8.4 billion. Over the same period, the rise in trade deficit for non-oil, non-petroleum products has been $1.8 billion ($7.8 billion in January compared to $9.6 billion in July). That means non-oil, non-petroleum products have contributed far more to the increase in the trade deficit in recent months.
What’s more, of the total trade deficit of $18 billion in July 2018, the deficit on account of oil and petroleum products was smaller than the deficit for other items. Clearly, it isn’t just oil prices that are a problem.
But is the rise in the trade deficit, from $15.7 billion in January 2018 to $18 billion in July, because of falling exports or rising imports? Well, exports have gone up a bit, a small part due to petroleum exports, but largely due to higher exports of other goods.
The problem is that the increase in imports has been much higher and, as we have seen, it’s not just oil imports. Both gold imports and non-oil, non-gold imports have increased.
A look at the growth in non-oil imports between January and June throws up some surprises. For starters, a large rise in imports has been in “chemicals and related items”, with fertilizer imports forming a big chunk. As widely noticed, imports of electronic goods too have gone up, but between January and June, the increase has not been because of mobile phones, but in computer hardware and electronic components. Gold imports too increased substantially. In July, iron and steel imports went up sharply.
The rise in non-oil imports, with a concomitant rise in the current account deficit, has worried the government, which prompted it to raise tariffs on several items. In the medium term, of course, there is no alternative to improving the competitiveness of our industries.
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OnePlus 2 couldn’t make it’s presence very well among the other brands in in the same range despite of having excellent specifications. However, a new flagship model probably OnePlus 3 might be coming soon. A screenshot of AnTuTu benchmark has been leaked on WeiboÂ giving us an idea of OnePlus 3 by revealing the hardware specifications of this upcoming smartphone. According to the leak, OnePlus 3 (OnePlus A3000) will be powered byÂ Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 Chipset and will run on Android 6.0.1. Â The device may also have a FullHD display screen with a resolution of Â 1920×1080 pixels powered by 4GB RAM and 32GB ROM. The device may also feature a 16MP rear camera and 8MP front camera.
ONEPLUS 3 RELEASE DATE
It was rumored that OnePlus 3 will be officially announced on April 7 2016 but the official made it clear that they are not going to release their next flagship smartphone on this rumored date.
The April 7 event is focused on the China market. We will not be launching our next device then. – Source
Although there hasn’t been any official confirmation yet, we can still hope for some official news or may be another leaked render of the smartphone next month.


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Wal-Mart plans Mankato distribution center — someday
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Executives from Wal-Mart Stores Inc. visited Mankato this fall and "kicked the dirt" at a highway interchange, which local officials took as a good sign that a long-rumored distribution center might finally be in the offing.
Mankato has been waiting for a Wal-Mart distribution center — a giant warehouse that would employ hundreds and supply stores around the region — since 2010, when the Bentonville, Ark.-based retailer said such a facility was in its five-year plan.
But that was the last official statement about the project, and previous reports that Wal-Mart was on the verge of announcing it have proven to be — well, wrong.
But Wal-Mart does own the land and presumably wants to do something with it. And the company is pushing its Minnesota expansion — its stores will soon outnumber Targets in Minnesota.
Mark Reilly manages daily and weekly coverage at the Business Journal newsroom.
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A FORMER fitness instructor to Victoria's Secret models has been arrested following accusations that he filmed his clients in their changing rooms.
John Benton, 41, was taken into custody on Wednesday on charges of invasive recording.
Court documents posted in the Dallas Morning News, alleges that he recorded clients during a period August 2020.
On Thursday his business issued a statement saying he was “stepping away,” effective immediately.
Via his website, Benton had previously described himself as the “hips whisperer” having been “known for making amazing strides in hip and waist reduction.”
He would regularly document his clients’ success by posting the number of inches they trimmed from their waists on his social media.
According to Harper’s Bazaar Benton's clients included Victoria's Secret models - claiming that models fly to Dallas just to train with him - and Miss USA winners.
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He even marketed his online fitness classes as a way to avoid being “that gym creeper guy.”
Speaking with The Bridal Journey, he said: “All my clients can do my workouts from home if they want so they can avoid that gym creeper guy that is in every gym.”
But, since his arrest, his in-person classes have been suspended.
A statement from his business read “Our clients, their respect and their safety are of the utmost importance to us at JB Model Fitness.”
“With that, given the recent allegations and this ongoing legal matter, the founder is stepping away from the business effectively immediately.
“We take this matter very seriously.”
John Benton Model Fitness is yet to comment.


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WASHINGTON - U.S. regulators on Friday will propose a 24 percent cut in carbon emissions for heavy-duty trucks by 2027 from expected 2018 emission levels, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters.
WASHINGTON - U.S. cars and light trucks will become more fuel efficient and safer -- but also more expensive -- by the end of the next decade, as a result of increasingly stringent environmental standards, a new research report said on Thursday.
CHICAGO - U.S. environmental regulators are expected within days to propose rules to make trucks more fuel efficient, and trucking industry executives and lobbyists familiar with the process said the rules will probably call for boosting fuel efficiency by 2027 nearly 40 percent from 2010 levels.
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OnePlus 7T and 7T Pro Specifications Leaked Ahead of Launch
Snapdragon 855+ processor may power OnePlus 7T and OnePlus 7T Pro.
OnePlus is all set to launch two new smartphones — OnePlus 7T and OnePlus 7T Pro — alongside the OnePlus TV one month from now. There have been bits of gossip that the launch will happen on 26 September however there is no affirmation on that yet. Reports recommend that the launch may now happen at some point one month from now. Notwithstanding, ahead of that, a leak has uncovered the complete details of both the claimed OnePlus 7T and OnePlus 7T Pro.
OnePlus 7T Specifications
As per a recent report by Compareraja, the OnePlus 7T will be powered by Snapdragon 855+ processor and will have up to 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage. The smartphone may feature a 6.55-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 90-Hz refresh rate and an in-display fingerprint sensor. When it comes to the camera, the smartphone may have a triple-rear camera setup that will have a 48 MP primary sensor, 16 MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 12 MP telephoto sensor. There might be a 16 MP camera, on the front.
The smartphone might be powered with a 3,800 mAh battery with Warp Charge 30T. It is expected to run on Android 10 based OxygenOS.
OnePlus 7T Pro Specifications
The report also says that the OnePlus 7T Pro is likely to feature a 6.65-inch QHD+ AMOLED display with a 90-Hz refresh rate and in-display fingerprint sensor. Snapdragon 855+ processor may power this smartphone and run on OxygenOS based on Android 10.
The OnePlus 7T Pro is likely to provide up to 8 GB RAM and 256 GB internal storage. On the camera front, the handset might sport a triple rear camera setup with 48 MP primary sensor, an 8 MP telephoto with 3x zoom and a 16 MP ultra-wide sensor. It might feature a 16 MP camera for selfies, on the front. It may be powered with a 4,085 mAh battery with Warp Charge 30T charging support.


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Despite it being her fourth guilty plea to retail theft charges since 2003, a former Aurora alderwoman was given the benefit of the county's Second Chance Probation diversion program Wednesday after admitting to shoplifting items from a Meijer store in 2016.
Lynne Johnson, 53, pleaded guilty to one count of felony burglary. If she successfully completes the two-year probation, no conviction will be entered.
As part of the probation, Johnson must complete 10 days in the Sheriff's Work Alternative Program in lieu of the mandatory 30 hours of community service. She must also submit to at least three random urine tests while on probation. Johnson must pay $1,012 in court costs.
Johnson, who was elected to serve Aurora's 10th Ward in 2013, declined to comment after entering her plea.
"I have so much I could tell you, but I can't right now," she said.
Johnson, of the 400 block of Plaza Place, originally was charged with misdemeanor retail theft after a plainclothes employee on Jan. 31, 2016, saw her take $55.21 worth of markers, pencils, party favors and ibuprofen by stuffing them in her purse, prosecutors said.
On Feb. 19, 2016, DuPage State's Attorney Robert Berlin's office upgraded the charges to felony burglary, saying Johnson entered the store with the intent to steal.
Assistant State's Attorney Sean Kinsella said Wednesday an employee at the Meijer on the 800 block of North Route 59 told police Johnson put the items in her purse before she paid for other goods. The employee confronted her outside the store and escorted her to the asset protection office.
Kinsella said Johnson told police "she wished she had paid for the items."
Johnson received supervision in August 2013 after pleading guilty to retail theft at the same Meijer. She also pleaded guilty to retail theft charges in 2003 in Bolingbrook and 2010 in Willowbrook.
Johnson was censured by the city council in 2015 and chose not to run for a second term in 2017.


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Apple won’t be exempt from any new tariffs, US President Donald Trumpt tweeted today.
“Apple will not be given Tariff wavers, or relief, for Mac Pro parts that are made in China,” reads a tweet from the US President Donald Trump. “Make them in the USA, no tariffs.”
The news arrives hot on the heels of a recent Bloomberg report claiming hApple asked the US government to exclude the new Mac Pro parts and select accessories, such as its Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad, from a 25 percent tariff on Chinese imports.
While some Apple products have been spared from tariffs in the past, including Apple Watch and AirPods, the new Mac Pro won’t be that lucky. The $6,000 Mac machine Pro will be assembled in China by Apple’s contract manufacturer Quanta Computers, The Wall Street Journal said recently.
The previous model was manufactured and assembled in Austin, Texas but the various challenges associated with running manufacturing operations efficiently and cost-effectively in the United States prompted the Mac maker to shift production of the new model to China. Apple on its part said that final assembly is only one part of the manufacturing process, underscoring that the new computer uses US-made components.
For those who have been sleeping under a rock lately, the Trump administration threatened an additional $300 billion in tariffs on Chinese imports. According to Trump’s tweet today, Apple won’t be exempt from any new tariffs. In other words, Apple will find itself in an unpleasant position should the US double down on its trade war against China.


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Leading up to next week’s North American International Auto Show, Infiniti has taken the wraps off its new Q60 Concept.
It’s officially labeled a concept, but Infiniti design director Alfonso Albaisa previously said this new concept will be “very, very, very, very close” to the next-generation Q60.
Infiniti hasn’t released any additional details aside from the single image, but we can expect the new Q60 wear striking styling closely inspired by the Q80 and Q50 Eau Rouge concepts.
As for what lies under the hood, expect the new Q60 to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor formerly known as the G37 coupe — essentially, it will be a two-door version of the Q50 powered by Infiniti’s 3.7-litre V6.
We’ll bring you more on the Q60 when the North American International Auto Show kicks off on in exactly one week.


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"It has the potential to become a fantastic fighting game. The core gameplay is very entertaining and the controls feel great."
And we've also got a price drop too.
This comes a week after it's removal from Evo.
Check out Training and Online Casual Match.
Gameplay trailer reveals Black Widow, Venom, and Winter Soldier's release date.
Capcom's financial report indicates sales are good.
Some of these will just be for PC and PS4 for now.
Trailer offers a look at some new moves.
Black Widow, Monster Hunter, Venom and Winter Soldier will join the fight.
We have a fight on our hands this afternoon.
Watch us play next week's big release.
We've been grappling with the upcoming fighter.
While a new trailer shows Chun-Li's new face and three newly announced fighters.
He was announced on the variant cover of The Defenders.
Turns out the "leaked" roster was incomplete.
Including Gamora, Spider-Man, Frank West, Nemesis, and Mike Haggar.


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Valve released today a new stable Steam Client update that brings more Linux and Vulkan improvements, support for new controllers, as well as other bug fixes.
It’s been two and a half months since the previous stable Steam Client update and now Valve pushed a new version that brings various bug fixes for Linux gamers, including a fix for an issue where the Steam Overlay “Force Quit” option wasn’t working for some native Linux games.
Also for Linux gamers, the new Steam Client update fixes an issue where some games were unable to create desktop shortcuts, a resource usage issue of the chat and browsers components when the Steam Client is minimized or closed, as well as an issue where the Steam Client triggered “split lock” warnings.
It looks like the Steam Overlay received quite some attention in this update as Valve improved support for Vulkan 1.3 apps, fixed a resource usage issue of the chat and web browser component that occurred in the Steam Overlay when it was hidden, and fixed an issue for Mac gamers where Steam Overlay was not displayed in some Metal games.
The new Steam Client update also brings good news for controller users as it introduces support for Nintendo Online classic controllers, support for the Qanba Obsidian and Dragon Arcade joysticks, and support for the HORI Fighting Stick Mini 4 controller. On top of that, Steam Client now comes with improved rumble emulation on DualSense Wireless Controllers with updated firmware.
Other than that, some Vulkan games that use the VK_EXT_graphics_pipeline_library should no longer crash, playback of certain game preview videos should now work flawlessly in the Steam Client, and it’s now once again possible to disable Steam Cloud Sync for your account.
Last but not least, the new Steam Client update fixes an issue where the “Your other games” section in the desktop version of the configurator wasn’t displaying results, an issue where incorrect controller configuration was loaded when starting a Remote Play stream, as well as an issue where the wrong Steam Cloud Sync failure was shown for remote games.
For more details, check out the release notes or read the changelog inside the Self Updater dialog. You can update to the new Steam Client version by going to the Steam menu and clicking on the “Check for Steam Client Updates” option.
Last updated 2 years ago


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Aug 9, 2017
G4S hails recovery as sales and profits rise
G4S, the world's largest security company, hailed progress in its recovery as it posted an increase in sales and profit for the first half of this year. The FTSE 100 group's shares fell almost 5 per cent in early trading, even as it said that revenue was up 6.2 per cent to £3.72bn at constant exchange rates in the six months to June 30, excluding businesses it has earmarked for sale or closure and onerous contracts. Although G4S did not break out figures for the second quarter, City analysts noted that organic growth slowed to an implied 3.5 per cent, after hitting 8.9 per cent in the first three months of the year. Revenue slumped in the Middle East as lower oil prices weighed on trading, while in India G4S was affected by demonetisation - the government's removal of a large number of banknotes from circulation. On a statutory basis, G4S recorded a 12.5 per cent increase in half-year revenue to £4bn, while profit before tax was £218m. The shares were down 4.93 per cent at 314.3p in morning trading in London.
Make a complaint about G4S by viewing their customer service contacts.


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Exhibition excellence workshop
Exhibition excellence workshop
Exhibitors at the forthcoming Hampshire Business Show have an opportunity to hone their lead generation skills in readiness for the packed expo this autumn.
Oxford Innovation, operator of Ocean Village Innovation Centre (OVIC) in Southampton, is the headline sponsor of the Hampshire Business Show, which has 96 stands and nearly 1,000 visitors registered.
Packed with advice and tips for exhibitors, the Exhibition Excellence Workshop will help exhibitors maximise commercial opportunities at the Hampshire Business Show.
Organised by OVIC occupier Mitchell & Stones, the business-to-business expo takes place at the Ageas Bowl, near Southampton, on Thursday, 10 October.
Additionally, aimed at improving those all-important introductions, a free workshop is being held at OVIC on Friday, 20 September, from 8.30am to 10.30am.
Mitchell & Stones is one of 46 companies based at OVIC, with regular networking events held on site as part of the centre’s business support ethos.
Will Palmer from Sandler Training, a business development specialist, provides the training for the workshop, which is included in the stands of exhibitors.
Stephen Deller, OVIC Centre Manager, said: “The workshop is the latest example of how OVIC facilitates events which are in the best commercial interests of our customers, their own networks and the wider business community in Southampton and beyond.
“We have a vibrant ecosystem that enables start-ups and early-stage ventures to share successes and, yes, failures, helping them avoid pitfalls and grow perhaps quicker and more astutely than if they were working in isolation.”
Josh Mitchell, co-founder of Mitchell & Stones, and the show’s event director, said: “I want to thank Stephen Deller from Oxford Innovation for extending sponsorship to the workshop, an excellent demonstration of our close working relationship.”
He added: “The workshop is a masterclass in how to instantly differentiate yourself and your staff from that of the painful, generic exhibitor ‘meet and pitch’ and how to accelerate every exhibition stand introduction straight into a lead-generating conversation about customer pain and how to take it away.”
The first of the two workshops was held at OVIC on Thursday (29 August).
Keynote speakers at Hampshire Business Show include Mark Wright, winner of the BBC’s The Apprentice and Chief Executive of digital marketing agency Climb Online, Brad Burton, billed as the UK’s number one motivational business speaker, and Alison Edgar, a thought leader, speaker, author and entrepreneur.
As well as the keynote speakers, there are business seminars, four business expo zones, a ‘meet me’ zone, a zone for business essentials and workshops such as Google Digital Garage ran by Google.
Register for your free ticket to the one-day, all-in-one B2B expo at www.hampshirebusinessshow.com or contact 023 8020 0568.
Companies at OVIC include Svitzer Marine, Stellamar, Rika Digital, YA Logistics (UK), Mastervolt, Popcorn Learning Media, DFS Composites, Foresight Data Consultancy, Bracknell Roofing, Business South, DHI Water Environments UK, MJM Marine, 7Bone, Worldwide Cruises, Payflow, James Fisher Prolec, IT@C, OneSpaWorld and Provision Events.
Ocean Village Innovation Centre is managed by Oxford Innovation, the UK’s leading innovation centre operator. With a UK wide network of over 20 centres, Oxford Innovation work on behalf of landlords and property investors, to manage their spaces and build communities for early stage and start-up business to thrive.
Other Oxford Innovation centres in Hampshire are BASE Bordon Innovation Centre, Fareham Innovation Centre and Portsmouth Technopole.
Interested in joining the business community at OVIC? Call us on 023 8038 1920 or visit oceanvillage-ic.co.uk to find out more.
Healthcare recruiter expands with serviced offices base
When Ebele Ossai started up a healthcare recruitment agency from her bedroom in January, she had no inkling she would need to relocate to a serviced office before the year was out.
Surge in workplace enquiries at Ocean Village Innovation Centre
With data showing that offices in the UK are now half full for the first time since the start of the pandemic, OVIC is experiencing new demand.
Yuno Media targets growth with OVIC business advice
Few businesses, however good, escape making mistakes – and how to bounce back is key


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Events have become a go-to revenue source for publishers, but growing a profitable business is not without its challenges.
If you are a niche publisher contemplating expansion or sale, there are plenty of questions to make you crazy and keep you awake at night.
- Hearst Magazines’ Joanna Coles To Samir “Mr. Magazine™” Husni: “Print Is Never Going To Go Away… It Will Continue To Evolve And Remain Relevant.
I think you’re seeing a move-back to print; a move-back to the appreciation that print is restorative; it’s actually information that you take in.
We are wrapping up the year by wrapping up the eighth issue of Digiday magazine, which is part of our premium membership program Digiday+.
Forrester predicts that 2018 will be the year that the display advertising bubble bursts, and that brands will significantly reduce their ad spend.
- Is The Digital Content Bubble About To Burst? For Some Of The Publishers Chasing The Broadest Scale, Maybe
A new study from the Reuters Institute examines the strengths and weaknesses of seven globally ambitious news companies.
A new digital magazine that aims to take a more analytic, in-depth and participatory approach to investigative journalism in Luxembourg has raised more than €150,000 in crowdfunding ahead of its launch in March 2018.
Bob Love, editor-in-chief of America’s most widely circulated print magazine, on defying stereotypes and growing a 60-year-old brand.
Time national correspondent Charlotte Alter pointed out after Wednesday’s reveal of the most influential person.


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Unlike every year, Google’s yearly Developer Conference for the year 2024 is happening on May 14, 2024. Taking to social media platform X, Google announced Google I/O 2024 date.
The countdown to #GoogleIO is here! ⏳
— Google (@Google) March 14, 2024
It is expected that Google I/O 2024 keynote will be presented live in front of a limited audience and it will be streamed globally.
What to expect from Google I/O 2024:
Google gave more focus on AI, Android, and its Pixel phones last year in its Google I/O 2023. Analyzing the past events of the company, this year also we can predict that Google I/O 2024 will be centered around AI, Android, and its flagship phone Pixel.
Digging into Google AI features, we can expect Google to partially launch its Gemini and its smaller version Gamma. Android 15 would potentially be launched in Google I/O 2024, with netizens anticipating its new flagship device, the Pixel 8a. As last year, Google unveiled its first foldable phone, the Google Fold; we can also expect potential teasers of the Pixel Fold 2 series at the time.
Also Read – A Comprehensive Look at Devin Ai: What It Can Do
In addition to these expectations, Google I/O is renowned for showcasing cutting-edge technology, hosting workshops, and providing valuable insights into the future of tech. The event typically takes place at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California, where developers, tech enthusiasts, and industry leaders gather to explore the latest innovations from Google.
Google’s Pixel phones have always been a highlight of the event. Known for their exceptional camera quality, seamless integration with Google services, and innovative features, the Pixel series continues to set new standards in the smartphone market. With the rumored launch of the Pixel 8a and teasers of the Pixel Fold 2 series, enthusiasts can expect groundbreaking advancements in mobile technology.
In addition to the excitement surrounding Google’s hardware announcements, attendees of Google I/O 2024 can also anticipate significant updates to the Android operating system. With the potential launch of Android 15, users can expect enhancements in performance, security, and user experience. Google has a history of introducing innovative features with each new Android iteration, and this year’s release is likely to be no exception. Developers will eagerly explore new APIs and tools to create even more immersive and powerful Android apps. From improved privacy controls to seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem, Android enthusiasts have much to look forward to at this year’s conference.
As anticipation builds for Google I/O 2024, tech enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the unveiling of new products, features, and developments that will shape the future of technology.


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Lowenstein Sandler represented Saltbox, Inc., the flexible co-warehousing and small business logistics pioneer, in its $35 million Series B funding round. The investment was co-led by Atlanta-based and family-owned Cox Enterprises Inc; a leader in the broadband, automotive and media industries, and Pendulum; a strategic growth investing and advisory platform designed for founders and leaders of color and previous investor in Saltbox.
This Series B round brings Saltbox's total funding to $56 million. The round also included investment from Playground Global, XYZ Capital, Fundrise, Kapor Capital, Wilshire Lane Capital, Colliers, Lincoln Property Company, Flexport and Overline among others. Funding will support developing Saltbox's core technology stack powering its end-to-end logistics platform for small and growing ecommerce businesses.
Of Saltbox's more than 500 members across its ten co-warehousing locations, more than 70 percent are ecommerce companies that sell physical goods directly to consumers. These SMBs span numerous industries including fashion and apparel, health and beauty, home goods, resale, and tech in the hardware and services sectors. Half of Saltbox member businesses are led by women or people of color.


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Garner, NC – December 5, 2023
Improved Nature Launches Program to Deliver 15 Million Plant-Based Meals a Week in Indonesia
Improved Nature® LLC, a leading plant-based protein company, has entered into a joint venture with Nutricell, a Singapore-based health and nutrition company, to tackle food insecurity in Indonesia. The partnership was announced at Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia in Singapore where Improved Nature President and CEO Dr. Rody Hawkins presented strategies to feed global populations with high-quality plant-based protein. During the event, Improved Nature and Nutricell company leaders also met with large corporations and industry leaders to discuss this joint mission in-depth.
More than 15 million school-aged children in Indonesia are facing food insecurity. According to the World Food Programme, nearly 31% of children under age five are experiencing stunted growth because they lack necessary dietary requirements. Because of its high protein content, it will only take 7 grams of Improved Nature’s PRIME product per student each week to supplement their diets.
“Improved Nature is uniquely qualified to meet this challenge and deliver the nutrition needed because of our high-protein, long shelf-life, easily prepared and nutritious PRIME products,” said Dr. Rody Hawkins. “In 2015, we set out on a mission to feed the planet with a better protein. This joint venture perfectly aligns with our company’s mission to provide affordable, high-quality plant-based protein to those in need.”
This initiative will leverage the distribution networks of both the National Food Board and private sector entities to ensure efficient and widespread delivery of these essential meals.
Nutricell CEO Eddy Sunanto said, “I would like to express my profound gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with Improved Nature, a renowned leader in shelf-stable meat and food technologies. Improved Nature’s unique value proposition, characterized by its singular ingredient composition, presents a significant advantage in terms of ingredient sourcing. The company’s Nature’s PRIME products not only ensure exceptional nutrition and texture but also offers the flexibility to create diverse tastes, flavors, and savory profiles, aligning perfectly with the rich and varied culinary culture of Asia, which is well known for its extensive use of spices and intricate recipes.”
Improved Nature’s products offer a complete protein that delivers more potassium, dietary fiber, calcium, and iron than its animal-based counterparts. The company turns sustainably sourced, non-GMO soy protein into flavor-ready products that replicate the texture of meat with advanced natural nutrition and a clean ingredient label.
For more information about Improved Nature, visit www.ImprovedNature.com.
About Improved Nature
Improved Nature’s plant-based proteins are the cleanest and most versatile plant-powered products on the market. The company’s plant-based protein products are made from only one ingredient that provides complete protein. The products deliver meat-like texture and neutral flavor which allows for unlimited menu possibilities. Improved Nature is on a mission to feed the growing population with better protein. To learn more, visit www.ImprovedNature.com.
Nutricell, a Singapore-based health and nutrition company, is renowned for its innovative approach in the development and distribution of nutritional products and supplements. Operating from the heart of Southeast Asia, Nutricell focuses on combating dietary challenges and enhancing public wellness. Their diverse product range includes dietary supplements and fortified foods, specifically designed to cater to varying health needs across age groups. Learn more about their mission and products at www.nutricell.io.
Investor Relations Contact:
David Swintosky, VP Corporate Development
Media Relations Contact:


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Your Tuesday Mobile Pint: the top mobile stories from the past 24 hours, good to the last drop.
Windows Phone hits 100K apps, but who’s getting the money? (via VentureBeat)
More importantly, almost exactly two thirds of the apps in the Marketplace are free. A further ten percent offer a free trial period, after which they are paid apps. Of paid apps, around 62 percent cost $0.99, and 81 percent of paid apps sell for less than $3 each.
Google Acquires Mobile Productivity Company Quickoffice (via TechCrunch)
Google just announced that it has acquired Quickoffice, a company best known for its mobile productivity suite for Android and iOS. Google plans to bring Quickoffice’s “powerful technology” to its own Apps product suite. Quickoffice allows its users to create and edit Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents on their mobile devices. The company says its software is currently installed on over 300 million devices in more than 180 countries.
Android smartphone sales sink in U.S. for fourth consecutive month (via BGR)
the number of new users who purchased an Android smartphone has steadily declined in each of the first four months of 2012. Apple’s iPhone, on the other hand, has continued to grow year-over-year while Google’s Android operating system in April registered its slowest user growth since 2009.
Sprint’s Virgin Mobile Becomes The Second Carrier To Offer A Prepaid iPhone (via TechCrunch)
We still don’t know how much the carrier will ask for the unlocked device, but we can expect something close to Cricket’s $499 price tag, for competitiveness’s sake. It’s also unclear whether or not Boost, another one of Sprint’s prepaid carriers, will carry the device.
Apple continues to dominate tablet market, Kindle Fire demand fizzles (via BGR)
ABI Research on Monday revealed the results of a its latest study concerning the global tablet market, which grew a whopping 185% year-over-year. The research firm found that Apple’s iPad continued to dominate the market, and after an explosive debut quarter, demand for Amazon’s Kindle Fire has begun to slow. Manufacturers shipped more than 18 million tablets in the first quarter of 2012, with Apple accounting for 11.8 million devices, or nearly 65% of the market.
Pre to postmortem: the inside story of the death of Palm and webOS (via The Verge)
Thirty-one. That’s the number of months it took Palm, Inc. to go from the darling of International CES 2009 to a mere shadow of itself, a nearly anonymous division inside the HP machine without a hardware program and without the confidence of its owners. Thirty-one months is just barely longer than a typical American mobile phone contract.
‘Thank God’ for Apple’s beautiful crystal prisons (via BGR)
“Thank God Apple is the way it is, especially with so many schools purchasing iPads,” Testorff told BGR. “It is good that it is so difficult for kids to download and install bad Apps. Not every school knows how to police that. At least Apple does some of the policing for us. With Androids, it’s like the Wild West.”


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Damages may spark GKN sale
Sunday 12 January 1997
A judge is due to deliver his verdict early next month, with a figure for damages based on the jury's recommendation.
GKN believes the judge may reduce the award by a small amount, but not enough to persuade GKN to drop its planned appeal. If the company loses the appeal, however, it could see the damages more than tripled to half a billion dollars.
The company says that until the court case Meineke had been a satisfactory business and a "steady little earner". However, a company spokesman said it no longer "fitted comfortably" in GKN's three core businesses.
Although a supplier of automotive parts, it is currently grouped in the industrial services arm, alongside Chep, the fast-growing palettes business, and Cleanaway, the UK waste disposal operation, which together dwarf the franchise operation.
The award for damages was made after some franchisees claimed that Meineke should have passed on to them commission rebates it obtained on press advertising over a period of time. The award of pounds 91.6m was ordinary damages, for the lost commission plus interest.
GKN is convinced, however, that it has a strong case for seeing the damages reduced substantially, although it believes it will probably have to make some payment.
The spokesman said that GKN would review Meineke's long-term future in the group after the appeal process was concluded, which would not be for several months. He added that a sale would be a possibility.
- 1 Kylie Jenner challenge: Bizarre lip suction device inspired by Kardashian sister goes viral
- 2 Rarest Beanie Baby bought for just £10 at car boot sale could be sold for £62,500 on eBay
- 5 Giorgio Armani criticises the way some gay men dress saying 'a man has to be a man'
Rarest Beanie Baby bought for just £10 at car boot sale could be sold for £62,500 on eBay
Katie Hopkins and The Sun editor are reported to police for incitement to racial hatred following migrant boat column
Australian student Tommy Connolly, 23, adopts his pregnant, homeless 17-year-old cousin to give her a chance at 'a better life'
Giorgio Armani criticises the way some gay men dress saying 'a man has to be a man'
Electronic waste worth £34bn piling up in 'toxic mine', warns UN report
If I’m being racially abused I don’t need a stranger with a saviour complex to rescue me
The only black face in the Ukip manifesto is on the page about overseas aid
Ukip is the only main political party to not address LGBT rights in its manifesto
Food banks: One million Britons will soon be using them, according to Trussell Trust
Religion isn't growing, it is becoming vigorous in its demise, says philosopher AC Grayling
BBC election debate: The one photo that summed up the whole 90-minute leaders debate
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