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Billionaire Investor Warns U.S. Economy Could Face 'Serious Problems' If Fed Doesn't Hike Rates Within the Year
Investor Sam Zell voiced disapproval of the Fed's decision to raise interest rates by 50-basis points, saying the economy could be in trouble if they don't hike rates up to 100.
If you've thought about turning your side hustle into a full-time job or leaving your company to launch your own, 2022 is the best time to do it.
Boosting the economy by lowering tax is like a magic weight loss pill. It might work in the short-term, but it's a terrible long-term strategy.
After showing a promising commitment to businesses throughout the pandemic, the government is now doubling down on damaging tariffs against China.
Businesses that take advantage of disruptive trends can gain a competitive edge. Here's how.
While the full extent of COVID-19's economic impact is yet to unfold, organizations are now recognizing the need to accelerate digital transformation strategies to prepare for the next disruption
Watch Jonathan Greechan, co-founder of Founder Institute, as he outlines the advantages and disadvantages of launching during an economic downturn, and why now is the perfect time to start a new business.
Our analysts uncovered the 3 key attributes that help keep these companies successful and the CRITICAL points of data you need to start implementing today.
The self-help classic 'Think and Grow Rich' came out in 1937, the year unemployment reached 20 percent after the the Great Depression. It offers us some lessons that still resonate today.
Migrant Workers Get Free Food Grains, Portable Ration Cards and Subsidised Rental Housing Under INR 20 Lakh Cr Special Package
The second installment of special economic package of INR 20 lakh crore meant to fight the economic fallout of Covid-19 and help Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan was announced on Thursday by FM Nirmala Sitharaman
People living in countries with high levels of economic freedom enjoy greater prosperity, more political and civil liberties and live longer
Federal approval to use a sliver of radio spectrum for high-speed internet could rejuvenate economically stagnate rural economies.
Many factors led to our current economic state.


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Since launching its Wool Runners in 2016, Allbirds has made its name on the sustainable materials that brings its footwear and fashion to life, turning out everything from sugarcane shoe soles to sea shell sweaters.
The popular DTC brand will soon add plant leather to its growing suite of eco-materials, thanks to a $2 million investment it made in Natural Fiber Welding (NFW) late last year.
Allbirds plans to launch the first shoe using the materials developer’s Mirum technology in December. NFW founder and CEO Luke Haverhals declined to name the specific shoe Allbirds will use for its debut plant leather product, but indicated that it will be one of the brand’s “classic silhouettes.”
“After reviewing many other technologies, we found NFW to have the key combination of innovation, carbon reduction capability and scalability that we knew was critical for success in a leather alternative,” Claudia Richardson, senior manager of material innovation at Allbirds, told Sourcing Journal.
The material, made from a mix of vegetable oil, natural rubber and other bio-ingredients, will use 17 times less carbon than synthetic plastic-based leather and have a carbon impact 40 times lower than traditional leather, according to Allbirds. Looking to the years ahead, Richardson said Allbirds expects plant leather will become one of its core platforms, similar to its merino wool and eucalyptus tree-based materials.
Haverhals said NFW differentiates itself from the other plant-based leather makers out there by completely cutting out plastics, including polyurethane and other kinds of petrochemical plastic-based coatings.
“NFW is just categorically unique in that we’re launching what we understand, or at least what customers tell us, is the world’s only zero-plastic leather alternative,” Haverhals told Sourcing Journal.
Richardson said it was this non-reliance on plastic coatings and synthetic materials that attracted Allbirds to NFW. “We’ve always wanted to eliminate petroleum from the fashion industry and we’ll only be able to do so if we find new processes and materials that can be replicated and repeated easily,” she added. “With their new Mirum technology, we’re looking at potentially an over 95 percent reduction in carbon emissions versus animal leather, which could truly be game changing for the fashion industry and beyond.”
Haverhals also touted Mirum’s recyclability. Though its lack of plastics would allow someone to “grind it up and return it to the Earth,” as Haverhals put it, NFW developed its plant leather so that it can be recycled. “There’s some additional special things about the formulation that allows us to take the scrap, for example, and turn it back into new,” Haverhals said.
NFW looks beyond Allbirds
Though Allbirds has received lead time on using NFW’s Mirum product, it is not the only brand the company is working with. All told, Haverhals estimated there could be more than a dozen other companies sending products to market with NFW’s plant leather in 2022.
The type of shoe the firm’s Mirum material can work with “is pretty wide,” Haverhals said. “Of course, there’s formal wear and streetwear. And there’s the difference between work boots and stilettos…. The technology is extremely tunable. Our ability to tune for not only mechanical performance, but aesthetic is very broad and gives us certain advantages in working with a breadth of different kinds of brands and different kinds of products.”
This tuneability also allows NFW’s partners to weigh durability and sustainability as they see fit. “One of the things that makes plastics great but also not so great is that sometimes they’re too durable, they don’t break down when you want them to,” Haverhals said. In Mirum’s case, NFW can adjust the durability of its leathers to match their specific applications, whether that’s for a pair of shoes or simply a wallet.
“Does the customer want to build a timeless thing that lasts and lasts and lasts or do they want to build something for the circular economy that’s made to be obsoleted in a couple years but it’s okay because NFW can turn it back into dirt or turn it back into product,” Haverhals said.
At the same time Allbirds invested in NFW last year, Ralph Lauren was putting forward its own money to help fund Clarus, another material the startup is developing that reuses natural fibers such as cotton waste to create more durable, high-performance materials and goods. Thanks to these twin investments, NFW has been able to double its employee staff to 100 with plans to hit 250 by the end of the year. “We’re on a very steep ramp right now,” Haverhals said.
Clarus and Mirum, both heading to market now at the same time, are simply NFW’s first two products. Haverhals said the company is also looking to bring several others, such as water-repellant materials and foams, to commercial scale in the future.
“Think of all the different materials that you might find if you slice your shoe in half and tried to figure out what’s all in there,” Haverhals said. “We are saying that we are plants, not plastic. It’s not plants, not one kind of plastic, it’s plants, not all kinds of plastics. It means an ecosystem.”

domain: news


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THE DAILY BRIEFING: Activist hedge fund boss backs German takeover of LSE
An activist hedge fund boss has become the first London Stock Exchange shareholder to publicly back a German takeover of the 215-year-old institution.
Deutsche Boerse is seeking to acquire the LSE in a £21billion deal both insist would be a ‘merger of equals’.
There are fears it could damage Britain’s national interest but Christopher Hohn of the Children’s Investment Fund said he backs the bid.
'Merger of equals': Deutsche Boerse is seeking to acquire the LSE in a £21billion deal
The world’s largest brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev has got the go-ahead from South Africa’s Competition Commission for its £70billion SAB Miller takeover.
The deal gained conditional approval yesterday with conditions attached including that no South African employees be laid off. Last week it received the approval from competition watchdogs in the EU.
The Euro 2016 football championships – which kick off in France this month – will only give the French economy a ‘small and short-lived’ boost, say experts. Bloomberg Intelligence economists Jamie Murray and Maxime Sbaihi said spending on tickets and infrastructure has already taken place.
Britain’s private sector is expected to clock up ‘modest’ growth in the months ahead, according to the CBI. But the pro-Brussels lobby group warned of ‘clear signs that uncertainty around the global economy and the outcome of the EU referendum are concerning businesses’.
India has confirmed its status as the world’s fastest growing major economy
India has confirmed its status as the world’s fastest growing major economy as it leaves China trailing in its wake. Official figures showed the Indian economy grew by 7.9 per cent year on year in the first quarter of the year – up from 7.2 per cent the previous quarter and faster than the 7.5 per cent expected.
Property firm St Modwen reported a strong start to the year. In its half-year update it said it has been focused on the North West but will also embark on developments in Chippenham, Wiltshire and in London in Greenwich and Woolwich. Shares fell 0.88 per cent or 2.9p to 326.1p.
The battle for former Comet owner Darty looks set to have been won by French retailer Fnac. Darty’s board unanimously recommended shareholders accept the £914million cash offer from the firm. Shares fell 0.24 per cent or 0.4p to 168.1p.
Seeing Machines is set for higher revenues this year thanks to a licensing deal. The firm that makes gadgets which detect when drivers are tired said its £10.8million contract with Caterpillar will drive up sales but takings from other parts of the business are expected to fall.
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What we heard: There's not much at the heart of the Bitmob article. The report cites a source with the quote, "PlayStation 4 in 18 months." The source apparently heard the news during "a 'high-level meeting' at Sony."
The next paragraph in the article says it's not clear if what happens in 18 months is supposed to be a launch or an announcement. The one after that emphasizes that the source in question isn't a fake or a show-off, and then the rest of the story is reserved for the writer's analysis of what Sony should put into the PS4 and when it should launch, concluding with a restatement of the 18-month window and a "We'll see."
The official word: "We don't comment on speculation or rumors."--A Sony representative.
Bogus or not bogus?: The PlayStation 4 is coming eventually. That's not bogus. But at this point, so far from the thing's actual launch, any details--even ones that come directly from Sony--are unreliable at best.


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Nissan Motor Co. has acquired the services of David Champion to aid the carmaker in making sure that its vehicles match up well against rival models. Champion will hold a newly created position as the executive adviser of competitive assessment and quality, effective Sept. 10, 2012.
Champion, who served as a quality-assurance engineer at Nissan from 1994 to 1997, is known for his recommendations as the head of auto testing for Consumer Reports, and has influenced countless car buyers. Carla Bailo, Nissan's senior vice president of research and development, said in a statement that Champion's unique industry background will help ensure that the customer's voice is evident in every product the carmaker engineers.
Bailo noted that Champion’s experience in developing robust testing methods will aid Nissan in keeping pace with the increasing complexity of its products and in staying focused on continually improving its customer satisfaction ratings.
Champion has been in charge of Consumer Reports' 327-acre Auto Test Center in Connecticut, considered as the largest independent proving ground in the world. His opinions as well as those of his 23-person staff are well regarded, and usually played a significant role in how well the public receives produced vehicles. Carmakers sought his advice as well as took note of the Consumer Reports’ "recommended" label he controlled.
In print since 1936, Consumer Reports is a magazine is published Consumers Union, a nonprofit organization that conducts unbiased product testing and consumer-oriented research as well as public education and advocacy. Consumer Reports publishes reviews and comparisons of consumer products, as assessed in its in-house testing laboratory and survey research center. Its staff buys all tested products at retail prices, and doesn’t accept free samples to dispel any bias.
Champion will hold office at Nissan’s Arizona Testing Center, and will report to Steve Monk, director of vehicle evaluation and testing and chief marketability engineer for the Nissan Technical Center North America. Champion told Automotive News that he aims to help "make Nissan a world leader" by showing the carmaker what consumers look for in cars and helping the company really target their cars to consumers.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. -- Nissan Jidosha Kabushiki-gaisha -- is a Japanese multinational carmaker that builds and sells cars under the Nissan, Infiniti, and Datsun brands. It is currently based in Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Japan. In 1928, the Nihon Sangyo holding company -- with the 'Nissan' name serving as an abbreviation for Nihon Sangyo – was formed by Yoshisuke Aikawa. Nissan entered auto manufacturing in 1933.
Nissan was hit by severe financial difficulties in the late 1990s, prompting it to look for a partner. Nissan entered into a strategic alliance with Renault in March 1999.


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Archive for "Nintendo" Tag
Players can either hide or find balloons scattered through the various Kingdoms.
Oh goodness, please, yes.
Almost six times as much as Super Mario Run.
It's not too bad, I guess.
The company has offered replacements, and has apologized for the inconvenience.
It's evident that PlatinumGames loves working on the Bayonetta games.
If true, this would mark the first multiplayer in the series in nearly 15 years.
Meanwhile, Nintendo's Breath of the Wild also hits a major milestone.
Nintendo also recommits to 2-3 mobile games a year.
It's (S)witch time, folks.
He also goes on to share his enthusiasm regarding making the game.
Calm down there, Nintendo...
I imagine both companies have a lot to show this year.
Could the game actually be on track for a 2018 release?
Don't get cooked, stay off the hook.
Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto says it would be "interesting" to prolong its life cycle.
Nintendo's Director Shinya Takahashi discusses why the team decied to use cardboard kits.
Nintendo has a lot to prove for their online service
Those include an Easy Mode, an improved map, improved UI, and more.
How long will the 3DS stick around for? Even Nintendo doesn't know.


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Sainsbury’s abandons Barking supermarket plans
- Credit: Archant
One of the country’s biggest supermarket chains has abandoned plans of building a store in Barking, a year after pulling the plug on a similar scheme in Dagenham.
Sainsbury’s had pledged to build a 9,545sq m store in the Abbey Retail Park, in Abbey Road, which would have created 450 jobs.
However the retailer has today U-turned, blaming the decision on changing “shopping patterns”.
“We can confirm that we are no longer going ahead with our plans to open a store in Barking,” said a Sainsbury’s spokesman.
“We have not taken this decision lightly but since we first announced our scheme shopping patterns have changed considerably and following a review the store is no longer viable.
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“We have been extremely grateful for the strong level of local support and recognise that this news will be disappointing to many people.
“We will continue to focus on our existing stores across the area.”
In July last year Sainsbury’s announced that a proposed 61,600 sq ft shop on the former Sanofi site, in Rainham Road South, Dagenham, which looked set to create about 450 jobs, would also not be built.
- 1 Work to begin on river bus pier at Barking Riverside
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- 3 Work begins on £1.8m arts centre transformation in Barking
- 4 Man, 19, stabbed in thigh in Dagenham
- 5 East London travel disruption round-up for the week ahead
- 6 Man praises community spirit after flood water threatens homes in Dagenham
- 7 Murder investigation in Dagenham after man dies in street
- 8 Man charged with murder after fatal Dagenham assault
- 9 Former child refugee who founded Barking women's service up for award
- 10 Parkrun returns to east London: Where can you join in?
Council leader Cllr Darren Rodwell has hit out at the supermarket, which could have created 900 jobs for the borough.
“I think the community will be very disappointed in what seems a short-sighted decision by Sainsbury’s,” he said.
“But interest in Barking generally is at all an time high, so we are confident that we can find an alternative use for the site that will benefit local people and bring new opportunities to the area.”
The plans initially emerged in 2013 after a High Court judge overturned rival plans by Tesco to expand its nearby superstore, at the corner of Highbridge Road and Longbridge Road, Barking, from 30,000sq ft to 44,000sq ft.
Although building work on 597 rental homes at the Estates and Agency-owned retail park will start next year, Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce president Mark Bass insists the news is “disappointing”.
“It’s a great shame,” he said. “We were all looking forward to them coming and providing the consumer with a bit more choice.
“Although I understand the supermarket business is changing, I think this was something people did genuinely want.”
What do you think of the decision? Email email@example.com, call 020 8477 3824 or vote in our poll.


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| PNS The Talentedge, India's leading ed-tech firm, has collaborated with XLRI, one of India's leading management schools based in Jamshedpur,... ...http://www.dailypioneer.com/avenues/for-skill-development.html
07:27 am FOLLOW US: Indore: Utsaha, IIM Indore's rural marketing fest, organized a workshop on marketing research, with eminent experts from the... ...http://www.freepressjournal.in/indore/utsaha-workshop-on-marketing-research-in-indore/955659
Within the purview of Data Management, a new discipline called Data Science has emerged. It should not be confused with Analytics—the buzzword of... ...http://www.financialexpress.com/industry/jobs/students-want-to-excel-in-data-science-heres-what-you-must-do/420518/
(Delhi) New Delhi: The Ninth Convocation of the TERI University will be held at 5.00 PM on 04 November 2016 at the TERI University campus, 10... ...http://indiaeducationdiary.in/Delhi/shownews.asp?newsid=40392
XLRI students distribute food among children of Beldih slum in Bistupur on Friday. Picture by Bhola Prasad When restaurant lights dim and... ...http://www.telegraphindia.com/1161015/jsp/jharkhand/story_113500.jsp
Alumni of Garden City...
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Did you know that when it comes to videos about consumer electronics, branded product teasers are the most popular on YouTube? Did you also know that when that product is released, it's user-generated content from independent vloggers that attracts the most attention? A new report from Pixability highlights the way brands are missing out on huge opportunities to engage with potential customers and fans.
Gaming walk-throughs are one of the most popular verticals on YouTube, but did you know that views of videos from independent creators vastly outnumbered those released by game publishers, even accounting for all paid promotions of those videos on YouTube? This ratio was remarkably consistent across the board, with earned media averaging 95% of all video game views. In other words, YouTube users watched fan-made videos over brand-made videos at a rate of 19 to 1!
YouTube is clearing suspended accounts from its system, and this will have an impact on subscriber numbers on other channels. The good news is that although subscriber counts may fall, view counts will remain the same, as views aren't counted from suspended users. The new feature is being implemented to ensure that the subscriber count remains as authentic as possible.
GoPro may be one of the biggest YouTube success stories ever. In 2011, the company generated revenue of $234.2 million, by 2013, the figure was $985.7 million. In 2013, their customers uploaded approximately 2.8 years worth of video featuring 'GoPro' in the title to YouTube, and GoPro focused video content generated 1 billion views last year.
Can't attend E3 2014? Join the hundreds of thousands of other gamers who are virtually attending the industry-only event via YouTube Live streaming, and real-time information updates. Brands like Sony are also using YouTube to reach fans throughout the event.
YouTube needs to spend less time comparing itself to cable networks and more time comparing itself to other video content properties, if it is to ride the threat that Yahoo could present to Google's video service later this summer. We take a look at why the Yahoo plans could shake up YouTube and why it needs to stay focused.
We are always on the lookout for new trends that are flying just below the radar or are hidden in plain sight, and we think we've just spotted some that should change the way brands launch their YouTube video campaigns. We provide you with new insights and help you successfully navigate the evolving world of online video.
186.1 million Americans watched online videos last month, that's very slightly down from March 2014, but Google sites still dominate the video content properties chart, and VEVO still maintains its rock-solid lead as the YouTube channel with the most unique views.
Branded videos attract an average 42% of shares across Twitter, Facebook and blogs within the first 3 days of publication. That's up from 25% on last year. The new data, from Unruly, also confirms that 18% of shares, one-fifth of the total, are generated within the first 24 hours,
Are you actively pushing video content out on Facebook and want to know how well it's performing? Brands and creators who are used to stats at their fingertips from YouTube have been crying out for some kind of feedback from Facebook and the site is promising to deliver within the next few weeks.
Today, brands have access to more YouTube data than they can shake a stick at. The video ad campaign is the new focus group, and it may be time to change the way ads are created and distributed so that viewers actually engage more.
VIsible Measures runs down the numbers for branded video in Q1 2014. Did it stay on pace with the amazing year that was 2013 or taper off? Which branded video had everyone captivated and scored the number one spot in campaigns (you won't be all that surprised I imagine). Which creative agency had the most views in the quarter and does top 5 campaign equal top 5 brand? Find out all this and more...inside!
We're adding Vine and Instagram short-form videos to our Viral Video Prediction Chart this week, and we'll count those videos as viral if they double their shares within the next 7 days. These are our predictions.
YouTube devs have tweaked the playlist feature to give users better ways to use them and easier ways to find the content they want to watch. The question is, are you properly using playlists to get the most out of them and get the videos in front of the people who want to watch them?


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They’ve revolutionized the way we listen to music. They’ve changed how we think of notebook computers and tablets. And now, the team at Apple may finally have solved voice recognition.
At Tuesday’s keynote address Apple senior executive Phil Schiller introduced the world to Siri, available on the new iPhone 4S. “For decades, technologists have teased us with this dream that you’ll be able to talk to technology and it’ll do things for us. But it never comes true,” he said. “What we really want to do is talk to our device.”
Another senior vice president, Scott Forstall, gave a demonstration for an idea that has existed for decades – according to a late 1980s commercial that has surfaced. “What is the weather like today,” he asked Siri. The iPhone responded by bringing up the weather. He also said the phone understands the question in context, not looking just for keywords. “Do I need a raincoat today,” brings up the same response. “The exact words I say aren’t important,” Forstall said.
Siri is useful for checking stocks, setting alarms, web searches, and retrieving definitions using a dictionary. Schiller and Forstall said the phone is also good for dictation. In fact, any app with a keyboard can use input from Siri. Siri can even be used in a hands-free environment. Users can listen and respond to text messages they receive while driving. The app is in beta mode and its languages are English, French, and German. Schiller said as Apple progresses, Siri will understand more languages.
Forstall also introduced Cards, a free new app that lets users create and mail cards directly from their iPhones or iPod Touch devices. At launch, Cards will have 21 different designs in six categories. Users can customize cards with photos and text, and mail them anywhere in the world. Apple takes care of printing the card, sealing it in an envelope, and covers postage. If mailed in the U.S., Apple adds a barcode that will notify the card’s sender the card has reached its destination. Apple is charging $2.99 for a card mailed anywhere in the U.S., and $4.99 for a card mailed anywhere in the world. Cards is available October 12.
The iPhone 4S, available in the U.S. on Oct. 14, also has a new chip that is twice as fast as the iPhone 4, the same chip contained in the iPad 2. The A5 chip is up to seven times faster than the previous version, and Mike Capps, president of Epic Games, showed a demo of Infinity Blade 2 being run on the device. Epic’s Tim Sweeney, of course, was about 5 hours south presenting the Unreal engine being run in Adobe Flash Player 11 at Adobe MAX.
The rest of the time served as an overview of iOS5 announcements, most of which have been public knowledge on Apple’s site for awhile.
So, what are your thoughts on this address? Are you excited about the new iPhone and iOS? Did Tim Cook live up to Steve Jobs? Share your reactions to Cards, Siri, and more.
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March 17, 2017 13:01
Hyundai and Kia unveiled new electric cars at an expo on Jeju Island on Thursday.
Hyundai launched a newly modified electric version of the Ioniq, which is W1.6 million cheaper than the previous model at W40 million (US$1=W1,132).
But with incentives consumers can buy the car for under W20 million as the government offers a subsidy of W14 million and local governments up to W12 million.
Kia, meanwhile, is taking pre-orders for the Soul EV. It can produce up to 111 horsepower with maximum torque of 29 kg.m. Equipped with a higher voltage battery than its predecessor, its driving range has increased by 20 percent.
The car is priced at W42.8 million but will cost motorists only W16.8-28.8 million with subsidies.
GM Korea will unveil the Volt EV, a fully electric version that can travel about 383 km on a single charge, at the expo, which wraps up next week.
- Copyright © Chosunilbo & Chosun.com


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MIAMI, Fla., Oct. 18, 2018 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Vertical3 Media, the Miami-based digital advertising and marketing agency, announced today that it is launching a new division, Vertical3 Travel, to boost the already booming hospitality and travel sector in Miami.
MIAMI, Fla., Oct. 8, 2018 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — South Florida based indoor environmental services and mold removal company, Miami Mold Specialists, releases innovative line of aerosol based mold removal, mold inhibiting, and mold preventative products.
MIAMI, Fla., Sept. 20, 2018 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Travelers, rental owners, property management companies, realtors, foreclosure companies, banks, property investors, developers, commercial leasing companies can all benefit from Miami Mold Specialists’ new vacant property inspection service offering.
MIAMI, Fla., Aug. 31, 2018 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — High Tech and eco-friendly indoor environmental and mold removal service provider, Miami Mold Specialists, nominated by Google My Business for high class services rendered, excellence in community service, and impeccable customer feedback; achieving over five hundred real 5 star reviews in Google’s My Business reviews and ratings […]
MIAMI, Fla., Aug. 20, 2018 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Premier South Florida mold removal company, Miami Mold Specialist, diversifies business, adds Radon Testing and Radon Mitigation services to extensive line-up of indoor environmental service offerings. Unbeknownst to most people, radon gas exposure is attributed as one of the top leading causes of lung cancer in the […]
MIAMI, Fla., Aug. 2, 2018 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Aclaro, the leading provider in blockchain-based open platform solutions, recently released its latest A.I. solution. The new tool, Aclaro TrueView is designed to provide automotive and other lenders with a competitive advantage through robust features that save them time, money, and facilitate better lending decisions.
MIAMI, Fla., July 11, 2018 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Aclaro, the leading provider of blockchain based open data platforms and solutions, has announced that it has launched a new Fintech Artificial Intelligence (AI) solution focused on the lending industry. The new solution is Aclaro TrueView. Aclaro aims to equip lenders with the innovative tools needed for […]
MIAMI, Fla., June 25, 2018 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Prominent indoor environmental services company, Miami Mold Specialist, recently announced the acquisition of prime commercial real estate in South Florida. This new commercial property will be used as Miami Mold Specialist’s new headquarters, with remodeling and renovations already getting underway.
MIAMI, Fla., June 11, 2018 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Prominent South Florida mold removal and indoor environmental services company, Miami Mold Specialist, implements latest scientific breakthrough in mold prevention coating solutions.
MIAMI, Fla., April. 10, 2018 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Luna Wear, a fashion technology startup based out of Miami Florida, has released the world’s first ever machine washable and dryable, fashionable, illuminating athletic apparel line. Powered by a USB rechargeable lithium battery, Luna Wear’s super bright patented Luna illuminating material provides safety for outdoor runners.


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6/28 SCAM ALERT
Scammers are creating fake websites that look like known and trusted news sites to sell “brain booster” pills. They post bogus articles about the pills with endorsements from people like Stephen Hawking and Anderson Cooper (neither has endorsed any such product). The site then links you to the sales page for the pills where you can place an order with a credit or debit card. The scammers claim the pills will lead to an increase in concentration and memory recall, but there is no evidence to support these claims, according to the Federal Trade Commission. It’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor before purchasing health products.
Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.
Report scams to local law enforcement. Contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork for more information on fraud prevention.


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Al Dua’a unveils $136m Plaza in Dubai
Dubai, January 30, 2008
Al-Dua’a Holdings has announced the launch of The Plaza, its Dh500 million ($136 million) project, a mixed-use development comprising offices, residential and retail elements designed to reflect the sustainable development needs of Dubai.
Al- Dua'a is a Dh2 billion UAE-based property development, advisory and real estate investment company.
The project has been designed by Toni Ashai, a celebrated architect from California known for designing high and luxury projects in Dubai, said a top company official.
'Strategically located in the heart of new Dubai and minutes away from Dubai Central Metro Station, The Plaza, is within easy reach of world-class restaurants, five-star hotels, golf courses, beaches and luxury shopping centers,' said Noreen Khan, the marketing director of Al Dua’a Holdings.
The consumer finance is available up to 85 per cent for the clients of The Plaza by Al-Dua’a from Al-Noor Islamic Bank, one of the largest Islamic Banks in the world, she added.
The Plaza is nestled among the high-end residential developments in Dubai such as Emirates Hills, the Marina, Jumeirah Islands, Golf estates and Dubai-land.
'The residential area features excellent schools, medical care centres and hospitals. It also offers families the best and safest environment featuring lavish green gardens, children’s play areas, parks, jogging track, playgrounds and in-door parking,' Khan noted.
The commercial area boasts day-care centers for working parents, health clubs, a business centre that provides conferences and meeting rooms, secretarial support, virtual-office option, wireless internet and video conferencing facilities.
“We took the mission to redefine the lifestyle property concept in Dubai by offering a unique combination of residential and commercial spaces to anyone looking for a high-quality, deluxe living or working environment,” she observed.
In addition to The Plaza, Al-Dua’a Holdings has launched two other projects - Al-Dua’a Marina which offers luxurious apartments and town houses, and Al-Dua’a Garden, which features wide open spaces, landscaped gardens and waterworks.-TradeArabia News Service


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Frederick Cary, a professional business creator turned mentor, has announced mentoring opportunities to aspiring hardware startup founders through his online education platform, IdeaPros. The platform connects individuals with real-life entrepreneurs, who are now using their knowledge to give business aspirants an “unfair advantage” in their chosen segments.
More information is available at https://www.ideapros.com
What sets IdeaPros apart is its low barrier to entry, according to a company spokesperson. “With us, you can get a solid grounding in important business concepts and invaluable advice from some of the country’s brightest minds in business for the price of a week’s worth of groceries.”
IdeaPros’ foundational course, The Purpose-Driven Entrepreneur, retails for $299. The program is divided into 15 “masterclass” lessons and imparts Mr. Cary’s own approach to entrepreneurship. In addition to a systematic approach to starting a new business, The Purpose-Driven Entrepreneur also teaches how to achieve “micro victories,” set goals, and create a legacy, among other concepts.
By taking this course, one will have the opportunity to brainstorm with one of the company’s mentors. These brainstorming sessions can be used to consult a mentor about a business idea or to obtain advice about a particular problem, such as finding investors.
“Fresh perspectives are invaluable during the idea stage of any enterprise, particularly businesses that develop consumer hardware, and you will get plenty of those with any of our mentors,” the representative said.
Consumer hardware refers to physical products marketed to individuals and households. While there is a wide array of consumer hardware, and some segments like consumer drones and wearables are poised for further growth this decade, the industry has seen some of the most catastrophic failures in the history of startups, with well-funded hardware businesses folding due to lack of demand.
“IdeaPros can help reduce your chances of adding to that list,” the spokesperson said, adding that the company has been instrumental in the successful launch of over 350 new startups, many of which are involved in consumer hardware.
To learn more, interested individuals are advised to watch a free webinar introducing the company’s offerings at https://fred.ideapros.com/play
99 Wall Street, Suite 3775


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Last week, during the Geneva auto show, Bugatti unveiled the world's most expensive new car, a 16.7 million euros ($18.9 million) coupe made as a modern interpretation of the iconic Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic.
La Voiture Noire, French for "the black car," is a one-off commission speculated to have been made for Ferdinand Piech, chairman of Bugatti owner Volkswagen Group from 1993 to 2002.
But another bit of news will have far bigger reach than that black beast.
According to Bugatti CEO Stephan Winkelmann in an interview on March 6, the brand is looking to introduce a second, more affordable model of car to its current multimillion-dollar lineup.
Winkelmann characterized it not as a mere halo car but as a best-in-segment daily driver with a top-line price to match—and it could be electric.
"I would see us doing a battery electric vehicle," he said of the proposed new car. "There, the balance between performance and comfort is much more important, and it's about daily usability. This is what I see," he said.
Speed "will be far less important" in the car, Winkelmann said.
Bugatti's $3 million Chiron comes with 1,500 horsepower and a top speed of 261 mph (420 kph). Any new Bugatti will still cost a lot - it could cost a half-million dollars and pack an 800-hp punch.
Winkelmann declined to give additional specifics about the cost, chassis, and performance of the potential car but said the company has already begun analyzing the prospect. "Let’s see what we can do," he said. "I'm hoping for the best."
There is room to expand, even with the generous business that million-dollar cars such as the Chiron and Divo already provide. The average Bugatti customer has 42 cars at home, according to a Bugatti spokeswoman; often two of them are Bugattis. More than half of the 250 Chirons made were purchased sight unseen—an astounding figure, considering the astronomical price tag.
In North America and Europe, billionaire populations are growing by 17 percent and 18 percent respectively, according to Knight Frank's 2019 Wealth Report. Asia will be home to 1,003 billionaires by 2023, a 27 percent increase from 2018 and more than a third of the world’s total of 2,696 billionaires. Since 2009, sales of automobiles costing more than $180,000 has quadrupled, according to IHS Markit.
Matt DeLorenzo, senior managing editor for Kelley Blue Book, characterizes the move to bring in a second model lineup as smart, matching VW Group's overall push toward electrification. "They do need to remain relevant within the group," he says.
"At the end of the day, the difference of the price in a car is the brand," Winkelmann said of how the new model may be positioned. "And this, I think, will stay the same—fortunately for us. I’m convinced about this."
Tim Urquhart, the principal automotive analyst at IHS Markit, casts doubt as to whether the new model will be hugely profitable, despite strategy shifts from new VW Group CEO Herbert Diess. Instead, "relevancy is the more important question," he says, especially when the brand story matters as much as the product—and when hybrid and purely electric vehicles have utterly dominated automotive news for the past few years.
Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar, and Porsche have all announced electric cars, to be produced now or in the near future. Tesla’s EVs continue to move from strength to strength, against all odds. Cities such as London and Paris are becoming increasingly hostile to combustion-driven engines. And the technology needed to get a two-ton Chiron to sustained performance and extended range under battery power alone is not feasible, due to weight and cost constraints.
In short, an electric Chiron would be a compromised Chiron. That is why, in order to introduce electric technology into Bugatti, it must come in the form of a new car altogether. "I would see [electric power] there because I don’t need a top speed, which is over 250 mph," Winkelmann said.
Bugatti would not be the first supercar brand to attempt to evolve and achieve relevance via electric and SUV vehicles.
Ferrari and Lamborghini long rejected making less-expensive sports cars and SUVs in volumes that would bolster their tiny global outputs (formerly sub-5,000 units). More recently, Lamborghini incorporated the Urus SUV into its lineup, and Ferrari executives said last week in Geneva that they are working on a hybrid supercar of their own. (Ferrari introduced the hybrid LaFerrari six years ago.) These moves had no discernible negative impact, in terms of "damaging" a classic brand.
The true challenge will be to develop an EV with either significantly improved range or more exotic technology than the much-hyped Porsche Taycan, another sibling in the VW Group family and one that will be on the road before the end of 2019. Any new vehicle from Bugatti would likely borrow extensively from VW Group hardware such as the Premium Platform Electric architecture to be used by Porsche, Bentley, and Audi. But with a badge like Bugatti’s, it needs to provide an amplified experience.
"Whatever the technology of the day is, Bugatti would be expected to take it up a notch," Delorenzo said.
In the meantime, a lot can happen. Even if Winkelmann gets the green light from parent VW, the prospect of a cheaper Bugatti remains far from reality. He does not yet have approval from the VW board, and this can be difficult to procure. It took years of lobbying from Bentley and Lamborghini to get go-aheads to make an SUV.
If and when Winkelmann gets a yes, it will take an additional four years of development before a second Bugatti family line will arrive.


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Earlier this morning we stopped by ST-Ericsson to talk about their SoCs and modem platforms, and took a look at their new Thor M7450 baseband which includes both support for 10 MHz + 10 MHz carrier aggregation to realize full category 3 and 4 speeds, and of course category 4 support. M7450 is built on a 28nm LP bulk process, though I'm told that there will be future parts also supporting FD-SOI similar to the new L8580. This is the same IP block integrated into ST-E's L8580 SoC, and includes support for both TDD and FDD LTE alongside WCDMA/HSPA+, TD-SCDMA, and GSM, all the 3GPP suite. ST-E believes its modem architecture in M7450 is very different from traditional designs, as it leans more towards...
Amidst all the major hardware announcements at MWC2012 there are also some announcements coming out of the software side. The Portland Group (PGI) sent word this afternoon that their...2 by Ryan Smith on 2/28/2012
There's a close relationship between process technology and performance/power consumption, and it's about to get even more important in mobile. We've already seen that with the transition to 40nm...4 by Anand Lal Shimpi on 2/28/2012
ST-E is currently laying out its strategy for the company going forward, having suffered a tremendous reduction in revenue as the mobile market has changed dramatically over the past...5 by Anand Lal Shimpi on 2/28/2012
Back at CES, then Sony Ericsson announced the Xperia S. Today at MWC 2012, the newly acquired Sony Mobile Communications announced two more Xperia NXT series devices - the...10 by Brian Klug on 2/26/2012
Up until now, if you wanted a Windows Phone, it'd implicitly come with a Qualcomm SoC inside. The Windows Phone platform started out with QSD8x50 (first generation Snapdragon), and...10 by Brian Klug on 11/2/2011


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Computex 2021 event has already kicked off starting today in Taipei and the event will run-up to June 5th, 2021. AMD has already showcased its latest series of Ryzen desktop processors and Radeon mobile GPUs. Following the AMD launches Nvidia has announced two new GPUs including the GeForce RTX 3800 Ti, and the new GeForce RTX 3070 Ti. Let’s have a closer look at the newly launched GeForce RTX 3800 Ti, and the new GeForce RTX 3070 Ti GPUs.
GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Features and Price
The GeForce RTX 3080 Ti is powered by Nvidia Ampere architecture and the GPU claims to deliver an incredible performance. The newly launched GPU comes with features like ray tracing, NVIDIA DLSS performance-boosting AI, NVIDIA Reflex latency-reduction. It also comes with Nvidia Broadcast streaming features and additional memory which is said to increase the performance of the most popular creator applications as well. The newly launched flagship gaming GPU of the RTX lineup comes with a price tag of USD 1199 (approx Rs 86,970) and the device will be up for sale starting June 3rd, 2021.
GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Specifications and Price
The GeForce RTX 3070 Ti is also powered by the popular NVIDIA Ampere architecture graphics card. This new GPU claims to boost performance with more CUDA Cores with the help of GDDR6X memory. The combination of the hardware enables the GeForce RTX 3070 Ti to deliver a 1.5X performance improvement compared to the previous-gen GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER and a 2X improvement over the GeForce GTX 1070 Ti. The GeForce RTX 3070 Ti is launched at USD 599 (approx Rs 43,448) and it will be available from June 10th, 2021.
These new GPUs are claimed to deliver great performance backed by the Nvidia Studio platform and powered with 12GB of GDDR6X memory for creative applications. RTX is accelerating the No. 1 applications like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, OBS, and every major 3D renderer. According to the company, more than 70 content creation applications support RTX-accelerated ray tracing, DLSS or AI features.
GeForce RTX 30 Series Laptops For Every Gamer and Creator
At Computex, the company also announced the latest GeForce RTX 30 Series-based laptops. The list includes new gaming laptops from Alienware and Acer. Alienware announced its latest x15 ultra-thin gaming laptop with GeForce RTX 3080. The newly launched laptop comes equipped with a 2560×1440 G-SYNC display, and the company claims that it is the world’s most powerful sub-16mm, 15-inch laptop.
Acer has also added a new laptop in its Predator series with the launch of the new 16-inch Predator Triton 500 SE. Under the hood, the gaming laptop comes with a GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU and is loaded with third-generation Max-Q technologies for peak operation and performance. Besides, HP has also launched its 14-inch Envy laptop with RTX capabilities. While the 15-inch display Envy 15 has also debuted with GeForce RTX 3060 laptop graphics.
More Gaming Goodness
Nvidia has also launched a new Fortnite map called Titanium City, a 12 player Gun Game multiplayer free for all. The new theme is to celebrate the announcement and launch of the new GeForce RTX 3080 Ti graphics card. According to the company, Titanium City offers the new GPU as the map’s backdrop, with all the action occurring around it. To play, load up Creative Mode in Fortnite and head to Map Code 1866-3511-4211.
Thanks for reading till the end of this article. For more such informative and exclusive tech content, like our Facebook page


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Crowbar, the former WCW Hardcore, Cruiserweight and Tag Team champion, has revealed an incendiary new promo is set to debut on his official Twitter account today.
The wrestling star, speaking exclusively to Bodyslam.net, said:
Crowbar, who as we have previously reported has changed his Twitter profile name to read: “Crowbar” (for now)” has been posting a series of promos via social media.
In the black and white vignettes, the hardcore legend has openly critiqued fan behaviour, the language used in crowd chants and lack of psychology or logic in contemporary pro-wrestling.
Titles of his previous releases include ‘Dives,’ ‘Ode to Cornette’ and ‘Hypocrites’. The videos, which are accompanied by classical music, see Crowbar sipping on a glass of wine and end with the hashtag #TIMELESS.
Check out our official store at PRO WRESTLING TEES, show us your support and buy a shirt. You can visit our store by clicking here.
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Panasonic reveals Blu-ray recorder with 1-Terabyte hard drive
The Panasonic DMR-BW900 Blu-ray recorder, which shall hereafter be known as the “Tera-Daddy,” is the biggest and most awesome of a new range of six HD recorders the company has just unveiled at Createc Japan. Three of the new DIGA range are Blu-ray, three are HD-DVD. All of them kick beachloads of sand in the face of your ancient collection of 3-hour VHS tapes and DVDs.
All support lossless recording and playback of Dolby 5.1 surround sound, as well as 1080p vision. They integrate with a Panasonic intercom system to save pictures of whoever’s been knocking on your door when you’re away from home, and are programmable through your mobile phone. Each Blu-ray disc will hold 50 gigabytes, or around 18 hours, of HD content.
The Panasonic DMR-BW900 Blu-ray recorder and its lesser siblings will be available in Japan from November 1.


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The seventh installment of the "Fast & Furious" franchise is nearly upon us. Dennis McCarthy, who has wrangled cars for the series since 2006's "Tokyo Drift," tells us how he pulled together the amazing rides for this latest film.
Front-of-house engineer David Haines mixes live sound for the Black Eyed Peas, among others. He fills the Audiophiliac in on how it works.
Nintendo's not out of hardware yet, but its next platform better be a home run. The best bet: make one system, not two.
Samsung's easy dismissal of Qualcomm's Snapdragon processor highlights the chipmaker's weak brand power with consumers. What can Qualcomm do to raise its profile?
That's an awfully inexpensive way to give your TV an awfully good audio upgrade.
Backed by 7.6 million followers on YouTube, the beauty guru's empire is so diverse even people least likely to watch her Barbie makeup transformation know her name. The online star still has a few secrets.
Apple on Monday will talk up more features of its smartwatch -- and it needs to give consumers a reason to buy one.
The popular messaging app appears to have switched on its promised voice calling feature, with some users reporting the functionality appearing in the latest app build.
For a really, really limited time Amazon is giving away its award-winning show, "Transparent." Meanwhile, a very controversial movie is headed to Netflix.
The crowds have hit the ground running at CES in search of the novel and interesting technology that wasn't covered on Press Day. Here's everything you need to know from Day 1.


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Smart glasses as a replacement for smartphones
“In the long run, we think virtual reality will have hundreds of millions of users and end up eating into the mobile market,” said Tim Merel, founder and chief executive at Eyetouch Reality and Digi-Capital, an investment baking firm for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).
Merel and his fellow panelists defined virtual reality devices as those with “presence” that provide an immersive experience, such as the Daqri smart helmet. Augmented reality fuses overlays digital images on the physical world with products such as Microsoft’s HoloLens or Meta glasses.
The first two months of 2016 showed a $1.1 billion investment in AR and VR, according to Digi-Capital – the first time that AR/VR investment has topped a billion dollars in any year. Nearly $800 million went into display startup Magic Leap, which developed a retinal display for AR that superimposes computer generated imagery over real-world objects.
Digi-Capital forecasts $120 billion in revenue from AR/VR by 2020. While the success of VR is mostly consmer related, AR poses an opportunity for revenue from myriad vertical markets. Mobile operators could potentially charge customers for the data used to drive higher frame rates and stereo images, Merel noted.
“Everybody from big players at the top to a million startups is working on this,” Merel said, adding that the domestic Chinese market is growing rapidly.
VR will come online first, because the technology is driven by the gaming industry, and will eventually turn into a $30 billion market. Augmented reality systems – driven by smartphone-like use cases that include online commerce and heads-up displays for vehicles – will eventually take up a larger piece of the pie at $120 billion, according to Digi-Capital.
Merel said the price of hardware will decrease by 2018-2019, when many problems around battery life, field of view, and cellular communication will also be solved. At that time, consumers “will be able to sort of replace smartphones with [smart] glasses.”
In the meantime, AR and VR devices powered by smartphones, also known as head mounted displays (HMDs), share similar problems around mobility and power consumption.
“The target power we have to spend is maybe 15 W. That’s not a lot of power to spend on high performance graphics,” said Simon Solotko, chief mobile officer at Seebright. To circumvent power and mobility issues in head mounted displays like that of Seebright, Solotko suggested adding an extra GPU that could be worn on a user’s back.
Solotko is also banking on improvements beyond Moore’s Law to further CPUs and GPUs, which he expects will deliver desktop-like performance and overall improve the capabilities of HMDs. Memory bandwidth at high resolution will still be a challenge at these performance levels, but Solotko assured, “Everyone’s eyes are on this problem.”
The author, Jessica Lipsky ia an Associate Editor at EE Times.


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If you're tired of your iPhone showing every bit of grit and grime on its otherwise perfectly glossy finish, you're in luck. The next generation of the smartphone might help hide your predilection for greasy food.
MacRumors.com claims to have obtained leaked photos of the next-gen iPhone 3G that show a matte black finish on a metal casing. The photos show the back of a 16GB model with the model number A1303.
MacRumors won't confirm the photos' authenticity but says it was told they came from China.
Various rumors of late have indicated that Apple is getting ready to announce aand an updated iPhone 3G with 16GB or 32GB.


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Indian monetary regulators proceed to precise vital reservations in regards to the integration of cryptocurrencies into the nation’s financial framework and consider there is no such thing as a financial “upside” in making them regulated monetary devices, based on native media stories.
These statements by senior officers from the central financial institution underscore the federal government’s cautious method, emphasizing the potential threats these digital belongings pose to macroeconomic stability in each rising and developed markets.
Central financial institution officers informed native media that digital belongings of their present kind present restricted advantages as regulated monetary devices and shouldn’t be built-in into the monetary system.
They additional acknowledged that cryptocurrencies are extra akin to high-risk playing merchandise as a consequence of their inherent volatility and speculative nature. This angle aligns with the broader skepticism seen globally concerning the adoption of cryptocurrencies in mainstream finance.
The Reserve Financial institution of India (RBI) stays on the forefront of this debate. The central financial institution has constantly voiced its apprehension concerning non-public cryptocurrencies, citing dangers associated to financial stability, forex sovereignty, shopper safety, and potential use in unlawful actions equivalent to cash laundering and financing terrorism.
The RBI’s stance is a vital consideration for the Indian authorities in formulating its coverage on digital currencies.
CBDCs are safer
In distinction, the RBI advocates for the adoption of Central Financial institution Digital Currencies (CBDCs) as a safer and extra steady various.
The launch of the digital rupee by the RBI marks a major step in the direction of embracing digital innovation within the monetary sector. Not like non-public cryptocurrencies, CBDCs are designed to combine the advantages of digital forex whereas making certain regulatory compliance, shopper safety, and monetary stability.
The federal government’s deliberations on cryptocurrency rules are ongoing, with a complete method being thought of. This contains the potential of stringent regulatory frameworks and even an outright ban on non-public cryptocurrencies.
This cautious method displays the rules outlined within the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration, which India presided over earlier within the 12 months. The declaration’s synthesis paper supplied a variety of regulatory choices for crypto belongings, emphasizing the necessity for tailor-made options to handle particular financial and regulatory environments.
As the talk round cryptocurrencies continues, Indian policymakers are specializing in balancing the potential advantages of digital forex innovation with the necessity to shield financial stability and shopper pursuits.


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June 2012 Auto Sales
After taking a bit of a breather in May, consumers resumed their love affair with new cars in June. Shrugging off macro economic worries -- mostly having to do with the Euro -- buyers, low and behold, seemed more focused on matters closer to home, like the need to replace their aging set of wheels. Helping to nudge them in that direction were low interest rates, plentiful deals, and moderating gasoline prices.
Looking back to this time last year, we see a much different picture. Back then, new car sales were running at an annual rate in the mid 11-million-unit range; now, it's just over 14 million, a 22% increase. Also last June, many of the Japanese automakers saw sales swoon, as inventories dried up following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Not surprisingly, those manufacturers -- whose sales have now bounced back -- recorded outsized year-over-year percentage increases from their artificially depressed year-ago levels. What is surprising is that the U.S. and the Korean automakers, who enjoyed a bit of a boost last year thanks to hobbled Japanese competitors, also posted year-over-year increases. For the domestic automakers, though, it was fleet sales that at least partially underpinned the good news (accounting for roughly one-third of total volumes). Still, it looks like this could be a summer of love for the auto industry, certainly its best since the halcyon days of 2007.
JUNE 2012 SALES RESULTS, AND PERCENT CHANGE VERSUS JUNE 2011.
GENERAL MOTORS +16%
General Motors recorded another good year-over-year increase in June, especially given the artificially boosted sales of June 2011. Unlike last month, this time all four GM divisions were in the plus column.
Perhaps aided by lower gas prices, trucks did well, particularly the Suburban (+53%), the Traverse (+41%), the big vans (+40%), and the Colorado (+37%). On the car side, the Sonic is far outselling the Aveo and the Malibu had another 30k-plus month (benefitting from fleet sales, perhaps?), but the Cruze (-24%) declined.
Unsurprisingly, GMC's results largely paralleled those at Chevrolet, with the biggest gains coming from the Acadia (+56%) and the Yukon XL (+52%), while the big pickups were up only slightly.
Increases for the LaCrosse (+21%) and the Enclave (+30%), combined with the addition of the Verano (4091 units) more than made up for the loss of the Lucerne and a drop in Regal sales (-34%).
Cadillac finally had a reversal of fortune in May, and it was only partially due to the arrival of the XTS. The CTS (+20%) also helped out, as did the SRX (+8%), and the Escalades as well, although to a lesser extent.
FORD MOTOR COMPANY +7%
Ford was able to top its year-ago figures, but the increase was less than at GM or Chrysler. Ford's 7% increase translated into a loss of market share, although it was enough to remain in the number two spot ahead of Toyota.
As was the case last month, trucks led the charge at Ford. The F-series (+11%) topped 50,000 units, and Ford continues to be successful selling down the outgoing Escape (+28%). Looking at the cars, the Fusion had another good month (+17%) and, for a change, so did the Taurus (+25%). Small cars, like the Fiesta (-17%) and the Focus (-1%), were less impressive.
Lincoln joined Ford division in positive territory, despite the loss of some 900 Town Car sales. Credit the MKZ (+33%), the MKT (+77%), and the MKX (+9%).
TOYOTA MOTOR SALES +60%
Once again in June, we see a huge year-over-year percentage increase for Toyota, mostly because a year ago was so bad.
Camry sales were up by half, but the total wasn't nearly as good as May, even though it was -- just barely -- good enough for the Camry to remain the bestselling passenger car. Similarly, the Corolla/Matrix (+41%) posted big numbers, but not as big as last month. You can't argue with the Prius, though, particularly the decision to expand the lineup to three models, as sales were more than four times the depressed levels of a year ago.
The new GS is doing well, as is the ES (+75%) and the RX (+68%). The HS is not missed, as the CT has more than picked up the slack.
Toyota's smallest division enjoyed the biggest sales increase, as the FR-S roared onto the scene and immediately became the biggest-selling Scion. The iQ kicked in another 702 units, and the other three Scions were up as well.
CHRYSLER GROUP +20%
One year ago, when Chrysler recorded a 30% sales increase, we wondered: "how much of it is due to diminished competition [from hobbled Japanese brands] and how much is due to its own new and/or improved products." A slew of double-digit sales increase later, it would seem that we have our answer -- with the only caveat now being a supportive undercurrent of fleet sales.
The 300 continues to pour it on (+179%), with smaller but still significant increases coming from the 200 (+51%) and the Town & Country (+33%).
Dodge didn't do nearly as well as Chrysler this month, mostly because of churn in its lineup. The Caliber (-75%) is leaving but the Dart, with 202 sold, has barely poked its bumper into showrooms. The Nitro has also departed, but the Durango (-44%) just plain declined. So what was up? The Avenger (+68%), the Journey (+49%), the Challenger (+19%), and the Charger (+18%).
The Liberty (+50%) had Jeep's biggest sales increase this month, but the Wrangler (+28%) and the Grand Cherokee (+39%) remain the brand's biggest-volume models. The smallest Jeeps both slipped in June, the Compass (-15%) was down slightly more than its twin, the Patriot (-4%).
The big Ram pickup did well, but not as well as last month.
After cresting the 4000-unit mark in May for the first time ever, with 4003 cars sold, Fiat did one better in June -- literally, one better, selling 4004 cars.
AMERICAN HONDA +49%
Again in June, Honda was able to increase its tsunami-depressed year-ago total by nearly half.
The Civic (+57%) couldn't match last month's big total, but it was nonetheless America's bestselling small car. The Accord, meanwhile, nearly doubled its year-ago figure (+84%) but still managed only third place in the passenger-car derby. The smaller, fuel-sippers (Insight, Fit, and CR-Z) are all down, but Honda claims to have low inventories of those models, which are all imported and are not profitable at current exchange rates.
The new RDX tripled its prior-year figure. The new ILX chipped in another thousand or so units. Add big jumps for the TL (+47%), the TSX (+44%), and the MDX (+52%), and you hardly notice the fading ZDX (-39%).
As was the case in May, the Koreans were hard pressed to grind out a big percentage increase over their strong performance in 2011. But that doesn't mean things were bad; both Hyundai and Kia claimed their best June sales ever.
The new Azera is easily trouncing its predecessor, and the Accent (+57%) continues to do well. The Elantra (-12%) is off, although Hyundai says that's due to low inventory levels; that's sedan only -- the coupe and GT have yet to arrive. The only laggards are the SUVs, with the Santa Fe, Veracruz, and Tuscon all down.
The Optima (+89%) and the Rio (+88%) were Kia's wonder twins this month. Small cars -- the Forte (-9%) and the Soul (-10%) -- were less wonderful.
NISSAN NORTH AMERICA +28%
Nissan wasn't much affected by the disaster a year ago, although Infiniti was, and that's reflected in the year-over-year percentage increases.
The redesigned sedan helped double sales of the Versa; and the new Quest doubled as well. There was lots of positive news among Nissan trucks and SUVs, from the diminutive Juke (+53%) and compact Rogue (+47%) to the big-boy Titan (+42%), the Armada (+28%), and the NV van (+70%). The Altima, which is undergoing a model changeover, was up slightly (+12%), but fell in behind not only the Camry and Accord but also the Malibu and the Fusion.
Infiniti's June looked a lot like its May: sales edging into the five figures, up by two-thirds compared to the depressed, year-ago levels. The new JX has settled in as the brand's second-bestselling model, behind the G (+39%). All other Infinitis were up, save the EX (-39%).
Mercedes' gain wasn't great but it was enough to easily outsell a stagnant BMW. The strangest component had to be the jump for the R-class (651 units, up from 75), but it's not enough to save this model. The upswing for the new SL (+217%) was more expected, although that of the SLS (86 units, up from 18) was less so. Sales of the G-class have slowed to a trickle, but that model isn't going anywhere. Falling demand for the GL (-25%) is also not so worrisome, with a new version set to arrive shortly.
Smart sales tripled, as the brand delivered more than 1000 cars for the first time in a long time.
Collectors continue to snap up the last remaining Maybachs, at a rate of 4 per month.
VOLKSWAGEN GROUP +32%
The Volkswagen Group enjoyed another big increase in June. Dr. Piech will not be denied!
The Passat had another 10,000-unit month, putting it not far behind the Jetta (13,604, or -21%). The Beetle was once again good for about 3000 units, which was a bit more than the Tiguan (+17%) but not as many as the Golf (+24%).
Two models were largely responsible for Audi's growth: the new A6 and the not-at-all-new Q5 (+61%). The brand's other volume offering, the A4, was essentially static (+3%). Suffering declines were the R8 (-28%), the Q7 (-18%), and the A7 (-16%).
BMW GROUP +3%
With BMW sales flat, it was left to Mini to push the group into positive territory, which it did but just barely. The BMW Group also pulled ahead of Subaru, by 50 cars.
Surprisingly, the 3-series (-26%) had another down month, while the 1-series (+17%) and the 5-series (+23%) increased. The new 6-series doubled year-ago volume, and the X5 (+27%) also did well.
The regular Minis were up 10% but the Countryman notched a 28% gain.
Like Toyota and Honda, Subaru was affected by supply problems last year. Thus, the brand's 40% increase is compared to artificially low year-ago levels. All Subarus did better this year -- even the Tribeca (+2%). Subaru also benefitted from the arrival of the BRZ, although not half as much as Scion benefitted from the FR-S.
The CX-5 has settled in behind the Mazda3 as the second most popular Mazda. The brand's other SUVs all declined by 25% or more -- the discontinued CX-7 and Tribute as well as the not-discontinued CX-9. The Mazda2 (-13%) and the Mazda5 (-39%) were both down, but the Miata (+30%) enjoyed a beginning-of-summer bounce.
Utility vehicles were the story in a fairly boring month for Volvo. Both the wagon-shaped XC70 (+22%) and the SUV-shaped XC60 (+21%) rang up gains, but the same spirit couldn't help the aging XC90 (-27%).
Mitsubishi's decline accelerated in June, as the Eclipse fades out. Even a doubling of Galant volume couldn't help. Don't look for salvation in the form of the battery-powered "i" car -- its sales dropped from 85 in May to 33 in June.
JAGUAR LAND ROVER +2%
The XF held its own (+3%) but the XJ sedan (-31%) and the XK coupe/convertible (-65%) both saw a drop in demand.
Land Rover +14%
Land Rover managed to sell a few more LR2s than last year, but the aging Range Rover and Range Rover Sport were down again. Thank heaven for the Evoque, the addition of which easily pushed the luxury SUV maker into the black.
Porsche had a much better month in June than in May, thanks to the arrival of the new Boxster and a strong performance by the 911 (+45%). Cayman buyers continue to sit on the sidelines, while sales of the Panamera and the Cayenne were flat.
Suzuki was able to keep it together in June, as a small increase for the SX4 mirrored a slightly smaller decline for the Kizashi.


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First Annual Downtown Bryan Zombie Ball & Pub Craw
Event Dates and Times
Grand Stafford Theater has partnered up with 8 other downtown Bryan businesses to put together the First Annual Downtown Bryan Zombie Ball & Pub Crawl this Saturday October 26th starting at 7pm.
This is the first event of its kind in historic downtown Bryan and one to continue annually as a part of the revitalization of the downtown Bryan community and business development sector. Grand Stafford Theater Managing Partner & Talent Buyer, Jose Arredondo, materialized the event and organized and coordinated logistics along with other downtown Bryan business owners including Rene Graham from Laurel Studio and Kristy Petty from The Village Cafe to bring this new and exciting event to downtown Bryan this Halloween season.


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Microsoft just announced the technology it hopes will drive the next generation of video game growth.
The XBox 360will make YOU the controller - no controller will be required. The company is calling this sensor that tracks movements "Project Natal", saying when it goes on sale it'll work with every XBox 360 out there and every future one it'll sell. Now video game makers are starting to work with the technology to develop games. No word yet on exact pricing for the sensor camera.
Steven Spielberg came on stage to lend his support for the project. He says that this tackles the challenge of making interactive entertainment absolutely accessible to everyone, by making the technology invisible. Spielberg develops video games through a deal at E3, and said that this will be as significant as the transformation of a square movie screen to cinema scope and IMAX. Spielberg says "this isn't about reinventing the wheel, it's about no wheel at all."


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Cryptocurrency wallet provider Blockchain.com announced an increase in annual interest rates on deposits for Bitcoin and USDT and Paxos stablecoins.
For BTC, the growth rates were increased from 4.5% to 6% with a minimum deposit of $300, for USDT and PAX from 7% to 12% with a minimum deposit of $100. For Ethereum, the second largest cryptocurrency by capitalization, the rate remained the same 5% with a minimum deposit of $100.
In a commentary to The Block, Blockchain.com CEO Peter Smith stated that the company could afford such a rate hike thanks to the revenues it generates from a lending service aimed at institutional investors.
He added that the company will remain profitable at such rates for retail clients, as it can charge higher fees from companies wishing to take out cryptocurrency loans. The documents presented to the publication confirmed his words.
As a reminder, Blockchain.com launched cryptocurrency interest accounts in May 2020.
Other firms provide similar services. Landing platform BlockFi introduced crypto deposit accounts with yields of up to 6.2% per annum in March 2019. This year, she also increased interest on deposits.


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First-ever Sierra Denali Ultimate, AT4X trims
Premium Grade ascended a level or two Thursday when GMC unveiled its 2022 Sierra Pickup.
General Motors’ “other” truck company stuffed its new arrival with plenty of new things to further differentiate the Sierra from its corporate cousin, the Silverado, and external competition.
Leading the way is the new Sierra Denali Ultimate trim, with trailering-capable Super Cruise, a standard 6.2L V-8 with 420 horsepower, a segment-exclusive CarbonPro composite cargo box is available, offering best in-class short-bed cargo volume, 63.9 cubic feet. GMC’s six-way MultiPro tailgate, the Denali Premium Suspension with segment-exclusive Adaptive Ride Control, power sunroof and power assist steps are standard. Optional are 16-way power front seats and a 12-speaker Bose stereo.
Closely following the Denali Ultimate is the AT4X, a new off-road performer. The AT4X features Multimatic DSSV dampers, front and rear e-lockers and Terrain Mode with one-pedal crawling. The AT4X’s payload capability is 1,420 pounds while its trailering rating is 8,900 pounds.
“Sierra’s momentum continues to accelerate, as the fastest growing model in the segment,” said Duncan Aldred, global vice president of GMC and Buick. “With the 2022 Sierra, GMC is offering customers more advanced technologies, upscale appointments and increased capability across the Sierra lineup including the all-new Sierra Denali Ultimate and AT4X.”
Besides a refreshed exterior and all-new interior, there’s a 13.4-inch diagonal touchscreen with built-in Google compatibility. Connected to that is a new, 12.3-inch diagonal digital instrumental cluster that is configurable. There’s also a 15-inch, diagonal, multicolor Head-up Display (HUD). Combined, this triad offers more than 40 inches of digital display, the most in its class.
Another bright spot is a new 2.7L Turbo High-output (HO) engine, building on the previous 2.7L Turbo. Torque on the 2.7L HO is 420 lbs-ft, more than 20 percent greater than before, and a 30-percent stiffer crankshaft. Trailering with the 2.7L Turbo HO is 9,600 pounds for two-wheel drive models and 9,300 pounds on four-wheel drive models.
The refreshed GMC Sierra arrives at dealerships in the first quarter of 2022. Customers can place reservations starting today at www.gmc.com. Full pricing will be announced closer to the start of production.


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China's Lenovo says in talks about an acquisition
HONG KONG (Reuters) - China's Lenovo Group Ltd (0992.HK) said it was in preliminary negotiations with a third party in relation to a potential acquisition but added that no material terms have been agreed.
Lenovo, the world's number one manufacturer of PCs, has resumed discussions to buy International Business Machines Corp's (IBM) (IBM.N) low-end server unit, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters.
"The company has not entered into any definitive agreement in relation to the potential acquisition," Chief Executive Officer Yang Yuanqing said in a filing to the Hong Kong bourse early on Tuesday.
Lenovo said it made the statement in response to reports regarding a possible acquisition by the company of a certain computer server business. It gave no further details.
Lenovo and IBM were in discussions to buy the division last year, but no deal was made as they couldn't agree on a price, sources have said.
(Reporting by Donny Kwok; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
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Just three months since Screen announced the launch of two new inkjet label presses for Labelexpo Europe, Impronta Digitale Srl has signed a contract for the third Screen Truepress Jet L350UV+ label press to be sold worldwide. Impronta Digitale selected the Screen Truepress Jet L350UV+ press for its productivity, which will allow the specialist digital label printer to increase production capacity, following the revamp of its print facility in Venice, Italy.
“The speed of the Screen Truepress Jet L350UV+ was what drew our interest,” comments Ludovico Picello, co-owner, Impronta Digitale, “The print speed of 60 meters per minute is remarkable, and when you factor in the reliability and operability of Screen presses, you’re looking at minimum downtime, stable healthy margins and satisfied customers.”
Founded in 2013 by 20-something siblings Linda and Ludovico Picello, Impronta Digitale prides itself on investing in cutting-edge technology that complements the needs of the business. Starting out as an all-digital company and later investing in flexo technology, the Screen Truepress Jet L350UV+ adds UV inkjet to Impronta Digitale’s stable of equipment for producing high performance beverage, pharmaceutical and logistics labels.
“With consumer products such as wines, it’s important for the products to jump off the shelf, and we also need to work with a range of substrates,” continues Picello. “On the chemical side of the business, particularly for pharmaceutical products, fine detail is crucial, especially for very small fonts which absolutely have to be legible. After reviewing the technology, we’re absolutely confident the Screen press can deliver the premium print quality our customers deserve.”
The Screen Truepress Jet L350UV+ delivers exceptional quality through a combination of factors. The new option to include a chill roller that means that the press can process thin substrates that are particularly susceptible to the heat generated by the UV lamp. A remarkably stable transport mechanism tightly controls paper feeding to prevent meandering and maintain optimal transfer conditions, even at a fast-moving 60 meters per minute.
The press was sold to Impronta Digitale by REM Srl, who became a Screen partner in May this year. “This is a significant sale as it demonstrates Screen’s position in the market, and the strengthening of its position in Italy,” comments Andrea Buttafava, Sales Manager, REM. “This is the second order for REM, and it’s a fairly safe prediction that the market for digital printing, particularly UV inkjet, will continue to grow. Screen’s inkjet solutions for the label market are some of the best available when you look at quality, productivity and innovation. The market is responding well to the Screen machines and we expect to get more orders very soon.”
– ENDS –Labelexpo Truepress Jet L350UV Truepress Jet L350UV+ Series


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It’s never too late recognize and honor your loving pets.
The National Pet Appreciation Week was actually in June, but pet lovers can never get too much love from their furry, feathery or scaly friends. So, appreciate away.
The June event was promoted by Seresto, a flea and tick collar for Pets and cats, and Rescue Your Rescue, a software for pet rescue, sanctuary, or shelter organizations.
Tractor Supply (TSCO) , founded in 1938, is the largest retailer of its kind in the U.S., with a focus on servicing rural America. The Brentwood, Tenn., retailer has been a longtime supporter of pets and other animals and has worked on grants for Future Farmers of America FFA and 4-H in their Paper Clover scholarship fundraiser campaign.
Tractor Supply announced the return of its own Pet Appreciation Week or PAW on Sept. 6 to 11.
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What’s Happened So Far?
Tractor Supply has just over 2,000 locations in the U.S. with 46,000 employees. The company provides life stock and pet supplies, which account for just under 50% of the retailer’s sales. So, while its name suggests tractors or farm equipment, pets and animals are really a major part of its business.
Tractor Supply also partnered with area shelters and rescue organizations to host a national pet adoption day on Sept. 10. The company partnered with pet food maker Canidae to award more than $100,000 to area shelters. As part of this event, Tractor Supply teamed with Canidae, which strives to create sustainable good food for pets while concentrating on the health of the planet as well, for a contest that allows people to vote for their favorite shelter or rescue organization. There are four grants of $25,000 each that will be awarded to the winning organizations. Voting begins Oct. 10 and ends on Oct. 16.
The 501c3 types of organizations that will be considered for the contest include humane societies, all Pet rescues, small animal rescues, animal sanctuaries, equine rescues, all cat rescues, mixed animal rescues and wildlife sanctuaries. Submissions were received between Sept. 6 to Sept. 11.
Tractor Supply has also teamed with Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation to host a Pet Supply Drive in all Tractor Supply locations across the nation. The Pet Supply Drive will collect food, toys, cleaning supplies, grooming accessories, and other pet accessories through Sept. 25. MuttNation was founded in 2009 by musical artist Miranda Lambert and her mother Bev Lambert to help as many Pets as possible find safe happy homes.
What’s Still to Come
The Rescue Your Rescue Contest nomination submissions have all already been collected, but the voting is still to come Oct. 10-Oct. 16. Patrons are only allowed to vote for one rescue or sanctuary for the contest.
There is no purchase necessary to participate in voting for the Rescue Your Rescue Contest. Voting will only be on the top 25 nominations selected by the sponsor MuttNation and the contest administrator. The Top 4 who receive the most votes will be selected to be the winners. Any rescue or sanctuary who won previously within the last five years is ineligible for the contest.


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Google and Samsung announced Thursday that they will be launching new Chromebooks to follow up on the cloud-based laptop Google introduced last year.
The WiFi Chromebook will be available on Monday, for $249. It has an 11.6-inch screen, weighs 2.43 pounds and is less than 0.8-inches thick. The company says it has 6.5 hours of battery life, a 16GB solid-state hard drive and comes with one USB 2.0 port, one USB 3.0 port, an HDMI Port and is Bluetooth compatible.
The Chromebook seemed pretty far ahead of the curve when the company announced it last year — a notebook with very limited local storage and nothing but a browser. Like its predecessor, the new Chromebook is uniquely tailored for Google’s biggest fans — the ones who use Google Docs, Gmail, Google Search, YouTube, Chrome’s app store and Google + — and don’t need a computer to do much else.
Those programs do cover a lot of ground from basic document creation to video-conferencing, but those looking to buy a Chromebook still have to be prepared for an all-Google, all-the-time experience.
In a review from Computerworld, JR Raphael said the machine’s performance was fairly good, though he did see some “slowdowns” once he had around a dozen tabs open. The Chrome OS that powers the Chromebook— and is, essentially, the whole point of the device — has “come a long way” since its introduction, he said. And the ability to have a computer that automatically syncs with one’s Google account is pretty darn useful.
So what’s the bottom line?
Raphael says that the computer is a useful little tool, but not for power users who need to run serious programs or do heavy multi-tasking throughout the day. For the price, he said, it’s a great value as long as buyers recognize that limitation.


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Factory gate prices ride oil rise
FACTORY-gate inflation has tumbled to its lowest for two years, Government figures showed today, boding well for the continuation of benign price pressures on the High Street.
National Statistics said manufacturers' output prices edged up by 0.1% during April, with the annual rate of increase dropping to 0.5% - its lowest since March 1999. Stripping out volatile food, drink, petrol and tobacco prices, the figure was just 0.3%.
Economist Ciaran Barr at Deutsche Bank said: 'There is clearly no threat to retail prices from further upstream, implying that the Bank of England has plenty of scope to cut rates further should the domestic data dictate.' But raw material costs rose by 1% during the month, fuelled by a 5% increase in the price of crude oil. The annual rate of increase leapt from 3% to 6.7%.
The figures are a blow to manufacturers because the combination of rising costs and stable prices indicates a fresh squeeze on their profit margins.
In the US, meanwhile, official figures showed industrial production slid by 0.3% last month, the seventh consecutive monthly fall. The percentage of manufacturing capacity in use plunged to 78.5% - its lowest level since 1991 when the economy was last mired in recession.
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Destroying illicit goods cost Revenue more than €170,000.
The Revenue Commissioners has spent more than €170,000 shredding illegal cigarettes, destroying fake branded goods and getting rid of illicit alcohol over the past three years.
The costs are part of more than €2.8 million spent managing illegal goods that were seized during operations between 2016 and 2018.
Figures reveal how an average of €875,000 is spent by Revenue each year keeping the State Warehouse running. The warehouse is used to store illegal cigarettes and alcohol, along with other items, with €2.625 million spent on employee salaries, collection and transport of seized goods, security, cleaning and other costs.
Illegal alcohol is disposed of when a sufficient amount is available, usually between 15 and 20,000 litres, according to the Revenue Commissioners.


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Bulldog Licensing has revealed details of a new representation deal for classic brand Roobarb and Custard.
Product targeting the adult collector market is already selling well across the UK, with apparel lines from Poetic Gem, greetings cards from Museums and Galleries, amusement plush from PMS and canvas wall art from Riviera.
Bulldog is now targeting a variety of categories, with gift plush, stationery and fashion accessories all in the mix.
"Roobarb and Custard are classic characters with massive retro appeal," said Bulldog MD Rob Corney. "The licensing possibilities are huge and we already have strong interest from a number of potential partners."


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Slow Food Heroes: the energy and commitment of 5 young people spreads throughout Brazil
17 Mar 2022
Five young people that belong to the Slow Food Community Rede Jovem Slow Food Brasil who come from different parts of the country, and have different backgrounds, created a free online map to help producers and consumers to eat good, clean, and fair food during the Covid Emergency.
I’m 28 years old and I live in the south of Brazil. I work in communication and have been a member of Slow food since 2014. I like to get involved in all the SF activities, especially campaigns where I can use my skills to promote the clean, good, and fair philosophy. I am also part of a group of five people that belong to the Slow Food Community Rede Jovem Slow Food Brasil. We are from different parts of the country and have diverse backgrounds.
My friends and colleagues are Caio Bonamigo Dorigon, 29 years old, a Brazilian gastronome and researcher. He became a Slow Food activist in 2014, and he has been working to promote and develop better food systems ever since. Glauber Soares, 28 years old, lives in the northeast of Brazil. He is a gastronome and a professor of gastronomy. He has been part of Slow Food since 2015. Together with the SFYN Brasil family he has been experiencing enriching activities and spreading our philosophy.
Paulo Dantas, 26 years old, is a production engineer and lives in South Bahia – Brazil. He has been volunteering on Slow Food since 2016 because he loves how Slow Food can encourage people to eat and live better, understanding food in its full importance.
Camila Rocha, 32 years old, lives in the countryside of southern Brazil. She is a cook and a professor, she has been a member of Slow Food since 2011. She likes to discover people, ingredients, and cultures that are part of the Slow Food philosophy, to strengthen her history and promote Good, clean, and fair food. And finally, Thalita, who is a journalist and a cook, is passionate about food and its social implications and has been a member of Slow Food since 2011. She researches food culture as a heritage, its inventories, and the role of civil society organizations in safeguarding these assets.
During the beginning of the pandemic, in an online Community meeting, we all felt the urge to come up with some initiative that could be helpful for those producers, restaurants, and small businesses in need. And that was when the idea of a map came up.
At the beginning of the pandemic, Slow Food Campania, in Italy, surveyed 92 farmers and stated that with the suspension of farmer markets and increasingly stringent regulatory restrictions, 76% of them lost more than half their turnover to this crisis and that 38% saw their revenues suddenly fall to zero, while only 9.5% improved their sales thanks to the possibility of making deliveries and shipments. Knowing that situation could also happen in Brazil because the Brazilian farmer’s markets were being closed, the SFYN Brazil put its efforts to create a response trying to reduce the impact on the good, clean, and fair Brazilian system.
Our idea was to put consumers in contact with producers. On one hand, making access to good, clean, and fair food easier, on the other hand, creating a showcase/catalog for producers to sell their products. The objective was to do it in an easy and fast way since it was an urgent matter. Even with everybody having a day job, we all committed to taking a little time every day to start the map because it felt important to start it as soon as possible.
So, SFYN Brasil created an interactive map to connect sustainable producers, restaurants, and consumers in Brazil.
Through our communication channels, we spent some time organizing the work, defining the tools, and the strategy. So, we split the tasks and started building the registration form, setting the map platform, and designing the campaign. Although it was hard work, in the beginning, it was also always light and pleasant, because we’re a very united group that gets along well together. And even being physically distant from each other was not a problem, we had a very respectful and committed way of working together by always going back to the group when a task is done or when an issue comes up, knowing that there will be someone there to give support. Once the first steps were done and the map was online, we started promoting it inside and outside the Slow Food Brasil network, and for some months we spent part of our free time updating the map.
We were very happy about the success of our initiative since we were not expecting it would reach so many people. The lockdown was also hitting the good, clean, and fair local business, so the map also includes restaurants, bistros, cafés, local markets, because of this holistic approach, we also received strong support from Brazilian chefs, food activists, and food influencers.
We are glad to know that so many consumers are interested in looking for local options and buying directly from producers and that many people Share. And also, glad to give this exposure to all the local producers and small food businesses and initiatives.
Till today, the map has more than 450 sustainable producers, 150 restaurants registered with more than 140.000 accesses. People got the opportunity to enter in contact with sustainable producers and restaurants in all Brazilian regions. Since not all the producers and restaurants are directly involved with Slow Food, SFB got a new database with new sustainable producers and restaurants aligned with the movement philosophy and with the envy of participating in the movement.
The most important part of the project was the team and the network. The team worked together to bring to life and update the map constantly, and the network had a huge impact on sharing the campaign.
From this experience, we learned that there is a big interest from the consumers to connect with sustainable producers and a big lack of information about how they could do it.
Potentially, everyone could create a map like ours to help producers and consumers get more information and find each other easily.
It takes very few steps, such as finding a good team, people who are interested in putting energy into the project, and being organized and careful with the information you are collecting for creating a map. It is not a very difficult process, although it is very demanding in terms of time. And finally, trust the network: a collaborative map only works if producers and consumers know about it.
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Last laugh for chief in Debenhams row
IT was the shareholder uprising that never was. As the big battalions began to line up against her, Debenhams boss Belinda Earl, who was catapulted into her job little more than a year ago, seemed to be heading for her first big showdown.
The powerful Association of British Insurers last week advised its members to vote against a plan that appeared to allow Debenhams executives to cash in on share options, even though the company had fallen short of its performance targets.
What the ABI had failed to notice was that Earl, 39 - who took six weeks maternity leave but was back at work in time to present last month's results - had excluded herself from the windfall. And so had all the other executives.
The deal was simply to make sure that about 500 other staff and managers did not lose out because of start-up losses that were nothing to do with them, said the company.
The ABI had flagged a 'red top' warning on its voting advice service for members. But now it has been left with a red face.
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(REPOST: Automotive News Europe)
For almost a decade, Ghosn has been the industry’s biggest cheerleader for electric vehicles — predicting their rise, touting the logic of their technology and suffering all the slings and arrows of critics who said he was wrong.
Ahead of his competitors, Ghosn bullishly invested $5 billion in 2010 and 2011 to build mass-market EV assembly lines and battery plants in the U.S., Europe and Japan for the two automakers he oversaw, Nissan Motor and Renault.
Many in the industry shrugged off EV technology, saying consumers weren’t interested. But now, automakers from BMW to Volkswagen are scrambling to electrify their vehicle portfolios. Toyota, General Motors, Ford, Daimler, Jaguar Land Rover and Volvo all have revealed big EV product plans in recent months.
“Now they come,” Ghosn quips of the growing industry trend. “Everybody’s coming. The reality appears more clearly to a lot of people today.”
Ghosn in September unveiled a six-year business plan for the newly renamed Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, of which he is CEO, to create 12 electric models worldwide.
The 12 will be jointly developed by the alliance and sold through Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi brands. And many more models will follow those, he hints during an interview last week at the alliance’s Manhattan offices.