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Playson HD Position Titles Go Live with Quickfire and Gameflex
Malta-based video gaming computer software creator Playson announced that it possess joined into circulation agreements with Quickfire and Iforium. Under her conditions, Playson’s HD position material will get live making use of the platform that is microgaming-powered better as Iforium’s Gameflex and can being accessible to their own channels of intercontinental playing providers.
The necessary integration that is technical Microgaming’s system is done and the video games are expected is founded any time soon. The titles that have been integrated to Quickfire add Dracula’s group, crazy Hunters, Lucky Pirates, Alice in Wonderslots, etc.
Leaving comments throughout the partnership contract with Microgaming, Adam Daniel, controlling manager of Playson, said that it is very interesting to sooner or later bring their unique job on to a launch period. Mr. Daniel more mentioned that Quickfire enjoys unmatched market penetration and therefore the staff has been specifically receptive and cooperative through the entire integration procedure. He furthermore added that Playson is wanting forward to constructing on its energy, following launch of the games from the Quickfire gaming system.
Tom Chamberlain, Head of Quickfire at Microgaming, mentioned that it is big getting Playson as development companion. The official included that the integration techniques was actually rapid and positively hassle-free and now the gaming program keeps access that is full Playson’s collection of gaming titles.www.beatingonlinecasino.info The video games would be offered to all 400 internet casino brands which can be live on Quickfire.
As previously mentioned above, it has also been established previous today that after having a effective program integration, Playson’s video gaming games may also get real time with fellow on line games software designer Iforium. Mr. Daniel said that they being satisfied due to their latest partner and that they were thrilled getting supplying her video games to the organization. The casino that is online is arranged is established and start to become readily available to Iforium customers for the months in the future.
Iforium Chief Executive Officer Phil Parry asserted that these are typically delighted that their unique Gameflex casino system is just about the latest companion to be working together with Playson. He furthermore pointed out that the addition with the Malta-based businesses items providing will furthermore improve their portfolio, which now has more than 3,500 video gaming games. The executive determined that they need constructed exemplary partnership with Playson’s team and this also has guaranteed the fast end for the integration techniques, and that they looking forward to distributing their new partner’s contents through the Gameflex system.
Superbet Selects SafeCharge as Repayments Partner
Carrier of web repayment solutions SafeCharge revealed these days that it happens to be selected by Romanian betting operator Superbet as its partner that is preferred for provision of both on line deposit and detachment alternatives.
To get a lot more precise, the gambling that is romania-based, regarded as one of the biggest to get presently functioning in that certain markets, enjoys chosen SafeCharge’s Personalised Cashier answer. On top of other things, the customized deposit and detachment product supplies varied alternative payment methods, fraudulence cures providers, and helps a number of currencies and languages.
Essentially, Personalised Cashier can give Superbet’s gambling subscribers the chance to initiate deposits, demand distributions, and to choose a fees way of their own selection for each purchase they make. SafeCharge enjoys constantly remarked that the approval process for withdrawals is completely clear, offering participants the chance to keep track of their particular withdrawals‘ condition and gaming providers to ascertain operations that are straightforward.
Commenting regarding the not too long ago attained collaboration contract, SafeCharge CEO David Avgi mentioned that as they are bringing in their particular technology-based repayment answers to more major gambling providers, they’re applying their own eyesight to boost every understood part of both the deposit and withdrawal funnels and to make the deposit and withdrawal journey a lot easier for members. Mr. Avgi further mentioned that by picking SafeCharge and its Personalised Cashier option, Superbet try putting the confidence in to the providers to simply take their present land-based procedures to everyone of online gambling.
Sacha Dragic, CEO of Superbet, asserted that obtained decided to utilize SafeCharge as a result of the organizations good character inside the gambling on line market in addition to sports betting one, in specific. Mr. Dragic additionally revealed that they are certain that their own cooperation with SafeCharge can make it easy for these to provide users ’seamless and safe‘ web supplying due to the fact cost supplier aids payments for Superbet’s target opportunities. The exec also praised Personalised Cashier’s unique customization and additionally their scam protection treatments.
A week ago, SafeCharge established that Paddy Power Betfair keeps selected it as the best cost innovation partner. The gambling that is dublin-headquartered have, too, opted for the company’s Personalised Cashier so as to provide consumers together with the possible opportunity to complete money purchases rapidly and safely regardless of whether these include homes or on the road.


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Vu Vinh Phu, president of the Ha Noi Super Market Association, talked to Thoi bao Kinh doanh (Business Times) about the need to curb prices rises for petrol and electricity supplies.
How do you envision the impact of the recent price hike of petrol, electricity and clean water on the market?
The price of electricity increased by 5 per cent, and the price of petrol increased four times in a single month. Petrol and electricity are the two most important commodities as they enable society to function. Such price hikes will immediately have a domino effect on the prices of non-essential commodities, including transport fees. That's why decisions to increase or decrease prices of essential goods must be thoroughly considered.
At present consumption has been reduced by half compared with previous years. In addition, goods circulation (except the price element) is reported at just six per cent against the 11 or 12 per cent of previous years.
The domino effect of the high price of inputs on people's purchasing power will eventually lead to inventories piling up in factories. As a result, production has slowed down. More seriously, it causes instability in production and business. According to the General Statistics Office (GSO), the consumer price index (CPI) of August is 0.63 per cent – which may provoke the return of inflation.
Due to the hike in petrol prices, at present about 30 per cent of fishing boats in the country are anchored as fishermen complain that they can't make any profit from their fishing. Meanwhile, thousands of poultry farms are empty as the farmers don't have money to buy animal feed due to the price hikes. More seriously, if things keep going like this, by the end of this year, the imbalance between the money supply and goods supply will lead to inflation rearing up again. This is a warning many experts agree on.
Some people say that one of the causes of the market fluctuation is the poor distribution system. Do you agree?
In our country the price of many commodities does not truly reflect their production cost, as there are quite a few additional costs such as transportation of the commodities that are included in the price.
The first draft of a plan for a national distribution system was completed, but it was rejected by the government due to its poor quality. The weakest point of the draft is that it focuses mainly on distribution activities while neglecting to link these activities with production or establish a supply chain from producers to retailers.
Of course, the meaning of the phrase ‘distribution system' is very broad. It should cover any costs incurred in the long journey from the manufacturers to the buyers, in addition to production costs.
Some people have proposed that to solve the problem a Market Surveillence Commission should be established, affiliated with the National Assembly. The commission will be independent from the government. How do you respond to that suggestion?
The most important thing now is that existing authorised price controlling agencies must exercise their duties to the fullest. I don't think the establishment of the commission will help. In addition, the work ethic of the people involved in the job must also be strong.
If it is so how can we control the market?
There are thousands of essential commodities sold in the market, but we should focus on only basic commodities as food (rice, meat, cooking oil, salt, sugar, dairy products and others), energy (petrol, oil and gas, electricity and coal), clean water and medicine.
For the group of energy, it is important that the government is in a position to regulate prices and provide conditions for enterprises to participate in the market through fair competition.
In addition, the government should restructure the distribution system which is based on the model "from farm to folk" with the involvement of relevant agencies in a transparent manner. — VNS

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Meredith Placko has just published a glowing review of Samskara on Geek.com.
Meredith visited the 360Dome/BlackBoxTV Studios stand at the E3 Expo in Los Angeles and saw what audiences at festivals around the world have experienced over the past year. She described it as a “step into the beautiful and terrifying mind of artist Android Jones”. We’ve spent a bit of time with Android Jones in the past few years , so we don’t think his mind is too terrifying, but we are pleased that Meredith appreciates the journey he took her on.
At around the same time the article dropped, we published a 360 teaser for Samskara on Facebook introducing it to a whole new audience, with over 30,00 views in a few days. We will be bringing the full version of Samskara to headsets like Oculus Rift and HTC Vive soon, but in the meantime keep an eye out for it at a dome cinema near you.
You can read the Geek.com article here:
and view the teaser here:


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Despite recent calls for regulation and recent orders to stop trading, today the price of bitcoin has smashed through $5,000 to an all-time high.
The cryptocurrency has risen to $5,303.98 today having started the year at $966. Bitcoin is now worth over 5X it’s value ending 2016 and is currently worth over four times the value of an ounce of gold – $1,293.62.
Despite a plunge in September, triggered by exchanges in Beijing being ordered to stop trading and block new registrations, which saw Bitcoin drop below $3000 – and calls for regulation for all cryptocurrencies from Russian President Vladimir Putin amid concerns over “serious risks” of tax evasion, money laundering, and even funding terrorism, Bitcoin has rebounded strongly and is now surpassing its previous highs.
Bitcoin is finding more acceptance worldwide, even with a looming aura of a perceived bubble burst, from smaller vendors as businesses like: Dish, Overstock, Newegg, Microsoft, and Expedia continue to embrace Bitcoin usage.


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- rental giant hertz announced this morning that it is ordering 100,000 tesla model 3 evs, giving it "the largest ev rental fleet in north america" and making evs 20 percent of the hertz fleet.
- hertz promised that customers will start to find tesla model 3 cars at some locations in the u.s. and europe starting in early november. the full 100,000-car order is expected to be fulfilled by the end of 2022.
- hertz said it will also install "thousands" of charging stations in its locations, which will supplement tesla's already expansive supercharger network, and will set up an expedited app-based booking process for the evs.
in a major move both for tesla and the rental-car market, hertz has announced it has ordered 100,000 teslas. the rental-car company's $4.2 billion order represents the largest single ev purchase to date, as bloomberg noted this morning. tesla model 3 cars will start appearing in hertz airport and other rental locations next month, and the cars will continue to roll out across u.s. and europe locations through the end of 2022.
hertz also announced today that customers who rent a model 3 before february 1, 2022, who use the tesla charging network will get free charging privileges. the announcement did not specify whether all 100,000 cars will be model 3s but did not mention other tesla models.
a big part of this deal, of course, is that hertz customers will get to use tesla's expansive supercharger network, and hertz also said it will install "thousands" of chargers across the u.s. and europe. the hertz plan is to set up level 2 and dc fast-charging stations in 65 cities by the end of 2022 and more than 100 by the end of 2023, although the rental company alluded to "semiconductor chip shortages or other constraints" as one reason that ambition could be delayed.
hertz is also promising faster booking through an ev-specific function on the hertz app.
the rental-car company first offered evs in 2011 and started offering the tesla model s at airports in california in 2013, but as recently as 2017 hertz and enterprise both told car and driver that they were cutting their ev fleets because of low demand. one obvious difference between 2017 and today is that the growth of tesla's supercharger network makes an ev rental a much more practical proposition.


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By Brian Flinchpaugh
The Dardenne Prairie Board of Aldermen has again continued a public hearing for a development plan for 15.79 acres of a tract known as the Bopp Property, located north of Feise Road near Bryan Road, to allow the owners of the tract to submit a new traffic study.
The board voted April 6 to continue the public hearing on a planned unit development [PUD] request submitted in February by the tract’s owners, the Cora Bopp Limited Partnership. The public hearing also had been continued from the board’s March 16 meeting.
City officials are also not expected to make a decision on a site plan for the first specific tenant discussed for the tract, a Walmart Neighborhood Market, until at least May.
The partnership owns 86.5 acres in the area, with the 15.79-acre area slated as the first portion to be developed.
The PUD request covers five parcels on the 15.79 acres – a 50,000 square-foot grocery store, 24,000 square feet of retail space, 26,000 square feet for a bank or retail space, 3,000 square feet for a fast food restaurant and a 740-square-foot gas station. Two of the five parcels would be purchased by Walmart for the Neighborhood Market store and gas station.
On March 9, Walmart announced plans to build the approximately 46,000-square-foot grocery store and gas station. The store is about a fourth of the size of a regular Walmart Supercenter store and smaller than competing supermarkets, and would be the third Neighborhood Market recently opened in St. Charles County.
Development of the store and of the overall 86.5-acre Bopp Property has drawn a sharp response from Dardenne Prairie and nearby O’Fallon officials worried about the impact the development could have on Bryan Road’s traffic.
City officials had a number of questions for the partnership, particularly about the traffic issue. Access points for traffic have to be approved off Feise Road by Dardenne Prairie. Rights of way off Bryan Road are controlled by O’Fallon.
Dardenne Prairie Mayor David Zucker told the board at their April 6 meeting that partnership officials were expected to provide new traffic and other additional information. The public hearing would remain open until the board’s April 20 meeting, when the board could also consider the PUD request.
The board also is expected to consider the site plan for the Walmart Neighborhood Market store sometime in May. The site plan will first be submitted to the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission, then to the board.
Zucker said he met with Walmart officials to discuss city requirements for the building, and presented them with a picture of a similar Walmart store in Pleasanton, California. “We can make a lot of people happy with a building that looks like this, as opposed to the industrial warehouse look they submitted with their original proposal,” Zucker told aldermen.
Zucker said he assured Walmart officials that the city also is amenable to revising a city ordinance adopted in 2004 that sets architectural standards along Bryan Road and other parts of the city.
Meanwhile, Zucker said partnership officials have not gotten any feedback regarding traffic from O’Fallon officials.
O’Fallon officials wanted access points on Bryan Road to line up with that city’s road cuts on the east side of the road. They’ve also asked for an overall traffic study for the entire Bopp Property, for which development plans haven’t been finalized.
“What I propose for our government is that we take care of our business; we make sure our requirements are satisfied,” Zucker said. He said the city wants a “sound traffic study” that will allow the board to make an informed judgement based on good data.
“O’Fallon will just have to play catch up- that’s all I need to say about O’Fallon,” he said.


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Customers hit with late payment fees by Telstra, Optus and Vodafone are being asked to join a class action, as lawyers deem these fees "unlawful".
Dodo has been called out by the Australian Media and Communications Authority for failing to properly notify its customers about broadband data usage.
Telstra is claiming a world first on recent trials of its LTE-A network, with a live test combining three data channels to achieve speeds of 450Mbps, three times the current theoretical 4G peak speeds available in Australia.
A number of senior Australians have been left without telephone and internet connections following the collapse of telecommunications company OneSeniors.
Europe's fourth-largest telco says no payment info was stolen but warns customers they could be targeted for scams.
Australian telcos unveil pricing details for the Samsung Galaxy S5.
Telco Medion has provided a court enforceable undertaking to the ACCC after misrepresenting its Aldi Mobile Unlimited Pack, which had significant usage restrictions.
While Telstra receives upwards of 85,000 requests for metadata from law enforcement each year, the telco has revealed police still use a very retro method to file the paperwork.
A leading digital privacy group has joined Telstra in warning that metadata stored under a mandatory data retention scheme could become a tempting cache of personal information for hackers.
Nokia made a better-than-expected profit in 2014 as it transforms after selling its phone business to Microsoft.


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Study: Mobile Marketing Field Growing Quickly
A new study by the Mobile Marketing Association finds the field is experiencing rapid growth in both investment and employment—something associations could certainly benefit from. But beyond promoting the industry, the study has a secondary motive: Warding off regulation.
If mobile isn’t a big part of your strategy, you might be missing on a quickly rising movement.
That’s the stance that the Mobile Marketing Association, a trade group focused on supporting the budding industry in a number of ways. But while the MMA Mobile Marketing Economic Impact Study shows a huge amount of potential for the industry’s growth, the secondary goal of the study might prove equally interesting to associations.
More key points from the study below:
How big could the industry get? The MMA study suggests that the industry could nearly triple in size from a job-creation level, from 524,000 jobs in 2012 to 1.4 million in 2015. It also predicts the industry will explode financially, jumping from $6.7 billion in investments in 2012 to a projected $19.8 billion by 2015. The marketing reach could be even wider—the association estimates that the impact of mobile marketing could surge from $139 billion in 2012 to more than $400 billion in 2015. And things don’t appear to be slowing, according to one the study’s researchers. “Historically, spending in all other mediums eventually flattens out and declines. We don’t see that curve in the data that we have,” said Columbia University marketing professor Joe Plummer, who spoke to AdAge.
The potential for social impact: One thing the study emphasizes is the role that such products could play in improving day-to-day routines. Mobile devices could, for example, help consumers save gasoline by helping them find a parking spot much more easily, or help prevent adverse effects from medicine by offering consumers more information on prescription drugs. For associations, clearly this stretches in many ways, from mobile payments to audience targeting to membership benefits.
How much should you spend? With the industry growing at a quick rate, the association recommends that, on average, marketers should spend 7 percent of their marketing budgets on mobile products or advertising—a finding based on a 2012 study of the return on investment of mobile marketing. “Increasing mobile investment to the levels recommended will produce better business results for the same budget,” the association asserts.
On regulatory matters
While the study is meant to point out the benefits of marketers spending on mobile, there’s also a regulatory case here, Ad Age notes. As the industry grows, it may face increased regulation along the lines of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, an early bill on internet privacy. The association is hoping to prevent similar regulatory efforts on mobile marketing. “Asking a bunch of people who are unfamiliar with mobile marketing to set up digital policy might inhibit innovation,” MMA’s CEO Greg Stuart, told the publication. “Let’s not stifle job growth.”
The association notes in the study that self-regulatory efforts are already underway in the industry—a key element of ensuring consumer loyalty.
“Without consumer trust, no marketing media can sustain the high levels of customer engagement necessary to deliver scalable sales impacts,” the study states. “The always-on, always-present personal character of the mobile device introduces new communications opportunities for mobile marketers while raising new issues for the industry about how best to ensure consumers continue to trust the privacy practices of a medium they are already deeply engaged with.”
How do you see mobile marketing as playing a role in your organization’s long-term plans? Let us know your take in the comments below.


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The environmental awakening e-commerce needs
Author: Veena Harbaugh
The jury is still out on how much environmental benefit may come from the shift to remote work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fewer commuters and cars on the road are breaths of fresh air. But another trend has seen a boom from the pandemic: more delivery trucks bringing us the spoils of our online shopping addiction. E-commerce transportation accounts today for 3 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions but is on track to become 17 percent by 2050. How significant is 17 percent? Currently, global transportation activities (aviation, rail, shipping, heavy and light trucking) are responsible for about 17 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Corporations, small businesses, consumers and the shipping industry as a whole must all be accountable and work together to reduce the environmental harms of e-commerce, mitigate further harm to the environment and find a more sustainable path forward.


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Bollywood actress Neha Dhupia joined Venu Nair, Managing Director of Marks and Spencer Reliance India, to celebrate the opening of the store.
The newly extended 30,000 square feet store will provide customers with a bigger and better shopping experience – showcasing M&S’s most extensive range of exceptional quality, confident styles across clothing and beauty in Delhi to date.
The store also features the first Marks & Spencer Lingerie & Beauty department in New Delhi and follows the retailer’s launch of its world-first department at M&S Hill Road in Bandra, Mumbai last month.
The new concept is dedicated to bringing the very best of M&S’s exceptional quality, stylish lingerie and edited beauty offer to customers. The move which will see M&S make up sold in Delhi for the first time is in line with M&S’s strategy to capitalise on growth of the lingerie and beauty markets in India,
Speaking from M&S South Extension, Neha Dhupia said: “I am delighted to be associated with the launch of the Marks & Spencer’s bigger and better flagship store in New Delhi at South Extension.
"I’ve been an M&S customer for years and love the experience every time I shop at M&S. Marks & Spencer is a much-loved British brand and its latest winter collections make a strong style statement for the winter and party season ahead. It’s great to have such a large and inspiring store at the heart of New Delhi and I’m sure shoppers will love it.”
Venu Nair, Managing Director of Marks & Spencer Reliance India, said: “Our newly extended flagship at South Extension offers us a special opportunity to bring the very best of Marks & Spencer to customers in Delhi – offering our customers a truly international shopping experience with exciting fashion displays and our widest range of quality, stylish clothing and beauty products in the city.
"As we continue to build a leadership position in India, creating an inspirational flagship store, such as South Extension and our recently opened Mumbai flagship in Bandra, complements our supporting stores in these cities and across the country.”
Exceptional quality, stylish fashions
M&S South Extension has been designed to inspire and delight customers, with exciting visual displays to complement M&S’s most extensive range of exceptional quality, stylish fashions in India. The revamped store will offer customers the latest winter collections across womenswear, lingerie, menswear and kidswear, as well as accessories and a special edit of beauty products.
Customers can choose from quality, timeless wardrobe staples such as winter coats, jackets and knitwear, as well as trend-led wearable fashion pieces including a luxurious Autograph leather & suede skirt, an elegant Limited Edition checked shift dress in wool and an animal print jumper from M&S Collection.
The store’s clothing collections will also feature a host of clever product innovations, for example Secret Support dresses that help customers drop a dress size with integrated shapewear, whilst Insolia technology in its footwear ranges improves comfort and stability.
Technical textiles industry moving back to Europe
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Broadcast Wearables Pvt Ltd
Hyderabad-based Broadcast Wearables has come up with the country's first...
European School of Business & innovation
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INDA, a global association of the nonwoven fabrics industry, has been...


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Introducing senseFly eBee X with Agisoft Metashape Professional
senseFly, the global leader in fixed-wing drones, today announces a new limited-time offer which combines the senseFly eBee X—and its highly precise suite of cameras— with intelligent photogrammetry software from Agisoft Metashape. From today until September 30, 2019, customers who purchase an eBee X with one of the following...
senseFly Signs National Distribution Agreement With CartoCanada
Agreement with newly formed business entity comprised of Canada’s two leading drone sales organizations Raleigh, North Carolina, July 15, 2019 — senseFly, the global leader in fixed-wing drones, is excited to announce CartoCanada as its new Canadian distribution partner. The new business is the culmination of a merger of...
Introducing the senseFly eBee X With MicaSense RedEdge-MX, A Seamless Dual Solution for Accurate & Efficient Crop Analysis
senseFly, the leading provider of fixed-wing drone solutions, and MicaSense, a leading producer of drone sensors for agriculture, today announced a new dual solution for efficient, in-depth crop analysis—the senseFly eBee X with MicaSense RedEdge-MX. “We know from agricultural customers such as agronomists, crop consultants and researchers that deep,...


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David Cameron chose the west London borough of Ealing to launch the government's latest crackdown on illegal immigrants.
Holiday tour operator Thomas Cook is under fire for its muted response to the deaths of two children who died of carbon monoxide poisoning on holiday in Corfu in 2006.
UK consumer prices turned negative in April for the first time, falling to -0.1 per cent. Good news for consumers - but is there a downside?
The parents of two children killed by carbon monoxide poisoning on holiday in Corfu accuse Thomas Cook of not apologising despite an inquest's concluding the travel firm "breached its duty of care."
Sajid Javid, the new Business Secretary appears to dismiss business concerns over a potential Brexit, saying the most important thing was to press ahead with a renegotiation and an in/out referendum.
The Tories have swept to power with an unexpected majority and the resignation of their three rival leaders. With such a mandate, what might the second term look like? Channel 4 News asked experts.
The chief executive of electric car maker Tesla launches a networked battery harnessing solar power, which he thinks could herald the end of the conventional power-sharing grid.
Prime Minister David Cameron's stockbroker father died leaving assets offshore in the tax haven of Jersey, a Channel 4 News investigation can reveal.
A week before the general election and in the week when the Tories are stressing that the economy is safe in their hands, today's figures point to a marked slowdown.


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Kitchens@, India’s leading cloud kitchen company, has announced its partnership with ITC Sunfeast Baked Creations and ITC Master Chef Creations. The partnership marks ITC’s debut into the food service online space. Kitchens@ is a digital accelerator of power food brands providing end-to-end solutions to F&B businesses from asset light-cloud kitchens to a highly efficient last-mile delivery readiness. This partnership will enable ITC Foods to enter food service play at a city scale while operating from several cloud kitchen locations across Bengaluru. Kitchens@ will operate the day-to-day functions for ITC Foods, giving them ample bandwidth to focus on brand building, marketing, product development and quality systems. Kitchens@ will provide a comprehensive and efficient last mile readiness through its infrastructure, technology & procurement support, manpower & culinary operations support, and marketing aids assisted by and under the guidance of chefs from ITC. Speaking about the partnership, Saurabh Jha, CEO of Kitchens@, said “We are proud to partner with one of the biggest conglomerates in the world. We started working with ITC on a pilot project and were successful in helping it achieve significant growth in a short time span. We are thrilled that they entrusted us to support their new age online play.” Junaiz Kizhakkayil, Founder of Kitchens@, said “Getting into online food service was an important decision for ITC and them choosing us as preferred partner is a testimony to our differentiated hygienic cloud kitchens and quality services. We look forward to a successful partnership at scale.”Kitchens@ is a digital accelerator of food brands with its comprehensive offering from infrastructure, technology integration, ingredient procurement, culinary operations, and demand management. It allows food brands to scale rapidly and realize success at scale. Kitchens@ is currently associated with 80 domestic and international brands, including Mainland China, Empire, Chai Point, A2B, Domino’s, Taco Bell, and Barbeque Nation and is present in 12 high-demand locations in Bengaluru.
News & Updates
Quaker’s ‘Bowl of Growth’ initiative highlights child nutrition with ‘Dohale Jevan Poshanchi Vaati’ ad film
Givaudan, The global leader in Taste & Wellbeing, Mista, the world’s Leading food Innovation Platform, and Bühler celebrate opening of New Extrusion Hub
DKSH Performance Materials Expands its Life Science Business in Malaysia by Acquiring Elite Organic Sdn. Bhd.


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Turkey Day costs higher than 2013
Published 2:41 pm Tuesday, November 25, 2014
A Thanksgiving meal with turkey and all the sides will cost a little bit more this year.
The cost rose 37 cents from last year’s price tag of $49.04. That’s still less than the all-time high of $49.48 in 2012.
The big-ticket item, a 16-pound turkey, stayed around the same price of $21.65, only dropping less than one-cent per pound, or 11 cents per turkey.
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 29th annual informal price survey of classic items found that on the Thanksgiving Day, dinner table indicates the average cost of this year’s feast for 10 is $49.41.
“Turkey production has been somewhat lower this year and wholesale prices are a little higher, but consumers should find an adequate supply of birds at their local grocery store,” AFBF Deputy Chief Economist John Anderson said.
The AFBF survey shopping list includes turkey, bread stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a relish tray of carrots and celery, pumpkin pie with whipped cream and beverages of coffee and milk, all in quantities sufficient to serve a family of 10. There is also plenty for leftovers.
Although the turkey price showed a small decrease, other items on the list were shown to have increased.
Foods showing the largest increases this year were sweet potatoes, $3.46 for three pounds; whipping cream, $2 for a half pint; one gallon of milk, $3.76; and a 30-ounce can of pumpkin pie mix came in at $3.12.
In addition to the turkey, other items that declined modestly in price included a 14-ounce package of cubed bread stuffing, $2.54; 12 ounces of fresh cranberries, $2.34; two nine-inch pie shells, $2.42; and a dozen brown-n-serve rolls, $2.17.
“America’s farmers and ranchers remain committed to continuously improving the way they grow food for our tables, both for everyday meals and special occasions like Thanksgiving dinner that many of us look forward to all year,” Anderson said.
“We are blessed to be able to provide a special holiday meal for 10 people for about $5 per serving – less than the cost of most fast food meals.”
The AFBF survey was first conducted in 1986. While Farm Bureau does not make any scientific claims about the data, it is an informal gauge of price trends around the nation. Farm Bureau’s survey menu has remained unchanged since 1986 to allow for consistent price comparisons.


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After posting a record $6.6B in profits for Q2—coinciding with the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic—the industry giant saw profits drop in Q3 to $3.2B. Why? Because hospitals resumed both elective surgeries and routine and specialist in-person care. And more patients began taking advantage of their insurance again. UnitedHealthcare and other payors have benefitted from consumers not using their insurance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As consumer behavior changes, we’ll have to see if the people who remain insured have any issues getting the care they delayed covered.
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The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, T.D. and Bord Bia’s CEO Tara McCarthy will launch a new Bord Bia Insight Centre in London this week during their visit to the UK for St. Patrick`s Day events. The visit will also see them engage with the leaders of some of the UK’s foremost businesses, key customers of Irish food and drink, to reinforce Ireland’s commitment as a supplier and to discuss the progress of these business relationships into the future. This activity underlines the value of the UK for Irish food and drinks exports estimated at over €4.5 billion.
The Insight Centre, modelled on Bord Bia`s existing “Thinking House” centre in Dublin, will be housed in Bord Bia’s London office and will provide Irish food and drink exporters with access to tailored consumer and market insights to strengthen their offering to existing and potential UK customers. It will also provide working facilities for Irish food and drink companies on visits to the UK.
Opening the facility, Creed said, “Insight-led thinking is needed to address the challenges facing Irish exporters and indeed their customers in the UK as Brexit draws closer. This Bord Bia initiative, supported by my Department, will help position Irish exporters with their customers through a shared understanding of the changes in consumer trends and how to meet them commercially. I am looking forward to how it will contribute to building our position in our most valuable export market”.
Bord Bia’s CEO, Tara McCarthy, said that Bord Bia was looking to further develop commercial relationships with customers through sharing its in-depth knowledge on consumer and market insight with them.
She explained, “Increasingly food buyers are looking to partner with their suppliers to understand the evolving demands of their customers and how to meet them in a sustainable way. The insight centre will create a platform for Bord Bia and Irish exporters to work with their customers to highlight exactly what the consumer is demanding and how they can supply these needs. This solution driven approach will strengthen relationships as these partnerships look to meet market challenges such as Brexit. Success in a highly competitive, global marketplace, where we seek to compete not on price, but by creating value, can only come from the insights that will enable us to make better informed decisions leading to commercial success.”
Over three days, the Minister and Bord Bia’s CEO will host top-to-top meetings with CEOs of Sainsbury’s, Marks and Spencer, McDonalds, Ocado and Amazon to underline the strategic importance of the Irish food and drink industry as a sustainable partner and supplier to the UK as well as to unlock further commercial opportunities. Bord Bia will update their customers on preparations for the Marketplace International business development event in Dublin next month as well as sharing new developments around Origin Green and consumer and market insight.
Tim Steiner, CEO of Ocado, the world’s largest dedicated online grocery retailer, welcomed Minister Creed and Tara McCarthy to its at state of the art fulfilment centre where Bord Bia will look to strengthen its relationship with the retailer. Ocado serves a customer base of 645,000 and achieves almost £1.5 billion in annual sales revenue. Online grocery shopping is the fastest growing channel in the UK, worth over £10 billion, with mainstream retailers also investing heavily in their online shopping service.
Irish foods are growing more rapidly than the Ocado business average, with the Irish shop currently in its top five performing international shops. Ocado will send representatives to Bord Bia’s Marketplace International event next month where they will meet new and existing suppliers.
Speaking at the visit, Bord Bia’s CEO emphasised the importance of top to top engagement which assists Bord Bia to copper-fasten relationships at a senior level with key customers such as Ocado. “Bord Bia is delighted with the commitment demonstrated by Ocado to Irish food and drink which has delivered significant commercial success for exporters. Our relationship with Ocado, which stretches back over ten years, has included the launch of a dedicated Irish shop section and a significant programme of business development events assisting Irish suppliers to build their business with Ocado and introducing a wider Irish product portfolio to Ocado’s customers”.
The UK remains Ireland’s key export market valued at €4.5 billion, which was an increase of 7% on the previous year. This was driven by increased demand and strong prices, particularly for beef and dairy. Despite political and economic uncertainty due to Brexit, UK consumer spending on food and drink remains reasonably buoyant as most retailers continue to grow sales, albeit due to price inflation. The UK grocery market is forecast to increase to the value of £213 billion by 2022, a 15% increase from 2017 according to IGD.


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ARLINGTON, VA, Company that provides mobile phone based safety solutions to enable a crowdsourced approach against crime, raised funding from The Center for Innovative Technology.
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Awareness About Health in 2014
Since the New Year we’ve been focusing on detoxing our MindBody Systems, and I encourage all of you to do the same. A detox can lead you towards a new way of life. For example, if you eliminate processed foods for 30 days, see if you feel better after those 30 days. If you do, there’s no reason why you cannot avoid them on a regular basis.
Last week the World Health Organization released a report that predicted an increase in cancer up to 70% for the world’s population. Cancer cases are expected to surge 70% worldwide in the next 20 years, an imminent “human disaster” that will require a renewed focus on prevention, according to the World Health Organization.
Our environment is polluted: our water, ocean, air, food, but the most dangerous is psychological pollution. Purify your thoughts and mind while you purify your body and think of Mother Earth each time you act. Support companies that do not harm the earth, human beings or play God. No one is immune from Mother Nature. You cannot compartmentalize the air you breathe or the water you drink. Ask the people of West Virginia.
300,000 people in West Virginia were without drinking water about six weeks ago after an unregulated company leaked 7500 gallons of a toxic chemical, MCHM into the Elk River. There are other chemicals they leaked into the river too, but we are not privy to what they are because of privacy, patent laws…. Chemical tanks were stored on the Elk River bank, upstream from a water treatment center? How is that possible? When a few people can legally put the majority of people at risk, without penalization, something is unbalanced in our society. This does not happen in Europe. However, it happened three times in West Virginia in the past five years. The federal government allows tens of thousands of poorly tested chemicals to be used in industry, so when the World Health Organization predicts a 70% increase in cancer in the next 20 years, does it really come as a surprise you?
Is our food fit for human consumption? There’s too much information to fit it into a news letter, but what I will say is educate yourself on what you’re consuming. Are you buying organic, conventional, or conventional genetically modified foods. There are only two GMO’s crops allowed to grow in Europe where they pay for universal health care, and those crops are fed to animals. Processed foods with GMO’s are required to be labeled in the UK, and no one buys them there. GMO’s are not a thriving market as they are in the United States. The United States is the world’s leading producer of GMO crops and unlike in Europe, we don’t feed it just to animals, but to people. It’s hard to tell what you’re consuming in the US because companies are not required by law to label GMO’s, and they do not. Cancer China is called “a western man’s or a white man’s disease.” Its true, cancer is ubiquitous in our culture. In China, 1 in 100,000 women in get breast cancer, in the UK it’s 1 in 10, in the US it’s now 1 in 3. Those numbers are staggering!!! I’m no scientist, but our genes respond to our environment.
A couple of weeks ago PepsiCo Inc., aka Subway, agreed to remove a plastic chemical called azodicarbonamide that is also used make counter tops, yoga mats and the rubber sole of your shoes, from its bread. Did you guys even think Americans were consuming plastic compounds in their Subway sandwiches… neither did I. This chemical is banned in Subway restaurants in Europe and other first world nations where they have universal health care, in fact one could be jailed for selling food with azodicarbonamide for human consumption it in Europe. However, it is used and consumed in food products, daily, here in America. According to the blogger that started a petition for Subway to remove this chemical from its bread and sandwiches, Vani Hari, Subway or PepsiCo. employees in the customer service dept. were not aware of this component. She called the company and the customer service department had no knowledge of this agent. Azodicarbonamide is known to be a carcinogen, cause respiratory problems, asthma, etc. With this knowledge that you may be eating plastic compounds, are you surprised cancer is on the rise?
PepsiCo Inc., which makes Gatorade, not too long ago put Brominated vegetable oil, or BVO, a flame retardant in its drinks to help stabilize color. Needless to say the ingredient is banned in Japan and Europe where there are universal health care systems. However the FDA, and PepsiCo. Inc. seem to think the agent is safe. Until our laws and health care system catches up with other first world nations, we have to educate ourselves about companies that sell dangerous, non food items in their food and drinks.
I believe we are what we eat, think, drink, and sleep. Our bodies take care of us in ways we can’t even begin to imagine. Our bodies main function is to keep us healthy and balanced, and it does it every minute of every hour, every day, but when the laws and cards are stacked against you, your body may break down and get sick. It appears dis-ease is the new normal in the United States. Take care of of yourselves and support companies that do no harm to the earth or to human beings. Ahimsa, non-harming or nonviolence to other beings, is the first principle of yoga.
PS Beauty and Shampoos/Conditioners/bath wash, shower gels are also totally unregulated, because they are considered “beauty,” not hygiene. Careful what you put on your skin. Your skin is your largest organ and will absurd whatever it comes into contact with.
Take care of yourselves and watch what you eat and drink because no one including the FDA is taking care of you. Support companies that support your, and the Earth’s well being: buy local, buy clean. Practice ahimsa everyday.
Pranavah Yoga Studio
PS A while back we replaced honey, for sugar, and in our search for a raw, local honey we found: Mohawk Valley Trading Co. Their honey is delicious, and there are tons and tons of health benefits to consuming honey for sore throats, colds and flus this time of year, and all year round. Their maple syrup is pretty good too! Check out the links below, cheers!!!
According to Food Safety News, most honey sold in American supermarkets is not honey. In US markets, pollen is “frequently filtered out,” and when pollen is filtered out, one cannot determine the origin or quality of the “honey.” The FDA does not currently check for pollen content or origin. According to the World Health Organization and European Commission, “honey” without pollen is not considered honey. Once again, the FDA is once again failing quality standards set by WHO and first world nations that have universal health care. Food Safety News also discovered several “US groceries flooded with Indian honey banned in Europe as unsafe because of contamination with antibiotics, heavy metal and a total lack of pollen.” Do you see a pattern emerging here? Educate yourselves, buy local, and know what you’re consuming. No wonder cancer (and probably autism) is on the rise. For every example mentioned today, there are probably hundreds more. Be careful and take care of yourselves! Namaste. Pranavah Yoga
Raw Honey to http://www.tenonanatche.com/raw-honey.htm
Maple Syrup to http://www.tenonanatche.com/maple-syrup.htm


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Recent moves by the World Health Organisation to encourage breastfeeding across the globe were reportedly blocked by the United States of America. Drawing on decades of research showing that mother’s milk is the healthiest for children the resolution ran into trouble when the US, apparently responding to the financial interests of infant formula manufacturers, objected.
According to the New York Times, American officials sought to water down the resolution by removing language that called on governments to “protect, promote and support breast-feeding” and another passage that called on policymakers to restrict the promotion of food products that many experts say can have deleterious effects on young children.
Sustain has previously flagged the risks to child health in the UK from a US trade deal and found evidence of US aggression in trade talks towards countries that try to set their own regulations to reduce sugar consumption, limit junk food advertising or introduce additional food labelling measures. The NYT is reporting that it was Ecuador that tried to introduce this breast feeding motion and that in response the US threatened them with ‘punishing’ trade terms and a withdrawal of military support.
“We were astonished, appalled and also saddened,” said Patti Rundall, the policy director of the British advocacy group Baby Milk Action (a member of Sustain), who has attended meetings of the assembly, the decision-making body of the World Health Organization, since the late 1980s.
“What happened was tantamount to blackmail, with the U.S. holding the world hostage and trying to overturn nearly 40 years of consensus on the best way to protect infant and young child health,” she said.
The resolution was eventually passed after it was re-introduced by the Russian delegation.
At the same meeting, the US apparently also succeeded in removing statements supporting taxes on sugary drinks from a document that advises countries grappling with soaring rates of obesity.
The Guardian noted that the milk formula industry has been struggling against stagnating sales in recent years, but is still worth $70bn annually. The small number of companies that produce it are concentrated in the US and Europe. The paper also pointed out that one of them, Abbott Nutrition, is part of the healthcare multinational Abbott Laboratories that contributed to Trump’s inauguration ceremonies in January 2017.
Brexit: We stand at a cross-roads. When the UK leaves the European Union, will our leaders uphold good standards for our food, farming, fishing and trade deals? And will they agree a sensible deal with the EU? We need to make sure that they do!
Sustain responds to the Brexit agreement and comments on the potential implications for food,...
Sustain member the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) have written a guide for public health...
Sustain member the Wildlife and Countryside Link host the next seminar in their series on Brexit.
The Department of Trade wants your views on trade opportunities after Brexit.
The Welsh Government are seeking views on securing the future of farmland after Brexit.
Sugary food and drinks made up a whopping 43% of all promotions in store entrances, aisle ends and...
New research reveals 97% of teachers have backed proposed restrictions on sales of high...
Final showing of the End Hunger UK photo exhibition, which comes to a close after months of touring...
From the 5th to the 16th of November the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights...
DEFRA Minister George Eustice has admitted that we could be forced to accept chlorine washed...
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text: Caribbean LED Lighting (CLL) has requested working capital financing from IDB Invest. IDB Invest’s proposed working capital solution is expected to include: (i) a renewable US$1 million revolving credit facility and, (ii) an invoice purchasing program in an amount yet to be defined. CLL specializes in providing power and lighting companies in the Caribbean with LED lights for public lighting. The funds provided by IDB Invest will be used by CLL to purchase components to assemble LED lights. CLL assembles its products in Saint Michael, Barbados and commercializes its products across the Caribbean region.


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Alkota Cleaning Systems has acquired Siloam Springs, Ark.-based Whitco, which recently experienced a fire that indefinitely suspended the company’s production. Alkota said in a press release Whitco accepted the purchase offer due to ownership’s concern about employees and distributors. Alkota plans to continue manufacturing the Whitco product at Alkota’s South Dakota facilities. The company is offering employment to Whitco production workers, and the Whitco sales force will remain in Siloam Springs.
Alkota Cleaning Systems buys Whitco
Apr 19, 2004


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It can be intimidating trying to master the ever evolving world of technology and the Wenatchee Rotary Club has invited a tech savvy, information technology professional, Pat Lamphere, to host his presentation Internet Security Essential: Simple steps you can take to protect your family and business from hackers, viruses and other cyber threats. . The informational meeting will be next Thursday, October 17 at noon.
“Speaking to lay people, non-tech people, about the security of their online profile, how to keep your computer systems safe from virus, how to keep your kids safe from online predators and online dangers,” said Pete Van Well, Wenatchee Rotary representative.
The meeting is free, however can be paired with a buffet lunch with a purchase of $15. It will take place at the Red Lion Inn.
“We all have our devices now, we all have access to the internet, there’s a lot of threats out there, there’s a lot of content that isn’t suitable if you have children and there’s a lot of fraud. I think it’s really important for them to learn, I think it will help the community as a whole, how to protect themselves from this kind of thing,” said Van Well.


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Dubai is a fascinating figment of imagination that metamorphosed into reality. It is the star of the UAE that continues to grow and charm. Now the bustling emirate is ready for World Expo 2020 with surreal real estate projects.
“Catalyst”, “boom” and “turning point” – these are some of the words and phrases developers and market analysts have used to describe the upcoming Dubai Expo 2020. This expo is to be hosted by Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates between 20th October 2020 and 10th April 2021. Investors are claiming that this expo will turn the Emirate economy around and will bring in business worth $16.9 billion in gross value for UAE’s economy.
1. Meydan One Mall
Dubai’s malls are famous across the globe, but this one is not like the usual. This mega mall will be one of the city’s biggest with more than 550 shops and 190 restaurants. But this is not why it is being talked about so much.
The mall will have its own go-karting track and a 1-kilometre-long ski slope (yes skiing in Dubai!), and there is more. There will be a hypermarket, a beautiful fountain and a cineplex too. The mall will be a part of Meydan One city which is spread over an area of 3.67 million square feet.
2. Zombie Apocalypse Park
A unique attraction will soon be opened to the public in 2020. The zombie-themed park will be located at the Night Market in Deira district of Dubai. It will be spread over an area of 65,000 square feet.
The park will have live shows, spooky events, escape games, a virtual-reality cinema that will be powered by a fascinating glow-in-the-dark technology. The park will also have a haunted house, a haunted corn maze, axe throwing, paintball, laser tag, archery, zombie runs, trampolines, target shooting and a lot more! Excited yet?
3. Dubai Creek Tower
Know all about Burj Khalifa? If the tower completes in time for Expo 2020, it will become the tallest tower in the world, having a height of more than 2717 feet. The tower that will look like a minaret will also have a beacon of light on top.
It is being built at the cost of AED 3.67 billion by Emaar and will offer stunning, never-before-seen, 360-degree, views of the city of Dubai. The construction is estimated to be completed this year. The tower that is located in the Dubai Creek Harbour is already generating a lot of media buzz.


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After weeks of wondering and waiting, a new adult store will be opening in Staunton this weekend.
Citizen's Task Force members say they won't go to the store this weekend to protest, although they do have marches planned for the future. But on Saturday or Sunday when it opens, owner Rick Krial will be prepared for any possible public outcry with added security.
The new adult video store is located at 1724 Spring Hill Road. Krial says he doesn't understand all the fuss surrounding his business, because most other cities in the country have adult stores too.
He says, "They have a right to not like it. I mean, everybody has a right but the response that I've been getting is a good response. It's a positive response.”
The Citizen's Task Force, a group opposing the shop opening, has concerns. Leader Andrea Oakes says she thinks the store will lead to added crime in the area.
"Increase in crime, especially crime towards children," says Oakes. "Also it lowers the property value, it will diminish the charm for the city of Staunton.”
Krial disagrees saying there's no evidence adult stores contribute to crime. While Krial will go ahead with opening the store this weekend, Oakes says they won't take action right away. She is currently focusing on getting the laws changed so stores like this new one won't be able to open in Staunton in the future.
"We need to get the strict ordinances on the books first," says Oakes. "Once we've accomplished that, then we'll set our sights on the porn shop that has opened and we are discussing picketing, protesting, even having a march.”


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The Amazon Echo smart speaker is undoubtedly one of the most popular and innovative tech releases in recent years but the development of voice search has caused some parents to worry about how their children interact with other people – and Alexa. Continue reading The Latest Amazon Echo Update Will Address Parents’ Concerns
Between 26th March and 4th April this year we’re bringing you some incredible Easter Deals with prices reduced on a number of our most popular products, one of which is the Google Home smart speaker. Continue reading Everything You Need to Know About Google Home
As interest in Smart Home increases we get more and more customers asking how they can built the ultimate Apple smart home.
Whether it be using products that are compatible with Apple’s Continue reading How to Build an Apple Smart Home


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Markus Notch Persson created an unexpected success with a graphically simple sandbox game called Minecraft. Since its official launch last year, Minecraft has sold over 17 million copies across multiple platforms, sending Notch laughing all the way to the bank.
On Saturday, December 22nd at 5:00pm PT, Minecraft: The Story of Mojang, a new documentary from 2 Player Productions, will premier on Xbox Live to tell the story of Minecrafts rise to fame and why it seems to be so popular. Check out the trailer below for a brief preview.
To read the latest guides, news, and features you can visit our Minecraft Game Page.


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The latest Sea of Thieves trailer debuts the game’s robust storm weather feature, which goes far behind expectations and creates unique high seas gameplay.
E3 2017 had a number of bright spots for each of its major participants, but not everything that happened – or didn’t happen, in some cases – was a memorable moment.
The Sea of Thieves gameplay trailer at E3 2017 becomes the latest Internet meme as fans cannot get over the way the game’s player character eats a banana.
An interview with Sea of Thieves Live Campaign Producer Christina Parker reveals what gamers can expect from the game’s Live Campaign events once it releases.
The first official internal test of Xbox One and PC cross-play for Sea of Thieves is a big success according to Rare, which says cross-play ‘knocks down barriers.’
Xbox has quite a few big plans set for the rest of the year, including these five exclusives that are shaping up to be some major contenders as the top games of 2017.
Rare announces a new alpha test session for swashbuckling MMO Sea of Thieves, which will feature an expanded world and explosive combat against skeletons.
Sea of Thieves senior designers discuss the game’s unique co-op gameplay mechanics, and reveal how players will need to communication and work together for success.
With so many games coming this year, here’s Game Rant’s 2017 Video Game Release Schedule. We will update the list often as new games are announced, delayed, and released.
With 2016 drawing to a close, it’s time to look ahead to what’s coming down the pipeline in 2017 for all platforms, including PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC and the Nintendo Switch.
Xbox Australia prematurely reveals the February release month for the upcoming Rare-developed multiplayer pirate game Sea of Thieves on PC and Xbox One.
One editor goes hands-on with Rare’s Sea of Thieves, coming away toting the imminent high seas multiplayer title as the long awaited return to form for the famed studio.
We speak to several of the developers at Rare about their upcoming game Sea of Thieves, and learn that the multiplayer will be similar to Destiny’s – but ‘more impactful’.
Game Rant picks the best games on-hand at E3 2016, a year in which there may not have been many surprises but tons of games that caught fans’ eyes on the show floor.
In a new interview, the head of Xbox Games Marketing, Aaron Greenberg, reveals that Rare’s pirate adventure game Sea of Thieves has been delayed to 2017.
Rare is debuting the debut gameplay trailer for Sea of Thieves, the online multiplayer pirate adventure game, live at Microsoft’s E3 2016 Xbox press conference.
Microsoft releases a list of console exclusive games coming to Xbox in 2016, including Crackdown 3, Gears of War 4, Halo Wars 2, Quantum Break, and more.


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Bonaire – The Caribbean Netherlands once again recorded a rise in consumer purchasing power in 2017. With a median 2.6 percent increase, the highest gain was on St Eustatius. Mainly low-income households benefited there, due to the additional increase in minimum wages and social benefits in 2017. Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reports this based on newly released figures.
Purchasing power in the Caribbean Netherlands has risen year after year since 2012. Improved purchasing power means that incomes are rising more than the average price levels, meaning consumers can afford to purchase more goods and services. A median increase of 2.6 percent for St Eustatius means that half of the population see their spending power rise by at least 2.6 percent and the other half by less than 2.6 percent. Purchasing power fell for 45 percent of Statia’s inhabitants. On Bonaire and Saba, the (median) change in purchasing power amounted to 1.0 and 0.6 percent respectively in 2017, the lowest increase on these islands since 2012.
Highest purchasing power gain among low-income group on St Eustatius is by far the sharpest median increase in purchasing power and was recorded in the lowest income quartile (25th percentile) at 6.1 percent. Benefit recipients gained 6.3 percent. On Bonaire, purchasing power improved mainly among households in the highest income quartile (by 2.2 percent). Contrary to St Eustatius, it was predominantly the working population on Bonaire who benefited from the improvement with a rise in purchasing power of 1.6 percent.
All households benefited on St Eustatius, purchasing power developments had a positive effect across all household groups. Single households gained the most with a median rise of 5.4 percent. Purchasing power rose by more than 2 percent among single-parent families, couples with children and other multi-person households. On Bonaire, mainly households with children benefited: couples with children by 3.2 percent and single-parent families by 2.3 percent. Members of multi-person households on Bonaire and Saba, on the other hand, lost some of their purchasing power.
Young and old alike have more to spend on Saba and St Eustatius, purchasing power improved across all age groups. With a median increase of 4.8 percent, the most significant improvement for young households (under age 40) was seen on St Eustatius. This was also the age group with the greatest improvement in spending power on Bonaire, namely 2.3 percent. On St Eustatius and Saba, residents over age 60 saw their spending power improve, partly due to additional increases in statutory pension benefits (AOV). This age group benefited by 4.6 percent on Statia and 1.1 percent on Saba. On Bonaire, the increase in AOV benefit was lower than the increase in consumer prices; the spending power of local elderly residents declined slightly as a result.


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On Saturday 7th May, the UK government announced a £1m seafood export package to promote UK seafood in new and existing markets overseas.
The Seafood Exports package will:
- identify new overseas buyers and connect them with UK seafood companies
- promote UK seafood at international events
- increase expertise on British seafood produce in our Embassies and Consulates overseas
The package will also fund seafood specialists to work with existing Agri-food and drink attachés who help broaden market access for UK businesses and resolve any technical barriers preventing businesses from reaching global markets.
Fisheries Minister, Victoria Prentis, said:
We exported £1.6 billion worth of UK seafood in 2021 and we want this to increase. We are unlocking export opportunities in new markets around the world, and the £1 million we are announcing today will help seafood businesses across the UK take advantage of them.
Minister for Export, Mike Freer, said:
This funding will provide a real boost to businesses, particularly SMEs. It’s a genuine step change for current exporters, as well as those looking to access new seafood markets for the first time.”
“These new funds will strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader in the sector and enable more countries than ever to enjoy Great British seafood.
The package is the final part of the £100m UK Seafood Fund and complements the wide range of export support the UK Government already provides for the UK’s world leading food industry. Food and drink is an important part of our Made in the UK and Great campaigns, supported by HM Trade Commissioners, Trade Envoys and Export Champions.


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The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has offered advice to consumers who want to terminate their credit-card payments for membership fees following the recent closure of several branches of financially-troubled gym chain operator California Fitness.
Carmen Chu, HKMA executive director of banking conduct, said a consumer who wants to terminate a credit card lump-sum payment could issue a written notice to the merchant to make a request, the Hong Kong Economic Journal reports.
Should the request not be entertained by the merchant, the consumer could provide a copy of the notice to the card-issuing bank, requesting the bank to help contact the merchant.
Even if the transaction has been completed, the consumer is entitled to a refund of the transaction amount by following the bank’s guidelines on processing a refund, Chu said.
In case of payment by instalments, a consumer could contact the card-issuing bank directly.
However, as payment by instalment is usually a loan agreement, the bank would have already transferred the funds to the merchant.
If that is the case, the cardholder is obliged to make instalment repayments to the bank even if the merchant has folded.
Chu urged consumers to find out if a merchant is trustworthy and to carefully read all documents in a transaction before signing any authorization on credit card payments.
A consumer should also find out how to cancel the payment after the authorization is effected, she said.
Meanwhile, some 50 fitness trainers employed by California Fitness said the owner of the gym chain has promised to personally foot the HK$5 million bill for the staff’s unpaid salaries.
But some employees said they fear it could just be a delaying tactic and called for a staff meeting to discuss their next moves.
The troubled gym chain’s outlets in Whampoa and Kowloon Bay have reportedly incurred debts of HK$2.47 million and HK$970,000, respectively.
The Consumer Council said it has received 256 enquiries and 88 complaints regarding California Fitness over the last four days.
[Chinese version 中文版]
– Contact us at [email protected]


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Giant Supermarkets To Sell Irradiated Ground Beef
Statement of CSPI Food Safety Director Caroline Smith DeWaal
Giant Foods' decision to offer irradiated ground beef follows a summer of major food-poisoning outbreaks and massive meat recalls. It is unfortunate that such exotic and expensive steps are needed to prevent such outbreaks.
Food irradiation is an end-of-the-line solution to a problem that should be cleaned up at its source. On-farm measures to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria would greatly enhance the safety of meat and eliminate the need for irradiation. We urge supermarkets, as well as the government and meat and poultry industries, to push their food-safety efforts back to the farm, rather than relying permanently on irradiation.
Finally, it's worth noting that the biggest health concern about ground beef is neither the pathogens nor the irradiation, but the saturated fat, which promotes heart disease.
Contact Jeff Cronin (jcronin[at]cspinet.org) or Ariana Stone (astone[at]cspinet.org).


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A must-have Christmas toy for the 2017 festive season is undoubtedly Herdy’s new Herwick the sheep.
The stuffed toy is appearing on must-have lists as retailers reveal their top toy predictions as we run towards December.
Mums and dads across Coventry will be tasked with making their little one's day as memorable as possible.
And, for many parents, that could mean buying a Herdy product.
The toy is now on sale - featuring bits not normally seen on a teddy.
Remarkably, the product is believed to be the UK’s “first teddy with testicles”.
The item - which has been released to celebrate Herdy’s 10th anniversary - went on sale today and was inspired by this year’s Matterdale and St Johns in the Vale Sheep Show, which took place last month, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Only 250 of the stuffed sheep have been produced, but we can’t imagine they’ll sell out just yet.
The ‘My Herdy Best In Show’ sheep are being sold at a whopping £129 per toy.
Each item is approximately 19x26cm and comes in a handmade box.
The toys are made by Merrythought, the last teddy manufacturer in England - and delivery is free.
If you’d like to buy one, you can get them from herdy.co.uk


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Are Chatbots the Death of Email Marketing?
Spoiler alert: Chatbots are not the death of email marketing. Every year or so a new technology comes around claiming to bring about the end of email marketing. Fortunately, for people such as myself (email marketers), this is far from the truth. While email marketing should co-exist and even thrive off of new technology like chatbots, it still is the #1 preferred channel for consumers to hear from their favorite brand. Plus, it also brings in $40 in ROI to every $1 spent. While chatbots bring about great potential, they still have a way to go before they can rake in that much ROI. In this article we’ll break down chatbots, what they hold in store for 2017 and how this technology will co-exist with email marketing.
What is a bot anyway?
A bot is software that impersonates a real-live person. While bots exist now to eliminate mundane tasks, that was not always the case. Bots started off actually annoying the common marketer. By increasing page views or spamming your Twitter feed, bots have been around for quite some time, but now they finally work in favor of the marketer.
With the help of technology, chat bots are progressing and becoming more contextually relevant for the end user. For example, TechCrunch has toted that Facebook’s Messenger bot store could be the most important launch since the App Store.
Below are major companies that embraced this trend within the past two years:
Messaging apps are not the only platform to succeed with bots. eCommerce is seeing a huge surge in bots being adopted on their website. For example, if someone was searching for shoes on a shoe store site, they could message with the bot asking for grey dress shoes, opposed to searching the site for a while in an effort to find the type and color of shoe they are looking for. With this type of personalization and customer service, bots are a powerful tool.
The issues at hand
Frankly, one of the main reasons email marketing has nothing to fear is that the technology just isn’t there yet for bots to be taking over anything. “The conversations aren’t fluent or smart enough to either trick the consumer to believe they’re talking to a human, or to deliver a good enough experience so that the human doesn’t care,” said Dean Withey, the CEO of ubisend, a mobile messaging solutions firm.
Plus, according to Forrester research only 4% of digital business professionals are actually using chatbots. Andrew Hogan, an analyst serving customer service professionals at Forrester said, “What’s really happening is that there’s been an explosion of attention and development but not necessarily a real business impact.”
There is just too much room for error at the moment for businesses to reply solely on chatbots to provide the support a real customer is looking for. Let’s put it this way, chatbots are good for engaging, not necessarily closing.
Chatbots, email and AI
When thinking about chatbots moving forward, you shouldn’t look at it as email vs. chatbots, having to choose one or the other. Instead, think about chatbots as being a new component to test and interweave into your email strategy.
A great example of this already in motion is through a company called Conversica. Conversica offers a virtual sales assistance that starts reaching out to leads 24/7 within minutes of a user showing interest in your brand. Through email, this virtual assistant sends AI emails that appear to be coming from an employee. Wondering if the copy reads like a robot? Not quite. In fact, 50% of leads reply to AI emails as they are written in a conversational manner and can be more engaging than lead-nurturing autoresponders.
With Conversica, it’s almost like having a little robot on payroll, engaging and nurturing a lead for days, weeks or even months until they make that sale or the lead opts out. When a lead is ready to purchase, Conversica’s lead nurturing software alerts a sales representative that it’s time to reach out and make the sales pitch. We’re still not at the point yet where human interaction is completely removed from the sales cycle.
Relevancy is what matters most
At the end of the day, the most powerful strategy on your side is providing relevant information to the end user. That’s why email is here to stay and thanks to the new and helpful technology chatbots provide, us marketers are even closer to ensuring we deliver the right message, at the right time, to the right person. So email marketers, embrace the bots and incorporate them into your email strategy to ensure you’re delivering to the best of your ability.
With email here to stay, how are you testing your email before you hit send? Every email client is different, so test your campaign across the most popular inboxes in seconds to ensure your message is not only relevant, but will look fantastic in every inbox.


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LG announced on 18th February 2020 that it is going to introduce three new smartphones, the LG K61, K51S, and the K41S, under its LG K-series, launched in 2016. The three smartphones are similar in terms of its display screen, which is 6.5-inch, the quad-camera set up on its back, and the 4000mAh battery.
The LG K61 has an aspect ratio of 19.5:9 with a punch hole cut-out in its front screen that houses the selfie camera. It runs on a 2.3GHz octa-core processor with 4GB of RAM and 64 GB/ 128 GB of data storage. The quad-camera set-up includes a 48MP primary sensor, an 8MP super wide sensor, a 2MP macro sensor, and a 5MP depth sensor. The front-facing shooter is 16MP.
The LG K51S offers an aspect ratio of 20:9, and runs on the same 2.3 GHz octa-core processor, with 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, expandable up to 2TB via microSD card. The quad-camera set up consists of a 32MP primary sensor, a 5MP super wide sensor, a 2MP macro sensor, and a 2MP depth sensor. The selfie shooter is of 13MP.
LG K41S offers an aspect ratio of 20:9 with a 6.5-inch display screen that comes with HD+ resolution. It runs on a 2.0GHz octa-core processor with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage which could be expanded up to 2TB via a microSD card. The quad-camera on its back comes with an LED flash, and the set-up includes a 13MP primary sensor, a 5MP super wide sensor, a 2MP macro sensor, and a 2MP depth sensor. The selfie camera is of 8MP.
LG has not revealed the pricing for the new K-series smartphones yet. Neither have they talked about the release dates. But it is expected that the LG K-series: LG K61, LG K51S, LG K41S smartphones will hit the shelves in the U.S. in the second quarter of 2020.


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Coca Cola is about to launch “Fairlife”, a premium milk brand in the USA this time. In a market characterized by falling demand and fierce competition among on-the-shelf competitors, Coke’s move raised many questions as to why it has to move into this market at this time.
Coke has invested into dairy business for some years, and currently not expecting any profit from this category. However, the company has priced the brand almost twice the average price of regular milk brands that are currently available in the market, and expecting to earn high profits in later years. The premium milk is produced through a proprietary technology using high-tech filters that yield high protein, high calcium, yet low sugar (lactose) contents in the processed milk. Interestingly, this “healthy” milk requires no addition of protein or calcium powder to increase its proportion in the milk, rather the proprietary filter does the job! Presumably, this is expected to reduce the costing part of the production that already gives Coke an advantage over competitors in this category. Making sure that the brand comes in popular flavors, this is expected to “storm” the market after an already successful test-marketing campaign in different US cities. Coke is not currently planning to roll-out the brand elsewhere in the world, which seems to be a cautious move to “wait and see” how the real-time marketing goes at home.
It appears that Fairlife may not attract new customers who would start consuming milk just because Coke has launched something new, rather make some customers switch to its brand on the plea of “healthiness”. Now it is time to see whether a high-tech and low cost advantage can be transformed into a profitable venture in a falling market.


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January 19, 2010 – Disney Announces New Destination Resort Aulani
“The name Aulani, for you mainlanders, means ‘the place that speaks for the great ones’ or ‘the place that speaks with deep messages,’ and it reflects our company’s ongoing commitment to celebrating the great culture and traditions of these magnificent islands.”
On January 19, 2010, Disney announced the new family destination located on the Leeward Coast of O’ahu, officially named Aulani: a Disney Resort and Spa. Aulani, named from the Hawaiian word meaning “the place that speaks with deep messages,” was originally scheduled to have 360 hotels rooms and 481 two-bedroom villas reserved for the Disney Vacation Club, and had an original opening date of fall 2011. The resort would eventually be opened on August 29, 2011, with a grand opening ceremony held on September 23.


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Netflix employees have it. Virgin Airline employees have it. As far as perks go, it’s one of the best. What is it? It’s unlimited vacation for salaried employees. As Richard Branson, Virgin Group founder, explains, “If working nine to five no longer applies, then why should strict annual (vacation) policies?” Unlimited vacation sounds great, so what’s the catch? There has to be one, right?
Too Good to Be True?
Although it’s still rare, unlimited vacation days policies are gaining ground. For employees, it means the days of scheduling a chunk of two or three weeks of vacation every year are gone. The basic idea is simple – employees take as much vacation as they like, as long as their work is done. Job networking company LinkedIn is one of the latest to offer unlimited vacation time. As of Nov. 1, 2015, approximately 6,000 of LinkedIn’s employees in the U.S. have had the freedom to take as much time off as they need.
Proponents of discretionary time off say that employees are happier, work better, produce higher quality work and have improved morale when they are given the freedom to balance work and life activities. LinkedIn chief human resource officer Pat Wadors says the purpose of unlimited vacations is to empower staff. There are benefits for the nation’s economy when people have more time off as well. Experts in the hospitality and travel industry hope that more days off means more airline flights, hotel stays and cruise reservations.
LinkedIn’s Wadors explains that employees are adults and don’t need to be micromanaged. There are limits, however, she points out. Most company’s unlimited vacation policies outline guidelines about when employees can take off. For example, Richard Branson expects employees to take time off only when their work is done and when their absence will not negatively impact business. And, here’s where the catch comes in.
When More is Less
One of the unexpected results of unlimited vacations is that employees often end up taking less time off than before. Why is that? It goes back to the reason Americans rarely take their allotted time even when they have accrued vacation: They worry they’ll lose their job, miss out on a promotion or not get a raise. Discretionary time off gives people the freedom to take vacation days along with the freedom to work more.
Critics point out that companies save in the long run when they offer unlimited vacations as a perk. Accrued vacation time must be paid if an employee leaves or is laid off. Discretionary vacation does not. The Project: Time Off initiative recently published a report that found the per employee average vacation liability for companies in the U.S. is $1,898. Steps to deal with such large liabilities include implementing a “use it or lose it” vacation program, where vacation days do not accrue into the next year, or adopting a discretionary vacation policy.
The jury is still out on whether unlimited vacation policies will benefit both workers and organizations. When there is a high level of trust between employer and employee, unlimited vacation can be a win-win for both sides.


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WhatsApp competitor Signal has announced support for cryptocurrency payments, a world-first for any messaging app.
— Signal (@signalapp) April 6, 2021
According to a report in Decrypt, users of the privacy-focused app can now exchange MobileCoin — a “privacy coin” — directly though Signal. Currencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum are in the pipeline, expected rollouts have been scheduled in the coming months.
Signal has been teasing a move into the crypto game for quite some times now. Creator Moxie Marlinspike, the adviser for the MobileCoin network, told a news outlet,
I would like to get to a world where not only can you feel that when you talk to your therapist over Signal, but also when you pay your therapist for the session over Signal
Furthermore, a landing page on the Signal Foundation site says that a non-profit company, which backs the app, has started accepting donations in digital fiat including Bitcoin Ethereum, Litecoin, ChainLink and Zcash. While there’s no apparent development behind integrating all cryptocurrencies to Signal’s mainframe, the executives running the app are hopeful that this changes soon.


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McDonald’s Australia marketing manager, Lancy Huynh explained to News.com: “We know how important value is to our customers right now.”
“So we are continuing to celebrate the launch of the McCrispy by giving our customers more bang for their buck,” Lancy went on. “While they enjoy the hottest new thing to hit our menu this year."
Making Kid LAROI the face of their McCrispy Burger deal, to get the public to notice this freebie: “I love a good chicken burger and am a huge Macca’s fan, so when I found out McDonald’s was launching its best chicken burger yet, I had to get involved."
Another limited-time offer available right now at Maccas is the Milo McFlurry, a match made in Australian heaven.
"We only took this long to do McFlurry made with MILO in Australia because we wanted you to be really, really excited," the fast food giant shared across their social media accounts earlier in August.
But get in quick, as the most Australian Maccas item will be leaving our shelves on 7 November.


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June 1, 2007
Maple Leaf to close Ontario pork plant
Toronto-based Maple Leaf Foods announced on May 31 it will close its pork further processing facility in Etobicoke, Ontario in Canada by end-October.
The closure of nearly 50-year-old plant was part of Maple Leaf's Schneider Foods acquisition and its remaining operations will continue to the company's Brampton, Ontario plant that also produces Maple Leaf's Simple Fresh product line.
The plant closure will affect some 100 employees.
Maple Leaf said it expects the facility closure will result in a 5 million Canadian dollars charge before taxes, which it anticipates will be charged against 2007 earnings.
Maple Leaf also said it has completed the earlier announced closure of its primary pork processing operations in Saskatoon that process about 16,000 hogs annually.


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9 Dec 2018 From a peak of US$19783, Bitcoin's value has fallen by 80%. This suggests the effects on the wider economy of the Bitcoin crash should be 11 Mar 2019 Blockchain-based currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple's XRP that we will see some sort of economic downturn by the end of 2020. 8 Aug 2018 Do we really want bitcoin tied up in a broken system that will allow the institutions that caused a worldwide financial collapse to be bailed out by 13 Mar 2020 Whether this week's collapse of stock and oil prices eclipses the economic crisis of 2008 is still uncertain, but much depends on how the United
Sep 13, 2017 · Bitcoin is in a bubble, and here's how it's going to crash Bitcoin is in a bubble, make no mistake. Bitcoin fails, or is at least suspect, as a currency in several …
Jan 14, 2015 · The crash in BitCoin losing about 50% of its value since July, has been on the back of concerns that the State of New York would regulate Bitcoins. In a speech at Cardozo Law School in New York on Tuesday night, Benjamin Lawsky, the … Bitcoin - Monetarists Anonymous | Finance and economics ... The dollar price of a Bitcoin currency unit climbed from a few cents in 2010 to a peak of nearly $30 in June 2011 (see chart), according to data compiled by Mt Gox, a popular online Bitcoin exchange. Economics of bitcoin - Wikipedia Nevertheless, they may not crash due to the rising influence of dictators trying to "build a nest egg abroad". James Chanos, known as the "dean of the short sellers", believes that bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are a mania and useful only for tax avoidance or otherwise hiding income from the government. Bitcoin "is simply a security The Bitcoin Economy Crash Explained! | We Are Change
Mar 12, 2020 · The price of bitcoin has plummeted dramatically, losing 20 per cent of its value in less than an hour. The cryptocurrency crash takes bitcoin below $6,000 – its lowest value since 2019. Several
26 Nov 2018 Bitcoin slumped 10%, continuing a steep slide and bucking a modest rebound in stocks and oil. Bitcoin's Place in the Coming Economic Crash - Coin Brief Jan 02, 2018 · Bitcoin and the Crash This sharp decline in the economy, which came from a raise in interest rates, is known as a recession. Central banks take notice of this economic degradation and start creating new money with the hope of achieving economic recovery, and maybe even growth beyond what was reached in the last cycle of inflation.
Bitcoin crash is not something new | IOL Business Report
The 2018 cryptocurrency crash was the sell-off of most cryptocurrencies from January 2018. After an unprecedented boom in 2017, the price of Bitcoin fell by about 65 Cryptocurrencies · Bitcoin · 2010s economic history · 2018 in economics. Hidden categories: Articles needing additional references from April 2018 No cryptocurrency has ever had to face life amidst an economic recession. The first cryptocurrency, bitcoin, was born out of the fire of the 2008 banking crisis, 13 Mar 2020 If you are a believer in bitcoin, now is the time to buy. that will be shaking the global economy as the developed world goes into lock down. 12 Mar 2020 The cryptocurrency crash takes bitcoin below $6000 – its lowest value since outbreak, which has had a heavy impact on the global economy.
Bitcoin: What happens if the currency crashes?
Countries that are in the midst of an economic crisis often tighten their financial thumbscrews. They impose capital controls on their populations that prevent them
'Bitcoin crash’ among significant market risks in 2018 ...


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Aussies have scooped three awards at the prestigious Tales of the Cocktail Foundation‘s 2022 Spirited Awards in New Orleans.
Best International Brand Ambassador went to Martin Hudak at Mr Black Spirits; Best International Bar Team went to Sydney’s MAYBE SAMMY; and Best New Spirit or Cocktail Ingredient went to Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic – Italian Orange.
Since its inception in 2007, the Spirited Awards have become one of the most globally recognised accolades in the drinks industry.
2022 Spirited Award recipients were carefully considered by a panel of over 200 industry experts, led by Charlotte Voisey, the Spirited Awards’ Overall Chair.
“The Spirited Awards celebrates excellence in our industry and this year’s winners embody that standard so well,” said Voisey.
“After a difficult few years, it is truly inspiring to gather together once more and see what these recognitions really mean to everyone nominated.”
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation CEO Eileen Wayner said Lyre’s was paving a way forward for the non-alc category and belong on the best bar menus across the globe.
“Lyre’s is moving the non-alcoholic spirits category forward with authenticity and integrity,” she said.
“To win arguably the most coveted award in the world for a new spirits brand is a tremendous honour and the whole team at Lyre’s is absolutely thrilled,” said Mark Livings, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lyre’s. “As the first non-alcoholic product to ever receive a Spirited award, it’s now undeniable that this category has well, and truly arrived and non-alcoholic spirits products are changing the way the world drinks”
MAYBE SAMMY said: “It’s hard to find words for such an incredible global recognition summarising what we are believing in: ‘Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.’
“Saying that we are incredibly proud to be able to represent our beautiful and diverse country Australia and bringing it on the global map.
“Our team use Maybe Sammy as a platform to become themselves and showcase their true spirit and talent same way as Sammy Davis Jnr. did back in his time on the world stage.
“Congratulations too to our coffee master Martin for taking recognition for representing Mr Black Spirits on a global stage.
“Congratulations to other nominees and peers and thank you everyone who voted for us and believed in the magic of bubbles and joy in the bar.”


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Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
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KSL Team Coverage One of the world's most popular furniture retailers opened its doors in Utah this morning.
Many Utahns couldn't wait. Dozens of people lined up in front of the new IKEA store in Draper. In fact, some of them were there since Monday morning.
The store's grand opening took place at 9 a.m. Among the crowd were people from the Swedish Heritage Society, dressed in traditional Swedish costumes. Some of them were born in Sweden but now live in Utah. IKEA was founded in Sweden.
A flag-raising and log-sawing were among the festivities that took place earlier today. Thousands of people are expected to attend today's big event.
Governor Jon Huntsman said at the opening, "Your success, IKEA, is our success. Thank you for having the trust and the faith in the direction of our state. I think you have made the right decision."
The IKEA store has designer furniture at discounted prices. People continue to pour into the 400,000-square-foot store. The check stands are already packed with people who are checking out.
Some people may be asking why others are so crazed about the IKEA store opening. Matt Juillera, who was the first in line camping out at the store among at least 50 tents that were there this morning, put it this way, "This place is way more than a furniture store, it's a big goodness inside of a blue box. It's a lot of fun."
Most shoppers are saying it's much more than just furniture that they're here for; they say they're here for the event!
Shoppers are saying they are glad to be here and that the IKEA store excedes their expectations. Shopper Jessica Robertson says, "It's unbelievable. I just hope that people are happy with being here today after waiting, especially for people who have been camping out since Monday."
Shopper Jerry Howard says of the IKEA furniture, "It's definitely unique and it's nice because it's stuff that we never would have had a shot at before."
Shopper Jamie Hadlock says, "I've been waiting. We just finished our basement and I've been waiting."
Shopper Emily Fuller says, "I know it's silly, but it's fun." Well, silly or not, IKEA is probably the one laughing. IKEA could set a company sales record for a grand opening.
This brand new store certainly attracted the interest of thousands today, many of whom probably weren't even interested in buying anything.
As far as WHY people would want to camp out and attend the grand opening? Opening-day fanfares like this have happened a number of times in Utah over the years.
When Microsoft released its then brand-new Windows '95 operating system, hundreds lined up in front of computer stores to be first inside when doors opened at midnight.
A similar scene in 1994 was when Utah music stores held a midnight release party for the CD "Beatles Live on the BBC." It was previously unreleased material by the group. Long time fans couldn't wait to hear it, and buy it!
And, the scene was similar in 2005 when Star Wars III came out--again, tents and sleeping bags in front of the theaters.
Every year the night before the Days of '47 Parade, people camp out on the parade route and by the park to get a good seat.
Barry Rose with Valley Mental Health says, "I think there's a social element to going and being in line with your friends, and spending the night; that's almost an event in itself." Rose says doing this is perfectly normal behavior. For some, whether it's furniture, computers, music or movies, it's about being the first!
Rose explains, "But for a lot of those people it becomes more valuable if you're the first one to get one. It has more value if you're the only one who has one, those things give them extra significance." In other words, bragging rights! Those who were first in the doors this morning will talk about it for days probably--while they're assembling their new items.
To get to IKEA, motorists can come in off Bangerter Highway and 200 West. Then, they can leave by taking Pony Express Road to 12300 South. It's a one-way system, and police will be out to enforce it.
The parking lot holds 4,500 cars, and Draper police are saying they have to start parking people in the streets because the parking is full.