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Confederate Motors designs machines with a soul.
Written by Tom Wofford
Photography by Marc Bondarenko
One vehicle at a time, a handful of engineers and craftsmen make road machines so visually striking, some have been bought for the sole purpose of displaying them.
Inside a former flower shop, this team creates kinetic art, metal sculptures of museum quality that are also capable of moving more than 160 miles an hour. Critics have called the fruits of their labor “stunning,” “startling,” “sexy,” “unapologetic” and “astounding.”
The Wall Street Journal actually called their new product “perfect.”
This handful of people manufactures their products in the original sense of the word — by hand — building what Confederate motorcycle enthusiast and repeat customer James Hoegh describes as “machines with a soul.” It’s “the anti-thesis of mass production,” according to Confederate Motors’ newly redesigned website.
In a world where many ordinary things are described as such, the people at Confederate Motors actually make something that is unique, one of a kind. “Every Confederate motorcycle has its own personality,” Hoegh said.
Unlike television reality shows about custom motorcycle shops, where chaos and conflict dominate the narrative, the atmosphere at Confederate’s smallish factory is absolutely tranquil, even in the midst of press visits and last-minute adjustments leading up to the launch of the company’s hot, and important, new cycle.
“It feels good to have a hand in making something of this quality,” Confederate’s welder Josh Coker said. “The best thing is after we’ve been working on a prototype, to watch Jason ride it down that cobblestone alley [behind the factory] and then see him coming down the street.”
“Our employees are fully engaged in the product and in the mission,” said Clay Morrison, Confederate’s director of marketing.
Either despite the odds, or in delayed fulfillment of them, six years after relocating to Birmingham, Confederate Motors is poised to reach a new benchmark, to raise a high bar a bit higher. Since Hurricane Katrina all but destroyed the company in 2005, Confederate has struggled to regain its balance, but word on the street indicates Confederate now has the perfect vehicle it needs to turn a new corner onto a long, fast straightaway.
Last month’s debut of the third-generation Hellcat—the latest and greatest incarnation of the bike that made Confederate the center of a cultish fanbase— more than returns the company to top form. The X132 Hellcat is yet another example of Confederate’s bleeding-edge design, engineering ingenuity and obsession with extreme quality, all available for a drastically lower price than the original machine.
Judging by early industry reaction, the X132 Hellcat looks like the kind of game changer for Confederate the original Hellcat was. “The new bike is the best bike,” founder and CEO H. Matthew Chambers said, reflecting on the long line of ground-breaking motorcycles his company has brought to the market over the last two decades.
With an introductory price of only $45,000, the new Hellcat opens up a big new piece of the market for Confederate. (Adjusted for inflation, the original Hellcat would cost almost $85,000 today.) Before production even began, Confederate had orders for almost 50 of them, meaning almost half of the original production run sold out in advance.
“I have every confidence that we have delivered all we ever dreamed of giving,” Chambers said.
Chambers dreamed about giving motorcycle fanatics a lot since 1991 when he decided to reinvent the American road bike. A successful plaintiff’s attorney in Baton Rouge for 13 years, Chambers quit practicing law to found a company that would produce the motorcycles of his dreams, uniquely American machines of uncompromised quality that would express his personal philosophy of minimalism, innovation and a holistic approach to product development and construction.
Chambers wanted to build a company that was ideologically and philosophy-driven, and that was committed to quality without compromise. Chambers was greatly influenced by an anecdote concerning General Motors in the 1950s. “They decided that instead of trying to make the best possible product they could, they would focus on how they could make the most money,” Chambers said. “And that’s when America got into trouble.”
Inherently, riding a motorcycle is an act of rebellion,
“For an expression of principled individuality, you’d be hard-pressed to beat the Great American road bike,” Chambers said. “And nothing is more American than a Confederate Hellcat.”
After an early corporate detour to San Francisco to team up with a company at the forefront of drag-race technologies, Confederate returned south to Louisiana in 1993, and the first Hellcat rolled out of the company’s New Orleans workshop in late 1994.
The first-generation Hellcat put Confederate squarely in the spotlight.
With their $55,000 price tags (in 1996 dollars), Confederate Hellcats in the 1990s became the next big thing for movie stars, celebrity athletes and other powerful men who enjoy the best toys money can buy.
Confederate’s staff is discrete when asked about the company’s more famous customers, but press reports provide a list worthy of gawking: Bruce Springsteen, Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, David Beckham, John Travolta, Nicholas Cage, Eddie Van Halen, Tim McGraw and Abdullah II, King of Jordan. A British tabloid reported Cruise and Beckham had formed the “Midnight Boys Bike Club,” a group of celebrity Confederate owners who “take cruises through the Hollywood Hills in the dead of night.”
In 2006, the Los Angeles Times called Confederate “the motorcycle equivalent to a Hollywood ‘It’ boy,” piling on the glamour by saying, “About the only time you see a Confederate is with a celebrity on top.”
Underneath the glamour, however, Confederate motorcycles were the real deal, bikes a motorcycling purist could fall completely in love with. Confederate motorcycles were clearly built by people passionate about cycles, and Confederate developed a passionate following.
“We have bikes in 23 countries on six continents,” Morrison said. Recent orders include those from Moscow and Australia.
Confederate’s mission, as well, is to treat every customer like a celebrity. A Confederate customer comes in contact with every person at the company, including Chambers. They are updated on their motorcycle’s production status and sent pictures via email as the bike is being built, before the bike is personally delivered to their home by someone uniquely qualified.
Paul Adams delivers, shows and sometimes services Confederate products, but he was first hired to build them. “I bring a unique authenticity to the client experience,” Adams said with a smile. There isn’t much routine about Adams’ job. His recent deliveries have included trips to Arkansas, Paris, and Dubai.
Despite its image as a celebrity motorcycle, Confederate has plenty of customers who consider themselves “regular guys,” like James Hoegh of Sunbury, Penn. A physical therapist who grew up in a big, hard-working family, Hoegh first chanced upon a Confederate bike on a visit to Utah. He will take delivery next spring of the first of the new Hellcats built, his eighth Confederate motorcycle.
While some customers visit the factory before making their purchase, Hoegh has not felt the need. “I think I’ve bought every one of my motorcycles sight unseen,” Hoegh said. “I have absolute trust in Confederate.”
With the success of the first Hellcat, Chambers became recognized as an industry visionary, although he demurs when asked if he is the Steve Jobs of motorcycles. He has an enthusiasm and charisma reminiscent of Jobs.
Still, Chambers’ aesthetic concepts for Confederate bikes reimagined what motorcycles should look like. As new bikes were conceived and produced, Confederate’s approach to design remained constant; Confederate motorcycles are minimal, skeletal even, primitive and raw.
“The design of every Confederate model has illustrated the idea of performance,” Chambers said.
“We have taken on a responsibility of moving industrial design forward in America,” Morrison said.
There is simplicity and purity in the design and engineering. “Everything has to do more than one thing,” said engineer Chris Callahan. “That’s how you achieve such a clean, uncluttered look.”
While other motorcycle companies might try to hide a bike’s welds behind purely cosmetic elements, the welding work on a Confederate machine is front and center because it is so beautiful. For Confederate’s welder Josh Coker, his work is as much art as craft.
The welding on Confederate products is “extremely fine work, very detailed,” Coker said. Not every welder can do work of this type, “but this is the kind of welding that gives you the most control, allows you to do welds that look this good,” Coker said. It’s also surprisingly clean work. “You could do it in a suit,” he said.
“There are no fairings, no chrome covering up inferior parts,” Morrison said proudly. “You won’t see panels hiding anything. There’s nothing to hide.”
Confederate motorcycles are engineered to over-deliver on their visual promise, to provide a primal energy that is sublimely in control and offers immediate and effortless power on demand
“A machine has to ride like she looks,” Chambers said.
All Confederate models have looked aggressive and blistering fast, seemingly capable of flight, so Chambers gave them the names of military aircraft: Hellcat, Fighter, Wraith.
It’s fitting then, that Reddick, who has built every Confederate motorcycle since April 2007, spent four years in the Air Force as a mechanic on F-15 and F-16 fighters.
Reddick enjoys his test rides around Southside when he’s fine-turning a bike nearing completion. “People lose their mind when they see me coming down the street,” Reddick said. “Some people will yell, ‘Hey, that’s a Confederate,’ but sometimes people just stare, sort of amazed.”
Reddick, who knows “exactly what each bike is supposed to feel like,” is not only an expert among experts, he has used a Confederate motorcycle to capture a land speed record on the Bonneville Salt Flats, clocking in at 164.459 miles per hour. Confederate fans can buy a poster featuring Reddick’s ride.
“I build them all the same way,” Reddick said, “but every one of them has its own story. They are all unique.” Reddick signs his work with his initials, “JR,” on the transmission.
Just as motorcycle enthusiasts think of their vehicles in terms of personal expression, and just as Confederate’s products are personal expressions of his visual ideals, Chambers built Confederate as a company to express his other personal philosophies, including sustainability and minimalism
Chambers finds no dichotomy in his embrace of minimalism even as he sells $45,000 motorcycles. “Everyone should own a few good things,” Chambers said. “It’s minimalist to buy a few things that are all of great quality and are of great value, rather than tons and tons of plastic crap,” Chambers said.
“A Confederate motorcycle is an heirloom,” Morrison said.
Despite Confederate’s short-term hiccups during the worst of the recession, the relentless pursuit of excellence paid off as the company teamed up with S&S Cycles to develop Confederate’s first proprietary engine.
“While all of our motorcycles have been exceptional, this Hellcat is actually the first Confederate purebred,” Chambers said.
The next chapter in Confederate’s story is going to catch a lot of people by surprise. While the road Confederate has traveled over the last 21 years has allowed the company periods of breathtaking achievement, it’s had its rough patches, too, many of them recent.
Consumed with exceptional product quality and concierge-level customer service more than economies of scale and fat margins, Confederate found itself short on cash and filed for bankruptcy in 2001. The company emerged two years later with a bang and a second-generation Hellcat that sold well.
But Hurricane Katrina struck the same destructive blow to Confederate that it did to the city of New Orleans. Chambers was in the Middle East negotiating with a new investor when the hurricane hit New Orleans. Ten days later, he still didn’t have word on the fate of the Confederate workshop. When it came, the news was horrible. One wall of the factory was blown down, which brought the entire roof down. The company’s insurance company went out of business. Confederate had a full year of orders in house, but Confederate was without a home.
It was nevertheless a coup for Birmingham when George Barber offered refuge to Confederate after Katrina. Even hurricane-battered and homeless, Confederate was a star, a hip, high-profile company that made sexy, celebrity-magnet cycles known for being expensive and worth every penny. There were standing orders for the second-generation Hellcat, and Confederate was poised to introduce its new Wraith motorcycle.
A perfect complement to the Barber Motorsports Park, Confederate came to Birmingham. Barber provided free space while Confederate got back on its feet, and the Birmingham City Center got an exotic new company. Former governor Bob Riley burned rubber at the track in a photo op. Talk of expansion ensued, a new production facility adjacent to the Barber Motorsports Park.
But by the time the company was settled into its new digs, Confederate found itself facing an economic storm almost as debilitating to the company as Katrina. As the economy faltered, sales slowed for the entire motorcycle industry. A special-edition all-titanium Confederate Fighter offered through the Neiman-Marcus catalog, and priced at $110,000, fell short of sales projections. According to the Birmingham News, Confederate lost more than $2 million in 2009. Confederate went public to raise new capital, yet for most of the next year, the Birmingham business community expected the company to accept a $750,000 loan offer from New Orleans in exchange for returning to the Crescent City.
From the outside, it appeared Confederate was suffering a period of uncertainty, perhaps even an identity crisis. Instead, the company remained calm and focused, making motorcycles, hiring new talent, developing new partnerships and doggedly developing the next big thing in motorcycles.
Confederate ultimately declined New Orleans’ offer, and Chambers is emphatic that Birmingham is the company’s permanent home. He plans two new hires within the next few months and, if all goes as planned, more new employees by the end of the year.
“We will stay small by design, but we still have plenty of room to grow beyond where we are,” Chambers said.
With a lot riding on the new Hellcat, it’s by Confederate’s design that the new bike is prepared to carry the load. This innovative design and S&S-inspired engine will make the X132 Hellcat the lightest and fastest Hellcat the company has ever made.
Dan Neil, Pulitzer Prize-winning critic for the Wall Street Journal, wrote last month about the new Hellcat, “You hope that you will find in life things that are perfect—that are examples of craftsmanship, care, and deep thought—and that’s what this motorcyle is….The pride of ownership is off the scale.”
Having been featured in more than 70 magazines in 36 countries, Alan Cathcart is considered one of the world’s most widely read motorcycle journalists. He called the new Hellcat “a huge step forward. It’s powerful and potent, but also relaxing to ride, which is a unique combination. It gives the rider plenty of enjoyment and thrills in a safe environment. You don’t need to go 150 miles per hour on this motorcycle to get a thrill.”
Still, the new Hellcat’s unprecedented combination of quality and price doesn’t tempt Chambers to make bold sales predictions. The first-year production schedule calls for two X132 Hellcats to be built each week, a respectable first run of 100 vehicles. With the first six months of production already sold, Chambers modestly admits that if demand continues to grow at the current pace, Confederate is prepared to accelerate the production schedule, possibly to as many as one Hellcat per day.
Carthcart is more bullish on the new Hellcat’s potential. “The high-end customer is really coming back,” Cathcart said. “Matt [Chambers] was very astute in his restructuring of the company, and the repositioning of this model is also very astute.”
“This is the motorcycle we were conceived to execute when I founded the company 21 years ago,” Chambers said modestly, serenely even.


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Cooked up to help restaurateurs maintain their online presence, Nook is a one-stop system that simplifies updates.
This article is provided by the Deloitte Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
As more and more small enterprises jostle for position on the internet, maintaining visibility is always an issue. How can businesses reach the most customers with the least hassle? Keeping online profiles updated and managing transactions through all the different channels is complicated, time-consuming and often too expensive. But Luciana Custodio, founder of Nook, has a solution.
Take restaurants, for example. “It is increasingly important for restaurants to have an online presence,” says Custodio. “They know customers expect to be able to book a table or order food online. But it is very complicated for restaurants to keep their online profiles updated, whether that’s their own restaurant website or a booking or ordering site.”
A restaurant often has a presence on many different booking websites, plus its own website. When it wants to change information about its services – it may have a table available at late notice, or a special offer running on a weekend – that becomes difficult and time consuming. “If a restaurant sells with five different sites it has to go to five different places and update its inventory of tables,” says Custodio. “If it has 20 tables it can’t leave 20 tables on every site, because it might get overbooked, and it doesn’t have time to be controlling inventory everywhere.” This leaves restaurants limiting how many websites they work with, and limiting their visibility to prospective diners.
It is not just a problem for restaurants. The booking websites have the challenge of dealing with all the restaurants. It can be costly signing up restaurants, managing their information, and providing them with customer service.
Nook positions itself neatly in the middle of this relationship between the restaurants and the high traffic sites. It provides a software service for the restaurants that takes the hassle out of maintaining their online presence. “We put everything in one interface for them, so they only have to update menus, prices, promotions and table availability etc. in one place, and we distribute it automatically for all of the channels that they want sell with,” says Custodio.
And Nook covers the entire transaction, including menus, food and dining room photos, waiting lists, reservations and takeaway orders, all via the same system.
The technology is not over-complex, says Custodio, who has a long track record in the internet industry. It is relatively normal now for airlines or hotels to be using these kinds of systems, for example. Perhaps the greatest challenge is packaging the technology in a way that can be sold to small businesses.
“It has to be easy to manage,” she says. “These small restaurants may only have a few people working there. So they have to be able to manage it on their own. We give the restaurateur a tool that they put on the back end of their website, it doesn’t need IT support, special machines or printers. They can use their cell phone, tablet, computer – they all work. The interface is very easy to interact with – they can configure it themselves and be online in half an hour.”
It is no surprise Custodio chose restaurants as her first target for Nook. “I know the travel industry, and I worked with restaurants in my previous company,” she says. “And I like working with small businesses. When you sell to owners of small businesses you really have to add value or you won’t matter to them.”
Having refined her idea over several years, Custodio had a clear picture of what she wanted do when she finally took the opportunity to start her own business. With Hernán Kleiman, a developer she had worked with at her previous job, on board, it wasn’t long before a pilot site was up and running.
“Having a pilot gives you something to show people, to see if it really works in practice and get that initial feedback,” says Custodio. “Now we are close to getting a more robust version of the system, we are negotiating contacts with high traffic websites, and we have a number of restaurants ready to go.” Custodio has big plans for Nook. “We want to empower small business owners and give them access to the latest technology in a simple and affordable way,” she says. “That’s what motivates us to get up in the morning and work hard.

domain: news


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A 3D printer that costs less than most smartphones has reached its funding target on Kickstarter just minutes after launching .
The Micro, described by its creators as "the first truly consumer 3D printer", has so far received over $1.5 million (£895,000) in pledges since hitting its $50,000 target in just 11 minutes on Monday.
Costing only $199 for "super early bird adopters" on the crowdfunding site, the device aims to be the world's first truly mass market 3D printer.
"It is the most affordable 3D printer that can be used right out of the box," the project's Kickstarter page explains. "Perfect for beginners and experts alike, just plug in the printer, download or create models, hit print, and watch your custom creations form right before your eyes."
Created by Maryland-based company M3D, the printer can be used with nylon filament to produce pre-designed or custom made objects.
"You can use it for things like replacing a shower hook or building real prototypes or functional parts for replacing things around your house," said Michael Armani, co-founder of M3D. "And that's just scratching the surface of what it's capable of."
Measuring 7.3in square and weighing just 1kg, the Micro claims to be both the most space-efficient 3D printer ever made, as well as the quietest.
The first Micro 3D printers will be available as early as August 2014, though only those willing to pledge $899 for the first pre-production batch will receive one by that date.
For most other backers, the 3D printer will be shipped in February 2015.
"So much has happened since we launched the campaign yesterday. It's hard to believe that only 30 hours have gone by," M3D wrote in a blogpost.
"Thanks to your support, The Micro has received so much attention. You've shown the world that we are ready for a new consumer product category."


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Tesla Motors posted a big announcement on its blog today, revealing the Model S 70D, which features all-wheel drive, dual motors and a range of 250 miles when traveling at 65 miles per hour. Shares of Tesla Motors edged upward by as much as 3.02% to $209.38 per share after the announcement.
Details on Tesla’s Model S 70D
The Model S 70D has a 70 kWh battery and can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in 5.2 seconds. After gas savings and incentives, the luxury sedan starts out at $57,500. Without those sneaky additions factored into the price, the Model S 70D actually starts out at $75,000.
The car’s rear and front motors operate independently, and it also sports autopilot hardware in addition to blind spot detection, navigation and other features. The car will receive free software updates over the air, just as all Model S sedans do. Tesla also added three new colors to its lineup: Obsidian Black, Ocean Blue and Warm Silver.
Value Partners Asia ex-Japan Equity Fund has delivered a 60.7% return since its inception three years ago. In comparison, the MSCI All Counties Asia (ex-Japan) index has returned just 34% over the same period. The fund, which targets what it calls the best-in-class companies in "growth-like" areas of the market, such as information technology and Read More
Tesla has replaced the lowest-end 60 kWh Model S with the 70D model. This is especially good news because it will give the automaker’s average selling price a boost. The previous base model started out at $71,070.
How the new Model S stacks up to competitors
What’s particularly interesting about Tesla’s new Model S is the price point. Jason Cammisa of Road and Track points out that the new all-electric sedan is just as powerful as the Porsche 911 Turbo. However, it costs about half the price of the Porsche while offering horsepower that’s only six lower than that of the Porsche.
Tesla management expects the Model S 70D version to go up head to head with the i5 Series from BMW and the E Series cars made by Mercedes Benz. Aston Martin also announced recently that it is building an electric car to compete with Tesla’s Model S.
The release of the 70D demonstrates how management is continually looking for ways to upgrade Tesla’s car. The automaker recently announced that it had beaten its guidance for deliveries during the fourth quarter. Management is undoubtedly hoping that the new car will boost Tesla’s earnings results and keep them strong going into the launch of the Model X later this year.


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ASU nutritionist provides advice in Men’s Fitness
MESA, Ariz. —Is that fat-free chicken gravy really any better for you than the real deal? Associate Professor Jeffrey Hampl from ASU’s Department of Nutrition, will help answer that question and many more as part of a team of nutritionists in an upcoming issue of Men’s Fitness Magazine.
The articles, appearing in the December/January and the February issues, look at the dietary claims of 20 foods that declare to be healthier options for today’s nutrition-conscious consumers. The products range from vegetable “sausage” patties to whipped yogurt and instant iced tea mix.
“This was the first time I did this type of project for the magazine, but I’ve written several articles for Men’s Fitness over the past few years,” Hampl said. “I assessed new food products and whether they’re healthful and/or helpful for weight management.”
Many of the products Hampl reviewed alleged to be healthier – with either “low fat” or “low calorie” featured prominently on the packaging. What Hampl discovered, however, were the hidden dangers masked by these declarations. Often, a low-fat product contains high sugar – as many as three different sugar ingredients in one product – and in the articles Hampl warns consumers more than once to watch out for the sodium and calorie content on lower-fat items.
What surprised Hampl during the discovery process?
“I was shocked by how many items on the list I had never heard of before, how much convenience foods are infiltrating our diet and how misleading food labels can be without breaking federal law. For example, on the chicken tenderloins box it says ‘less fat,’ which is true in comparison to other tenderloins, but it’s still not a low-fat food, which is how I believe shoppers would interpret that statement.”


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The 35,000 sq. ft. commercial data center will be within BWI Technology Park in Linthicum. The company is initially investing $10 million into the project, which is expected to open in 2018.
The data center will provide connectivity to IT services, including high-speed internet, for businesses. Offices and shared workspace will also be available for clients.
The company is looking to work with tech businesses.
“The new data center allows us to respond to growing demand in the Baltimore/Washington DC region, including from the rapidly growing number of information and cybersecurity firms in the BWI corridor,” TierPoint Vice President and General Manager Jim Weller said in a statement. “In addition to the robust power and dense fiber optic connectivity available in the area, the location is easily accessible for current and future customers.”
TierPoint grew its existing data center near M&T Bank Stadium by 10 percent last year. The St. Louis–based company operates a total of 40 data centers around the country.
Maryland cyber roundup: An acquisition, an international expansion and a SPAC
Fearless completes 9-month office expansion project at Spark Baltimore
Food delivery startup Black and Mobile expands to Baltimore
Apkudo raises $14M Series B to expand connected device platform
Sign-up for daily news updates from Technical.ly Baltimore


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TechCrunch Disrupt SF 2011(http://disrupt.techcrunch.com)
Quest Groups is excited about our Partner
sponsorship with TechCrunch Disrupt SF 2011
About TechCrunch Disrupt
TechCrunch Disrupt SF 2011(http://disrupt.techcrunch.com) is TechCrunch’s second annual conference in San Francisco attracting over 2,500 leading technology innovators and investors and over 150 new startups. The main conference is preceded by the popular Hackathon — a 24-hour competition where over 500 top developers present new innovations. TechCrunch Disrupt follows with a format that combines top thought-leader discussions with new product and company launches. Morning executive discussions debate the most timely disruptions in the technology industry. Afternoons host the Startup Battlefield where 30 plus new companies will launch for the first time on stage, selected to present from more than 1000 applications received from around the world. Another 100 early-stage startups will exhibit in Startup Alley. TechCrunch will award a $50,000 grand prize along with other award recognitions at the conclusion of the conference. The Hackathon is Sept 10-11; the main conference is Sept 12-14 2011 at San Francisco Design Center Concourse, 635 8th Street (at Brannan), San Francisco, CA 94107.


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What’s new in weed: products and news from Stündenglass, Pure Beauty, and more
Hannah Meadows∙ February 22, 2022 9:00 am PST | Updated 4 hours ago
With so many great cannabis brands releasing exciting new products in new markets, it can be hard to keep track of every release or event. So we're rounding up a few significant happenings in the industry. This week, we look at releases by Raise, a charitable Glass House Farms collaboration, and more.
Pure Beauty: Brand launch in Michigan
Stündenglass: Limited edition Wiz Khalifa infuser
Known for its glass gravity bongs, Stündenglass has added an extra layer of black and gold with its collaboration with Wiz Khalifa and his company Taylor Gang. For a limited time, get your hands on the Taylor Gang X Stündenglass Gravity Infuser.
Glass House Farms: Charitable collaboration with The Weldon Project
From now until March 15, 2022, Glass House Farms will be donating $1 of its multi-pack pre-roll sales to The Weldon Project's Mission Green Initiative. Mission Green aims to raise awareness, equity, and social justice for those who have been affected by the criminalization of cannabis and who have served time for cannabis-related offenses.
Raise: Brand launch in Michigan
Michigan is getting flushed with cannabis options with all these current brand releases. Another brand coming to the state is Raise. Right now, residents will be able to find Raise brand pre-rolls and flower on dispensary shelves, with more products rolling out in the coming months.
SeaWeed Naturals: Brand launch in California
A new edibles and topicals brand has launched in California. Most of SeaWeed Naturals' products contain seaweed, kelp, and algae, along with botanical oils and cannabinoids. Right now, you can find its Comfort line tinctures, body oil, body balm, and lip balms, along with the brand's High Tide and Low Tide vegan gummies with various amounts of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids in each product.
Veritas Fine Cannabis: Live resin collaboration with Native Roots
Available at all Native Roots locations across Colorado, Veritas Fine Cannabis has teamed up with the popular dispensary chain to launch its new live resin cartridges. You can now find these 1,000 milligram THC cartridges in seven strains: Papaya Cake, Sour Diesel, Big Bubba Diesel, GG #4, Garlic Breath, Tart Pops, Bananaghani, and Ice Cream Cake.
Flower by Edie Parker: New one-hitters
Glass accessories brand Edie Parker has launched its new wearable heart one-hitter necklaces. For tokers on the go, these necklaces come in three different colors and are made with 100% borosilicate glass.
Hannah is an Oregon-based writer and editor. She’s worked in the cannabis industry for over five years and continues to learn and explore.


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* 2017/18 net loss 247.2 bln yen vs market view 222 bln yen loss
* Does not forecast profit number but sees 2018/19 profit (Adds comment on outlook, background)
TOKYO, May 15 (Reuters) - Smartphone screen maker Japan Display Inc reported an annual net loss of about $2.25 billion, its biggest, highlighting the Apple Inc supplier’s struggle to regain competitiveness against Asian rivals.
Japan Display said on Tuesday it lost a net 247.2 billion yen ($2.25 billion) in the year through March. That was nearly eight times the 31.7 billion yen loss a year earlier and steeper than the market’s average forecast for a 222 billion yen loss, according to Thomson Reuters data.
It was its fourth straight year of losses, as growing competition from Asian rivals aggravated the impact of slower demand from smartphone makers.
The company did not give a standard forecast for the current fiscal year, although it did say it was aiming to return to profit in the current year with sales growing around 10 to 20 percent. Markets, however, forecast a loss of 15 billion yen.
The company’s troubles stem in part from its delayed adoption of organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screens that cost the display maker orders from Apple.
The U.S. tech giant, which has accounted for over half of Japan Display’s sales, opted for OLED screens in its latest high-end iPhone X and bought them from Samsung Electronics Co Ltd.
Japan Display has said it wants to start mass-producing OLED screens to better compete with Samsung, and that it needs a partner who can help finance that effort. Analysts have said it will need more than 200 billion yen to launch a mass production line for OLED screens.
It said in April that it would raise $518 million through a new share issue and an asset sale, but the move is widely seen as a stop-gap measure and the company is still seeking a capital partner.
Japan Display was formed in 2012 by combining the LCD businesses of Hitachi Ltd, Toshiba Corp and Sony Corp in a deal brokered by the state-backed Innovation Network Corp of Japan (INCJ), its biggest investor. ($1 = 109.8600 yen) (Reporting by Ritsuko Ando; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)


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Owner and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett is trying to compensate for its weak second quarter as it increases its holdings in Apple Inc. three and a half years since their last big acquisition, the Omaha-based giant has built up more than $50 billion stakes in the tech conglomerate. This would make Apple the firm with the biggest holdings in Berkshire. Back in May, Warren Buffett said that he was pleased with Apple first-quarter reports. He’s likely pleased with second-quarter reports too.
Speaking in a press release from Apple, the CEO of the tech firm, Tim Cook said:
“This was our biggest June quarter ever — driven by all-time record revenue from Services, accelerating growth from Wearables, strong performance from iPad and Mac and significant improvement in iPhone trends. These results are promising across all our geographic segments, and we’re confident about what’s ahead. The balance of calendar 2019 will be an exciting period, with major launches on all of our platforms, new services and several new products.”
It might be quite optimistic at Apple right now but Berkshire’s operating profits fell 11 percent from $6.89 billion to $6.14 billion. The firm took a big hit on their quarterly report profits which was mainly down yo insurance underwriting shortcomings.
As reported by CCN:
“Geico, Berkshire’s auto insurer, suffered a larger number of accidents than usual. Geico’s pre-tax underwriting gain fell 42% due to a higher ratio of loss claims to premiums. In total, insurance underwriting profit fell 63%, to $353 million from $943 million.
Coincidentally, distracted-driving fatalities have been reaching all-time highs. After averaging between 3,000 – 3,500 fatalities per year from 2010-2017,


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Thursday's announcement by the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that fully vaccinated people do not need to wear a mask or stay 6 feet apart from others in most cases, whether indoors or outdoors, has been met with some confusion.
Let's say you've done everything that's been asked of you. You paid attention to the information regarding availability of the COVID-19 vaccine, made your appointment, and got the shots. Can you celebrate with a beer, cocktail, or glass of wine?
Last week, we told you that Staples and Office Depot are offering free lamination for your COVID-19 vaccination card. Right after that, news began to spread that the phony vaccination card business is booming. There's a connection, and medical professionals are not happy about it.


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The first phase of a developer’s dream for a new destination in Kirtland appears to be coming true.
Local businessman Tom Christopher recently received final approval from the city planning and zoning commission for his Kirtland Creamery at 9304 Chillicothe Road.
“We added a drive-through window, which was a big issue, because Kirtland hasn’t had one before,” he said, adding that he had a team evaluate more than 20 drive-throughs within a 3-mile radius. “We had a great working session to design a high-safety drive-through window.”
The process is nearly complete to obtain a D5 liquor license to serve adults alcohol-infused ice cream, alongside 16 flavors of hard ice cream and three soft serve. Dairy-free and lactose-free options will be available as well.
A taste test is planned in December to find the “highest quality in butter fat we can buy.”
“Our goal is to offer a great product but at a great price,” Christopher said. “We want the best ice cream in all of Lake County.”
The hope is to start construction in December and have the building completed in February with opening in mid-April. The business would be open through Nov. 1. Hours are anticipated to be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekends.
Meanwhile, the planning for the next phase is underway.
“We are in the process of getting a full liquor license for the back part of the property for a full-service beer and wine garden in 2020,” he said, emphasizing that plans are “a work in progress.”
He envisions serving signature dishes and terraced seating overlooking the ravine. In addition, a playground and splash pad are proposed. No formal plans have been submitted for Phase 2.
In August, the ice cream store received a conditional-use permit to allow outdoor seating and food consumption. The property, owned by Christopher’s TCE Kirtland Lodge LLC, previously was home to Kirtland Car Company.
A concept for the first phase was presented in March.


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SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Following through on his promise to eliminate waste in state government, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced that the Department of General Services has posted several surplus items – some signed by the Governor – for sale on eBay and Craigslist in preparation for the Great California Garage Sale.
“By posting items online, Californians and people from other states and around the world can participate in the Great California Garage Sale,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “This is a win-win for the state and for shoppers. Together we are eliminating waste and providing great deals in this tough economy. I encourage everyone to log on or attend this great event.”
In anticipation of the Great California Garage Sale, the Governor announced last month via Twitter that he would listen to public feedback and put several items up for sale on eBay and Craigslist. Items posted include 10 to 15 vehicles with visors that have been signed by the Governor. These items are a snapshot of the wide variety of inventory that can be found at the Great California Garage Sale which will include computers, desks and office supplies. The Garage Sale will also include unclaimed and confiscated items such as jewelry, a specialized racing bike, surfboard and an antique piano.
“The Great California Garage Sale is not just for Californians,” said State and Consumer Services Secretary Fred Aguiar. “We want everyone to be able to have the opportunity to purchase unique state property and Craigslist and eBay are going to help us do just that.”
The Great California Garage Sale will be held August 28th and 29th at the Department of General Services’ Surplus Property Warehouse in Sacramento where thousands of Californians are expected to shop for surplus state property.
The warehouse has been filled with items that have been declared surplus by dozens of state departments and agencies in an effort to clean out California government’s closets and eliminate waste, fraud and abuse. As part of the Great California Garage Sale, a vehicle auction will also take place onsite and will include over 500 vehicles – many of which have been declared surplus as part of the Governor’s Executive Order which was issued last month to reduce the state fleet.
The Department of General Services has posted a number of items up for sale on eBay and Craigslist sites. Consumers who have purchased the items may pick them up from a designated booth at the Great California Garage Sale.


text: Two men robbed a sporting goods store at O`Hare International Airport of $3,900 cash early Sunday after spraying a disabling chemical in an employee`s face. Police said the suspects entered Chicagoland Sports just after midnight and forced a counter clerk into a back room, where a second employee, Rickey Williams, 22, was counting the day`s receipts. Officer Jerome Malon of the airport police unit said one of the men sprayed Williams with the spray and then scooped the money into a gray athletic bag. Williams was treated at Resurrection Hospital and released. The shop is part of a chain owned by former St. Louis Cardinal baseball player Lou Brock.


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Bipartisan bills before Congress targeting Big Tech
What is it?
Two bills attempting to reduce the power of Internet monopolies are currently being debated in the United States Congress: S. 2992, the American Innovation and Choice Online Act, and S. 2710, the Open App Markets Act.
Both bills are substantial and complex. One of the main intentions of the bills is to open the Apple App store and Google Play to competitors so that those two tech giants have some competition and also to create a way to enforce the new regulations.
This legislation targets only the most prominent online platforms—namely Apple, Alphabet (Google’s parent company), and Meta (previously Facebook). Note that it’s unclear, based on the definition below, if Microsoft is included.
The bill, in its current form, targets “covered platforms,” which it defines as:(1)at least 50 million monthly active users (or 100,000 business users);
(2) annual market capitalization or U.S. net sales exceeding $550 billion, AND
(3)that serve as a “critical trading partner” for its business users.
The American Innovation and Choice Online Act would give several government agencies, including the FTC and DOJ, antitrust authority over covered platforms and the power to impose fines for breaking the new regulations.
NIST announces first quantum computing resistant cryptographic algorithms
What is it?
NIST has announced four new quantum computer-resistant cryptography algorithms. Quantum computing, while still in its infancy, could one day make current encryption methods meaningless. Companies utilizing cryptography—like banks, governments, and hospitals—will want to monitor these algorithms and their implementation closely.
One of the four algorithms, CRYSTALS-Kyber (a nod to Star Wars), will be used for web transactions and secure e-mail. The other three—CRYSTALS-Dilithium (an homage to Star Trek), FALCON, and SPHINCS+—will be used for digital signatures, which are used to verify identities when signing contracts, sending digital money, or accessing secured files.
Public key cryptography, used to secure most current computer systems, relies on complex math problems—like integer factorization—that even the most powerful supercomputers can’t solve. But quantum computers are designed to tackle complicated problems with hundreds of variables such as protein folding, supply chain traffic, and gene sequencing. As a result, quantum computers have the potential to unravel some of humanity’s most pressing problems. However, with that potential for good also comes the potential for great harm.
Quantum computers could potentially render current cryptography useless, exposing thousands of businesses and critical systems to security breaches. Consequently, these four algorithms rely on math problems that will prove difficult for both classical and quantum computers.
To get involved in developing guidance for migrating to post-quantum cryptography, see NIST’s National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence project page.
Also read: I just met a vuln named Follina
Lockdown mode coming to Apple iOS 16
What is it?
There are several mercenary technology companies, most notably the NSO Group, which sell Zero Day exploits to various governments and terrorist groups around the world for profit. These exploits can break into fully patched and up-to-date iPhones and Android phones—turning what was a secure phone into an instant bugging device with a high-quality microphone and camera that the unsuspecting targets are likely to carry around with them all the time.
In response to this threat, Apple has developed a feature in its latest operating system for its mobile devices that turns on a “lockdown” mode. However, this mode turns off a lot of convenience features on iPhones and iPads. Apple describes the mode as “an extreme, optional protection that should only be used if you may be personally targeted by a highly sophisticated cyber-attack.”
Rest assured, the vast majority of people who use iPhones don’t need the lockdown mode. The people who are the targets for these kinds of attacks from the NSO Group are heads of state, human rights leaders in authoritarian regimes, reporters, and other humanitarian leaders.
What does it mean?
Again, most people who use iPhones don’t need to use lockdown mode. But for folks working in secure areas of government or businesses concerned about corporate espionage, lockdown mode offers a secure way to interact with their phones without compromising security.
Future-proof security technologies from OnX
Navigating the ever-changing world of security technologies can be challenging for the most adept CIOs. The bills circulating in the USA’s Congress could change how we view and download our apps. The new quantum encryption algorithms make plain the future threats of quantum computing. And lockdown mode from Apple shows us just how advanced cyber-attacks from bad actors have become.
OnX Canada‘s history of securing client data can help your company secure its future. Mobile Device Management (MDM) can significantly increase your security today while planning to incorporate quantum encryption tomorrow. We can help you stay ahead of future threats.
Get in touch today to learn how to future-proof your security technology.


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Last Updated: Thursday, March 27, 2014, 12:10
This year's Midas List features technology's best investors, whose savvy investments have a made a total of USD 95.2 billion in exits.
Last Updated: Thursday, May 09, 2013, 10:43
Only three Indian dealmakers figure among 100 top tech investors on Forbes Midas List, far outdistanced by China with 17 top dealmakers in the Asian venture market.
Last Updated: Friday, May 04, 2012, 13:20
The Forbes list comprises of venture capitalists who had made investments in start-up companies and then sold off their stakes with handsome gains.
more videos >>


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Intel CEO Paul Otellini told attendees at the Morgan Stanley Technology Conference in San Francisco that Apple is charting the future of mobile computing devices with its iPhone. Unix, he said, is a superior platform for mobile devices compared to Microsoft Windows, according to Computing.
Mr. Otellini stated that Appleis iPhone, which runs a version of the Unix-based OS X, offers far more features than competing mobile phones. "Virtually every computer and handset manufacturer on the planet is struggling to figure out how to compete with Apple," he said.
Unix and Linux variants are currently much better options for the mobile handset market, he feels, and are much better than Windows Vista for the platform.
"The power performance footprint in terms of the kernel for Linux for ultra-mobile is quite good as opposed to the footprint for Vista," he said. "You can get Windows CE in there, but you sure canit get Windows Vista in there as a small kernel version."


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This story is part of Focal Point iPhone 2022, CNET’s collection of news, tips and advice around Apple’s most popular product.
Apple mentioned the iPhone 14 had a new internal design during its launch event earlier this month, and now a teardown from iFixit offers a look at exactly what’s different.
iFixit, a website devoted to showing consumers how to repair their own electronics, released its findings on the new iPhone 14 Monday, stating that it’s the “most repairable iPhone in half a decade.”
The biggest change, according to iFixit, is that the new iPhone 14 opens from both the front and back of the device. This means that you can access the screen, as well as remove the rear glass. iFixit said this change makes the iPhone 14 one of the most repairable iPhones since the 2016 iPhone 7, giving it an overall repairability score of 7 out of 10.
iFixit found that you only need to remove two screws and a connector to access both the back glass and the screen. It also discovered that Apple added a new midframe between the components and the display. This helps to protect the phone from impact damage by dissipating force through the frame and battery, while sparing the phone’s more delicate internals.
The internal redesign is only present on the iPhone 14 and not the more expensive iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models, according to iFixit.
More on iPhone 14 and iOS 16
- iOS 16 on Your iPhone: All the Best New Features, Explained
- Here’s What the iPhone 14 Pro’s Cameras Can Do
- Should You Upgrade to the iPhone 14? How It Compares to Older iPhones


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Nature Valley has added a new flavour variant - coconut & almond - to its protein range, linked to its tennis partnership, which includes the support of Britain’s number one female tennis player, Johanna Konta, the brand’s first UK ambassador.
Incorporating two of the most on-trend ingredients, and as voted for by British tennis fans at the 2016 ATP World Tour Finals in London, the new addition to the growing nature Valley portfolio is a gluten-free, chewy bar featuring peanuts, almonds and coconut, dipped in a smooth coconut-flavoured coating.
As part of a £1m investment in the brand, Nature Valley has also launched a new integrated marketing campaign ‘The Court is Yours’, which is designed to leverage its position as the official snack bar brand of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and official partner of the ATP World Tour Finals in London.
The campaign, which will include ATL, social media, OOH, experiential activity, and tailor-made shopper marketing activity at key accounts, has been develop to encourage greater participation in tennis at a grassroots level as the summer tennis season gets into gear.
Arjoon Bose, marketing lead for snacking at brand owner General Mills, said: “We are excited to launch our new coconut & almond flavour to add to our fast-growing protein range, and believe we have chosen an on-trend combination that will prove popular, allowing active people a great-tasting permissible indulgence as well as providing essential energy and nutritional benefits.
“Having been voted for by British tennis fans, and with the backing of a rising star and role model like Johanna Konta, adds advocacy for this product and furthers our commitment to our biggest sporting partnership and wer’e confident this will help drive consumer interest and sales on-shelf.”


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The Corsair Neutron GTX is one of the best solid-state drives on the market, especially for those who want top performance from their ultrathin portable computer.
The devices on this page represent the best among their respective categories.
New mobile GTX 980M and 970M graphics cards promise desktop-like performance for laptops.
The GPU leader in the high-end gaming PC market has two new powerhouse components to sell ahead of the flurry of fall video game releases.
At the tech megacorporation's fall festival of product announcements, Google focused on new devices and services based around its Android 6 (Marshmallow) operating system.
The desktop GeForce GTX 980 now fits inside a laptop, allowing for the first wave of mobile PCs that will work with the Oculus Rift VR headset.
We go hands-on and test the new GTX 880M and 860M GPUs from Nvidia in gaming laptops from Asus and MSI.
With an Nvidia GTX graphics card and the early access beta GeForce experience software, you can stream your games over the Internet for anyone to share within a Chrome browser.
Acer took to IFA Berlin to push a full lineup of new Chromebooks, notebooks, desktops, and monitors with a strong emphasis on its new Predator gaming line.
Save transfers, system requirements, microtransactions, and more.
The first computers running Intel's sixth-generation processors are meant for expensive gaming rigs, but mainstream models will follow soon.


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If there is one thing Nokia smartphones have in common with 3D printers, it’s that not too many people own them.
Sorry, that was mean. Let’s start again:
Using 3D printers, Nokia wants to give Lumia 820 the greatest gift of all — unhampered customization.
Nokia has released design files for the Lumia 820’s outer casing, so enterprising Lumia owners can tweak the design and print out their own, customized case.
The move not only harkens back to the ancient history of ultra-customizable Nokia phones but to the company’s recently-announced Lumia 620 as well. Nokia, it seems, is banking on the all-too-real possibility that smartphone owners want more control over the way their devices look.
Of course, the big problem with the move is that 3D printers aren’t exactly a mainstream technology yet — and Nokia knows it. “For now, it’s a bleeding-edge technology for bleeding-edge early adopters — which is exactly where Nokia is aiming its 3D printing community efforts,” Nokia community head John Kneeland wrote in a blog post.
For 3D pinter-less Lumia 820 owners interested in the designs, the solution can be found in companies like Shapeways, which will print out your designs and ship them to you.
In all, the move is the latest indication that 3D printing is creeping into the mainstream, even if 3D printers themselves aren’t.


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A number of traders have been blocked from accessing shops in arcades around Kampala as landlords demand rent arrears.
Many of the traders were locked out of the buildings in June when President Yoweri Museveni announced a 42-day lockdown to help the country deal with a new wave of COVID-19. At the time, hospitals were overwhelmed as infection and death rates skyrocketed. And as a measure to keep the disease at bay, the President announced the closure of arcades, schools, churches and other congregational places.
At the time, many of the traders were not given chance to remove their merchandise from the outlets, as landlords kept them under lock and key. But as the President lifted the lockdown last week, landlords added additional padlocks for those with rent arrears denying them access to the shops.
Now Mahad Yiga, a tenant at Maria’s Galleria says his landlord has asked him for arrears from June, when the shops were closed to the end of July 2021, a period when traders could not access the building.
Hanifah Kyeyune and Josephine Ssali, both traders at Qualicell Bus Terminal said that the management of the building did not offer them any explanation on the closure of their shops despite the lifting of the lockdown. They say that while they were looking forward to the reopening, they instead found additional padlocks on their shops.
Drake Lubega, one of the landlords told URN in a phone interview that many of the tenants had not paid their rent obligations since May, but hastens to add that the issues are being resolved on a case by case basis.
However, Godfrey Kirumira, the chairperson of the arcade owner’s association said he was not aware of the developments. Similarly, Thadeus Musoke, the General Secretary of Kampala City Traders Association [KACITA] said that they are yet to engage the landlords on the same.
Tenants at Ham Shopping mall and White House in Kikuubo said that their landlords had already waived rent arrears for the two months when they were not in business.


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Time is running out to express your views on car parking arrangements in Lytham in an online survey by Fylde Council.
Residents and visitors are being invited to have their say on their parking preferences, concerns, and suggestions.
The survey, which closes at midnight on Sunday, January 9, focuses primarily on off-street parking – public car parks – which Fylde Council operates, but any opinions regarding on-street parking can also be presented and will be passed to Lancashire County Council, which is responsible for that.
Deadline for the survey is midnight on Sunday
Coun Roger Small, chairman of the Fylde Council’s operational management committee, said: “Fylde Council strives to ensure that residents, businesses, shoppers, visitors, and workers have access to sufficient, good quality, safe and welcoming parking provision.
“Lytham boasts a wealth of delightful amenities and attractions to appeal to residents and visitors alike.
The Fylde Council survey is at www.fylde.gov.uk/council/consultation/
It is thanks to our loyal readers that we can continue to provide the trusted news, analysis and insight that matters to you. For unlimited access to our unrivalled local reporting, you can take out a subscription here and help support the work of our dedicated team of reporters.


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The first iPhone came out in June 2007 and now 84% of Americans have a smartphone, and many can't imagine a world without them.
Apple Inc. AAPL didn't make the first smartphone, but it was the device that catapulted the technology to its modern-day success, selling millions of units and becoming a worldwide talking point. The last 16 years computers have gotten smaller, faster and can do just about anything while sitting in the palm of one's hand.
The capabilities of artificial intelligence AI are quickly being brought to the forefront thanks to the release of ChatGPT. The release of ChatGPT may have been the iPhone moment for the world of AI. It is replacing and improving jobs and is already a household name, as it is reshaping school curriculums and policy. ChatGPT isn't the first company to do what it is doing, but it is what is taking the world of AI mainstream.
Venture capitalists are taking notice and dumping billions into AI startups. When VCs start funding certain sectors, mainstream adoption comes shortly after. In the past few years, the adoption of cryptocurrencies saw billions in non-fungible NFT sales volume, hundreds of new games and thousands of new cryptocurrencies. In 2022, in line with an overall decline in VC funding, it was $21.5 billion.
Retail investors have been investing large amounts in AI startups.
RAD AI is a startup raising funds on Wefunder, which means anyone can invest for a limited time. More than 2,400 retail investors have invested over 2.5 million in RAD. On its Wefunder page, RAD says it is the world's first AI marketing platform built to understand emotion and is used by some of the largest companies in the world.
There are currently more than nine AI startups on StartEngine, with some of them being WeatherFlow-Tempest raising over $800,000 and WiGl raising over $2.37 million.
MaxTracker is a startup raising money on StartEngine and has raised $54,000 for its tracker that uses AI to distinguish between events. It uses AI to distinguish between a car being broken into vs. hit with a soccer ball, or a bike being stolen vs. being knocked down.
As the industry and funding ramp up, it is likely that this is only the beginning of what AI has to offer.
More on the startup investing from Benzinga can be found here.


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NEW YORK The U.S. International Trade Commissions (ITCs) decision to continue anti-dumping duties on imports of large-diameter line pipe from Japan is "unfair and extremely disappointing," according to the Japan Steel Information Center (JSIC).
"The Japanese steel industry will carefully study this decision and determine an appropriate course of action," JSIC chairman Kaoru Okamoto said in a statement.
The ITC ruled 5-1 in favor of maintaining duties in an affirmative determination Sept. 12, it said on its website.
Japanese producers argued during the sunset review hearings that revocation wouldnt lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury to the U.S. steel industry.
"Nonetheless ... the ITC appears to have concluded that protection of the U.S. steel industry should be given the highest priority, continuing anti-dumping measures which were imposed more than 10 years (ago)," Okamoto said.
The domestic industry argued during the hearings that market conditions remain tepid, with capacity utilization below 50 percent and producers recording losses (amm.com, July 29).
It is the second review of the duties, according to the ITCs website.
Dumping margins on large-diameter line pipe from Japan were maintained at 30.8 percent in a decision by the Commerce Departments International Trade Administration earlier this year (amm.com, Feb. 12).


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The cryptocurrency market was hit with another round of promoting on May 26 as Bitcoin (BTC) price dropped to $28,000 and Ether (ETH) briefly fell under $1,800. The ETH/BTC pair also dropped below what traders deem to become an essential climbing trendline, moving that traders say could cause Ether cost correcting to new lows.
Here’s a rundown of the items several analysts on the market say concerning the move lower for Ethereum and just what it might mean because of its cost soon.
Cost consolidation will ultimately create a sharp move
A short check-in on which amounts of support and potential to deal with keep close track of was supplied by independent market analyst Michaël van de Poppe, who published the next chart showing Ether buying and selling near its range low.
Van de Poppe stated:
“The question is going to be whether we are able to bounce came from here and break the $1,940 level. In the event that happens, I’m presuming we’ll continue $2,050. Whether it doesn’t, then your financial markets are searching at
ETH might make new lows right into a bullish falling wedge
Based on Twitter analyst Crypto Tony, Ether cost is “still searching for your leg lower to stock up on.”
Although it might look negative, this development is really an optimistic sign, based on Cointelegraph contributor Jon Morgan, who noted the pattern outlined about this chart is really a falling wedge, a “bullish standard candlepower unit/bar chart pattern that’s suggestive of an industry which has gone to live in a serious and will probably reverse.”
“Very high expectancy rate of making whether violent corrective move greater or perhaps an entirely new upward trend.”
Bitcoin dominance increases
Based on economist Caleb Franzen, the ETH/BTC pair lost a vital support which is notable because:
“This implies that a minumum of one of those statements is going to be true: $ETH is weakening in accordance with $BTC $BTC will outshine $ETH Alts will underperform $BTC.”
Contributing to the ETH/BTC discussion, Twitter user CrediBULL Crypto noted the cost is “starting to take a few in our local lows.”
The analyst stated:
“Any relief here’s temporary until we traverse to the foot of this range, imo. Actually, we might mind even less than pictured here before staging a recovery, and can assess after we hit my target.”
Generally, ongoing weakness using the ETH/BTC pair can increase the risk for cost of Ether and altcoins trending lower while BTC could hold at its current cost or perhaps mind greater as traders rotate from underperforming positions into Bitcoin.
The general cryptocurrency market cap now is $1.235 trillion and Bitcoin’s dominance rates are 46.2%.
The views and opinions expressed listed here are exclusively individuals from the author and don’t always reflect the views of Cointelegraph.com. Every investment and buying and selling move involves risk, you need to conduct your personal research when making the decision.


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For anyone who’s a dedicated follower of fashion, this news will be a bit of a bummer. Wardour News – the fashion magazine Mecca to students and industry professionals alike is sadly closing after 34 years on Wardour Street.
This humble newsagent turned publication paradise became a firm favourite to those looking to delve into the printed pages of some of the greatest fashion magazines the world has to offer. Everything from the known additions of Vogue and GQ to the more niche and hard-to-find publications have made their way on to the shelves of Raj Patel’s shop over the years.
Raj Patel, the newsagent who favours the fashionable
Mr Patel is the founder of Wardour News and a living legend in the London fashion community. He’s infamous on the scene and he’s become somewhat of a Central London celebrity to those who have stumbled across his treasure chest of paperback prizes.
Raj has always credited his legion of loyal customers for the success of his shop which he runs with his brother Ash and friend Hitesh. Mr Patel truly loves this business claiming he’s “never had a bad memory of anything in this shop”.
Unfortunately, rent increases in Soho – and all over the UK for that matter – are killing a lot of local businesses. People like Mr Patel who’s run the same business honestly for 34 years.
“I hope somebody realises, the landlord or anybody, that it is very hard to leave the place after such a long time.”
The death of Soho
It’s a crying shame that an establishment as brilliant as Wardour News is suffering at the hands of greedy landlords and the gentrified ‘lights-out London’ takeover that seems to be happening. Brand new flats and apartments being built, bought out by rich Arab millionaires and abandoned most of the time, turning thriving areas into ghost towns.
The reason Wardour News hits so hard with so many people is because it’s a business that not only stocks the big publications but it also champions up-and-coming brands and niche magazines. That’s the reason I go. Whenever I’m in London I set myself a goal of heading to Wardour News. I aim to buy a magazine I’ve 1) never heard of before and 2) can’t get in Leeds.
But it’s not just the publishers or the consumers that are saddened by this varied stockist disappearing, Raj himself feels a sense of guilt about not being able to showcase the magazines.
“All the small publishers, we have supported them, I feel sorry for them that I am leaving them,”
Wardour News – the next casualty of ‘Lights-Out London’
Gentrification as a whole can benefit an area, it can bring life and local business to areas that would be otherwise derelict. Sadly, Soho seems to be going in reverse. It seems that every few months or so we’re losing more and more iconic parts of Soho.
Venues such as Madame Jojo’s, vintage comic book stores, fashion retailers and trendy bars are all being eliminated for yet another fucking Pret A Manger or ‘hip and trendy’ yet somehow always empty Juice bar or FroYo/ice-cream parlour.
Is the closure of Wardour News actually affecting people?
To cut a long story short, yes. I was truly saddened when I heard this news, as were a lot of people. It’s like a home from home. Raj has created a real inclusive space for anybody who appreciates fashion, photography, lifestyle and culture.
Race, religion, backgrounds mean nothing to Mr Patel. Furthermore, when you’re a customer in his shop, all he wants to do is please his customers. Whether that be a friendly smile, a bit of advice or helping you find which publication you should buy next, you’re always made to feel included in the community Wardour News created.
The news has gone viral
A few days ago, I tweeted about how gutted I was to be hearing about the closure of Wardour News due to rent increases. In the space of 5 days the tweet has gone viral.
Heartbroken to hear that Raj Patel is having to close Wardour News due to rent increases in Soho. Raj opened the shop 34 years ago and he’s been one of the greatest stockists of fashion magazines ever! Truly gutted this has happened to one of the nicest human beings 😢 pic.twitter.com/9Sy55cKdeN
— Harry J Bartlett (@HarryJBartlett) April 22, 2018
I was shocked to learn that the tweet itself has now been seen by over 420,000 people on Twitter. It’s been liked by over 2.1K and retweeted by over 900 people.
Editors of magazines, celebrities, fashion students, industry professionals, locals and tourists all sharing stories and tales of their fondness. Others venting their frustrations of rising rental prices and the lack of independent businesses in the area.
It truly would be a shame to see Soho disappear into a faceless, falsified version of itself. We needed people like Raj Patel in the world. We need shops like Wardour News and we need a community like what Soho used to have. Please don’t rip out the soul of Soho. That would be a dreadful mistake to make.
Raj Patel, I want to thank you for Wardour News. In fact, thank you for your 34 years of fashion appreciation. And thank you for being one of Soho’s long-standing heroes. Furthermore, it’ll be tough to find gems like Patel’s in the future, in fact, it will be near impossible.
Wardour News will unfortunately roll down the shutters for the last time on 25th of May, 2018.


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Half of supermarket packaging cannot be easily recycled, study finds
The Which? research looked into the wrapping used on 46 of the most popular items sold by 11 supermarket chains.
Nearly half the packaging used by major UK supermarkets cannot be easily recycled, a study has found.
The research by Which? looked into the wrapping of 46 of the most popular items from Aldi, Asda, Co-op, Iceland, Lidl, M&S, Morrisons, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose.
It was found that an average of 52% of the packaging could be put into household recycling bins with ease.
Morrisons had the most packaging that could not be easily recycled at 61%, as many of its items came with non-recyclable plastic film, closely followed by Co-op at 58%.
We’ve listened to our customers about how to reduce our use of plastic packaging. So, you can now bring your own container to our Butcher and Fishmonger to take your meat and fish home in.https://t.co/T9lzBm6atY pic.twitter.com/DfMXDaQdM6— Morrisons (@Morrisons) June 21, 2019
Tesco and Waitrose were found to be the best for recyclable wrapping, as 40% of their packaging could not be easily recycled.
The study also found the amount of packaging overall labelled either incorrectly or not at all was 42%, increasing the chances of it ending up in landfill.
Iceland only had two in five pieces correctly labelled. An example of poor labelling was its easy peeler oranges, which were not labelled at all despite the non-recyclable plastic netting used.
Asda led the way, correctly labelling 78% of its items.
Natalie Hitchins, Which? head of home products and services, said: “Our research shows there is a lot more supermarkets and manufacturers can do to banish single-use plastics and make sure any packaging they do use is minimal, recyclable and correctly labelled, so that shoppers know exactly how they can recycle it.
“To reduce the waste that goes to landfill, the Government must make labelling mandatory, simple and clear as well as invest in better infrastructure to ensure that recycling is easy for everyone, regardless of where they live.”
In our #25YearEnvironmentPlan, we pledged to leave our #environment in a better state than we found it.— Defra UK (@DefraGovUK) December 18, 2018
Our new Resources and Waste Strategy marks the start of this new chapter.
Find out more: https://t.co/vqouwPv0NI #circulareconomy pic.twitter.com/OWBb6kP3NZ
A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokeswoman said: “Supermarkets have a clear responsibility to cut unnecessary packaging, reduce waste going to landfill, and increase the amount being recycled and recovered.
“Through our landmark Resources and Waste Strategy we have recently consulted on plans for a ‘one size fits all’ approach which would mean the same materials can be recycled in England no matter which part of the country people live in. We have also set out plans for consistent labelling on packaging so consumers know what they can recycle.”


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The National Labor Relations Board has ordered a new election to determine if Amazon fulfillment center workers in Bessemer, AL can organize as members of a union for collective bargaining, which would be a first in the United States and set off a warehouse labor chain reaction.
The decision was announced through the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, which is seeking to represent the Amazon workers there.
“Today’s decision confirms what we were saying all along, that Amazon’s intimidation and interference prevented workers from having a fair say in whether they wanted a union in their workplace,” said Stuart Appelbaum, President of the RWDSU in a statement. “And as the Regional Director (of the NLRB) has indicated, that is both unacceptable and illegal. Amazon workers deserve to have a voice at work, which can only come from a union.”
The union resolution was resoundingly defeated in April, 1,798 to 738, but only 30% of eligible workers voted. The RWDSU filed a protest four days later, claiming Amazon unfairly intimidated workers through a variety of communication channels, including messages in restrooms. It also claimed a U.S. Postal Service mailbox was improperly placed outside the premises to collect union ballots, after pressure from Amazon to do so. Some saw this move as a violation of labor law.
Amazon has long had to deal with unions in Europe but has thus far succeeded in thwarting efforts to organize its workers here, while citing its above-grade pay, benefits and flexibility. But the drumbeat of negative press about working conditions in its facilities and treatment of contract drivers continues.
In mid-November, workers at an Amazon fulfillment center on Staten Island, NY withdrew their petition to form a union, two weeks before a planned meeting with the NLRB to determine if sufficient interest existed.
In September, California Gov. Gavin Newsome signed a bill that targets labor practices in ecommerce warehouses, including banning the enforcement of performance quotas that impinge on basic worker’s rights like restroom and lunch breaks. The law was widely viewed as targeting Amazon, which has a major presence in the state, and was opposed by the California Retailers Association, of which Amazon is a member.


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- Leading suppliers of construction products from around the globe prepare for Nigeria’s largest industry event, which will run on 9-11 September at the Landmark Centre in Lagos.
- High-quality solutions at competing prices: here’s a preview of what 5,000 Nigerian industry professionals will discover at the launch edition of The Big 5 Construct Nigeria.
The first edition of The Big 5 Construct Nigeria is rising the country’s building and construction sector to international prominence.
This year, about 100 companies from around the world are getting ready to gather at the Landmark Centre in Lagos from 9 to 11 September for Nigeria’s largest construction event ever. Here, they will present their most innovative products to over 5,000 Nigerian industry professionals who are expected to visit the show.
Confirmed brands include regional and global leaders like Palfinger, Cibes Lift, KELM, ABB, Philips, Crane, Eurotray, Tata, Hilti, and Magna Tyres. They will showcase hundreds of products for the booming Nigerian infrastructure and building sectors, offering high quality and cost effective solutions, without forgetting the growing importance of sustainability.
Eyeing the growing business opportunities in Africa’s most populous country, leading international brands are on the lookout for Nigerian partners at the much awaited Big 5 Construct Nigeria.
From Italy, Gianmarco Micheloni, Export Area Manager at IVR Spa, says:
“At the event, we will be looking for a nationwide wholesaler able to promote and sell our products all over Nigeria.
“We will showcase our complete range of valves and accessories for water, gas, plumbing, industrial and HVAC applications. The recognised quality over time is our most important value, as we do manufacture ‘made in Italy’ products at reasonable prices.”
[Read the full interview: IVR SPA - In talks with Gianmarco Micheloni, Export Area Manager]
Domo® Sports Grass, a worldwide expert in quality solutions for sports grounds from Belgium, will be presenting its artificial grass for sports applications, including soccer, rugby, tennis, and hockey.
The company’s Sales Manager for Africa, Yessine Ben Hamida, says:
“At Domo Sports Grass, we believe that today is the right moment to invest big here in Nigeria.”
Natural grass needs a lot of maintenance and water, Ben Hamida explains.
“Synthetic grass is therefore an optimal substitute for it. Since there is a scarcity of water in the world, and especially in Africa, artificial grass is a very good alternative to natural grass.”
[Read the full interview: DOMO SPORTS GRASS - In talks with Yessine Ben Hamida, Sales Manager Africa]
Companies from the United Arab Emirates will also take part in the exhibition.
“Face to face meetings with clients are always better even in the era of new technology and online interactions,”
says Tatyana Kim, Export Executive at the Dubai-based Aquagas Plastic Industries LLC.
The company will present its polypropylene (PP-R) pipes and fittings for domestic water supply and drainage systems in Lagos.
“Our products are required in all developments: residential, commercial and industrial.
“Since the Nigerian market is booming, I believe there is demand for good quality products at a competitive price,” Kim explains. “At The Big 5 Construct Nigeria, people will get to know our company and will find out how they can benefit from our products in the future.”
[Read the full interview: AQUAGAS PLASTIC INDUSTRIES LLC. - In talks with Tatyana Kim, Export Executive]
Construction professionals will also be able to source sustainable products at the event. Rishit Dalal, Director of Projects & International Business, at Jaycee, a market leader from India, announces:
“We will be showcasing our flagship product ‘CEMGUARD Fly Ash’ at The Big 5 Construct Nigeria.
“This replaces 25-30% of cement in concrete, and offers a host of technical advantages like better workability, long-term strength, durability, lower steel corrosion and lower life-cycle costs. Importantly, one ton of Fly Ash used saves one ton of CO2 emissions, making it a key contributor to sustainable construction with significant environmental benefits.”
Fly Ash has already been used in many prestigious infrastructure projects in West Africa, including Nigeria, according to Dalal.
“We are looking forward to meeting contractors, consultants and industry players at The Big 5 Construct Nigeria to educate them about the advantages and cost-benefit of using CEMGUARD Fly Ash in their projects,” Dalal adds.
[Read the full interview: JAYCEE - In talks with Rishit Dalal, Director of Projects & International Business]
Major Nigerian companies will also participate at The Big 5 Construct Nigeria.
KELM, which acts as local representative and partner for major Original Equipment Manufacturers ("OEMs"), will be showcasing products from a wide range of brands, including ABB, Euro Tray, Nexan, Furse, BLUE Point Lighting, Vortice, Soler & Palau, Lowara, and Crane.
According to Benson A Osieme, Chief Operating Officer of the company,
“There is always a need for a bridge between supply and demand, a role we see The Big 5 will play through this show in Nigeria.
“Major brands will find the event indispensable in expanding their market reach and footprint. The show is also a statement to the international community on the vast opportunities available in Nigeria.
“We expect a boom in the building and construction industry with the government playing a leading role. Capital expenditure in the nation’s budgets is receiving higher allocations and we see major opportunities around housing, roads and power. These will have a trickle-down effect on other industries,” Osieme states.
[Read the full interview: KELM - In talks with Benson A Osieme, Chief Operating Officer]
Another Nigerian company, Sehnaoui Plant Nigeria Ltd, will be presenting Elkon concrete batching plants, Putzmeister concrete pumps, Makkon cranes systems, Liebherr tower cranes, Blend continuous mixing plants, Miningland crushers, and Cadona block and interlock machines.
Its Managing Director, Michel Zovighian, says:
“We are based in Nigeria since 2013 and we are committed to the country and the people for the long term. We look forward to introducing new construction techniques that are durable, more efficient, and environmentally friendly.”
[Read the full interview: SEHNAOUI PLANT NIGERIA LTD - In talks with Michel Zovighian, Managing Director]
The Big 5 Construct Nigeria, organised by dmg events, is officially supported by the Nigerian Institute of Architects, the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Surveyors Council of Nigeria, the African Association of Interior Designers, the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Association), the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, and the African Sustainable Energy Association (AFSEA).
The event will also offer 20 free and CPD-certified workshops presented by leading industry experts, covering technology & sustainability, affordable housing & architecture, and project management. Confirmed speakers include Lookman Oshodi, Project Director at Arctic Infrastructure, James O. Obakpolor, from the Social Development Department of the Ministry of Budget & National Planning in Abuja, Debo Adejana, CEO of Reality Point Ltd and Vice President of the Nigeria-British Chamber Of Commerce Construction, Dr. Erimona Edorodion Oye, Honourable Commissioner at the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development of the Edo State, and Dr. Olajumoke Akiode, CEO of the Center for Ethics and Sustainable Development (CESD).
The Big 5 Construct Nigeria (9-11 September 2019, Landmark Centre, Lagos) is free to attend. To know more, visit www.thebig5constructnigeria.com.


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A major expansion is in the works at Full-Fill Industries, LLC in Henning that will keep 150 jobs in Vermilion County.
The cooking spray manufacturer announced Wednesday it has entered into a long-term agreement with ConAgra Foods to produce all the cooking sprays made at ConAgra’s Rossville plant, which will close.
The expansion is good news for both Full-Fill and the county. Both can look forward to manufacturing growth and job retention because of the efforts put forth by those involved with the project and Full-Fill’s willingness to put forth a significant financial investment.
There are 170 people employed, including management, at the Rossville ConAgra plant, with 150 expected to become employed in Henning. Management, administrative and production positions will be made available there in the next 12 to 18 months. There are 94 employed now at Full-Fill Industries.
Vicki Haugen, president and CEO of Vermilion Advantage, said it is nearly a wash as far as the number of jobs generated are concerned, but ConAgra looked at all its options when it came to making a decision on where it was going to send the contract, and it could have been out of the county or out of the state.
“It’s just a real blessing to the community that while the Rossville plant is going down, the business is staying in the same community,” Haugen said.
Rossville and Henning are less than 8 miles apart.
The expansion means an $11 million private investment from Full-Fill, plus a $2.5 million business investment package from the state.
Of the $2.5 million being administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, included is Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credits, Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP) job training funds and a Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP) grant for infrastructure improvements.
Haugen said Vermilion Advantage is facilitating the CDAP grant, which it is about to apply for in the amount of $750,000. Haugen also said they will soon look at expanding the boundaries of the current enterprise zone to include the plant in Henning.
The Vermilion County Highway Department also is applying for Economic Development Program funds through the Illinois Department of Transportation to improve Old Route 1, a county road that carries the many trucks and products to and from Full-Fill.
That improvement will include a much-needed widening, industrial grading and drainage for the road — all things for Full-Fill, but that Henning residents will also enjoy.
Full-Fill also plans to install a sprinkler system, fire hydrants and fire pond with the expansion. David L. Clapp, president and CEO of Full-Fill, said they have already talked with the Bismarck-Henning Fire Department and will make those resources available to the fire departments in the area where water is scarce when trying to fight a fire.
Physically, the plant will nearly double in size to 300,000 square-feet at its site of the former Henning High School. Three additional product lines, another warehouse, three new gas houses and eight additional docks will be added. Construction will begin this summer.
“We looked at the long-term commitment that contract can bring us and the volume it can bring to the plant here,” Clapp said.
Considering that, he said they have a comfort level with the investment they put forth. The agreement with ConAgra is a minimum of 10 years, with extensions of up to 17 years to start.
New lines are projected to be operational by fall 2012. Once the expansion is complete, Full-Fill will produce 180 million units annually. In 2010, the company made 38 million units.
Clapp said they will produce more than 200 new brands of cooking spray for ConAgra, including the brand leader, PAM.
Full-Fill already was the leading provider of private brand aerosol products, including ones for Emeril Lagasse and Wolfgang Puck. It also does many for individual grocery stores and food service companies such as Aldi, Kroger and Sam’s Club. It also has produced brand-name products such as Crisco Pan Release and Mazola Pure.
The contract with ConAgra makes Full-Fill the major supplier of cooking sprays to the market. With the dissolution of the Rossville plant and that business transferred to Full-Fill, there now is only one other food aerosol manufacturer in the United States.
Full-Fill Industries is wholly owned by the Clapp family, who started it in 1999.
David Clapp’s father, Henry Clapp, started Clapp Industries Corp. in Potomac in 1982, which later became Creative Products Inc. of Rossville. Creative Products was sold to International Home Foods in 1997, which was later purchased by ConAgra.
“It’s come full circle,” David Clapp said, noting that it’s kind of strange that they’ve ended up being in business with their competitor.
Henry Clapp, now in his 70s, continues to work as senior director of research and development in Henning daily.
Employees from the Rossville ConAgra plant were notified of its closing Tuesday. It will continue to operate on a schedule similar to the construction ramp up of Full-Fill — for another 12 to 18 months.
ConAgra said severance, outplacement, job retraining and performance incentives to help displaced employees transition from the company will be done.
A decision about the ConAgra building in Rossville has not yet been made.
Employees from the Rossville plant are welcomed to apply for jobs at the Henning Full-Fill facility as soon as they become open. Administrative positions might be available later in fall 2011, but the majority of jobs won’t be filled until the first quarter of 2012.
David Clapp said he has been looking forward to the announcement and is excited to tell people about the expansion.
“I’m looking forward to construction to begin and producing product for them,” Clapp said.
Haugen said she is happy with the outcome for northern Vermilion County. She said this is an exciting time for the area, with a momentum that seems to be building.
“It just a win for the entire county,” Haugen said. “It takes what could have been a negative for the county and made it a positive.”


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So LG South Africa just launched a news device, apparently it’s great according to their Twitter account but I can’t attest to that. We will come back to this.
Something else that is happening in my universe today is that I am speaking on panel about women in tech and challenges women face. Tech is highlighted here as it is a tech conference but women face many challenges in the work place and we cannot deny this.
Back to LG South Africa and its device launch.
So imagine my surprise this morning when I woke up to see a conversation on Twitter that LG South Africa had a male only tech journalist launch of its new device. Why would this company do such a thing? I mean really?
— LG Mobile SA (@LGMobileSA) October 8, 2014
Well it turns out no, they had two separate launches for members of the media. The female launch and the male launch. I didn’t realise this new device, of which I am not mentioning the name on purpose, was a gender biased device. Do mobile phones come with gender bias in their technical offering? If they do I also take issue with this.
Why would you create a device as such. LG didn’t, it just decided that perhaps women would prefer to talk tech during high tea while men would prefer to talk tech during a serious dinner.
If you ask me, this is a terrible waste of money and an insult to both genders. Being a female tech journalist already requires working extra hard to get the industry to take our thoughts seriously on gadgets and the generally state of technology and the business of tech. Why has LG decided that it was a good idea to separate the media as it discussed a device it claims is the on the cutting edge.
The conversation around women in tech can get so tiresome because it is viewed with condescension. We want to celebrate women on day and ignore them the rest. I do not care for tech celebration days, I rather you recognise and respect my contributions everyday.
There is a huge difference between hosting a women in tech event to discuss issues facing women in the tech space and having to separate events to launch the same device. Separate city and country launches yes, but gender launches? Really LG.
So thanks LG, you have done a cracker job in widening that lovely gap we all just can’t wait to make bigger.


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2017 is turning out to be a relatively slow year for Microsoft’s Xbox One platform. The number of exclusive games announced this year is quite low, and with PS4 launching its Pro console and the introduction of the Nintendo Switch, the innovative and thoughtful move of Microsoft releasing the Play Anywhere app still fell short of its competitors’ success. Microsoft also left us feeling a little bit disappointed with last year’s E3 show. A lot of questions were left unanswered and fans were not pleased. We’re hoping at this year’s E3 Microsoft up their game and deliver some answers about what’s to come.
What We Know
On the forefront of fan’s thoughts, I’m sure, is curiosity around what information they will reveal about Project Scorpio. And let’s not beat around the bush here. Microsoft’s Project Scorpio has been a big topic, especially now with E3 just around the corner. Announced shortly after the Xbox One, fans felt a bit jaded about Microsoft’s approach. With that said, I wonder if Project Scorpio is the driver for such a quiet year? Details are slowly surfacing about the project, and surprisingly, information regarding the new console’s hardware specs have already become available to the public. I can only then assume, with such important detail being released, that the price point, release date, and expected games on release will be on the forefront of everyone’s interest. Microsoft have a lot of questions to answer in this department. It’d be very disappointing if these points weren’t covered. Let’s hope this is a good move with Xbox One still being quite a young console.
Before we talk about what we hope Microsoft will deliver, let’s cover off what we already know will get some kind of a mention at E3. The line up of games expected to be covered off are listed below. My hope is that Microsoft give their fans some detail about what’s on offer with the below games on the Xbox One or Project Scorpio.
- Destiny 2
- Star Wars: Battlefront 2
- Red Dead Redemption 2
- Far Cry 5
I think many people will be interested to know if Project Scorpio will be able to support the above games, what the purchasing process will be, if their current Microsoft accounts are even compatible, and if the games they already have can be ported over. I think it will be critical to Project Scorpio’s success if these games are available early on in its release. I’m very interested regarding this point, as I believe many other fans are too.
What We Hope
Whilst the expected announcements are already… well… expected, there are some important games which have not yet had a lot of details provided about them. Games like State of Decay 2, which is a highly anticipated zombie apocalypse shoot ’em up, has had some neglect from Microsoft regarding release date. It should be high on their priority given that “Coming 2017” has been the banner of the website for some time now. Very little news is available about the game and the last post provided by the developers was on the 14th of April outlining potential features for the game.
Cuphead (shown below) is another game that has seen some neglect since it’s initial announcement in 2015. The highly anticipated indie game already has a large following, but with such little detail being provided by Studio MDHR and Microsoft, fans will potentially start loosing interest.
It seems like there is a pattern forming here. Ashen is another prime example of a game announced and then neglected in its coverage. Ashen is expected to be a beautiful RPG with a comprehensive story-line. It’s advertised as an open world experience with high risk combat and a non linear narrative. Its art style has many gamers excited for its release. But this game is another former 2016 release, now delayed into the unknowns of 2017 with little follow up from Microsoft.
What We Hope continued…
This list is quite long, and rightly so, and it’s probably very clear by now that we’re expecting a lot from Microsoft as they have a lot of ground to cover. My next hope is that Microsoft announce or at least indicate that Forza Motorsports 7 is in the works. We haven’t had a Forza Motorsports release in some time now and with the fan base growing through the highly successful Forza Horizon IP, we’re desperate to know if Microsoft will be improving on Forza’s predecessor for some high adrenaline, fast paced, car racing goodness. Whispers continue about the release of this game, and snipets of videos have emerged about Microsoft collaborating with Lamborghini. But, no hard evidence is available to even claim this game is coming to existence. We can only hope there’s a time slot in Microsoft’s schedule set aside for its mention.
Before those out there still living in 2015 get mad at me. Sea of Thieves is the next game that really needs some attention. If you ever wanted to become a pirate legend, then this certainly seems like the right game. However, with little details regarding the release date of this game, many people interested have been waiting for details to emerge since it was originally announced at E3 in 2015. That’s a long time to wait! Rare is the company working on the development of this game and they post regular updates regarding the progress of its development on their YouTube page. However, it’s not yet clear how far they have to go before its release. Many suspect that it is certain to be a highlighted game during E3 this year, and that could purely be because Xbox exclusives have been so few and far between.
And finally, the one many of us are pretty much sick of waiting for, and one that’s been slowly ageing in the “Coming Soon” realm, potentially for the longest time yet, is Crackdown 3. With two predecessor games, Crackdown is known for its high thrill action. Another exclusive due to release this year, the original concept for this game was initially detailed in E3 2014! Since then it has had little news about progress and it’s hard to pinpoint details regarding what we can expect with the new iteration of this game. Information about the city being run by Xbox Live is floating around and we also know the city will be destructible, but this information is open ended and not very useful. Will Microsoft lift the lid on Crackdown 3? Only time will tell.
Even with the list above, not everything I mentioned may be detailed. I also did my best to uncover more detail about exclusives due to arrive for Microsoft but most are whispers of uncertainty, highly speculative remarks or just satire poking fun at Microsoft. With such a large fan-base, and the ability to Play Anywhere, you’d hope that Microsoft would pay attention to the opportunities available to them for exclusive releases given their unique approach to connecting their platform base. With E3 just around the corner, I’m not quite sure Microsoft will have enough to tide us eager fans over. I’m hoping this isn’t true. Hopefully they do themselves and the community justice and set themselves up for a strong end to 2017! Is there anything not mentioned on this list that you’d like to see announced or detailed at E3?
We’ll find out during their official conference, Monday 12th June at 7:00am AEST.