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BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Celebrating its 10th anniversary at Broward County's Port Everglades, Florida International Terminal LLC (FIT) has renewed its long-term marine terminal lease, which is estimated to generate 75,000 container lifts (about 128,000 TEUs) and $57 million over the next 10 years of the agreement. The agreement also includes two five-year renewal options.
"We have watched FIT grow year after year as a multi-use terminal with a robust presence in Latin America," said Port Everglades Chief Executive & Port Director Steven Cernak.
FIT's business has grown from 76,170 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units, the standard industry measurement for containers) in fiscal year (FY) 2006 to 156,045 TEUs in FY2015. The fiscal year in Broward County, FL, runs from October 1 through September 30.
"We have enjoyed a successful 10 years at Port Everglades and look forward to continue growing as the Port deepens and widens its channels and adds new cargo berths and Super Post-Panamax gantry cranes," said Jose Alberto Diaz, FIT Vice President & General Manager. "FIT was formed at Port Everglades to service some of the world's top ocean carriers. We have expanded greatly over the years to include several new services operated by some of the leading shipping lines in the industry."
Based upon FIT's minimum guarantee of 75,000 container lifts annually, this agreement will support an estimated 400 direct local jobs and 1,060 total jobs statewide that will generate more than $72 million in personal income and nearly $7 million in state and local taxes each year.
FIT's agreement includes relocating its terminal within Port's Southport area during construction for the Southport Turning Notch Extension project. The project will lengthen the existing deepwater turn-around area from 900 feet to 2,400 feet, which will allow for up to five new cargo berths. Construction is expected to begin in early 2017 and be completed by the end of 2019.
"We are fortunate to have strong working relationship with FIT, and appreciate their flexibility during this upcoming construction period," Cernak said.
At the crossroads of north-south and east-west trade, Broward County's Port Everglades is Florida's leading container port, handling more than one million TEUs annually and serving as a gateway to Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. Located within the cities of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Dania Beach, Florida, Port Everglades is in the heart of one of the world's largest consumer regions, including a constant flow of visitors and up to a combined 110 million residents and seasonal visitors within a 500-mile radius. Port Everglades has direct access to the interstate highway system and Florida East Coast Railway's 43-acre intermodal container transfer facility, and is closer to the Atlantic Shipping Lanes than any other Southeastern U.S. port. Ongoing capital improvements and expansion will ensure that Port Everglades can continue to handle future growth in container traffic.
More information about Broward County's Port Everglades is available at porteverglades.net or by calling toll-free in the United States 1-800-421-0188 or emailing firstname.lastname@example.org.
DATE: December 17, 2015
MEDIA CONTACT: Ellen Kennedy
Port Everglades Business Development Division/Communications
PHONE: 954-468-3508; 954-868-0220 (cell)


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As reports emerge of further instability in Bitcoin rival Ethereum, US tech giant International Business Machines Corp (NYSE:IBM) has revealed plans to take blockchain into the corporate mainstream.
Evidently, the moves would take the disruptive home-brewed financial tech behind cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin into one of the first implementations within the institutional banking system.
IBM’s Digital Trade Chain is intended to assist international trading for small and medium sized enterprises (SME).
Blockchain is the key component of alt-currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, but its potential applications are much broader than these initial breakthrough examples.
In essence, block chain is a synchronized, real-time ledger existing across a network of computers and it comes with an inherent validation system. Due to its construction and structure, it is seen as a highly secure and supposedly tamper-proof system for keeping track of transactions.
IBM’s Digital Trade Chain intends to track and manage international transactions for SMEs, on behalf of banking service providers.
In a CNBC report, Radobank chairman Wiebe Draijer explained that the banks would still take care of the ‘old payment technology’ whilst the infrastructure and administration of the international trading would be “done on the blockchain”.
Ethereum underlines human insecurity surrounding cryptocurrency
Whilst the block chain is seen as a secure system, the facilities and set-up around trading the cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have had a number of high profile frailties – the most recently being the extreme volatility of Ethereum, a rival to Bitcoin.
Last week, the value of Ethereum reportedly crashed on the GDAX exchange, plummeting from around US$320 down to just 10 cents in a matter of moments as a “multimillion dollar sell” executed and triggering a series of auto-ordering across the exchange.
The price snapped back thereafter, back to similar pre-crash levels.
More recently, on Monday, the value of Ethereum was again subject to further volatility, dropping some 20% and there had also been impacts from internet rumours that the cryptocurrency’s founder Vitalik Buterin had died (which he dispelled, by tweeting a verifiable photo of himself on Sunday).

domain: news


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SYDNEY (Reuters) – Asia’s factory activity was ravaged in April, business surveys showed on Monday, and the outlook dimmed further as government restrictions on movement to contain the coronavirus outbreak froze global production and slashed demand.
A series of Purchasing Managers’ Indexes (PMIs) from IHS Markit fell deeper into contraction from March, with some diving to all-time lows and others hitting levels last seen during the 2008-2009 global financial crisis.
Similar gauges out of Europe due on Monday and later in the week are also expected to show industry conditions wallowing around record lows, reinforcing the International Monetary Fund’s warning the global economy is headed for its biggest decline since the 1930s.
The PMI for South Korea, Asia’s fourth-largest economy and a global manufacturing powerhouse, skidded to 41.6 in April, the lowest reading since January 2009. Japan’s PMI released last week similarly fell to an 11-year low.
“The bad news is that the hit to industry in many places is unlikely to be past the worst,” Alex Holmes, Asia Economist at Capital Economics, wrote in a note.
“Global demand has slumped and we don’t think it has bottomed out yet. The latest incoming data for the U.S. and Western Europe point to an unprecedented slump in demand. And while China’s economy has started to recover, demand there remains very weak.”
Last week, China’s official PMI showed factory activity still growing in April, albeit more slowly than March, while the private-sector Caixin PMI showed a dip into contraction, although at a much gentler pace than the rest of the world. Significantly, exporters in both surveys were jolted by steep falls in orders.
While China appears to be ahead of others in emerging from the economic paralysis inflicted by the pandemic, any recovery is expected to be gradual and unlikely to fire up an immediate resurgence in global demand.
The PMI for Taiwan, a major producer of high-end technology components, fell to 42.2, its lowest since 2009 and down from an expansionary 50.4 in March.
The declines in South Korea’s and Taiwan’s PMIs showed contractions that were less severe than those seen in other economies in the region, with indicators in India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam all reporting plunges to record lows.
In India, Asia’s third-largest economy, new orders and output shrank at the steepest pace since early 2005 and factories cut jobs at the fastest rate in the survey’s history.
Capital Economics’ Holmes said while South Korea and Taiwan held up better than other Asian peers, thanks mostly to effective government policies to contain the virus, conditions have nonetheless worsened.
Official data released last week showed the coronavirus sent South Korean exports plunging in April at their sharpest pace since the global financial crisis.
South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics Co Ltd last week said it expected profits to decline in the current quarter due to a slump in sales.
It said that while work-from-home orders and growth in online learning would underpin demand for memory chips, the outlook for smartphones and TVs was bleak as consumers put off discretionary spending.
The production slump is of particular concern to policymakers, who are worried about the socially destabilising effects of massive unemployment as firms in both factory and service sectors slash headcount.
A private-sector survey in Australia on Monday showed job advertisements plunging a record 53.1% in April, a decline that was almost five times larger than the previous record of 11.3% in January 2009.
Source: Read Full Article


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Intel has been on a relentless marketing stand for Macs in recent weeks, positioning them as inferior to Windows laptops powered by Intel processors. In a small glitch, however, Intel has accidentally used a MacBook instead of a Windows laptop in one of its latest ads to market one of its new 11th-generation chips as “the world’s best processor.”
The ad appeared on Reddit and was shared on Twitter by @juneforceone, and it features a man using what appears to be a MacBook Pro. The ad’s tagline says “The World’s Best Processor on a Thin, Lightweight Laptop” and is intended to promote the Intel Core i7-1185G7 processor.
The image Intel uses in the ad is actually a stock image provided by Getty Images, which clearly shows that the laptop is actually a MacBook Pro with its Magic Mouse.
Apple continues to sell Macs with Intel chips, despite the ongoing transition to its own Apple silicon. But while Apple still sells Intel-based Macs, the chip referred to in the ad is not used on any Mac, and in fact it was launched around the same time as Apple released its M1 Apple silicon chip late last year.
One of Intel’s most notable marketing campaigns was launched last month and features former “I’m a Mac” actor Justin Long in a series of videos comparing a MacBook Pro powered by M1 to a variety of Windows laptops. Even when the two companies go against each other, newly appointed Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger says he hopes his company will make Apple silicon chips in the future and have Apple as a regular client.


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(July 14th, 2020)
Glasgow-based Swipii has recently launched a new referral program to encourage users to shop locally. Those using the Swipii app will now have the opportunity to earn £5 bonus cashback for every friend they refer. When their friend shops in a participating local business for the first time, they’ll also earn the bonus cashback. As the city begins to open up, Swipii wants to motivate shoppers to continue investing in their local economy by incentivising them to support local. Swipii aims to be the simplest way for consumers to earn cashback as they shop. Once someone has securely linked their bank payment card to the app, they automatically earn cashback every time they pay with that card in a participating retailer. The app encourages the community to shop locally, rewarding them with cashback incentives on every purchase.
For local businesses, Swipii provides them with a simple and automated marketing tool which promises to grow their audience and increase their revenue. All a business needs to do when they sign up is to set a cashback amount to offer – there is no hardware integration required or staff training. Cashback amounts can be varied to attract repeat visitors or to encourage more footfall at low peak times, backed up with automated marketing using Swipii’s platform.
In March 2020, Swipii received £1 million investment by Scottish private equity company Par Equity, which is an existing investor in the business. Although business across the UK has been heavily impacted by the effects of Covid-19, Swipii has used the time to double-down on product development, introducing new features like referrals to benefit both local businesses and shoppers. With proven value for businesses and shoppers alike, Swipii is now ready to take the product to new towns and cities.
With a team of 21 in the Glasgow City Centre office, Swipii is now focussed on growth. The new referral feature is just one part of a plan to add to the thousands of shoppers already using the free cashback app. The team is aiming to bring more local businesses onto the app this year, bringing big business technology to SMEs in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
“I am so proud of the team’s achievement over the lockdown period and could not imagine a different team to work amongst. Referrals are just the beginning of an exciting growth journey now that the value propositions are clear. If you are a shopper, Swipii will get you free money - and if you’re a business, we’ll increase your revenue automatically whilst being x10 easier to use for shoppers and businesses alike.”


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Brexit hasn’t seemed to have had the massive impact on business analysts warned about — yet. Recent commentary from The Wall Street Journal when covering this month’s Association of Corporate Treasurers’ (ACT) annual corporate treasurer conference concluded corporate treasurers aren’t as concerned about Brexit as they are other things, like technological innovation. Separate analysis from BDR Continental released last month found U.K. small businesses continue to stay confident despite the U.K.’s exit from the European Union.
But analysts warn that many of the effects of Brexit aren’t likely to be immediate, and the negative implications of the deal may catch businesses large and small off-guard if they remain oblivious.
Treasurers at the ACT conference said they were confident in companies’ ability to handle the transition — if they plan accordingly.
“From a practical standpoint, companies have got to do their contingency planning, but in the expectation that things are going to be business as usual in reality over the next potentially five years,” said Paul Watters, S&P Global Ratings head of Corporate Research, when he was speaking at the event.
Reports noted that it is common for companies to request cash management strategies from their banks and advisors for up to 10 years, with these initiatives covering 2019 Brexit and beyond. According to reports, bankers at the ACT conference said they have been receiving some requests about post-Brexit services they might be able to offer their corporate clients.
“These companies are trying to feel their way and getting a different view from U.S. and European banks,” said one banker, according to reports. “Some banks are not flexible because of Brexit.”
EU treasurers are reportedly not concerned about a lack of access to U.K.-based financial services.
“Europe is overbanked. Companies don’t really care; it’s not an issue for them,” another banker reportedly said, adding that businesses are more concerned about trade between Europe and the U.K. being affected.
This focus on cross-border trade, however, is emerging as a larger Brexit issue for businesses today, separate analysts suggests. So while large corporates and their treasurers are taking a gradual, wait-and-see approach to the impact of Brexit on cash management, global trade may see more immediate and drastic effects, especially for businesses that don’t prepare.
Research released last week from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (Cips), for example, found that future business plans are being shaped by Brexit. Nearly half of European businesses plan to cut ties with U.K. suppliers, instead opting for EU-based vendors.
Meanwhile, U.K. companies are showing a mirrored effect, planning to cut ties with EU-based suppliers in favor of local ones.
Overall, managers told Cips, U.K. companies are in a “weak negotiating position.”
“Diplomats on either side of the table have barely decided on their negotiating principles, and already supply chain managers are deep into their preparations for Brexit,” explained Cips Group CEO Gerry Walsh. “Both European and British businesses will be ready to reroute their supply chains in 2019 if trade negotiations fail and are not wasting time to see what happens.”
Supply chain professionals’ forward outlooks could signal major disruption ahead. More than a quarter say they are mapping potential costs of trade tariffs as a result of Brexit, while a fifth said they are looking for non-EU suppliers. Nearly a third said they are looking for non-U.K. suppliers.
Supply chain disruption seems inevitable as a result of Brexit, but perhaps the most telling statistic from Cips’ latest report is that nearly a quarter of professionals say they have not done anything to prepare for Brexit.
“The separation of the U.K. from Europe is already well underway even before formal negotiations have begun,” Walsh warned, pointing to the impact a weakened sterling made on supply chains and trade contracts.


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Burberry replaces CFO, creates new COO role in management shakeup
ReutersLONDON -- British luxury clothing company Burberry Group announced changes to senior management on Thursday, replacing its chief financial officer and creating a new chief operating officer position.
February 8, 2013, 4:56 pm TWN
Stacey Cartwright, CFO since 2004, is to step down to pursue other interests and will be replaced by Burberry insider Carol Fairweather, the company said.
Fairweather, who will take over from July, has been with the fashion group for six years. She previously worked at News Corp.'s British newspaper arm, News International.
At the same time, Burberry said it was creating a new COO role “to support the next phase of growth.” That job will be filled by John Smith, another former media executive. Smith was most recently chief executive of BBC Worldwide, which sells content made by the British license fee-funded broadcaster to other countries.


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Starting with Android 7.1, Google has added a so-called "panic button" behavior in its mobile operating system, so users can immediately shut down any app they suspect of being infected with malware.
Google has removed two apps that contained a new strain of ransomware named LeakerLocker. Discovered by security researchers from McAfee's mobile division, the ransomware didn't encrypt users' files, but only locked their device and threatened to send the user's private data to friends from his contact list.
Two Chinese scientists have come up with a method of decrypting satellite phone communications, which works almost instantly and provides a third-party access to secure conversations in real-time.
Broadcom Wi-Fi chips embedded in Android and iOS devices are vulnerable to a bug that allows an attacker to execute code on their devices, without any interaction needed from the user.
Security experts have discovered a brand new Android trojan that features a broad range of features that allow it to root Android devices, steal data from over 40 apps, and geo-track phone owners.
For the past year and a half, an Android adware family known as CopyCat has infected over 14 million devices, rooted around 8 million, and made over $1.5 million for its owners.
During the past week, US users visiting adult-themed sites were targeted by ads for a fake PornHub app that contained a version of the Koler ransomware.
Mozilla launched today Firefox Focus for Android, a brand new mobile browser for Android that comes with a stripped down minimal interface, a built-in ad blocker, and an always-on "private browsing" mode.
Seventy-five apps available for download from the official Google Play Store had to remove a malicious advertising library that was secretly an adware called AdDown, which Trend Micro researchers have been tracking for the last two years.
A team of researchers from French company P1 Security has detailed a long list of issues with the 4G VoLTE telephony, a protocol that has become quite popular all over the world in recent years and is currently in use in the US, Asia, and most European countries.
Crooks in China have developed an Android ransomware that uses similar graphics to the WannaCry ransom note in an attempt to scare and trick users into quickly paying the ransom.
Google's security team removed an Android app named "colourblock" from the official Play Store after security researchers from Kaspersky Labs discovered a dangerous trojan hidden inside it.
A malvertising campaign detected on a popular forum is forcibly downloading an Android app on users' devices, which later installs a second app with more intrusive features and which is almost impossible to remove without flashing the user's phone.
Google published yesterday a list of 42 smartphone models from 12 vendors that run up-to-date Android OS versions with the latest security patches applied.
There are 1,000 apps available for download today that despite not containing any malware or featuring glaring vulnerabilities, they communicate and store data on improperly secured backend servers, exposing user data along the way.
Google has removed 41 Android apps from the official Play Store. The apps were infected with a new type of malware named Judy, and experts estimate the malware infected between 8.5 and 36.5 million users.
An eight-month-long investigation by Roman Unuchek, a security researcher at Kaspersky Lab, has uncovered one of the most complex malware distribution schemes seen to date on the Android malware scene.
Almost all recent OnePlus smartphones are vulnerable to attacks that can downgrade the phone's operating system and expose the device to previously patched security flaws.


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|Mother Hen gets between the protagonist and his date in 'Gamekillers.' Unilever hopes to turn the one-hour special backing it's Axe line into a series.
The series is expected to air starting in late March or early April, said William Gelner, group creative director at Bartle Bogle Hegarty, New York. The agency, which created the show, is working with production company Radical Media and Sydney-based creative collective Glue Society, which directed the original special, to develop the series.
"We're working on a treatment now," Mr. Gelner said. "We've gotten to a place were we all [Bartle Bogle, Axe and Radical, and MTV] feel good about it."
The move also signals that Axe now feels good about taking its entertainment efforts one step further. The company has openly talked about how it is eschewing traditional marketing for original content on the internet or on TV as a way to reach the 18- to 35-year-old male demo and promote its lineup of body sprays, deodorants and body washes. But its previous efforts on TV have been one-off specials.
The expansion of "Gamekillers" on MTV would be the first time the company has turned a project into a series.
Unilever used the "Gamekillers" special, which first aired on MTV in February, as a centerpiece for a broader marketing program behind Axe Dry antiperspirant, including a Gamekillers.com website that has remained up since last winter featuring several characters from the special.
The show's humor is an offshoot of Axe's brand personality, and its mockumentary style plays off Axe's positioning as helping guys in "the mating game," unlike the generically titled characters such as the Mother Hen, Sensitivo and Man Candy who get between the hapless protagonist and his date -- hence "killing" his game.
Favorites from the special, including the Drama Queen, the Neanderthal-like Early Man and British Accent Guy, are likely to figure prominently in the series, Mr. Gelner said.
A Unilever spokeswoman declined to comment on specifics, including how much Axe would spend on the series, but confirmed Unilever is talking with MTV about the show. A media buy would be part of the deal with the cable network.
"We're working toward something but as of today there's no signed deal," an MTV spokesman said.
The series, like the original special, will have little direct brand or product placement.
"Gamekillers" was one of two major branded-entertainment projects for Axe this year. The other was "Order of the Serpentine," a 30-minute show produced by WPP Group's MindShare Entertainment that aired on Spike TV as the centerpiece of a marketing campaign for Axe Snake Peel body wash. That show dealt with a fictitious secret society of men seeking to hide their shame about "questionable hookups."
Both projects have helped drive double-digit growth for Axe this year, leading Unilever to claim U.S. brand leadership in deodorants (disputed by rival Procter & Gamble Co.) and vie for leadership with P&G's Old Spice in men's body wash.
"We're not looking at [Axe] as a deodorant brand, but as a lifestyle brand," said Kevin George, VP-North American deodorants, Unilever, who sees entertainment marketing as a way to position Axe alongside the likes of Nike or PlayStation, not just against Old Spice. "We're really about creating content that guys want to seek out," he said, "rather than banging them over the head with clutter."


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More carmakers race into ride-sharingMon, 30, May 2016
Automakers are staking their claims in the ride-sharing world -- and fast. Last week, Toyota invested in ride-share giant Uber, Volkswagen Group in Gett, a ride-hailing company popular in Europe, and BMW in the company behind a carpooling app. General Motors invested in Uber rival Lyft in January.
Recall battle shifts to statesMon, 30, May 2016
State dealer associations are going to their legislatures seeking -- and getting -- new protections they say dealers need to cope with the burden of unrepaired vehicles on their lots, especially as the Takata airbag recalls expand. Maryland and Virginia have already moved forward.
VW goal: 1 million electrified vehicles by 2025Sun, 29, May 2016
Volkswagen Group expects it will have to sell about 1 million battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles a year worldwide by 2025 to fulfill increasingly strict carbon dioxide emission limits in major markets.
Recruiting college grads to the dealershipMon, 30, May 2016
Ray Skillman Auto Group revamped its recruiting process to target college graduates with retail experience, part of its switch to a product-specialist model to replace traditional sales staffers.
Here come the hydrogen stationsMon, 30, May 2016
Hydrogen fuel cell cars are beginning to trickle onto California's roads. And thanks to a push from regulators, automakers and startup FirstElement, more filling stations are arriving, too.
Rembrandts help refine the art of the saleMon, 30, May 2016
Robert Hoehn is a 21st century American car dealer who became obsessed with collecting prints made by a 17th century Dutch master who conjured dark, magical images using copper plates, acid, an etching tool and a press.
Q auto’s smaller stores yield bigger resultsMon, 30, May 2016
Asbury will add two smaller stand-alone used-vehicle stores in the Tampa area this summer, bringing its total there to four, after having closed its only large-format store in Jacksonville, Fla., in February. The larger store couldn't generate enough volume to break even, said CEO Craig Monaghan.
Toyota, Nissan seek battery breakthroughsMon, 30, May 2016
Toyota and Nissan are working on advanced battery technologies they hope will give new-generation electrified vehicles greater driving range.
Nissan sees ads transcending bordersMon, 30, May 2016
Nissan will launch a new U.S. advertising campaign this week, but other significant marketing changes are coming.
High-performance Nissan Sentra to get sporty looks, more powerMon, 30, May 2016
Nissan's compact Sentra sedan looks ready to get the Nismo treatment. Recent spy photos show a Sentra with a sporty body kit, spoiler and a more aggressive front end.
Single-cab, full-size Titan breaks coverMon, 30, May 2016
Nissan has made clear that it intends to modify the redesigned Titan pickup for several market niches over the coming year.
F-Pace's tag line has some miles on itMon, 30, May 2016
Jaguar's F-Pace is busting into a new market segment for the British automaker, performance utilities. But the slogan being rolled out along with the F-Pace is certified used.


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A gold chain containing wedding rings was sneakily stolen from a senior’s neck at a strip mall Wednesday.
Kelowna Mounties said two women approached the victim, who was seated in her vehicle at the time, when one of the women placed a different chain around the senior’s neck. In the process, police believe that they detached the victim’s real gold chain before walking away.
The victim said that the women struck up a conversation with her and they had what she thought was a heartfelt conversation that she now realizes was well rehearsed.
“The stolen yellow gold chain necklace held the victim’s wedding band alongside her late husband’s wedding band,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey
“At this time our priorities include, the continued support of our victim who has been traumatized by the loss of an item of immense sentimental value and the continued efforts to locate her stolen jewellery.”
Police are asking that anyone with information about the incident to contact them immediately.
To report a typo, email:


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Earlier this year, Apple announced a brand new iPad (not a Pro model this time, though), which adds support for the Apple Pencil.
Now, by way of the company’s official UK YouTube channel, Apple has published four new videos promoting not only the 2018 iPad, but also the Apple Pencil as well. Each of the videos are short, with one coming in at 12 seconds, one pegged at 16, and two setting the high bar at 17 seconds. In each, Apple is simply showing off a feature, like Mark up or writing with the Notes app, and there’s not much else going on.
First up is the video entitled “Notes”, which you can read the description for below:
“Introducing the new iPad, now with support for Apple Pencil. Write, draw, and edit your notes with Notability.”
And watch the 17-second video here:
The second video is entitled “Photos”, which shows how you can use the Apple Pencil to liven up those digital images:
“Introducing the new iPad, now with support for Apple Pencil. Draw on
your photos with Tayasui Sketches Pro.”
This is the other 17-second video:
The third video is called “Keynote”, and, as Apple describes it, you can now draw in the Keynote app:
This video is only 15 seconds long.
Last, but certainly not least, is the 12-second video entitled “Markup”, which Apple describes as such:
“Introducing the new iPad, now with support for Apple Pencil. Markup has never been easier.”
And here’s the quick video:
What do you think of these quick ads? Do they get the point across?[via Apple YouTube UK]


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Welcome to the Slashdot Beta site -- learn more here. Use the link in the footer or click here to return to the Classic version of Slashdot.
Before you choose to head back to the Classic look of the site, we'd appreciate it if you share your thoughts on the Beta; your feedback is what drives our ongoing development.
Beta is different and we value you taking the time to try it out. Please take a look at the changes we've made in Beta and learn more about it. Thanks for reading, and for making the site better!
George Carlin Dead of Heart Failure
Umm that was a joke from one of his routines. Maybe you aren't as avid a fan as you appear to be trying to be.
danpsmith writes "Following up a report on the survey from Forrester Research Tom Krazit of CNet reports that the findings of the survey have in fact been exaggerated, stating:
'The music industry would certainly like to see better growth from digital music sales, but the Forrester report is based on a small sample size and indicates that it's too early in the digital music era to be drawing conclusions about the habits of online music buyers, said Josh Bernoff, the author of the report, on Wednesday.'
While, the original report said sales were declining, it goes on to say, 'A similar but smaller decline occurred last year from January to June, driven by new iPod owners who filled up their holiday gifts with music in January and bought fewer and fewer songs as the year wore on'"
danpsmith writes "The BBC has an article about a government report which proposes new powers against copyright infringement. Interestingly, however, it also: "says private users should be allowed to copy music from a CD to their MP3 player" and further "recommends the 50-year copyright protection for recorded music should not be extended," saying, "The ideal IP system creates incentives for innovation, without unduly limiting access for consumers and follow-on innovators."
While satisfied with most of the report, The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) says, "it would continue to press for the copyright extension.""
danpsmith (922127) writes "This PC Magazine article states: "The Mozilla Foundation will release the Firefox 2.0 browser on Tuesday, according to a posting on the Mozillazine message boards over the weekend."
With features like "phishing protection, which reports if a web site may be malicious; session saving, which restores windows or Firefox tabs if the browser crashes; improved access to Web feeds; spell checking; and search suggestions" could FF2 steal IE7's steam before it's even been generated?"
danpsmith has no journal entries.


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Suwanee, GA, AlphaGraphics Center Installs EFI H1625 LED Roll/Flatbed Wide-Format Printer
Upgrading for business growth
Akins has offered wide-format services in one form or another since 1994 and the EFI H1625 LED printer acquisition is the latest in a series of upgrades that have helped to expand the business. “We have been able to add wholesale work for other AlphaGraphics centers in Atlanta to our mix,” he said, “and we have been really pleased with the ability to print backlit materials and do direct printing on black boards. This is something we couldn’t do before. We’ve experimented with just about everything, including black neoprene and metal side pieces for equipment, such as x-ray machines.”
Another new opportunity for the company is the ability to print on 20 pound roll paper. “This helps us compete with the latex printers out there,” according to Akins. “And, we can do a lot of things that they can’t; the printer is extremely versatile.”
“It is gratifying to see the level of innovation at companies like AlphaGraphics Suwanee,” said Scott Schinlever, senior vice president and general manager, EFI Inkjet Solutions. “The features and capabilities we offer for inkjet graphics production with this printer are key to customers who want to grow with wide-format printing and develop profitable, new business opportunities.”
Software offerings from EFI provide additional advantages to AlphaGraphics Suwanee. Akins is pleased with the EFI Fiery XF software AlphaGraphics Suwanee uses to drive his new printer. “We have Fiery servers running other equipment in the center,” he said, “and we are very familiar with the workflow. We have also been happy with Fiery’s color management capabilities since we often produce pieces of the same job on color toner presses and our wide-format solvent printer. With Fiery, we are able to ensure that all of the pieces look the same.”
AlphaGraphics Suwanee also uses EFI PrintSmith business management software for estimating and accounting tasks.


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The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated changes in our workplace at a nearly unimaginable pace. Many businesses and companies have found themselves searching for and implementing temporary solutions the past few months not only to help them deliver uninterrupted service to their customers but also to assure their employees that they are protected with them. With the pandemic staying until a vaccine is developed, firms need to adapt to these changes to keep the business going.
A recent survey revealed that the industries experiencing significant impact from shutdowns are healthcare (56%), retail (56%), mining (55%), manufacturing (46%), and automotive (43%). According to the World Economic Forum, an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas, these figures show that business models that are hard to digitize, highly people-dependent, or rely heavily on global supply chains are most exposed.
On the other hand, the least affected sectors are professional services (4%), high tech (5%), education (9%), insurance (10%), and telecommunications (12%). The International Labor Organization (ILO) said we could lose up to 25 million jobs across the world – and depending on the timeframe, it could be worse than that. Thus, many companies are doing everything they can to still run their businesses amidst the increasing unemployment rates and the slowdown of economies.
While no one can truly predict what’s in store post-COVID-19, it would be difficult for working life to go back to exactly the way it was. Some of the changes during this pandemic might stay even years after the lockdowns have been lifted. Eric Arnold, president of Arnold Contract, a New Jersey company that makes custom office furniture, said there’s been growing emphasis on technology nowadays. Thus, this would improve the way we navigate workplaces in the future.
Workplace Trends in This Pandemic
Remote work wasn’t embraced by many industries before the pandemic, including the architecture industry. However, firms are forced to set up a new option that could keep the business running while keeping everyone safe. Diana Nicklaus, principal and co-founder of Boston-based architecture company Saam Architecture, has always believed in remote work as a viable way of conducting business.
“Our clients can reach all of us any time of the day, as our personal cell phone numbers are available to them. Our team provides a high level of responsiveness, as we are all equipped with the tools to work remotely, whether we are designing or responding to emails,” Nicklaus said.
Today, the safest way for anyone to avoid being infected by the virus is to stay at home, which is why work from home setups are incredibly helpful. Many companies are hinting that after this pandemic, they may adppt some changes that were implemented during this crisis. The latest US research reveals that 74% of businesses want some workers to permanently work remotely and business leaders are actively shedding leased office space.
Amazon, for instance, has told staff whose job can be done from home that they can do so for a certain period. “Employees who work in a role that can effectively be done from home are welcome to do so until at least October 2,” an Amazon spokesman said in a statement.
Since many companies are eager to adopt the work from home policy among their employees after this pandemic, commuting will also change. Statistics revealed that US commute times reached record levels and most UK workers spent more than a year of their lives traveling to and from work before lockdowns were enforced. The lockdowns have now made streets a lot quieter than usual. While many will still need to work from home for weeks or months to come, governments are planning to stagger working times for workers so public transport is not overwhelmed.
However, humans don’t like being isolated. They would eventually crave the physical closeness that comes with just being alongside other people. This is where co-working spaces come in. According to Phys.org, an internet news portal that provides the latest news on science, a recent analysis revealed that more local co-working spaces will emerge after this pandemic. While independent co-working spaces in some areas were thriving before COVID-19, the researchers said that they may become more mainstream if they survive lockdown.
At the same time, it is predicted that there would be more emphasis on sanitation in workplaces after this pandemic. Nicole Keeler, director of sustainability at interior design and space-planning firm Nelson Worldwide, said that she’s fielding questions from companies and building owners about easy-to-clean materials. “There are surfaces that are antimicrobial, just like you would see in a health-care system or in a laboratory which could become a new norm for workstation surfaces,” she said.
As much as we try to prepare for the worst, workers still need to plan ahead amid the changing workplace—how to navigate and survive after this pandemic. A 2017 report McKinsey Global Institute estimated that as many as 375 million workers—or 14 percent of the global workforce—would have to switch occupations or acquire new skills by 2030 because of automation and artificial intelligence. These figures are expected to increase in the coming months or years.
Meanwhile, companies should also start planning the future of their workplace. Experts say that leaders can reskill and upskill the workforce to deliver new business models in the post-pandemic era. They need to learn how to match workers to new roles and activities. A recent Gartner CFO survey revealed that almost three in four CFOs plan to “shift at least 5% of previously on-site employees to permanently remote positions post-COVID-19.”
Companies need to map out which skill pools will disproportionately affect it and drive it forward by quickly identifying crucial value drivers and employee groups. To do this, they need to specify the exact contributions of these roles to value creation and reimagine how their day-to-day work will change as a result of value shifts. At the same time, businesses may also need a different skillset to facilitate the increase in demand and customer expectations.


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Restore set to continue acquisition spree as it profits from firms choosing to hoard paper documents
hoosing to hoard paper documents
AIM-quoted records management company Restore is set to continue its acquisition spree.
The group, 50 per cent owned by Tory peer Lord Ashcroft, is profiting from companies choosing to hoard paper documents, even as experts trumpet the possibilities of cloud computing, where data is stored via the internet.
Restore, formerly called Mavinwood, has bought eight companies in the past 18 months, mostly in records management. Chief executive Charles Skinner expects that pace to continue.
‘It depends partly on the opportunities,’ he said.
Restore keeps documents for lawyers, accountants and drug companies among others.
‘It costs about £4 a year to store a box of documents, but it would cost about £150 to scan them,’ Skinner said.
Last month Restore said pre-tax profits for 2011 rose 77 per cent to £4.6 million.
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Roxhill Webinar: Sustainable Travel Post Covid-19
Register to access
Register to watch the full-length webinar with Isabel Choat, the Guardian’s Online Travel Editor, Chris Haslam, Chief Travel Writer at the Sunday Times, and Anna Hughes, Author and Founder of Flight Free UK as we ask what relevance green travel has now, what challenges are facing the industry and whether Covid-19 could actually be an opportunity for the travel industry to make a serious impact on carbon emissions.
Chris Haslam is the multi award-winning Chief Travel Writer at The Sunday Times.
Isabel Choat is Online Travel Editor at The Guardian covering all industry and travel issues. The Guardian is committed to covering responsible travel, which has always been high on the agenda for its audience.
Anna Hughes is an environmentalist and campaigner. She has worked in behaviour change and sustainability for over a decade, and is currently Director of Flight Free UK, a campaign set up in November 2018 to encourage people to fly less. Environmental sustainability is at the heart of Anna’s adventures and writing.


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Shopify lays off around 1,000 people amid e-commerce struggles
Shopify announced on Tuesday that it was laying off 10% of its staff as the e-commerce platform’s growth prospects — following a pandemic-driven boom — are not unfolding as officials had expected. the company.
The layoffs, around 1,000 employees, will take place on Tuesday and will mainly affect those working in recruiting, sales and support, CEO Tobias Lütke said in a company blog post. Publish. Lütke said Shopify is also “eliminating overly specialized and duplicate roles and some groups that were convenient to have but too far removed from product building.”
“Everyone will feel this news in their own way, but what is universally true is that it will be difficult for everyone,” he said.
Based in Ottawa, Canada, Shopify is an e-commerce service that allows merchants to quickly create and customize websites to sell products online. In addition to plan fees, Shopify partly makes its money by taking a percentage of customer transactions.
Lütke said growth was steady and predictable just before thebegan. At the time, the company had about 10,000 employees and contractors, according to company documents. E-commerce has been given a big boost by the pandemic as retail stores have been forced to close and shoppers have shopped online. Lütke said he expects business to continue growing even after retail stores reopen and that he and other company officials are betting the company’s immediate future on that growth.
“It is now clear that the gamble did not pay off,” Lütke said in the blog post. “Now we have to adapt. As a result, we have to say goodbye to some of you today and I am deeply sorry for that.”
Terminated employees will receive 16 weeks of severance pay and an additional week for each year they worked at Shopify. They will also see their internet service paid for a few more weeks and be able to keep home office furniture provided by Shopify, Lütke said in the post.
However, the layoffs don’t spell total disaster for Shopify. The business is much bigger and more profitable now than it was at the start of the pandemic, said Adam Crisafulli, market analyst at Vital Knowledge.
“It is expected to generate approximately $5.7 billion in revenue this year compared to $865 million in 2019,” Crisafulli said in a research note. “So while growth slows, revenue continues to rise and they are among the best-positioned companies in e-commerce after Amazon.”
In May, Shopify bought order tracking software company Deliverr Inc. for $2.1 billion. It has also rolled out new features in recent weeks, such as the ability for shoppers to purchase items directly from merchant posts on Twitter or YouTube.
Shopify announced its layoffs a day before the company released its second quarter results. The shares were down almost 15% in afternoon trading.


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LAS VEGAS (US): Global shelling out for consumer technologies are supposed to slip in 2010 caused by factors with a strong US dollar and political uncertainty prompted by Brexit and President-elect Mr . trump.
Consumer Technology Association senior director of paid survey Steve Koenig revealed united states trade group’s new forecast here late Tuesday, predicting the amount of money people throughout the world pay for smartphones and other gadgets at the moment would tally US$929 billion as compared with US$950 billion in 2016.
Koenig said the “underpinning” with the global forecast was “uncertainty with the election of Trump is actually Brexit.”
“This air of uncertainty certainly is planning to impact discretionary spending of buyers; business investment, and investment by governments,” Koenig contended.
Nearly 50 % of the bucks used on consumer technology are going to be for smartphones, which are forecast to account for 47% of shelling out for devices.
“Mobility truly does produce the world visit,” Koenig said.
“Koenig said after a CTA presentation killing the official opening with the Consumer Electronics Show here soon.
“The smartphone could be the core of the consumer technology universe.”


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ALDI today launched Ireland’s largest reverse vending machine at its Naas, Monread Road store in Co. Kildare. ALDI’s newest unit is capable of collecting and storing up to 10,500 plastic bottles or 42,000 aluminium cans at any given time.
The trial follows the success of ALDI’s first reverse vending machine in its Mitchelstown, Cork store as well as the launch of a new machine at its Mallow store. The recycling initiative comes with a twist, with a total of €1,000 per month being donated to ALDI’s charity partner Barnardos.
From today, ALDI’s Kildare customers are encouraged to return PET plastic bottles (up to three litres in size) and aluminium drink cans to the reverse vending machine in ALDI’s store.
ALDI’s Mitchelstown reverse vending machine has experienced great demand since its introduction in February. Almost 12,500 PET plastic bottles and aluminium drink cans have been recycled through the unit, with a monthly donation of €1,000 going to Barnardos since its launch.
Commenting, Donald Mackay, Regional Managing Director, ALDI Ireland said: “Following the success of our initial reverse vending machine, we are delighted to install Ireland’s largest machine at our Naas store. Having a machine with larger capacity means we can make an even greater impact on the environment and with our charity partner Barnardos. Through this initiative, we’re encouraging our customers to give to Barnardos, which is doing amazing work with vulnerable children and families, while also helping to improve the environment.”
Welcoming the initiative, Evie Sammon, Mayor of Naas said: “As Mayor of Naas I am delighted ALDI has chosen its Naas store for the largest reverse vending machine in Ireland. It’s not only going to benefit the environment but will also benefit children across Ireland through its charity partner Barnardos. I look forward to it being used widely.”
Barnardos CEO Suzanne Connolly welcomed the donations from the initiative: “The €1,000 monthly donation from ALDI will help make a real difference to the vulnerable children and families we work with across the country. Barnardos has been supporting children and families for 60 years, and we know that the funds generated from this scheme will have a real positive impact on the lives of children across Ireland.”
Senator Vincent P. Martin, Founder and Chairperson of Going Plastic Free Ireland added: “It is fantastic to see ALDI Ireland introducing this new reverse vending machine with even greater capacity. Going Plastic Free Ireland is delighted to support ALDI’s efforts in improving the environment, while also supporting the great work Barnardos is doing in Ireland. We look forward to engaging with ALDI in the future in the positive steps it is making to remove unnecessary plastic from our local communities.”
ALDI established a long-term partnership with Barnardos in 2020 with the aim of raising €1 million for the children’s charity. The supermarket has raised over €710,000 for Barnardos to date through a series of exciting initiatives including the launch of its first cookbook ‘Home’ alongside the IRFU, with all profits going towards Barnardos’ Early Years and Family Support Services.
ALDI also partners with the national charity FoodCloud, providing surplus food to those who need it most. To date, ALDI has donated 2.35 million meals to FoodCloud, equating to a saving of almost €3 million while also benefiting the environment, saving an equivalent of almost 3.2 million tonnes of CO2.
ALDI has been recognised for its fantastic work in sustainability through a number of recent award wins, including being awarded the title of ‘Green Retailer’ at the 2022 Green Awards, and being voted Ireland’s Most Sustainable Supermarket by Irish Shoppers in the Ireland RepTrak Sustainability Index 2021.
Retailer Unveils its First-Ever Sustainability Report in Ireland
ALDI Ireland, voted the most sustainable supermarket in the country according to the 2023 RepTrak Sustainability Index, is today announcing a significant milestone. The release of its inaugural sustainability report includes ambitious packaging targets and a pledge that 70% of its sales will come from healthier food options by 2025.


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The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) - the world's largest consumer technology trade show held in Las Vegas each year - launched its inaugural Asian event in Shanghai on Monday.
CES Asia, which spans three days from May 25-27, is aimed at helping global brands tap into the Asian consumer market and domestic brands extend their international reach.
"Shanghai is the city of the future, China has phenomenal potential. Everyone from major car companies to wearable device companies is here, and they are excited to be here," Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Electronics Association, which produces CES, told CNBC.
By hosting a show in Shanghai, it's an opportunity to recognize that the Asian market is different from the U.S., he said.
The event, which focuses on three major themes - connectivity, innovation and the Internet of Things, features some 250 exhibitors - a small fraction of 52,000 exhibitors present at the Las Vegas show earlier this year.
"We restricted who can exhibit. It's something that's curated. You have to be an innovative company or have a recognized brand," he said.
German luxury automaker Audi kicked off the event with the unveiling of its latest electric, self-driving concept car, the R8 e-tron.
Attendees were invited to ride in the car that is equipped with a vast array of sensors enabling it to navigate roads without direct input from a driver.
"The Audi R8 e-tron piloted driving represents the technology trends of our industry," said Audi CEO, Rupert Stadler, as quoted by car website Auto Express.
R8 e-tron is the company's third autonomous concept vehicle following experiments with the RS7 and A7, according to the website.
Aside from the latest in auto technology, exhibitors will represent 14 product categories including 3D printing, green technologies, robotics, smart home, sports and fitness, video/4K Ultra HD, video gaming and wearables.
Approximately 25,000 people, made up of industry executives, international buyers, media and consumers from China, were pre-registered for the event.
"We're thrilled that a large number – 40 percent of the 25,000 that are pre-registered are from outside of China," he said.


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Hackers obtained personal information for around 57 million Uber customers and drivers in October 2016 and in response, the company paid those behind the attack $100,000 to delete the data and keep quiet. The Federal Trade Commission initiated an investigation after the news came to light, later adding more provisions to an earlier settlement it made with the company over inadequate data safeguards.
"Uber's decision to cover up this breach was a blatant violation of the public's trust," California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in a statement. "The company failed to safeguard user data and notify authorities when it was exposed. Consistent with its corporate culture at the time, Uber swept the breach under the rug in deliberate disregard of the law."
Along with the fine, Uber has agreed to more rigorous data security and breach notification practices as well as outside assessments of its data security efforts.


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The account, estimated at $4-5 million in spending, has been handled by Frank C. Nahser/Chicago. Schwinn spent just under $1 million in 1992 according to LNA.
Last week Huffy Corp., Miamisburg, Ohio, placed its $2-3 million account, now at Lois U.S.A./Chicago, in review.
Schwinn has talked to several agencies in the Midwest and emphasized the review is closed.
'We will not consider any other agencies,' said Paul Chess, Schwinn marketing communications manager. 'We have narrowed our search and have an agency in mind. We should be able to make an announcment very shortly.'
The nearly 100-year-old Schwinn filed for bankruptcy protection last October and emerged from bankruptcy in January with new owners and a new president/coo, Ralph Murray. Sources said last week the company's plans are aggressive and executives are looking in 1993 to double Schwinn's current market share, which is about 8 percent.
Bicycling is a $3.2 billion business in the U.S. Domestic manufacturers have faced increased competition from foreign competitors and U.S. upstart companies focusing on specialty categories.
Copyright Adweek L.P. (1993)


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LONDON (MarketWatch) -- German software giant SAP AG
said first-quarter net income and revenue each rose 11% and held onto its outlook for 2005. Quarterly profits rose to 254 million euros on sales of 1.73 billion euros, with software revenue up 17% to 434 million euros. Analysts had forecast profits between 239 million and 270 million euros on revenue between 1.661 billion and 1.755 billion euros, according to AFX News. U.S. market share against rivals such as Oracle Corp.
rose to 41% at the end of the first quarter, vs. 38% at the end of the fourth quarter and 34% in the year-ago quarter. Looking ahead, the Walldorf, Germany-based company said 2005 software revenue should rise 10% to 12%, with pro forma EPS in a 4.70 to 4.80 euros a share range.


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IQOO is back with its second launch event in 2021 which is pretty amazing. The company have now entered a new price segment with the new Z series. The iQOO Z3 5G is the first smartphone in India featuring Qualcomm Snapdragon 768G 5G chipset in sub 20k. It makes the device the most affordable 5G smartphone from Iqoo. The device comes with amazing specs like a 120Hz display, powerful chipset, and 55W flash charge that can juice up the device up to 50% in just 19 min. The device runs on Android 11 with Funtouch OS 11.1 on the top and comes with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. Now let’s take a closer look at all the features.
READ MORE: Poco M3 Pro 5G Launched In India
IQOO Z3 5G Specifications:-
|Build||Unspecified Protection .
Plastic rear panel.
|Display||6.58-inches FHD+ LCD
120Hz Refresh Rate
180Hz Touch Sampling Rate
|Processor||Qualcomm Snapdragon 768G (7nm)
Adreno 620 GPU
|sd Card Slot||Yes, Hybrid|
|Rear Cameras||64MP f/1.8 primary
8MP 120˚ f/2.2 ultrawide
2MP f/2.4 macro
|Front Camera||16MP f/2.0|
|Battery||4,400 mAh Battery
55W Fast Charging
Pricing and availability
The device comes in two different shades – Ace Black and Cyber Blue. The device will be available on Amazon and Iqoo.com with the first sale on 8 June at 1 pm. To sum up, the pricing goes as follows:-
- Rs. 19,990 for 6GB+128GB variant
- Rs. 20,990 for 8GB+128GB variant
- Rs. 22,990 for 8GB+356GB variant


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You're familiar with the gender pay gap. But have you heard? There's an angel gap, too.
Angel investing, that is.
Angel investors are individuals that provide startup capital to entrepreneurs, often taking a personal interest the business' success. But despite women now controlling over 51 percent of the wealth in the United States, the University of New Hampshire's Center for Venture Research has reported that only 19 percent of angel investors in the U.S. in 2013 were women.
How can we close that gap? By challenging ourselves and other women to step up and invest! But why should this matter?
Why Close the Gap?
According to MIT, about half of all small businesses in the U.S. are founded by women, but in the tech industry only 7 percent of the startups that attract VC funding are led by female founders.
While women entrepreneurs have a tougher time connecting with venture capital, closing the angel investment gap can help close the funding gap faced by female founders. Geri Stengel of ForbesWoman writes "Women are not only more likely than men to invest in women-led companies, some will sit on the boards of the companies they invest in, according to the Kauffman (Institute)."
As school counselor and property manager-turned-angel investor, Karen Bairley Kruger observes, "Women are hugely underrepresented in all sectors of business — from entrepreneurs to CEOs to board membership." This is why bringing more women to the table as investors is critical.
It's a high-risk way to invest, and a high-reward one. Research sponsored by the Kauffman Foundation found that angel investors reap, on average, a return of 2.6 times their investment within 3.5 years. They're often driven not just by the pursuit of profit, but also by the satisfaction of having a personal connection to the success of a fledgling business. And according to a white paper by Illuminate Ventures, venture-backed high tech companies led by women are good custodians of the funding they receive. They use their capital more efficiently and make higher annual revenues than those led by male counterparts.
Natalia Oberti Noguera, CEO of Pipeline Angels, believes women have more power to change the world than just by volunteering or writing a check to a charity.
By By Kate MacArthur
Nov 10, 2015 at 5:30 AM
One woman who is out to close these gaps is Natalia Oberti Noguera. She is founder and CEO of Pipeline Fellowship, an organization that teaches women how to get started as angel investors, and connects women entrepreneurs to capital. It's a powerful win-win. "We're changing the face of angel investing," she says.
Pipeline Fellowship's bootcamp for aspiring angel investors takes place two days per month over six months and mixes up education and mentoring with hands-on practice. Midway through the program, investors-in-training attend a Shark Tank-like forum where women entrepreneurs pitch their business plans. Bootcamp participants select one company to invest in, each pitching in $5,000. This way, they experience more than just training: It is hands-on investing. "At the end of the program, women have learned the ropes of angel investing and they have actually made their first investment, " observes Karen Bairley Kruger, who is a Pipeline Fellowship alumna. "They have skin in the game," adds Oberti Noguera.
Calling all Angels
So who's the ideal angel investor?
Becoming an angel investor can be a logical next step up for women who have built successful careers. As Oberti Noguera suggests, it is a chance to "Sit at the bigger kids' table."
According to Deanna Kosaraju, founder and CEO of Global Tech Women, becoming an angel investor is a "next stage of empowerment" for women who have successfully navigated industries such as high tech. "These change-makers have already proven they can defy the odds and succeed in male-dominated corporate cultures." Kosaraju would urge them to use that knowledge to mentor an upcoming generation of women on how to traverse similar challenges. "Women entrepreneurs need more than just funding,' she added. "They need access to role-models and mentors, and female angel investors can make the difference."
Applicants for the Pipeline Fellowship's boot camp must meet the SEC's definition of an accredited investor, namely having net worth of $1 million or annual income of $200,000 personally (or $300,000 jointly with a spouse) for at least two years. The organization is growing rapidly, bringing boot camps to women in Austin, Texas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, Seattle, and the Bay Area this fall.
"When I realized the impact that entrepreneurs are set to make in today's changing economy, I knew I had to become an angel," said user experience designer and creative director Jamie-Lynn Despres, a Pipeline Fellowship alumna. As an investor, Despres is drawn to women-founded tech companies that combine innovation with social impact.
So ladies, it's time to step up, and if you're been successful in your career and have the means, consider shouldering some risk. Become an angel investor.
Jo Miller is founding editor of BeLeaderly.com and CEO of Women's Leadership Coaching Inc. Jo is a sought-after speaker who has traveled in Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East to deliver keynotes and workshops. Follow @jo_miller on Twitter.


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Business Insider citing “sources” reports that Microsoft is in urge to buy Yammer whereas other publication Bloomberg reports that the tech giant if the deal take place than it will be bought up for more than $1 billion, with a deal coming as soon as Friday. Yammer is web-based software which lets employees work together on projects and share information in an environment. Yammer will help Microsoft increase its charm, will let add social-networking tools to the suite of products it offers corporate customers. The deal will result in setting up competition with Salesforce.com and Oracle.
I2Mag, an Internet & Design Inspiration Magazine having emphasis on empowering and inspiring people by spreading the waves of knowledge. I2Mag is an independent news source dedicated to covering start-ups, reviewing internet products, social media, digital culture and technology news.


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While the federal government has put a complete ban on imports of luxury goods to save much-needed dollars, another ugly truth has surfaced: smuggling.
Even though the economy is in bad shape, smugglers are eyeing huge paydays as they rush to cash in on the crisis. Over the past two years, Pakistan Customs has dismantled large warehouses smuggling imported items into Punjab, but now that the dollar and fuel prices are at historic highs, smugglers are banding together to supply anything , luxury cars, tires, car parts, textiles, powdered milk, tea leaves and cigarettes.
While smuggling negatively impacts government revenue generation goals, it also has detrimental consequences for traders, who believe the government is creating the threat in the first place. Malik Zaman Naseeb, chairman of Azam Cloth Market, the country’s largest textile market in Lahore, told The Express Tribune that whenever a government imposes unjustified taxes or raises their rates and stops imports, smuggling will increase. inevitably.
“Therefore, the government should reduce taxes and give traders confidence before making decisions.” Shehzad Sheikh, a business manager at Shah Alam Market, expressed similar views, saying, “FBR and other agencies estimate that $3.3 billion worth of smuggling occurs every year. However, no government will sit down with traders and come up with a solution against the threat.
Sheikh’s assessment on smuggling carries weight, as Pakistan Customs have so far seized contraband goods worth Rs 61 billion. A breakdown of the gigantic number revealed to The Express Tribune that weapons worth Rs 49.1 million; tea leaves worth Rs 240 million; mobile phones worth Rs 290 million; alcohol worth Rs 400 million; drugs worth Rs 410 million; Gutka worth Rs 527.5 million; cigarettes worth Rs 720 million; electronic devices worth Rs 830 million; wheat and other food grains worth Rs 837 million; tires and auto parts worth Rs 888 million; betel nuts worth Rs 2 billion; fabric worth Rs 5.89 billion; and vehicles worth over Rs 9 billion have all been smuggled. Since most of the smuggling was in unpaid bespoke vehicles, The Express Tribune spoke to Sheikh Yasir, a trader at Lahore Jail Road Car Market, to inquire about the effect it has on the market. “Smuggled foreign-made vehicles are very cheap, which is why there is an increasing trend of people towards them. With the connivance of customs and excise personnel, false documents are also produced for these vehicles.
Due to this double standard, legal traders like us face difficulties,” Yasir lamented. Babar Mahmood Butt, president of the Traders Organization Service Group, had a similar problem with the government stating that smuggling does not take place without government and political support. Butt was of the view that the government should first clean up its own house and take action against the enablers. “Their inaction results in a scenario like this: a trader sells an item with a duty for Rs 1,000 and then the same contraband item is sold by another trader for Rs 500,” a furious Butt said. Collector Customs Enforcement, Basit Abbasi and Collector Customs Allama Iqbal Airport, Usman Bajwa, when asked about the plight of traders, admitted that the current economic situation increased the risk of smuggling, but added that the department was ready to deal with it.
“We have already broken the back of organized smuggling groups across the country and we will do it again. In light of the current situation, we have increased our monitoring and rigor,” they reassured in an interview with The Express Tribune.
Published in L’Express Tribune, June 21st2022.


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“Germany’s biggest Apple retailer is getting 1,000 enquiries every day about buying the new iPhone, which is expected to go on sale towards the end of the year, the retailer’s head told a newspaper,” Reuters reports.
“‘Fifty-seven thousand interested people have already registered with us,’ the head of retailer Gravis, Archibald Horlitz, told Germany’s Tagesspiegel in comments due to be published on Friday. ‘Every day, we get about 1,000 more,'” Reuters reports.
“Horlitz said almost 58 percent of those interested in buying the much-hyped iPhone… said they would consider switching operators if necessary,” Reuters reports. “Horlitz said he expected Gravis would also be allowed to sell the iPhone in its 29 German branches. ‘I assume that we’ll be part of it,’ he said.”
Full article here.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Jendensam” for the heads up.]


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Majority of the findings show positive results for the fitness industry.
Australians are very happy with their gym memberships, with the just released 2009 Australian Fitness Industry Survey (AFIS) showing that 60% of members are either satisfied or very satisfied with their gym. AFIS tells a good news story for the Australian fitness industry with the survey data showing that membership numbers are up, new members continue to join and many existing members are staying.
Staff pay rates across all positions did not change from last year’s survey. The majority of personal trainers are employed (53%) by clubs rather than contracted (24%). Personal trainers received income in a variety of ways including hourly rates, percentage of revenue or paying a floor rent. Membership income again dominates a club’s total revenue (75%) with personal training the next highest contributor at 8%.
Although membership growth was less than last year, 58% of clubs still experienced growth in 2009. Membership numbers have declined about 2% compared with last year, with an average membership size of 835.
Read more about the findings from 2009 Australian Fitness Industry Survey here.
Find out the answers and more in the most up-to-date research into the Australian fitness industry.
The 2009 Australian Fitness Industry Survey is now available providing you with analysis and insights into the fitness club industry and it’s members. There are a few surprises and some very insightful comments from our industry panel of experts and of course the 620 owners and managers and the 7,000 members who took part.
To purchase your copy of the report go to www.fitnesssurvey.com.au


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Car sales bounced back by 24 per cent in June, after slowing down to single-digit figures in May. A total of 65,046 units were sold in the review month over 52,060 units in June 2003, data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam).
The pre-Budget uncertainty with customers postponing the buying decision was virtually non-existent during this year, and sales for the top three carmakers — Maruti Udyog, Hyundai and Tata Motors went up.
A total of 65,046 units were sold in the review month over 52,060 units in June 2003, data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam) showed.
Commercial vehicle sales went up by 30 per cent at 23,650 units over 18,186 units in June last year.
Two-wheeler sales grew by 14.6 per cent at 4.7 lakh units as sales of motorcycles and step-throughs jumped 12.8 per cent at 3.65 lakh units. A resurgent scooter market posted a rise of an impressive 12.1 per cent at 77,144 units, while moped sales moved northward by clocking a rise of 2.3 per cent at 27,339 units.
Sales of utility vehicles, which have been on an overdrive since the last couple of months, rose by 18.4 per cent at 12,889 units.
Multi purpose vehicle sales jumped 7.26 per cent at 4,888 units, while three-wheeler sales moved up by 27 per cent at 25,650 units.
Maruti Udyog, India’s biggest carmaker, posted a robust 25.4 per cent rise in sales at 30,781 units in June, while Hyundai Motor India, which faced production constraints in the face of ramping up of capacity, clocked a marginal 1.75 per cent jump at 12,150 units.
The country’s third-largest carmaker Tata Motors registered a rise of 44.8 per cent at 12,650 units.
Honda Siel Cars India witnessed a massive 129.2 per cent rise in sales at 2,769 units, largely on the back of New City sedan.
Efforts by General Motors India to rev up sales by introducing products in the volume-driven segments paid off as it registered an impressive 50.7 per cent rise at 1,608 units.
Indian subsidiary of the second-biggest car manufacturer Ford India sold 36.2 per cent more vehicles at 1,814 units in June 2004 over the same month last year.
Toyota Kirloskar’s sales surged 24.5 per cent at 995 units, while Volkswagen group company Skoda Auto India sold 610 units. However, luxury carmaker DaimlerChrysler sold 7.28 per cent less vehicles at 140 units.
In the utility vehicle category, market leader Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) posted a marginal rise of 0.27 per cent at 5,077 units, while Toyota witnessed a 28 per cent rise at 3,112 units.
Utility vehicle sales of Tata Motors dived 4.48 per cent at 2,427 units, while Bajaj Tempo registered a 14.5 per cent growth at 527 units. Maruti’s multi purpose vehicle sales jumped 7.26 per cent at 4,888 units.
In the commercial vehicle category, sales of medium and heavy (M&H) buses and trucks grew by 27.1 per cent at 13,938 units while that of light commercial vehicles (LCVs) rose by 34.4 per cent at 9,712 units.
In the M&H segment, truck sales jumped by 37.4 per cent at 11,963 units as Tata Motors posted a rise of 56 per cent at 8,222 units. However, that of Ashok Leyland declined marginally by 1.61 per cent at 2,491 units.
M&H buses saw a dip of 12.4 per cent at 1,975 units with Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland registering a decline of 4.94 and 32 per cent at 1,133 and 673 units respectively.
LCV sales grew by 34.4 per cent at 9,712 units as light truck sales grew 41.1 per cent at 7,564 units, while light bus sales surged by 15 per cent at 2,148 units.
Light truck sales of Tata Motors grew by 18.4 per cent at 3,243 units, while that of M&M grew by 93.5 per cent at 3,174 units. Light bus sales of Tata Motors went up by 28.7 per cent at 847 units and M&M saw a growth of 20 per cent at 535 units.
Commercial vehicle sales have been on a fast track since almost the last one year. The boost came from speedy work on a number of highway projects, especially the golden quadrilateral. In the commercial vehicle segment, sales of trucks with high tonnage capacity or multi-axle trucks were on upswing as the heavy trucks result in economy of scale.
In the motorcycle and step-through category, market leader Hero Honda posted a rise of 24.2 per cent at 1.95 lakh units, while its closest rival Bajaj Auto registered a jump of 14.5 per cent at 90,402 units.
Sales of TVS Motor nosedived by 18.7 per cent at 44,281 units while that of Yamaha Motor India shot up 106 per cent at 19,961 units.


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Frankfurt–Martin Winterkorn resigned as chief executive of Volkswagen on Wednesday, taking responsibility for an emissions cheating scandal that has gravely damaged the carmaker’s reputation.
C.E.O Martin Winterkorn stated he accepts responsibility for the irregularities that have been found in diesel engines. Winterkorn had ran the Volkswagen company since 2007 and doesn’t see any wrongdoing in his actions.
Less than a week ago, Volkswagen admitted that some diesel cars in the United States were equipped with software built to fool emissions tests. On Tuesday, the company said 11 million cars worldwide contained the software, this doesn’t clarify whether the software was used in other countries.
Overall, I thought it was a very effective lead that gave the main points in the first short paragraph. This is a noteworthy newstory because it has affected millions of people worldwide. Impact, conflict, and prominence are prevalent in this story. Prominence because this is the CEO of the company–a worldwide renown company. The audience for a story like this would be targeted toward Volkswagen owners, car owners, and society in general.


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Snyder’s-Lance CMO Rod Troni says an inquisitive nature is helping the company redefine how people snack.
HSMAI honored LGA’s Visit North Carolina ad campaign, TV spot and inspiration blog in its prestigious global travel marketing competition.
The LGA team, including several Tar Heel alumni, hosted students from UNC-Chapel Hill interested in pursuing careers in the agency world.
LGA refocuses strategy for National Gypsum’s PURPLE drywall by leveraging new insight and engaging consumers considering renovation projects.
LGA employees are making a difference in the lives of school kids in Charlotte by serving as role models through a program called Young Gents.
With an array of platforms available, how should marketers choose where to invest their resources?
LGA is working with Spectrum Properties to help introduce Charlotte’s newest landmark, 300 South Tryon, a 25-story office tower in the heart of Uptown.
Our work for National Gypsum’s brand of wallboard continues to earn accolades for excellence in integrated communications.
LGA is leveraging the food holiday with a fun initiative to drive online engagement and media coverage for Lance sandwich crackers.
From brand strategy and positioning to communicating on four continents, our latest campaign has far-reaching implications.
As the Carolina Panthers play their first regular season home game, they partnered with LGA to debut new TV spots.
Apologies are nice, but LGA’s David Coburn says companies must also take meaningful steps to correct problems of their own making.
We'd love to work with you. Get in touch.
Copyright 1984 - 2017 Luquire George Andrews, Inc. All rights reserved.


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Turkey trademark uplift, INPI announces Africa IP adviser, and China counterfeit crackdown: news digest
Every Tuesday and Friday, WTR presents a round-up of news, developments and insights from across the trademark sphere. In our latest edition, we look at INTA and COMEDUC partnering up to spread the anti-counterfeiting message, US officials seizing fake electronics, a study highlighting how brands need to showcase their authenticity to consumers, Iceland Foods confirming it will appeal a recent decision, and much more. Coverage this time from Trevor Little (TL), Adam Houldsworth (AH), Bridget Diakun (BD) and Tim Lince (TJL).
China increases its efforts to crackdown on counterfeit vaccine makers – The Chinese government has proposed heavier penalties for producers of counterfeit vaccines in its second draft of a new vaccine management law. Companies which are found to be making or selling fake vaccinations would be fined between 15 to 30 times the value of the products themselves, this is up from the proposed five to 10 times mentioned in the first draft in November. Overall, the penalty will not exceed 30 million yuan ($4.5 million) for goods valued below a million yuan. These new measurements were prompted by a scandal last summer when consumers learned that Changsheng Biotechnology Co was allegedly selling vaccines which were ineffective and of a low-quality. (BD)
INTA and COMEDUC team up to spread the anti-counterfeiting message – The International Trademark Association (INTA) and the National Trade Foundation for Education (COMEDUC) have announced a new collaboration to educate students in Chile about the dangers of purchasing counterfeit goods and the importance of intellectual property. During the 2019 academic year, the new initiative is expected to reach more than 3,000 freshmen students at 19 high schools in six cities in the country: Chillán, Curicó, Rancagua, San Fernando, Santiago, and Viña del Mar. The program officially kicks off today (23 April 23) and is part of INTA’s ongoing efforts through its Unreal Campaign to raise awareness of anti-counterfeiting and other aspects of IP among teenagers through presentations and discussions led primarily by INTA volunteer members. This marks the Unreal Campaign’s first countrywide agreement. Tatiana Arce, COMEDUC’s educational subdirector, reflects: “We are very happy that the partnership has prospered. Implementing the Unreal Campaign means that we can add elements to the integral formation of our students; we will be delivering a training that is not only technical but also civic, and above all, human.” (TL)
US officials seize counterfeit electronics – $715,000 worth of fake electrical goods have been found by US Customs and Border Protection, according to Securing Industry. The counterfeit products, found at the International Falls Port in rail freight bound for Minnesota, included wireless headphones, earbuds and cables. The port’s director Anthony Jackson commented: “Counterfeiting adversely affects the ability of lawful copyright holders to profit from their original ideas. Counterfeiting also harms consumers because because manufacturers of forged products have little motivation to use, high-quality materials in their products.” (AH)
Iceland Foods loses right to ‘Iceland’ trademark – Iceland Foods, the supermarket chain, secured an EU trademark for ‘Iceland’ in 2014, but the EUIPO has recently ruled to invalidate the mark and refuse future registration. Icelandic authorities sued the supermarket chain in part because the trademark prevented Icelandic companies from registering marks which referenced their home region. Iceland Foods, the UK-based chain, has been given two months to appeal – and last week confirmed that it would be doing so in a statement: "We are disappointed by the decision of the European Intellectual Property Office concerning the validity of our EU registration for the word mark Iceland. It is our view that this goes against established case law. We will be filing an appeal.” It appears, then, that this is not the end of this trademark dispute. (BD)
French IP office announces creation of Africa IP adviser – The French Intellectual Property Office (INPI) has announced a brand new position at the office: an IP adviser in Africa covering the OAPI and ARIPO areas. The regional advisor will be based in the Embassy of France in Abidjan in the Ivory Coast and will help French companies on issues in the two jurisdictions, particularly in the area of counterfeiting. They will also support companies in the acquisition and defense of their rights and cooperation with local IP offices and authorities. According to the office: “In order to increase the sensitivity of public authorities in priority countries, the INPI has developed an international network of advisers in charge of intellectual property related topics. The first driver of the INPI's presence abroad was counterfeiting, but the INPI's action soon turned to informing stakeholders and partners at the economic, political and technical levels.” This development, then, will ensure French companies are supported in the member states of OAPI and ARIPO. (TJL)
Trademark applications on the rise in Turkey – The Turkish Patent and Trademark Office received 32,356 trademark applications in the first three months of the year, representing a 1.2% year-on-year increase from the same period in 2018. Of these, 28,197 of the applications were made by domestic applicants. According to data recently-released by the office, patent applications also jumped by 4.7% compared to the first quarter of the previous year reaching 4,056 applications. (AH)
Study highlights trust issue for brands – A new study from marketing firm Olapic has shined a spotlight on the trust issues that brands face in the digital sphere. The study “suggests that consumers are more likely to trust other posts by real people than those created by brands”, adding that brand owners “need to emphasise the authenticity of their brands to register with today's jaded consumers”. Therefore, the research states, brands are encouraged to work more with so-called social media influencers to garner more effective results. Of course, for practitioners, delving into the world of influencers requires a host of legal considerations that must be followed to ensure possible repercussions – an issue we’ve covered previously on WTR. (TJL)
On the move:
Borden Ladner Gervais adds to its IP team – According to an announcement on Borden Ladner Gervais’ website, the firm has welcomed Chris N. Hunter to its IP group in Toronto. Hunter is a patent and trademark agent who handles both prosecution and enforcement matters, as well as providing support in M&A deals. (BD)
New Shareholders for GT – Greenberg Traurig has announced that three shareholders have joined its newly established Minneapolis office – Stephen R Baird, Tiffany A Blofield, and Craig S Krummen. Michael B Fisco, managing shareholder of GT’s Minneapolis office, stated: “We are thrilled to welcome this team to Greenberg Traurig and, in doing so, to continue to grow in Minneapolis for the benefit of clients. The talent and experience they bring to our intellectual property & technology practice will make them an invaluable resource for both our clients and firm colleagues: Steve is known for protecting companies’ key IP assets, Tiffany’s experience focuses on trademark enforcement and preventative measures, and Craig’s trial practice focuses on preparing and trying complex cases before juries.” (TL)
Duane Morris welcomes IP partners – Terry Ahearn and Stuart Bartow have joined Duane Morris’s Silicon Valley office as partners in the firm’s intellectual property practice group. Ahearn and Bartow enhance the firm’s intellectual property capabilities both domestically and internationally. Prior to joining Duane Morris, Ahearn and Bartow were partners at Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie. Ahearn is a trial lawyer representing clients in intellectual property and other complex commercial litigation matters related to high technology. Bartow is a dual-qualified U.S. patent attorney and English solicitor, representing clients in intellectual property matters, with an emphasis on complex patent, trade secret and commercial disputes concerning high technology. (TL)
Free-to-view intelligence on protecting brands online now available – WTR has published the sixth edition of Online Brand Enforcement: Protecting Your Trademarks in the Electronic Environment. Available now, the free-to-view publication offers the latest guidance on brand management best practice, as well as insight into proving a return on investment in protection activities. Topics covered in this edition include explorations of the impact of new legislation, insights into online brand protection in the Italian and Russian markets, consideration of how to prove that protection brings a return on investment and know-how on social media takedowns and tactics. The future of online enforcement is also considered in light of the ongoing review of rights protection mechanisms. The 2019 edition of Online Brand Enforcement is available here.


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Feb 17, 2017
Mattel partners with Alibaba, parenting website to expand China presence
Feb 17, 2017
Barbie maker Mattel Inc said it would partner with Chinese parenting website Babytree to create an online learning platform for early childhood development, the latest in the No. 1 U.S. toymaker's push into China.
The partnership with Babytree announced on Thursday comes two days after Mattel said it would sell its products on Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd's online marketplace Tmall.
Mattel said it would also work with Alibaba's A.I. Lab to create products for child development through interactive learning as part of the deal.
Mattel and Babytree will provide child development assessment tools and customized parenting content and development curriculum, based on Mattel's early childhood development brand, Fisher-Price, the company said.
Babytree, founded in 2006, provides families in China a platform to learn and exchange ideas on early education, child development tracking and nutrition.
Mattel posted holiday-quarter sales well below analysts' estimates last month, as the toymaker battles weak demand in North America and rising competition.
© Thomson Reuters 2023 All rights reserved.


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New Jersey became the 19th state in the US to legalize marijuana sales for recreational use on Thursday, one day after the events of “420 day.” Hundreds of people raced to already-existing medicinal dispensaries a few hours later, where the substance could now be sold to anyone over 21. Following the state’s first recreational marijuana sale, large crowds of people rushed to dispensaries in New Jersey.
Since legalization, almost 57% of New Jersey individuals who participated in a poll reported having occasionally or frequently smelled marijuana in public, according to the William J. Hughes Centre for Public Policy in Stockton.
Even with the state’s weed market still booming, it’s important to find out which county has the greatest rate of usage. The present essay explores this fascinating subject matter, offering valuable perspectives on the distinct demographics and cultural elements of the county that underpin its elevated cannabis usage tendencies.
Northern New Jersey has three of the seven alternative treatment facilities, South Jersey has three, and central New Jersey has one, according to a story from the New York Post.
Although nearby New York recently legalized marijuana use for recreational purposes, retail establishments have not yet opened. Uncertainty surrounds the number of New Yorkers who ventured into New Jersey to benefit from its recently softened rules, but those who refer to themselves as “cannabis tourists” have been advised that bringing marijuana into the state illegally is still a federal crime.
As you can see, at 25%, Hudson County has New Jersey’s highest percentage of marijuana use. With a rate of 20%, Bergen County has the second highest rate. With rates ranging from 18% to 0.5%, the other counties lag well behind.
Remember that these rates are approximations and might not be totally correct. They do, however, offer a broad picture of New Jersey’s cannabis usage trends.
Before it was light, scores of Garden State residents were be seen waiting in queue outside clinics in Paterson and Maplewood to make their purchases.
Rise in Paterson is one of those dispensaries; patrons there received complimentary doughnuts while reggaetón music played on speakers.
- The New Jersey Marijuana Regulatory Commission’s statistics indicates that Hudson County has the highest rate of cannabis consumption in the state. With sales numbers above those of neighboring counties, this urban center—home to Jersey City and Hoboken—has continuously shown a significant desire for cannabis goods. Hudson County leads the state in cannabis consumption for a number of reasons.
- The thriving arts and entertainment sector in Hudson County promotes an open and experimental culture that includes the acceptance of cannabis use. Many of the county’s eateries, music venues, and bars function as communal spaces where people can consume marijuana without feeling judged. The high rate of cannabis consumption in the county is further supported by this cultural acceptance.
- There is no doubt that the legalization of marijuana for recreational use in New Jersey, especially in Hudson County, has contributed to the rise in marijuana use. Cannabis is now easier to obtain thanks to the removal of legal restrictions and the opening of authorized dispensaries. There is no doubt that Hudson County people’ increased marijuana use is a result of this accessibility.
Additionally, 29% of respondents in New Jersey reported that they have frequently or occasionally smelt marijuana emanating from a neighbor’s house or flat. Nevertheless, 49% of those surveyed claimed they never smell their neighbors out.
In general, non-marijuana users were more likely to find the smell bothersome, according to Stockton. Though smoking marijuana in public is illegal in New Jersey, the Cannabis Regulatory Commission of the state has authorized sites for people to use marijuana in the open that are referred to as “cannabis consumption areas.” Critics claim that the venues are less appealing because of several restrictions, including the need that they be connected to marijuana dispensaries and the prohibition on food and beverage sales.
John Froonjian, director of the Hughes Centre, stated in a statement that “not much thought was given to the issue of the smell of marijuana becoming part of the public landscape in New Jersey.” Because there aren’t many areas where it’s allowed to consume these goods, individuals are lighting up in parking lots, parks, festivals, and on the streets.
Froonjian stated, “Driving while intoxicated by any substance is a bad idea that causes accidents.” “Responsible users should not drive after using marijuana.”
A sizable majority, 73%, felt that developing a roadside test to gauge a person’s degree of marijuana impairment was very or very significant. According to the poll, non-users were more inclined to think that having a test like this was important.
In light of this, the regulatory commission last week declared the launch of a nationwide campaign that is centered on the responsible use of marijuana and includes advice against driving while intoxicated. In keeping with the “Cannabis Smart. Cannabis Safe” slogan, the commission apparently intends to encourage marijuana users who are inebriated and unable to drive to utilize the upcoming delivery services.
Driving 25 minutes from his Union City home, 23-year-old Daniel Garcia said, “I’m just excited that everything is opening up legally.”
For reasons of logistics, sales started one day after April 20, or 4/20, America’s unofficial national cannabis day.
A commission spokesman, Toni-Anne Blake, told the Times that choosing 4/20 for opening day would have created insurmountable logistical issues for patients and other buyers, nearby towns, and municipalities.
Analysts and business leaders predict the market will grow to be worth more than $2 billion in a few years. In fiscal year 2023, cannabis revenue of $121 million is projected by Governor Phil Murphy’s proposed budget, primarily from taxes and fees.
According to the commission, there are now 130,000 medical marijuana patients in New Jersey, and there are approximately 800,000 potential recreational users.
“The objective is to divert individuals from the illicit market and place them in the secure, authorized consumption.
Executive director of the nonprofit Amol Sinha stated, “That’s the whole point here: making sure we’re pursuing equity every step of the way and ending our reliance on a criminal response for something that people consume all over the country.”
Ascend’s president, Frank Perullo, reported that as part of the ramp-up to Thursday, the company’s Rochelle Park location added 50 parking spaces and increased its employment to 125.
The commission has received hundreds of applications from new businesses, but at first, medicinal marijuana dispensaries will be the only locations that are permitted. Priority consideration will be given to those owned by minorities, women, handicapped veterans, and those whose owners have marijuana convictions.
A significant portion of cannabis revenue generated by the state is mandated by law to be allocated to communities who have suffered the most during the ‘war on drugs.’
Executives in the cannabis industry anticipate that a successful launch in New Jersey would inspire action from other east coast states, pointing out that the majority of Americans favor legalizing marijuana according to polls.
Curaleaf CEO Joe Bayern stated, “It’s time for legislators to catch up with the American consumer.”
New Jersey, California, New York, and Arizona are among the 19 states in the United States that have legalized cannabis usage for recreational purposes as of April 2022. Twenty more states permit the drug’s use in medical contexts.
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York granted permits to 52 nearby marijuana producers last week so they could cultivate cannabis for recreational use by adults. Sales of recreational cannabis are anticipated to start later this year after New York State legalized it last year.
She tweeted on Wednesday, “Legalization of cannabis for adult use is about more than a day on the calendar.” It has to do with generating opportunities and jobs. It’s about helping farmers and small businesses. It’s about making amends for past wrongs.


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Culver’s to bring back the CurderBurger next week
MADISON, Wis. — One year after it caused a statewide frenzy, the CurderBurger is returning to Culver’s.
The burger will be back on the restaurant chain’s menus starting October 12, and this year customers will have more time to get a taste. Instead of a one-day event, the CurderBurger will be available through the end of the month.
The special burger was born from an April Fool’s Day joke. People liked the idea so much that an online petition circulated online, with thousands of people asking that the fictional food become a reality.
On October 15 last year, National Cheese Curd Day, Culver’s made those people’s dreams come true. The burger was available for one day only, prompting long lines at restaurants across Wisconsin. Locations across the Madison area ran out of the item due to high demand.
The event resulted in record sales for many Culver’s locations nationwide. About 20% of the chain’s restaurants set a new single-day sales record, after 136,000 CurderBurgers were sold.
Demand for the burger grew so large that some savvy entrepreneurs tried to make a quick buck by selling the meal online. One listing on Facebook Marketplace put the price tag at $100.
The CurderBurger is made the same way as Culver’s Butter Burger Deluxe burger, but with a big cheese curd on top.
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