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|By Marketwired .||
|February 14, 2014 06:53 AM EST||
WINDSOR, UNITED KINGDOM -- (Marketwired) -- 02/14/14 -- A whole host of launch dates and new game details for upcoming Wii U and Nintendo 3DS titles were revealed today as part of the first Nintendo Direct broadcast in 2014.
This Nintendo Direct put a spotlight on a selection of upcoming titles for Wii U owners. From 30th May, start your engines when Mario Kart 8 brings the family-favourite franchise to Wii U - this time with Bowser's minions on board as drivers! Today's broadcast also delivered new footage of anticipated Wii U titles such as Bayonetta 2 by PlatinumGames, as well as the new game in development by MONOLITH SOFTWARE INC. Additional surprises on show were the announcement of NES Remix 2, bringing new retro challenges and a Luigi-themed spin on a cherished classic to Nintendo eShop, plus the reveal of Little Mac from the Punch Out!! series as a playable character in both Super Smash Bros for Wii U as well as its handheld sibling.
In addition to Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, the Nintendo 3DS family of systems will continue to bolster its broad software line-up into 2014 with titles for all tastes and ages. Both Mario Golf: World Tour and Kirby: Triple Deluxe are set to tee off in May, while Yoshi is getting his own Nintendo 3DS XL Yoshi Special Edition(i) console to accompany the launch of Yoshi's New Island on 14th March. Over on Nintendo eShop, underwater warfare has arrived in the shape of Steel Diver: Sub Wars, now available as a free download, while a different type of battle will take place in Pokemon Link: Battle!, available as a downloadable title from 13th March.
With more details on Game Boy Advance titles launching from April on Wii U Virtual Console, as well as star appearances by Donkey Kong, Professor Layton and Phoenix Wright all part of today's broadcast, the year 2014 is set to offer a host of memorable gameplay experiences for owners of Nintendo systems. Today's Nintendo Direct can be viewed in its entirety at:
Highlights from today's Nintendo Direct broadcast included:
- Mario Kart 8: Put the pedal to the metal in gravity-defying courses on 30th May when Mario Kart 8 launches in stores and on Nintendo eShop for Wii U. This time around, take to the starting grid with Bowser's minions, with all available as playable characters for the first time ever. Will Iggy, Larry, Ludwig, Morton, Roy and Wendy pip Mario & Co to the podium?
- Super Smash Bros. for Wii U: With Super Smash Bros. launching in stores and on Nintendo eShop for both Wii U and Nintendo 3DS in 2014, prepare to don the gloves and go for the KO when Little Mac of Punch-Out!! fame is introduced as a new challenger.
- Bayonetta 2: A new trailer for Bayonetta 2 showcased the Umbran Climax, a single, powerful attack that allows Bayonetta to release all her accumulated magic power. Like in the original Bayonetta, the use of Witch Time will prove all-important in dodging enemy attacks at the last possible moment. Bayonetta 2 is coming to Wii U later this year.
- A new title developed by MONOLITH SOFTWARE INC.: New footage of the title currently in development showed a battle scene with the player entering a human-shaped robot to fight a giant beast out in the wild. More updates on the game will be announced in the future.
- Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze: Swinging into stores and on Nintendo eShop for Wii U on 21st February, today's Nintendo Direct revealed a new extended trailer showcasing what lies in store in this latest KONG adventure.
Nintendo eShop on Wii U
- NES Remix 2: This second instalment of the mashup of classic Nintendo games features challenges from later NES games like Super Mario Bros. 3, Kirby's Adventure and Metroid. Just like NES Remix, the sequel includes stages from the original games with new challenges, as well as modified stages that introduce new elements. The game is scheduled to launch on Nintendo eShop for Wii U on 25th April. Best of all, it includes a free bonus game:
- Super Luigi Bros.: This is a full game based on a challenge from NES Remix. It contains all the levels from the Super Mario Bros. original game, only now it stars Luigi and requires players to navigate familiar levels in an unheard-of way - by running to the left! The game even incorporates Luigi's signature high jump. It's a fun new spin on a classic game.
- Child of Light: This RPG from Ubisoft takes the perspective of Aurora, a young princess on a quest to retrieve three sources of light from the evil Queen. Expect vile monsters and legendary creatures in a world inspired by fairy tales when the game releases on Nintendo eShop for Wii U on 1st May.
- Game Boy Advance titles coming to Wii U Virtual Console: Including Metroid Fusion, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, and Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3, Game Boy Advance games are set to release on Wii U Virtual Console from April onwards. More titles will be released over time.
- Mario Golf: World Tour: In addition to previously announced multiplayer features, the game will also include the Castle Club, a single-player clubhouse hub that offers a variety of areas to help players hone their skills. The Castle Club includes golf courses, tournaments, training areas, shops, locker rooms and a cafe. A training area lets them focus on specific aspects of their game, such as putting. Players can customise their Mii characters using items sold at the shop, including clubs, golf balls and clothing. Different combinations of gear can affect a player's performance. Mario Golf: World Tour is scheduled to launch on 2nd May for Nintendo 3DS.
- Kirby: Triple Deluxe: In Kirby: Triple Deluxe, expect over 20 different types of copy abilities including the Beetle, Circus and Archer granting Kirby a wide range of moves. Hunt down Sun Stones in order to progress through the adventure, and collect 8-bit key chains hidden within levels or get them from other players. The game takes advantage of StreetPass functionality to deliver better items to players. Kirby: Triple Deluxe will launch on Nintendo 3DS on 16th May.
- Yoshi's New Island: Flutter-jumping its way to stores and Nintendo eShop for Nintendo 3DS on 14th March, Yoshi's New Island will feature big eggs called Mega Eggdozers, as well as Metal Eggdozers that enable Yoshi to venture underwater. Using the gyro controls of the Nintendo 3DS console, maneuver a Submarine Yoshi or Jackhammer Yoshi, while transforming into a "Super Yoshi" lets you fly like a shooting star or run along walls and ceilings at will! Players who are having trouble completing a level might see the appearance of Flutter Wings, which let Yoshi fly through the air. In a final piece of Yoshi news, a Nintendo 3DS XL Yoshi Special Edition(i) will also release on 14th March, with the design incorporating the familiar green and white of Yoshi.
- Professor Layton vs Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney: Akihiro Hino from LEVEL-5 spoke about the game in advance of its launch in stores and on Nintendo eShop for Nintendo 3DS on 28th March. Fans looking to get a dose of puzzle-solving can try out a puzzle demo at the game's newly launched website, or go behind the scenes via a new Iwata Asks interview.
- Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate: Following on from the recent announcement by Capcom, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate will be coming to Nintendo 3DS in Europe in early 2015. In addition to online play, the game will also allow players to hunt monsters in dynamic new ways.
- Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millennium Girl: An upcoming Atlus title coming to Europe, Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millennium Girl will be released in stores and on Nintendo eShop for Nintendo 3DS on 2nd May, with a special demo of the game available on Nintendo eShop from 18th April.
Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
- Pokemon Link: Battle!: In this new Pokemon action puzzle instalment, every known Pokemon - over 700 - are set to feature! Match Pokemon to clear them while battling against and collecting others, and create bonds with your Pokemon to make them inflict greater damage to your opponents in battle. Pokemon: Link Battle! will also offer 4-player co-op play, and releases on Nintendo eShop for Nintendo 3DS on 13th March.
- Steel Diver: Sub Wars: Available as of today on Nintendo eShop for Nintendo 3DS is the successor to the submarine action game, Steel Diver. A tactical first-person shooter, Steel Diver: Sub Wars challenges you to stay one step ahead of your enemies, including single-player missions, the ability to stage competitive 4-on-4 team battles, plus local and online multiplayer modes. Players can now download the game for free and enjoy two submarine types, the beginning of the single-player mission mode, plus the entire multiplayer mode. Upgrading to the paid Premium Version will open up the full single-player experience and a greater variety of submarines to commandeer.
- Nintendo Pocket Football Club: Exclusive to Nintendo eShop for Nintendo 3DS and releasing on 17th April, Nintendo Pocket Football Club puts players at the helm of their very own football club, with decisions ranging from how to best train a squad to scouting new players. Help players progress and fulfill their potential with the help of training cards, and unlock special card combos to boost their stats even further. In addition, share players with friends to help strengthen each other's line-up, and keep an eye out for the game's website from launch to see how your team's performance fares against friends or other managers. A new Iwata Asks interview on Nintendo Pocket Football Club is now available.
- Weapon Shop de Omasse: The fourth and final title from what is known in Japan as the Guild01 series, Weapon Shop de Omasse tasks players with managing a weapon shop inside a classic RPG, with blacksmith Oyaji and apprentice Yuhan forging and renting out weapons to heroes, instead of going on the quests themselves. The heroes rely upon the quality of your weapons to defeat characters such as the Evil Lord - if the heroes fail, you won't get paid. Weapon Shop de Omasse releases on Nintendo eShop for Nintendo 3DS on 20th February.
- LEVEL-5 game sale: To celebrate the release of Weapon Shop de Omasse, from today until 23rd February (23:59 local time), the following previously released Nintendo eShop for Nintendo 3DS titles from LEVEL-5 will be on sale, priced at GBP 2.69 - ATTACK OF THE FRIDAY MONSTERS! A TOKYO TALE; CRIMSON SHROUD; LIBERATION MAIDEN; AERO PORTER; THE STARSHIP DAMREY; BUGS vs. TANKS!
For further details:
Nintendo Direct website http://nintendo.co.uk/nintendodirect
Nintendo Direct on Ustream http://www.ustream.tv/NintendoUK
Nintendo UK Online Store http://store.nintendo.co.uk/
Wii U (UK) on Facebook http://facebook.com/WiiU.co.uk
Nintendo 3DS (UK) on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Nintendo3DSUK
Nintendo UK on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/NintendoUK
Nintendo of Europe on Twitter https://twitter.com/nintendoeurope
Nintendo UK on Twitter https://twitter.com/nintendouk
Iwata Asks hub http://www.iwataasks.co.uk
(i)Please note that the Yoshi's New Island software is not included.
(ii)Depending on the Wii U hardware pack you own and your use of it, an additional storage device may be required to download software from Nintendo eShop.
The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii U and Wii home consoles, Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DS family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System, Nintendo has sold more than 4.2 billion video games and more than 669 million hardware units globally, including the current-generation Wii U, Wii, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi XL, as well as the Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Super NES, Nintendo 64 and Nintendo GameCube systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names such as Mario, Donkey Kong, Metroid, Zelda and Pokemon. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of Europe, based in Grossostheim, Germany, was established in 1990 and serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in Europe.
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The two technology corporations Apple and Qualcomm have reached an agreement on their dispute over patents, which has dragged on for years now – only a few hours after court proceedings on the dispute opened in the USA. The “iPhone” manufacturer had accused Qualcomm of charging overly high licence fees for smartphone patents and therefore instructed its contract manufacturers not to make licence payments to the chip developer. Qualcomm thereupon sued Apple for using the patents without making the associated payments.
The agreement now reached applies retroactively as of 1 April 2019 and terminates all ongoing legal proceedings worldwide, both between the two companies and between Apple’s contract manufacturers and Qualcomm. The corporations have now concluded a licence agreement that runs for six years with the option of it being extended for a further two years. During this time Apple will make licence payments to Qualcomm. Moreover, Apple has undertaken to make a one-time payment of an unspecified amount scale in order to compensate Qualcomm for the licence fees it did not receive. Furthermore, a multi-year agreement was reached whereby Qualcomm will supply chip sets to Apple and its contract manufacturers.
For Qualcomm, in our opinion this agreement brings relief overnight. The short-term inflow of funds, which we believe will total several billion US Dollars, plays a subordinate role in this regard. What is more decisive is that this agreement strengthens Qualcomm’s high-margin business of granting licences on its patents. Had the court case gone against Qualcomm, then this important pillar of Qualcomm’s operations would have potentially collapsed. The long-term licencing and product supply agreements now provide security. Added to which, one of the world’s most important smartphone manufacturers is back as a Qualcomm client.
For Apple, the agreement initially spells an outflow of cash, but given the company’s net liquidity of at present some USD 130 billion, it will easily absorb the payment. In the long term, the effects will essentially be positive: Firstly, Apple’s management can go back to focussing on its operative business, which precisely in the “iPhone” segment is at present not running that smoothly any longer. Secondly, the corporation can with immediate effect rely on Qualcomm’s powerful modems. As a result, Apple should be successful in introducing smartphones that support the new “5G” standard more swiftly. To date, Apple has relied (and been forced to) on the products still being developed by US chip developer and manufacturer Intel. The Intel products are not yet ready for the market, meaning that Apple faced the threat of falling behind competitors such as Samsung Electronics or Huawei in terms of both time and technology.
Only a few hours after the patent dispute was brought to an end, Intel announced that it was withdrawing from the business with “5G” modems for smartphones and would not, as originally planned, be introducing such products in 2020. Intel conceded that it saw no way it could profitably pursue such business. At the same time, the corporation emphasised that product development for the “5G” standard continued to be of great strategic importance – albeit outside the smartphone market. Intel will continue to invest in “5G” products for computer centres (cloud computing) and countless end-user devices such as desktop, notebook and tablet PCs and in expanding its “5G” patent portfolio. This decision is certainly not without its merits. As a result, Intel no longer runs the risk of ploughing further billions into an uncertain product that could in the final analysis come to nothing and where Qualcomm most probably has a significant technological edge. Secondly, we support the decision to focus in future more strongly on “5G” products for the globally prospering market for cloud computing and the Internet of Things.
All in all, the market participants in these segments are repositioning themselves, and this could definitely be to the benefit of technological advances.

domain: news


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Los Angeles (PRWEB)
October 6, 2021
Day One CBD Sparkling Water returns this Fall as it debuts a new line of drinks with a recharged executive team under new ownership. Day One is a refreshing sparkling CBD water meant to add some clarity to daily routine and will be available in a variety of retail locations across Texas, Ohio, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Kansas, Illinois, and California. In addition, Day One is available for purchase with nationwide shipping via DrinkDayOne.com. Day One Lemon, Lime, and Grapefruit round out the brand’s first flavors available this Fall, with additional offerings planned for 2022.


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New vaping laws to come into force this week
- Credit: PA
New laws around vaping and e-cigarettes come into force this weekend.
Smokers of more traditional tobacco will face new legislation banning ten-packs of cigarettes, as well as a phasing out of certain brands and more graphic packaging.
All packaging will now be uniform in a drab green colour with brand names in a set font type and size.
Those who choose to vape and use e-cigarettes will also be affected with new legislation when the Tobacco Products Directive comes into force on Saturday.
The new rules state that:
• No cigarettes or tobacco can contain characterising flavours such as fruit or vanilla.
• All herbal based products for smoking must now carry a health warning.
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- 2 Broads pub once visited by Chelsea players shuts for good
- 3 Tributes to 'kind and caring' Norwich man with a love of chess and walking
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- 5 Norfolk's oldest woman dies, aged 110
- 6 Body found in woods near Mildenhall
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- 9 Fire crews called to house fire in north Norfolk
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• E-liquid bottles must not be larger than 10ml.
• E-liquids in tanks, cartridges, capsules and single-use devices will have a 2ml maximum volume.
• E-liquid must not contain more than 20mg nicotine per millilitre.
• E-liquid refills must be child resistant and durable.
• E-cigarettes must now carry a health text warning.
From Saturday it will be an offence for retailers to supply any products which do not comply with the above. Norfolk Trading Standards is advising retailers to take all their old stock away from the retail areas of their premises before the new regulations come into force.
Norfolk County Council's director of public health, Dr Louise Smith said: 'It is important to understand the harm smoking causes on the population's health and to encourage young people not to take up the addictive habit.
'In the most deprived areas of Norfolk, smoking is still almost twice as prevalent as in the affluent areas, so there is still more work to be done and we hope that the introduction of standardised packaging will assist this.'
Vaping retailers have welcomed the regulations stating it will improve the quality of the products on the market.
But Dan Marchant of the Vape Club said the limitations on certain products in the new regulations will make it harder for traditional smokers to switch to vaping.
'None of these measures provide any additional level of safety, efficacy or convenience - they are arbitrary rules, with no real world benefit, and simply make it less convenient for a smoker to make the switch,' he said. 'So we are in a strange middle ground where product standards will hopefully encourage more smokers to try vaping instead, but limitations on the products available, particularly nicotine strength, may make it harder for those smokers to successfully make the switch.'


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Officials slam corn syrup rebranding
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The Food and Drug Administration has cautioned the corn industry over its ongoing use of the term "corn sugar" to describe high fructose corn syrup, asking them to stop using the proposed new name before it has received regulatory approval, The Associated Press has learned.
The Corn Refiners Association wants to use "corn sugar" as an alternative name for the widely used liquid sweetener currently labeled as high fructose corn syrup on most sodas and packaged foods. They're attempting an image makeover after some scientists linked the product to obesity, diabetes and other health problems; some food companies now tout products that don't contain the ingredient.
Though it could take another year before the FDA rules on the request made last September to change the name, the Corn Refiners Association has for months been using "corn sugar" on television commercials and at least two websites: cornsugar.com and sweetsurprise.com.
A series of high-profile television, online and print advertisements tell consumers that "sugar is sugar" and that corn sugar is natural and safe, provided it's consumed in moderation.
In a July 12 letter obtained by the AP, Barbara Schneeman, an FDA director, wrote to the Corn Refiners Association to say she was concerned with the trade group using the terms high fructose corn syrup and "corn sugar" interchangeably.
"We request that you re-examine your websites and modify statements that use the term 'corn sugar' as a synonym for (high fructose corn syrup)," Schneeman wrote.
As of Thursday, two months after the letter was sent, none of that wording had been changed.
Audrae Erickson, spokeswoman for the Corn Refiners Association, said in an email to the AP that the group is currently reviewing its materials and will make changes if necessary.
"We do not believe that anyone could be confused or believe that the statements regarding 'corn sugar' on the websites refer to anything other than high fructose corn syrup," Erickson wrote.
The FDA has no regulatory control over the corn association's advertising because it is not selling a product but promoting an industry. The federal agency can prosecute companies that incorrectly label ingredients and Schneeman wrote that the FDA may launch enforcement action against food companies listing high fructose corn syrup as "corn sugar."
Beet and cane sugar producers have filed a lawsuit over claims that corn sugar is the same, saying they amount to false advertising. A federal judge is reviewing a motion to dismiss the case.
Scientists are split over whether high fructose corn syrup is any more damaging than regular sugar. The American Medical Association has said there's not enough evidence to restrict its use of high fructose corn syrup, though it wants more research.
In general, experts agree, consumers should be eating less sugar, whatever its origin.
Internal documents obtained by the AP indicate high-level skepticism over the planned name change, partly because regulators already have a substance on their books called "corn sugar," which is used as another name for dextrose.
Michael Taylor, the FDA's deputy commissioner for foods, wrote in an internal email that a previous attempt by the corn industry to change the name of high fructose corn syrup to just "corn syrup" was misleading, could have robbed consumers of important information and would invite ridicule.
"It would be affirmatively misleading to change the name of the ingredient after all this time, especially in light of the controversy surrounding it," Taylor told colleagues in an email dated March 15, 2010. "If we allow it, we will rightly be mocked both on the substance of the outcome and the process through which it was achieved."
The proposed "corn syrup" name was subsequently dropped when corn makers filed a formal petition seeking "corn sugar" as the new name.


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Testimony: Nestlé Waters Italy chooses Sleever as a partner to accelerate its ecological transition
The ecological transition is at the heart of the strategy of the Nestlé Group. The Nestlé Waters subsidiary has set ambitious objectives for reducing energy consumption at its Italian site, San Pellegrino, where Levissima mineral water is packaged. The recent choice of a Sleever shrink-sleeve labelling equipment, has made it possible to meet this challenge.
As says Mr Filippo CESARI, Plant Manager at San Pellegrino for Nestlé Waters in Italy: "We decided to replace a specific machine, and we chose the Combisteam LPDET®: a move dictated by the goal of reducing our environmental impact, making energy savings, and maximizing the efficiency of production. Even in front of the difficulties presented by the sanitary crisis, with a perfect remote communication, Sleever has allowed us to obtain the expected results".
The choice of this equipment allowed San Pellegrino to meet 2 major objectives of its specifications:
1/ To significantly reduce its energy consumption by 60% by switching from a machine with a double shrinking-tunnel, with a consumption of 500 Kg steam/h to a single tunnel with a consumption of 150 Kg steam/h. This technology includes a system for adjusting the height of the tunnel to that of the products and regulating consumption according to their size, combined with a principle of recovery of unused condensate to further optimize consumption.
2/ Benefit from a great flexibility
- in the use of shrink-sleeves: from existing films to new generation products accompanying the closed-loop recycling of PET bottles, such as our LDPET® full-body decoration product
- in the use of bottles with multiple shapes and capacities
- in the integration of modules, such as a drying module, to improve the efficiency of the line.
Success of such industrial projects passes through a solid and lasting relationship with its industrial partners. "Constant dialogue and support make the difference", says Cesari to explain the choice of Sleever.


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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Fairfield sugarmakers Mark and Marianne Dubie, along with Mark’s brother, Brian, were at the White House on Monday to represent Vermont as part of President Donald Trump’s Made-in-America event.
Their company, Dubie Family Maple, produces organic maple syrup.
“Making America great again to us celebrates small businesses and hard work. It is truly an honor to represent all of Vermont’s maple producers,” Mark and Marianne said in a written statement.
The administration invited companies from all 50 states to display their products. The president and vice president attended the event, along with cabinet secretaries, governors and members of Congress.
“You construct and harvest the products that fill our homes, feed our families, and defend our nation, and enrich our lives,” said Trump. “I want to make a pledge to each one of you: No longer are we going to allow other countries to break the rules, steal our jobs and drain our wealth—and it has been drained.”
Later this week, the President will meet with a group of businessmen and women to discuss how the federal government can continue to negotiate on behalf of the American worker and continue to negotiate trade deals that will benefit all.


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Nintendo Cuts Losses In Half Thanks To Strong 3DS Sales
Video game console and gaming manufacturer Nintendo has cut its losses to half of what analysts expected. In filing on Wednesday the company reported first quarter results which have rebounded thanks in large part to aggressive pricing for the company’s relatively new 3DS hand-held gaming console. Smarter pricing helped the company double 3DS sales.
Nintendo’s current outlook places global operating profits at $447 million for the full fiscal year.
The gaming firm also noted that just 710,000 Nintendo Wii systems shipping during the quarter, far less than the 1.56 million sold in 2011. 3DS console sales however increased from 710,000 in 2011 to 1.86 million during the same quarter 2012.
In its filing Nintendo revealed it expects to ship 10.5 million Wii consoles in 2012 with even more sales thanks to the upcoming Nintendo Wii U gaming console which will release during this years holiday shopping season.
After reporting its first ever loss last quarter Nintendo was also helped along by strong 3DS software sales.
In the meantime many analysts believe Nintendo could face a tough road ahead. Nintendo’s first Wii system focused on “casual gamers” who were taken in by the systems motion controls, however the advent of mobile gaming for iOS, Android and Windows Phone OS’ have left many casual gamers turning towards mobile options in place of home gaming systems.
If all else fails Nintendo could always become a software developer, following in the footsteps of former console manufacturer Sega which has become a successful gaming developer.
Do you think the Nintendo Wii U will revitalize the company or send its gaming console business packing?


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Jul 8, 2021Mixed bag for California melon crop reported
As people get back to backyard celebrations this summer, California melon growers say demand for summer staples of watermelons, honeydews, cantaloupes and mixed melons remains high, though getting the crop to market has faced several hiccups this season.
The statewide drought has led to a reduction in total melon acreage due to a lack of surface water.
The state’s primary melon-growing regions – the San Joaquin Valley’s west side and the Imperial Valley – produce about 75% of the nation’s commercially grown melons. The annual melon harvest begins in the Imperial Valley and neighboring Yuma Valley in Arizona in early to mid-May, then progresses north through the San Joaquin Valley.
Fresno County farmer Joe Del Bosque farms in the Westlands Water District, which relies on water from the federal Central Valley Project. He said early in the season he cut back acreage of asparagus to save water for melons. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation allocated only 5% water supplies to Westlands and other contractors in February, and then suspended that amount a few weeks later.
As the season progressed, Del Bosque learned that an arrangement to deliver transfer water to Westlands Water District was halted to conserve cold water for fish behind Lake Shasta. This forced him to pull back plantings of late-season melons.
“Right now, there’s a lot of uncertainty and I have a lot of fear,” Del Bosque said. “If we have no water and the agencies that move transfer water don’t help us next year, our ranch is going to come to a stop. We’ll have to lay off people and we’ll lose our customers. It could be the end of us.”
In past years of limited water, Del Bosque said delivery of purchased transfer water would happen right away, usually in April or May. This year, the bureau told the district that it would not receive this water until October. Westlands Water District anticipates that approximately 210,000 acres of land within the district will be fallowed this year.
Despite drought-related challenges, Ryan Van Groningen of Van Groningen and Sons—a grower, packer and shipper based in Manteca—said perfect weather during the spring led to larger-sized fruit and high brix.
His grower-partners are wrapping up harvest in the Imperial Valley, and he said he expects to begin harvest of large- and personal-size watermelons at the family farm in Manteca. He said extreme heat can affect yields, noting recent temperatures reaching 120 degrees in El Centro and 106 in Manteca.
“That type of extreme heat will knock off any potential flower or fruit because the plant is stressed,” Van Groningen said.
Another impact to the season, according to growers, is a lack of skilled employees to harvest the crop.
“We’re getting a lot of people that say, ‘We’re not coming back yet; we’d rather stay at home,'” Van Groningen said, adding that finding employees hasn’t been easy.
A shortage of truck drivers also has affected the food-supply chain and melon shipments, growers said.
“Not only is there not enough drivers, but I think that is causing issues with getting enough product to the marketplace,” Van Groningen said. “People can’t get it through the distribution channels fast enough.”
Other challenges, Van Groningen said, include a shortage of shipping supplies such as pallets, bins, cardboard and paper, adding, “Packaging costs are a significant issue. Pallet costs have risen exponentially. A pallet that typically sells for $8 has doubled or tripled in price. It’s a huge impact for us.”
A lack of employees and/or a shortage of pallets, Van Groningen said, has forced growers to make tough decisions about leaving the crop in the field unharvested.
“If you have to pick X amount of product that day and you only have 80% that you can actually handle either because of labor or packaging, you go for the best 80% and then you leave 20%,” Van Groningen said.
Imperial Valley farmer Joe Colace of Five Crowns Marketing – a grower, packer and shipper – described difficulty finding employees, increasing cost of supplies and lack of transportation as daily “pressure points,” adding that these costs have been difficult to bear.
Even with the various challenges of getting the crop grown, harvested and to market, California melon growers say demand remains strong at retail – and now at food service as restaurants reopen.
“It has been such a wonderful thing that people are out enjoying the summer weather and family gatherings,” Colace said. “As restrictions loosen, we’re seeing an uptick in consumption. We have really enjoyed a good-quality season for flavor and sugar of the product, and that always enhances repeat business.”
– Christine Souza, California Farm Bureau Federation
Del Bosque Farms employee Carlos Mercado packs cantaloupes near Firebaugh. California melon farmers report a quality crop and high demand this season, but say impacts of the drought and a shortage of employees and supplies has led to fallowed or unharvested fields for some farms. Photo: Tomas Ovalle


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D’ontra Hughes came onto
Shark Tank Spare Update
- Entrepreneurs: D’ontra Hughes
- Business: Financial App
- Ask: $500,000 for 3.5% equity
- Result: $500,000 for 12% equity and 2% advisory shares
- Sharks: Mark Cuban
Spare’s platform has managed to partner with more than 2,500 merchants that are willing to dispense cash for a better rate than a third-party ATM machine. Kevin O’Leary said that a lot of people wouldn’t care about a few cents extra on their cash withdrawal and accused D’Ontra’s company of being relatively useless for some people.
As negotiations heated up, it was time to find out if Spare would earn a deal with any of the sharks. Kevin wasn’t convinced and rejected the opportunity to invest in Spare, so he ultimately became the first shark to drop out. Other sharks shared similar feelings, including Lori Greiner and Barbara Corcoran, so they dropped out quickly after Kevin.
The final two sharks also struggled to see the company’s vision of growth and prosperity, so Daymond John dropped out as well. Despite his concerns, Mark Cuban decided to make an offer and ultimately agreed to $500,000 in exchange for 12% equity and 2% advisory shares.
Now that we know that Spare partnered with Mark Cuban, let’s get a Spare update to see what the company’s been up to since appearing on
Mark Cuban’s portfolio ultimately never included Spare as one of the companies, so presumably, the deal never got finalized after Episode 20 of Season 10 aired. The company’s financial revenue numbers have been improving since 2020, and nearly tripled in 2021 to a milestone of $4.1 million.
So, it looks like despite not getting a deal, D’ontra’s company will be alright.
You can find the other company updates from Season 10 Episode 20 here:
Don’t forget to take a look at our Season 10 products page! We’ve got more company updates from
Andrew Smith is the founder and owner of Shark Tank Recap. He is a longtime Shark Tank fan that has been watching it for years and has seen every episode multiple times. His friends know him as the Shark Tank expert, because he can answer any question about the show! His favorite Shark Tank products are Bertello's pizza oven and Bug Bite Thing!


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We’ll open up this piece will a internet round-of-applause for Cadillac. Rather than dilute its V-Series badge, the brand will continue to place V-Sport vehicles in place, an opposite move from what BMW has done with its “M” badge. The dilution hurts, BMW.
Anyway, the latest surrounding a V-Series model may upset some Cadillac faithful, but the brand’s commander-in-chief, Johan de Nysschen, has said we shouldn’t expect a Cadillac CT6-V. According to Automotive News, the CT6 was never engineered to fit the mighty 6.2-liter LT4 supercharged V8 under the hood. We’ll politely call bull crap on that.
“[The CT6] was not conceived with a V-series model in mind,” de Nysschen said during an interview. “We have to reflect then on what top-of-the-line performance engine we could use,” he said. “We don’t have something immediately available.”
Instead, Cadillac will introduce an all-new twin-turbo 4.2-liter V8 engine will join the 2016 Cadillac CT6 eventually, but the engine has been developed for luxurious feel and refinement over sporting nature.
Alas, de Nysschen said to keep the faith over a V-Sport CT6 instead, which would be much more plausible over a track-ready, tire-shredding V-Series model. V-Sport models have come to hold a place above a standard trim, but far below the capabilities of a true V-Series vehicle.
“There certainly could be a high-performance derivative,” he said. “We’re thinking about it.”


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The event, Who Owned this? Libraries and the Rare Book Trade Consider Issues Surrounding Provenance, Theft and Forgery was organised with the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America (ABAA) to help booksellers understand more about what institutions look for in their purchases.
Experts and scholars from the book trade joined insurance, art law and IT professionals at the Grolier Club on March 5 to discuss current issues.
In introducing the symposium ILAB President Sally Burdon said: “The popular image of an old bookshop with a slightly eccentric bookseller selling books in a shop untidily crammed with books and a computer nowhere in sight, is not the modern reality.”
She added that “the rules and regulations that govern this international market place are becoming ever more complex and difficult to keep up with for everyone involved” and that the symposium was a way to “take steps”.
A full video of the New York provenance symposium is now available online.
This week marked first International Provenance Research Day on April 10. It was recognised by more than 60 cultural institutions in Germany, the UK, Austria, the Netherlands and Switzerland, which held symposiums and workshops.


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While all eyes of media and smartphone enthusiasts are set on Samsung’s next flagship smartphone Galaxy S8, the OEM has quietly swept off the accolades for its first C series smartphone in India. The Galaxy C9 Pro which landed in India only last month has gone down well with consumers. The phone sold out pretty quick, with the OEM putting up an ‘out of stock’ banner on its India website. However, it is back once again. Seems like sensing the huge demand, Samsung didn’t spare any moment to get it back on stock ASAP.
Samsung India website has the phone listed in two color options- black and gold with ‘shipments starting from March 3rd’. This has been postponed from February 24th, proof enough of the high demand which the company is trying by all means to keep up with.
The Galaxy C9 Pro is Samsung’s first 6GB smartphone which was released in China back in September 2016 in Rose and Rose Gold color choices. The Black color variant too joined the list later. Post China launch, the phone has been released in many other countries including India where it was released on January 18th at a price of Rs 36,900.
Galaxy C9 Pro is Samsung’s first full metal phone with less visible antenna lines. Specsheetwise, it sports a big 6.0-inch Full HD IPS display powered by octa-core Snapdragon 653 SoC clocked at 1.9GHz. The RAM as already mentioned is 6GB and the ROM is 64GB which is further expandable up to 256GB via microSD card. Adding to the premium specs is the 16MP/16MP camera combo and fingerprint scanner housed with physical home button on front. The phone is shipped with Android Marshmallow out of the box.
Read: Samsung Nougat update
In case, the specsheet has got you interested and you intend to purchase the C9 Pro phone, you can place your order here.


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Consumer Reports has harsh words for GM's new Volt
The magazine criticizes General Motors' flagship car for its inefficiency, its short range and its 'annoying' charge time.
The Chevrolet Volt, which GM has put its heart and soul into since emerging from bankruptcy, isn't that great of an electric or gas vehicle, said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' auto testing center, according to The Detroit News.
"When you are looking at purely dollars and cents, it doesn't really make a lot of sense," Champion added. "This is going to be a tough sell to the average consumer."
Ouch. And so ends the Volt's honeymoon. The plug-in car had a great coming-out party, winning the coveted "car of the year" award in January at the North American International Auto Show. It was also named car of the year by Motor Trend Magazine.
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But the magazine that the Volt really needed in its corner -- Consumer Reports -- was not as easily thrilled. In its testing, Consumer Reports said the Volt only made it 25 to 27 miles on electric power alone, the News reports. That testing was done during a harsh winter in Connecticut.
GM says that in better weather, the Volt can get at least 40 miles on electric power. The car has a gasoline engine that can pick up where the electric power fails.
Consumer Reports wasn't done yet. Champion said that a hybrid like the Prius from Toyota (TM) may be more suitable. If you drive 70 miles, he said, the Prius will get you more miles to the gallon than the Volt, the News reports.
And the five-hour recharge time on the Volt was "annoying," he said. He also said the heating system in the car was less than ideal.
"You have seat heaters, which keep your body warm, but your feet get cold and your hands get cold," he said, according to the News.
But Consumer Reports isn't going to make a recommendation on the Volt yet. To do so, it needs data from at least 100 subscribers, and a year of reliability studies, the News reports.
Consumer Reports does not rely on advertising income, all those other reviews were for magazines that derive most of their income from automobile industry advertising.
So while Consumer Reports may not have the most scientific sampling paradigm, I trust them way more than the other magazines, at least they are not in the pay of the people they are reviewing.
another GM junk pony. This is why we will wind up kissing 50 billion goodbye, shareholders will kiss 30 billion goodbye and the UAW will tell you why you need them to keep the economy going and another 50 billion please.
motortrend car of the year
thats a joke right? theyre car of the year has been for sale for as long as i can emember
The Volt is not a good product for GM as it cost is very high and the electric range is very short.
GM should have made a smaller car costing much less. GM don't need another sports car.
They need a consumer car and sell hundreds or thousands of them and make a lot of profit.
GM is not a Custom Shop.
The car might be ok for some one that drives very little, but for some one that drive constanly, There will be no time to charge the car.
Sorry, But I am not impressed.
plus the 220V, it sounds like that car was designed for Europe and not the US
I used Consumer Reports when I bought my TV, Blu-ray player, and tires for my truck. Every recommendation was spot on. That is the only unbias reporting service I will read.
The Volt is a POS.
If the Volt was a Toyota consumers reports would have nothing but praise for it left and right.
Toyota can do nothing wrong and GM can do nothing right to consumers reports.
Thank god most people have seen the light of day when it comes to this sorry excuse for a rating agency and stopped listening to their BS reports.
Copyright © 2014 Microsoft. All rights reserved.
As geopolitical tensions threaten to spin out of control, investors are wondering how best to position their portfolios for the global turmoil.
VIDEO ON MSN MONEY
Top Stocks provides analysis about the most noteworthy stocks in the market each day, combining some of the best content from around the MSN Money site and the rest of the Web.
Contributors include professional investors and journalists affiliated with MSN Money.
Follow us on Twitter @topstocksmsn.


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DOM International Limited is recalling Dom Reserve brand Atlantic Salmon Strips (Hot Smoked) Cracked Black Pepper.
The product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.
The following product, sold in retail stores in Ontario, Canada, is being recalled:
|Brand Name||Common Name||Size||Code(s) on Product||UPC|
(Hot Smoked) Cracked Black Pepper
What to do
Customers who purchased the recalled product should not consume it, but discard or returned it to the store where purchased.
Consumers with questions may contact the company at (416) 265-3993 extension 223, 247 or 249 or by email at firstname.lastname@example.org.
Keep an eye on your inbox, the lastest consumer news is on it's way!


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Employee communications platform Beekeeper has topped up its Series B funding with an additional $10 million.
The extra investment brings the total for the round to $60 million, following the original injection and a $5 million top-up in February.
Beekeeper's Series B round was originally announced as $45 million in September 2019.
The additional investment was led by Energize Ventures, with HighSage Ventures, SwissCanto, Thayer, Swisscom, Investiere, Alpana Ventures and Swiss Post also contributing.
Beekeeper says the funding will go towards expanding its cloud-based apps marketplace and launching Beekeeper 2.0, a new version of its product.
Christian Grossmann, Beekeeper co-founder and CEO, says the funding will enable the company to grow faster and connect more frontline workers in hotels.
“We take it as a tremendous vote of confidence that we have this type of backing in the current economic environment. We are using this opportunity to invest in innovation and expand our feature set to make our customers’ work lives easier, safer and more enjoyable.”
Juan Muldoon, partner at Energize Ventures, says: "Technology that supports frontline workers is more important than ever. We have long believed that Beekeeper is setting the standard for how the modern frontline workforce operates and communicates, but the current crisis has given new urgency to the company's mission.
"Industries with largely desk-less workforces - like energy and manufacturing - are digitizing at an accelerating pace, and we believe this digital transformation is here to stay."
Beekeeper's platform is used by a number of large hotel groups, including Hilton, InterContinental Hotels Group and Marriott International.


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In another move solidifying its emboldened links with Chinese payments providers, PayPal Holdings Inc. announced Wednesday it will support UnionPay International in its digital wallet. Eventually, UnionPay International, whose financial-institution members have issued more than 7.5 billion cards globally, according to China Daily, will look for ways to support PayPal’s merchant and consumer efforts in China, PayPal says.
Initially UnionPay card data can be added to PayPal wallets in Australia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. PayPal says 30 more markets will be added in 2020, but did not disclose which ones. UnionPay cardholders, once enrolled in PayPal, will be able to shop at 24 million merchants globally, PayPal says.
The two companies also will collaborate on growing digital payments in China and elsewhere, including potentially enabling PayPal customers to use PayPal at merchants that accept UnionPay. That expansion to physical retail locations could happen in the first half of 2021, according to a research note from New York City-based Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, an equity research firm.
Shanghai-based UnionPay says its network now includes 178 countries and regions covering 29 million merchants. In the Americas, UnionPay acceptance reaches 70% of merchants, the card brand says.
Much of its international acceptance network is geared to popular destinations for Chinese tourists, such as New York City. China Daily says more than 270 million merchant locations outside of China accept UnionPay.
PayPal’s deal with UnionPay is likely to be very positive for the San Jose, Calif.-based company, says KBW. “We view the expansion as a positive as it gives PayPal the potential to expand merchant acceptance in and outside of China through a reciprocal agreement with UnionPay, similar to what it has with [Discover Financial Services] in the U.S. today,” the note says. In 2005, Discover and UnionPay, then known as China UnionPay, announced an alliance to enable Discover card acceptance in China and UnionPay acceptance on Discover’s U.S. network.
The UnionPay deal follows PayPal’s 70% stake in China’s Guofubao Information Technology Co. Ltd., better known as Gopay.
With the acquisition, PayPal wins the right to be the first foreign company that can directly offer online payments in China, a market boasting 500 million online shoppers who are expected to ring up almost $2 trillion in sales in 2019.
PayPal’s deals also tie into a new U.S.-China trade deal that provides an avenue for U.S. payments firms to operate in China.


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National Association of Home Builders reports on November new home sales
The NAHB reports that "New single-family home sales for November came off a record October buying surge, dropping to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.125 million units, the U.S. Commerce Department reported today. Despite a 12.0 percent decline from October’s record sales pace, the November rate was 3.6 percent above the sales pace of November 2003." (note the report was done December 23, 2004)
NAHB Chief Economist David Seiders states "The fundamentals supporting housing demand still are quite solid. Mortgage rates are historically low, job growth is moving ahead and household income is rising. Sales of new single-family homes will hit a record in 2004 despite the surprising decline reported for November."
To read the report online, go here.


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Copenhagen, April 26, 2022 – To discuss what the war in Ukraine will bring to the cybersecurity industry, Heimdal™ CEO Morten Kjærsgaard sat down with CyberNews, a leading research-based online publication that educates and protects consumers around the world from complex security risks.
For more insight on how cybersecurity businesses are tackling the Ukraine conflict, make sure you read the full interview.
Because of the war in Ukraine, rates of state-initiated cyberattacks skyrocketed to impossible heights, with a big part of them focused on acquiring further funding for on-land warfare.
This brought on not only new cybersecurity challenges but also undeniable growth in the cyber sector. With small and large businesses being excessively targeted by cybercriminals, everyone scrambles to get some sort of cyber insurance, either financially or by building strong defense systems.
Do you believe the war in Ukraine is going to boost the cyber sector’s growth?
Absolutely yes, and for multiple reasons. First of all, we already see governments across Europe and the United States pushing businesses to do more about their cyber defenses. Some also have financial incentives to do so.
Furthermore, businesses across Europe and the United States are naturally inclined to protect their commercial interests, and with the


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In September of last year, Amazon announced its intention of building a second headquarters in the US, dubbed “HQ2.” This announcement inaugurated a bidding contest between 238 different cities, during which state and local governments from coast to coast competed among each other to present Amazon with the most favorable terms.
Billions of dollars were offered up to Amazon in the form of tax breaks and subsidies. Democrat and Republican alike, the governments of America’s cities—Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh—all submitted their bids. New York’s Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo offered to change his name to “Amazon Cuomo” if it would help win the contest. The town of Stonecrest, Georgia offered to change its name to “Amazon, Georgia.” The town’s mayor asked Bezos, “How could you not want your 21st century headquarters to be located in a city named Amazon?”
This week, Amazon announced the conclusion of this sordid beauty pageant. Amazon will split the new headquarters between Queens in New York City, a stone’s throw from Wall Street, and Crystal City, Virginia, across the street from the Pentagon. With these choices, Amazon’s headquarters will be positioned alongside (1) the headquarters of global finance capital, and (2) the headquarters of America’s state and military-intelligence apparatus. The bids of the “loser” cities will be used to exact concessions for future Amazon projects.
According to a study highlighted Thursday in the Intercept, Amazon’s HQ2 will come at a total cost of $4.6 billion to state and local governments. These giveaways will be paid with funds extracted from the population through taxation.
Amazon got everything it wanted. The company’s contract with the state of Virginia obligates the state legislature to do Amazon’s bidding until 2043, regardless of the outcome of elections. But Amazon can back out of its obligations at any time, keeping all of the benefits to date, by providing five days’ notice.
The Virginia location will doubtless facilitate Amazon’s lobbying efforts in Washington, for which it spent $13 million last year. It will also position Amazon for lucrative defense contracts and further integration with the American military and intelligence apparatus. “We are going to continue to support the DoD [Department of Defense],” Bezos said at a recent Wired25 summit, “and I think we should.”
The New York deal involves allowing Jeff Bezos to have a rooftop helipad, so that he does not have to use the streets or public transportation.
The scramble to turn public resources over to this massive monopoly brings the real state of affairs in society into plain view. The corporate oligarchs dictate their terms, and politicians from both capitalist parties rush to obey.
When it comes to the needs of the population as a whole, such as education, clean water, health care, public transportation, housing, jobs, culture, protection from fires and natural disasters, and measures to address climate change, the population is endlessly told that there is “no money” for these utopian dreams. But when the world’s richest man comes knocking, America’s political leaders throw open the vaults and shovel money at him.
Democracy is incompatible with this state of affairs. “A monopoly, once it is formed and controls thousands of millions, inevitably penetrates into every sphere of public life, regardless of the form of government and all the other ‘details,’” Lenin wrote in his famous treatise on imperialism. What was true when corporate empires were measured in the thousands of millions of dollars is even truer today of Amazon, which is valued at over a trillion dollars.
On Tuesday, the Washington Post, which is owned by Bezos, ran an opinion column titled, “Amazon’s HQ2 could be a launching pad for a bright future for the D.C. region.” This article praised the HQ2 deal as a “bonanza” and a “jobs windfall.”
The Washington Post is one of the loudest voices, together with the New York Times, supporting the drive to censor the internet. The World Socialist Web Site has seen its search traffic plummet precipitously as a result of this state-sanctioned censorship—all so “authoritative” publications such as the Bezos-owned Washington Post can be free to publish pro-Amazon propaganda unchallenged.
America’s antitrust laws, such as the Sherman Act of 1890 and the Clayton Act of 1914, were reforms designed to check the process of monopolization, which was understood at the time to undermine and destabilize democratic institutions. These laws, while they remain formally on the books, are today essentially a dead letter, with nobody to enforce them.
As many as two thirds of all US households are now Amazon Prime subscribers. But the Democratic and Republican parties, stampeding to show their support for Bezos, are incapable of calling for any limits on Amazon’s power.
The “socialist” senator Bernie Sanders postured for a time as a critic of Amazon. But when Amazon announced the introduction of a new $15 per hour base pay last month, a dishonest maneuver canceled out in many cases by cuts to other benefits and incentives, Sanders made an abrupt reversal. “What Mr. Bezos has done today,” Sanders tweeted, “is not only enormously important for Amazon’s hundreds of thousands of employees. It could well be, and I think it will be, a shot heard around the world.” Bezos responded with happy gratitude: “Thank you @SenSanders. We’re excited about this, and also hope others will join in.”
Sanders and his praise for Bezos belong to a universe separate from the hundreds of thousands of workers in Amazon’s warehouses, who are hounded around the clock to “make rate” for poverty wages. The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health listed Amazon on its 2018 “dirty dozen” list of employers that maintain unsafe workplaces. At least seven workers have been killed at Amazon warehouses since 2013, including three workers in only five weeks in 2017. In the summers, workers have described ambulances lining up to transport those who drop from the heat.
Inside the warehouses, Amazon has imposed a regime of high-tech tyranny. Talking to other workers is not allowed. Nor is sitting down. Phones are prohibited. Every second of a worker’s time inside the warehouse is strictly monitored and controlled. More than one worker has described this regime as “modern-day slavery.”
Amazon has pioneered the “gamification” of its workplaces, using various strategies of psychological manipulation to try to make employees work harder and faster without additional pay. Like hamsters in hamster wheels, workers are constantly prodded with various metrics and pitted against one another to achieve higher rankings and scores.
A worker who gets injured at Amazon is tossed out and replaced. A workers’ compensation regime controlled by the employers and insurance companies functions to deny and obstruct medical care. Injured workers receive a small fraction of their wages as “compensation,” if they receive anything at all. Homeless workers sleep in their cars in the parking lots of Amazon’s warehouses.
Anger among Amazon workers is reaching the snapping point. But all of the institutions of government and both capitalist parties are powerless to offer any resistance to Amazon. This trillion-dollar monopoly cannot be effectively resisted unless the organized power of the working class around the world is brought to bear.
Amazon must be transformed into a global public utility subject to workers’ control. Amazon workers take pride in their roles in one of the most advanced information and logistics infrastructures human civilization has produced to date. The workers who operate that infrastructure have a right to a dignified standard of living and a safe working environment, without the sound of whips cracking overhead. Measures must be implemented to bring down the number of injuries, while injured workers must receive full pay and free medical treatment. Above all, Amazon’s immense power and resources must be put to use for the public benefit, not for private profit.
Nor can humanity continue to afford Bezos’ salary. His incredible $164 billion in “Amazon winnings,” as he likes to call his unprecedented fortune, must be confiscated and put to beneficial use. For a start, world hunger can be resolved on an annual basis at a cost of $30 billion.
These measures are not a utopian dream but a question of practical necessity. The Socialist Equality Party is working with Amazon workers to form rank-and-file committees to direct and lead this struggle. To get involved, contact us today.


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Pratt & Whitney promises to meet engine production demands
FARNBOROUGH, England (Reuters) – United Technologies Corp (UTX.N) Chief Executive Greg Hayes said on Monday his company’s Pratt & Whitney unit will be able to overcome supply chain problems to ramp up engine production next year as planemakers’ orders swell.
Europe’s Airbus SE (AIR.PA) has said it is aiming for output of 60 narrowbodies a month in 2019 with surge capacity of 63 a month.
Speaking at a roundtable on innovation at the Farnborough Airshow, Hayes said he was confident Pratt & Whitney could meet its contractual obligations to Airbus.
“We will be able to ramp up and continue to work with both Boeing and Airbus on these ramps,” Hayes said. “The problem is always going to be capacity and supply chain and whether we can make the investments fast enough to satisfy their demand.”
“There’s no technological reason we can’t do it, it’s simply a supply chain constraint at this point,” Hayes added.
(This version of the story was corrected to show Hayes is CEO of United Technologies not Pratt & Whitney)
Source: Read Full Article


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The LEO allow users to send messages or make a call during an emergency where network coverage is nill
Apple is gearing up to launch its latest iPhone 13 series this month, and several new deets about the same have surfaced online in the form of leaks and rumors. However, the latest rumor has come from a popular tipster called MacRumors, which suggests that the new iPhones come with (Low Earth Orbit) LEO satellite connectivity. The LEO allows users to send messages or make a call during an emergency where network coverage is nill. Ming-Chi Kuo, a popular analyst, has revealed that Apple is expected to add this feature to its devices from 2021 iPhones. The new devices will house technology that will allow users to connect easily with LEO satellites.
The new feature will allow users to make calls without the need for a 5G or 4G network. The new iPhone 13 will house a customized Qualcomm X60 baseband chip in order to be compatible with satellite communications. Globalstar is expected to be on board to execute this feature. In order to make this new feature successful, Apple is expecting network operators to collaborate with Globalstar. Only then users can directly reach the services of Globalstar. The new iPhone will also come with better cameras, a smaller notch, an A15 bionic chip, and bigger batteries.


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Last week's 'snowpocalypse' at our Austin warehouse and across the Southern States had us take a closer look at whats happening weather-wise in our world. Record breaking cold temperatures and threatening winter snow storms are happening ALL around the world...and it’s not “just the weather”.
Could these record breaking storms and arctic temperatures be a sign of global warming getting worse? And if so, is there something we can do now to slow it down and prevent even worse conditions from happening in the future?
THE POLAR VORTEX
Imagine there was a switch that could control the severity of the weather around the world. Once that switch is activated - like a series of dominos being knocked over - it can start a chain of events that results in wild weather happening around the world.
In the case of weather, that switch is called The Polar Vortex.
The Polar Vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding both of the Earth's North and South poles and is kept in place with a counter-clockwise flow of air. When the jet stream changes, it affects the movement of weather systems, causing extreme warmer or colder temperatures or wetter or drier conditions in different parts of the world.
Scientists report that the Arctic is heating up at a rate more than twice the global average, which is wreaking havoc on long-established climatic systems. And while the polar vortex is a natural phenomenon that would likely break down over time, evidence indicates that climate change is contributing to the weakening of this vortex, resulting in the drastic weather changes that we are seeing at a greater frequency and intensity.
NOT JUST ANOTHER COLD WINTER
We all know climate change is an issue. We talk about it endlessly on this blog and have been for the past 16 years as a company. Like everyone who is passionate about saving the planet, we are all “doing our best” to build awareness.
But this latest storm is not just another cold winter. And we can no longer “just do our best”.
Real change needs to happen. And it needs to happen NOW.
These latest storms are indicators - red lights flashing - of the structural integrity of the polar vortex breaking down.
Scientists call it a sudden stratospheric warming - violent disturbances that severely distort and weaken the vortex, knocking it off of the pole or even ripping it apart. When this happens, temperatures in the normally cold polar stratosphere explosively rise by as much as 90 degrees Fahrenheit, over the span of a few days.
Which brings us back to the flipped polar vortex switch.
It can take weeks or months for the polar vortex to recover, and it never goes back to its original state. And in actuality, the extreme cold weather many parts of the world is experiencing, is actually a foreshadowing of warmer weather, yet to come.
The reality is, the past six years from 2015 to 2020 were the earth's warmest six years in recorded history, according to the National Academy of Sciences. It’s a disturbing trend and one we cannot sit idly watching and waiting.
BUILDING A HEALTHY FUTURE - TOGETHER
In this global climate crisis, we cannot wait for or count on the governments or people in power to make changes. It is the power of each of our individual actions that could make an impact on this fight for the planet.“The greatest threat to the planet,is the belief that someone else will save it.”Robert Swan, Author
It is in our daily choices, one right choice after another, that will compound into real change on the planet. It is not just talking about change, but living our lives in such a way that change is happening, that we inspire and impact others.
There is a lot to think about, but in our view, “thinking about it” will get you nowhere. In fact, so many who start with thinking about what they can do about it, actually end up overwhelmed with unrealistic expectations and standards, that they end up NOT doing anything. Or after implementing radical unrealistic sustainable changes, end up going back to where they started.
So leave it to us, we have put together a few easy things you can start doing to start, or further, your journey of sustainable living. With a few foundational and sustainable habits in place, you can discover your values around sustainability, and steps that are manageable to you.
EASY TIPS TO PERSONALIZING SUSTAINABLE LIVING
You will notice that we always start with writing down your own sustainable values as the first step to sustainability. Sustainability is not just a dictionary term, in actuality, to make it doable and consistent, it has to be something that fits with your values and your lifestyle. Saying you are going to grow your own garden and never eat store bought food again, is not practical for most people.
The idea behind sustainable living, is to make it actually sustainable. Sit down with your family or yourself, and decide what is important to you in terms of your own sustainable lifestyle.
A good way to start or build on your sustainable living habits is to first see where you can minimize. In our recent article about minimalism, we talked about the role minimalism has on the journey to sustainability. And learning to live with less - getting rid of things you don’t use or need first - is important to then deciding with intention, what you do need and want.
Minimalism does not mean you have to live in a tiny house, with no furniture, and wear the same outfit everyday. It means bringing attention and intention to what you do have, allowing space to appreciate the things that really matter to you - like nonrenewable time.
Living a sustainable lifestyle does not mean “shop” is a four letter word! Shopping sustainably is actually, in many cases, GOOD for the planet.
How can that be when every product we purchase has an environmental footprint?
The truth is, when you buy from a sustainable, zero waste brand like Nui Organics - who uses naturally biodegradable and renewable natural fibers for our clothing, and biodegradable packaging, your purchases have little impact on the planet. They in fact help a small business passionate about helping people and the planet thrive, survive and help more people live sustainable lives.
By aligning your dollars with your values, you support organic and sustainable growers, farmers, workers, and their families. And greater demand causes those environmentally friendly industries to grow, and the toxic and polluting industries to shrink.
For this step, make a list of sustainable, zero waste stores and brands that align with your values and style. Then the next time you shop, you can shop confident that your purchase not only looks good or tastes good, but also FEELS good.
Reading labels can often be confusing, and knowing what to look for in terms of health and sustainability, is even more confusing.
While words like “organic”, “grass fed and finished”, “natural” are often clearly found on a label, words like “pesticide and chemically processed” are not.Experts have noted that if it does not say “organic”, it is NOT. And even still, there is little regulation for labels that can claim to be organic, or natural. This is why knowing who you are buying from, is important. And not to toot our own sustainable horn, but a company like Nui who was one of the first sustainable companies on the market in 2004 who is still in business and serving a loyal customer base, ensures that we are a trusted sustainable brand.
Do your research. We’ve talked endlessly about toxic chemicals in your clothing, and why organic cotton matters. Removing outside exposure to pesticides and toxic chemicals in your food and clothing, helps build your immune system while helping the fight against climate change.
Today billions of pounds of plastic can be found at the bottom of the ocean. Plastic makes up about 40 percent of the world’s ocean surfaces. Every year thousands of seabirds, sea turtles, seals and other marine mammals are killed after ingesting plastic, not to mention the fish eating those toxic plastics that then wind up on your own plate.But it’s not just plastic bottles and bags. It’s the microplastics -750,000 of them - that are released every time you wash a load of synthetic clothing.
This isn’t about guilt though, this is about going green! With awareness that certain loads of laundry may be more polluting than others, you can wash less, and replace synthetic clothing with sustainable clothing when you shop.
Going for a walk in nature is actually an action that will help the fight against climate change. After all, you cannot appreciate or want to protect something if you do not know it or have a connection to it.
For your health and sanity alone, the benefits of being in nature include: reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and ADHD, lower levels of inflammation and blood pressure, and an improved immune system.
The benefits for the planet are equally as profound. Research shows that the more time you spend in nature, the more connected you feel - as a person and to the planet.
For kids, spending time in nature is even more important. They develop empathy, true connections with their peers, habits of caring and generosity, as well as resilience, adaptability, and character. And even further, they develop compassion and connection with a planet they will grow up to want to protect.
SAVING THE PLANET, ONE DAY AT A TIME
The list of sustainable living tips is endless and ongoing. And it doesn’t have to be overwhelming, it just has to be (pun intended) sustainable.
It’s a daily habit, one after another. And unlike The Polar Vortex, we as humans do bounce back and instead of losing our integrity, we build it and can create it.
So we want to know, what is your next step in your sustainable lifestyle to help us all fight climate change together?


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Intel has finally faltered in its efforts to maintain Moore's Law, which has endured for more than 50 years. Its latest seventh-generation Kaby Lake Core processors mark that breaking point.
In 1965, Intel co-founder Gordon Moore observed that computing power roughly doubles every two years. This became Moore's Law.
However, Intel, whose processors are in everything from laptops to servers, has found it increasingly difficult in recent years to keep up this pace of improvement.
Kaby Lake is the third iteration of Intel processors to be built in a 14nm manufacturing process.
Notably, Intel has found it challenging and costly to shrink its chips, which usually leads to improved performance.
Intel Core i7-7700K
16GB DDR4 RAM
Asus ROG Maximus IX Hero
Samsung 960 PRO SSD 512GB
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070
Windows 10 Anniversary Edition
Last year, Intel said it was moving away from its tick-tock model of shrinking the manufacturing process (tick), followed by optimising the chip design and architecture (tock). It had planned to move to a 10nm process but this has been delayed to the second half of this year.
Meanwhile, Kaby Lake has been offered as a stopgap solution for PC makers which are already treading water. Market-tracker Gartner reported that the PC industry last year declined for the fifth straight year.
TESTING THE CORE i7-7700K
The flagship Kaby Lake desktop processor is the quad-core Core i7-7700K, which is clocked at 4.2GHz compared with 4GHz on its i7-6700K predecessor.
In Turbo Boost mode, the new model goes to 4.5GHz, up from 4.2GHz on the i7-6700K.
Complementing these processors are the new 200-Series motherboards, now available from brands like Asus, Gigabyte and MSI.
Feature-wise, they are mostly similar to the older 100-Series, though the 200-Series adds support for Intel Optane technology.
To be available later this year in the form of 16GB and 32GB memory modules, Intel Optane technology uses special modules as a high- speed cache to improve system performance and responsiveness.
In my testing (see test set-up for detailed configuration), the Core i7-7700K scored 5,035 in PCMark Home, which tests basic computing tasks, compared with 4,872 for the i7-6700K.
In the Cinebench R15 rendering benchmark, the i7-7700K managed a score of 998, compared with 934 for the i7-6700K.
The i7-7700K offers slightly better performance in games compared with its predecessor. In Doom, my test system got around 147 frames per second (fps) with the i7-7700K, compared with 141fps for the 6700K.
In Civilization VI's AI benchmark, which measures the time the computer takes to decide its next move in this turn-based strategy game, the i7-7700K took 20.96sec while the i7-6700K took 21.79sec.
In short, Kaby Lake offers marginal performance gains. However, enthusiasts will be pleased by the overclocking potential of this chip. The Core i7-7700K set eight world records on its launch day, with overclocking experts pushing the processor to 7.2GHz with liquid helium cooling.
Even casual users can easily overclock the processor beyond its default speeds with the push of a button. The Asus motherboard used in my testing has a one-click overclocking profile that is said to be 80 per cent successful at achieving a clock speed of 5GHz with the Core i7-7700K. Other high-end motherboards have similar overclocking features.
KABY LAKE REQUIRED FOR NETFLIX 4K ON PC
A Kaby Lake processor is a prerequisite for streaming Netflix 4K videos on the computer.
While 4K streaming has been available on television sets and media streamers, content producers have not allowed that on PCs because of piracy concerns.
These concerns have been assuaged by a hardware-based digital rights management system, though it comes with some major caveats.
In order to play Netflix 4K videos, your PC must have a Kaby Lake chip with a 4K display (with HDCP 2.2 support) connected to HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort.
Desktop PC users have to use Kaby Lake's integrated graphics chip instead of a dedicated graphics card from AMD or Nvidia, as both these manufacturers have not been certified yet.
You also need to have Windows 10 Anniversary Update installed and can only use the Microsoft Edge browser for Netflix 4K.
SHOULD YOU UPGRADE TO KABY LAKE?
Desktop PC users who have an Intel CPU from the past two to three years should probably give Kaby Lake a miss.
If your PC is older than that, but still in working condition, you may wish to wait till AMD's Ryzen processors are launched in the next few months before deciding.
Notebooks and other low-power devices, however, will probably see improvements in battery life. Intel has also promised significant performance gains when using the chip's integrated graphics feature.


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Credit Union of Southern California has selected Fiserv's Architect platform for digital banking, which Fiserv says will enable the $1.2 billion-asset CU to deliver a “unified digital banking experience,” helping it to meet the needs of today’s connected consumers and facilitating the growth plans of the credit union.
According to Fiserv, the real-time integration of Architect into the credit union’s core account processing platform, and the fact Architect is a hosted solution that does not require extensive on-site support, were key factors in the selection.
Architect enables online, mobile and tablet banking on a single platform, Fiserv said, adding this facilitates a “seamless” user experience across channels because information such as transaction history and capabilities such as bill payment are consistent. The credit union’s existing CheckFree RXP electronic bill payment and Popmoney personal payment solutions from Fiserv will integrate directly into Architect.
“As a rapidly growing credit union, we are continually looking for ways to improve member convenience and service efficiency,” David Hanighen, CIO/CISO, Credit Union of Southern California, said in a statement. “Offering disparate online and mobile banking channels no longer fulfilled the evolving eServices needs of our members.”
During the evaluation process, CU SoCal said it focused on selecting a vendor that could offer the strongest unified digital experience to its members, regardless of their delivery channel preference. The credit union also required seamless integration with its core account processing platform, and software development tools that would allow it to customize the user experience.
“Architect met our key requirements and offered strong marketing and support tools, as well as an active user community for collaboration and education,” said Hanighen. “We felt Architect offered the best middle-tier solution available in the financial services market and we are excited to offer a new and more comprehensive solution to support the sophisticated needs of our growing membership.”
“Credit Union of Southern California wanted a flexible solution that can grow with them,” said Kevin Schultz, president, Digital Banking, Fiserv. “In a world in which more financial interactions are taking place online or via mobile devices, Architect will allow CU SoCal to deliver a robust digital banking and payments experience that aligns with the way people live and work today.”


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British gaming site TrustedReviews reached a settlement of £1 million pounds after leaking details about Red Dead Redemption 2 last February. The payout went to three different charities of Take-Two Interactive's choosing, the American video game holding company behind Rockstar Games.
Nearly a year before Red Dead Redemption 2's October release, TI Media's video game site TrustedReviews published an article that featured confidential content. The content referred specifically to various features included in the long-awaited Red Dead Redemption sequel. However, after leaking the details, the website later replaced the article with an apology to Take-Two Interactive. Now, in order to reach a settlement on the dispute, the leak ultimately cost the website £1 million.
TrustedReviews posted an article on their website detailing the situation, outlining the decision to leak the content, as well as issuing a personal apology to Take-Two Interactive. The article explained that the site knowingly "published an article that was sourced from a confidential corporate document," though it was not specified whether or not TrustedReviews had, in fact, broken any laws by leaking the content. In response, Take-Two Interactive issued a statement to Variety threatening "legal action against people or publications who leak confidential information," while also specifying that the £1 million payout will be dispersed between three different charities: the American Indian College Fund, the American Prairie Reserve, and the First Nations Development Institute.
Though not the first time details about a video game have been leaked online, this is an example of serious action being taken under the circumstances. Another video game website Kotaku had been called out on several occasions for leaking content from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, as well as confidential information from PlayStation, but neither resulted in serious consequences.
Seeing as Red Dead Redemption 2 is continuing a strong, consistent streak of breaking records following its early October release, its creators have little to worry about in terms of various information leaks affecting sales in any way whatsoever. The game is already well on its way to breaking a billion dollars in sales just short of a month after its release, so a leak all the way back in February doesn't appear to have hurt it in any way. In fact, cluing in gamers on what sort of features they'll have to look forward to in such an anticipated game could be a blessing in disguise in some ways. Whether or not the legal action taken against TrustedReviews is justified or not is the hot topic of debate.