text:
Missed the GamesBeat Summit excitement? Don't worry! Tune in now to catch all of the live and virtual sessions here.
Can you imagine playing an iPhone game like Supercell’s Clash of Clans on your TV? That day may be arriving this fall.
BlueStacks is going to do what Apple has failed to bring consumers. Using a technology called Looking Glass, BlueStacks is going to enable iOS games to run on televisions. It is doing so through a virtualization technology, taking the Apple games and modifying them so they can run on the Android-based GamePop console that is going on sale this fall.
It will be a remarkable test in the market to see if consumers prefer to play free or 99-cent iPad games on their televisions, rather than pay $400 or so for a game console and $60 per game. Campbell, Calif.-based BlueStacks will make its GamePop service available on its own Android game console arriving this fall. The service could be disruptive to the console market, breaking down walls between the console market and the mobile game market.
“There will always be popular titles which are iOS-only, like Clash of Clans,” said BlueStacks chief technology officer Suman Saraf. “Looking Glass enables these titles to be brought into the living room. Some of the retina iPad games, for example, look spectacular on TV.”
BlueStacks is offering a subscription service and a $130 console with one game controller coming sometime this winter.
“We think gaming is fundamentally changing,” said Rosen Sharma, chief executive of BlueStacks, in an interview with GamesBeat.
The technology doesn’t require any partnership with Apple. BlueStacks can simply go to iOS developers and have them make minor modifications to their games so they can run on the GamePop service, which will be come with a subscription fee of $7 a month. For that price, players will gain access to 500 top mobile games. BlueStacks plans to offer about $200 worth of paid games included for free with GamePop’s console. Since the technology does not use straight emulation, the games run at a good speed.
Among the gamemakers who will try out GamePop is Subatomic, the designer of the popular Fieldrunners tower defense games.
“The capability to bring iOS games to TV is unprecedented,” said Jamie Gotch, the CEO of Subatomic. “At the same time, this is a natural evolution. Mobile games are providing richer graphics and gameplay and heading towards the living room fast.”
The GamePop service could also be available through other devices, not just the GamePop console. BlueStacks is in talks with carriers, TV manufacturers and cable companies to offer its service.
BlueStacks has already upset the Apple cart with its Layercake technology, which takes Android apps and allows them to run on Windows PCs. Layercake has been downloaded more than 10 million times, and it has won distribution at major brands such as Lenovo, MSI, AMD, and Intel.
BlueStacks was launched in 2009 and it received $15 million in funding from Andreessen-Horowitz, Radar Partners, Redpoint, Ignition Partners and Qualcomm. Sharma said he has been working on virtualization technology since 1998. You can preorder the GamePop box at www.gamepop.tv. BlueStacks made the announcement just before the E3 2013 game trade show, but it will not be demoing its box there.
Sharma said that the company virtualizes the platforms on the applications programming interface level. If an app makes a call to a menu item within Apple’s platform, then it goes to an iOS library in order to draw the appropriate menu. Bluestacks intercepts the call and draws the menu instead.
This is possible, Sharma, said because the basic functions on iOS and Android have moved closer together. Both use the Open GL graphics protocol and both ARM-based processors.
The console can be connected via a wired HDMI cable to a TV. It can display games in high-definition resolution, Sharma said.
“For the first time, we now have mobile devices in our hands that have a higher resolution than our TVs,” he said.
The tougher challenge is to get touchscreen games to work properly on the TV. BlueStacks decided that a touch-based controller wouldn’t work as well as an ordinary game console controller. So it is doing the work to convert titles to run on a TV with a controller. That work isn’t too bad, and Sharma said that the top 100 titles on iOS should have no problem running on TVs on BlueStacks’ GamePop.
Another difference is that GamePop games are sold as part of a monthly subscription. If a game has in-app purchases on Apple, then the game has to be modified on the GamePop service so that it uses the proper non-Apple payment system. If Apple had any say in this matter, it would not allow it, as Apple gets its 30 percent cut through the payment systems. However, Sharma pointed out that the games are not actually resident in the Apple iTunes App Store. They are actually residing on the GamePop service, and are thus not subject to Apple’s oversight.
GamePop will not only compete with the PS4 and the Xbox One, it will also compete with Ouya and other Android solutions that bring mobile games to TVs. BlueStacks has 30 employees.
The company was particularly inspired by Japanese carrier KDDI’s subscription mobile app service Au Smart Pass, which gives customers access to hundreds of popular paid apps for just a few bucks a month. In just one year, that service managed to bring in $250 million in revenue for KDDI. GamePop does not plan to sell games on an a la carte basis. That may not be popular with some consumers, but Sharma said his company believes that is the best model.
GamesBeat's creed when covering the game industry is "where passion meets business." What does this mean? We want to tell you how the news matters to you -- not just as a decision-maker at a game studio, but also as a fan of games. Whether you read our articles, listen to our podcasts, or watch our videos, GamesBeat will help you learn about the industry and enjoy engaging with it. Discover our Briefings.


text:
There’s been a shocking amount of crossover between the iOS world and the mainstream world lately. Both Doodle Jump and Angry Birds have tie-ins with major motion pictures, Angry Birds was (vaguely) featured during the Super Bowl and Cut The Rope even took home a BAFTA. When this is discussed on our forums, I’ve seen a few people seemingly jokingly mention that it won’t be long before a game on the App Store has its own dedicated TV commercial. Well, that day is today.
The following commercial is now running on Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, G4, and more:
We thought Pocket Legends was great in our review nearly a year ago. I had no idea that the game was big enough or successful enough for TV commercials until I met with the developers during GDC. Since our initial review, the game has seen several updates to add even more content and functionality. Now is as good of a time as ever to give Pocket Legends a spin, especially if you’re looking to get a jump on the inevitable influx of players from this TV advertising campaign.
While the existence of this commercial itself might not seem like that big of a deal, this is a major step in legitimizing smartphone gaming as a mainstream gaming platform in the USA.

domain: news


text:
The company Google is an incredibly popular products that consistently bring her income from advertising. Among such products, you can select Google search, YouTube, Google Docs and Gmail. There is another very popular product that we don’t see ads, but that could change if Google wants to earn more. Talking about the translator.
On a conference call with investors on Monday, CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai told us more about the success of the popular and promising product. Investors with such information do not just tell.
It turned out that the translator of Google translates daily 143 billion words. Google CEO noted that there was a big rise in the use of a translator during the world Cup football in Russia.
I was very proud to watch the positive user reviews Google Translate among people who traveled to Russia. In such simple moments when you are in an unfamiliar place and not know the local language, Google is able to give the right information at the right time.
The service was launched 12 years ago. Today, the translator from Google can translate individual words, sentences and even entire text documents into more than 100 languages. The app can translate speech in real time and use the smartphone camera to translate text from signs or menus.
Today interpreter services are provided free of charge. In addition, Sundar Pichai not told about the plans to monetize the service. In the nearest plans of the company to focus on monetizing Google Maps. However, we understand how much money can bring advertising into Google Translate.
Given the fact that the service is often used during travel, Google can offer advertising hotels, restaurants and other places of interest to tourists. During use of the translator at the home area you can advertise your services for learning languages. It is important not to overdo it. No one wants to use a translator who is forced to watch a 15 second video before I show the translation. But Google has great experience in creating and working unobtrusive ads.


text:
By Maki Shiraki and Norihiko Shirouzu
TOKYO (RockedBuzz via Reuters) – Renault SA and Nissan Motor Co are set to drop Wednesday’s announcement of a deal to restructure their auto alliance as they struggle to settle their differences, three people familiar with the matter said.
In their discussions, Renault is seeking Nissan to invest in its EV business, while Nissan is seeking the sale of part of Renault’s 43% stake in Nissan to put the two partners on a more equal footing.
French and Japanese automakers have remained separate on how to share intellectual property, the people said, who declined to be named.
Renault and Nissan declined to comment.
Japanese television network JNN first reported the news on Friday evening.
The companies aim to announce the new alliance structure as early as this month, RockedBuzz via Reuters reported this week.
If more time is needed in negotiations, the companies could choose to meet a week later from Dec. 7 and are planning to be ready for an announcement the following week in London, sources told RockedBuzz via Reuters.
The question of how to share technology and intellectual property proved to be a sticking point in the talks.
(Reporting by Sakura Murakami, Maki Shiraki and Norihiko Shirouzu; Writing by Satoshi Sugiyama; Editing by Shri Navaratnam, William Mallard, Kirsten Donovan)


text:
MARSHALL – Longview attorneys continue to file federal lawsuits against the makers of the homeopathic cold relief product Zicam for allegedly causing anosmia, a loss of the sense of smell.
Laureen F. Bagley and M. Raymond Hatcher of the Sloan, Bagley, and Perry Law Firm have filed a suit on behalf of Sherrin Dawn King against Matrixx Initiatives Inc and Zicam Inc. on July 31 in the Marshall Division of the Eastern District of Texas.
Suffering from a cold in January 2008, King purchased Zicam's Allergy Relief Nasal Gel Swabs in an attempt to gain some relief. King states she used the product several days in a row and that by March she had lost all sense of smell.
Despite medical treatments, the plaintiff claims her sense of smell has not returned and has severely diminished her ability to taste.
With similar allegations, Longview attorneys Blake C. Erskine, Chad F. Newman and F. McDevin Huggins of the law firm Erskine and McMahon LLP filed suit on behalf of Maria E. Head on Aug. 3 in the Marshall Division of the Eastern District of Texas.
In late spring of 2008, Head began using Zicam nasal swabs. She states that after applying the product as directed, she "felt a significant burning and/or stinging sensation inside her nose followed by a slight sense of relief from her symptoms."
According to the complaint, "this slight relief lulled Plaintiff into continued use of the product for the next several days."
On the third day of use, Head states that she became alarmed and sought medical treatment directly after she realized she could not smell her freshly brewed coffee.
According to the court documents, Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel delivers zinc gluconate to the nasal membranes. Previously not considered a drug, the Food and Drug Administration have not been approved Zicam for safety or efficacy.
However, on June 16, the FDA released a warning for consumers not to use certain Zicam Cold Remedies as the products are linked to the loss of sense of smell.
According to the news release, the FDA has received more than 130 complaints regarding the product and loss of smell. The FDA told the company that the products could no longer be marketed without FDA approval.
Causes of action filed against the defendants include strict liability, negligence, breach of express and implied warranties, and violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
The plaintiffs believe the defendants were negligent by failing to design the product for use intranassally, failing to conduct proper and adequate testing, failing to adequately warn of risks including the risk of anosmia, and by failing to design the product by prevailing industry and scientific standards.
Further, the plaintiffs allege that the defendants' conduct was negligent for "failing to conduct a minimal investigation into the historical and scientific evidence that relates intranasal zinc application to permanent, total and irreversible anosmia."
Arguing gross negligence, fraud, and malice and seeking punitive damages, the complaints assert that the "defendants knew that Zicam could cause users to lose their sense of smell and taste because they had received hundreds of complaints of such injuries prior to Plaintiffs' use of the Zicam."
In previous allegations against Zicam, the defendants argue that that the product was "neither defective nor unreasonably dangerous when used according to the label instructions."
Both plaintiffs are seeking more than $75,000 in damages for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, physical injuries, medical expenses, attorney fees, pre-and post judgment interest.
U.S. District Judge David Folsom will preside over King's litigation. Case No 2:09cv00232.
U.S. District Judge T. John Ward will preside over Head's litigation. Case No 2:09cv00234.


text:
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
NEW YORK, March 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Minerals Technologies Inc. (NYSE: MTX) (“MTI” or “the Company”) announced today that Douglas Dietrich, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Matthew Garth, Chief Financial Officer, will present at the Sidoti & Company Spring Virtual Investor Conference on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at 9:15 a.m. Eastern Time. A live broadcast of the Company's presentation will be available at www.mineralstech.com under “Investor Events” on the Investor Relations page. A replay of the webcast will remain available on MTI’s website following the presentation.
About Minerals Technologies Inc.
New York-based Minerals Technologies Inc. (MTI) is a global resource- and technology-based company that develops, produces and markets a broad range of specialty mineral, mineral-based and synthetic mineral products and related systems and services. MTI serves the paper, foundry, steel, construction, environmental, energy, polymer and consumer products industries. The company reported sales of $1.6 billion in 2020. For further information, please visit our website at www.mineralstech.com. (MTI-G)
Erik Aldag, (212) 878-1831
Michael Landau, (212) 878-1840


text:
The history of cuba trade embargo
The history of trade embargoes mugabe has a long and successful history of playing the victim every year the us reviews its trade embargo with cuba. General assembly overwhelmingly votes for an end of us economic embargo on cuba the embargo was sullying the history of firms that trade with cuba. The real reason it's nearly impossible to end the cuba embargo to lift the embargo alone” the history of this old trade embargo against cuba than it. The history of america's cuba embargo embargo on all trade with cuba the us and cuba's complicated history explained - duration. President dwight eisenhower responded, enacting a commercial and financial embargo on the island in october 1960 “there is a limit to what the united states can endure that limit has now been reached,” he said to this day this is probably the most enduring trade embargo in modern history. Significant us economic investments in cuba motivated continued us involvement in cuban affairs a history of trade embargo on cuba continues cuban trade. Hereby proclaim an embargo upon trade between the united states and cuba in accordance with proclamation 3447—embargo on all trade with cuba. President dwight d eisenhower imposed the first trade embargo in 1960 and broke off diplomatic relations in january 1961, just weeks before leaving office and seven months before mr obama was born.
The us embargo against cuba is a series of home » cuba travel » faq » what is the us trade embargo a brief history 1960- in the first trade. It prohibits aid to cuba and authorizes the president to create a total embargo upon all trade with cuba louis a pérez, jr, from his book cuba, between reform and revolution, 2nd edition pg 346 the us trade embargo after 1961 had jolting effects. In response, the united states places a trade embargo on cuba january 1961 - the united states and cuba end diplomatic relations april 1961 - the united states backs cuban exiles in an unsuccessful attempt to invade cuba at. Cuba’s tourism, the embargo, and the environment removing the trade embargo will allow cuba more the accidental eden: a brief environmental history. Us cuba relations: a timeline of the cuban below is a timeline of the us’ decades-old embargo of the restrictions on travel and trade mandated by the.
Miami — danilo gomez (no relation) chuckles when asked whether the us embargo on cuba should end what embargo despite the trade ban. Cuba has an active foreign policy and aims to diversify its trade, aid, foreign investment history of us relations with cuba human rights reports. Pros and cons of cuba embargo x from open trade opponents of the cuba embargo argue that it should be lifted about the long history of human. By the end of the 1980s, almost three-fourths of cuba’s trade was with the soviet union, on extremely beneficial terms for cuba cuba’s overall trade declined sharply after the soviet union dissolved in 1991 the united states again became a top trading partner beginning in 2002 when it began to sell food to cuba under an amendment to the.
5 historic trade embargoes and their economic impact the cuban trade embargo has represented one of the longest lasting history has been riddled. A look at the relations between cuba and the united us trade embargo made permanent in response to cuba's.
The history of cuba trade embargo
The united states embargo against cuba is a commercial, economic, and financial embargo imposed by the united states on cuba an embargo was first imposed by the united states on sale of arms to cuba on the 14th of march 1958, during the fulgencio batista regime again on october 19, 1960 the us placed an embargo on exports to.
- Bg1010: why the cuban trade embargo should be maintained the united states first imposed a trade embargo on cuba on february 3, 1962.
- Guest commentary curated by forbes to cuba the embargo has long and worn out trade and migration restrictions against cuba despite the.
- In light of barack obama’s pledge to end the trade embargo currently levied against cuba by the us, we look at five of the most famous commerce and trade prohibitions.
- Agriculture, telecom and construction could benefit, but the us trade embargo still stands a difficult history between us and cuba.
History curator prior the cuba sanctions program represents the implementation of multiple legal trade sanctions reform and export enhancement act. The cuban embargo: why us sanctions fail and what to do about it declared an embargo on all trade with cuba3 ever since, there has been a trend of the us. Gov cuomo leads historic trade delegation to cuba on monday, new york governor andrew cuomo will arrive in cuba, accompanied by business executives and industry leaders although his trip will last barely a day, it's the latest symbolic display of the thawing relations between the us and cuba. The cuban embargo siobhan cropper war france announced a recent trade agreement with cuba it is pertinent to understand that history although the embargo. The united states imposed an embargo on cuba on march 14, 1958, during the fulgencio batista regime, at first the embargo applied only to arms sales, however it was later expanded to include other imports, being extended to almost all imports on february 7.


text:
Puma and Nike have announced plans to stop using kangaroo leather in making shoes due to concerns over animal welfare. The use of kangaroo leather in sports products has been a contentious issue for many years, with environmentalists and animal rights activists campaigning for an end to the commercial, largely uncontrolled killing of the animals.
Companies Switch to Vegan Materials
Puma has confirmed that the legendary Puma King soccer shoe will be manufactured from a vegan material in the future, the so-called K-Better, which contains 20 percent recycled material. According to Puma, K-Better has been proven to outperform the previous King K leather in terms of comfort and durability. The company is so convinced of K-Better’s performance characteristics that it will completely stop producing soccer shoes with kangaroo leather this year. Nike is also planning to bring out an update of its Tiempo soccer shoe series, using a synthetic material instead of kangaroo leather.
Animal Rights Activists Campaign for Change
The use of kangaroo leather in sports products has faced backlash from animal rights activists for many years, while kangaroos are not officially threatened with extinction. Activists argue that the killing of kangaroos for commercial purposes is cruel and not controlled, with millions of animals killed every year for meat, animal feed, leather accessories, or soccer boots. They have been campaigning for an end to the commercial killing of the animals, and this has led to the decision by Puma and Nike to switch to vegan materials in their products.
The Australian kangaroo industry has argued that the use of kangaroo leather is more environmentally friendly than conventional leather and has a lower carbon footprint. Kangaroos emit less methane, require less water, cause less damage to the pastureland and no energy is needed to breed them. They also point out that the animals live in the wild, unlike cattle and other farmed animals whose meat and leather are traded.
Puma and Nike’s decision to switch to vegan materials in their soccer shoes highlights the fashion industry’s growing concern for animal welfare and the environment.


text:
Nude calendars, ads and attendants
Airlines regularly come under fire for their advertising and marketing tactics, but two Russian airlines have pushed the boundaries of good taste with their latest promotions.
Russia's largest airline, Aeroflot, has raised eyebrows with a new calendar that features naked flight attendants posing with aircraft.
The calendars will reportedly be distributed to VIP members of the airline's loyalty program but have been leaked onto the internet ahead of their release.
The leak comes just days after Russian low-cost airline Avianova launched an advertisement which features flight attendants stripping off to bikinis to wash a plane.
Airline calendars featuring scantily clad flight attendants are nothing new.
Irish carrier Ryanair has regularly courted controversy with its annual flight attendant calendar, while cabin crew of troubled Spanish airline Air Comet released a nude calendar to draw attention to their unpaid wages.
Last week US carrier Spirit Airlines came under fire for ads featuring bikini models covered in sunscreen that critics said made light of the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster.
But Aeroflot's calendar goes a step further by featuring far more explicit images than its predecessors.
And while Aeroflot may be pushing the boundaries of good behaviour with its marketing, the airline has been attempting to improve the behaviour of its passengers.
Earlier this year, Aeroflot banned the sale of alcohol in economy class on some routes.
The move came after several mid-air incidents involving drunken fights and other bad behaviour.
Aeroflot said it had targeted specific routes that were infamous for binge drinking by passengers and that the number of incidents on board planes had dropped as a result.
VIEW AVIANOVA'S NEW AD CAMPAIGN


text:
Tags » Self-Driving Car
When I speak to my friends about driverless cars the immediate reaction is that these are 20 years off. But is that the case? Below I highlight a few areas of influence to the success of driverless cars. 1,111 more words
NEW YORK, New York — Apparently even driverless cars need to stop for lunch.
Auto parts maker Delphi launched its cross-country trip Sunday, starting at the Golden Gate Bridge and heading to midtown Manhattan, in a car that automatically drives itself. 350 more words
NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) — A road trip from California to New York that starts on Sunday is about to make headlines.
It has been billed as the longest journey ever for a self-driving car. 344 more words


text:
New Continental Managing Director Named
The Continental Tyre Group announced their choice for the position of managing director. David Smith will step into the role at the end of December when current managing director Brian Smith leaves the company after thirteen years in the job.
At present David, 41, is Finance and IT director at Continental’s UK head office in West Drayton. He joined Continental in 2003 and prior to this worked as a managing director and finance director for a number of manufacturing businesses. Upon commencing the role of Managing Director he will assume total responsibility for the sales, distribution and marketing of the company’s UK and Ireland market passenger, commercial and industrial tyre products.
Regarding his appointment, David stated that “I am delighted to take Continental into the New Year as managing director. Moving forward, we will be building on the successes that Brian and his team have helped the company achieve. 2007 is set to be another strong year for us and I look forward to our continued positive performance.”
Outgoing managing director Brian Smith leaves Continental to become chief executive and HF Holidays early in 2007.


text:
Wheeling into the the Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Show
The Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Show has pulled into Bethlehem's Stabler Arena on the Lehigh University campus, at 124 Goodman Drive.
Doors opened at 10 a.m. and the show runs through Sunday.
The Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Show started in 1998 and leaders say this year is bigger and better than ever. Vehicles from more than a dozen automakers are on display.
There's also a new Luxury Pavillion, which displays the luxury offerings from the world's leading luxury brands all in one place.
Also new this year: Check out the newest motorcycle models from Harley-Davidson ... and if you're ready to hit the open road --check out the latest from all the leading brands of RVs.
Back by popular demand is the Green Passport contest, showcasing the latest in environmentally friendly vehicles.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for senior citizens and children, and free for kids under 5. Parking is free.
Thursday, March 21: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Friday, March 22: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Saturday, March 23: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sunday, March 24: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Copyright 2013 WFMZ. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Police: 4 children killed in crash were not in seatbelts or booster seats
State police say they are hot on Eric Frein's Trail
State police seen rushing back to Frein's neighborhood
Police: Alleged cop killer Frein 'planned extensively'
Officials narrow search for accused cop killer Eric Frein
Gen Xers are poorer than their parents
Bridge replacement project set to begin in Lehigh County
Couple squashes competition with pumpkins at Oley fair
Three people shot in two days in Allentown
Chrysler recalling nearly 189,000 SUVs


text:
[toc]The Massachusetts Lottery’s revenue surpassed the billion-dollar mark in fiscal year 2017, but Massachusetts Treasurer Deb Goldberg warned lawmakers that lottery revenue is expected to decline in the coming years.
According to Statehouse News Service, Goldberg told the House and Senate Ways and Means Committees to prepare for lottery profits to dip to $968 million in FY2018 and $965 million in FY2019. Goldberg’s comments came during a FY2019 budget hearing on Wednesday.
Why are lottery sales expected to decline?
Based on Goldberg’s comments, some of the reasons for the reduced sales are:
- Anticipated payments on winning tickets from previous years.
- A continued decline of instant win ticket sales. Currently, instant win tickets make up 70 percent of lottery revenue.
- Competition in neighboring states. New Hampshire legalized keno and online lottery sales this year.
- Massachusetts’s failure to modernize its lottery with online sales.
Online lottery briefly discussed during the hearing
Goldberg is a vocal supporter of online lottery sales. However, she was surprisingly quiet about the need for Massachusetts to turn to online lottery sales. But the topic did come up.
During the budget hearing, Sen. Eileen Donoghue, called on Goldberg to discuss her online lottery proposal, asking if online sales would modernize the lottery and prevent the expected declines.
In response, Goldberg told Donoghue her office is still advocating for online expansion.
Further, Goldberg is trying to pull data together that will debunk the most oft-cited argument opponents of online lottery use. Namely, that online sales will cannibalize brick & mortar lottery sales and reduce foot traffic into convenience stores.
According to Statehouse News Service, Goldberg plans to show data that online games should “increase traffic” to brick-and-mortar stores. Goldberg went on to say brick and mortar lottery locations would be an integral part of the online lottery.
Massachusetts and online lottery
Online lottery has been a topic of discussion in Massachusetts for several years, dating back to Goldberg’s predecessor, Steve Grossman.
During Grossman’s time as treasurer, online lottery was in the hypothetical stage, despite his persistent calls and advocacy for the state to get out of ahead of the online gaming movement.
Under Goldberg the state has taken online lottery a bit more seriously.
Online lottery efforts really gained steam in 2016, when a bill by State Senator Jennifer Flanagan passed the Senate before it ran out of time in the House.
2017 saw a new online lottery bill by Flanagan, as well as legislation by Goldberg. Neither bill was considered this year. Instead of building on last year’s momentum, Massachusetts sat on its hand while New Hampshire passed legislation legalizing online lottery.
2018 could bring about renewed interest.
In addition to the New Hampshire situation, in May, Senate President Stan Rosenberg indicated the legislature could potentially act on an online lottery bill in 2018.
So far, the Massachusetts legislature hasn’t shown any urgency towards online lottery, which led Lottery Commissioner Anthony Salvidio to ask back in April:
“What is it going to take for legislators to realize this, a complete collapse of the revenue of the Lottery before they get on this?”
Hopefully Goldberg’s warnings that lottery revenue will decline in the coming years will light a fire in the legislature. In the meantime, hopefully Massachusetts won’t get to the point of complete collapse.


text:
SEOUL: Consumers in South Korea are among the most engaged smartphone users in the world, new figures show.
Google, the online giant, partnered with Ipsos, the research firm, to poll 1,000 smartphone owners about their evolving attitudes and habits.
Currently, appliances like the iPhone or alternatives powered by Google Android boast a 27% penetration rate in the country.
This latter total puts South Korea ahead of markets including Germany, Italy, Russia and Taiwan, and means it is broadly on a par with France, the UK and US in terms of uptake.
More specifically, 85% of South Korea's smartphone audience are using their first such device, one of the highest figures across any of the 30 countries in which Google and Ipsos have collected data.
At present, 98% of the panel in South Korea utilise this gadget at home, measured against 90% deploying it on the move and 79% doing so at work, suggesting web usage habits are changing.
"The smartphone is a primary, not just supplementary, gateway to the internet," said Ryan Hayward, product marketing manager at Google Asia-Pacific.
Elsewhere, the study showed 72% of consumers in the Asian nation access search engines via these devices every day, placing the country in the top three worldwide on this metric.
Applications have also proved especially popular in South Korea, as the average smartphone contains 42 such tools, the second highest number globally.
This trend falls in line with a wider attitude displayed by the consumers interviewed, according to Hayward.
"We heard from people young and old, and their answers were unsurprisingly consistent: they can barely imagine life without their smartphones," he said.
Data sourced from Google; additional content by Warc staff


text:
Sports memorabilia shop opens at Neonopolis in downtown Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- The Neonopolis complex in downtown Las Vegas has officially added another new business.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Tuesday for Ultimate Sports Cards and Memorabilia.
Mayor Carolyn Goodman and the cast of 'Pawn Stars' were on hand because the owner, Jeremy Brown, is often featured as an expert on their reality show.
Brown said he outgrew his shop at Cheyenne and Tenaya and needed a location with more access.
The new business is located right near the new Denny's restaurant, which opened last week.


text:
Despite the passage of New York’s new hemp extract law, the NYC Health Department’s ban on the use of CBD in foods or beverages remains in place (for now). Cannabis in New York - Wikipedia In 1939, New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia assigned a committee to investigate the issue of cannabis in his city.
If you are one of the lucky residents of the Empire State, you will actually find it incredibly easy to get high-quality CBD New York vaping law says goodbye to e-cigs, but what about CBD New York vaping law says goodbye to e-cigs, but what about CBD oil? by Greencamp News , November 24, 2017 Last updated: August 6, 2018 New York vaping law has made it illegal to use e-cigarettes indoors, and the law went into effect on Wednesday, a month after Gov. Cuomo added e-cigarettes to the state’s Clean Indoor Air Act. NYC is making CBD edibles illegal – Pure Potent CBD Products NYC is making CBD edibles illegalIf you like cannabidiol cupcakes and live in New York City, it’s time to learn how to bake your own.The city’s health department confirmed in a statement that it had begun a crackdown on restaurants that use the compound—better known as CBD—as a food additive, embargoing products and warning of fines to come. NYC Botanics NYC Botanics is an organic CBD oil company, founded in the principles of over all mind and body wellness. Our organic CBD-rich hemp oil is sourced in Colorado from the finest hemp farmers and extraction professionals in the industry, but designed and produced in small batches right here in New York City. 2019 Hemp Laws For Every State- Is Hemp Flower Legal? According to the Bill, any product, including hemp-derived CBD, that comes from hemp is legal. That being said, state governments can impose stricter limitations on hemp-derived CBD products.
While 33 stated have legalized medical marijuana, the remaining 17 states have all passed laws allowing the use of cannabidiol (CBD) extract, usually in oil
By Spectrum News Staff New York City PUBLISHED 11:54 AM ET them relax. The FDA says it's working to draw up new CBD regulations. 5 Jul 2019 CBD products themselves are legal in New York City; they just become illegal by virtue of being added to food. It's an absurd policy that has CBD full spectrum contains cannabinoids like CBN, CBC, THCV and THC. This isn't important when determining legal status, but it's good to understand the 14 Aug 2019 New Legislation to Regulate Hemp, Extracts and CBD CBD Oil. Much of the discussion this past legislative session focused on I Love NY. 26 Sep 2019 New York City recently issued a ban on CBD products, and retailers and local levels, leaving residents confused about what is and isn't legal.
Fines for Illegal CBD Edibles in NYC Won’t Start Until October -
- Raiser & Kenniff : Raiser & Kenniff This is something which will likely be solved in the courts in the near future. To be on the safe side, you should be very cautious about possessing CBD oil in these states. Laws regarding marijuana, CBD oils and other cannabis-derived compounds are very much in flux over the past few years, and future changes seem likely. This overview New York’s New Hemp Extract Law and The CBD Marketplace - Violators could see their products “embargoed,” making them unavailable for sale, and may face fines from $250-$600, according to the NYC Health Code. Despite the passage of New York’s new hemp extract law, the NYC Health Department’s ban on the use of CBD in foods or beverages remains in place (for now).
Our blog is dedicated to bringing actionable legal insights about legislative and market developments to this new industry. #1 Cbd Oil Nyc Law - Cbd Oil Shop New York Buying Cbd Oil In Cbd Oil Nyc Law Full Spectrum Cbd Oil Amsterdam Is Cbd Oil Legal In Holland Supercritical Co2 Extracted Cbd Oil Can You Buy Cbd Oil In Georgia I primarily use the Hemp Peppermint Castile Soap as a physique wash. #1 Cbd Oil Nyc Law - Canna Inflammation Cbd Oil Cbd Oil Vestal Ny Cbd Oil Nyc Law Pure Natural CBD Oil for Pain | Canna Inflammation Cbd Oil Butalbital And Cbd Oil Cbd Oil Light Headed. Cbd Oil Nyc Law Cbd Oil Vestal Ny Filtered Gold Cbd Oil What to know about CBD laws, NY's CBD food and beverage ban, FDA What to know about CBD laws, New York's CBD food and beverage ban, FDA warnings on CBD risk. CBD food and beverage bans in New York underscored U.S. Food and Drug Administration crackdown on #1 Cbd Oil Nyc Laws - Cbd Natural Hemp Oil Parkinson Cbd Oil Convert Cbd Oil. Which Cbd Oil Savage Serene Cbd Oil Clickbank Cbd Oil Wholesale Cbd Hemp Oil In addition to the numerous health advantages of hemp, it can be used as a great writing fiber (hemp paper), fabric fiber (hemp clothing) as well is in lotions and lip balms for improved skin healthiness. Is CBD Legal? The Legal Status of CBD in 2019 - CBD Origin - While the legal status of CBD has become more defined with recent reforms, some laws are still unclear and others may still be needed.
While 33 stated have legalized medical marijuana, the remaining 17 states have all passed laws allowing the use of cannabidiol (CBD) extract, usually in oil 13 Oct 2019 Food and drink are still being sold with CBD in New York City, The agency is now exploring regulations that might allow it to be added to food 15 Feb 2019 CBD is a legal, non-psychoactive chemical compound that comes from But the NYC Hospitality Alliance, an advocacy group for restaurants, 10 Dec 2019 The Levys said the plants were legal hemp used to extract CBD for their and other local law enforcement officials, to confiscate 106 pounds of New York Hilton Midtown Hotel | NYC 2020 NY Cannabis Proposal Hot Topics in Cannabis Law: CBD Rulemaking, CRTA, Advertising Issues and Ethical 1 Nov 2019 CBD flower is sold in stores in New York, but you can easily buy hemp flower online. After the 2018 Farm Bill, it is legal to ship small quantities 5 days ago Is CBD Legal in the US? AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE DC FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY Industrial hemp-derived CBD is federally legal in the United States, and our CBD isolate contains zero THC. We utilize an advanced CO2 extraction method that 22 Sep 2019 STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Everyone's buzzing about CBD -- we're mixing it into foods and rubbing it into our skin – but is it safe?
CBD is the non-psychoactive compound in cannabis plants, NY's plastic bag ban is coming: Here's what you need to know. Feb. 13 Dec 2019 New York has brought in a new law that will allow city entrepreneurs to not cover food and beverages containing CBD, which New York City soup kitchen or other food service establishment, the Health Department has important information about operating a clean, safe, healthy and legal business. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a high or cause impairment. Different forms Under federal law, cannabis possession and use in all forms remains illegal. 10 Dec 2019 ROCHESTER, NY (WROC) – Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a new law Monday that will require the hemp industry to test and label their 20 Feb 2019 Maine and New York City are cracking down on the CBD boom, and is legal for medical use, recently began cracking down on CBD edibles, With 50 years of experience, Jacobowitz & Gubits, LLP are trusted Orange County, NY attorneys specializing in matrimonial and elder law. 9 Jan 2020 The new law also grants the NY Department of Agriculture and Markets As part of the new regulatory environment for CBD in New York, Right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of New York City lives a CBD oil company founded on the principles of overall mind and body wellness. scroll down.
scroll down. 9 Jul 2019 New York has maintained that CBD is legal, however adding CBD to food or drinks has recently been banned in New York City. “As of July 1, 19 Jul 2018 All are derived from industrial hemp, which contains almost no THC, making it legal to sell across state lines (though the legality of hemp is still Long story short, Hemp CBD oil is completely legal and widely available in New York. If, however East Village Smoke Shop, 177 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003. 14 Oct 2019 With the rising demand for CBD products, farmers in Upstate NY are turning READ MORE: Edible CBD is not legal in New York, but it's hazy.
It's an absurd policy that has CBD full spectrum contains cannabinoids like CBN, CBC, THCV and THC. This isn't important when determining legal status, but it's good to understand the 14 Aug 2019 New Legislation to Regulate Hemp, Extracts and CBD CBD Oil. Much of the discussion this past legislative session focused on I Love NY. 26 Sep 2019 New York City recently issued a ban on CBD products, and retailers and local levels, leaving residents confused about what is and isn't legal. 23 Jun 2019 Get your CBD-infused snacks and drinks while you can: A crackdown is Utah man claims he only sold weed to pay for lawyer in rape case 2 Nov 2019 The U.S. Department of Agriculture released long awaited regulations on CBD this week that provides more federal regulation of the growing of Possession of hemp-based CBD oil, on the other hand, is completely legal (at If you have a NY medical marijuana card, you may legally purchase CBD oils 23 Jun 2019 Get your CBD-infused snacks and drinks while you can: A crackdown is Utah man claims he only sold weed to pay for lawyer in rape case 6 Feb 2019 In doing so, New York becomes the first major American city to begin enforcement on CBD's questionably legal but enormously popular use in 9 Apr 2019 But since then, New York City health inspectors have seized came just weeks after federal law explicitly made CBD legal across the country.harlekin hohe cbd tinktur
cbd bart kit
macht unkraut sie sich hoch fühlen
was tut hanfprotein für ihren körper_
cannabis mit meilleur gicht
New York passed a restrictive cannabis law that allows … CBD Oil New York [All You Need to Know] - Purekana It is important to make sure you are clued up on the laws in your specific state, just to ensure that you are staying on the right side of the law. In today’s post, we will be talking about CBD laws in New York state. If you are one of the lucky residents of the Empire State, you will actually find it incredibly easy to get high-quality CBD New York vaping law says goodbye to e-cigs, but what about CBD New York vaping law says goodbye to e-cigs, but what about CBD oil?


text:
Multiplayer games from big publishers could see a significant portion of sales lost to the runaway success of Fortnite.
That's according to business firm KeyBanc Capital Markets, which reckons triple-A publishers could kiss goodbye to around 10 percent of online sales.
Fortnite's rise is stratospheric, with the free-to-play game selling a season's worth of unlocks and cool stuff for less than $10. Those are dollars that won't be spent on multiplayer triple-A games, which top up initial launch sales with cheap cosmetics and other online content.
Last night the roll-out of Fortnite on mobile began, leaving rival battle royale games like PUBG struggling to catch up with its own rushed release.
Business heads are taking note of the success: "We believe the strong growth of Fortnite creates tactical risk to the video game publishers and could limit potential upside to consensus numbers," wrote KeyBanc Capital Markets' Evan Wingren, reports CNBC.
"The game is gaining momentum in Western markets, which is likely to impact engagement for all AAA games to some degree. We believe Fortnite is growing the overall gaming TAM [total addressable market], but some cannibalization is likely."
Fortnite is helping to bring in the next-generation of games players, along with celebrity endorsement from the likes of Drake. If developer Epic Games is looking to top up with a little more cash, a Hotline Bling emote seems like a no-brainer.


text:
The footwear, new line of experimentation for the students of Industrial Design of Ferrol.
[su_carousel source=”media: 9759,9756,9753,9750″ link=”lightbox” height=”200″ items=”4″ title=”no” arrows=”no” mousewheel=”no” autoplay=”0″]
The classrooms and workshops of the University School of Industrial Design of the University of Coruña become, after course, in authentic laboratories of ingenuity and creativity.
After signing collaboration agreements with leading automotive and furniture firms, such as Seat or Finsa, the School of Industrial Design has now allied with one of the most emblematic companies in the Spanish footwear sector. The Galician firm Calzados Losal, a brand founded in 1.899 in Monforte de Lemos, will collaborate with the university center in the training of students. And these, in turn, as a practical work, will design different lines of footwear inspired by the philosophy of the company. «The goal is always the same: that students demonstrate their creative potential in these designs, and, then, if any of them arouse the interest of the firm, prototypes could be made or even studied the possibility of marketing them», explains the director of the school, José Ramón Méndez.
Students at the center of the campus will make shoe designs in collaboration with Calzados Losal, the firm of Monforte de Lemos.
This alliance between the center and Calzados Losal started on 22th September with the holding of a seminar within the project “New concepts of footwear in the range of products of the company”; taught by the director of the firm, Gonzalo López Otero, who explained to the students the production methods of the company, as well as the different ranges of footwear that manufactures or the types of lasts with which the company works today. On the basis of all this knowledge, the students, about 110, all of them in the third year, will now be divided into small design teams, each composed of between five and six people, with the mission of making a range of footwear that fit with the signs of identity of Calzados Losal. “The range of possibilities is enormous, because this brand has a very wide product range, ranging from mountain boots to moccasins and ankle boots made to measure,” warns Méndez.
Under the title “Footwear and fashion. Design, materials and realization processes “, the entrepreneur brought the students of the course to the design and manufacture of high-quality handmade shoes.
The quote was supposed, as it was informed from the center, “a great opportunity to access the fascinating world of fashion through footwear, one of its most complex, distinctive and decisive elements in all types of look and style of the fashion in all times “.
In addition to supposing the opening of a new line of experimentation for students, the project with the company Calzados Losal also includes another novelty, which is the implication in it of the Degree of Podiatry of the Faculty of Ferrol.
This will allow to include in the creative process of the students the aspects related to the health of the foot, a capital issue in the manufacture of footwear. The vice-dean, Fátima Santalla, and the head of the Podiatry degree, Carolina Rosende, who participated in the seminar yesterday, will be responsible for giving a seminar later on to help students with designs that do not cause discomfort or foot injuries. “It is a very positive interaction,” Mendez said.
The students, who will have to make their own proposal of handmade and quality footwear, will develop the project in two phases, even contemplating the possibility that they can develop prototypes.
To begin to inspire, yesterday they could contemplate the more than fifty pairs of shoes that the head of the Galician firm took to the school to give the seminar.
Méndez said that this new collaboration with Calzados Losal is crucial, especially now that there is little left for the implementation of the new Master of Industrial Design and Product Design in the 2018-2019 academic year. “One of the specialties of this new title will be fashion complements, hence the importance of creating new lines of collaboration with companies in the sector, such as Calzados Losal”, emphasizes the teacher and director of the school.


text:
Plus, how much you can earn staking ETH2
This week, on Monday, Bitcoin reached a new all-time high, and on Tuesday, Ethereum 2.0 went live with the beacon chain. Many signs point to institutional investment being the driver behind the current bull run, since public interest has yet to reach the heights of the 2017 frenzy. Congress is pushing a bill that would require all stablecoin issuers to obtain bank charters, but the crypto community says such a law would be nothing but a step backward. Visa has announced that they have begun integrating USDC into their platforms. And the Forbes’ annual Under 30 list has a strong presence of crypto entrepreneurs.
This Week’s Crypto News…
On Tuesday at noon UTC, the Ethereum 2.0 beacon chain launched after years of anticipation, ushering in the blockchain’s next era. The beacon chain launch is “phase 0” of Ethereum’s multi-step upgrade to a more scalable blockchain. There are still many technical hurdles to surpass, including sharding and rollup adoption, before the chain will be fully operational. However, as of press time, there are almost 1 million ETH staked, almost double the number that was required for the launch.
If you’re wondering about staking’s risks and rewards, for staking 1 ETH, validators are currently earning around 0.014 ETH/month, or $8.50, with the amount expected to decrease as the number of participants increases. However, any ether staked on the chain will be locked up for months and potentially even years. Staking also entails software risks as well as the possibility that you could lose your initial deposit if you fail to keep up with the network.
Despite some suggestions that current DeFi rewards may be a better bet, exchanges are already intending to support Ethereum 2.0 staking. Coinbase has announced it will support ETH2 staking and trading to eligible jurisdictions starting early next year while also allowing customers to convert ETH to ETH2 and earn staking rewards. Binance likewise announced an ETH2 staking service would be live on December 2, with daily rewards distributed in the form of BETH tokens.
Bitcoin reached $19,850 on Monday morning, inching past the previous record set in December 2017. Chainalysis attributed the rise to institutional investors purchasing steadily over time, and then taking the money off exchanges to hold. An analysis by Coin Metrics beginning in November illustrated that the recent upwards price movements have been occurring mostly during U.S. market hours, further supporting the thesis that institutional investors are pushing the price up. When tracking the Bitcoin price against notable events of institutional interest, such as Microstrategy and Square’s purchases of Bitcoin, PayPal’s integration of Bitcoin and well-known traditional investors Bill Miller and Stan Druckenmiller expressing confidence in Bitcoin, a clear trendline emerges.
Another data point supporting the theory that institutional investor interest is driving the price up is that there is a lack of public interest in Bitcoin compared to late 2017. The amount of Bitcoin-related tweets is far below levels at that time and has been relatively flat for the last two years. Media mentions and searches are also at lower levels than during the previous bull run.
Niall Ferguson, writing in Bloomberg, cited the pandemic as a catalyst for increased adoption in Bitcoin this year. He noted that the explosion of stimulus dollars underscored Bitcoin’s value due to its scarcity, and this was happening already amidst a shift toward digital payments. He went on to say that the incoming Biden administration should not seek to develop a “Chinese-style digital dollar” and instead “should recognize the benefits of integrating Bitcoin into the U.S. financial system — which, after all, was originally designed to be less centralized and more respectful of individual privacy than the systems of less-free societies.”
Metrics Show Bitcoin and Ethereum Activity is Heating Up
Online metrics are showing an increase in activity on the Bitcoin and Ethereum networks. The Block’s Director of Research, Larry Cermak, posted a comprehensive data summary to Twitter, showing “almost everything we track is reaching all-time highs.” Total on-chain volume increased to 51.5% to a new yearly high of $204 billion in November, with miner revenue growing 48% over the previous month for Bitcoin and 22% for Ethereum. Stablecoins, in particular, have more than tripled in 2020, with Cermak citing DeFi and Tether-collateralized derivatives as main factors. A survey by Blockchain Capital also shows increasing awareness and adoption among the general public. More than one in three Americans interviewed said they’re likely to buy Bitcoin in the next five years, and 41% of Americans found it likely that most people will be using Bitcoin in the next ten years.
In the U.S., Congress has presented a bill that would require stablecoin issuers to secure bank charters and regulatory approval before issuing any stablecoin. The bill is designed to protect individuals, according to Representative Rashida Tlaib, who said, “Preventing cryptocurrency providers from repeating the crimes against low- and moderate-income residents of color traditional big banks have is critically important.”
Circle Co-founder and CEO Jeremy Allaire responded to the news on Twitter, saying, “Forcing crypto, fintech and blockchain companies into the enormous regulatory burdens of Federal Reserve and FDIC regulation and supervision is inconsistent with the goals of supporting innovation in the fair and inclusive delivery of payments that comes from stablecoins.”
Next year, Visa’s card network of 60 million merchants will be connected to stablecoin USDC. Visa will be the first corporate card to allow businesses to spend a balance of USDC. Visa does not plan to custody USDC at this time, although, effective immediately, Circle will begin working with Visa to integrate USDC software with its platforms. According to Visa head of crypto Cuy Sheffield, “We continue to think of Visa as a network of networks. Blockchain networks and stablecoins, like USDC, are just additional networks. So we think that there’s a significant value that Visa can provide to our clients, enabling them to access them and enabling them to spend at our merchants.”
Crypto News Roundup
- More than $4 billion worth of cryptocurrency (including $3.8 billion BTC) was seized by Chinese police during a crackdown on the PlusToken Ponzi scheme, with a Chinese court saying the seized crypto “will be processed pursuant to laws” and “forfeited to the national treasury.”
- In collaboration with crypto startup Lukka, the S&P Dow Jones Indices plans to launch two index products, which will enable asset management firms to build their own crypto-based investment products.
- The Libra Association announced the adoption of a new name, Diem, as well as several executive appointments ahead of its eventual launch.
- After its chief executives were charged with violations of the Bank Secrecy Act by the Department of Justice, 100x Group, which runs BitMEX, appointed Alexander Höptner as its chief executive officer; Höptner was formerly CEO of Börse Stuttgart and Euwax.
Forbes published its annual 30 under 30 list celebrating young entrepreneurs. Several blockchain and crypto entrepreneurs made the cut in the finance and venture capital categories. Among the crypto heavyweights on this year’s list were Volt Capital’s Soona Amhaz, FTX Founder Sam Bankman-Fried, Augur co-founder Joey Krug, Coinlist co-founder Brian Tubergen, and Bitcoin Core developer Amiti Uttarwar, among others. You can also read an in-depth writeup on the crypto-centric names on the list at Decrypt.


text:
Thursday, April 3, 2014
When we did a story on Target employees and employee-discrimination allegations back in 2010, ill-will against the Minneapolis-based company surfaced that went against the retail conglomerate's efforts to seem like it worked on the kinder-side of corporate: the anti-WalMart. But every once in a while, someone will leak the ever-interesting Target employee training videos.
The latest is on those pesky factions that look after worker's rights: unions. Look, new Target employee, don't take the candy from the friendly-faced union organizer, and don't talk to them. They are not your friends. Yeah, a stranger-danger video for employees that's beyond the cheese-factor they liked so much in Salon.com as part of a "modern makeover." Nah, just the same old.


text:
Discount Dumpster Rental has been announced as one of the top 50 winners of the Colorado Companies to Watch (CCTW) 2021 Award.
Online PR News – 23-October-2021 – Lakewood – Denver, CO – Discount Dumpster is pleased to announce they have been named one of the winners of the 2021 Colorado Companies to Watch Award. Up to 50 companies will be honored at CCTW’s 13th Annual Gala Ceremony, where awards will be given out. The gala ceremony will be held this year at the Hyatt Regency in the Denver Convention Center.
Achieving this honor was no small feat for Discount Dumpster. There were over 1,100 nominees in the running to be named. Out of 68 finalists, Discount Dumpster made the top 50. In the past, CCTW has given its prestigious award to companies such as Left Hand Brewing Company and Velocity Global. These companies are still going strong today, a testament to the thorough nature of this award. Over 650 companies have been given this honor since it began in 2009.
The central purpose of CCTW is to uplift a diverse array of businesses. It’s not just about being successful with your business, but how your business contributes to the wider economy of Colorado. Equally important, this year’s award focuses on how the winning finalists are helping combat the economic woes of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Getting Colorado back on its economic track is incredibly important. Many businesses and individuals are still reeling from the pandemic, and Discount Dumpster strives to offer amazing opportunities for the people of Colorado. They have helped provide jobs for haulers and contractors, as well as providing reasonably priced services to those in need.
About Discount Dumpster Rental:
Discount Dumpster Rental offers dumpster rental services to customers in over 25 markets across the country. Their goal is to supply the best customer service in the industry at the lowest cost to their customers. Their team members are on a mission to make dumpster rental as transparent and environmentally responsible as possible.


text:
Benoy reveal new project for Sofia, Bulgaria, at Cityscape
At this year’s Cityscape Global in Dubai architect firm Benoy announced the launch of its new scheme in Sofia, Bulgaria, Koza Square with developer Garanti Koza.
The project includes a two-story retail podium and a restaurant and café offer throughout the masterplan designed by Benoy. There will also be three residential towers, office space, a 300-key hotel with serviced apartments and an entertainment centre.
The brief was to create a new hotspot for the city which would be the venue for all public celebrations. At the heart of Koza Square will be an artificial beach acting as the focal point, drawing people in with a water feature padding to the spectacle.
“Our instruction was to highlight the best of Sofia and offer those living in and visiting the city a new place to relax and enjoy. We achieved this by imagining the shopping and food and beverage components as parts of a metropolis rather than as extensions of the masterplan,” said Benoy Director Jacqueline Beckingham.
“The vision we have brought to this complements and raises the overall offer of Koza Square.”


text:
Sony Recycling Pays off
Sony is gathering the plastic shells of old Sony TVs from recycling plants, collecting excess Styrofoam from its production facilities, and turning them into plastic pellets which are used to create the back panels and some internal plastic components on the latest Bravia flat-panel TVs, PC World reports.
The move isn’t just environmental. Sony saves about 10 percent of the cost of producing plastic by using recycled parts. The company says it began preparing for this 10 years ago when it required that all plastic in Sony TVs be recyclable.
Sony is also recycling what viewers watch on TV. The company has pulled some old commercials out of the closet to promote dozens of free consumer recycling events.
Stay Up-to-Date On Environmental Management, Energy & Sustainability News with EL's Free Daily Newsletter
Energy Manager News
- Con Edison Development Procures GE Energy Storage System
- Courthouse Replaces Oversized Boiler
- Indoor Farming Company Works on HVAC with PUE 1.0
- Toolkits Designed to Help Health Care Facilities Reduce Energy
- San Antonio Macyâ€™s Store Showcases Better Buildings Challenge Measures
- Natural Gas Gensets to Reach 27 GW of Installed Capacity by 2024
- Larson Releases a Solar Powered Generator with Manual Crank Mast
- Energy Efficiency in Food Service Businesses


text:
The Apple Watch tries to protect users in several ways. It closely monitors your heart rate, measures your sleep and tries to protect your hearing, something the Google Pixel 7 may soon join in on.
According to 9to5Google, one of the best-known websites on Android, the popular Android smartphone is getting a new feature called Loud Sound Alert.
Apple Watch functionality coming to the Google Pixel 7
Hearing damage is a growing problem for young people. Our colleagues at Metro previously wrote about the fact that 13% of young people currently suffer from incipient hearing damage. Sweet as those colleagues are, they also have some immediate tips to prevent it during festivals.
But buying protective earplugs, such as the AirPods Pro (second generation), is not always necessary. The Apple Watch has been alerting users to sounds above 90dB for some time. This awareness of the dangers of hearing damage is heightened with warnings for noisy environments.
Something the Google Pixel 7 could soon be used for as well. According to 9to5Google, a feature called “Loud Sound Alert” can be found within the Android System Intelligence Software (ASI), which it says will notify as soon as it detects noise that could cause hearing damage.
Besides the fact that this will work about the same on the Google Pixel 7 as it does on the Apple Watch, we don’t really know that much about it. The next Android update may introduce the feature, but there’s also a chance we’ll hear more about it during Google I/O.
What is Google I/O?
Google I/O is an annual developer conference organized by Google, usually in the month of May. The event presents new software and hardware developments from Google, including updates to its operating systems, software platforms and other products. The conference includes keynote speeches, interactive sessions and hands-on demonstrations for developers and other attendees.
To what extent will functionality work?
While it is good that the Google Pixel 7 is getting this functionality, we do wonder how well it will work. The strength of the Apple Watch is that it is always exposed to sound, as it is not tucked away in a pocket or bag, which of course is the case with a smartphone.
Thereby, such a notification is a good reminder of the possible consequences of loud noise, but does nothing else. It is still up to the person to take action after the alert.
Vibrations on your wrist with the warning are one thing, but whether this is as effective on an Android smartphone in your pocket remains to be seen. Time will tell.


text:
The first 20 stores to open will be located in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, the company said in a press release. Currently, the company has three distribution centers, including a $100m facility in Maryland that also serves as regional headquarters.
With its focus on discount-priced private label products, no frills store layout, and small staff-size per store, analysts expect Lidl’s competition with hometown rival Aldi to be a one-two punch in the US over the next several years.
Fresh produce, meat, and bakery items
Lidl’s European stores stock everything from produce to garments to appliances, a model which retail analysts have said may pose a threat to the likes of Target and Walmart. But the first stores opening will have a smaller assortment focus, Lidl US spokesperson William Harwood told FoodNavigator-USA.
“In terms of our assortment, much of these details will be set closer to launch,” he said. “However, I can tell you that our stores will focus on delivering top quality fresh produce, meat, bakery items, and a wide selection of household goods at the lowest possible prices.
“We will also introduce a promotional non-food section in our stores, which will feature an ever-changing assortment of in-and-out items,” he added. “This is a concept we have found to be very successful across Europe, and we're excited to introduce it here.”
E-commerce vs. Brick-and-Mortar—What’s next for Lidl US?
The company has been tight-lipped about its US expansion, and it remains to be seen if its US store openings this summer will also include an e-commerce operation, a trend that is slowly but surely growing in the grocery sector. But Harwood said that this year, the company’s “focus [is] establishing those physical retail locations.”
One prototype store has been opened in Fredericksburg, VA, about an hour away from the Lidl US headquarters just outside of Washington DC. Architecturally, the prototype store reflects the company’s standard store design, Harwood said.
The large glass windows of the façade differ greatly from the traditional warehouse feel common in the typology of American suburban grocery stores, delivering on Lidl US’ goal to “[introduce] American consumers to a different type of shopping experience."


text:
The GDP data releasing today may show the Indian economy returning on the growth path in the October-December period, after two successive quarters of contraction.
Most of the high-frequency data such as industrial production, PMI, GST collection, rail freight loading, auto sales and non-oil, non-gold imports have moved into positive territory in the quarter under review, giving hopes of the economy turning the corner.
The RBI has projected growth of 0.1% during the third quarter, while the State Bank of India in its projections has said the acceleration will be to the tune of 0.3% in the December quarter.
Various rating agencies such as ICRA, Ind-Ra have estimated the growth to be between 0.3% and 0.7%. The DBS bank however says the economy will expand 1.3% in the Dec quarter.
“We peg 3QFY21 GVA (gross value added) estimate at 1.6% year-on-year. Full-year real GDP growth in FY21 is expected to register -6.8%, before cyclical tailwinds and base effects lift full-year FY22 to 10.5%, assuming a well-contained caseload and on-track vaccination programme,” the DBS Bank said.
Farm output will continue to add to the growth in the December quarter, joined by firmer manufacturing output, benefitting from festive demand, resumption in activities and restocking of supplies.
“Amongst services, financial services and public administration are likely to fare better than contact-intensive facilities like travel, airlines, and tourism.”
The industrial remained positive for two of the three months under review, both, manufacturing and services PMI remained above 50, which separates growth from contraction.
Better industrial output and manufacturing translated into handsome goods and service collection since October period and it remained above Rs 1 lakh crore in all three months.
The agriculture sector, which remained in the positive territory throughout the pandemic, is expected to do better in the coming quarters too.
India’s GDP contracted by nearly 24% in the April-June quarter and recovered to log a decline of 7.5% in the July-September quarter forcing India to enter into a recession.


text:
Via TMZ Sports:
Kobe ultimately agreed to allow his parents to sell 6 items — including the rings — and, in 2013, they sold to a private collector (a big Lakers fan) for a total of $280,000.
Now, that private collector went to Goldin Auction to see what they could get for the rings … and obviously, the value has skyrocketed.
The minimum bid was $15,000 — and after 20 total bids, it sold for $206k.
AND … the ring Kobe gave his father, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, is expected to hit the auction block soon and it could fetch even more than Pam’s ring.
As for the identity of the new buyer, that has no been disclosed — and may never be.
We bet Kobe’s parents wish they would have kept the rings. Although they probably would have just sold them off themselves after his death.
Want More From Sports Gossip?
For all the latest breaking Sports Gossip, be sure to follow SportsGossip.com on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.


text:
Mediatek has today expanded its chip lineup for premium 4K smart TVs with the launch of MediaTek MT9638. This new chip comes with an integrated AI processing unit and has some support for variable refresh rate, motion estimation, and motion compensation as well.
Commenting on this, Alex Chen, General Manager, TV Business Unit, MediaTek, Inc said, “As smart home appliances become more intelligent and diversified, smart TVs are becoming the new hub for the smart home as consumers take advantage of AI-enabled multimedia features to control all their devices right from their TV. The new MT9638 continues our legacy as the No. 1 chip provider of smart TVs, bringing consumers incredible AI, multimedia, gaming, and entertainment experiences in theater-quality 4K.”
The MT9638 holds a multi-core setup of ARM Coretex-A55 CPU cores along with ARM Mali-G52 GPU and MediaTek APU. For the display end, it supports HDR10+ panels and also up to 4K at 60Hz with support for HEVC, VP9, and AV1 decoding. It supports Wi-Fi 6, HDMI 2.1, USB 3.0 standards as well, and also Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual X surround sound.
Addiontoally, TV manufacturers can also take advantage to automatically adjust parameters such as color, saturation, brightness, sharpness, and more to enhance the image quality. Whereas, the AI super-resolution and MEMC enable OEMs to upscale low-res content to the TV’s native resolution through multi-frame blending. This new chip is expected to arrive for 4K smart TVs and could soon be launching by Q2 of 2021.
Well with that said, do let us know your opinions on this new Mediatek chip, by dropping a comment down below.


text:
DS Automobiles unveils its all-electric racecar for the 2018/19 Formula E Championship
The 2018/2019 FIA Formula E Championship season will mark the beginning of a new era for electric car racing as the second generation of all-electric single-seater racing cars takes center stage. These next-generation cars will feature a fully revamped chassis, a new aerodynamics system to generate extra downforce and reduce drag, a new 54kWh battery, new tires and a new cockpit. Rising up to the challenge, Total’s partner DS Automobiles unveiled its latest all-electric racecar for Formula E - the DS E-Tense FE 19 - at the 88th Geneva International Motor Show.
Total has been supporting DS Performance in its commitment to the FIA Formula E Championship as part of an agreement signed with PSA Group that runs until 2021. Total provides dedicated products, lubricants and fluids to boost the efficiency of DS cars and reduce their energy consumption. Total also provides product training and specific promotional and communication tools for the DS sales network.
With three years of Formula E experience under its belt, Total’s partner DS Performance has been able to rethink the car’s drivetrain with the DS E-Tense FE 19 and its motor DS E-MOTOR 19 includes an optimized energy recovery system. DS E-Tense FE 19 also comes with a new transmission system, a new rear suspension arrangement, a new cooling system, a new fully active braking system, and a new electronics system designed to optimize energy management.
DS Performance Director Xavier Mestelan Pinon believes that next-generation electric racecars will have an impact beyond competitive racing and cars such as the DS E-Tense FE 19 will help bring high-performance electric cars to the public.
“DS E-Tense FE 19’s drivers will benefit from both twice the range and higher performance, and these gains mirror the phenomenal progress that has been made in the world of electric vehicle technology. It is thanks to this level of technology that we are able to offer our customers ever more innovative cars and even higher performance,” he said.
For its first public appearance, DS E-Tense FE 19 will feature a matt black finish as an expression of DS Performance’s new visual signature, and a golden livery, to give it a “French touch”.
The 2018/19 FIA Formula E Championship will be the fifth edition of the electric-car motor racing competition launched back in 2014 by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile. The competition is an opportunity for the industry to popularize electric cars among motorsport fans while fostering innovation in automobile electrification among car manufacturers. Total’s partner DS Automobiles first participated in the year-long event during season two of the championship in 2015/16, when new technical regulations provided constructors the opportunity to demonstrate their particular expertise. This year, DS Automobiles will be the only French FIA-approved manufacturer to take part.


text:
All the fashion news of the week that’s fit to reprint.
CVS has announced that it will stop selling tobacco products by October, forgoing an estimated $2 billion in annual revenue, in order to reinforce its dedication to providing healthcare. Walgreens privately rejoices.
Comfortable (advanced) style
For its first digital campaign, Theory has signed the 43-year-old model Stella Tennant. The famously androgynous Steven Meisel favorite sports sleek blazers and button-downs, the brand’s signatures, in a collection of 10-second-long black-and-white videos. The looks are eerily synonymous with the boyish uniform Cathy Horyn, the now former fashion critic of The New York Times, describes in her recent essay on the revenge of comfort over fashion.
New reports show that Scotland’s textile exports have risen 30% since 2009. Contrary to popular belief, the nation produces more than just tartans and tam-o’-shanters. The sector, which includes everything from tea bags to heart valves to fabric for Chanel, has already hit its 2015 target.
Grades will be posted at the end of the season
The former model and leader of the Diversity Coalition Bethann Hardison has reassessed her critiques of 16 designers, all of whom she chastised in the fall for their appalling lack of diversity on the runway. Apparently, many have improved: Calvin Klein, The Row and Narciso Rodriguez all made valiant efforts. (Hardison will be issuing official grades after New York Fashion Week.) MM6 by Maison Margiela, meanwhile, is the only label showing in New York to have used no women of color at all. Kanye? What say you?
Good design sense
Somehow, amidst designing his fall 2014 collection, Zac Posen was also able to create a line of wedding dresses — all affordable and sold exclusively online through David’s Bridal. Is there any other industry riper for disruption? This is a good start.
Yes, your majesty
The Duchess of Cambridge is going Down Under, and she isn’t packing light. When Kate Middleton heads to Australia in April (for a kind of three-and-a-half week Royal tour), she’ll be wearing couture dresses significantly longer than the sort she usually dons, heirloom jewels and yes, tiaras. All these demure wardrobe updates are being “encouraged” by the Queen, which just might be a euphemism for enforced. Who knows? In-laws…
“It may be that he’s not a party animal”
It seems as though everyone in the know is betting against Bill de Blasio attending any fashion shows this week. The mayor’s absence should really not be much of a surprise, and wouldn’t be had Bloomberg not been such a social butterfly. New York industry leaders, publicly smitten with the former mayor, appear as-yet unsure of their new leader.
Since leaving Louis Vuitton to focus on his own label (I.P.O. to come…), Marc Jacobs hasn’t been idle. In his first interview since the LV departure, he talks with W about opening a Manhattan flagship, redesigning his logo and maybe even showing in Paris rather than in New York. Boo!
Instagram of the Week
⛄❄⛄SNOW DAY!!! with @scottlipps @onemanagement ❄⛄❄


text:
Tag - Flex
Lenovo will be bringing to market more convertible notebooks to market in the coming months. The Yoga 2 11 and 13 are refreshes of the original Yoga notebooks, though not offering the 3,200x1,800-resolution display of the Yoga 2 Pro, while the Flex 14D and 15D receive some specification upgrades compared to the versions launched last September.
Promotional material for a future Fitbit device has surfaced, showing the company as creating another wrist-based fitness tracker. The Force, mimicking much of the style of the Fitbit Flex, appears not to stray too far from the path of its predecessor, but this time the tracking watch will have an altimeter and an updated display.
Lenovo has unveiled several new computers at the IFA expo, including two budget-priced notebooks and an all-in-one that will all be sold under the Flex branding. The 14.1-inch Flex 14 and 15.6-inch Flex 15 integrate a 300-degree display hinge, enabling the touchscreen to be used in stand mode.
Fitbit has started shipping its first wrist-based activity tracker. The Fitbit Flex follows the Jawbone Up and the Nike FuelBand in providing tracking of activities and sleep patterns from the wrist, and like other Fitbit trackers in the entire range, is able to sync over Bluetooth 4.0 through iOS and Android devices, as well as using the provided Bluetooth dongle with a PC.
AT&T and Pantech have officially revealed an upcoming handset, the Flex. It will have LTE network support and sport a 1.5GHz Qualcomm processor running two cores. The 4.3-inch qHD Super AMOLED touchscreen will show the increasingly more common Android 4.0 interface.
Adobe gave a boost to cross-platform mobile development with the launches of Flash Builder 4.5 and Flex 4.5. Both development tools can now build apps for iOS devices as well as the BlackBerry PlayBook and future BlackBerry Tablet OS devices. The app had supported Android as of April but can now harmonize publishing to multiple platforms at once with a sole core code base.
Adobe has formally launched Flash Builder 4, a new suite of web development tools. The software replaces Flex Builder, which was originally intended to aid only with rich Internet applications based on the Flex framework. Flash Builder is said to have improved coding and testing features, as well as support for the future Flash Catalyst design/development bridge.
Two core Flash technologies have entered the open-source realm, according to an Adobe announcement. The first of these is Strobe, now known as the Open Source Media Framework. Developers can use the technology to build media players around Flash, adding extra features as wanted or needed. The second is the Text Layout Framework, which allows for special typography functions in web applications.
Eltima has released v4.0 of its Flash Decompiler Trillix software. The program deconstructs SWF files, allowing conversion into other formats. The update supports converting SWF files into Flex code, and can also process several files simultaneously, or break out content into elements such as images, sounds, videos and fonts.
Adobe has patched multiple exploit holes present within recent versions of Flash, a company security bulletin informs. The vulnerabilities primarily affect Mac and Windows editions of Flash software at or below v10.0.12.36, as well as the Linux Flash Player starting with v10.0.15.3; the principal exploit involves luring people into loading a malicious SWF file, which exposes a computer to hacking. Two fixes have been made to deter "clickjacking," triggered by clicking on a particular space on a webpage.
Now AAPL Stock: 160.47 ( + 0.59 )
Cirrus creates Lightning-headphone dev kit
Apple supplier Cirrus Logic has introduced a MFi-compliant new development kit for companies interested in using Cirrus' chips to create Lightning-based headphones, which -- regardless of whether rumors about Apple dropping the analog headphone jack in its iPhone this fall -- can offer advantages to music-loving iOS device users. The kit mentions some of the advantages of an all-digital headset or headphone connector, including higher-bitrate support, a more customizable experience, and support for power and data transfer into headphone hardware. Several companies already make Lightning headphones, and Apple has supported the concept since June 2014. http://bit.ly/29giiZj
Apple Store app offers Procreate Pocket
The Apple Store app for iPhone, which periodically rewards users with free app gifts, is now offering the iPhone "Pocket" version of drawing app Procreate for those who have the free Apple Store app until July 28. Users who have redeemed the offer by navigating to the "Stores" tab of the app and swiping past the "iPhone Upgrade Program" banner to the "Procreate" banner have noted that only the limited Pocket (iPhone) version of the app is available free, even if the Apple Store app is installed and the offer redeemed on an iPad. The Pocket version currently sells for $3 on the iOS App Store. [32.4MB]
Porsche adds CarPlay to 2017 Panamera
Porsche has added a fifth model of vehicle to its CarPlay-supported lineup, announcing that the 2017 Panamera -- which will arrive in the US in January -- will include Apple's infotainment technology, and be seen on a giant 12.3-inch touchscreen as part of an all-new Porsche Communication Management system. The luxury sedan starts at $99,900 for the 4S model, and scales up to the Panamera Turbo, which sells for $146,900. Other vehicles that currently support CarPlay include the 2016 911 and the 2017 models of Macan, 718 Boxster, and 718 Cayman. The company did not mention support for Google's corresponding Android Auto in its announcement. http://bit.ly/295ZQ94
Apple employees testing wheelchair features
New features included in the forthcoming watchOS 3 are being tested by Apple retail store employees, including a new activity-tracking feature that has been designed with wheelchair users in mind. The move is slightly unusual in that, while retail employees have previously been used to test pre-release versions of OS X and iOS, this marks the first time they've been included in the otherwise developer-only watchOS betas. The company is said to have gone to great lengths to modify the activity tracker for wheelchair users, including changing the "time to stand" notification to "time to roll" and including two wheelchair-centric workout apps. http://bit.ly/2955JDa
SanDisk reveals two 256GB microSDXC cards
SanDisk has introduced two 256GB microSDXC cards. Arriving in August for $150, the Ultra microSDXC UHS-I Premium Edition card offers transfer speeds of up to 95MB/s for reading data. The Extreme microSDXC UHS-I card can read at a fast 100MB/s and write at up to 90MB/s, and will be shipping sometime in the fourth quarter for $200. http://bit.ly/294Q1If
Apple's third-quarter results due July 26
Apple has advised it will be issuing its third-quarter results on July 26, with a conference call to answer investor and analyst queries about the earnings set to take place later that day. The stream of the call will go live at 2pm PT (5pm ET) via Apple's investor site, with the results themselves expected to be released roughly 30 minutes before the call commences. Apple's guidance for the quarter put revenue at between $41 billion and $43 billion. http://apple.co/1oi1Pbm
Twitter stickers slowly roll out to users
Twitter has introduced "stickers," allowing users to add extra graphical elements to their photos before uploading them to the micro-blogging service. A library of hundreds of accessories, props, and emoji will be available to use as stickers, which can be resized, rotated, and placed anywhere on the photograph. Images with stickers will also become searchable with viewers able to select a sticker to see how others use the same graphic in their own posts. Twitter advises stickers will be rolling out to users over the next few weeks, and will work on both the mobile apps and through the browser. http://bit.ly/29bbwUE


text:
ZenUI Launcher-Theme,Wallpaper has received a new update for android in google play store. The latest update version is 220.127.116.11_160513 .The latest update are major one which brings many significant features such as Brand new look of ZenUI Launcher, Enhance wallpaper setting and more.
ZenUI Launcher-Theme,Wallpaper Changelog:
– Brand new look of ZenUI Launcher– Enhance wallpaper setting– Wallpaper motion effect (only for device with gyroscope)– Miscellaneous bug fixes.
[appbox googleplay com.asus.launcher&hl=en]


text:
In early 2016 the cruise industry buzz was all about Carnival Corp's Fathom, the new social-impact cruise brand that was poised to begin sailing to Cuba. It would be the first U.S.-based line to call at the destination in decades.
Plenty of fanfare accompanied the launch last July, but its story was short-lived; Fathom cruises proved a surprisingly tough sell to consumers and the brand later this spring will suspend sailings and morph into a series of volun-tourism excursions for other Carnival brands.
Fast forward one year, though, and most of the major cruise companies have finally received Cuban government approval to operate cruises to the island nation. Each has committed a ship to visit the destination at various times this year.
The future of Cuba tourism appears rosy, despite the uncertainty surrounding any actions the White House might take to alter access to the destination.
A new survey by Travel Leaders Group, for instance, found that nearly 22% of its leisure travel-focused travel agents have already booked clients for Cuba travel this year and 59% indicated clients have expressed an interest in traveling to Cuba in 2017.
“Based not only on our survey, but also on anecdotal feedback travelers are giving to their travel agents, more Americans are taking advantage of the avenues available to them to legally travel to this once forbidden island that is less than 100 miles from Key West," said Travel Leaders Group CEO Ninan Chacko.
And yet, some agents are telling TMR that clients remain on the fence when it comes to plunking down a Cuba cruise deposit.
“My clients are still in wait-and-see mode,” said cruise agent Linda Allen, an independent retailer affiliated with Birmingham, AL.-based Brownell Travel.
The immigration process still needs to have the quirks worked out of it, and there's very little tourism infrastructure in place. “From what I can tell, the lines are selling out the spring departures, but there will be a lot of inventory there in the fall. It's just a matter of time before you'll get too many ships doing the same thing. There will be a sweet spot, but my crystal ball isn't telling what that will be,” she said.
Allen noted that Fathom “couldn't even fill one 700-passenger ship.” (Fathom had operated cruises aboard the Adonia, which in June will be transferred back to Carnival's P&O fleet.)
The fine print
There's more to pitching a Cuba cruise than just tempting clients with the promise of tooling around in classic cars, exploring historical sites and watching locals dance the habanera.
Allen said it's crucial that agents and clients understand all of the entry requirements. Posts on her web site, cruisesbylinda.com, explain the myriad rules that come with obtaining a U.S. government-issued people-to-people license, which is required of all Cuba cruise passengers.
“People have to self-certify their [travel schedule] to obtain a license,” she noted, by filling out a form that describes their cultural-exchange-related activities while in Cuba. “And we, as agents, are supposed to keep copies of that on file for five years.”
As Norwegian's Cuba FAQ notes on its web site: “All guests will be self-certifying, which means that they are solely responsible for arranging a full-time schedule of [activities compliant with the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control] ...these activities may include excursions provided by Norwegian or activities arranged by guests themselves.” It provides a link to the government site that dispenses the required form.
The lines typically are assisting with processing passenger visas, which also are required to enter the country, along with a passport, and the standard charge for that service is $75, according to the lines' web sites.
It's really important that travel agents understand those FAQs, Allen said, because a lot of people don't realize what the requirements and the limitations are. “I had a group booked to Cuba on Fathom, and just before final payment was due they said to me, 'Well, we can get off the ship and just do what we want, right?' And the answer to that was, 'No, you can't.' ”
“I think most people, and definitely my clients, are going to want to know that the bugs have been worked out before they're willing to spend their time,” she said.
All hands on deck
The cruise lines, though, are ramping up. Carnival Cruise Line will deploy the 2,052-passenger Carnival Paradise starting in late June for a series of four- and five-day Cuba voyages from Tampa, and these will include an overnight in Havana.
Royal Caribbean International and sister company Azamara Club Cruises also won the go-ahead from the Cuban government, as did Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, the parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, upper premium line Oceania and luxury brand Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Oceania's 1,250-passenger Marina will be the first of the company's ships to sail to Cuba, with its initial voyage from Miami scheduled for March 7. The ship will call at Havana as part of a broader Caribbean itinerary, and additional cruises are planned in November and December.
Norwegian Cruise Line will operate 30 sailings to Cuba on the 2,004-guest Norwegian Sky, May through December, and Regent's 700-passenger Seven Seas Mariner will offer two Cuba cruises in April.
Royal Caribbean International will launch its Cuba program with a five-night cruise aboard the 1,602-guest Empress of the Seas from Miami in April. Additional sailings, 40-plus in all, will be offered from Tampa through early November.
Also, Viking Ocean Cruises will call at Havana during three Caribbean cruises late in the year aboard the 930-guest Viking Sun.
As for Allen, she's mulling which line to travel with to Cuba this year, so that she can see all the logistics for herself. Undoubtedly, other cruise sellers are looking to do that, too, now that the big cruise lines are all in.
Donna Tunney's Cruise Report alternates on a weekly basis with her Luxury Report. Agents and suppliers can contact her at email@example.com.


text:
The Russian hacking toolkit includes other methods, such as creating a "watering hole." If hackers want to penetrate a network of an organization, they might first hack into the website of a nearby business that employees use, perhaps a restaurant.
"The attackers, if they gain access to that restaurant's website, they can just insert a line of code that tells the viewer's browser to go load another page," said Patrick Neighorn, head of global media relations for FireEye. That activity would be invisible to the victim, beginning a process of deeper control of a targeted computer.
The FireEye report says this technique "was used to compromise and infect visitors to numerous Polish government websites in 2014."
APT28 hackers can even beat vaunted two-factor authentication, which requires users not only to type in passwords but also to type ever-changing security codes, the report says.
They also can spoof a Google App authorization request, such as when a user visits a retail or other site that allows visitors to log on using Gmail accounts, the report says.
"In a matter of about 20 minutes ... they would have the entire contents of both your Google Drive and your Gmail account," Wrolstad said.
(c)2017 McClatchy Washington Bureau
Visit the McClatchy Washington Bureau at www.mcclatchydc.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


text:
British public 'out of touch' with cost of everyday items
Most of us really don't know the price of milk, petrol or lager
With the major political parties at odds over whether the 'cost-of-living' crisis is over or not, a new survey has shown that many people in Great Britain are in the dark over the true cost of several everyday goods.
Mortgage, credit card and secured loan broker Ocean Finance commissioned a survey* to find out if shoppers know the average price of five different everyday items, before comparing these answers to the actual average price**. The results were as follows:
Perceived average price (from survey)
Actual average price (from March 2014 CPI)
Pint of lager
Pint of milk
250g block of butter
800g loaf of sliced white bread
Litre of unleaded petrol
The most startling finding is that the British public believe a litre of petrol is over 50% more expensive than it actually is. Men (£1.79 per litre) were much closer to the true cost of petrol than women (£1.95 per litre), although they were both still a fair way off the actual average price of the fuel.
However, fuel wasn't the only liquid to confuse Brits, as they also massively overestimated the price of a pint of milk. Despite the fact that the average cost of the dairy product has remained fairly steady at between £0.44 and £0.46 since October 2008, according to historical Consumer Price Index data, the survey found that the perceived cost is over £0.30 higher. In fact, residents of London believe that a pint of milk costs more than twice what it actually does - perceiving its price tag to be £0.98.
A pint of draught lager down the local had the opposite effect with respondents, as they perceived it to be £0.27 cheaper than it actually is. There were stark regional variations in the responses, with those in Southampton and London expecting to pay much more for a pint than those in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Liverpool.
Thankfully, respondents managed to get the cost of bread and butter about right. They were just a penny below the average price of £1.19 for a block of butter, while the perceived price for an 800g loaf of sliced white bread was just £0.10 higher than its actual cost. However, this slight overestimate might be explained by the fact that the February edition of the CPI showed a sudden £0.09 drop in the actual average price of a loaf.
Ian Williams, spokesman at Ocean Finance, commented: "We speak to mortgage and loan applicants every day, and it is noticeable how they can be considerably out when we ask them to estimate how much they spend on items such as groceries. Our survey suggests a possible reason for that – which is that we really don’t know what many commonly bought items actually cost.”
*YourSayPays questioned a sample of 1,022 adults aged 18 and over in Great Britain between April 14th 2014 and April 16th 2014.
**Average price of items in Office for National Statistics' March 2014 Consumer Price Index (CPI), released April 15th 2014.
Disclaimer: All information and links are correct at the time of publishing.


text:
Kit Falls 2nd Day After Saying It Will Record Loss on Sale
Kit Digital Inc. (KITD), a maker of online- video software, fell for a second day after saying it expects to record a loss on the sale of its content business.
The stock retreated as much as 3.6 percent and last traded 1.4 percent lower at 88 koruna by the end of trading in Prague.
Kit sold its unit to Content Solutions International NV in an $18.8 million deal, the company said in a statement late yesterday. The company “expects to book a loss” on the sale, and said the size is dependent on accounting and calculations that aren’t currently complete, Kit said in a separate regulatory filing.
“The sale of non-core assets was mentioned during the first-quarter results and it should not be a surprise,” analysts led by Milan Vanicek at J&T Banka AS in Prague said in an e-mailed note. “However, booking an unspecified loss might cause a negative market reaction. We consider the news negative.”
To contact the reporter on this story: Peter Laca in Prague at firstname.lastname@example.org
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Gavin Serkin at email@example.com