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Fed Chairman Jerome Powell’s press conference this week carried a subtle message for President Trump: If you’re worried about an economic slowdown, find a way to cool down the trade war.
Mr. Powell, of course, didn’t spell this out so explicitly.
As has been his custom, he pointedly declined to respond to Mr. Trump’s latest insults on Twitter Wednesday, when he said Mr. Powell had “no ‘guts,’ no sense.” Mr. Trump has tweeted disapprovingly about the Fed more than 30 times since the Fed cut rates in July.
Still, in his last three public appearances, Mr. Powell has more strongly signaled his concern that recent market turmoil, including a swift decline in long-term bond yields last month, reflected worries that the U.S.-China trade war was hurting business confidence and investment.
Trade disputes ratcheted up in May when Mr. Trump declared an escalation of trade tariffs on China when negotiations over a trade agreement broke down. Later, he threatened to impose tariffs on Mexico to address concerns over border security.
Trade developments have been “up and down and then up, I guess—or back up, perhaps—over the course of this intermeeting period,” Mr. Powell said Wednesday. “In any case, they’ve been quite volatile.”
Mr. Powell mentioned trade 20 times at his news conference on Wednesday. Other geopolitical risks figured less prominently or not at all. Mr. Powell mentioned Brexit once, and tensions in Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia didn’t come up.
“The thing we can’t address, really, is what businesses would like, which is a settled road map for international trade. We can’t do that. We don’t have that tool,” Mr. Powell said. “But we do have a very powerful tool which can counteract weakness to some extent by supporting demand through sound monetary policy.”
Mr. Powell said business contacts across the country have reported being discouraged from making new investments because of trade-related uncertainty.
Business executives have sent Mr. Trump and his advisers a similar message, particularly after he escalated trade tariffs and threatened to bar U.S. firms from doing business in China last month.
Fed officials voted to cut rates Wednesday by a quarter-percentage point for the second time in as many months, though the vote on the 10-person rate-setting committee wasn’t unanimous. Two dissenters favored holding rates steady, while one preferred a larger, half-point cut.
The Fed’s benchmark rate is now in a range between 1.75% and 2%.
In an interview Thursday on the Fox Business Network, White House economic adviser Lawrence Kudlow said the Fed’s recent move was a “step in the right direction.” He added, “They probably have more work to do…and I reckon they’ll probably get there.”
Mr. Kudlow brushed aside a question over whether trade-related uncertainty was harming business investment. Recent data on manufacturing activity showed improvement, he said, and he predicted a pickup in spending on business equipment.
For his part, Mr. Powell said he didn’t mean to suggest the Fed’s tools haven’t had any effect. The Fed’s pivot away from raising interest rates at the start of the year to holding them steady during the spring to cutting them this summer helped keep the economic outlook favorable, he said.
“We do have a very powerful tool which can counteract weakness to some extent,” Mr. Powell said. He added: “I was pointing out that there is a piece of this that we really can’t address.”
Write to Nick Timiraos at firstname.lastname@example.org


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CrossFit and weight lifting enthusiasts in the UK now have access to high quality wrist wraps courtesy of the new company Be Better Athletic.
London, UK -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/02/2014 -- UK CrossFitters and Olympic weight lifters have up until recently been at a sever disadvantage when it comes to getting quality equipment. Especially commercially available wrist wraps, which notoriously would be lucky to last through a few months of CrossFit WOD's or other high impact training before becoming unusable. Now with the new company Be Better Athletic on the scene that problem has been solved once for all. Their debut line consists of three premium quality wrist wraps perfect for hard training and built to last years, if not a lifetime.
“We had a real need for great wrist wraps for our own training,” commented a spokesperson from the company. “After our own, the next thing we knew we were producing a small batch for our immediate workout buddies. We were so impressed with the quality of the product that we thought it would be unfair to keep them to ourselves. And then Be Better Athletic was born!”
Wrist wraps are essential for CrossFit or any other style of training that incorporates Olympic style lifts. The support they give the wrists not only adds to the amount of weight that can be trained with, but also goes a very long way to preventing injuries. Doing cleans, jerks, presses, dead lifts and many other exercises without them puts an athlete at an extreme disadvantage.
Currently Be Better Athletic offers three versions of premium wrist wraps, a normal version, a heavy duty pair and a set made especially for women. All are painstakingly made to the highest qualifications and are priced at a very affordable price point.
The response from customers has been incredibly enthusiastic.
John G. from London recently said in a review, “I have been doing CrossFit / Olympic lifting for a while now and have worked my way through plenty of wrist supports and these were by far the best. They are durable and comfortable whilst offering brilliant support......highly recommended!”
For more information on Be Better Athletic visit www.bebetterathletic.com.

domain: news


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There is not much for paint firms to cheer about as far as the goods and services tax (GST) is concerned. For them, the process of GST implementation brings along a near-term supply chain disruption at dealer and vendor levels, which could hurt their volume growth and operating margin.
The March quarter of fiscal 2017 was a dull one for paint companies. While volumes in the decorative segment recovered from the demonetization impact, the industrial segment remained subdued. Operating margin fell from their peak, dented by escalating raw material prices.
While the GST-led disruption is unlikely to last for more than a quarter, its spillover effect would be visible in earnings in forthcoming quarters, analysts cautioned.
Paint and adhesives makers are in for a marginal increase in tax outgo. Paints have been classified in the GST tax rate slab of 28%, higher than 24-27% currently paid out by them in the form of excise, value added tax (VAT) and entry taxes. Analysts expect this to prompt a further price hike of nearly 2% based on maximum retail price. But there is some relief from the increase in transitional credit limit from 40% to 60%.
However, the sector doesn’t benefit from a key feature of GST i.e. shift in business from unorganized to organized sector. Since the paint industry is highly organized, there is not much companies will get in terms of market share boost. According to analysts, nearly 75% of the paint industry is in the organized sector.
On the brighter side, some cost savings on the logistics and transportation front are anticipated due to a consolidation of warehouses in the GST era, and that would aid margins. According to K. Ravichandran, senior vice-president, corporate ratings, at ICRA Ltd, an Ebitda margin push of 100 basis points is anticipated for larger firms from this. However, it should be noted that this gain will reflect only over a couple of quarters. Ebitda stands for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Meanwhile, shares of paint companies continue to outperform key benchmark index Sensex on a year-to-date basis. On the valuation front, too, shares of Asian Paints Ltd, Berger Paints India Ltd and Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd trade at rich multiples of more than 40 times.
Clearly, given the aforementioned factors, GST won’t be a game changer for this sector. Also, since raw material prices continue to surge, the days of elevated margins are now behind paint companies. Simply put, valuations need to correct.


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Samsung’s Galaxy S4, which is going to be unveiled on March 14th in New York, is the most powerful smartphone till now, according to Antutu benchmark scores.
On the Antutu benchmarks, Galaxy S4 is the only handset with 20,000+ score, 24894 to be precise. It beats every other top Android smartphones in all departments be it the performance of RAM, or graphics or the performance of CPU, by a large margin.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 is to come with an 1.8 GHz octa (8) core Exynos 5410 processor, PowerVR SGX 544 MP graphics processor, 2 GB RAM and 16 GB/32 GB inbuilt memory.
The phone will have a 5 inch display with 1920x1080p resolution. In terms of camera too the phone is well armed; it will come with a big 21 megapixel rear camera and a 1.3 megapixel front camera.
With this kind of specification, we fear the phone might get a very hefty price tag, but whatever that is it will create a buzz like no other given the success Galaxy S4′ predecessors, the Galaxy S3 and S2.


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If you lose a hand in an accident, there are several replacements to go for, from “hook” all the way up to “bionic”. But what if you only lose two fingers? Nothing much you can do there, right? Well, as you may have guessed from the headline, not any more.
The world’s first bionic fingers have been developed by Scottish firm Touch Bionics. Called the ProDigits, they’re directly controlled by the brain and don’t need any surgery to attach. Each set is custom-made, fitting onto however much of the hand is there and using sensors attached to the skin to register brain signals. Users can even choose from a range of different materials to cover the fingers.
The partial hand amputee population is reckoned to be about 52,000 in the EU and 1.2 million worldwide. Touch Bionics’ marketing director, Phil Newman, said, “There has been no solution like this for the partial hand amputee community. The ProDigits provide a powered device with a grip and it has returned these people to a level of functionality and independence.
“It is supporting a community that has never had support before.”
An early adopter of the new technology is Spanish concert pianist Maria Antonia Iglesias, who suffered from an illness that required finger amputation. She said the hand worked like a “dream”.
“Even a simple thing like holding and lifting a glass of water to drink from was impossible before, but with ProDigits I can do it easily,” she added.
The ProDigits come in at £35,000-£45,000, which includes the fitting, skin covering and occupational therapy. Touch Bionics is hoping to work with the NHS in the future.


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Investors will get fresh guidance on the outlook for earnings from some of the largest US companies next week when they release their latest quarterly numbers amid speculations that and could end the profit boom.
Investors have been selling off stocks this year on fears of a recession after the US Federal Reserve made inflation fighting its key focus and began aggressive interest rate hikes.
The US major indices, however, including the and staged a big comeback last week after slipping into a bear market. The gained more than 800 points on Friday, rebounding off the lows of the bear market last week.
Amid this economic uncertainty, below are three important stocks we’ll be focusing on during the upcoming week:
Sportswear giant Nike (NYSE:) will release its fourth quarter fiscal 2022 earnings on Monday, June 27 after the market close. On average, analysts are expecting the global purveyor of footwear and sports apparel and accessories to make $0.81 a share profit on sales of $12.09 billion.
During March, Nike earnings that beat analysts’ expectations on signs that the world’s largest sportswear brand is overcoming struggles with its supply chain and weakness in one of its key markets, China.
Supply-chain issues that have clogged trade routes continued to pressure operations, according to Nike executives as the retailer had more than the normal amount of goods stuck in transit. The company expected the flow of supply to improve in the previous quarter.
While demand remains weak in China where the government is pursuing a zero-COVID policy, a sales rebound in North America and Europe is helping to offset some losses. Nike stock, which is down about 32% this year, closed on Friday at $112.91.
2. Bed Bath & Beyond
US home furnishings and housewares giant, Bed Bath & Beyond (NASDAQ:) reports its fiscal 2022 Q1 earnings on Wednesday, June 29 before the market open. Analysts expect the retailer to produce a loss of $1.37 a share profit on sales of $1.51 billion.
BBBY stock, which closed on Friday at $7, is down 50% this year, as the retailer faces a high level of inventory issues amid uncertainty about its future. BBBY told investors in April that an “abnormally high” level of inventory was in transit, unavailable or held at ports through the early part of the last quarter. That contributed to a larger-than-expected drop in sales, making it tougher for the retailer to turn around its business.
A string of weak is adding fuel to the debate about what Bed Bath & Beyond should do with its baby-products business, which keeps growing despite the overall company’s slump, according to a Bloomberg report. Activist investor Ryan Cohen, whose firm won three board seats in March, has urged the retailer to consider selling the Buybuy Baby division or the entire company.
3. Micron Technology
Semiconductor giant Micron Technology (NASDAQ:) will report fiscal 2022, Q3 earnings on Thursday, June 30, after the close. The memory and storage chip manufacturer is estimated to show $2.46 in profit per share on $8.68 billion in sales.
The largest US maker of memory chips provided an upbeat forecast in March for its , signaling that demand remains strong from its data-center customers.
Memory chips are now used in a wide range of devices, making them less subject to fluctuations in demand for personal computers and smartphones. That’s helped Micron continue to grow even as the PC market slows.
Micron stock, which closed at $58.44 on Friday, is down 37% for the year on investors’ concerns that demand could slow if a recession hits the economy later this year.


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In an age dominated by digital transactions and interconnected financial systems, financial crime has evolved dramatically. Among the sophisticated schemes that have emerged, synthetic identity fraud stands out as a pervasive and elusive threat.
Unlike traditional forms of identity theft, this type of fraud involves the creation of entirely fictitious identities. It skillfully blends real and false information to deceive even the most vigilant financial institutions. As these synthetic identities infiltrate the system, they manipulate credit lines, accumulate debts, and commit fraud, leaving a trail of financial havoc.
According to KPMG, synthetic identity fraud has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing financial crimes in the United States. Banks have suffered significant losses due to it, amounting to $6 billion. The average charge-offs resulting from these crimes are substantial, reaching approximately $15,000.
This article discusses the complexities of this crime, examining its methods, impact, and the strategies employed by institutions to combat this threat.
Methods Used by Scammers
Synthetic identity fraud is a highly sophisticated and evolving form of financial crime that exploits the vulnerabilities of digital identity verification.
This practice often begins with the theft of genuine Social Security numbers, laying the foundation for a synthetic identity. Subsequently, the scammers combine these stolen Social Security numbers with fabricated or stolen personal information to create entirely new identities.
Security Boulevard highlights that the United States’ heavy reliance on unchanging Personally Identifiable Information (PII) has rendered it susceptible to this type of fraud. Criminals invest significant efforts in crafting authentic and verifiable identities, enabling them to evade standard verification methods.
This fraud frequently remains unnoticed for prolonged periods, granting these synthetic identities the opportunity to inflict significant losses on businesses and financial institutions.
Financial Institutions and Synthetic Identity Fraud
Synthetic identity fraud presents a significant menace to financial institutions, particularly targeting banks and credit card companies. As reported by The Louisiana Illuminator, criminals like 43-year-old Adam Arena and his associates in New York capitalize on vulnerabilities within these institutions.
In a complex operation, Arena and his partners exploited the system using synthetic identities, aiming to defraud banks of more than $1 million. Moreover, this incident is not an isolated case. They further managed to deceive the federal government of almost $1 million from the Paycheck Protection Program during the peak of the pandemic.
Financial institutions grapple with detecting synthetic identities due to the absence of traditional red flags. The lack of easily recognizable patterns or alerts often allows these schemes to persist undetected for extended periods. This causes substantial financial losses and reputational damage to the institutions involved.
Prevention Strategies and Industry Responses
Preventing synthetic identity fraud necessitates a multifaceted strategy rooted in innovation and cooperation. Advanced identity verification methods, including biometric authentication utilizing unique biological traits, serve as the primary line of defense.
Additionally, continuous monitoring of customer data is essential for promptly detecting anomalies and potential fraudulent activities.
Crucially, collaborative initiatives involving various industries and regulatory bodies are pivotal. Platforms facilitating information exchange and best practice sharing empower institutions to proactively counter emerging threats.
More importantly, AML practices are central to this approach. AML, meaning anti-money laundering, mandates thorough customer due diligence and transaction monitoring, establishing a strong foundation for identifying suspicious activities.
Integrating AML practices into their strategies enables financial institutions to strengthen their defenses against this kind of fraud.
According to AU10TIX, the collaboration between cutting-edge technology and AML protocols constructs a robust defense, safeguarding the financial world from these fraudulent schemes. This partnership ensures the protection of businesses and consumers, shielding them from the far-reaching consequences of synthetic identity fraud.
Impact on Businesses and Consumers
For businesses, the financial implications are staggering. Direct losses stem from fraudulent transactions where criminals exploit vulnerabilities within the system, leading to significant monetary drain. Moreover, businesses incur elevated costs in implementing stringent fraud prevention measures.
Investments in cutting-edge technologies, employee training, and cybersecurity protocols become imperative, amplifying operational expenses. These financial burdens erode profitability and divert resources from essential business functions, hindering growth and innovation.
Conversely, consumers bear the brunt of the aftermath. Their credit scores suffer substantial damage due to these fraudulent activities, impacting their ability to secure loans or make crucial financial decisions.
The process of resolving identity theft issues is labyrinthine, involving extensive paperwork, communication with credit bureaus, and legal procedures. Victims face emotional distress, financial instability, and a pervasive loss of trust in financial institutions, significantly impacting their overall well-being.
Furthermore, the time-consuming nature of resolving these issues often results in missed opportunities and strained relationships, exacerbating the personal toll.
As we conclude this exploration, one thing remains abundantly clear: the fight against synthetic identity fraud is ongoing, dynamic, and demanding. It calls for continuous adaptation, informed vigilance, and the collective intelligence of industries working together to protect financial systems.
By integrating advanced technologies and AML practices, we forge a formidable shield. The one that promises to safeguard businesses and consumers from the far-reaching and enduring impacts of fraud.


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The Information Technology Act, 2000, passed by the Parliament of India on May 2000, had aimed to curb cybercrime, and to provide a legal framework for e-commerce transactions. In 2001, India and the United States had set up an India-US cybersecurity forum as part of a counter-terrorism dialogue.
Cybercrime cells have been set up in major cities, but still, most cases remain unreported due to a lack of awareness.
A list of cybercrime cells:
It is important we make people aware of instances of cybercrime, and ways to tackle them, in our country.


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Specialist hotel research consultancy BDRC Continental has launched the 2013 Global Hotel Guest Survey programme.
The survey is based on nationally representative samples of British business and leisure hotel guests and has been conducted annually since 1982. It reveals significant changes to the structure of the market, hotel guest behaviour and the hierarchy of hotel brands operating in Britain. The key highlights are as follows:
- A summer jam-packed with major events helped make 2012 an excellent year for the domestic British short break market, with demand soaring by eight million room nights to 43 million.
- By contrast, the report highlights a depressed business transient and residential conference market, with demand contracting by five million room nights to 53 million.
- The combined impact of a strong domestic leisure market and a weaker business market was a slight contraction in total domestic room nights to 106 million.
- Hilton remains the market-leading brand on a composite measure of brand performance, but Whitbread’s budget brand Premier Inn continues its rapid progress and moves into second place, also becoming the most widely used brand for business stays.
- BDRC Continental’s award for ‘Most Improved Brand’ performance goes to Accor’s mid-market brand, Mercure, which has seen significant increases in consumer awareness since its recent expansion in Britain.
- InterContinental and Hyatt are, respectively, the number one brands for their own guests’ ratings on the ‘likelihood to recommend’ measure, for business and leisure.
- A key theme of the report is the coming of age of mobile technology and social media as channels for interaction between guests and hotels.
- Eighty two per cent of British business travellers own a mobile device that gives them internet access.
- Improvements in functionality, as well as the increase in adoption, are leading to much more widespread use of mobile technology to search for hotels, review facilities, and making or changing bookings.
- Eighty three per cent of British business travellers now engage with social media.
- Free WiFi in the hotel is the number one functional product/service priority for business guests.
Commenting on the British Hotel Guest Survey results, Matt Costin, director at BDRC Continental, said: “This year’s report highlights the dynamism of the hotel sector; significant shifts in the structure of market demand; fluctuations in the overall hierarchy of brand performance; and improving technology which is changing consumer behaviour. As ever, it is vital for senior decision makers to understand the business implications of these changes and to put the voice of the customer at the heart of their strategic decision-making.”
The 2013 British Hotel Guest Survey by BDRC Continental, was conducted amongst 1,000 business travellers and 1,000 leisure travellers, representative of the hotel-staying British population. Equivalent surveys are conducted by BDRC Continental in 35 of the world’s most significant hotel markets, across 5 continents. For further details go to www.bdrc.continental.com
Image: Premier Inn, Leamington Spa


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We’ve knowledgeable our readers earlier that Rajamouli’s group is toying with two dates – Sankranthi 2022 and Ugadhi 2022 for its launch plan. Nevertheless, the group of ‘RRR’ lately introduced that they might announce the brand new date when the cinemas world over up and working.
However some Bollywood commerce handles in social media have began spreading the information that Pen Motion pictures, which secured the Hindi rights, has knowledgeable the exhibitors concerning the new launch date.
As per Bollywood commerce media, ‘RRR’ will launch on January 12, 2022. Bollywood producers lately introduced the discharge dates of all biggies. They haven’t locked any film for the Sankranthi interval. So, Rajamouli desires to seize this slot.
If Rajamouli locks this date, it should disturb the discharge plans of different Telugu biggies like ‘Sarkaru Vaari Paata’, ‘Bheemla Nayak’ and ‘Radhe Shyam’. All these biggies have introduced their Sankranthi launch plans lengthy again. It’s not a straightforward job for Rajamouli to persuade all these massive heroes to postpone their motion pictures.
Sources say Rajamouli and his group are nonetheless in dialogue about finalizing the date. They haven’t but made any resolution.


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Facebook Redesigns Newsfeed, Inspired By Mobile
Facebook announced a redesign of its famous news feed, giving users more control over what shows up and options to view updates from different categories of friends. The company says its aim is to reduce clutter.
Photos have become even more prominent in this design. They take more space than they ever have. Other stories from your friends and pages you like now have a fresh, new look with larger previews that hold more information.
Make no mistake, Facebook’s new newsfeed design is based on its mobile design. If you’re a regular Facebook mobile user, it’s the first thing that comes to mind when you see it. Switching between the news feed and your profile will now be done in a bar on your right.
Facebook has also said it’ll be porting the new newsfeed options to its mobile apps. So if you use Facebook for Android or iOS, you’ll get the new options soon.
For web users, Facebook has begun rolling it out to a few users and requesting feedback. You can join the waiting list at the bottom of this page. We’ll post a walkthrough of the new design as soon as we get it.
Here are Greg and other Facebook staffers explaining the newsfeed.
Facebook has continued to change certain elements in its design over the years and has stuck to its guts at doing so. What do you think about the new design of newsfeed? Do you like it?


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As part of the celebration, STP will be back on the No. 43 Ford Fusion for the second consecutive year during the STP 400 at Kansas Speedway. The No. 43 STP Ford Fusion will feature the iconic Petty Blue and STP Day-Glo Red colors and will be piloted by new Richard Petty Motorsports driver, Aric Almirola.
STP’s winning relationship with Petty shows that STP has truly been “The Racer’s Edge®” for the past 40 years and they have been delivering power and performance to consumers since the brands creation in 1954. STP believes the more power you put in, the more muscle you will get out.
Last year the STP brand announced its re-entry into the racing community with a presence in multiple series’ including NASCAR, NHRA, World of Outlaws, Infineon Speedway, and at several International Speedway Corporation (ISC) tracks.
Source: RPM PR


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The South African Poultry Association (Sapa) has noted “positive gains” that have been made towards increasing South Africa's exports of poultry.
This is one of the key objectives of the Poultry Industry Master Plan, aimed at growing the industry, which is being driven by Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel and Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Thoko Didiza.
“It is exactly a year since the master plan was signed and it is gratifying that despite the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, we can confirm that certain crucial steps have been taken towards enabling more exports of South African chicken.
"It is to the credit of Ministers Patel and Didiza that South African chicken products can now be exported to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and hopefully also soon to Saudi Arabia and elsewhere,” acclaimed Sapa’s Broiler Organisation GM Izaak Breitenbach.
This follows after the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development successfully negotiated a new export certificate opening up the UAE for imports of South African poultry products, he noted.
He confirmed that the first producer is already exporting to the UAE and that Sapa expects market access negotiations to be held with Saudi Arabia in the near future.
Steps are also being taken to facilitate exports to neighbours in the Southern African Customs Unions (Sacu) countries. Breitenbach noted that the country does have export certificates in place for Namibia, Botswana and Swaziland, but access is restricted in terms of these countries’ quota polices.
The expectation is that the Sacu arrangement "will be smoothed" in the near future in terms of the master plan to enable increased exports.
While exporting to the European Union (EU) is on the export planning agenda, this is challenging owing to EU import protocols.


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Sega has announced Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown, a PlayStation 4 exclusive remake of the classic fighting game. With a brand new game engine, online multiplayer and more, the game will release on 1st June. It’s also rumoured to be a part of June’s PlayStation Plus update.
Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown’s development is being led by an “all-star team” from Sega AM2 and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio to celebrate Sega’s 60th anniversary. Virtua Fighter 5 itself is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, having first released in the arcades in 2006, before a PS3 and Xbox 360 port in 2007. It’s the most recent entry in the series – well, there was the 2012 Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown, which it now transpires is not so final – with many having feared that Sega’s fighting legacy was falling into obscurity.
The game is being rebuilt from scratch in RGG’s Dragon Engine, which has previously been seen in Yakuza 6, Yakuza Kiwami 2, Judgment, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, and will be seen again in the upcoming Lost Judgment. All of the stages will have new background music, there will be a new UI, a new opening cinematic and more.
Compared to its original release, online fighting games are now well in the mainstream, and the functionality is being bundled into Ultimate Showdown. There will be both private and public lobbies with support for up to 16 players, with the ability to spectate online matches in real-time and to create robin-robin online tournaments.
The rumour mill had already preceded Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown’s official announcement with a leak of June’s PlayStation Plus game selection, dishing out this new Virtua Fighter 5 game alongside Star Wars: Squadrons and the PS5 version of cross-gen release Operation: Tango. Coming from Spanish site Areajugones, who previously reported on May’s PlayStation Plus games, as well as the new DualSense colours, this rumour could hold water…


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The state's quasi-public technology investment agency has invested $500,000 in a 4-year-old Woodbury company that uses global positioning system (GPS) technology to help commercial financial institutions fight theft.
2X Software releases the first volume of its Private Cloud Computing Essentials guide to explain the benefits and strategies for implementing cloud computing within enterprises.
Microsoft has filed a complaint in Europe accusing Google of abusing its
dominance of the mobile market to push its apps on Android handset makers.
GM confirmed it will resume paying for Facebook ads, having changed its mind since last
May when it said mobile spots on the social media network didn't help sell enough cars.
FTS International Services, formerly Frac Tech, swung from a hefty profit in 2011 to a loss of $29.8 million as revenues slid 18 percent to $1.9 billion, the Fort Worth-based hydraulic fracturing service company reported.
Pandora has reached a milestone of 200 million registered users in the U.S.
Samsung Electronics will step up its challenge to Apple in the US market by offering its smartphones in the country's largest electronic retail outlet, Best Buy, the company said Thursday.
Under the deal, Samsung gets retail space in North
America to help it compete with Apple, and Best Buy dedicates more of its space to profitable smartphones, TVs and tablets.
Apple has no patent protection in Germany for
"slide to unlock," one of the most familiar features of its iPhones
and iPads, a German court has ruled.
BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion says it is silencing its streaming music service barely two years after it launched.
Facebook may claim more than a billion active monthly users. But you've
got to believe that only a fraction of those folks would actually want to buy a
Samsung will gear up its challenge
to Apple in the U.S. by offering its smartphones at Best Buy, the
country's largest electronic retail outlet, the company
Disney shut down its LucasArts' Star Wars video game franchise five months after buying Lucasfilm and its video game subsidiary for more than $4 billion.
Following a string of missteps and controversy, Accretive Health Inc. on Tuesday replaced its co-founder, President and Chief Executive Mary Tolan with Stephen Schuckenbrock, former president of Dell Services.
Entrepreneur Andrew Busey has teamed up with Chaotic Moon Studios, the Austin-based app developer, to launch a mobile gaming startup called Team Chaos.


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The big news of the day is that the organizers behind E3 2022 have officially canceled this year’s show, a show that was likely to be a virtual event before this announcement. Earlier in the year, there was the breaking news that the show would go ahead, but without anyone in physical attendance, s0 this news came as a bit of a shock to the industry who were looking forward to getting the show back on the road again.
The company behind the show is the Electronic Software Association (ESA), and they broke the news to partner companies and associates via email (what a way to do it), which was then followed by Will Powers, the PR lead at Razer sharing the bombshell all over Twitter.
What is the reason for the E3 2022 cancellation?
The latest cancellation is just one of many that had happened to events like this since 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic officially broke out and forced the world into lockdown. That being said, E3 had recently struggled with its attendance records before the pandemic even worsened things. We were all expected a virtual experience just like in 2021, and now because of the “ongoing health risks that come with COVID-19” this show is no more. But, given E3’s past difficulties, there could very well be some more determining factors that have led to this decision.
The ESA had planned a complete overhaul for E3 2020 as a means to kick start the event back into life and give it some purpose once again. Companies such as Sony and EA started the power shift by using their own channels instead of using E3 as their major yearly release platform.
The decision, which has been provided in a statement from the ESA, states that their desire is “to devote all our energy and resources into delivering a revitalized physical and digital E3 experience next summer”, where they aim to focus on community and the media in an “all-new format.” They’re making that sound way more exciting than it will be, more than likely another virtual event.


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Josh Brown, a popular blogger and investment adviser, announced last week that he joined the crypto circus with his first-ever bitcoin purchase.
“So you are now free to dump all of your cryptocurrencies because this surely marks an all-time top,” he joked (kinda). “But I thought I’d mention it anyway.”
He later told MarketWatch that, even if his investment turns out to be a bust, he’ll probably learn enough to come away with something valuable.
“I’m not a disruption hippie or an early adopter or a visionary or an evangelist,” he said. “But I’m too curious to not experience bitcoin ownership for myself.”
While Brown may have given in to FOMO (fear of missing out), many of his peers aren’t exactly tempted by bitcoin BTCUSD, -2.56%
Not yet anyway.
“Honestly, I have no idea why we need to be a part of that whole thing,” says Dana Lyons of J. Lyons Fund Management, chalking up his hesitation to Warren Buffett’s ...


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by Cori Hilsgen
The Fare For All Express food program continues to grow. Organizer Amanda Roles said volunteers sold 666 packs of food, 573 a la carte items and served about 409 households.
Two trucks of food did not fulfill the amount of food that was needed for everyone to buy the packs they wanted.
Roles said a contact from Fare for All said this – that a site continues to get better each month – usually does not happen. Usually the first two distributions are large and then it begins to taper off a little and stays there until the holidays.
“We ran out of the meat-only packs at about 5:30 p.m. and the grill packs and produce packs at about 5:45 p.m.,” Roles said. “Some people again did not have the option to buy what they had desired to.”
She said Fare for All will bring two large trucks next month. For the May distribution, they brought one large and one smaller truck.
“We continue to grow and grow,” Roles said. “What’s happening at Resurrection is eye-popping.”
Organizers are making new plans for the June distribution. If weather permits, a new sidewalk will be installed to help with the Fare for All distribution flow. Organizers are also looking at putting in a new set of double doors instead of the single door that is currently there. They are seeking donations to help fund this cause.
Roles would like to extend a huge thank you to the volunteers who made this distribution possible even in the misting rain.
“You are greatly appreciated,” she said.
Roles said they are seeking volunteers at the next distribution. Volunteers can sign up at the following link- http://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050E48A4AE2AA46-volunteer, by contacting Roles at firstname.lastname@example.org or by calling Mary Plafcan at 320-249-5718. If you would like to donate to the cost of the double doors, contact Roles at her email address.
Fare for All aims to provide affordable, healthy foods to all. The program is meant to supplement people’s grocery purchases and provides produce and meat items that many might not be able to otherwise afford – often at up to a 40-percent discount of grocery-store prices. The program is open to everyone and does not require any registration.
Future distribution dates are June 9, July 7, Aug. 4, Sept. 15, Oct. 14, Nov. 10 and Dec. 8.


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Johnny Rockets rockets into Tegucigalpa
Aliso Viejo, Calif. — Honduras has welcomed Johnny Rockets to its first location in the country at City Mall Tegucigalpa. It is the second Central American restaurant — the first opened in Panama City in 2010. The new restaurant spans 2,266 sq. ft. plus a 365-sq.-ft. terrace. It seats 105 diners.
The largest shopping center in the Honduran capital, City Mall features more than 300 shops and restaurants; eight Cinemark theatres; and parking for 1,500 cars.
Transwestern brings on new managing director
Los Angeles — David K. Henry will join Transwestern as a Los Angeles-based managing director. He will lead the West Coast Tenant Advisory Services group and serve occupier clients with locations throughout the U.S. along with the tenant advisory group’s international alliance with Paris-based BNP Paribas Real Estate. Henry will also join the firm’s National Tenant Advisory Steering Committee.
Prior to joining Transwestern, Henry served as senior VO at CBRE. Henry’s 15- year career as a broker includes negotiating lease, sublease, purchase and sale transactions totaling over $1 billion for clients such as Disney, Parsons, Dole and JP Morgan Chase.
Rizzieri Salon and Spa to PREIT’s Moorestown Mall
Philadelphia — Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust is relocating the award-winning Rizzieri Salon and Spa to Moorestown Mall from its current location in Marlton, N.J. The spa will take over a newly designed 12,000-sq.-ft. space late next year.
The move is part of PREIT’s repositioning effort for the mall. In addition to Rizzieri, the effort has brought in artisan-owned restaurants, a premium movie theater and specialty stores unique to the mall environment.
“We believe that when its transformation is complete, Moorestown Mall will serve as a model for creating a truly differentiated suburban consumer experience,” said Joseph F. Coradino, CEO of PREIT.


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Gurgaon: Packaged food maker Nestle India Ltd have decided to increase the iron content and decrease salt amount in its flagship product Maggi Noodles. The same will apply for Maggi-branded products like Maggi Masala, seasonings and soups.
The company is a subsidiary of Swiss packaged food giants Nestle SA. It said that it made the decision in response to consumer and government pushes for healthier products.
The ‘fortified’ Maggi masala noodles will be available across the country at nearly 35 lakh retail outlets in a matter of weeks. The ‘non-fortified’ noodles will be withdrawn gradually. The prices of the products will remain the same. Nestle is making the changes in salt and iron content as part of its global strategy.
It means to reduce sodium, sugar and saturated fats from its products so that they appeal to larger masses. Nestle’s strategy involves cutting sodium content by 10 per cent from all Maggi-branded products by 2020. It also intends to add more vegetables and nutrient-rich ingredients.
Nestle claims that in the last 10 years, it has reduced the sodium content in all-Maggi-branded products by 32.7 per cent.
Read More: Few Types Of Salts You Should Know
Only four months prior to Nestle’s move, the Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had set up a panel with scientific experts on “food fortification and nutrition”. The panel will recommend guidelines for addressing the issue of malnutrition in India by making fortified food products available to the public. It aims to make the supply of fortified foods mandatory in government-funded schemes including mid-day meal programmes, public distribution system, and integrated child development services. The guidelines will be implemented jointly by the food regulator FSSAI and the Union Ministry for Women and Child Development.
Recently companies like Coca-Cola Co., PepsiCo Inc., Unilever Plc. etc have expanded their fortified products portfolios. Many countries levy heavy taxes on sugar and also cap sodium content in food products.


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Welcome to Rise & Shine
If you have any news about your business you’d like to see here please contact our News Editor, Carolyn Moss, at firstname.lastname@example.org or call her on 01305 575155. Follow us on Twitter @BreadButterNews for updates.
Sales dive despite rugby
Britain’s managed pub and restaurant groups saw trading down in October despite the Rugby World Cup. The latest figures from the Coffer Peach Business Tracker reveal collective like-for-like sales were down 0.6% in October. Restaurant chains saw collective like-for-likes fall 0.7%, with managed pub and bar groups down 0.6% and London trading lagged behind the rest of the country
“Drink-led pubs did marginally better, with a 0.3% like-for-like increase over the month, but there was no big boost coming from customers wanting to watch the rugby on TV in the bar – probably due to the early morning kick-offs,” said Karl Chessell, director of CGA, the business insight consultancy that produces the Coffer PeachTracker, in partnership with Coffer Group and RSM.
“October is usually a quiet month in the eating and drinking out world – the lull before the Christmas rush – and so it has proved. Essentially, we are continuing to see a flat market. People are still going out, but there is no real growth,” he added.
Saxon Moseley, senior manager at RSM, said, “Against a backdrop of ongoing political and economic uncertainty, together with a wet and windy start to the autumn, operators will be quietly satisfied with like-for-likes that broadly match last year’s numbers. With the starting gun fired on a winter election, hopes will be raised that voters will look to escape the barrage of doorstep campaigners by hot-footing it to their local pubs and restaurants during the all-important festive trading period.”
Coffer Corporate Leisure managing director Mark Sheehan said, “The figures show that businesses outside the M25 did better than those in the Capital. However, it is worth noting that although it looks like London is underperforming, the strength of the London market is being driven by independents not captured by the stats, rather than branded concepts. The eating and drinking out market is relatively stable despite dampened consumer confidence. This is reflecting the combined political and economic uncertainty not seen since the middle of the last century.”
Regionally, businesses outside of London did better than those in the capital, down 0.5% compared to a 0.9% fall inside the M25.
Underlying like-for-like growth for the Tracker cohort, which represents both large and small operators, was running at 1.7% for the 12 months to the end of October, which is just below the 1.8% registered at the end of September.
Halcyon Group sells Bath lounge bar
The leasehold of the Circo Cocktail Bar and Lounge in Bath has been sold by owners The Halcyon Group to a new market entrant.
The business has been acquired by local industry professional Mike Philips in a deal brokered by Christie & Co.
Occupying a Georgian basement, Circo was recently voted Best Bar in bath 2019 by Bath Life magazine.
Mike said, “This is an exciting time for Circo and for Bath. It’s as important as ever to continually adapt to the city’s ever-changing and evolving tastes, and I am looking forward to working with my team to bring in new ideas and maximise this unique venue’s great potential. We will be overhauling our cocktail menu over the coming weeks and introducing a variety of new brands to our bars, such as Asahi. We are also changing our opening hours so that we are catering to a wider demographic during the week. I am confident that these improvements alongside a long list of other changes we are planning to implement, will only reinforce Circo’s reputation as the Best Bar in Bath.”
Bath, Bristol and Somerset Tourism Awards
The winners have been announced for this year’s Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards. Over 100 tourism businesses attended the ceremony at Bristol Marriott City Centre Hotel on 21st November 2019.
The big winner on the night was Barley Wood, Wrington (part of YMCA Dulverton Group) which won Gold in the Wedding Venue of the Year and Tourism Innovation Award categories and then went on to be named Winner of Winners.
The Roman Baths & Pump Room, Bath also had a good night winning Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award, International Tourism Award, and Large Visitor Attraction of the Year. Other Gold winners were Wild Wookey, Wells (Active and Sporting Experience Award), Railway Cottage Holidays, Wilton (Age-Friendly Tourism Business of the Year), Assembly Rooms, Bath (Business Events Venue of the Year), The Blitz Tearoom, Weston-super-Mare (Café/Tearoom of the Year), Mill on the Brue Outdoor Activity Centre, Bruton (Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award), The Wheatsheaf, Bath (Forthglade Dog Friendly Pub of the year), Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, Colerne (Large Hotel of the Year), Sweet Cumin, Radstock (Learning Experience of the Year), The Litton, Near Wells (Pub of the Year), Menu Gordon Jones, Bath and The Olive Tree Restaurant, Bath (Restaurant/Bistro of the Year), The Pig near Bath (Small Hotel of the Year), and ESPA at Lucknam Park, Colerne (Spa and Wellbeing Experience of the Year).
Awards organiser Nell Barrington said, “It has been such a privilege to celebrate with these talented tourism businesses that are showcasing the excellent tourism offer we have in Somerset, Bristol and Bath, congratulations to them all.”
For the full list of winners, go to www.somersettourismawards.org.uk/2019-winners
Dartmoor Brewery offers “100 casks for 100 causes”
South West producer Dartmoor Brewery has launched a new charity initiative with the donation of 100 casks of their Jail Ale to 100 worthy causes.
They are inviting charity and community event organisers to apply for one of the 100 casks, which they can use to help raise funds for their cause with a fund-raising event.
Dartmoor Brewery MD Ian Cobham said: “We take huge pride in brewing great beers right here on Dartmoor, and this new initiative gives us the opportunity to put a bit more back into the community and to support local charities which do such an amazing job.”
The company say all applications will be considered, with priority given to those which “would benefit causes on Dartmoor or in Devon, and which promote community well-being, public safety, outdoor lifestyle and responsible drinking.”
Bids for the free casks of Jail Ale can be submitted online at www.dartmoorbrewery.co.uk/apply.
Salcombe Gin partners with MCS
Salcombe Distilling Co. (SDCo) have announced a partnership between Salcombe Gin and the Marine Conservation Society (MCS).
Starting in November 2019, they have pledged to donate £1 to MCS for every purchase made through their website, distillery shop and at events during the Christmas period.
Howard Davies co-founder of Salcombe Distilling Co. said: “The team and I at SDCo. have made several changes throughout the business to support the environment and ensure we are operating sustainably. In addition to this, we want to have a positive impact well beyond Salcombe and the reach of our business. This partnership with the Marine Conservation Society gives us this opportunity to support change on a global scale.”
Katharine Sharp, corporate partnerships manager at MCS said: “We’re really excited to be working with Salcombe Distilling Company and to be receiving vital donations from their pre-Christmas sales which will help support our important conservation work. Based on the coast, the staff are fully aware of the importance of clean and healthy seas have on their community. We commend their plans around sustainability, such as refilling empties, more sustainable packaging and using compostable plant-based materials for tasting cups at events, and hope others in the industry will follow their lead.”
Bath Ales hires first brewing apprentices
For the first time in its 24-year history, Bath Ales are welcoming two new brewing apprentices to its team.
Ella Jones (22) and Rob Alder (23) overcame fierce competition to land their roles on the two-year apprenticeship scheme at Hare Brewery, in Warmley, near Bristol. They were selected for “their creative flair, desire to learn and passion for beer.” The pair – who have both experimented with home brewing in the past – will be learning the craft of brewing and helping to produce Bath Ales favourites, including Gem and Sulis.
As well as gaining hands-on experience, the apprentices will develop their technical knowledge with training sessions at Nottingham University where they will complete a Level 4 qualification, the equivalent of the first year of a bachelor’s degree. The new course, which launched in February 2019, is the first of its kind in the UK. It was founded by a “trailblazer group of passionate brewers”, including Bath Ales’ head brewer, Georgina Young, and the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA).
Asked about becoming one of the first apprentices, Ella said: “It’s incredible! I feel so privileged to have been given this opportunity and be working alongside the Bath Ales team. I’m looking forward to learning more about the art of brewing, as well as visiting other breweries and hop farms across the UK.”
Georgina Young said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Rob and Ella to our team. It’s so important that we offer high-quality training opportunities and look to nurture the next generation of talent within the beer industry.
“Apprenticeships are a great foot in the door for people wanting to work in brewing, so we’re really happy to be able to offer this opportunity here at Bath Ales.”
Third Bocabar opens at Bristol’s Finzels Reach
Bristol and Glastonbury-based restaurant/bar Bocabar is opening its third site at Finzels Reach, the new mixed-use development built on the waterside site of the old Courage Brewery in Bristol.
Opening on 28th November, the new restaurant will be overseen by Jason McNeilly, head chef at Bocabar’s Paintworks, Bristol site. He will be joined by head chef Jacob Norris, previously head chef at the Spotted Cow and the Sheppy Inn in Godney, and Ben Sacree, head pizza chef, previously head pizza chef at B-Block.
Owner Melissa Eavis said: “We’re ecstatic to be so close to opening our exciting new restaurant and bar at Finzels Reach and we can’t wait to welcome everyone in to try it out. We’ve brought together the ‘best bits’ of our Paintworks and Glastonbury restaurants to develop a truly unique menu.
Opening seven days a week, Bocabar will have seating for up to 100 covers and offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, including a menu of small and big plates focusing on small, local suppliers’ seasonal produce, a selection of 20 pizzas as well as burgers and salads. There will also be some Christmas specials for lunch and evening diners.
FOOD AND DRINK NEWS
Sharp’s Cornish Winter
Cornwall-based Sharp’s Brewery is launching Cornish Winter, the fifth and last of its 2019 limited edition beers in November.
A 4% ABV seasonal take on their Cornish Stout from 2011, it’s the first milk stout to be released by the brewery, they deserve it as “full-bodied, dark… with rich chocolate and coffee flavours and a smooth finish.”
Head brewer, 30-year-old Aaron McClure, who was promoted to his role earlier this year, said: “This is the first milk stout we have produced here at Sharp’s. We have used our combined technical knowledge as a brewing team, along with the experience we have gained from developing beers on our pilot brew kit, the ‘adventure lab’, to produce a smooth and deep stout. A careful balance of flaked oats and lactose have been selected to create the smooth and sweet mouthfeel, which, along with the finest quality speciality chocolate and crystal malts, provides that dark character we love in stouts. Our Sharp’s ale yeast gives a clean aroma profile, and warming finish which is perfect for the cold winter months.”
Available at selected locations until the end of December or online from Sharp’s at https://www.sharpsbrewery.co.uk/sharps/shop.
Drury launches blend for takeaway trade
The Drury Tea & Coffee Company have launched a new breakfast blend teabag designed for takeaway outlets thanks to its quick brewing properties. Gunwharf Breakfast Blend is named after the Arsenal development in Woolwich, where Drury has its manufacturing base.
The strongest blend in the company’s five-strong Breakfast range, it has a mix of larger leaf and fine leaf teas to “deliver strength with flavour.” Including tea from Africa, Sri Lanka, India and Rwanda, the pyramid-shaped bag brews in a 12oz takeaway cup in 30-45 seconds (with some stirring) so won’t keep takeaway customers waiting too long.
Drury Managing Director, Marco Olmi, said: “We are aware of the timing constraints that takeaway businesses operate under and we wanted to create a tea blend that would infuse quickly, but at the same time deliver body and taste. It really does brew very fast without compromising on the depth of flavour.”
Gunwharf Blend is available in catering packs of 100 with a list price of £16.20. It is also packed in bulk packs of 1000 priced at £107. Visit www.drurycoffee.com.
New GM for Bovey Castle
Claire Randall has been announced as the new general manager of the five-star Bovey Castle in Dartmoor, Devon.
She will join them in January 2020 from The Idle Rocks and St Mawes hotel in Cornwall where she was for six months. Before that, she had been managing director at Lucknam Park, near Bath since 2010.
Owned and operated by the Eden Hotel Collection, the 60-bedroom Bovey Castle has been run by resort director Greg Fehler since the departure of previous general manager Martin Kelly earlier this year.
Randall said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining Bovey Castle in Dartmoor – one of the UK’s most iconic luxury country house hotels – which provides a wide range of experiences to guests coupled with hospitality of the highest quality.”
Bovey Castle has 22 lodges, a championship golf course, Elan Spa and 2 AA Rosette restaurant and accounts for 40% of the Eden group’s overall turnover.
New head chef for Stein’s Seafood restaurant
Pete Murt has been appointed head chef of Rick and Jill Stein’s flagship Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, Cornwall.
Murt was born in Padstow and joined the group as a kitchen porter at St Petroc’s Bistro in 2000. He worked his way through the ranks as part of Stein’s chef apprentice academy. He left to work at the two-Michelin-starred Hibiscus in London before rejoining to help launch Rick Stein, Sandbanks in 2015.
Rick Stein said: “Pete comes from the large Padstow family of Murts many of whom have supplied us with seafood over the years so I’ve known Pete even before he started working for us as a very young kitchen porter and have watched his development over the years into a first-class chef. His first head chef’s job had been at our restaurant in Sandbanks and now the Seafood Restaurant, I’m really looking forward to working with him back in Padstow.”
Murt replaces long-standing Seafood Restaurant head chef Stephane Delourme. He has taken a group chef position and will be focused on training the next generation of the company’s chefs across the group’s 12 Stein restaurants.
New head chef for The Idle Rocks
Dorian Janmaat will take on the role of head chef at The Idle Rocks in St Mawes, Cornwall. He will take over from Guy Owen, who is departing after four-and-a-half years in the role.
Janmaat will join the 19-bedroom, waterfront hotel and sister property the St Makes Hotel, when it opens after a winter refurbishment in February 2020. He was previously at Raymond Blanc’s two-Michelin-starred Le Manoir aux Quat‘Saisons for eight years, the last three as head chef.
He said: “I am really looking forward to bringing all that I have learnt from Gary Jones, executive head chef and Raymond, one of the industries greatest mentors, back to the county I grew up in. My ambition is to capture the local surroundings with each plate simple, pure and straight from the source. I’ll be building a new brigade in St Mawes and welcome interest from passionate and enthusiastic chefs interested in joining me”.
Register now for The Source
Registration for the 2020 Source trade show is now open! The Source is the South West’s biggest and best trade show for the food & drink sector, taking place Wednesday 5th & Thursday 6th February at Westpoint, Exeter. This food and drink show is packed with passionate producers, and all the latest innovations and ideas for your food or hospitality business. If you have a serious interest in speciality foods, quality drinks, profitable catering and inspired hospitality, then put the Source trade show in your diary now. For your free entry ticket please click here.
INDUSTRY EVENTS 2019
HOSPACE Conference and Exhibition 2019
28th November 2019
The Royal Lancaster Hotel, London
“HOSPACE is a one-day annual conference and exhibition hosted by HOSPA, the Hospitality Professionals Association.”
For ticket information, visit https://www.hospace-bookings.co.uk/
Food Drink Devon
Growth and Innovation Workshop 28th November 2019
9am – 1pm
Exeter Golf and Country Club
“An interactive workshop designed to help your business to grow and be more innovative. You will learn about how good leadership and brand experience can benefit growth and innovation as well as the invaluable ways to help your business to grow and succeed.”
For ticket information, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/growth-and-innovation-breakfast-workshop-tickets-76747914077?ref=estw
Devon Tourism Awards Ceremony
28th November 2019
The Riviera International Conference Centre, Torquay
“The prestigious tourism awards ceremony, following a record 240 entries from across Devon.”
For more information & to book tickets, please visit


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police are investigating the theft of a wallet from a vehicle parked in the 400 block of Bournemouth Road in which the thief already tried to use a credit card at a local gas station.
The owner discovered the theft early Friday.
Both of his vehicles, which were unlocked, had been opened and items were stolen, including his wallet, a pair of prescription sunglasses and a cell phone charger. The man had his driver's license, social security card and a debit card in his wallet, according to a report.
Bank officials provided information the man about purchases that had already been made with the card since not being in his control. One included a local gas station and another included a business in Detroit, according to the report.
Detective John Walko said he spent much of Friday attempting to gather evidence, including video surveillance from the businesses that could be valuable in the investigation.
The best practice for vehicle owners is to remove valuables anytime they are not occupying their vehicle, Walko said, and to lock it.
In another case, Grosse Pointe Farms police are investigating the theft of several items from a vehicle parked in the 400 block of Maison. The theft happened overnight April 28 to 29. The owner reported a laptop computer and a GPS unit were stolen, according to a report.
Meanwhile, police are investigating the theft of a GPS unit from a car parked in the 800 block of Lincoln Road. The theft happened overnight from May 2 to May 3, according to a report.
Then, police are investigating the theft of a license plate from a vehicle parked in the 800 block of Hollywood Avenue. The owner discovered the theft early April 27 and reported that it happened overnight, according to a report.
City of Grosse Pointe police issued an alert late Friday reminding residents of the important of not making thefts from vehicles easy for criminals. Remove valuables and lock the car, which makes stealing less attrative, according to the alert.
The department of public safety has experienced an "upswing" in thefts from vehicles with the recent warmer weather, prompting the alert.
If valuables must be left in a vehicle and there is no possible way for them to be removed, police recommend covering them up.
Officers in the Pointes have emphasized these precautions frequently as often thefts from a vehicle are a crime of opportunity and a locked door may actually prevent thefts from happening.


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Cash transactions were once again limited and few trends were reported this week. The five-area fed steer price ended the week at $163.98 for live sales and $260 for dressed, respectively, up $2.48 and $4.72. A few dressed sales in Nebraska and the Western Cornbelt traded at $262-$263.
Steers in Mississippi auction markets were steady to higher. Calves were up $5-$12, lightweight feeders were steady, and heavy feeders were $10-$20 higher. Heifer calves were lower, and feeders were steady to higher. Oklahoma City feeder steers and heifers were $4-$8 higher, while calves were $1-$2 higher.
[ … For Livestock Prices and Production data and trends CLICK HERE … ]
Feeder futures ended the week higher, with most contracts up a modest $2 compared to last Friday’s close. Live cattle futures were steady to lower during the week, but ended slightly above last Friday’s close. Feeders took a dip mid-week as corn prices were on the rise, but a sharp loss in the corn pits on Wednesday provided support. Boxed beef prices were higher this week which provided some steam for live and feeder cattle.
Corn futures were flat again this week. Next Tuesday marks the release of the planting intentions report which will surely move the market. Early guesses have U.S. corn acres in the high 80 million acre range. Also, USDA will release their quarterly Grain Stocks report.
Wholesale boxed beef prices improved this week. Choice boxes averaged $248.92, up $2.88. Select boxes ended the week with an average of $245.76, up $1.28.
Note: all cattle and beef prices are quoted in dollars per hundredweight and corn prices are quoted in dollars per bushel, unless stated otherwise.


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Monday, Rihanna announced that she had a new book coming out soon. The book, titled Rihanna, is 504 pages long and is being advertised as a visual autobiography. A trailer for the collection, due later this fall, came out on Monday as well.
Rihanna reportedly includes over 1,000 “intimate” photographs of Rihanna’s “life as a musician, performer, designer, and entrepreneur,” according to Pitchfork. “I am so excited to share this collection of incredible images,” Rihanna said. “I’m very grateful to the talented photographers and artists who contributed. We’ve been working on the book for over five years, and I’m really happy to be able to finally share it with everybody.”
The trailer rifles through several of the reportedly 1,000 photographs of Rihanna. There are back-to-back shots of Rihanna exiting and boarding a plane. Then, there’s a photograph of Rihanna in the airport, while shots of Rihanna in Barbados flash on the screen at lightning speed. Transitions of every avenue of Rihanna’s life are highlighted in Rihanna.
Even while not releasing a full-length music project since 2016’s Anti, Rihanna’s managed to stay as relevant as anyone with new music out. Last month during New York Fashion Week, Rihanna hosted her Savage X Fenty Fashion Show. Before Forever 21 declared bankruptcy, Rihanna reportedly bought the entire Baby Phat archive as well.


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After three efforts, he looked to Information 6 for assistance
ORLANDO, Fla. вЂ“ When a Central Florida guy stated he previously difficulty finding a $1,500 reimbursement for the washer and dryer after three unsuccessful distribution attempts, he contacted Information 6 hoping to getting outcomes.
вЂњI have not had this type of difficult experience buying products and services,вЂќ James Johnson stated.
He and his wife needed seriously to change the washer and dryer inside their Lake Nona house, so they really visited LoweвЂ™s, where they discovered the collection of devices for sale.
The couple scheduled the two items to be delivered to their home by a third-party company that handles shipments for the home improvement store after charging the washer and dryer purchase to their LoweвЂ™s credit card.
As soon as the deliveryman arrived, Johnson discovered the delivery had been incomplete.
“He stated, ‘All we have actually is a dryer’,” Johnson told Information 6. “No washer.”
Reluctant to simply accept a partial distribution, Johnson delivered the dryer as well as planned a new distribution date.
“I didn’t desire to just simply just take control of the solitary product once you understand I experienced covered both,” he stated.
In accordance with Johnson, the delivery business later called to see him the devices will be fallen off three times sooner than anticipated as well as a right time Johnson and his spouse are not open to be house.
Johnson arranged for the next member of the family become here if the deliverymen came back.
вЂњi obtained a telephone call in the office from my stepdaughter whoвЂ™s panicking,вЂќ said Johnson. вЂњSheвЂ™s like, вЂYour washer and dryer are both right here however the man regarding the vehicle states the washer is damaged.вЂ™вЂќ
For the 2nd time, Johnson declined to simply accept those items.
Then he gone back to LoweвЂ™s, where Johnson stated he had been guaranteed both things could be delivered in good real mail order brides review condition the weekend that is following.
вЂњSaturday rolls around, now they appear by having a washer. No dryer,вЂќ Johnson stated. вЂњI became dumbfounded. I really couldnвЂ™t believe they are able to screw it 3 times in a line.вЂќ
After buying the washer that is identical dryer set from your home Depot, which Johnson stated had been successfully delivered 3 days later on, he gone back to Lowe’s to have a reimbursement when it comes to devices he previously initially bought there.
вЂњ(An assistant manager) stated, ‘WeвЂ™ll problem that reimbursement at this time. You ought to notice it 24 to 48 hours,вЂќ Johnson stated.
Johnson examined their LoweвЂ™s bank card stability a days that are few in addition to $1,500 fee ended up being nevertheless here.
вЂњNo reimbursement. Perhaps perhaps Not a dime,вЂќ Johnson stated.
Johnson claims he had been not able to reach anybody whenever he called the client solution quantity located on the LoweвЂ™s website, so he said filed a dispute using the bank that issued his LoweвЂ™s charge card.
If the cost ended up being still maybe not reversed weeks later on, Johnson called the charge card business once more.
“They explained my washer and dryer was in fact sent to the shop,” stated Johnson, whom claims he had been informed the $1,500 cost would stick to their bank card.
вЂњWe watch Channel 6 news each morning. IвЂ™m like, weвЂ™ve got so it can have an attempt,вЂќ said Johnson. вЂњI called Information 6.вЂќ
Information 6 contacted the office that is corporate LoweвЂ™s by e-mail. A LoweвЂ™s representative quickly responded.
“Our objective is always to make sure weвЂ™re supplying a good experience for every client. We apologize when it comes to delays that Mr. Johnson experienced, and regret he wrote that we werenвЂ™t able to resolve this matter sooner.
Within a day, Johnson said he received a call through the neighborhood Lowe’s shop apologizing for the distribution problems and supplying a refund that is full.
вЂњMan, they have outcomes,вЂќ Johnson stated of their experience with Information 6. вЂњThey positively get outcomes. So IвЂ™m thrilled.вЂќ
Copyright 2020 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All liberties reserved.
In regards to the Author:
Emmy Award-winning investigative reporter Mike DeForest happens to be Central that is covering Florida for longer than fifteen years. Mike joined up with Information 6 just like Florida officials started counting hanging chads into the aftermath regarding the 2000 election that is presidential. Ever since then, he’s got covered a few of the biggest news activities in Central Florida.


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EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Today, Hot Wheels, said to be the No.1 selling toy in the world with nearly 500 million units sold every year, celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Conceived in 1968 by an innovator, a rocket scientist and a car designer, Hot Wheels 1:64th scale die-cast cars were designed to look awesome and perform. Five decades later, the brand has evolved from a simple, yet beloved, toy car with orange track system into a franchise that offers fans of all ages multi-channel play experiences.
“For 50 years Hot Wheels’ intuitive vehicle play-pattern has contributed to its success as the number-one selling toy in the world,” said Chris Down, senior vice president and global brand general manager, Hot Wheels. “Since its introduction in 1968, the brand has evolved from a simple toy into a true lifestyle brand that champions the challenger spirit through gaming, digital content, partnerships and live experiences spanning multiple generations and ages — this has allowed the brand to remain relevant to kids and adults and see record growth over the past three years.”
To celebrate this anniversary, Hot Wheels will be introducing a year-long lineup of live experiences, new products and compelling content.


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Nokia and the University of Technology Sydney have joined forces together to create enterprise level IoT applications. This is to be done in the UTS’s Rapido, a rapid prototyping unit of the university, with the help being landed by the founders of the mobile device and industry Nokia Corporation. Together with the technicians at UTS’ Rapido, Nokia is going to develop business-level IoT applications mainly powered by 5G technology.
You might not have heard about this, in most cases previously, that a harmful intruder like a malware might actually help make things more secure and safe for networked devices. Well, there is one such malware currently threatening the security of IoT devices globally, or at least what was being supposed of up till now.
If we go just two years back in time, the words like “IoT” and “M2M” used to spread less enthusiasm but more intimidation. IoT, or Internet of Things, begin its journey as a concept involving a variety of connected smart devices throughout our homes, and even our clothes. In the earlier days, only a handful of people were intelligent enough to successfully grasp the importance and relevance of this mega technology trend for the future; for the rest of the lot, the idea was largely scary and unexplored. But here we are now, in the year 2017 when IoT and M2M (Machine to Machine) technologies are raging at the top of their potential, with a wholesome future prediction as well. In just two years’ time period, IoT and M2M moved forward by huge leaps and bounds.


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BRUNSWICK, Ga. - A retailer is apologizing for selling Michael Vick jerseys andhas pulled them from Georgia stores after animal rights groupscomplained.
South Georgia leaders of the Humane Society and other animalrights groups complained to Florida-based Bealls Outlet Stores thismonth after finding replicas of Vick's Atlanta Falcons jersey onstore racks in Darien and Waycross.
Vick is serving a federal prison sentence after admitting hisinvolvement in a dogfighting ring last year. He also has pleadedguilty to state charges in Virginia.
Bealls said it ordered an assortment of Falcons jerseys for its29 Georgia stores with instructions that it didn't want any Vickjerseys. The retailer said they were included in shipments bymistake.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Norfolk Police are investigating the cause of death for male found unconscious on the beach.
Suffolk police are looking for a man and a woman they say robbed a Kangaroo Express gas station on Wilroy Road Sunday afternoon.
The art of making jewelry is helping some Norfolk students learn independence and job skills.


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President, UPS Canada
Thrust into our second month of forced confinement as a result of the novel coronavirus pandemic, which has upended everything we too often take for granted, I’m struck by our collective resilience and ability to adapt. Perhaps most inspiring, despite this unsettling “new normal,” an attitude of gratitude is quietly emerging.
As a global leader in logistics with deep roots in Canada, UPS Canada is in a unique position to see this firsthand — in our sorting facilities, distribution hubs, warehouses, and delivery routes all across the country.
Perhaps most inspiring, despite this unsettling “new normal,” an attitude of gratitude is quietly emerging.
With people putting out baskets with snacks on their porch, leaving gift cards for drivers to purchase coffee, and sticking thank you notes and drawings on their front doors, our network of dedicated employees are profoundly moved by displays of support and kindness.
Because while the movement of people has been severely restricted — if not completely halted as is the case with domestic and international air travel — the movement of goods has never been more vital.
Whether it’s critical medical supplies that need to reach front-line health care workers, care packages to friends and family in need, or that online “pick-me-up” purchase to get through these challenging times, the isolation has brought us closer together in many ways.
Small business owners heavily impacted by the crisis are once again demonstrating ingenuity and tenacity to fuel their entrepreneurial spirit. And we’re happy to support them with business solutions to meet their evolving needs.
One month ago, Evelyne Nyairo was running her all-natural skincare business, Ellie Bianca, as a one-woman dynamo who came to Canada from Kenya on her own at the age of 16. Staring down adversity and with a renewed sense of purpose, she used her training as an environmental scientist and chemist to produce hand sanitizer — building new connections between her suppliers, her customers, and her Calgary-based operations along the way.
With life being transformed a bit more every day, the definition of an “essential service” has evolved considerably. My heartfelt thanks go out to Canada’s frontline health care workers — and those supporting them behind the scenes — along with the selfless men and women working in emergency services, the scientific community, foodservice, civil servants, and those who hold public office. We thank the government for considering us as an “essential service.”
As concerned citizens, we long for signs that things will get better. Maybe the first glimpse of spring weather, catching up with friends and family on a video call, or enjoying an outdoor barbecue will help turn the emotional tide.
At UPS Canada, we’re fortunate to be operating at full capacity. While it’s not business as usual, we’re proud to do our part to keep the economy moving, people working, and Canadians hopeful.
While it’s certainly sobering to watch news reports on the spread of the novel coronavirus and its impact on human interactions, I can tell you the feedback I’m getting from our drivers, from St. John’s to Victoria, has been consistent: the generosity, empathy, and humanity of Canadians are what truly move us.


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Itoplas, an established Spanish owned company, is collaborating with IMM Projects UK for the distribution of Itoplas’ solutions and projects within the UK’s plastic industry and surrounding areas.
The company says the main aim of this partnership is to enhance distribution and client experience by combining new revolutionary technology with industry experience to augment every customer encounter.
The innovative itoSave energy-saving Servo Kits, itoControl Electronic Systems and the Series IS Injection Moulding Machines will all be available to the UK market with the British Industry 4.0 as objective.
itoSave servo kits gives customers energy-saving solutions, stability and efficiency and itoControl maximises precision and numerous integrated options for machine control.
itoControl is a complete solution, due to its HMI & PAC systems in the sector, giving a powerful approach to the Industry 4.0 with its cost effectiveness.
The company says together we will focus on the itoSave servo kit which will assist our clients with prolonged manufacturing to revive older machinery with a boost of power, stability and energy efficiency.
While Itoplas establishes a new portfolio in the UK it will continue to maintain and build its current global customer network in Europe and America.
Michael de Beer, IMM Projects UK Director, said: “We now can confidently look forward to offering industry experience with quality products and long-lasting associations locally. Rest assured that every need can be addressed within the targeted market."
“We hope to proceed surpassing customer expectations and build a continued flow of relevant, cost effective solutions to the worlds plastic industry.”
BP&R is the essential leading journal for the UK’s plastics and rubber processors, providing information and insight to keep you abreast of the latest economic, political and global situations.
Injection Molding Machine, Plastic Injection Machine, Plastic Mould - Vega Electronic,https://www.nbvega-tech.com/


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Young Henrys has launched a new ready-to-drink can featuring its Noble Cut Australian Gin mixed with tonic and hints of pink grapefruit and thyme.
Distilled in Newtown using native botanicals, Noble Cut offers herbal notes from the Tasmanian grown hops, alongside spicy juniper and pepper berries, with a zesty, lemon-myrtle finish.
Head distiller Carla Daunton said the RTD is a landmark moment for Young Henrys as it continues its expansion into the world of spirits.
“It’s been such a privilege to have a hand in the creation of Young Henrys first ever RTD,” she said.
“When you crack the can, the grapefruit and thyme flavours hit your nose straight away, then the light, spritzy tonic carries the bright and classic new world flavours of Noble Cut gin across the palate, building to a citrusy finish. Not too sweet and not too dry.”
Young Henrys has promised one per cent of its G&T revenue to sustainability projects (1% for the planet).
The launch is also accompanied by a video that has encapsulated the growing Young Henrys fanbase, soundtracked by alt-country rocker, Andy Golledge. Watch it here.
Young Henrys Gin & Tonic is available on the Young Henrys website, and in bottle shops nationally.


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Entrepreneurs expecting stronger economy over next two quarters
San Antonio-area entrepreneurs appear to be optimistic about the economy over the next six months, according to the results of a new survey from The Entrepreneurs’ Organization.
Sixty-four percent of survey respondents expect to hire more full-time workers over the next six months, while 53 percent plan to hire more part-time workers over the next six months.
Those surveyed credit the economy for moving their hiring goals in a positive direction. Some 87 percent of respondents in San Antonio said they had positive feelings about starting a new business in the next six months.
The survey included responses from 94 San Antonio-based companies with at least $1 million in annual revenues. The average annual revenue of respondent company is $3.9 million.
The San Antonio results mirror global economic trends. Worldwide, 63 percent of entrepreneurs are planning to hire more full-time workers, while another 52 percent of entrepreneurs plan to hire part-time workers. Eighty-four percent of global entrepreneurs are hopeful about starting new ventures in the next six months.
“The results from the survey underscore that San Antonio businesses are thriving despite the current economic climate,” says EO San Antonio Chapter President Frank Wagner. “We expect our businesses to continue growing, and we expect the market to rebound in a positive way.”
Entrepreneurs’ Organization San Antonio is the local chapter of The Entrepreneurs’ Organization, a global network of more than 9,500 business owners.
James Aldridge oversees online content of the newspaper; edits and reports stories for the online edition.
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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — A sealed copy of the 1988 video game Super Mario Bros. 2 sold for $88,550 during a recent estate sale after the death of a Floyd Knobs, Indiana resident.
The pristine cartridge was found inside a box of Nintendo games in the back of a crowded walk-in closet in Patricia Martin’s home, according to auction house Harritt Group Inc.
“At first glance, it was a comforting wave of classic Nintendo nostalgia. All the classics were there, Super Mario Brothers, Duck Hunt, Qix, and even an NES console. So we did what any children of the 1990s would do: we fired up the console and tested the open games. It was a great day!” the Harritt Group wrote in the description of the item. “At a second glance, it was something else entirely. The seemingly ordinary collection included an extraordinary unopened copy of Super Mario Bros. 2.”
The unopened copy of the popular game received a near-mint condition rating of 9.8 A+.
The rare collectible was sold during a two-week auction by Harritt Group Inc. to a Florida businessman. The money will be split between family members of Martin, who is a native of Lenoir City, Tennessee.
Collectibles such as trading cards, comic books, ticket stubs and video games have become popular among financial investors seeking to turn a profit on hard-to-find items with cultural significance. A 9.8-rated copy of Super Mario 64 set the record for the most expensive sale ever of a video game at auction earlier this year, fetching a whopping $1.5 million.
In September, a 9.6-rated copy of Spiderman’s first-ever comic book appearance set the record for the most expensive comic book ever sold. The 1962 comic Amazing Fantasy No. 15 was sold at Heritage Auctions for $3.6 million.
The collectibles craze has created aggressive and sometimes even dangerous conditions for collectors and investors alike.
After a high-profile assault over sports trading cards at a Wisconsin Target store in May, the national retailer chose to pull Pokemon and sports trading cards off store shelves nationwide due to safety concerns for both customers and staff members.
More than $50,000 worth of sealed sports trading card boxes were stolen from a Knoxville collectibles store in May when a thief broke and made off with some of the most in-demand products. A few days earlier, an estimated $25,000 in sports cards was stolen from a memorabilia store in Lexington, Kentucky.


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Following the record-breaking response to Veganuary, the pro-dairy reprisal has returned, despite last year’s failed attempt.
Februdairy, which was described as a ‘complete misfire’ from Market Analyst Amar Sheth, aims to show dairy production and consumption in a positive way.
The truth always prevails
But the saying dairy is scary is all but too much true, making it nearly impossible to show an industry so inherently cruel in a good light.
The truth always prevails. And this is why Februdairy is so unsuccessful, and will most likely continue to backfire on itself until it meets its demise.
There is no pretty picture when it comes to dairy, even practices deemed legally acceptable are inhumane – and Februdairy has simply become another way to expose that.
Analysis from last year’s Februdairy tweets revealed ‘Go vegan’ and ‘vegan’ were the top two related hashtags, as vegans used the opportunity to expose the unethical treatment of dairy cows.
Amar Sheth said: “Using the popular hashtags #Februdairy, #ShoutAboutDairy, #ProudOfDairy, and more, vegans continue to hammer home the message that dairy is simply not needed.”
And from an environmental point, it doesn’t get any better. According to a University of Oxford study, producing a glass of dairy milk results in almost three times the greenhouse gas emissions of any non-dairy milks.
Agriculture is responsible for 80-90 percent of US water consumption, with 2,500 gallons of water needed to produce one pound of beef, and around 1,000 gallons of water required to produce one gallon of milk (Cowspiracy).
150,000 pregnant dairy cows are slaughtered annually in the UK
Michal Gove, the Secretary of State for environment, food, and rural affairs, quote tweeted “It’s #Februadairy!” alongside a video of a farmer drinking a glass of cows milk.
Which is worrying, even when you overlook the poor spelling, when 150,000 dairy cows are slaughtered whilst still pregnant in the UK each year – Februdairy is anything but a worthy cause.
Got milk? No chance.


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The most significant source of decline for the economy, extended-stay and limited-service sector was correlated with the mandates to stop corporate travel. Hotels in this sector that are airport- or convention-center-dependent were also affected. However, as travelers preferred car transportation vs. airline travel, highway travel held steady, and the need for highway-adjacent accommodations did not decline at the same rate as city center and suburban hotel demand. As the summer began, travelers took to the highways for vacations, and leisure destinations near major population centers also performed well. Moreover, the budget-oriented, extended-stay brands often serve as an alternative housing source, and this demand did not wane significantly during the pandemic.
Packages and discounts to draw travelers into urban centers and group-oriented hotels pushed overall averages down by 25% to 35% for the higher categories. Less discounting may have been required for the economy and limited-service brands, but the lack of higher rates paid by corporate travelers and those often associated with the peak nights of a convention reverberated across all brands.
The RevPAR summary reflects that no brand category was unscathed. Lockdowns at the beginning of the pandemic, the cancellation of events, and the stoppage of corporate travel affected all segments. Across the spectrum of all extended-stay brands belonging to the public companies, the following chart reflects the difference in RevPAR impact for the economy brands relative to the upper-upscale brands.
Brands are hoping for a relatively rapid recovery upon the widespread availability of a vaccine. Highlights from the most recent 10-Q stock filings are excerpted here:
“Although conditions remain volatile around the world, in many markets occupancy and RevPAR are beginning to make a slow recovery from the extremely low levels reached in April 2020 as quarantine measures and travel restrictions ease. Worldwide comparable systemwide constant dollar RevPAR declined 90 percent in April 2020, 85 percent in May 2020, 78 percent in June 2020, and 70 percent in July 2020, compared to the same periods in 2019.” “In the U.S., occupancies have started to rise from their absolute lows in April, primarily driven by leisure travel and by travelers within driving range of their destinations. Many of our hotels around the globe that were temporarily closed due to COVID-19 have re-opened. Worldwide, approximately 9 percent of our hotels were closed as of August 6, 2020, compared to 25 percent as of May 8, 2020. However, this progress is fluid. Subsequent increases in COVID-19 cases in many parts of the world have constrained the speed of recovery, and we have not seen meaningful demand return from business and group travelers.” – Marriott International, 10-Q Stock Filing
“While the full recovery from COVID-19 will clearly take time, the current trends we are seeing reinforce our view that when people feel safe traveling, demand returns quickly. My thoughts continue to be with all who have been impacted by the pandemic.” – Arne M. Sorenson, President & CEO, Marriott International, 10-Q Stock Filing
“In response to this global crisis, we have taken actions to prioritize the safety and security of our guests, employees and owners and support our communities, which have included: (i) finding alternative uses for our hotel properties, such as providing housing for first responders and healthcare workers, which included our partnership with American Express to donate up to one million hotel room nights across the U.S. to frontline medical professionals; (ii) pledging financial assistance to organizations helping those affected by COVID-19 through our Hilton Effect Foundation; and (iii) providing the option for our Hilton Honors members to donate Hilton Honors points to select foundations aiding those impacted by COVID-19. Most recently, as properties around the world are reopening and certain travel restrictions are lifted, we launched a new program, Hilton CleanStay, that will deliver a new standard of cleanliness and disinfection to our properties worldwide, and Hilton EventReady, which focuses on cleanliness and customer service specific to meetings and events.” – Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., 10-Q Stock Filing
”The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to impact the hospitality industry and our operations is uncertain and will depend largely on future developments, including the severity and duration of resurgences of the virus and actions by government authorities to contain the pandemic. We continue to expect significant impact on our results of operations for the third quarter as well as the full year 2020. However, we expect the impact of the pandemic on our third quarter results to be less significant than that on our second quarter results.” – Choice Hotels International, 10-Q Stock Filing


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Ford aims to implement carbon-based foam products by 2021
American car giant Ford has set itself a five year window to introduce new foam and plastic components made from carbon dioxide feedstock, as the carmaker becomes the first in its industry to test the viability of CO2-based materials.
New tests conducted by Ford have revealed that the new foam – consisting of 50% CO2-based polyols – can meet “rigorous” automotive testing standards and could potentially reduce the amount of petroleum used by more than 600 million pounds annually.
Ford has claimed that the new foam – which researchers believe will be integrated into vehicle production by 2021 – could reduce the use of fossil fuels in Ford vehicles as it replaces traditional materials used in seating and underhood applications.
“Ford is working aggressively to lower its environmental impact by reducing its use of petroleum-based plastic and foam,” Ford’s senior technical leader of sustainability Debbie Mielewksi said.
“This technology is exciting because it is contributing to solving a seemingly insurmountable problem – climate change. We are thrilled to be leading the charge toward reducing carbon emissions and the effects of climate change.”
With plastic manufacturing accounting for nearly 4% of the world’s oil use, Ford is hopeful that the research and “early steps” to capture carbon will help achieve the long-term goals established at the recent Paris Agreement.
Ford researchers have been working for nearly two decades to implement a successful biomaterial into production. In the US, every Ford vehicle is using a soy-based foam material, while coconut fibre is used in back-trunk liners and recycled tires, t-shirts and denim are used in mirror gaskets and carpets. Ford also utilises plastic bottles to create 100% recycled REPREVE fibre.
Ford’s work to capture CO2-based feedstock began in 2013 when it partnered with suppliers and universities to develop the material. By utilising the expertise of New York based polymer producers Novomer, Ford is now able to produce recyclable polymers that can be built into a variety of materials.
“Novomer is excited by the pioneering work Ford has completed with our Converge® CO2-based polyols,” Novomer’s chief business officer Peter Shepard said. “It takes bold, innovative companies such as Ford to enable new technologies to become mainstream products.”
Sticking to the plan
The carbon-based polymer is the latest in a line of innovative measures introduced by Ford to place itself at the vanguard of the low-carbon transition.
Alongside ploughing $4.5bn investment into the electric vehicle movement, the company has also invested time, research and money into remanufacturing techniques. Faced with a European market that could triple by 2030, Ford has developed an innovative recycling technique that rejuvenates worn-out engine blocks and delivers a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to producing a new engine.
The company has also announced plans to mimic the sticky toe pads of geckos to help it boost the recyclability of its car parts. The new pilot scheme aims to negate the need for glue – which makes recycling polymers nearly impossible – by teaching 200 designers and researchers about biomimicry and how to apply it to their work.


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RocketJump, the production company co-founded by YouTube celebrity Freddie Wong, is going meta with a Hulu series about — what else? — making digital short films.
Hulu's new trailer for RocketJump: The Show, which you're seeing first on Mashable, showcases the production team behind the scenes as they create action-comedy short films. The eight-episode series, produced by RocketJump in association with Lionsgate Television, debuts Dec. 2.
The half-hour episodes will be released exclusively on Hulu each week, and the newly-created shorts will premiere exclusively on Hulu as well.
Founded in 2010, RocketJump is the brainchild of Wong, Matthew Arnold and Desmond Dolly. It's home to a catalog of hundreds of original videos — including popular YouTube series Video Game High School — that have gained more than 1 billion views and 7.5 million subscribers on YouTube.
The Hulu series is RocketJump’s first project to premiere exclusively off the YouTube network.
RocketJump also recently announced that it is partnering with Chinese online video website Youku Tudou to distribute and produce content in China.
The company is working alongside virtual reality startup WEVR and Santa Monica-based studio Lionsgate to create a VR film.


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With season 7 of the BBNaija show set to premiere in less than two weeks, Multichoice, the show’s organisers, has promised some twists and excitement.
Multichoice the owner of the Digital TV DSTV and GOTV, has increased the prices of its subscription packages in Nigeria.
Nigerians may begin to watch all the channels on GOTV and Startimes for free soon, after the order given by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Organizers of popular reality show, Big Brother Naija, has given update about the next edition of the show, Season 6.
Owners of the DStv, MultiChoice Nigeria Limited has explained that the recent hikes in its subscription tariffs were due to…
BBNaija Season 5 Housemate Voting The Big Brother Naira reality TV show is a competition for the strong and the…