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The latest tick of the clock counting down to publishers’ Digital Advertising Judgement Day came on Monday, when Apple announced at its annual developer conference that a forthcoming desktop version of its Safari browser will block the annoying autoplay ads that appear on many Web pages or before online videos.
The news doesn’t present a doomsday scenario for ad-supported media on its own, as Safari is used by only a small slice of internet users. But it comes just days after The Wall Street Journal reported that Google, one of two behemoths in the digital advertising game, will give publishers six months’ notice before unveiling a default ad blocker on its hugely popular Chrome browser next year. Facebook, meanwhile, has kept up its steady stream of directives on how publishers can best satisfy its mysterious algorithm.
Such moves signal tech giants’ growing willingness to dictate the terms and conditions of the advertising market they overwhelmingly control. Facebook and Google’s dominance of display and search advertising, respectively, has helped them capture more than 60 percent of domestic digital ad spending, according to eMarketer. Some analysts even estimate that the two companies draw upward of 75 percent of all new digital advertising spending, sparking talk of a duopoly with which publishers will be even harder-pressed to compete going forward.
The ironic subtext of the forthcoming ad blockers is that the tyranny of autoplay videos and low-quality display ads is one of the few topics that builds broad-based consensus on the internet. Even publishers understand that many advertisements actively harm user experience, and media companies’ inability or unwillingness to police them or offer viable alternatives in some ways made a browser-side fix inevitable. The same can be said for clickbait headlines, on which Facebook is cracking down. News organizations will now be forced to reap what they sowed.
A Google tool, for example, will alert publishers when their ads don’t meet standards set by the official-sounding Coalition for Better Ads, a third-party industry group comprising companies that include—you guessed it—Google. “We believe these changes will ensure all content creators, big and small, can continue to have a sustainable way to fund their work with online advertising,” Sridhar Ramaswamy, a senior VP at Google, wrote in a blog post announcing the new tool, the “Ad Experience Report.”
Google: "Nice advertising business you've got there — would hate to see anything bad happen to it, if you catch my drift" https://t.co/E0oI4eNteM
— Mathew Ingram (@mathewi) June 1, 2017
The obvious catch is that sustainability lies in the eyes of the beholder. Digitally savvy outfits without legacy expenses, like BuzzFeed, Quartz, and Axios, have built dynamic online advertising businesses. Older-guard publishers with the financial wherewithal to innovate, such as The New York Times, have meanwhile invested heavily in more sophisticated in-house creative shops while diversifying their revenue streams. Such players will likely feel fewer effects of tech giants’ directives, or at least be able to adapt to them.
But other publishers, particularly those who’ve milked legacy revenues over the past decade of disruption, may not be so fortunate. After long relying on ugly or intrusive advertisements, large newspaper companies are only just beginning to build out their digital ad operations. The results to this point don’t look so hot: Gannett’s first-quarter digital ad revenues were up 8.3 percent over last year, thanks largely to acquisitions; McClatchy’s were flat. Time Inc.’s 32 percent growth in that period was also driven by acquisitions. All three companies rely on advertising for most of their revenue.
ICYMI: Another newspaper publisher quietly letting go of staffers
What’s left unsaid in many pollyannish quarterly earnings calls is that gains on the digital side rarely, if ever, make up for the lost print advertising revenue on which so many print news organizations relied. Tronc, which did not break out its online numbers, saw a 15 percent year-over-year drop in total first-quarter advertising revenue. Such budgetary gaps inevitably translate to staff cuts and, in turn, more erosion of value in both newsrooms and business operations.
All of which is to say: Not only only will tech giants’ shaping of the advertising market hold the potential for greater impact on mid-market digital publishers, but these very publishers may have ever greater difficulty in cobbling together the shekels they need to respond.
Your quarter-century-old correspondent would wonder why news organizations didn’t respond faster to this generational economic shift by building out more sophisticated digital ad shops, finding an alternative to intrusive advertising, or shifting toward other revenue models. But I understand the industry’s impulse: Res ipsa loquitur. Let the good times roll. And we’re only now beginning to feel the hangover.
RELATED: Tracking Trump’s assault on press normsDavid Uberti is a writer in New York. He was previously a media reporter for Gizmodo Media Group and a staff writer for CJR. Follow him on Twitter @DavidUberti.


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Caesars Interactive Entertainment Buys Out Electronic Arts For World Series of Poker Mobile App
Caesars Hopes to Expand its Presence in Free-to-Play Mobile Gaming
Caesars Interactive Entertainment has bought the rights to the World Series of Poker mobile app, which boasts 6 million downloads, according to a press release.
The app was previously owned by Electronic Arts. Caesars is purchasing the app in an effort to expand their presence in free-to-play social and mobile gaming. The app is available for download on Facebook, the Amazon Kindle, Android devices, and all IOS devices.
There has been a lot of talk among poker players about the legalization of online poker in the United States, which was made illegal after the justice department shut down popular online poker on Black Friday.
Caesars continues to lobby lawmakers in hopes to legalize online poker in the United States. However, despite their efforts, Senate majority leader Harry Reid finds it unlikely that anything will happen on the federal level.
“I felt for several months now that I don’t see any movement on this,” Reid said earlier this month. “I don’t see anything happening.”
Caesars is poised to launch real-money online poker in the near future in the state of Nevada.
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domain: news


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Sony’s Bullied Nikon Out of 2nd Spot in Camera Companies, Just Behind Canon
Nikon’s always been a big name in photography, but it seems that status is somewhat at risk as they fall short to Sony, who are making great strides with their full-frame and crop-sensor mirrorless cameras.
“Nikkei is reporting that Sony is projected to have overtaken Nikon in digital camera sales for this fiscal year. This comes on the heels of reports that the company is projecting a loss of $92 million, revised down from projections of a $110 million profit. Much of this bad news for the company has been attributed to their hesitancy to enter the mirrorless market, which allowed Sony a lot of time to jump ahead in market share and innovation.” (FStoppers)
It's a momentous shift in the photography market; Nikon were once synonymous with getting a camera. It was a choice between either Canon or Nikon if you wanted a good DSLR. With the market having shifted so rapidly with the introduction and advancement of mirrorless cameras and smartphone sensors improving year-on-year, it was only a matter of time, particularly given Nikon’s hesitation to break into the mirrorless market.
Interestingly, all three companies are trending downward – again, probably due to more casual photographers reaching for a smartphone instead, though that slope is expected to level out as the demand by professionals and enthusiasts continues. Sony has mentioned they intend to be #1 by 2021, and we won’t be shocked if they do indeed reach the top spot.


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Motorola has made the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 debut with its Motorola Edge X30 in December last year. This device took a few months but is now available across global markets as Motorola Edge 30 Pro, and Edge Plus 2022 in the United States. For some time, we believed that this would be the company’s flagship device for 2022. However, its place will soon be occupied by the Motorola Frontier which figures as a much more interesting device. In addition to that, the company will also introduce a vanilla Motorola Edge 30. Now, recent reports suggest that there will be many other devices. Including a Motorola Edge 30 Ultra.
Motorola Edge 30 Ultra
According to the leaked info, the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra will pack a 200 MP main camera, which is likely Samsung’s ISOCELL HP1. Coincidence or not, this is the same sensor coming with the Motorola Frontier. This suggests that “Frontier” is just the codename of a device that will carry Motorola Edge 30 Ultra. Given this device’s position way above the Pro, we assume that this is accurate. The phone will have the highest resolution camera of any smartphone and will also pack Optical Image Stabilization. The device will also bring a 50 MP ultrawide snapper, and a 12 MP telephoto camera with 2 x zoom. There is also a 60 MP selfie snapper.
Gizchina News of the week
According to the rumors, the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra will carry a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1+ SoC. This will be manufactured by TSMC and has significant performance increments. The phone comes in variants with 8 GB or 12 GB of LPDDR RAM. For storage purposes, there is also 128 GB and 256 GB of UFS 3.1 storage. The phone flaunts a 6.67-inch pOLED display with a 144 Hz refresh rate. Finally, it will draw its powers from a 4,500 mAh battery. A Lenovo executive has confirmed Motorola’s 125W charger a few days ago. So we can only conclude it will be ready for the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra.
Motorola Edge 30
In addition to the Ultra, there will be the vanilla Edge 30. The phone codenamed “Dubai” will carry the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+, and keeps the tradition of using SD700 series chips. It will bring a 6.55-inch Full HD+.
There is also a 50 MP main camera, a 50 MP ultrawide snapper, and a 2 MP depth shooter. For selfies and video calls, the phone brings a 32 MP shooter on the front. The phone draws its powers from a 4,020 mAh capacity.
After Dubai, there will be the Dubai+ model. This one will pack a mysterious MediaTek Dimensity MT6869 which is yet to go official. It will bring two Cortex-A78 cores and six A55 cores, plus a Mali-G79 GPU. This probably stands as the long-rumored Dimensity 7000. The phone will bring a massive 5,000 mAh battery and will have a stylus.
Edge 30 Lite
Finally, there will be a Motorola Edge 30 Lite which the “Miami” codename. This one has a compact 6.28-inch pOLED display with Full HD+ resolution and 120 Hz refresh rate. It has a modest 4,020 mAh battery. The goal here is to offer a compact and sleek experience, as the phone will measure less than 7 mm in thickness. Under the hood, the Motorola Edge 30 Lite will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 with up to 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of Internal Storage. As for the cameras, the device will bring a 64 MP + 13 MP dual setup on the back, and a single 13 MP camera on the front.


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The company has warned investors that the currency, which it wants to launch next year, may not ever get off the ground.
The news: In its quarterly report, Facebook reminded investors that the proposed currency, called Libra, is “based on new and unproven technology," adding that the legal environment surrounding digital currencies is “uncertain and evolving.” That could cause Libra to be delayed or even blocked, it said.
The backstory: Facebook revealed its ambitions for Libra a month and a half ago. Since then, it has faced skepticism and backlash from government bankers and politicians, who have criticized Facebook’s track record on privacy and warned that its plan to launch a private currency to billions of people could be risky.
Onward: During Facebook’s quarterly earnings call CEO Mark Zuckerberg struck an optimistic tone, affirming that the company will spend “however long it takes” to earn regulators’ approval before launching.
And a company spokesperson implied that the regulatory uncertainty around Libra and intense scrutiny of the project is part of the plan, telling CNBC: “Engaging with regulators, policymakers, and experts is critical to Libra’s success. This is the whole reason that Facebook, along with other members of the Libra Association, shared our plans early.”
Keep up with the fast-moving and sometimes baffling world of cryptocurrencies and blockchains with our weekly newsletter Chain Letter. Subscribe here. It’s free!
This startup wants to copy you into an embryo for organ harvesting
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Ending the covid pandemic might well require a vaccine that protects against any new strains. Researchers may have found a strategy that will work.
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A booming digital economy, given added fuel by a global pandemic, drove industrial property powerhouse Goodman Group to new heights in the first quarter of the 2021 financial year as demand for warehouse space surged around the world.
Led by Greg Goodman, the country's most valuable real estate investment trust grew its global development pipeline by 12 per cent over the quarter to $7.3 billion – up more than 70 per cent over the past 12 months – and reported a 98 per cent occupancy rate across its $51.7 billion of assets under management, with rents rising at almost 3 per cent a year.
As part of a first quarter trading update, Goodman also re-affirmed full year guidance of a 9 per cent rise in operating earnings per security to 62.7¢.
Goodman securities surged 3.7 per cent on the news to a new high of $19.63, valuing the trust at more than $36 billion. It's now three times more valuable than its nearest A-REIT rival, Westfield mall owner Scentre Group, whose market capitalisation has fallen to $12 billion amid the disruption hitting retail property due to the pandemic and the rise of online shopping.
With equity analysts at JPMorgan expecting Goodman's full-year earning per share growth to be closer to 12 per cent on "very good" development metrics, Goodman is on track to upgrade its full-year earnings guidance at the half-year mark, something it has done for the past six years.
"The numbers keep increasing, work-in-progress keeps increasing," Mr Goodman told The Australian Financial Review.
"Its being driven by the digital economy and the way people are living and working. Digital retail is having an impact on the services people want and it's given us good growth opportunities.
'You see it also in the numbers coming out from retailers and third-party logistics operators. There's lots of work and activity coming from convenience shopping in all its forms," Mr Goodman said.
Highlighting this trend, Woolworths, which has invested heavily in giant automated distribution centres alongside rival Coles, said it was struggling to keep up with the demand coming from online food sales, which are up 100 per cent across Australia this year.
"We're supply constrained not demand constrained," Woolworths chief executive Brad Banducci said this week.
While Goodman is heavily leveraged to the global economy – more than half of its portfolio is outside Australia and New Zealand – Mr Goodman said it was the big structural shifts occurring in retail rather than any political transitions that were driving its business and investment more broadly into industrial property.
"We're watching the structural trends all the time so that we will know how people will live and work in five years time.
"We're building into that demand, not following it."
In Australia, Goodman is working on a number of big projects, including a giant 200,000 square metre fulfilment centre for Amazon in Western Sydney and another for Amazon in Brisbane.
"Underlying demand is very good in and around the city environment. We're working on lot of good projects," Mr Goodman said.
He also praised Australia's handling of the pandemic.
"We're doing great job learning to live and manage it. Its a really good thing. [As a result] businesses are reorganising and recalibrating for new demand and we are seeing that in our business," he said.
Fetching latest articles


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News, notes and tidbits from the Toyota Hybrid World Tour
Read This Article
Yesterday, we reported that BMW and Toyota were debating semantics before wrapping up their talks and signing some pieces of paper with one another.
The 2014 Toyota Corolla may not break new ground, but it's destined to sell like crazy.
Toyota is against it, but there's a huge market for a posh people-mover


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The Supreme Court of South Korea upheld earlier rulings to suspend the Financial Services Commission’s restrictions on Samsung BioLogics, citing fear of irreparable damage to the company.
Samsung BioLogics shares on Wednesday jumped just shy of 4 percent to 339,000 won ($285).
The Supreme Court’s decision is in line with the earlier ruling from the High Court, which had declared at end-May, “If, according to the suggested restriction, an FSC-appointed auditor replaces top financial officer of Samsung BioLogics, the company will be branded as a firm that has committed accounting fraud even before a ruling is made on the case. This will significantly impair BioLogics’ corporate image and credibility.”
“This may cause Samsung BioLogics’ core partners and investors to halt or withdraw business, creating an incorrigible management crisis which damage will be too great to be compensated or recovered.”
The SFC had made two separate suggestions for restrictions against BioLogics.
The first suggested restrictions, dated July 12, 2018, said that, “Samsung BioLogics violated accounting standards by intentionally omitting information regarding its joint venture agreement with Biogen in its public disclosure.”
It requested BioLogics to dismiss executives in charge, designate external auditors for three years and called for prosecutorial involvement.
The SFC’s second suggested restrictions, dated Nov. 14, 2018, says “BioLogics intentionally violated accounting rules by changing the accounting treatment of its stake in Samsung Bioepis from book value to fair market value in 2015.”
It called for dismissal of BioLogics’ chief executive, a fine of 8 billion won and referral of the case to the prosecutors. BioLogics’ auditor Samjong KPMG was to be imposed a fine of 170 million won and banned from auditing the company for the next five years, while Deloitte Anjin was to be barred from auditing BioLogics for the next three years.
On Sept. 6, the Supreme Court finalized its decision to suspend FSC’s ruling on the second restriction, and on Friday it ruled on a suspension of the first restriction.
The prosecution meanwhile plans to indict BioLogics within the year.
If the company is found guilty through the prosecutorial investigation, the FSC ruling will once again take effect, however, if the company wins the suit, the suspended restrictions will dissipate.
By Lim Jeong-yeo (firstname.lastname@example.org


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Ocean Plaza helps wed Warriors Dec 8
(TYBEE ISLAND, GA ) Ocean Plaza Beach Resort on Tybee Island will participate in uniting 22 military couples in matrimony as part of Weddings for Warriors. The wedding ceremonies will take place on the beach in front of Ocean Plaza Resort on Wednesday, December 8 at 3 p.m. and the public is invited to attend. A memorial and private dinner reception will follow the ceremonies at Ocean Plaza’s Dolphin Reef Oceanfront Restaurant at 5:30 p.m.
This is the first time that Tybee Island has hosted a Weddings for Warriors event and the first time in the organization’s two-year history that all applying couples were chosen.
"We at the Ocean Plaza Beach Resort are very proud to have been selected to be a Weddings for Warriors wedding ceremony and reception site. It is our honor to support these fine service men and women and their loved ones who have sacrificed so much to serve our country and defend our freedom," says Harry Spirides, Chief Executive Officer of the Ocean Plaza Beach Resort. "This event is a good way for us all to show our gratitude to them. Weddings for Warriors is an extremely worthwhile event, and we look forward to hosting many more of them in the future."
The December 8 event is being held in conjunction with the Savannah Wedding Tourism Council. Weddings for Warriors provides the brides and grooms with photographers, hair and makeup artists, dresses and rehearsal dinners.
World famous wedding gown designer Alfred Angelo has donated 48 gowns for the Weddings For Warriors brides. The gowns, which the participating brides may keep, have a combined total value of $20,000 to $30,000. The brides are ecstatic when they find out that these beautiful gowns will become their own keepsakes.
For the week of the weddings, Ocean Plaza Resort will offer special hotel room rates for the couples and their families and friends while also reserving the Dolphin Reef Oceanfront Restaurant and Sports Bar for receptions.
Most of the participating warriors are returning from deployment and have recently served in combat operations in the Middle East.
For more information on Weddings for Warriors, visit www.weddingsforwarriors.com.
Whether it’s for weddings, business meetings or family vacations, Ocean Plaza Beach Resort offers a variety of packages and specials to customers. Ocean Plaza’s award-winning restaurant, The Dolphin Reef Oceanfront Restaurant and Sports Bar, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers a fusion of American, Southern and Caribbean cuisine. The resort stands with a history of more than 120 years of serving hospitality and is located on Tybee Island, about 20 minutes from historic downtown Savannah. For more information on this Weddings for Warriors event or Ocean Plaza Resort, call (912) 786-7777 ext. 500, email firstname.lastname@example.org or visit www.oceanplaza.com.


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The business climate in the Waste-to-Energy (WtE) industry is better than it has ever been since the first WtE industry barometer in 2012 – a survey that is annually conducted by consultancy ecoprog, with the support of operators association CEWEP. This years results are available as a free download on the CEWEP website.
The business climate in the Waste-to-Energy (WtE) industry is better than it has ever been since the first WtE industry barometer in 2012 - a survey that is annually conducted by consultancy ecoprog, with the support of operators association CEWEP. This years results are available as a free download on the CEWEP website.
For the WtE plant operators, the business climate has improved again over the previous year, reaching almost 50 points. The currently positive business situation remains at a very high level. More than 70% of the plant operators assess their business situation to be favourable, only 1% think it is negative. The second pillar of the business climate, business expectations, has again increased considerably when compared to 2017. About a third of the operators expect an even more positive development for the next 12 months.
The industrial WtE companies assess their current business situation to have improved significantly in the past 12 months. Almost 50% of the technology providers, engineers and suppliers think that their current business situation is positive - compared to less than one third in 2017. In the past months, the order situation has improved for more then 50% of the companies and not a single one reports a deteriorated situation. In terms of business expectations, the picture is twofold: while one half expects business to remain the same, the other half expects improvements.
The calculation of the 2018 WtE industry barometer was carried out according to a method developed by the ifo Institute. Additionally, we have asked questions about current developments - the responding WtE plant operators reported on their heat use and what they think about the effects of the Chinese waste import ban; the technology suppliers gave insight into their expectations for different market regions worldwide and for upcoming modernisations of European WtE plants.
Cologne-based consultancy ecoprog GmbH carries out the survey and the evaluation for the WtE industry barometer. The Confederation of European Waste-to-Energy Plants, CEWEP, is the European umbrella organisation for WtE plant operators, and supports the survey.
The WtE industry barometer is available as a free download at the CEWEP website (www.cewep.eu).


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-With a facial device like the LUNA 2 you can preserve your youth, achieve glowing skin and cleanse all at the same time-
Today, Swedish beauty tech brand FOREO announces that with a consistent and simple anti-aging skincare routine it doesn’t have to be this way amid Faceapp frenzy that is giving users a glimpse into their rather haggard looking futures. Especially with the regions intense summer, adopting good skin care regime is very crucial to maintain a wrinkle free youthful skin.
Dalia Fernandez, FOREO Product Development Manager says “In the last few days we have seen the Russian app go viral thanks to its ability to transform user’s faces using artificial intelligence and giving a glimpse into the future of their skin. Whilst this has produced some hilarious results, it’s safe to say that for most the future certainly doesn’t look bright and FOREO are here to reassure you that it doesn’t have to be that way. A simple anti-aging skincare routine can do wonders for your skin and help to preserve your youth.”
FOREO is the world’s fastest-growing beauty tech brand that has found success by blending years of skincare know-how with innovative technology to create game-changing products. The revolutionary LUNA 2 delivers enhanced T-Sonic™ facial cleansing and anti-wrinkle system designed to minimize the appearance of blemishes while effectively addressing concerns related to aging skin. With excessive sun exposure and heat, you are not only risk looking red and sore, but also increase your risk of skin cancer and premature ageing.
“From cleansing to anti-aging facial massage, the LUNA 2 has it all for clean, glowing and youthful skin,” says Fernandez. “There has never been a better time to invest in your skincare and with this product you are getting many benefits in one smart device that knows more about your skin than you do,” she continues.
Those who are horrified at the future that Faceapp has predicted can step up their skincare game and shop the LUNA 2 online on foreo.com and namshi.com or at Sephora, Harvey Nichols, Bloomingdale’s, Virgin Megastore, Dubai Duty Free as well as many other premium retail and online channels across the Middle East.


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Thieves caught lifting more than $1 million in vodka
- Liquor thieves stole over $1.1 million worth of Tsars Golden Vodka from a warehouse in Florida
- They showed up in the early hours of the morning and drilled a hole through the concrete wall of the warehouse without setting off any alarms
- They managed to get away with 725 cases of the vodka, valued at $250 a bottle
In a well-coordinated heist a group of thieves managed to steal $1.1 million worth of vodka from a Florida warehouse.
During the early hours of the morning, the burglars arrived in five cars, including a white Mercedes, and drilled a hole through the warehouse wall without setting off any alarms.
They stole 752 cases Tsar Golden Vodka, which at retail price is valued at anywhere from $250 to $300 a bottle, and in nightclubs sells for $1,200 a bottle.
Scroll down for video.
Liquor thieves stole 752 cases of Tsar Golden Vodka (pictured here) valued at close to $1.1 million from a warehouse in Florida
Tsar Golden Vodka is largely considered 'the newest Holy Grail for collectors and connoisseurs,' company President Mark Owens told CNN affiliate WSVN.
'We call it golden vodka for a reason,' he said. 'It's an amber color, a golden color. It's aged in cognac barrels for three years.'
The vodka is made in limited quantities in the Ukraine and is aged in old cognac barrels.
Tsars Golden Vodka is a highly prized collectors item and each bottle is valued at a retail price of $250-$300. Even the bottle is valuable, as the label is made out of 24-carat gold
In addition, the bottle itself is valuable, as they are made in France and adorned with a 24-carat gold label across the front.
The thieves were caught on the warehouse's CCTV arriving at 4:30AM in five separate vehicles, including a van, a car, a box truck, and a white Mercedes-Benz, according to a news report for NBC 6 South Florida.
All of the burglars caught on tape were wearing masks, according to WSVN.
The thieves arrived in 5 separate vehicles, including a white Mercedes-Benz (pictured here), that were caught on tape by the warehouse's CCTV
During the five hours that the cars were parked outside, a hole was drilled into one of the warehouse's concrete walls, right next to where the vodka was stored.
'I couldn't believe it at first, that they actually broke through a
concrete wall, ' Owens told the CNN affiliate. 'They obviously crawled through that hole and handed the
vodka out to their team,' he said.
Owens believes that the thieves came to the warehouse with the intention of stealing the vodka because they left other valuable items in storage waiting to clear customs, including precious metals, cars, and art, untouched, Market Wired reported.
The robbers pulled the cases out of the warehouses by drilling a hole through the outer concrete wall (the dark area patched over in this picture) without setting off the alarms
'They successfully broke a hole in
the wall right where the vodka's stored and didn't set off any alarms,
so it would appear that they knew right where the vodka was and right
where the alarms were,' he told the television station.
Though the vodka was insured, the bottles stolen are irreplaceable, WSVN reported.
The expensive vodka is only made in limited quantities in the Ukraine each year, and as they have become collectors items, heists like these, make them even harder to come by.
Tsar Golden Vodka company President Mark Owens told the media that he believed the thieves came to the customs warehouse with the explicit intention of stealing his product
Only 5,000 bottles are manufactured a year and vodka connoisseurs are already trying to place order for next years batch, according to Market Wired.
'These sorts of events put us in a difficult position where we deplete our limited stock unexpectedly,' Owens told Market Wired.
'We would like to advise our current clients that we will do everything in our power to meet existing orders and would ask our clients to report anyone trying to sell them our product outside of our normal distributors,' he said.
The thieves broke into the South Florida warehouse and stole several cases (like those pictured here) of the expensive vodka that is prized the world over
The expensive liquor has a long and storied history dating back to the 16th century, Market Wired reported.
The 500 year old recipe was originally commissioned by Tsar Ivan III for nobility to drink.
Today refined alcoholic pallets covet and store the sipping vodka in their private collections.
The heist's culprits are still at large and police are offering a $5,000 cash reward for any pertinent information leading to their arrest, NBC 6 reported.
Watch video here:
View more videos at: http://nbcmiami.com.
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Welcome to ALTR
Diamonds Disrupted: How Man-Made Diamonds Will Disrupt The Mined-Diamond Industry
The mined-diamond industry is mightily concerned that the rapidly growing man-made diamond industry is on a course to disrupt their business. At least that is the conclusion I draw from the Diamond Producers Association’s new marketing campaign “Real Is Rare.”
The DPA was organized in May 2015 by seven of the world’s leading diamond companies. Its new marketing efforts are backed up by a study conducted by KRC Research entitled What Women Really Want among 1,000 millennial-aged women (18-35 years).


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IOS four.3: A Breakdown of the Capabilities and Enhancements for the iPhone
by: Levi Little
An expansion of the four.two platform now lets consumers to use the MobileMe application and iOS four.three to wipe their iPhone (or iPod/iPad) or screen a message stating how to get their gadget back to them if they get rid of it. An even cooler element of this blend is the power to essentially track the device when it is on. The would be thief who forgets to flip it off can now be documented to the police and your cellphone can be recovered. The options are countless with this technologies. The potential getting a rather large brother impact of most likely monitoring all customers whereabouts. This is not as well far from what the looped type apps are already engaging in.
iOS four.three adds lots of other characteristics that are far more discrete than the ones explained earlier mentioned but with every single update, it appears like the iOS permits a consumer to be that a great deal much more pleased with their already groundbreaking devices. The up coming big upgrade will probable be iOS five. which will almost certainly release with the iPhone five.
New Apple iPhone five features and pricing will shock all of us. Whilst it is yet to be introduced and there is no official info about any distinct release date still, but there is unquestionably a lot of speculation about it. As for each the data, iPhone 5 is scheduled to be released in the summertime of 2011, coinciding with Apple’s old fashioned June-July and would release of new iPhone designs. As far as I’m worried, January 2011 also appears to be a wonderful release date. This can also enable Apple proper the antenna challenge evident in the recent iPhone four. They can also introduce one more model 4 with the rectification alternatively than waiting for fifth installment.
There are reviews that iPhone five will absolutely have an enhanced running system, (iOS five), which will have the capability to access 4G networks. It will also boast of highly rapidly processor (1.five GHz), enhanced battery everyday living which will have up to 14 hours of converse time on 3G and seven hrs on AG. The fifth-generation design will also have additional carriers apart from AT&T. Verizon is most most likely to be yet another career. Video chat on 3G and 4G networks will also be a reality, which is at present usable only on WiFi. The groundbreaking confront recognition technology and significant video clip resolution potential will also be…


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Subaru has been teasing their new WRX rally weapon/hoonmobile for a while now. But the wait is nearly over, we'll see the whole car next week at the LA Auto Show. But for now, here's a hoodscoop.
Now, there's only so much you can discern from a teaser shot. Here we have a hoodscoop, headlights, and a grille. It's also obviously based on the latest Impreza, which is a good thing since the last WRX was, how do you say, facially challenged. The Elephant Man of the all-wheel drive Japanese sedan world.
So what else do we expect? Well, Subaru says they've never built anything like this before. But I'm willing to bet that's marketing speak and it'll be an all-wheel drive turbo boxer four with a manual trans. And probably a double clutch too because one clutch is for losers.
We'll let you know the skinny next week.


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Round-Up - CAGNY 2011
Investors in the US have been congregating in Florida this week for the annual CAGNY conference. Here, just-drinks brings you coverage of what drinks firms have been saying in their presentations.
Coca-Cola Enterprises has used the CAGNY investment conference in Florida to reiterate its full-year earnings outlook and set out its growth plans for 2011.
Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) is better protected against rising commodity costs in Europe than UK soft drinks firm Britvic, analysts have said.
PepsiCo has used the CAGNY investment conference in Florida to emphasise the benefits of its acquisition of Russian dairy business Wimm-Bill-Dann, with one executive labelling the deal a "slam dunk".
Campbell Soup Co is to expand its presence in soft drinks with a raft of product launches in the second half the of the year.
The Coca-Cola Co has said that it remains optimistic about the North American soft drinks market, during a presentation to analysts at the CAGNY conference.
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- Rabobank warns of "mountainous task" for Scotch


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Former Victoria's Secret Angel Helena Christensen heads out make-up free as new roster of models take to the catwalk
She is one of the lingerie giant's iconic Angels.
And as the new roster of supermodels took to the catwalk for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on Wednesday, Helena Christensen was enjoying a low-key day.
Make-up free, the supermodel hid under her hooded parka as she braced the freezing Manhattan conditions.
Low-key day: Make-up free Helena Chistensen enjoyed a low-key day in Manhattan on Wednesday
It has started snowing in the East Coast City with another far less severe storm, following Sandy last week, on it's way.
The 43-year-old, who looked somewhat exhausted while leaving popular food store Citarella in Greenwich village, toted two shopping bags in her hands.
Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that she had just caught a long haul flight home from Belgium, where she had attended a book launch the day before.
The supermodel kept warm in a grey knitted skirt with black opaque stockings underneath.
Iconic: Helena, seen on the catwalk in the third ever Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 1997, left. Erin Heatherton walks on the catwalk for the lingerie giant in 2011, right
Picking up lunch: The 43-year-old, who looked somewhat exhausted while leaving popular food store Citarella in Greenwich village, toted two shopping bags in her hands
She trudged around in black leather ankle boots and kept the wind off her neck with a striped scarf.
Her appearance was a far cry different for the day before when she attended the New Black launch at Maasmechelen Village in Belgium on Tuesday wearing sultry red lipstick.
The stand-out colour was a nice contrast to the all-black ensemble that the Danish star had decided to wear.
Helena highlighted her slender frame in the long-sleeved dress that featured lace detailing across the shoulders.
Down time: Her appearance was a far cry different for the day before when she attended the New Black launch at Maasmechelen Village in Belgium on Tuesday wearing sultry red lipstick
Ensuring she didn't feel the cold, the mother-of-one teamed the garment with black opaque tights and pointed kitten heels.
She was sporting bright pink nail varnish and spent time posing for the cameras with her arms folded.
Christensen was also carrying a white printed canvas bag to promote the launch, but it wasn't long before she was checking on her make-up.
Gorgeous: The stand out colour was a nice contrast to the all-black lace ensemble that the Danish star had decided to wear
Standing next to her bright red handbag, Christensen topped up her eyeshadow using a NARS cosmetic kit that featured a compact mirror.
Clearly feeling a bit chilly, the leggy star then decided to cover up in a grey Fred Perry cardigan as she played with her hair.
Helena was one of Victoria's Secret's signature Angels, along with Tyra Banks, Karen Mulder, Daniela Pestova, and Stephanie Seymour.
She walked in the Fashion show for the company several times in the Nineties.
Keeping warm: Clearly feeling a bit chilly, the leggy star then decided to cover up in a grey Fred Perry cardigan as she played with her hair
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Stratasys Reports Q4 Earnings; Shares Fall
Stratasys (NASDAQ: SSYS) reported its earnings before the market opened on Monday. Shares of the 3D maker were down in excess of $3.50, but are showing signs of a recovery. Shares of 3D Systems (NYSE: DDD) and the ExOne Company (NASDAQ: XONE) are also down 1.92 and 2.38 percent ,respectively.
Stratasys is continuing to show growth that every investor would like to see. For the fourth-quarter, the MakerBot Company reported adjusted-diluted EPS of $0.50, up $0.10 year-over-year. For the entire year, Stratasys reported EPS of $1.84, compared to $1.49 a year earlier.
Revenue also jumped, as they reported a 155.8 million in non-GAAP revenues, up from $96.4 million year-over-year. For the entire year, revenue was reported at $486.72 million.
Guidance was fairly well, as the company announced that it expects full-year guidance to be $660 to $680 million, with an EPS of $2.15 to $2.25. The company also announced that it expects organic sales to rise by a minimum of 25 percent, and expects its MakerBot line to increase even more.
This is what the CEO David Reis had to say about the fourth-quarter's performance:
"Our fourth quarter results reflect the ongoing realization of revenue synergies from the Stratasys-Objet merger, as well as the rapidly growing demand for additive manufacturing and 3D printing solutions we are observing worldwide, We experienced strong organic growth driven by demand across multiple product lines, as well as an impressive contribution from MakerBot. In addition, a favorable product mix benefited margins, and helped contribute to our record profits. We are very pleased with our fourth quarter and overall annual results."
The bad news in this earnings report was that operating expenses are going up dramatically, as the company invests more in increasing its sales, research and development. Capital spending is also expected to increase anywhere from $50 million to $70 million.
© 2017 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.


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The ISM Report on Business showed economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanding in November for the third month in a row. The PMI, which covers manufacturing activity for the entire United States, rose to 53.2 percent from 51.9 in October.
New orders increased by 0.9 points to 53 percent and production rose 1.4 percentage points to 56 percent, both growing in the past three months.
The employment index decreased by 0.6 points to an index reading of 52.3, still indicating expanding employment levels although at a slower rate.
Supplier deliveries were slower in November and backlogs contracted for the fifth consecutive month.
The raw materials inventory index rose 1.5 percentage points to 49 percent for a seventeenth month in contraction. Customer inventories were considered too low for the second month in a row at an index reading of 49.5 percent.
Raw material prices increased for the ninth month. The price index for raw materials registered 54.5 percent, the same as in October.
New export orders continued to grow, registering an index reading of 42 percent in November, down 0.5 percent from October. The import index slipped 1.5 percentage points last month but at 50.5 percent was still an indicator of expansion for imports. Interestingly, Fabricated Metals and Machinery indicated growth in both import and export orders.
Respondents to the Institute for Supply Management survey had the following comments:
- “Raw materials have been rather flat. Ramping up for year-end and reducing inventory is main supply chain goal at this time.” (Chemical Products)
- “Heading into 2017, our business levels look pretty consistent compared to 2016.” (Primary Metals)
- “New spec buildings going up in our area. Local companies adding additional production space which equates to higher employment.” (Machinery)
- “Business conditions are good. Labor market is tightening such that it is difficult to staff to completely fulfill production demand.” (Miscellaneous Manufacturing)
- “2017 is looking to be a very busy year.” (Fabricated Metal Products)
Below is a graph showing the history of the ISM Manufacturing Index. You will need to view the graph on our website to use its interactive features, you can do so by clicking here. If you need assistance logging into or navigating the website, please contact our office at 800-432-3475 or firstname.lastname@example.org.
Sandy WilliamsRead more from Sandy Williams
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“Avoiding online fraud can seem like a tricky proposition especially during the holiday shopping season,” said Wei Li, Ph.D., who helped develop these tips with information security expert and professor Gurvirender Tejay, Ph.D.
Fort Lauderdale-Davie, Fla. (PRWEB) November 25, 2014
For some, hitting the malls during the Thanksgiving holiday is as traditional as turkey, gravy, green bean casserole and the Macy's Parade. For others, skipping the brick-and-mortar stores and heading online for Cyber Monday is the way they start their holiday shopping season.
For those online shoppers, Nova Southeastern University has some tips and information to help keep you safe in cyberspace as you buy this year’s perfect gift. Shopping online can be fun and convenient, but there are a few pitfalls that come with the experience as well.
“With the significant increases in data breaches, phishing attacks are going to be more sophisticated this holiday season,” said Yair Levy, Ph.D., professor of Information Systems and Cybersecurity at Nova Southeastern University’s (NSU)’s Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences.
Levy pointed to something online criminals are doing more and more – stealing information from companies, then using it to send phishing e-mails to individuals that look legitimate because they contain personal information. It’s when you click on suspect links in such e-mails that you fall victim to their trap. Levy said consumers must be especially vigilant this time of year and avoid clicking on links contained in any suspect e-mail.
NSU doesn’t want you to become a victim while shopping online this holiday season. Instead, stay ahead of would-be Internet crooks by following these steps to stay safe during online interactions:
Open sesame is not so good. Use a combination of alphanumeric and pass phrases to create strong passwords that are difficult to guess or break. Do not record passwords in accessible spaces such as your desk drawer. If you want to store the password on your computer, do encrypt that file using encryption software from a recognized vendor. Do not share your password, secret code, or answer to the secret question with anyone. Finally, remember to change your passwords on a quarterly basis.
No independent second life. Be aware that your virtual life is not separate from your real life. Any data provided on social networking websites (e-mails, chats, blogs) leaves an electronic trail and has the potential to be viewed by other users. So, practice prudent posting and create usernames or e-mail addresses that do not contain any information that is directly traceable to you. Don’t forget that even if you delete the information, the data may still exist.
Look for the "lock" for trusted websites before engaging in any online transaction. The small “lock” icon in your web browser will tell you whether the transactions are encrypted or not. Also, secure websites usually have an address starting with "https" instead of "http". Finally, check the site you are visiting for webseals of approval such as BBBOnline, Truste, WebTrust, and Verisign. These webseals are awarded to merchants who abide by information security and privacy guidelines outlined by the government and industry groups.
I am not the weakest link. With a little caution and awareness, an individual can serve as the strongest defense against social engineering attacks. These attacks involve tricking people to divulge confidential or private information to perpetrate a computer crime. Be prepared to say NO. For example, if you get a call claiming to be from your bank technology support, do not provide any confidential information (such as account number or password) at that time. Instead, call back using the phone number from your records. Social engineering attacks may also be carried out using emails or automated software programs. Always check the source of any e-mail or automated program.
Not so private computers. Be careful while using a public computer or wireless networks including Wi-Fi hotspots. While using computers provided in the library or at an Internet café, do not allow automatic log-on or the option to remember your username and password. If you’re using a mobile device, it is always recommended to use your own data plan to gain access without the need to "agree" for the terms when accessing free Wi-Fi, as by clicking on that "agree", it can download a malware to the mobile device. Also, don’t forget to delete visiting history, cache and cookies after use. Avoid online financial transactions while using public wireless networks.
E-mail safe sense. Do not open or click on any suspicious e-mail. Make it a habit to never fill out forms or provide information through links provided in an e-mail, instead go directly to the website of the merchant by typing the web address and then fill out the online form if necessary. Use encryption when sharing sensitive personal information online.
“Avoiding online fraud can seem like a tricky proposition especially during the holiday shopping season,” said Wei Li, Ph.D., who helped develop these tips with information security expert and professor Gurvirender Tejay, Ph.D. “Criminals develop new scams every day, but with a few simple safety precautions you can greatly reduce the likelihood that you will fall victim to an Internet crime.”
About NSU’s Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences (GSCIS): The GSCIS provides educational programs of distinction to prepare students for leadership roles in the computer and information sciences field. With internationally recognized faculty, innovative curricula, and flexible online and campus-based formats for its five Master of Science, three Ph.D. and two certificate programs – the GSCIS’s graduates are sought after around the world. Designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education, their information assurance curriculum is recognized by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. For more information, please visit http://www.nova.edu/scis
About Nova Southeastern University: Situated on 314 beautiful acres in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is a dynamic research institution dedicated to providing high-quality educational programs at all levels. NSU is an independent, not-for-profit institution with 26,000 students at campuses in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Palm Beach and Tampa, Florida as well as San Juan, Puerto Rico. NSU awards associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, doctoral and first-professional degrees in a wide range of fields. NSU is classified as a research university with “high research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and it is one of only 37 universities nationwide to also be awarded Carnegie’s Community Engagement Classification. For more information, please visit http://www.nova.edu Celebrating 50 years of academic excellence!


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Category: News ArchiveHits: 1012
The Kickstarter campaign for Night Dive Studios' remake of System Shock continues to impress, as it has already raised $618,671 one day after its launch. Partly to celebrate the occasion and partly to reply to several questions and concerns from backers, the developers have released the first update for it, with words on possible additional platforms, an update for the demo, and the promised additional "RPG elements."
If you're hoping for a PS4 release of this reimagining of System Shock or ran into a bug while playing the demo that was released yesterday, it looks like you're in the luck:
Platforms: We've been listening to your requests and have started discussions with Sony regarding a PS4 release - at this stage we can't confirm System Shock on PS4, but we will follow up with an announcement in the near future with more details.
The Demo: Thanks to everyone who has downloaded and played our demo - also thanks to those of you who have been sending us crash/bug reports. We're planning an update early next week that will fix various issues and bugs you've encountered while adding in a few additional features for you to experiment with.
RPG Elements: We're aware of the discussions going on and while there is still plenty of design work to do, we have the best intentions in mind of making a game that will both challenge the player, while still staying true to what people loved about System Shock.


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Walking Dead and The Unfinished Swan also multiple award winners…
Avalanche Studios founder gleefully Instagrams familiar fellow...
Sony has revealed some trippy
incentives for PlayStation Plus members, including a free copy Sly
Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus HD and early access to thatgamecompany's desert-crawling odyssey...
What games did Americans purchase when the holidays rolled around? We've got the results inside...
Proving that President Obama is just like his normal constituents, the Commander in Chief went to Best Buy today and bought some videogames for his kids. Though it's not exactly the choice we would have made...
Ubisoft has released details on the games it'll be showing at its E3 presentation this year. With 2011 marking the company's 25th anniversary (which of course you knew, as it's marked on all major calendars) the company touts the presentation as one of its biggest yet. Updates to popular series include the third Call of Juarez, two-point-third Assassin's Creed and Rayman Origins – the latter of which, presumably, will feature the scene young fans have dreaded for years in which the loveable hero's missing limbs are at last explained...
As part of its Tokyo Game Show presence Sony has produced a set of new screens for all of its forthcoming titles.
Oct 18, 2007
According to the Entertainment Software Association's 2006 report, 38 percent of gamers are females. These numbers are down from 2005, when the fairer sex reportedly accounted for 43 percent of the pie.
It seems that gaming continues to be a mostly male affair, so what's the best way to penetrate this demographic? Judging by the sex-filled ads we've seen over the years, it looks like the best way to a young man's wallet has - and always will be - through his pants. Read on and
Aaron Rigby, producer on the upcoming Jackass game, has given a short Q&A that touches on what we can expect from the PS2 and PSP bone-breaker.
Where did the inspiration come from for the game?
Aaron Rigby: The original series was the biggest inspiration. It was just crazy and creative. The way the Jackass crew had the show set up gave us the opportunity to draw from a huge amount of stunts.
Is the game based in actual sketches or are they completely new?
Rigby: Nearly every stunt is
The funny thing about inventing a genre of videogames is that, until it becomes completely played out, every game that emulates your formula is going to be attached to your name. Games that feature a wide-open, freely explorable world, for example, will have a hard time avoiding the label of "Grand Theft Auto clone," especially if their worlds are littered with vehicles to steal and drive.
In the six years since Grand Theft Auto III, a slew of games have tried to become "the next GTA," but so


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Readmill, an independent social reading platform has been acquired by Dropbox, which has announced that it will shut down the service.
Three years ago Readmill launched as a beautiful reading experience and soon after rolled out iOS and Android versions of its platform.
Users would write about ebooks and discuss their favorite passages from across the world. They could also highlight text and create extracts, which could be shared with friends.
Previously Readmill raised a $385,000 seed round from Index Ventures, and Passion Capital, and an undisclosed Series A round from Wellington Partners and existing investors.
“As of today, it is no longer possible to create a new account, and on July 1, 2014, the Readmill app will no longer be available,” wrote David Kjelkerud and Henrik Berggren, the two co-founders of Readmill.
For the time being, users can download their ebooks and export their reading data.
The team at Readmill will be joining Dropbox, where their expertise in reading, collaboration, and syncing across devices will be put to use.
“Millions of people use Dropbox to store and share their digital lives, and we believe it’s a strong foundation on which to build the future of reading,” wrote the founders.
[Photo Credit: DesignYouTrust]


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It wasn't so long ago that it was common (and legal) to let children frolic in the back of cars without seat belts. Now, with the kids required to be secured, a wave of products is hitting the market aimed at restraining people's pets.
The idea is that a restraint can protect the the animal and the driver. Products range from $20 canine seat belts with lambswool padding that wraps around a dog's chest to $65 car seats that look more appropriate for a toddler than a mutt. Back-seat pet "hammocks" are another variation. And one company introduced a pack for driving around with a bird.
With names such as Cozy Car-Go and Four Paws Safety Seat Vest Harness, the restraints are partly an effort to capitalize on Americans' desire to pamper their pets. But there are also concerns that unrestrained animals can distract a driver or, in an accident, be thrown forward and injure someone in the front.
While there is little data on the danger of loose pets in cars, research suggests that an unbelted person seated behind the driver can hit the driver, significantly increasing his or her risk of death. One study, by the State University of New York at Buffalo's Center for Transportation Injury Research, looked at nearly 300,000 fatal crashes over seven years. It found the odds of death are three times higher for drivers when people seated behind them aren't restrained.
If an accident occurs with an animal loose in the back of the car, "it's exactly the same phenomenon," says Dietrich Jehle, associate professor of emergency medicine at SUNY Buffalo.
Suzanne Rutte bought a restraint harness for Sasha, her 55-pound chow-shepherd mix, but had so much trouble making it work, she abandoned it. "I could never figure out which side was up," says Rutte, who works in human resources for retailer Petco Animal Supplies Inc.
Rutte says her dog was cooperative, but that isn't always the case. "There are dogs that don't like harnesses at all," says Carl Goldberg, inventor of Ruff Rider Roadie, a $30 harness. Goldberg, who developed the product after seeing his dog go flying into his car windshield when the brakes were slammed (the dog was fine), suggests taking a pet for walks in the device to get it used to the feel. The Ruff Rider Roadie fits around a dog's chest and attaches to a car's seat-belt system, allowing the dog to sit and lie down.
Some cities are starting to require animals to be restrained while riding in certain vehicles. Santa Fe has passed a law requiring animals in a pickup bed be restrained so they can't fall or jump.
In the last three years, Petco has more than doubled the number of auto accessories it carries.
Global Pet Products Inc. does a brisk business with its Pet Stow-Away--a car seat for pets that doubles as a bed and suitcase. It introduced a car seat dubbed Cozy Car-Go that looks like a child's. It recently added two more sizes to its line of Pet Wheel Away devices (a pet car seat and carrier that can be pulled on wheels).
Even some automakers are selling pet accessories. Volvo offers a pet and cargo carrier as an accessory for the V70 and XC70 wagons. It is essentially a metal-mesh partition that fits within holes in the cargo compartment. Cost: $230. Saab offers a line of gear for several model cars including a $25 safety strap that clips to a dog's harness.
The bird-toting backpack that went on sale in October is from a company called Style Living Corp. in Brooklyn, N.Y. Cost of the Celltei Pak-o-Bird: $90 to $170 depending on size.
Most of these products haven't been crash tested. Some are designed primarily to keep the animal under control while riding in the car, and some are more restrictive than others. The car seats tend to contain the animal in one spot, while other devices allow pets to roam around the vehicle. For example, Global Pet Products' $66 BackSeat Hammock aims to keep a large dog or multiple small dogs in the backseat without tying them down.
Rutte, owner of Sasha, the chow-shepherd mix, now uses the Four Paws Safety Seat Vest Harness, that is easier for her to put on her dog. One advantage: Sasha no longer can breathe in her face while she is driving. "Not having that is a blessing," she says.
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Petpourri of products
An array of new seat belts, car seats and safety straps are cropping up to keep pets restrained and out of mischief while going mobile. A sampling:
- BackSeat Hammock, Price: $66. Keeps pet in the backseat and prevents it from tumbling to the floor.
- Cozy Car-Go, Price: $56. A car seat available on globalpetproducts.com that accommodates pets up to 25 pounds.
- Volvo Pet Carrier, Price: $230. A metal partition that fits in the back of the V70 and XC70 wagons.
- Celltei Pak-o-Bird, Price: $90 to $170 depending on size. Sold on celltei.com in sandy gold and olive.
-- The Wall Street Journal


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Dubai Duty Free Will Now Accept Indian Currency; Dominance Of USD, Euro Ends
Dubai Duty Free (DDF) is one of the biggest, most profitable travel retail operators in the world, with a sales turnover of more than $2 billion last year.
They run duty free operations in Dubai airport, and till now, travelers and shoppers from India had to convert INR into USD or Euro/Dirham (or 16 other currencies) to be able to do shopping.
But not anymore.
From now on, Indian currency will be accepted across Dubai Duty Free, which means that Indian shoppers need not convert rupees into any other currency.
This is a big win for Indian rupees, and makes it a formidable force to reckon with.
Dubai Duty Free Will Accept Indian Currency
Dubai Duty Free has announced that from now on, they will accept Indian currency as a legitimate currency for shopping.
A spokesperson from Dubai Duty Free said, “Yes, we have started accepting the Indian rupee,”
More than 90 million passengers passed through Dubai airports last year, and out of them, 12 million are Indians: This is a crucial decision taken by the management of DDF, since it will now help more Indians to shop seamlessly.
This also means that dependence on currencies such as the dollar and euro has now ended.
Which Currencies Are Now Accepted At Dubai Duty Free?
INR becomes the 17th currency to be accepted inside Dubai Duty Free shopping complex.
These are the currencies which are now accepted there: US Dollars, Euro, Sterling Pounds, Kuwait Dinars, Singapore Dollars, Qatar Riyals, Saudi Riyals, Omani Riyals, Bahrain Dinars, Hong Kong Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Australian Dollar, Swiss Francs, Malaysian Ringgit, Chinese Yuan and Scottish Pound.
However, USD and Euro are the main currencies, besides Dirham which most of the passengers used till now.
But now, since INR will be accepted, shopping experience for Indians can become seamless.
Moreover, Indians will also save a considerable amount of time, in currency exchange fees.
Why Dubai Duty Free Is An Important Shopping Destination
Dubai Duty Free was founded in 1983, and instantly became the world’s one of the most preferred international shopping destination.
Out of 90 million passengers, who visited Dubai airport and subsequently Dubai Duty Free last year, 12 million were Indians, and they accounted for 18% of all shopping done.
Spread over 38,000 sq feet, Dubai Duty Free employs 6000 employees from 47 countries. Indians account for the second-largest nation in terms of employees.
Dubai Duty Free is present across three terminals of Dubai International Airport and at Al Maktoum Airport.


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Click here to order the October 2013 issue in which this article appeared.
Nu Skin Enterprises Inc.
Nu Skin Enterprises Inc. (NUS—NYSE), a global anti-aging company, announced record second quarter results with revenue of $682.9 million, a 15 percent increase over the prior-year period. Revenue for the quarter was negatively impacted 3 percent by foreign currency fluctuations. Quarterly earnings per share increased 30 percent to $1.22 from 94 cents in the prior year.
In Greater China, second quarter revenue increased 35 percent to $269.1 million, compared to $199.7 million in the prior year, which included approximately $100 million in product launch revenue. Revenue in North Asia was $196.8 million, compared to $177.7 million for the same period of 2012. South Asia/Pacific had revenue of $85.9 million, a 13 percent decline compared to the prior year. Revenue in the prior year included approximately $40 million in product launch sales. Revenue in the Americas improved 17 percent to $84.3 million, compared to $71.8 million in the prior-year period. In the EMEA region, revenue was $46.8 million, a 2 percent improvement over the prior-year period.
The company’s operating margin was 16.8 percent for the quarter, compared to 16.5 percent, while gross margin was 83.7 percent, compared to 83.9 percent in the prior year.
Nu Skin also announced that its board of directors has authorized a $400 million extension to the company’s existing stock repurchase authorization. The board last increased the stock repurchase authorization by $250 million in May 2012.
The board of directors has also declared a quarterly dividend of 30 cents per share, which was payable on Sept. 11, 2013, to stockholders of record on Aug. 23, 2013.
Mannatech Inc. (MTEX—NASDAQ), a developer and provider of nutritional supplements and skincare products based on Real Food Technology® solutions, reported a net income of $0.8 million, or 30 cents per diluted share, for the second quarter ending June 30, 2013, as compared to a net loss of $2.5 million, or 93 cents per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2012. Net sales for the second quarter of 2013 were $44.8 million, an increase of 2.7 percent as compared to $43.6 million in the second quarter of 2012.
Net sales for North America declined 6.6 percent to $21.3 million as compared to $22.8 million in the second quarter of 2012. Net sales for Asia/Pacific increased 17.1 percent to $19.9 million as compared to $17.0 million in the second quarter 2012 due to an increase in the number of active associates. Net sales for Europe, the Middle East and Africa declined 5.2 percent to $3.6 million as compared to $3.8 million in the second quarter of 2012. This decline was due to the unfavorable impact on net sales of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
Medifast Inc. (MED—NYSE), a U.S. manufacturer and provider of clinically proven, portion-controlled weight-loss products and programs, reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2013.
For the second quarter, Medifast net revenue increased 4 percent to $97.1 million from net revenue of $93.6 million in the second quarter of 2012.
Revenue in the direct sales channel, Take Shape For Life, increased 10 percent to $61.4 million in the second quarter of 2013, compared to $55.7 million in the same period last year. Growth in revenue for Take Shape For Life was driven by increased customer product sales and improvements in the company’s pricing and discounting structure.
Gross profit for the second quarter of 2013 increased 4 percent to $72.9 million, compared to $70.1 million in the second quarter of the prior year. The company’s gross profit margin increased 10 basis points to 75.1 percent in the second quarter, versus 75.0 percent in the second quarter of 2012.
Operating income was $10.6 million, or 11.0 percent of net revenue, compared to $4.6 million, or 4.9 percent of net revenue in the second quarter of 2012. Excluding the previously disclosed FTC charge in the second quarter of 2012, operating income increased $2.3 million or 210 basis points. Operating income for the second quarter of 2012 would have been $8.3 million or 8.9 percent of net revenue excluding the one-time expense.
Net income was $7.1 million, or 51 cents per diluted share, based on approximately 14.0 million shares outstanding, compared to net income last year of $2.8 million, or 20 cents per diluted share. Excluding the FTC charge, net income in the second quarter of 2012 would have been $6.5 million, or 47 cents per diluted share.
Nature’s Sunshine Products Inc.
Nature’s Sunshine Products Inc. (NSP) (NATR—NASDAQ), a natural health and wellness company, reported its consolidated financial results for the second quarter.
For the second quarter of 2013, net sales were $93.7 million, compared with $93.0 million in the same quarter a year ago, an increase of 0.7 percent, and net sales increased 1.4 percent in local currencies.
Operating income was $7.8 million, compared with $10.3 million in the same quarter a year ago, a decrease of 24.2 percent.
Adjusted EBITDA was $9.7 million, compared with $11.9 million in the same quarter a year ago, a decrease of 18.8 percent.
Net income was $6.1 million, compared with $7.3 million in the same quarter a year ago, a decrease of 16.9 percent. Basic and diluted net income per share was 38 cents, compared to 47 cents and 46 cents, respectively, for the same quarter a year ago.
Cash and cash equivalents of $87.3 million were a record high, up from $79.2 million at Dec. 31, 2012.
Net sales in NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe were $53.4 million, compared with $53.5 million in the same quarter a year ago, a decrease of 0.2 percent. In local currencies, net sales increased by 0.7 percent compared to the same quarter a year ago.
Net sales in NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe were $15.0 million, compared with $13.2 million in the same quarter a year ago, an increase of 13.4 percent. Net sales increased year-over-year for the third consecutive quarter.
Synergy WorldWide net sales were $25.3 million, compared with $26.2 million in the same quarter a year ago, a decrease of 3.7 percent.
The company’s board of directors declared a special one-time cash dividend of $1.50 per share in addition to its recurring quarterly cash dividend of 10 cents per share, payable on Aug. 29, 2013, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on Aug. 19, 2013. The amount of the cash dividends was expected to be approximately $25.6 million. In addition, the board of directors authorized a $10 million share repurchase program to be implemented over two years.
The special one-time cash dividend and share repurchase program is due to the company’s strong cash flow and its record high quarter-end cash balance of $87.3 million.
Relìv International Inc.
Relìv International Inc. (RELV—NASDAQ), a maker of nutritional supplements that promote optimal health, reported its financial results for the second quarter of 2013.
Net sales for the quarter were $15.4 million, an 8.1 percent decrease from the second quarter last year. Net U.S. sales totaled $11.8 million, down from second quarter 2012 net sales of $12.9 million. Net sales outside of the United States declined 6.3 percent in the second quarter of 2013, compared to the prior year quarter as net sales declined by 46.5 percent in Asia, offset by sales increases of 12.6 percent in Europe and 9.2 percent in Australia/New Zealand.
The net loss for the second quarter of 2013 was ($214,000) or (2 cents) per diluted share, compared to net income of $103,000 or 1 cent per diluted share in the 2012 second quarter.
Net sales in Europe increased to $1.96 million in the second quarter of 2013, compared to $1.74 in the prior-year second quarter.
Australia/New Zealand increased net sales to $524,000 in the second quarter of 2013, compared to $480,000 in the same quarter in 2012.
ForeverGreen Worldwide Corp.
ForeverGreen Worldwide Corp. (FVRG—OTC.BB), a provider of nutritional foods and other healthy products, announced Q2 2013 earnings, for the quarter ended June 30, 2013.
Sales increased to $4.01 million from $3.12 million for Q2 2012, a 28.4 percent increase. Net loss for the quarter was $5,383 or zero cents EPS versus a net loss of $38,772 or zero cents EPS during the comparable period during 2012. Operating Income increased to $92,653 or 1 cent, compared to $21,389 or zero cents EPS during Q2 2012. Net cash provided by operating activities for Q2 2013 was $205,716. Cash increased to $224,051 from $191,187 on March 31, 2013.
Blyth Inc. (BTH—NYSE), a designer and marketer of health and wellness products, candles and accessories for the home, announced that it has declared a semiannual dividend of 10 cents per share on the company’s common stock for the six months ended June 30, 2013. The semiannual dividend, authorized at the Aug. 8, 2013, board of directors meeting, will be payable to shareholders of record as of Oct. 1, 2013, and will be paid on Oct. 15, 2013.
Blyth Inc., headquartered in Greenwich, Conn., is a direct to consumer business focused on the direct selling and direct marketing channels.
Direct Selling News has accumulated this information from public sources, including press releases and SEC filings. The information is presumed accurate and reliable. However, it is not an endorsement of any investment opportunity. Proper and considerable due diligence should be completed before making any investment.


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Best Buy and Future Shop are consolidating as Best Buy. This means the products, services, and features you have come to expect from Future Shop and FutureShop.ca will now be available at Best Buy and BestBuy.ca. We have plans to invest up to $200 million to build a leading multi-channel customer experience on the Best Buy brand.
Have a question about technology? Join the Best Buy Plug-in Community to have it answered!
Last week was busy, this week less so. Yet there still was news, including a severe Facebook outage and a Twitter hack...
Big news for Apple and Apple investors: The iPad is the highest-scoring product that a leading consumer satisfaction index has ever tracked.
The implication here is that the iPad's popularity may well have real staying power heading into the all-important holiday quarter.
Apple exploring shrunken audio jacks for even smaller iPods
In its continuous pursuit to create smaller, more compact devices, Apple has shown interest in creating headphone jacks for iPods and iPhones that will take up even less space inside a device.
A new patent application from Apple was revealed this week by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and discovered by AppleInsider. Entitled "Audio Jack with Pogo Pins for Conductive Contacts," it describes an audio headphone jack that depends on deflectable Pogo pins to conserve space.
...if you want to keep up just with what’s new (or even just what Google does besides search), you’ll want to know about Google New. A few of us had a 20 percent project idea: create a single destination called Google New where people could find the latest product and feature launches from Google. It’s designed to pull in just those posts from various blogs. We hope it helps you find something useful you’ve never tried before.
So, did I miss anything? What online story really got you going this week? Link to it in the comments!


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THE next major iPhone update is right around the corner, bringing what promises to be a host of handy new features.
Due for release worldwide this month, iOS 14.5 is expected to add a new way to unlock your mobile as well as major upgrades to Apple Maps.
- Read all the latest Phones & Gadgets news
- Keep up-to-date on Apple stories
- Get the latest on Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram
What is iOS 14.5 and when is it out?
Apple periodically releases software updates for iOS, the operating system that powers iPhones around the globe.
As well as bug fixes and the patching of security holes, the downloads add new features that Apple's engineers have been working on.
The latest major update is iOS 14.5.
App developers have been testing an early "beta" version of the software since February, meaning we already know plenty of its upcoming features.
It's unclear precisely when Apple plans to release the update to general users, though it's heavily rumoured to be rolling out sometime in April.
Read on for some of the headline features coming to an iPhone near you in the coming weeks.
Of course, to make the most of iOS 14.5, you'll need to download it once it's been released by Apple.
The Cupertino firm will send a notification once the update is ready. To get it, head to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone.
Unlock iPhone while wearing a mask
One upgrade coming to iOS 14.5 is new way to unlock your iPhone while wearing a face covering.
The feature is a clever way to get around now commonly-worn masks – which typically scupper your iPhone's Face ID scanner.
If you use Face ID and your mobile spots that your mouth and nose are covered, you'll soon be able to unlock it using your Apple Watch, instead.
The wearable gadget needs to be on your wrist and also unlocked. Simply move it close to your iPhone and, hey presto, your mobile will be unlocked.
The system is opt-in through settings, so it won't be on by default.
Your watch will give you a little buzz to confirm that your phone has been unlocked, and the padlock on your mobile's screen will open.
App tracking transparency
Apple is changing its policies on data-tracking to protect the privacy of iPhone users.
Following the release of iOS 14.5, app developers like Facebook will have to ask your permission to access your advertising ID.
That ID allows them to track you across the internet, storing data on your browsing history and more for targeted advertisements.
Once you've downloaded iOS 14.5, you'll begin to receive pop-up notifications asking if you want specific apps to track you.
Around two-thirds of iPhone users are expected to take advantage of the feature to protect their privacy, according to a report from AdWeek.
It could impact free apps like Facebook and Instagram that heavily rely on hoarding user data to generate revenue.
The move follows the addition of privacy-focussed "nutrition labels" to the App Store last December.
They lay bare the ways that apps such as WhatsApp track their users online.
Apple Maps upgrades
Apple Maps is getting a hefty iOS 14.5 upgrade with the addition of crowd-sourced data.
The app will use real-time data from drivers to work out the locations of speed traps, road accidents and other traffic hazards.
Users will be asked to hit a button within Maps to report such incidents as they travel.
Maps will reportedly also use crowd-sourced data to work out whether the café, restaurant or other location you're headed to is crowded.
The app will then send you a warning message if your destination looks a little busy.
Similar features are already available on digital map services such as Google Maps and Waze.
New voices for Siri
Apple is releasing new voices for Siri in the name of inclusivity.
Following the release of iOS 14.5, users will no longer be assigned the original female Siri voice by default.
People setting up a device will instead be asked to choose their preferred Siri voice from a list of four.
They include white male and female voices as well as black male and female voices.
Right now, Siri is a white female by default but you can go into your device's settings and change this if you wish.
Apple wants the new voices to promote diversity and inclusion.
Apple is said to have sourced new talent for the Siri voices and has worked to make them sound more natural.
Find My app
Appel is providing a way for you to track down lost items – including bicycles and headphones.
Better yet, with tracker tags you could even locate unconnected belongings, like a backpack or suitcase.
The revolutionary new feature is built into a revamped version of Apple’s Find My app.
Previously, the app was used to locate missing Apple devices – like an iPhone or iPad.
You can find the gadget on a map, play sounds from the device itself, lock it, or display a contact message on the screen.
But a new version of the app coming with iOS 14.5 reportedly broadens this location tech out to a new Apple tracking gadget.
Called Air Tags, the gizmo has been rumoured for months but Apple has been slow to get it off the ground.
Once released, you'll be able to strap the tags to your beloved possessions, allowing you to track them from your iPhone if they go missing.
PS5 and Xbox Series X/S support
Microsoft's Xbox Series X and Sony's PlayStation 5 remain seriously difficult to get hold of.
However, their brand spanking new controllers are in plentiful supply at retailers across the globe.
Following the iOS 14.5 update, you'll be able to hook up your next-gen controller to your iPhone via Bluetooth.
It'll allow you to play your favourite mobile games in style.
New emoji are also making their way to iPhone with iOS 14.5.
They include face exhaling, heart with bandage, heart on fire, face with spiral eyes, woman with beard and face shrouded in smoke.
Apple is also adding new skin tones for the couple kissing and couple with heart emoji.
Best Phone and Gadget tips and hacks
Looking for tips and hacks for your phone? Want to find those secret features within social media apps? We have you covered...
- How to get your deleted Instagram photos back
- How can I change my Facebook password?
- How can I do a duet on TikTok?
- Here's how to use your iPhone's Apple logo as a BUTTON
- How can I change my Amazon Alexa voice in seconds?
- What is dating app Bumble?
- How can I increase my Snapchat score?
- How can I test my broadband internet speed?
- Here's how to find your Sky TV remote in SECONDS
Most read in Phones & Gadgets
In other news, Apple experts have leaked some interesting details about the 2022 iPhone lineup.
Facebook is trialling a video call speed dating app called Sparked.
And, Google is bringing out a feature to help Android users avoid collisions while texting and walking.
Are you excited for iOS 14.5? Let us know in the comments!
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at firstname.lastname@example.org


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Neighbourhood Technology Desk/ Garima Kotroo: The new Jio phone Monsoon bonanza has been kicked off. The new offer is designed to convince existing phone users to switch to a new Jio Phone at an effective price of Rs. 501.
The offer will go live at 5pm today via Jio Stores in India, and will be available through all retail stores. The operator has also announced a special recharge plans for customers who are availing the Jio Phone Monsoon Hungama offer.


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Oregon based Meredith Lodging continues to expand its reach throughout the West Coast.
Palm Desert, CA, October 25, 2022. Meredith Hospitality Brands has announced its acquisition of Fairway Vacation Rentals, a full-service vacation rental management company offering luxury rental properties throughout the Coachella Valley area for over 35 years. The official announcement was made Monday, October 24, 2022, at the VRMA Conference in Las Vegas, and is a part of Meredith’s aggressive and strategic growth plan gearing up for 2023.
“Our decision to move into Southern California is just the tip of the iceberg for Meredith’s expansion plan. We are excited to bring a new level of rental property management services to new markets, and Palm Desert is just the start. We are careful to hand curate the markets and portfolios we acquire. We’ve got a beautiful template and we look forward to more rapidly replicating our secret sauce in other complimentary markets. Of course, all while maintaining an owner first mentality in the care of our homes,” said Meredith’s CEO and Founder Jon Oksenholt.
The move to break into Coachella Valley’s market is a part of Meredith’s rapid growth and expansion plan in the coming years, focusing on niche communities with high income potential for property owners.
With Fairway vacation rentals being Meredith Lodging’s sixth acquisition in 2022 alone, and a potential seventh on the way, Meredith continues to maintain its high standard of service by employing an extensive and experienced team to provide both vacation rental owners and the guests the best and most seamless management experience possible. With over 1,300 vacation properties under management in Oregon, Washington, and California, the company has seen significant growth in the past two years.
“We’ve seen significant organic growth in all our local markets throughout Washington, Oregon, and California. Our focus has been and always will be staying local, and we are consistently seeing owners wanting to have both a strong and local presence while still enjoying the technology and staffing that a bigger company like us provides,” said Chief Integration Officer Aaron Linfoot when asked about the recent expansion.
About Meredith Hospitality Brands
Meredith Hospitality Brands is Oregon’s premier vacation home rental management company, offering an established collection of over 1,300 luxury vacation rental properties with locations throughout Oregon, Washington, and now Big Bear and Palm Desert, California. Meredith Hospitality Brands selected its flagship brand, Meredith Lodging Southern California LLC, to acquire Fairway Vacation Rentals. Meredith takes an “owner first” attitude in its management approach, ensuring long lasting relationships with both owners and guests. On top of the successful acquisition of six rental management companies in 2022, Meredith Lodging has successfully gained over 150 new owner contracts this year through organic business development efforts, including referrals from satisfied homeowners.


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A new year a new you, right? Well maybe. Setting New Year’s resolutions can be a tricky task. Set the goals too small – sell yourself short. Set your goals too big – set yourself up for failure. So how … continue reading
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Getting Photoshoot Shredded by NutraBio and Bodybuilding.com Athlete Zane Hadzick
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How to Calculate Your Macros
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Team NutraBio WINS UFC Long Island!!!
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NutraBio represents at the NPC Team Universe 2017!
Congratulations to all of the athletes who competed this past weekend at the NPC Universe and National Fitness Championships (IFBB PRO Qualifier) in Teaneck New Jersey. This was the biggest show thus far and it was an honor to watch … continue reading
Julio Arce 2x Defending Ring of Combat Champ!
NutraBio Athlete Julio Arce got back into the ring on June 2nd to defend his 145lb title for the SECOND time at Ring of Combat 59 in Atlantic City, NJ. The fight went three rounds against opponent Tim Dooling (6-3) … continue reading


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If you’re perusing the produce section, you generally seek fresh, pleasant-looking fruit – the kind most consumers want to buy. Usually, that means you see few, if any, blemishes.
Fruit bruising has many causes: compression, impact or vibration during harvesting, transportation and packaging operations, says Xue Zhou, a doctoral student at the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.
Together, the researchers use artificial intelligence technology to make sure the strawberries you buy at the market are healthy.
Their system finds bruises by detecting differences in color, shape and texture between the bruised and healthy parts of the fruit. At least 15% of each strawberry should show bruising before scientists put it in that classification. Such strawberries should be discarded, Zhou says.
The AI system has been taught to inspect the fruit, so it takes thousands of images and evaluates them.
Eventually, growers can use this system in a machine harvester or a strawberry processing line to help inspect strawberries for bruises. It will also save the cost of the labor required to examine the fruit.
Although the research is still preliminary, UF/IFAS scientists feel confident the method will work.
“This AI-enhanced strawberry bruise-detection system can assist growers and improve the quality of strawberries that are sent to the market and maximize the shelf life of fresh strawberries,” says Ampatzidis, a faculty member at the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center in Immokalee.
Bruises make strawberries more vulnerable to rot, thus shortening the fruit’s shelf life. Strawberries can get bruised in several ways:
- During harvesting, a strawberry can drop to the ground.
- When they’re packed for shipping, strawberries generally go in clamshell containers. Sometimes, the fruits on top put pressure on the ones at the bottom, creating a compression bruise.
- While they’re being transported on trucks, strawberries might move around and vibrate; therefore, more potential for bruising.
This research builds on a previously published study in which Zhou, Ampatzidis and Lee used AI to find strawberries at various stages of maturity. The scientists conducted that experiment in a field at the Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra.
The technology tells scientists the maturity stage of strawberries by distinguishing the physical appearance, color, shape and texture of the fruit by training with thousands of known samples.
Results from the Citra study help growers predict their crop yields, a particularly important element of any farmer’s budget.This research finding is particularly important in Florida, where farmers grow strawberries on about 11,000 acres, and the fruit carries a $400 million-a-year economic impact. Florida grows most of the nation’s domestic winter crop. California produces strawberries nearly year-round. Nationwide, strawberries are valued at about $2.2 billion.