text:
Clariant to donate disinfectant to Swiss Federal Authorities to support COVID-19 measures
- Clariant establishes cross-border supply chain for delivering disinfectant to Switzerland
- Supply of approximately 80 tons of disinfectant per month for Swiss medical institutions
Muttenz, April 28, 2020 – Clariant, a focused and innovative specialty chemical company, today announced it is donating approximately 80 tons of disinfectant per month to the Swiss Federal Authorities to support the protective measures during the COVID-19 outbreak. By establishing a supply chain with industry partners based in Germany and Switzerland, Clariant is able to provide disinfectant for Swiss medical institutions in need. The logistics competence center of the Swiss Army will support with the distribution. With its contribution, Clariant intends to help alleviate the limited availability of disinfectant in Switzerland during the COVID-19 outbreak.
“As a global company with its headquarters in Switzerland, it is natural that Clariant supports the Swiss Federal Authorities during these challenging times. I am especially proud of all our employees involved and the support provided by our partners CropEnergies and Brenntag. Successful cross-border cooperation between all parties was crucial for realizing this contribution”, said Hans Bohnen, Chief Operating Officer of Clariant.
In order to realize its donation, Clariant worked closely with industry partners. The main ingredient, ethanol from renewable sources, is secured from CropEnergies, the largest European producer of renewable ethanol. Both companies were already working together to support the German State of Bavaria with disinfectant and were able to further enhance their cooperation. Using this raw material, chemical and ingredients distribution company Brenntag is able to produce disinfectant in accordance with official standards of the World Health Organization (WHO) at its locations in Basel and Lohn-Ammannsegg Switzerland. All costs involved with producing and delivering the disinfectant are paid by Clariant.


text:
Emojis and GIFs are not for everyone. Some of us don’t like them, but they’re parts of social media. Reddit is joining the social networks that are accepting these parts. The platform had supported emojis for years, and many users asked for animated images. Finally, Reddit added the built-in GIPHY feature to the comments, making sharing GIFs easier.
GIFs aren’t something new for users. We were already able to attach or link GIFs many times. The platform is making it more accessible, and that new way reminds us of the feature on Discord. If you’re using Discord, you probably know you can send GIFs by searching keywords on GIPHY or Tenor. Reddit’s new feature is similar to that.
Reddit Makes it Easier to Share GIFs With The GIPHY Support
Starting today, users can share GIFs more quicker in the comments section, thanks to the new partnership. GIPHY announced the collaboration with a new blog post and explained the details. The most significant advantage for users is unlimited usage. Reddit was supporting a service named Powerup, and it had restricted use. But now, we can share GIFs as much as we want, thanks to GIPHY. It’s available on mobile and web versions.
Also, GIPHY brought an option for the moderators. Now, they can choose between NFSW and SFW content. If they don’t want to let users post NFSW GIFs, they can head up to the moderation settings. Even if the NFSW GIFs aren’t available now, GIPHY support is enabled by default on every subreddit.
The GIF support was a problem for Reddit. Finally, they solve the problem with GIPHY’s collaboration. GIPHY has an extensive image library, and you’ll probably find everything you want on it.
If you plan to try it on mobile, be sure your application is up-to-date. Then it will be usable on many subreddits.

domain: news


text:
What Sparked The Decline That Dumped Kenya’s Mobile Payments To A 13-Year Low?
It’s the year 2007 and the month is March. Nothing to see there, only that it signals the time when East Africa’s largest telco, Safaricom, put Kenya on the road to solving the financial inclusion puzzle.
That was the year M-Pesa came to life. Co-owned by Safaricom, the popular mobile money transfer service kickstarted Kenya’s journey to becoming the capital of financial technology innovation in Africa.
Kenya’s fintech revolution has helped the country achieve near-total financial inclusion, currently at 82.9 percent; the highest on the continent. Buoyed by M-Pesa which commands a 98.8 percent market share as of last December, mobile payments are commonplace in Kenya, growing in leaps and bounds through the years.
But that’s not what this gist is about, there’s a shocker in the works.
Mobile payments suffer spectacular slump in Kenya
It’s the year 2020 and a terrible viral outbreak is upending everything. And for the first time since M-Pesa came into existence (fun fact; it’s been 13 years), mobile payments have underwhelmed in Kenya.
To state it clearly, payments made through mobile phones and tablets have registered its lowest year-on-year Q1 growth in the 13 years since Kenya witnessed the arrival of the first mobile money platform in the country.
Official statistics from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) indicate that mobile payments in Kenya for Q1 2020 (January to March) amounted to about KES 1.087 Tn (USD 10.17 Bn). It’s an increase, alright. But not as much as what’s typical.
Before now, the lowest Q1 growth rate recorded was 6.9 percent in 2017/2018. The highest-ever mobile payments growth recorded was in Q1 2009 which saw an astonishing 459 percent growth compared to Q1 2008.
On paper, it seems like a decent sum. After all, it’s a KES 22.3 Bn (USD 208.66 Mn) rise and it does represent a growth of 2.1 percent compared to the same period last year which saw KES 1.065 Tn (USD 9.96 Bn) in transactions.
But the devil is in the details. The mind-boggling bit is found in the fact that the latest year-on-year Q1 growth in mobile money deals is the lowest in Kenya since Safaricom co-launched M-Pesa. And this decline was anything but expected.
And there’s more data
Mobile money transactions are the most common form of payment in Kenya. Total mobile money transfers have recorded strong growth every year since 2007, even more so in recent years at 19.2 percent, 8.4 percent and 11 percent in 2015/16, 2016/17 and 2017/18, respectively.
Peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers have exhibited even sharper rates of expansion at 35.8 percent, 21 percent, and 10.57 percent over the same periods. The latest figures, thus, signal a significant deviation from what has always been the norm.
The CBK’s latest data further showed that total mobile money transactions in the January-March 2020 period stood at 449.21 million, slightly reduced from 460.11 million to the same period in 2019.
The average value per transaction in the first three months of the year was approximately KES 2.4 K (USD 22.46) compared to KES 2.3 K (USD 21.52) previously. This would imply that Kenyans are transacting more value via mobile channels while doing fewer transactions.
Also, daily transactions rose marginally, averaging KES 11.94 Bn (USD 111.72 Mn) in Q1 2020 compared with KES 11.83 Bn (USD 110.68 Mn) the year before, while agents numbered 240,261 in March. This implies that an additional 13,304 outlets have been rolled out compared to the same period last year.
Did the waivers on mobile money fees backfire?
The oddity of this unexpected slump is made even more baffling by the fact that mobile payments had been tipped to soar like never before in the country after the COVID-19 outbreak forced certain measures, some of which were “pro-digital payments.”
On Monday, March 16, Kenyan authorities reached an agreement with mobile money operators to waive charges for person-to-person transfers of less than KES 1 K to encourage cashless payments. This was part of sanitary measures aimed at preventing the spread of the virus which is thought to also spread through cash (however contestable).
Apart from the waivers on mobile money fees, the CBK also more than doubled the daily mobile money transfer limit to KES 150 K from KES 70 K. Also, the cap on daily transaction was lifted to KES 300 K from KES 140 K. Plus mobile money users are now allowed a maximum stash of KES 300 K in their wallets; 3X the former amount.
There were early indications that the revisions mentioned above were encouraging Kenyans to do bigger but fewer transactions. But that bit is understood to have been rendered moot by the fact that it has been explained that the impact of the measures to boost digital payments in the face of the contagious coronavirus pandemic was not to be felt until April. And that’s beyond the scope of the just-released Q1 data.
Or was it COVID-19?
Kenya’s first COVID-19 case was recorded on Friday, March 13, a full one month after the first COVID-19 patient in Africa was announced in Egypt.
Since then, the case count has risen to just over 1,000 and economic activity has been stalled by the regressive impact of the public health guidelines. In Kenya, various forms of containment measures including partial trade lockdowns and travel restrictions have been in place since March.
This has undoubtedly impacted trade. Stanbic Bank Kenya’s Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) survey recently found that business deals in the private sector had hit its lowest levels in more than two years.
The slump has meant that it is no longer business as usual for many businesses. The biting economic hardship is thought to have cut consumer spending.
However, the timing of the slump suggests that the decline in mobile money spends may have even begun much earlier in the year. This is because COVID-19 and the consequent trade-limiting restrictions did not happen until the middle of the final month of Q1 2020.
Else, it would imply that those final two weeks of March 2020 were particularly damaging. And that, perhaps, the three fewer days in February 2020 knocked a sizeable chunk off of the figure, as has been the case in certain years.
While it remains unclear what exactly caused mobile payments to register its slowest ever growth pace in Kenya, there are many who, in the meantime, would put it down to the notion that nothing’s staying the same in what has, so far, been a rocky year for the world.
Featured Image Courtesy: AviationBusinessMiddleEast


text:
Look who was at the Jimmy John's franchise in Metairie this afternoon: none other than that location's owner, Saints quarterback Drew Brees. According to Breesus' Twitter, today was Jimmy John's customer appreciation day, which for the Metairie location meant $1 subs, an appearance by the owner and an attempt to break the fast food corporation's record for sandwiches made in a day. No word yet if they reached their goal of 2400 subs.
But, question: would it be news if any other fast food franchisee made an appearance at his or her restaurant? At least in New Orleans, probably not.
· All Drew Brees Coverage on Eater NOLA [-ENOLA-]
Photo courtesy of Katie Anderson.


text:
The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
October 1, 2001
The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials(IAPMO) (Walnut, CA) announced that its board of directors unanimously voted to implement a new program of training to the Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Mechanical Code. Many States not previously adopting the Uniform Codes are now considering the adoption of the UPC & UMC. In an effort to reduce the impact on state agency budgets, states adopting, for the first time, the most recent version of the UPC and UMC,' will be offered a No Cost Training Program.


text:
Swiss probe oil company Weatherford share deals
ZURICH, Sept 21
ZURICH, Sept 21 (Reuters) - The Swiss SIX exchange said on Friday it was investigating executive share transactions at Weatherford , one of the world's largest oilfield services companies, for possible breaches of disclosure rules.
SIX said the investigation concerned the late disclosure of management transactions, and also the company's shareholder communications regarding the intended creation of authorised capital, rejected by shareholders in May.
SIX said it was also looking into the company's failure to file the application for the listing of more than 70 million registered shares, stemming from authorized capital, in due time.
Weatherford and the SIX exchange could not be reached for comment.
- Total CEO de Margerie killed in Moscow as jet hits snow plow |
- Pistorius starts five-year term for killing Reeva Steenkamp |
- Ebola crisis turns a corner as U.S. issues new treatment protocols
- Fashion designer Oscar de la Renta dead at 82 |
- U.S. Congress examining deal between NSA official, ex-agency chief


text:
You Can Now Wear The Same Underwear For Weeks Without Being Totally Disgusting
Have you ever wished that you could just keep wearing the same pair of undies for days and days without having to worry about things like hygiene or infections or, you know, social grace? Honestly, us neither. Ew. But it turns out that the right design and the right materials can keep you feeling fresh and help out the environment in the process.
Sustainable fashion brand Organic Basics recently debuted a new line of underwear, undershirts and socks for both men and women that can be worn over and over… and over again before requiring washing. It’s all due to the company’s SilverTech 2.0 technology, which weaves silver into its intimate fabric, effectively killing 99.9 percent of bacteria.
In general, all of the clothing made by this Denmark-based company uses 100 percent recycled materials. Are you sensing a theme here? Yep, they’re concerned about the environmental footprint the fashion industry has made thus far and is hyper-focused on finding ways to minimize it.
“Our business is sustainable fashion,” CEO and co-founder Mads Fibiger told Business Insider. “The traditional way of buying, wearing, washing and throwing away overpriced underwear is a terrible waste of resources. And it is extremely harmful to the environment.”
Their approach to apparel is simple: use quality materials that last longer so people don’t feel compelled to throw out their clothes as often, and minimize the frequent need for washing to save both water and electricity.
Now, the clothes aren’t cheap — a set of two hipster undies goes for DKK 349 (or $56 if you don’t speak in Danish Krones) — but when you approach fashion sustainably, the costs do end up evening out elsewhere.
The lack of bacteria and odor still doesn’t make us want to keep the same pair of panties on for days at a time. But hey, it’s your booty. You do you. 🍑
[h/t Business Insider]
Sign up for our newsletter.
Say hello to the best part of your day.


text:
Alteryx (AYX) provides a subscription based platform for analytics; the stock has broken out from a ...
Stock pick Baidu has lost its long-term competitive edge
05/23/2013 6:02 pm EST
Why? Think of all the problems U.S. Internet search companies such as Google (GOOG) are having as the Internet world migrates from PC-centric to device centric. The growth is in smartphones and tablets, but ads on those devices sell for much less than those on the desktop PC. Companies like Google are searching to find a way to both grow device-based advertising revenue and margins and worried about what relatively faster growth in device-based ads will do to profit margins.
Now take the problems faced by Google in the United States and make them much bigger and much harder to solve for Baidu, China’s biggest search engine.
Baidu is more PC-centric than Google. It doesn’t have anything like Google’s Android operating system to use as a way to gain centrality in the device world. It faces tougher competition than Google does in its domestic market. And it’s ability to track and target mobile advertising to users isn’t as good as Google’s is.
Here are some numbers that illustrate Baidu’s problem.
The company has a 79% share in the PC search market but has a 35% to 53% share (depending on which research you prefer) in the mobile market.
In the fourth quarter of 2012 growth in PC Internet traffic dropped to single digits due to cannibalization by mobile users. A key factor: the number of smartphone users in Chin climbed to 300 million in 2012 fro 80 million in 211.
Mobile ad rates (cost per click) are only 50% of the cost per click for PC ads.
Baidu’s competitors are getting bigger and better. Qihoo (QIHU), maker of China’s most used Web browser, has teamed with Google on an ad system to go with its new open platform search strategy. Tencent Holdings (700.HK), the owner of the WeChat messaging service (194 million accounts), looks to be picking up momentum in advertising on the strength of the precise targeting capabilities of its ad system and its huge user base (There have to be some duplicates among the 700 million accounts that Tencent claims for all its products. But this is still a huge number.) Tmall/Taobao, the business-to-business retail arm of Alibaba, is aiming to take over the #1 slot in person-to-person selling in 2013.
None of this adds up to the kind of long-term competitive advantage I look for in my long-term Jubak Picks 50 portfolio. Which doesn’t mean, of course, that shorter term the stock won’t make moves to the upside. The shares, which traded at $84.51 on May 3, closed at $93.89 on May 23.
Full disclosure: I don’t own shares of any of the companies mentioned in this post in my personal portfolio. When in 2010 I started the mutual fund I manage, Jubak Global Equity Fund http://jubakfund.com/ , I liquidated all my individual stock holdings and put the money into the fund. The fund did own shares of Tencent Holdings as of the end of March. For a full list of the stocks in the fund as of the end of March see the fund’s portfolio at http://jubakfund.com/about-the-fund/holdings/
Related Articles on STOCKS
From the investments on our recommended list, PermRock Royalty Trust (PRT) is a unique income invest...
Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) traces its roots all the way back to 1839 as a textile manufacturer. Warr...
While the yield curve recently inverted, there are no clear sign of an imminent recession, notes sen...


text:
Yes, there will be cream puffs!
While many loyal fairgoers were dismayed when Wisconsin State Fair officials announced the cancellation of the annual event, here's a bit of good news for those lamenting the loss of traditional fair foods.
Wisconsin State Fair Park Officials and Wisconsin Bakers Association announced this week that the famous cream puffs will be available at Wisconsin State Fair Park and select locations throughout the state during the original State Fair dates, August 6 -16.
The announcement is a part of the Wisconsin State Fair’s launch of the State Fair Necessities, bringing the Fair favorites to its loyal attendees.
“At the core of our State Fair mission, we are built upon celebrating everything Wisconsin is so proud to showcase,” said Kathleen O’Leary, Wisconsin State Fair Park CEO in a news release. “While we can’t gather this year for the 169th Wisconsin State Fair due to the safety issues surrounding COVID-19, we want to safely offer select Fair staples, otherwise known as the State Fair Necessities. We will kick off the State Fair Necessities with the iconic signature food of the Wisconsin State Fair, the Original Cream Puff, as we just couldn’t imagine a year without them.”
The following events will be hosted as a part of the State Fair Necessities:
Curbside Cream Puffs presented by Sentry Foods
Dates: Thursday through Sundays, Aug. 6–9 and Aug, 13-16.
Time: Thursdays–Saturdays: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sundays: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis, WI
Info at https://bit.ly/318el4y
Traveling Cream Puffs presented by Festival Foods
Dates: Aug. 10-12
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Festival Foods in the Kenosha, Appleton, and Madison areas
More info at https://bit.ly/2Nnnyhr
Corporate Cream Puffs and Deliveries presented by Bank Five Nine
Dates: Aug. 6–16
Time: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Deliveries available for five dozen or more
More info at https://bit.ly/2CA2geq
Virtual Cream Puff 5K benefiting the Wisconsin State Fair Park Foundation
Dates and times: Run or walk the 5K where and when you like!
Register: Online NOW – July 30, 2020
More info at https://bit.ly/2YuM5rn
There are more State Fair Necessities to be announced in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for big announcements on your favorite Fair must-haves!


text:
The announcement comes weeks after a number of upgrades and integration of products by Microsoft.
Microsoft, for example, announced it had extended validation certificates integrated on SkyDrive.com for its 700 million users, another milestone for the company.
SkyDrive competes with the likes of Google Drive and Dropbox.
The company said the increased security feature would provide a more secure SSL connection as it completed support for DMARC, that would make it hard for hackers to drop phishing mail to users inbox.
Microsoft in April said its accounts would become more secure following a major upgrade for products ranging from Windows PC, Windows Phone, Xbox to Outlook.com, from SkyDrive and Skype to Office.
Outlook.com on its part also announced they are rolling out a new feature allowing its 400 million users to insert anything from their SkyDrive directly into an email message.
“When you're sending an email message, you can select files from your SkyDrive and we'll automatically turn those into the right thumbnails with links that have the right permissions tied to people that receive the email,” Dick Craddock from the Hotmail program management team wrote on the Outlook blog.


text:
Raymond Ozoji, Awka
The total shutdown of activities across the nation as a result of the coronavirus pandemic has completely crippled the hospitality industry.
Hotels in the Anambra state capital Awka responded to the total lockdown because they were under lock and key except for skeletal movements within the premises by security operatives as well as those offering sanitary services.
Chief Titus Anigbogu, chairman and chief executive officer of Orthon Palace Hotel Ekwulobia and Orthon Residence and Suites Awka, told our correspondent that his hotels were completely shut down and out of business due to the coronavirus pandemic because no one knows who is a carrier of the disease.
Anigbogu said, “We don’t allow guests because nobody knows who is carrying this virus. I don’t want my hotel to be stigmatised. So we should wait until when the lockdown is over.
“We have not been open to guests so that we don’t host some of these foreigners that are coming in. Basically there are no customers. The hotel is just open but there is no business.”
Again Chief Dilim Okafor, Chairman Hotel Association Anambra-Central and owner of Tracy Hotels Limited Awka said hotels were in total lockdown for fear of habouring people living with the Covid-19.
Okafor explained that no hotel would be in business during this pandemic because everybody was apprehensive of the order, stressing that government did not close hotels but that the onus lay on hotel operators to shut down their hotels as a control measure in stemming the spread of the COVID-19.
He said, “All my staff are laid off until further notice. Nobody will walk into the hotels. If someone is checking in, where is he coming from? If he is coming from Enugu it is not possible. If he is coming from Lagos it is not possible. Health first and everybody just has to bear it.
“Government did not ask hotels to close but once there is lockdown on movements, nobody goes to hotels to do anything.”
Vice President Anambra State Hotel Association and chairman Jolly Hotels Awka, Chief Henry Onuorah stated that hotels in Awka complied with the total lockdown order on all activities including all forms of commerical activities.
Onuorah noted that there were no lodgings and accommodation and hotel owners no longer spent money on fuel because there were no customers to recover money spent on fuel and other miscellaneous expenditures.


text:
UPDATE: More images of Woolworths new Lion King Ooshies have been released - including first photos of the THREE rare collectables that could earn you big bucks.
Social media is alive with speculation that the Orange Simba, the Blue Mufasa and the Translucent Simba are the super rare items in the range of 24 available in Woolworths from July 17 onwards.
And given that the rare Golden Stikeez in Coles’ recent promotion were selling for more than $50,000 on eBay, collectors will be hoping to earn the same serious cash from these three rare Lion King Ooshies from Woolies.
The supermarket giant has released close-up photos of the range on their website, which is only going to build excitement amongst fans.
The blue Mufasa and translucent and orange Simbas are believed to be the rare ones!
EARLIER: Woolworths has just announced the launch of the limited edition Lion King collectables. Teaming up with Disney the collection will feature 24 Ooshies.
Shoppers receive an Ooshie for every $30 they spend.
The collection will feature 24 Ooshies, featuring 9 favourite characters from The Lion King, including Simba, Nala and Mufasa in original colours and gold versions.
There is also a special cub version of Simba and Nala, and a translucent blue ‘Spirit Mufasa’ Lion King Ooshie to collect.
Amazingly if you collect extra Ooshies you do not need you can return them to Woolies to be recycled. Woolworths has partnered with TerraCycle to recycle any unwanted Ooshies. Well done Woolies!
To complete your collection there is a Lion King Collector’s Album to store the Ooshies for $4.
Interestingly the Lion King Collectables launch the SAME day as Coles Little Shop 2, next Wednesday July 17.
IF YOU HAVE THIS IN YOUR BOOK CASE, YOU'RE SITTING ON A FORTUNE! WATCH IT HERE!
Michelle ConnollyMichelle Connolly has worked as a photo director, social media manager and photo editor at some of Australia's biggest media companies, including New Idea. She is now editor of I Bought It At and is a keen shopper and loving mum-of-two.


text:
Japan Innovation Network (JIN), the Japanese national host for GEN’s Entrepreneurship World Cup, and CIC Tokyo, Japan's largest innovation center, are holding a seminar on the“ Fundamentals of overseas expansion and success for startups and entrepreneurs” as a part of EWC Japan 2021 promotion on May 11th.
Many Japanese entrepreneurs who have established startups or are thinking about starting a company have the ambition to create a business that will change the world for the better. However, in practice, many startups that have achieved great success in Japan are struggling to conquer overseas markets. Unless this situation is addressed, and Japanese entrepreneurs continue to face the so-called “Galapagos syndrome”, start-ups that dominate tomorrow's world will not be born from Japan.
In this seminar, in addition to Mz. Fara Taraie, who runs Social Change Maker a program to support social entrepreneurs, Mr. Hiro Nishiguchi, CEO of JIN, co-founder with the UNDP of SHIP(SDG Holistic Innovation Platform) and GEN Japan Acting Managing Director, as well as Tadashi Kubo winner of EWC Japan 2020, will discuss the challenges and opportunities of Japanese entrepreneurs/startups who are active around the globe.
The last part of the seminar will be dedicated to introducing the EWC Japan 2021's edition to the audience and explaining the practical details and benefits of the competition to attract further participants.
Please follow the link for more information:


text:
Dow jumps nearly 300 points as U.S says trade war with China 'on hold'
U.S. stocks powered higher Monday after President Trump's top Treasury official said the trade war with China is "on hold," a truce that removed a big risk from the market for now.
One of the biggest obstacles facing stocks in recent weeks has been fear that a full-blown trade war with China, the world's second-biggest economy, would break out and cause global growth to slow and corporate earnings to shrink. But over the weekend, Steven Mnuchin, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, cited "progress" in trade talks and said the economic rivals were "putting the trade war on hold."
Wall Street cheered signs that talks between the two countries were moving closer to an agreement that would not do harm to markets or the global economy.
"It's a signal that neither the U.S. nor China wants a trade war and are working hard to avoid such a fate," said Joe Quinlan, chief market strategist at U. S. Trust in New York.
After finishing lower three of the past four weeks, the Dow Jones industrial average rose 1.2% Monday. The blue-chip average gained more than 298 points and closed above 25,000 for the first time since mid-March, with 28 of the 30 stocks in the index sporting gains. Aircraft maker Boeing and Caterpillar, which makes heavy earth-moving equipment, led the Dow higher with gains of 3.6% and 2.1%, respectively.
Both China and the U.S. agreed to suspend proposed tariffs — including the U.S.'s planned $150 billion of import levies on Chinese imports — as they continue to try to hammer out a deal and reduce tensions.
And while "it's not even close to a done deal," according to Don Luskin, chief investment officer at TrendMacro, "it's now obvious that there is a way forward, and that's a good thing."
The temporary reprieve on the trade-war front, however, isn't the only thing on the minds of investors. Here are some key things Wall Street will be watching this week:
Dow turning positive for year
The Dow started the week fractionally lower for the year but turned positive for 2018 with Monday's rally. The Dow also finished the day above 25,000 level for the first time since March 13. The three other major U.S. stock indexes, the large-company Standard & Poor's 500, the tech-stock dominated Nasdaq and the small-company Russell 2000, are all solidly in positive territory for the year.
Rising dollar's impact on stocks
The U.S. dollar, which has been surging higher vs. foreign currencies, is at a five-month high. And while a strong buck is signaling economic strength, it's a negative for big multinational companies that get a large chunk of their sales from overseas. That's because a stronger dollar makes U.S. goods and services sold abroad more expensive, which could cause both sales and earnings growth to slow.
Small stocks, however, are shielded from the negative impact of a strong dollar because they get most, if not all, of their sales in the U.S. That insulation from currency challenges is a big reason why the Russell 2000 last week became the first of the U.S. stock indexes to break out to a record high following the 10% correction in February. The index closed at another peak Monday and is up 6.6% in 2018.
Retail earnings in spotlight
While the first-quarter earnings season — the best quarterly results since late 2010 — is winding down, a slew of earnings results from many of the nation's top retailers will be reported this week. Investors will be looking to see how U.S. shoppers are feeling and how store-focused retailers are faring as sales turn increasingly online, when companies such as Kohl's, Coach, Ralph Lauren, Target, Tiffany, Best Buy and Gap report quarterly results.


text:
Can ice cream ever be healthy? A company called Halo Top Creamery is attracting more ice cream lovers with a promise of lower calories and less guilt.
Time magazine named it one of the best inventions of the year. Over the summer, it also became the best-selling pint of ice cream in the country, beating big names like Ben & Jerry's and Häagen-Dazs. The first Halo Top Scoop Shop opened in Los Angeles last month and more are planned.
For Justin Woolverton, the shop was even better than being a kid in a candy store. The Halo Top ice cream CEO was previewing his company's first offering of soft-serve flavors.
"It's pretty fun. It's kind of surreal," Woolverton told CBS News correspondent Jamie Yuccas.
Just a few years ago, Woolverton was a litigator at a big-name L.A. law firm and hated his career.
"Everybody thinks it's gonna be Perry Mason or like for me, a John Grisham novel. And then you get there and it's just paperwork the size of your torso," Woolverton said. "You just decide to jump off a cliff and take a risk."
Prompted by a pop-up ad, Woolverton bought a $20 ice cream machine back in 2011. His homemade concoction with all natural ingredients sparked an idea.
"It was this eureka moment, where it tasted extremely good, even though it didn't have any sugar. It was rich in protein. It was all natural. … So I was like, 'Hey! You know what? Here is my escape from law,'" Woolverton said, laughing.
At the time Woolverton owed nearly $350,000 in student loans. He found a business partner, Doug Bouton, another disgruntled lawyer willing to go deep in debt to make ice cream. Their product hit stores in 2012, but at first it didn't sell.
"We always said I think on our worst day at Halo Top – and there were some dark days in the early years – it still beat practicing law," Bouton said.
Targeting millennials, they turned to social media, sending pints to YouTube influencers. But the key selling point became about calories. An entire pint of Halo Top has about the same number of calories as a single serving of other ice creams. Vanilla bean Halo Top is labeled as 240 calories per pint, and the cinnamon roll flavor claims 360 calories per pint.
It ignited a cult-like following online. Sales skyrocketed, with 17 million hard-packed pints sold in 2016. Under the lid it reads: "Stop when you hit the bottom" and "Guilt free zone – keep digging."
But Samantha Heller, a registered dietitian, said the slogans aren't healthy for those struggling with portion control.
"When the ice cream company can tell you to eat the whole thing, it's encouraging bulk eating and binge eating. And that is something we're actively trying to control in this country," Heller said.
Woolverton said it was his own health issues that led him to create a product sweetened with stevia and erythritol, a sugar alcohol.
"My body doesn't do well on sugar," he said. "When you have a hypoglycemic episode, you just turn white. … You look like a zombie. You're shaking and sweating." He said his sugar "roller coaster" is more severe than most people's.
The company is pushing to keep up with demand, churning out about 650,000 pints a day. Despite the large-scale operation, they don't own their factory, preferring to rent.
Woolverton works mainly from home, but staying small is helping him think big.
"I don't see any reason why Halo Top can't be global just like other ice creams are global," Woolverton said. "It could be the number one selling ice cream in the world."
It's a dream for him – and a delicious promise for ice cream lovers who never want just one taste.
for more features.


text:
HOUSTON — While brisket and sausage are often the stars of any Texas barbecue plate, smoked turkey is a well-loved supporting player. Restaurants are warning the leaner treat could be hard to find in the next couple of months.
Avian flu pandemic to blame for shortage
According to the Houston Chronicle, the avian flu epidemic is to blame. To stop the spread poultry flocks have been culled, meaning six million turkeys were killed between January and July.
The other problem is America’s love of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Most barbecue restaurants use processed turkey breasts, not the whole bird. Processors are reportedly holding back whole turkeys to make sure they have enough supply for consumer demand in November.
Why have wholesale prices for turkey increased?
That means wholesale prices for turkey breast have gone from around $3 a pound last year to $7 now.
Of course, it is not just barbecue restaurants affected. Experts also warn prices for whole turkeys are up thanks to the bird flu. Meaning you will probably be paying more for your Thanksgiving bird.
Some culinary influencers suggest this could be the time for “tofurkey” to take center stage but Thanksgiving traditionalists may not be ready for a plant-based main course.


text:
It was sent out as a ‘thank you’ from the Cambridge family over the holidays, and was addressed from each individual family member.
“The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis thank you for your very kind Christmas message,” the card read.
Last year, 11 days before Christmas, they also shared a brand new family portrait.
The photo showed a less formal side to the family, with everyone dressed in casual clothes.
Their Christmas message said: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are pleased to share a new photograph of their family.
The photograph, taken by Matt Porteous, shows The Duke and Duchess with their three children at Anmer Hall. This photograph features on Their Royal Highnesses’ Christmas card this year."


text:
Apple releases the iPad Smart Case – a Smart Cover with a protective back
Amidst all the hoopla surrounding the WWDC 2012 Keynote, Apple has quietly released the iPad Smart Case, an accessory iPad owners have no doubtÂ been waiting for since day one. It’s essentially a Smart Cover, but with aÂ polyurethane hardshell to protect your iPad’sÂ aluminum back. The Smart Case is now available for shipping at the Apple Online StoreÂ and priced at $49. It also comes in 6 different colours and you can even get a free engraving on the back of the case. You can now finally ditch that Smart Cover in favour of its newest sibling for the added protection – that is if you don’t already have theÂ Griffin IntelliCase.


text:
Starbucks wristbands created these jobs
LIIF’s support for the Alliance for College-Ready Public Schools is enabling the high-performing charter management organization to build a new campus for two schools. At full capacity, the schools will educate 1,000 students and employ 70 staff members. This project and LIIF’s investment were part of a CNNMoney.com feature on the Create Jobs for USA campaign.
In November 2011, Starbucks partnered with Opportunity Finance Network to launch the Create Jobs for USA Initiative. LIIF was one of the first CDFIs to receive a grant from the Create Jobs for USA Fund, which has helped LIIF and other CDFIs create and sustain jobs in underserved communities throughout the U.S. To date, the initiative has raised more than $7 million through donations and the sale of Create Jobs for USA wristbands at Starbucks stores.CNNMoney.com


text:
Consumers have been urged to return frozen contaminated vegetables immediately in the latest food safety recall to hit Australia.
New South Wales Professor of infectious diseases Robert Booy warned the risk of getting ill simply wasn’t worth it and eating the food wasn’t worth the risk.
His warning comes after Metcash yesterday recalled all Black and Gold’s 1kg Mixed Vegetables from IGA, Campbells and Independent Grocers across New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania because of possible contamination fears.
The NSW Food Authority is advising consumers not to eat the product and to return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
"It has almost certainly been contaminated with Listeria," Prof Booy told TODAY.
"Healthy people aren't affected by it but there is a group of susceptible people in whom is can be very serious."
He said the risk was higher for pregnant women, unborn and newborn babies, as well as people with immune problems, the frail and the elderly.
Prof Booy said while cooking food thoroughly would eliminate the bacteria, people should still return the product which has been sourced overseas.
"These vegetables are sourced from Europe vegetables are sourced from Europe – Hungary - and it is important to know that there hasn't been an outbreak here because we have got in nice and early," he said.
"The key point here is that this product should be returned to the supermarket. You apparently will get a full refund. It is better to be safe than sorry.”
Last month several brands were pulled off supermarket shelves across Australia with fear they were linked to the deadly bacteria.
Six people died from a listeria outbreak linked to rockmelon in New South Wales and Victoria earlier this year.
Listeria (Listeria monocytongenes) is a rare form of foodborne illness, but it can lead to serious illness in pregnant women, people with low immune systems and older people.
The symptoms of listerorsis, are ‘flu like’ and will usually appear within eight to 90 days of consumption.
It can also manifest in gastro-enteritis, about a day after consumption.
The six fatalities caused by rockmelon occurred in February and March.
In June, 21 people in South Australia were struck down with salmonella poisoning linked to alfalfa sprouts.


text:
Starwood Capital, EnviroSpark Team on EV Charging
To attract residents, the companies are partnering to install charging stations across a dozen states.
Private investment firm Starwood Capital Group is partnering with electric vehicle charging company EnviroSpark to install more than 400 charging stations in 82 Starwood Capital multifamily communities nationwide. Expected to largely be completed during the coming 6 to 12 months, the largest such deal for a single multifamily owner will bring EV charging access to more than 55,000 people across a dozen states.
“We felt where (EV charging) would do the most good is where people live, because there’s nothing like waking up with a full tank and not having to fill up,” EnviroSpark founder & CEO Aaron Luque told Multi-Housing News. “The idea of driving to the mall and sitting there for 30 minutes to charge is not attractive. We thought if we can get charging stations into apartment communities, that would go a long way.”
Two primary barriers stymie adoption of electric vehicles, he added. “The main reasons people weren’t getting them is the awareness factor,” he said.
“They didn’t realize the benefits of owning an EV. The second reason is even if they were aware, thought it was cool and wanted to get one, a latent fear existed that even if they go an electric car, they wouldn’t be able to find a place to charge one.”
Placing chargers in apartment communities should tear down the latter barrier, he said.
Officially, the window of time for expected completion of the project extends up to a year. But EnviroSpark is setting a goal to have the initiative finished by the end of 2022.
A trio of prime challenges stand in the way of getting it done that quickly. “The first is permitting; the process of getting through these jurisdictions can be highly difficult,” Luque said. “The second one is the supply chain issues. Fortunately, we stock a lot of the equipment. The third is on the utility side. There is utility coordination that has to happen, and some of the utility companies are having labor challenges.”
Last month, a news item examined EV charging basics for multifamily owners.


text:
You can tell cancer to go "bleep" itself. Just not here.
Zakia Clark and her sisters were kicked out of a Philadelphia-area mall for wearing cancer awareness hats with a choice four-letter word — days after their own mother died of cancer.
The sisters were shopping for funeral clothes last Sunday at the King of Prussia Mall while mourning their mother, Jackie Underwood, who died of breast cancer at age 51. The grieving siblings wore hats bearing the words "F--k Cancer" in sparkly pink letters, with the "c" in the offending word replaced by a ribbon symbol.
When mall security asked them to remove the hats, the women refused and a war of words ensued, culminating in their removal from the mall.
"I said, 'I'm not leaving. I spend money here and I'm not going to leave,'" Zakia Clark told local ABC affiliate WPVI. "[The security guard] said, 'You know what? Shut your mouth. That was your cue to stop shopping.' So I removed my hat." The women were still told to leave.
"There are no other words you can use to explain how you feel," Clark told the Philadelphia Daily News regarding the hat's message. "You want cancer to get cancer and die."
Some stores in the mall carry clothing with similar language, said Zakia's sister Makia Underwood.
"To say they don't want that in their mall, but they sell it... it just wasn't right," Underwood told WPVI.
The mall released a statement from manager Robert Hart that read, in part, "King of Prussia Mall is a proud supporter of breast cancer awareness and other important causes however, the mall is first and foremost a family destination.
"In keeping with the mall's Code of Conduct, security approached the women who were first asked respectfully to remove their caps and when they refused, were asked to leave. King of Prussia Mall is dedicated to providing a family-friendly atmosphere for all our shoppers and such profanity is not tolerated."
The mall apologized to the sisters and offered to donate to a cancer charity of their choice, WPVI reported.
The sisters' hats appear to be inspired by F--k Cancer (name edited), a cancer education organization that sells t-shirts and other gear bearing the provocative slogan.
Founder and CEO Yael Cohen created a "F--k Cancer" shirt after her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, and was surprised by the positive reactions when her mother, who survived the disease, wore the shirt in public.
She then founded the organization as an "authentic community" for those affected by cancer, she told the Daily News.
"Occasionally we've had community members tell us stories where they've been asked to cover up or turn the shirt inside out," Cohen said. "The general response is usually more positive than negative, because there is a story behind why that person is wearing the shirt.
"Taking such a private word into the public space is powerful. It's clear that if there's ever a time to use 'F--k,' it's now and it's with cancer," she said.
F--k Cancer sells shirts with both censored and "explicit" versions of the slogan on its Web site. The hat worn by Clark and her sisters was not created by the organization, a representative told the Daily News.
Cohen said she doesn't mind that others have borrowed the phrase.
"I think it's great that people are embracing the movement and proudly displaying their real feelings towards the terrible disease," she said.


text:
The Skills Guide for Facility Managers details 10 must-have traits for those new to the industry
This peer-to-peer networking session will cover best practices for working with young facility professionals
« Back to Facilities Management News Home
The ZigBee Alliance, a non-profit association of companies creating, maintaining and delivering open, global standards for the low-power wireless Internet of Things (IoT), today announced UL – a global safety science organization – is the newest independent authorized test service provider accredited to support ZigBee Alliance certification programs. UL will offer ZigBee testing at two of its labs: Fremont, California and Basingstoke, UK. The expansion to a fifth lab to provide ZigBee-specific testing validates the prevalence and significance of ZigBee-based products as hundreds of market-moving members design and develop IoT-focused devices for today’s connected world.
To date, authorized test service providers for the ZigBee Alliance have provided testing services leading to over 1600 certified products, with 75% of those earning certification in the past three years alone. Already in 2016, over 200 products have achieved certified product status – demonstrating the tremendous industry interest and trust in the ZigBee brand as the wireless technology of choice for the foundation of the IoT.
“As ZigBee Alliance membership continues to grow at an extraordinary pace, and member companies capitalize on the possibilities around the Internet of Things, we will continue to tap the world’s best testing organizations to provide our members with access to testing services that validate what they implement on a ZigBee-based platform translates into a meaningful and valuable product experience for the end user,” said Victor Berrios, Vice President of Technology, ZigBee Alliance.
“We are at a tipping point in the industry where the Internet of Things moves from an idea to real world application for consumers,” said Ghislain Devouge, Vice President, UL Consumer Technology Division. “Our experts already have been validating numerous technologies in support of the IoT, and we’re excited to bring the ZigBee Alliance programs into our testing and certification process as its members innovate to connect us all in new and better ways.”
The ZigBee Certified program verifies that every platform and product meets Alliance requirements and performs as expected – helping to ensure interoperable products are available to manufacturers and end users. This supports the critical next step in the market: enabling consumers to buy with confidence. The certification program is a substantial benefit of ZigBee Alliance membership, and contributes to the Alliance’s leading market position as a proven and trusted technology for smart wireless development.
“We’re on pace in 2016 to have our biggest year yet as an industry alliance,” said Tobin Richardson, ZigBee Alliance President and CEO. “Partnering with UL to accommodate the current demand for ZigBee-based, low-power wireless product certification is a logical step as the industry progresses. We expect this surge in IoT design, development and testing will continue as our members collaborate and work toward required interoperability and market-relevant solutions involving connected devices.”
In addition to UL, ZigBee Alliance authorized test service providers include:
· Chinese Electronics Standardization Institute (CESI)
· Element Materials Technology
· National Technical Systems, Inc. (NTS)
· TÜV Rheinland Group
For more information about the ZigBee Alliance, the ZigBee Certification process, general membership and the benefits of joining the Alliance, visit here.


text:
GM Korea averted bankruptcy with last-minute labor concessions from the local auto union, and now, the South Korean government hopes the automaker’s lifeline will position it for success.
But, General Motors and South Korea have very different viewpoints for when GM Korea may return to profitability. Reuters reported on Friday that the U.S. automaker believes GM Korea will return to the black next year. South Korea and state-owned Korean Development Bank think 2022 is the more realistic goal.
The automaker and the KDB signed a $7 billion investment package to bail out the failing entity this week, which gives GM Korea ten years to put itself back on track. Per the agreement, GM cannot exit the investment for those 10 years. After a decade, GM will be free to do what it sees fit. Still, the automaker thinks a $400 million or $500 million profit is possible in 2019.
South Korea’s timeline comes from due diligence the KDB completed to make a final decision on GM Korea. The state-owned entity agreed to provide $750 million for the unit, though still took a cautious tone over its short-term prosperity.
The due diligence report claims labor cost cuts will be the driving factor to push GM Korea back into the black. Last year, GM Korea lost $1.1 billion.


text:
Stax Trade Centres has announced the purchase of hardware and ironmongery manufacturer M.P. Smith and Co. Ltd, maker of security products under the SECURIT® brand. It has been a supplier to Stax for many years.
This is a strategic move by Stax to strengthen its supply chain, however both companies will continue to run as separate businesses. “Although this is great news for both Stax and M.P. Smith, it will be very much business as usual for everyone involved,” says Stax Purchasing Director, Simon Wright.
M.P. Smith was established in the mid-70s and using the brand name SECURIT®, has been a longstanding market leader in the UK ironmongery sector. Company founder, Mike Smith, was very keen that any sale would ensure that the company name and reputation would continue after his retirement.
“M.P. Smith has been a supplier to Stax for over 30 years, and it will continue to operate and supply the wholesale trade exactly as it has done previously,” adds Simon. “Customers of M.P. Smith will continue to receive the same great service they’re used to from the existing team.”
“Making M.P. Smith part of the wider Stax organisation simply makes our supply chain even more robust and allows us to continue offering our retail and trade customers a very successful range of hardware and security products under the SECURIT® brand.”
This latest move is another example of Stax investing in the market in order to support independent retailers and tradespeople across the UK. “We promise to give our customers more choice and more value, safeguarding the SECURIT® brand is another example of this customer centric strategy in action” adds Simon.


text:
NEW YORK — Eyewear companies sought to connect with consumers by evoking brand heritage at the International Vision Expo East trade show.
Most brands offered exclusive styles at the three-day fair, which ended Sunday at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center here, to help drive traffic to stores.
Licensing firms unveiled spring and summer collections that channeled their labels’ aesthetic cores. They added limited edition or exclusive styles to their offerings as well as lower-priced pieces to target the aspirational customer.
Luxottica Group paid homage to Chanel’s heritage with its new Lovely frame, featuring the Chanel logo along the temple and retailing for $340. For the two-year-old Tiffany line, Luxottica added styles with “Tiffany blue” temple treatments, as well as those with interchanging charms at an opening price point less than $300.
“We made a huge improvement in interpreting Tiffany’s iconic side,” said Kristen McCabe, Luxottica retail’s associate vice president of product for sun and luxury brands. “Originally this line was at the high end, but we realized we weren’t talking to Tiffany’s large group of aspirational customers, so we introduced styles with a $200 entry. We wanted to approach democratic pricing while bringing out its classic aesthetic.”
Safilo Group’s new Gucci Eyeweb aviators offered a clear link to the brand’s heritage with its red, green and white-striped temple treatments. The lower-priced sub-collection is Gucci’s first attempt at offering styles for less than $250.
“We’re trying to give the customer value, we want to provide price points that are the most accessible in the luxury category,” said Mark Ugenti, Safilo’s senior vice president of retail sales.
Oliver Peoples dipped into the brand’s 24-year-old archive to bring back classic pieces such as the O’Malley and the 1955, whose rounded tortoise shapes havea retro, intellectual feel. At David Yurman eyewear, styles such as the Albion and Waverly were extensions of the jewelry, with precious stones as well as gold and silver treatments decorating the frames. The brand showcased a 24-karat gold lens frame exclusive to its boutiques, retailing at $750.
Barton Perreira, an independent line based in Irvine, Calif., teamed with Opening Ceremony on a special version of its best-selling Sebastian style, retailing at $415. It provides special colors for stores such as Barneys New York and Neiman Marcus.
“A store like Opening Ceremony or Barneys definitely wants special items,” said Bill Barton, president at Barton Perreira. “They’re not interested in the brand with 1,000 doors. They’re carrying special things and we want to give that to them. For the department store, it takes more forward planning, but we want to help them get back to where they were and we’ll do so by getting more aggressive on the exclusive side.”
The premium on special product included Marcolin’s Tom Ford eyewear line, which will debut the frame Colin Firth wore in Ford’s film “A Single Man” on a limited edition basis this fall. Prada is creating an exclusive style based on its spring handbag collection for Sunglass Hut, and Ray-Ban is doing a special series of Wayfarer styles, including one by artist Matt W. Moore, also for the Luxottica-owned sun retailer. Versace did a special frame with its classic Medusa logo for Macy’s Inc.
“Doing exclusives can be smart and it can work if lines do it in supersmall numbers, and then consumers have to have their ‘guy’ who’s going to call them the second it comes in,” said David Gonzales, owner of Fred Segal Eyes in Los Angeles. “But when editions are too big, it is a problem. At some point it’s no longer an edition.”
Known for carrying smaller independent lines, Gonzales shopped the show for innovative styles by Barton Perreira, Anne et Valentin and Orgreen.
“In the past, I pulled it in as far as risk taking and I was definitely going safe with everything, and now I’m looking to give the ‘eyewear frontier’ more of a chance, not playing it safe,” Gonzales said. “The market hit the bottom and now it’s starting to come back, so I’m taking more chances with smaller, exclusive lines.”
Firms offered frames with vibrant colors and tones. Cartier’s Double C de Cartier decor sunglasses offered contrasting white and coral acetate for a Sixties Mod-like effect. Two Marchon lines, Coach and Diane von Furstenberg, evoked a rainbow, with bright blues, greens and pinks for the youthful, fashion-forward market. Safilo’s Carrera and Marc by Marc Jacobs lines opted for neon aviators, and Jason Wu’s first eyewear collection, produced by Modo, did a classic square frame in purple, green and navy blue. Blue was a top trend at the show, as seen at Vera Wang, Victoria Beckham and Cutler and Gross.
In the growing men’s eyewear business, Viva International Group signed new licenses for William Rast and Mark Nason. The firm is also reintroducing Gant sun to the U.S. this summer. The line includes double-bridge aviators, tortoise-shell retro looks and subtle logo treatments. Viva made a limited edition two-toned, rounded aviator for the Gant-Michael Bastian collaboration, which will hit stores this fall.
Newcomers joined the Vision Expo show, such as men’s luxury line Zilli, whose eyewear designer Eric Jean unveiled the brand’s first sun and optical collection. The line, dropping in November, retails for $800 to $900.
The ubiquity of retro styles has given rise to more unisex products. Fashion lines such as Super, an Italian affordable fashion company, which made its Vision Expo debut, offered an entire collection of hip opaque and matte acetates, colored tortoise shell and contrast temple styles, which were suitable for both men and women and retail for less than $200.
Marchon’s cadre of brands also evoked the retro trend in its men’s offering with contrasting interior color at Sean John, thick woodlike plastic frames at Jil Sander and tonal aviators at Fendi.
Tom Loughran, event director for Reed Exhibitions and International Vision Expos, which coproduce the show, said attendance was up 4 percent compared with 2009, according to preliminary reports.
“We heard from many exhibitors that attendees were there to buy this year, which was a real sign for us that the optical industry is on the rebound,” he said.
My character, Dinah Madani, is just the coolest, [most] badass woman imaginable," says @amberroserevah. The actress stars in @marvel's newest series on @netflix, @thepunisher. To prepare for her role, Revah sat down with Homeland agents to get a real sense of with Dinah's day-to-day life is really like. Read our full interview on WWD.com. #wwdeye (📷: @jilliansollazzo)
A scene from the 91st annual @macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. The parade, which boasts 50 million TV viewers and 3.5 million on-site spectators, is considered one of the largest and most watched parades in the world. (📷: Jason Szenes/EPA-REX)
The circus came to @bloomingdales 59th Street on Tuesday night and lit up Lexington Avenue with acrobatic dancers, death-defying knife throwing, sword swallowing and aerial acts with no net. The 45 minutes of theatrics built up to unveiling the holiday windows depicting @swarovski crystal-encrusted circus pieces and scenes from “The Greatest Showman” – songs from the soundtrack included. See the rest of the photos on WWD.com #wwdfashion (📷: Joshua Scott)
The psychedelic fashion that pervaded the ’60s is back with an exhibit at the @museumofcityny. “Mode New York: Fashion Takes a Trip” chronicles the changing styles from 1960 through 1973 and features designers such as @ysl, @oscardelarenta and more. The exhibition, which is on display through April 1, is organized into four periods: First Lady Fasion, Youthquake, New Bohemia and New Nonchalance. Pictured here is model Pat Bardonella during the Garvey Day Parade in 1968. (📷: @kwamebphoto) #wwdeye #wwdfashion
“People should be a lot more honest in expressing both the dark and light of themselves. We need to give each other the space to do that because it’s the only way we can grow and evolve,” says @noelwells of her new film “Mr. Roosevelt,” which is largely based on her own struggles. Unexpectedly leaving @nbcsnl in 2014 after just one season, Wells felt set back in her self-esteem and career trajectory. She quickly refocused her energy to more personal projects, which led to the completion of “Mr. Roosevelt.” Read the rest of WWD’s interview with the “Master of None” actress on WWD.com #wwdeye (📷: @jilliansollazzo)
@barbrastreisand is giving fans a chance to see her perform up close in a new concert series, which makes its debut on @Netflix today. From behind-the-scenes takes to her concert performance in Miami last December, the two-hour streaming special captures Streisand in her element. Pictured here is the singer/actress photographed for WWD in 1963. (📷: Palmieri Tony) #wwdeye #wwdarchive
@chanel and @pharrell dropped what’s being dubbed as the world’s most exclusive sneakers yesterday. The Adidas Originals NMD Hu, which Williams designed in collaboration with Chanel and @adidasoriginals, has a waiting list of over 120K people who pre-registered online at chanelatcolette.fr –– and only 500 pairs are on sale. The singer predicted the resale value of the shoes could reach $40K. Read the full interview on WWD.com. Link in bio. #wwdfashion (📷: Dominique Maître)
@imanshumpert is diving deeper into his creative endeavors and relaunching his clothing line, Post 90s, and is helping to raise money for the hurricane victims in St. Maarten with a jersey he’s designed with his brother. The Cleveland Cavaliers player talked to WWD about kneeling during the national anthem, working with fashion brands and how he wants to be more than an @nba player. Read the interview on WWD.com #wwdfashion (📷: George Chinese)


text:
Volvo is close to revealing a successor to its XC90, a vehicle expected to go by the new name Embla.
The Swedish automaker will then look to introduce a successor to its top-selling XC60, which Autocar reported on Wednesday will arrive around 2024.
Like the XC90 successor, the XC60 successor is expected to adopt a new name and offer the choice of internal-combustion or electric powertrains. Autocar reported that the electric option will be available from 2025.
Interestingly, the British publication also reported that the XC60 successor, like the XC90 successor, will take on a more wagon-like form, as first previewed by 2021's Concept Recharge.
Volvo Concept Recharge - June 2021
Underpinning the XC60 successor will likely be Volvo's next-generation SPA2 platform that debuts in the XC90 successor and will also underpin a related Polestar 3. According to Volvo, the platform has been designed from the onset for dedicated EVs but will be capable of supporting internal-combustion powertrains.
Only about 6.5% of Volvo's sales in 2021 were EVs, so the automaker isn't ready to give up internal-combustion power just yet. It aims to get EVs to account for 50% of its sales by 2025 and 100% by 2030.
Volvo may also continue selling the current XC60 alongside its successor for a few years, especially in markets were EV sales remain low. The automaker plans to do the same with the current XC90, which will remain on sale for a period after its successor arrives.
The current XC60 arrived for the 2018 model year and was given a mild update for 2022. Volvo managed 41,582 sales in the U.S. in 2021, which is the best result on record for the nameplate.


text:
The Indonesian cryptocurrency exchange BitCoin.co.id has announced that it has raised $6 million through a funding round led by Coinbase. The exchange plans to use the funds to launch new features such as a fiat-to-cryptocurrency exchange, a wallet, and a merchant payment service. BitCoin.co.id aims to become the largest cryptocurrency exchange in Indonesia and a leader in Southeast Asia.
With a population of over 250 million, Indonesia is the fourth most-populous country in the world. And, as with other developing countries, the high cost of living remains a major problem for Indonesians. And that’s something cryptocurrency companies are hoping to change. This week, the Indonesian-based cryptocurrency exchange, BitBay , announced a major funding round from Coinbase Ventures. The funding will help BitBay grow its customer base, while also allowing the exchange to expand its operational capabilities.
Indonesia-based cryptocurrency exchange Exrates recently received $6 million from a funding round led by Coinbase. The move is notable, given that Exrates is one of the few cryptocurrency exchanges that has managed to gain a foothold in Indonesia. This country is largely crypto-illiterate, due to sweeping cryptocurrency bans that were announced in 2018, and the lack of a clear regulatory framework for the industry. Even so, Indonesia has been a hotbed for cryptocurrency activity, and the country’s National Fintech Association estimates that there are as many as 3 million people in Indonesia who hold at least some kind of cryptocurrency.
Indonesian crypto-currency exchange Pintu, which focuses on crypto-currency startups, has raised $6 million in support of its mission to promote crypto-currency adoption in the industry. On Tuesday, the company announced the closing of a Series A funding round led by major global cryptocurrency investors, including Pantera Capital, Coinbase Ventures and Intudo Ventures, Tech in Asia reported. Inventors like Alameda Ventures, Blockchain Ventures and Castle Island Ventures also participated in the round. Founded in 2020 by Jet Soetoyo, Pintu is a major cryptocurrency licensed company in Indonesia, regulated by Indonesia’s Commodity Futures Regulatory Agency, or Bappepti. The exchange is registered with Bappebti and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology as an approved cryptocurrency broker. The company’s new resources will be spent on marketing, recruiting and product development to attract more newcomers to the industry. Pintu’s COO Andrew Ajiputro noted that Pintu is a bit different from large Indonesian crypto exchanges such as Indodax and Tokocrypto, as Pintu focuses on the mass market to reach especially novice crypto users. Ajiputro said many Indonesian retailers see cryptocurrencies as an alternative asset class, with the majority of investors between the ages of 20 and 35. The concept of investment and trade is new to most Indonesians, as penetration in these categories has been very low in the past. So we see an opportunity to help Indonesians understand the concept of investing/trade while shifting their investments to other asset classes, the COO said. As previously reported, Indonesia has maintained the legality of cryptocurrency trading despite a total ban on cryptocurrency payments in 2017. Yesterday, the country’s central bank announced its intention to create a national digital currency and make the digital rupiah legal tender in Indonesia.The cryptocurrency market has been heating up in Indonesia, with over 200,000 users signing up for exchange accounts on the largest local platform, Bitcoin.co.id, in the first two months of this year. Now, a new company called Bitcoin Indonesia has launched to serve the growing interest, announcing that it has raised $6 million in venture capital from a group of investors that includes Coinbase.. Read more about pintu crypto and let us know what you think.
indonesia cryptocurrency regulationbitcointokocryptoindodaxpintu cryptojeth soetoyo,People also search for,Privacy settings,How Search works,Bitcoin,Currency,indonesia cryptocurrency regulation,tokocrypto,indodax,pintu crypto,jeth soetoyo,pintu indonesia,pintu login


text:
Along with the Android powered P6, Huawei are also reported to be launch the new Huawei Ascend W2 Windows phone.
It is believed that the Ascend W2 will be launched on June 18th along with the ultra-thin P6. Previous reports about the new phone claim that the W2 will feature a 4.3-inch 720p display, dual-core 1.5Ghz Qualcomm CPU, 1GB RAM, 16GB ROM, 8 mega-pixel rear camera and measure just 7.7mm thick.
Gizchina News of the week
In addition, a recently released image of the phone suggests that the new Windows Phone powered device will also feature a waterproof body! Hopefully the Android powered P6 will also offer this very useful feature too.


text:
Chinese culture has a long tradition of valuing conformity dating back to Confucius’ teachings and continuing through decades of 20th-century Communist rule. Because of this, Chinese consumers tend to easily subscribe to a uniformed aesthetic created by authorities or social norms. The country also has a long history of equating thinness with beauty, an aesthetic found in China’s ancient literature and folk stories. Diverging from the norm there is not encouraged, and women and girls who do not conform to these ideals often receive disparaging comments about their weight from family, friends, and even from strangers.
Scarlett Hao knows the challenges these women face. A Chinese fashion influencer who’s based in New York, Hao is known by her 170,000 followers as a style icon for plus-sized women and a strong advocate for body-positive culture. But despite her following on Instagram, she is struggling to expand her influence in China. “It’s frustrating when people I work with in the U.S. try to discourage me from promoting myself in China,” says Hao. “They don’t think Chinese consumers are ready for me.”
Many Western pundits have discussed the need to diversify traditional beauty standards in fashion, particularly in luxury fashion, not just for the altruistic reason of improving women’s self-images, but also reasoning that more inclusive representations of women will actually be good for sales in a challenging economic climate.
U.S. brands like Aerie, which is owned by the teen-focused company American Eagle and says it seeks to “empower all women to love their real selves,” are proving this might be true. Aerie, which brags it carries lingerie sizes up to DDD, saw its sales grow 38 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2018, while sales of big throwback lingerie brands like Victoria’s Secret, which has projected a two percent slip for Q4, have struggled. In London earlier this week, a group of full-figured barely clad women calling themselves “the Fallen Angels” protested the brand on Oxford Street.
Such messages of empowerment are resonating with an increasing number of Western women but have yet to find a large audience in China. But now, thanks to a slew of different factors, that could be changing.
One of those is the rise of new generations of consumers in China that crave individuality. Chinese millennials and Gen-Z consumers seek new adventures and place an increased value on personal success. These demographic changes, coupled with incremental shifts in public opinion, suggest that now could be a good time to start a discussion about body-positive representation in China’s market.
“Chinese millennials and Gen Zers, particularly those who live in top-tier cities, have greater access to Western culture and ideals compared to older generations,” says deputy style director at Grazia China, Hubert Chen. “While many in China still lack the cultural context to appreciate diversity, these consumers are more likely to understand its impact and are open to talking about it.”
Hao believes her generation is ready to embrace the body-positive culture in China, and there’s already business potential in that country for brands offering plus-size clothing. “I have women living in China asking me everyday where to buy the clothes I wear on Instagram,” Hao confides. “Their choices are limited.”
Some Chinese retailers have already taken notice of this need. China Daily reported that some shop owners on Taobao, China’s largest online marketplace, make over $15 million a year selling plus-size clothing to Chinese women, and plus-size models on Taobao receive twice as much pay on average as slender models due to the increased demand for — and paucity of — them.
Influencers, social media, and online sales platforms can offer brands different ways to reach the Chinese plus-size community — a strategy that Chinese retail giants like TMall are already deploying.
At a recent gala to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Single’s Day shopping festival, TMall made the choice to include Japanese comedienne and plus-size model Naomi Watanabe as a headline performer, and the audience’s response was extremely positive. In fact, when one of the show’s emcees took it upon himself to make disparaging comments about Watanabe’s weight, the online community came to her defense and severely criticized the speaker for “body shaming”. The hashtag #EmceeTeasesNaomiWatanabe# has generated 20 million views so far on the Chinese social media site Sina Weibo.
Public debate about social policies or issues is rare in China, because of social norms and media censorship, but Chinese companies are increasingly sophisticated in the way they discreetly use social causes to market to consumers.
But many Western brands, not wanting to take risks in a far-away country, continue to espouse a conservative “wait and see” approach to body positivity in the China market and have so far avoided progressive causes in their marketing strategies. But a booming e-commerce culture and an increased consumer affinity to local brands — propelled by the emergence of smart, young Chinese designers as well as a new emphasis on national pride — mean that competition from within is increasing. Western brands that wait too long will risk losing market share to smaller local brands that are more nimble and socially relevant in their marketing strategies.
“The bottom line is that Chinese consumers want to see a brand that has personality,” notes Chen. “Brands that already celebrate diversity and inclusion shouldn’t be afraid to speak their mind.”
Charlie Gu is the CEO of Kollective Influence, a marketing agency that specializes in cross-border influencer management and strategy. He can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.org.


text:
We all know that the tech giant Google took advantage of its space at the Game Developers Conference to announce its brand-new gaming platform. The service was born from Project Stream, a kind of Netflix for gaming and now delivers heavy titles on the Chrome browser on a notebook or PC or the app on a smartphone, tablet, and even Chromecast on TV.
Google Just Launched Its Brand-New Gaming Platform
The tech giant Google took advantage of its space at the Game Developers Conference to announce its brand new gaming platform, known as Stadia. The service was born from Project Stream, a kind of Netflix for gaming and now delivers heavy titles on the Chrome browser on a notebook or PC or the app on a smartphone, tablet, and even Chromecast on TV.
As the tech giant Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, said, “This is a platform for everyone,” while presenting the all-new gaming platform, Stadia. The product is precisely what Project Stream was, which led Assassin’s Creed Odyssey to run directly on Chrome. There is no need for specific hardware in the computer, but you need a generous connection to decrease the time between the touch on the keyboard and the character’s response.
Basically, this all-new gaming platform of the tech giant Google, of course, Stadia can run in the browser of notebooks or PCs, and not only even we can run it on smartphones, tablets, Chromebooks, and even in a TV as well that has Chromecast plugged in. Moreover, we can start gaming on a specific Stadia website or from a link within a game trailer on YouTube, the Play Store, a social media publication, or even a web address via email.
The service will recognize many controls, keyboards, and mice. Still, it has a specific control known as the Stadia Controller, which looks very similar to the Nintendo Controller Pro, but with the addition of a button to start sharing the game on YouTube. During the presentation, the Wizard button was used to open a video above the game, to understand how to get past a complicated point in Tomb Raider.
The differential of this control that the tech giant Google has created is that it works directly connected to the Wi-Fi network, with commands that go to the game on the server, and this will certainly decrease the latency; of course, it is the time between pressing the button, and the character responds on the screen.
As several servers worldwide exist, Stadia promises to deliver 1080p games at 60fps at this testing time. While at the launch, it will work with 4K, HDR, and 60 fps, and in; inure, it will go up to 8K with 120 frames per second.
On the server side, AMD is responsible for delivering hardware that the tech giant Google claims to be more powerful than the hardware present on PS4 Pro and Xbox One X. In numbers, the Sony console scored 4.2 teraflops, versus 6 teraflops in the Xbox One X. In comparison, Stadia’s hardware (inside the server) made 10 teraflops.
However, one of the most curious features of Stadia is that the platform will allow the streamers who are playing and broadcasting via YouTube to open the game space to play with selected viewers. And not only that even you can send a link to a person who loads a specific point of the game, and the game will continue from that point only and back to Chrome.
Currently, the tech giant Google hasn’t unveiled any specific launch date for its well-known gaming platform, Stadia. But, sometime this year, the tech giant Google could launch its new gaming Platform in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and some European countries.
Also Read: 10 Best Android Emulators For Retro Games
Besides its launch date, the tech giant Google doesn’t unveil any price information or even the minimum connection to ensure the game’s fluidity. Even at an early stage, the tech giant Google says that more than 100 creative studios already have the development kit to bring their games to the well-known gaming platform, Stadia.
So, what do you think about this? Share all your views and thoughts in the comment section below. And if you liked this article, do not forget to share this article with your friends and family.


text:
BDA reported Thursday that China surpassed the United States to rank first among nations for its number of Internet users. The firm said that the China Internet Network Information Center counted 210 million Internet users in China at the end of 2007.
Nielsen/NetRatings counted 216 million U.S. users at the end of 2007. Assuming the markets have continued to grow at the same rates as last year, BDA's principal new media analyst, Bin Liu, concludes that China now has more Internet users than the United States.
The numbers represent market opportunities, but the quality of content, advertising, and e-commerce is better in the United States, according to BDA, which predicts that e-commerce will boom in China as businesses and retailers take advantage of the country's large and growing population of Internet users.
BDA chairman Duncan Clark said China also boasts the world's largest mobile communications user base, with about 560 million subscribers.
"Now it adds Internet users to its gold medal collection," he said. "While the volume of communications users will continue to boom, the focus now in China will increasingly shift to deriving greater value from these consumers."
Clark thinks China will become like a "new California," which will help create innovative applications and shape consumer trends worldwide.
Clark said that a strong economy, investments in broadband infrastructure, and consumer demand for online games, instant messaging, online music and video, and other applications have driven increased Internet use in China.


text:
- Luigi Death Stare Gets Real-Life Version
July 09 2014 1:12 PM
During the 2014 Anime Fest in L.A., Luigi created some trouble at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
- 'Tom Clancy's The Division' Producer Discusses The Game
July 08 2014 5:10 PM
'Tom Clancy's The Division' won't launch until next year.
- Microsoft Responds To Sony's Success
July 08 2014 5:06 PM
Microsoft continues to lag behind Sony in console sales.
- 'Destiny' Beta Coming This Month For Xbox And PlayStation
July 08 2014 11:46 AM
Bungie's "Destiny" will run its beta this month for the Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3 and PS4.
- Bungie's 'Destiny' Expected To Be Top-Selling Game For Holiday Season
July 07 2014 11:52 AM
NYC-based research firm the Cowen Group predicts "Destiny" will be this season's top seller.
- Modders Have Hacked 'Mario Kart 8' For Nintendo's Wii
July 07 2014 11:08 AM
This video shows modders hacking into Nintendo's racer "Mario Kart 8."
- EA Discusses Which Console Will Win This Holiday Season
July 07 2014 10:58 AM
EA COO Peter Moore discusses which console will win this holiday season.
- 'Halo: The Master Chief Collection' Gets A New Trailer [VIDEO]
July 06 2014 12:17 AM
“Halo: The Master Chief Collection” just spawned a new trailer. The compilation will launch this November.
- Why Pac-Man Was Excluded From 'Super Smash Bros. Brawl'
July 03 2014 8:14 PM
Pac-Man will be a playable character in the upcoming "Super Smash Bros." But why was he excluded from the previous game?
- The Upside Of 'GTA' Violence
July 03 2014 11:05 AM
A recent study found that guilt over bad behavior in gaming may lead to increased moral sensitivity in the real world.
- Nope, Lindsay Lohan Isn't Claiming She's The 'GTA' Bikini Girl
July 03 2014 9:37 AM
Lohan alleges her image was used in "GTA 5," but she isn't claiming she was the "GTA" bikini girl.
- 'GTA Online' July Fourth Weekend Begins Thursday
July 02 2014 10:49 PM
Rockstar's July 4th weekend will run July 3 to 6.
- Here's Why Sony Is Winning The Console War
July 02 2014 4:42 PM
Sony may be winning the console war because the company is spending millions more on ads than Microsoft.
- Lindsay Lohan Suing 'GTA 5' Maker Rockstar Games
July 02 2014 12:26 PM
Actress Lindsay Lohan is suing "GTA 5" creator Rockstar Games for allegedly using her likeness in the game.
- 'Mario Kart 8' Just Might Save Nintendo's Wii U
July 02 2014 12:05 PM
Racer "Mario Kart 8" may rescue Nintendo's Wii U, which launched in 2012 and is seeing an increase in sales because of the game.
- 'GTA 5' Parody Trailer Is Exactly Like Original
July 01 2014 3:23 PM
A group of Spanish filmmakers recently re-created a live action video of the "GTA 5" trailer.
- Players Can Visit Bruce Wayne's Tower In 'Batman: Arkham Knight'
July 01 2014 1:48 PM
Players will be able to visit Bruce Wayne's penthouse in "Batman: Arkham Knight."
- Rockstar Launches Update 1.15
July 01 2014 11:40 AM
New York City-based Rockstar Games is launching its Independence Day Special today.
- You Can Control A Hovertank In 'Call Of Duty: Advanced Warfare'
July 01 2014 11:29 AM
Players will have the ability to drive a hovertank in the upcoming 'Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare.'
- New Improvements Coming To 'DayZ'
June 30 2014 4:08 PM
Zombie survival horror game "DayZ" has recently received a number of updates - and Bohemia Interactive is promising more to come.


text:
Legacy brands are having a moment in South Korea, and as the nation's longest-running ice cream brand, Bravo Cone has launched a new campaign — its first in 10 years — to appeal to Gen Z and millennial consumers.
Bravo Cone tapped Cheil Worldwide to produce a new short film as part of the campaign. Titled Duel at Twelve O'clock, the film stars famous South Korean actor and singer Lee Byung-Hun.
The first lines spoken by Lee's character pay homage to the brand's iconic "See You at Twelve with Bravo Cone" jingle that came out in 1975, and the song itself gets a modern reinterpretation in the film as well.
"Bravo Cone has unmatchable brand asset that has been accumulated for decades so we wanted to make the most of it. Moreover, we casted actor Lee Byung-Hun as our protagonist who has a very strong presence and wide acting spectrum from straight drama to comedy in order to make an impression among the Millennials and Gen Z," said Taezin Im, creative director for Cheil Worldwide.
"We launched this new film Duel at Twelve O'clock after 10 years to continue Bravo Cone's legacy as the leading ice cream brand in South Korea," added a statement from the HAITAI Ice Cream company.


text:
One of Apple’s strengths is that it doesn’t acquire companies without a mapped out strategy in mind. Every time Apple makes an acquisition, it’s because Apple has a specific idea of how to incorporate the target company’s technology into its own line of products and services. In stark contrast, some other tech giants — like Google, for example — tend to go on acquisition sprees and snatch up companies without really thinking about or expressing an end-goal. Google’s 2013 acquisition of Boston Dynamics is a prime example.
With that said, every Apple acquisition tends to be big news because it can often signal the type of features we might eventually see in future Apple products. When Apple purchased AuthenTec in 2012, for example, the company’s fingerprint authentication technology was built into the Touch ID feature that shipped on the 2013 iPhone 5s. With that said, Apple a few months ago made a rather interesting acquisition that hasn’t been made public until now.
According to the Danish publication Børsen, Apple late last year acquired Spektral, a Danish startup company with an expertise in visual effects technology and machine learning. The purchase price is believed to be in excess of $30 million. As to what makes the Spektral purchase so intriguing, Fortune reports:
Spektral got its start by developing software that enabled photographers to digitally pluck a person—down to the pesky stray hairs on their head—from one green screen-like background and plunk them down in front of another. Think school portraits.
That technique is called “cutouts” and the company went by the name CloudCutout at the time. It offered a way to do in the digital cloud something photographers once did by hand with film and later did by mouse in photo editing software.
But all those math Ph.D.s at CloudCutout got restless and trained their machine-learning software to cut out a person from moving pictures without the need for an actual Hollywood-style green screen. Now the company advertises that it can do that in real time, creating a “mixed reality.” Think Pokémon Go.
So how does this all factor into Apple’s plans? Well, Spektral’s website — which is surprisingly still up — notes that the company in 2016 began harnessing its technology to facilitate the creation of “mixed reality content for video in real time.”
“We have been working fiercely with our algorithms on getting this cool technology available on a smartphone and thereby enabling anyone […] anywhere to create mixed reality content,” the company’s website reads.
A video highlighting what the company’s technology can do can be seen below:


text:
A hacking group, Shiny Hunters, has started filling up a dark web marketplace with data stolen from nearly a dozen companies. This data comprised 73.2 million user records from these companies.
What is happening
- The hacker group, earlier this week, started selling databases for HomeChef, ChatBooks, and Chronicle.com. Altogether, the three databases comprised a total of 26 million account details being sold on the dark web, with varying initial prices.
- The group has continued flooding the underground market with more stolen databases, bringing up the number of hacked companies to 11.
The wider view
It seems that Shiny Hunters is on a data breach spree.
- It all started when the group sold a database with over 90 million user records from Tokopedia.
- After this massive stint, they targeted Unacademy and sold a database containing 22 million user records.
- The following week, the group claimed to have hacked into Microsoft-owned GitHub and stolen 500 GB of data from several private repositories.
What is the response
- ChatBooks has stated that no credit card information or photos were stolen.
- Chronicle confirmed that they have launched an investigation into the breach in cooperation with a leading cybersecurity organization.
- Many of the other affected companies are yet to respond to the data leaks.
What you can do
- Users of the affected websites should change their passwords to use a unique and strong one.
- It is recommened to use unique passwords for different sites.
Shiny Hunters has emerged as a serious dark web player and they are on a rampage. All affected users should be on the lookout for phishing attacks and identity theft attempts in the future.


text:
Rare and special wines are now on the menu for Air New Zealand’s business-class passengers.
Issue 3951 20th February 2016
Air New Zealand is the biggest single server of New Zealand wines, each year pouring about 6.5 million glasses.
A year ago, after studying how wine was consumed in-flight, the airline appointed Villa Maria as the sole supplier for its economy and premium economy classes. Villa Maria owns several brands – including Esk Valley, Vidal, Te Awa and Thornbury.
But chief operations officer Bruce Parton says most of us in economy class don’t worry about the label and just want a glass of sauvignon blanc or pinot noir. The move, he says, has allowed the airline to simplify its buying, make savings and get better wines.
Now the airline’s focus is on business class. For many years, any winery could submit samples, but in 2014 Air New Zealand announced it would choose its business-class wines from gold- and silver-medal winners at the long-established, industry-run Air New Zealand Wine Awards.
No longer. “The problem we found is that only about 30% of the industry submit their wine through that forum,” says head of procurement Anna Palairet. In fact, many of the country’s most highly regarded producers avoid wine competitions.
Instead, a team of four consultants will taste the wines offered for business class. Two experienced local wine judges, John Belsham and Jim Harré, were joined recently by wine commentators Fongyee Walker, of China, and California-based Linda Murphy. “Linda and Fongyee will bring an intimate knowledge of which style of New Zealand wines will bring the most enjoyment to customers originating in their respective parts of the world,” says Mike Tod, the airline’s chief marketing and customer officer.
Other, rarer wines will also be served in business class, recommended by this country’s 11 holders of the UK-based Master of Wine qualification. In appreciation of their help, the airline recently opened a $5000 bottle of Taylor’s 1863 tawny port.


text:
Samsung could be looking into smartglasses
New logo trademark suggests company are exploring options
A new logo trademark has sparked rumours that Samsung is possibly exploring the idea of smartglasses.
Over the last few years, rumours have circulated that Samsung would look to rival Google Glass with the launch of its own model, packed with more advanced features than the latter.
The Korean tech giant has numerous patents explaining technologies and features for wearable smartglasses that led many to believe it would launch a rival to Google Glass.
According to reports by Sammobile, these rumours are based on their trademark filing's description that reveals a use for "smart glasses, computerised vision-assisted eyewear consisting of a camera/computer". It also frequently mentions vision assistance within the filing.
This follows hot on the heels of Amazon's own rumours around smartglasses although reportedly managed by augmenting smartglasses with Alexa. It's believed this would be done through a bone-conduction audio system that transmits sound through the skull and into a user's ears rather than traditional headphones.
Consumer choice and the payment experience
A software provider's guide to getting, growing, and keeping customersDownload now
Prevent fraud and phishing attacks with DMARC
How to use domain-based message authentication, reporting, and conformance for email securityDownload now
Business in the new economy landscape
How we coped with 2020 and looking ahead to a brighter 2021Download now
How to increase cyber resilience within your organisation
Cyber resilience for dummiesDownload now


text:
Veteran singer OS Suuna has come out to say that artists ought to recognize his effort in as far as
online concerts are concerned.
According to him, he pioneered the idea which subsequently drew many other artists towards it
and therefore he deserves to be treated with utmost respect for thinking about the idea and
putting it into action.
“I started this thing of online performances, I am its pioneer. Many artistes have adopted it
which is good. I am very happy to see that even the most prominent artistes have done it but I
believe they have to credit the person who started it,” OS Suuna said during an interview with a local
His remarks came shortly after Bobi Wine and Nubian Li’s online performance which was
dubbed Ensassage mu Nyumba concert on Sunday at which no attribution was made to him for
coining such a great idea.
Since the lockdown was installed and musicians stopped from performing, many of them
decided to adopt to online concerts as a means of survival during these trying times as a
product of the pandemic.
Unfortunately, aside from his fans, no one has made endeavors in as far as attributing the
wonderful idea to OS Suuna is concerning which has devastated him for their incompetence and
Therefore, OS Suuna called upon government to come up with an alternative since musicians are
really struggling thanks to the ongoing pandemic and the situation in which most arts currently


text:
The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association(GPCA), the voice of the chemical industry in the Arabian Gulf, urges global governments and international legislators to work closely together to make sure the uninterrupted supply of raw materials used for the manufacture of medical and hygiene equipment that are absolutely essential to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
In spite of facing important supply chain disruptions, the GCC chemical industry has stepped up efforts to protect the supply of raw materials for the manufacture of products used to enable the hygiene, testing and treatment of patients suffering from the virus alongside personal protective equipment for medical staff, as well as making sure the constant manufacturing of required food packaging material. However, trade tariffs imposed prior to the start of the crisis and in the wake of increasing global protectionism since mid-2018, blended with border closures in some countries are proving it difficult for chemical raw materials to reach production plants throughout the globe where finished products are made.
GPCA and its members are calling for the reduction of tariffs and the removal of trade barriers and all bureaucratic hurdles presently in place that pose as a significant challenge to the steady supply of chemical and petrochemical products used for the manufacture of specialized equipment and everyday products amid increased international demand.
The call comes days after world leaders pledged in a statement given during a G20 Extraordinary Virtual Leaders’ Summit “to make sure the flow of vital medical supplies, critical agricultural products” and “resolve disruptions to the international supply chains”. The statement went on reiterate the G20’s commitment to a free, fair and stable trade and investment environment, and to keep markets open.
All GCC countries have consented to the World Trade Organization (WTO)’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) that targets to simplify, modernize and harmonize import and export procedures and processes. As the fast spread of the COVID-19 pandemic amplifies the need for global cooperation and the removal of trade barriers, GPCA and its members are urging regulators to speed up the full implementation of the TFA during this essential time.
Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA, mentioned, “In the present crisis, the role of the chemical industry in making sure the steady and reliable supply of vital raw materials and products has never been more pronounced. As medical facilities in the region are beginning to feel the strain from the pandemic, businesses are continuing to manufacture, in difficult circumstances, the various tools, safety equipment and personal protective equipment such as sterile gloves, masks, hand sanitizers and protective clothing urgently needed to protect the health and safety of people and medical personnel.”
“At the same time, we depend on FMCG companies to continue to make sure the supply of items such as cleaning products as well as packaged food and beverages. The GCC chemicals industry is preventing the supply of raw materials to these sectors and minimizing or even removing related bureaucratic hurdles will help secure their timely supply. Eliminating tariffs on these essential products will also reduce the costs on medical facilities and GCC consumers who are already under financial strain.”
Mutlaq H. Al-Morished, Chairman, International Trade Committee, GPCA and CEO, Tasnee, added: “The COVID-19 pandemic is an international crisis that is impacting not only our health and wellbeing but also trade, businesses and livelihoods in the Arabian Gulf region and international. It is imperative that no efforts are spared to secure the robustness of the medical infrastructure within the Arabian Gulf region, while also retaining a stable socioeconomic environment.”
“With the chemical industry supporting critical value chains in the course of these hard times, GCC regulators need to deem the chemical and petrochemical industry as critical infrastructure and make sure they are not subjected to forced shutdowns in order to tackle the pandemic.”