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If RPGamers needed more evidence of Yakuza: Like a Dragon’s JRPG inspirations, Sega has provided it. The game is going so far as to add dungeons and appropriate bosses.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Known in Japan simply as Yakuza 7. A brand new Yakuza game starring new protagonist Ichiban Kasuga. Features a command-based combat system.
Ryū ga Gotoku Studio
Ryū ga Gotoku Studio
Ichiban Kasuga will go from battling poverty to fighting power shovels on foot, and even spraying condiments on opponents to inflict damage. Yakuza: Like a Dragon is mixing a unique blend of ideas to create a memorable RPG experience.
Ichiban Kasuga will be able to power up various Life Experience attributes in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. These attributes provide a number of different benefits, both in and out of combat.
Survive Bar will be one of the major hangout spots for the party in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Sega detailed some of the activities available for players to do at the bar, and also released another video showing a bit more gameplay.
A couple of Yakuza: Like a Dragon updates show off some more of the game. A new set of screenshots showcases the different areas of Isezaki Ijincho, while new gameplay footage highlights lots of available jobs.
Though Ichiban Kasuga starts off without any money to his name in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, he will be able to become a successful businessman. Doing so requires navigating dangers such as shareholder meetings.
Life for Ichiban Kasuga is rough early on in Yakuza: Like of a Dragon. The protagonist has to rummage around the streets for money, and compete with the homeless of Yokohama just to survive.
Sega has revealed the winners of its open audition earlier this year for Yakuza: Like a Dragon. In addition to the grand prize winner, four other selected entrants will be appearing in the game.
Sega provided plenty more details on Yakuza: Like a Dragon’s combat system. The information covers two more jobs, special skills, a pair of enemy types, and some summoned help.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon now has a demo available in Japan, which brought with it a new ten-minute story trailer. The video shows all the game’s important characters, plus one very familiar face.
Sega held a Japanese livestream today for Yakuza: Like a Dragon. The hour-long presentation includes some gameplay footage showing the game’s new combat, job system, and play spots.
After detailing the new job and attribute systems in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Sega unveiled the game’s new bond system. Ichiban Kasuga can build his relationships by spending time with his allies, gaining bonuses along the way.
Sega has followed up last week’s job reveal with some more details about gaining more Life Experience to unlock more jobs. Taking tests is just one of the many exciting ways that Kasuga can improve his attributes.
Sega provided some details on the new job system in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. The company revealed four of the jobs that will be available to players: Dancer, Fortuneteller, Riot Officer, and Idol.
Yakuza 7’s western release has been officially confirmed under the title Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Meanwhile, Sega showed some new features and mini-games including a class system and karting.
Sega has officially announced its new Yakuza game, starring new protagonist Ichiban Kasuga, as Yakuza 7. It turns out the April Fools’ footage was less of a joke than initially thought.
Sega and Ryu ga Gotoku Studio have confirmed that a new Yakuza title is in the works. The game will star Yakuza Online’s Ichiban Kasuga, with the developer currently auditioning for his partner.


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The United Nations World Tourism Organization has declared 2017 the International Year of Sustainable Tourism. When the conference Pure, held annually in Marrakech, Morocco, asked me to moderate a roundtable of international journalists on the subject of sustainability, I thought the challenge would be to find something that hasn't already been said. We're all onboard, right?
Wrong. The group certainly contained believers, but they sat alongside skeptics and contrarians.
Farhad Heydari, international executive editor of Departures and Centurion in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Pacific and Latin America, threw down a gauntlet early, declaring that, far from being inspired by the little cards in hotel rooms asking him to hang up towels to "save the planet," he's unmoved.
"That's why I go to a hotel," he said. "New towels and sheets every day. Otherwise, why not just stay at home?"
Heydari was to ultimately prove himself more provocateur than climate change denier -- "moderation in everything," he allowed at one point -- but was clearly skeptical about both the sincerity of industry efforts and consumers' appetite for responsible travel.
And who isn't a little skeptical at this point? To Heydari's point, the righteousness of tent cards urging towel reuse to "save the planet" is undercut somewhat by the knowledge that reductions in laundry bills also help pay for the owner's four-wheel-drive Range Rover.
Seda Domanic, editor-in-chief of Vogue Turkey, lamented that sustainability had become, well, unfashionable.
"We need to make it sexy," she said. "The fashion world is good at that and has raised the consciousness of sustainability in fashion. It used to be that you bragged about new bags, new shoes, but now people are proud of not buying -- or, rather, buying sensibly. Don't buy something that's cheap and on sale but you'll never wear it."
I don't think Domanic was equating "buying sensibly" with, say, buying sensible shoes. Similarly, "sensible travel" isn't synonymous with "traveling sensibly."
Sensible travel sounds boring because the essence of travel satisfaction hinges on leaps into the unknown. In travel, adherence to prudence would be, frankly, insensible.
Some around the table made the case that sustainability and excitement in travel weren't mutually exclusive.
"Travelers need to see cause and effect," said David Prior, international editor of Conde Nast Traveler. "If they become involved in a project, working in a local community, it can be the highlight of a trip, but tying into climate change is much more difficult."
On the other hand, he said, "There's a growing percentage who are willing to pay more for something better for themselves and the culture, especially compared to six or seven years ago. Customers are demanding accountability, and there's a [backlash] against poor buying practices."
Heydari pooh-poohed the notion that the travel industry has moved significantly into more sustainable models -- "Little baby steps every five years. Not much changes." -- and further, said that journalists shouldn't concern themselves with educating readers about sustainable travel.
"I don't think it's our responsibility at all," he said. "Our mission is to provide information in a digestible way. We don't have to preach. Readers are already informed."
"Not necessarily," Prior said.
"Our readers are," Heydari asserted. "Look, we live in a throwaway society. We say we're ecological, but it's so much b.s. Unless you recycle water, limit the use of plastics in bathroom amenities and go for biomass heating and maybe TV-less rooms, all of which I am a proponent of, it's a lot of hot air."
"Not true," said Francisca Kellett, travel editor of Tatler in the U.K. "You do see it in very tangible ways. Some support orphanages or show commitment to recycling."
"Those are anomalies," Heydari insisted. "At the end of the day, most are cutting corners because they're just trying to make money."
"One doesn't cancel the other out," Kellett countered.
But even she wasn't convinced that consumers are focused on sustainable travel when they plan vacations. "Ten percent are passionate," she said. "Thirty percent don't care. Sixty percent say they care, but their actions show differently. Only 4% offset their flights [by buying carbon offsets]. When you come down to it, it's a holiday, and they don't want to spend a lot of money [on sustainable travel]."
Attention to sustainability varies greatly by a traveler's country of origin, and all agreed that the notion of sustainability has not, for example, impressed the Chinese tourist.
Gema Monroy, section editor of Conde Nast Traveler Spain, said, "In Spain, what is really important is food, so everyone is very aware of responsible eating and knowing where ingredients come from. But they don't take sustainability into consideration more broadly. They see 'eco' as a trend, a fashion, even a fake."
Domanic had an explanation that took into account both an obsession with food and nonchalance about bigger issues: "It's about indulgence. Be responsible at home, but on vacation, cut loose."
And, for her, inconsistency undermines overt messaging about environmental awareness.
"I was at an ecolodge in Spain," she recounted. "They took us on a picnic -- all plastic cups."
I'll end with an area of agreement: All present felt that tourism presented a danger to destinations. Monroy, who lives in Barcelona, which is famously pushing back against tourists, admitted that, as a travel journalist, she felt conflicted.
"Cities are losing their identities," she said. "And I feel part of the problem."

domain: news


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CHICAGO (CBS.MW) -- Shares of Tweeter Home Entertainment Group tumbled nearly 16 percent Thursday after the electronics retailer said its third-quarter loss will be at the lowest end of its forecast.
The Canton, Mass.-based concern TWTR, +3.09% reported a 10 percent drop in same-store sales as revenue fell 3 percent to $170 million from $175 million a year ago.
As a result, Tweeter said losses for the quarter ending June 30 will fall to 17 cents a share. That's below the 13 cents a share average consensus of analysts reporting to Reuters Research and just meeting the 10 cents to 17 cents a share loss Tweeter predicted earlier.
The company said it saw a sharp sales decline in Florida and Arizona -- markets that account for 25 percent of total revenues -- after it scaled back discounting and changed its advertising strategy. Gross margins in those markets improved, Chief Executive Jeffrey Stone said, but it wasn't enough to offset the drop in gross profits.
"We clearly need to evolve the strategy we employ in these markets, as we actually hurt sales with some of these changes," he said in a statement.
Shares ended the session at $8.07, off $1.53.
Best Buy BBY, +1.12% the nation's largest electronics retailer, eased up on earlier losses to end at $44.43, off 18 cents, while No. 2 player Circuit City CC, +4.25% slipped 3 cents to $9.14. RadioShack RSH, +2.23% gave back 39 cents, or 1.5 percent, to $26.06.
There was little upward impetus in the sector as investors reacted to the surprisingly soft jobless numbers. See full story. A handful of retail issues did hit fresh 52-week highs -- some at all-time apexes -- with a few ending the session lower.
Starbucks SBUX, +0.85% again reached an all-time high of $27.28 in intraday trading, but closed down 47 cents, or 1.7 percent, to $26.50. Late Tuesday, the coffee maker reported a 10 percent same-stores sales jump in June over the year-ago period.
Urban Outfitters URBN, +0.90% found a fresh peak at $38.03 in intraday activity. At the close, however, shares retreated 29 cents to $36.95.
Fred's FRED, -3.02% shares reached a new high of $25.45 the day after a 3-2 stock split, but ended the session at $24.93, off 38 cents, or 1.5 percent.
Cache CACH, -22.86% touched a new peak at $18.17 during the day. By the close, shares stood at $17.86, up 4.1 percent, or 70 cents. On Monday, the high-end women's clothier said June's same-store sales jumped 12 percent.
Finish Line FINL shares zipped to a new high of $23.75 before ending at $23.69, up 25 cents, or 1.1 percent. Earlier this week, Finish Line reported record earnings.
Brookstone BKST topped 10-year highs during trading to $21.40. By the close, shares rested at $21.03, up 98 cents, or 5 percent.
Staples SPLS -- where job seekers and entrepreneurs might find supplies -- rose 10 cents to $18.60.
Against this backdrop, the S&P Retail Index $RLX closed down 1.99 to 327.83.


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Chertsey, England-based Compass Group PLC, a multinational contract foodservice company and owner of Canteen Vending Services, issued a trading update ahead of its annual general meeting held online on Feb. 4.
The foodservice giant, which owns Compass Group USA, reported improved performance in the first quarter of fiscal 2021, compared with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. Compass said organic revenue for the quarter, ended Dec. 31, dropped 33.7%, compared with a 34.1% decline in the preceding quarter, whereas its underlying operating margin improved to 2.7% from 0.6%.
In November, Compass reported results for its 2020 fiscal year, ended Sept. 30, which had revenues £20.2 billion, compared with £24.8 billion in 2019, a 19% decline. Operating profit for the year was £561 million, compared with £1,852 million in 2019, an almost 70% decline.
The company's 2020 results were significantly impacted by the coronavirus lockdowns that begin in March to contain the spread of Covid-19, which closed half of Compass’s business.


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Omar Khan recalled the “euphoria” in the room at a massive Leafly party in downtown Toronto one year ago today, a historic moment in Canadian history as the country moved to legalize recreational cannabis.
“The bud was dropping from the ceiling at midnight and every single TV camera in the city of Toronto was there that night. Tweed was advertising everywhere, marketing budgets were through the roof,” said Khan, who serves as National Cannabis Lead for Hill+Knowlton Strategies.
But the roll-out of legal cannabis has not necessarily gone smoothly since that day.
“There’s been a lot of hiccups, particularly with respect to the roll-out of retail sales in certain provinces in B.C. Perhaps it could have been a little bit smoother and if you take a look at some of the onerous restrictions imposed by the federal government on packaging, for example, I think there’s room for improvement there,” said Khan.
“And I think the fact that there still exists an excise tax on medical cannabis sales is a hindrance to access for patients across this country. But you know, all of that being said, this is a pretty big, big public policy change and I think we can understand why governments have wanted to be cautious and want to go slow as they roll it out.”
SEE ALSO: CANNABIS EDIBLES: The dosage debate
Overall, Khan said if he were to grade the provincial and federal governments on their handling of year one, he would choose a B-.
“I am going to cut them some slack in that this is probably one of, if not the biggest, public policy shifts in Canada in the last 100 years,” Khan added, whose resume includes work providing strategic counsel on Canadian and international regulatory framework, as well as being former Chief of Staff to the Ontario health minister. He was also an early member of Ontario’s cannabis legalization steering committee.
“I’m cautiously optimistic that on a two to four year time horizon we’ll be able to see the regulatory environment evolve to something that’s a little bit more reasonable and that empowers the legal market, and gives the legal market the tools that it really needs to push back against illicit sales in this country,” said Khan.
Khan noted he was pleased this week to see Quebec set a minimum price per gram of $4.60, directly tying that decision to an effort to combat the illicit market.
“I think that will help,” he observed.
Oct. 17, 2019 welcomed in the second wave of legalization which paves the way for cannabis edibles, topicals and extracts to enter the legal space.
But Khan said “we’re not going to flip a switch” today and have infused products on shelves immediately. However, he said this milestone is a crucial step in helping to curb illegal sales.
“It’s going to take a minimum of 60 days and then the first wholesale shipment will probably not happen for 60 days, but we won’t actually see products on shelves probably until January or February. With that being said, it’s an important tool in combating the illicit market because roughly 10% of current consumers consume about 80% of all cannabis sales in this country.
“I suspect the vast majority of that 10% are still purchasing at least partially from the illicit market. I think part of the reason for that is the legal market just hasn’t had the product variety that they’ve come to expect. So for sure if in early 2020 these people are able to walk into a licensed establishment and purchase products in a manner that they are used to buying elsewhere that will definitely help in terms of government’s ability to combat the illicit market.”
Khan said he’s observed a “shift” in industry focus recently from farming or production to consumer-focused brands.
“It’s not to say that we won’t continue to have producers, or that the number of producers won’t continue to increase. I think it will,” he said, “although I think there will be some consolidation. But what we’ve started to see is an acknowledgement that perhaps not all producers know and understand consumers and consumer marketing. And not all consumer marketers understand production. So there might be some value in having people stick to their lanes so to speak.”
Khan said companies can create and develop a brand and target niche segments of the consumer markets without actually producing it.
“You can really purchase products from anyone as long as you give them the specs, so I suspect we’re going to see more and more of a trend towards that direction,” he said.
“In terms of consumers themselves, I’ll be very interested to see what the impact of infused products actually is. I don’t think we will see a large expansion of the overall cannabis consumer market. I think it’ll continue to grow incrementally. I think the biggest shift we will see – or the biggest potential shift we will see – is current consumers who are purchasing these same products from the illicit product start to gradually shift over to the legal market.
“It’ll happen over time.”
Khan noted the data shows that the size of the cannabis consumer market hasn’t grown exponentially in the last year. He said the market opportunity for producers and brands is discovering how to “pull those regular consumers” to the legal space.
When it comes to the investment side of the industry, Khan said there was also a lot of “euphoria” last year.
But he said, there’s been a market correction as of late.
“At the end of the day, this industry is going to continue to grow and it is continuing to grow,” Khan said. “What savvy investors have figured out, and quite rightly so, is that in an industry as nascent as this there’s likely to be a lot of market consolidation in the coming years. So the key is going to be to try and find those companies those producers or those CPG-branded companies that are making the smart business decisions.
“For me, one of those smarts business decisions is to not keep your eyes set on Canada,” he added. “So what are the international markets where medical cannabis is currently allowed? What are the international markets that are likely to move to approve medical cannabis. The bright shiny ball right now is recreational sales. But let’s be honest most countries aren’t going to legalize recreational sales anytime soon, other than perhaps maybe New Zealand in the next few days, but on the medical side it’s a completely different ball game. In Germany patients can access medical cannabis through pharmacies and it’s covered under their national pharmacare plan that and that alone is a market of 75 million people.”
Obviously, another crucial indicator is how quickly companies are projected to move toward profitability.
“Very few of our federally licensed producers are profitable,” he said. “Part of that is because of the slow roll-out of retail stores in Ontario and Quebec and B.C., the three biggest provinces in the country. That will start to improve as more and more retail licenses are granted in those bigger provinces.”


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Today is Y Combinator Demo Day, and I’ve compiled a list of Y Combinator startups from the current batch who have officially launched (27 of 47) and ranked them using the same methodology as this month’s YC Index. It is extremely early days for these companies, this can give you a sense of who is getting attention and seeing early growth and we will use this as a benchmark for them in the index going forward. I will update this post as new companies are launched throughout the day.
The companies highlighted in orange would have made it into the top 100 of the Y Combinator Index released for March. All companies will be included in the April index.
I post this with the caveat that web traffic rarely tells the full story for any company. We have done our best to also factor in Facebook monthly active users and mobile app rankings, but for enterprise and developer tools companies the amount of website traffic they receive can be disproportionately low compared to how much money they make.


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Zimbabwe to lift South African ban on potato chips
The ban triggered angry demonstrations, some of them violent, by cross-border traders.
Industry Minister Mike Bimha says the ban, imposed last June, had achieved its purpose.
State media is reporting that the minister told a meeting of government officials and industry leaders the ban had cut the import bill and boosted local industry.
The ban on things like body lotion, potato crisps and building materials was opposed by many who survive on importing goods for resale. ■


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Popular Japanese male idol group Arashi makes the fans excited with the announcement of the new album release in October!
The boy band has recently released their new single ‘Ai wo Sakebe’ on 2nd September, and the new album ‘Japonism’ is now also on the way! The release date is set to 21st October, and the album will include such singles as ‘Sakura’ and ‘Aozora no Shita, Kimi no Tonari’ along with the members’ solo songs.
The album will have three versions: Limited Edition with a DVD, Regular Edition with four bonus tracks and Yoikoto Edition with a cover of Shounentai‘s “Nihon Yoitoko Maka Fushigi” and members’ talk tracks.
Let’s wait for the release of Arashi’s ‘Japonism’, and see what they have prepared this time!


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Ankit Parasher will proceed to be part of LetsTransport within the capability of a board member and shareholder
Salt is a banking answer for SME, particularly for firms that deal in a number of sectors and currencies
LetsTransport counts Fosun RZ Capital, Bertelsmann India, Mitsubishi Corp as traders
Bengaluru-based tech-enabled logistics market LetsTransport cofounder Ankit Parasher has determined to exit from the corporate and launch Poziom Ventures that may function a fintech platform known as Salt. Parasher, nonetheless, will proceed to be part of LetsTransport within the capability of a board member and shareholder.
Highlighting that fintech is sector agnostic, Parasher in an interplay with Inc42 stated, “All startups are fintech at core, though they do not present themselves like that. Even if you say that LetsTransport is a logistics company, it’s still there is a lot of financing and technology that goes into building the platform.”
The IIT Kharagpur graduate says his resolution to launch a fintech startup was taken solely after brainstorming a number of ideas and enterprise models. He added that his studying curve started and grew with LetsTransport.
In April, two months after finishing his exit from LetsTransport in February, he lastly zeroed down on Salt. Parasher stated Salt is a banking answer for small and medium enterprises (SME), particularly for firms that deal in a number of sectors and a number of currencies. Parasher couldn’t share a lot particulars in regards to the enterprise model as the corporate remains to be in an early stage.
He stated plans are on the anvil to increase enterprise exterior India by subsequent 12 months, and is actively searching for inventors to kick off its first spherical. The corporate at the moment employs 5 folks, and can be hiring extra throughout verticals as the corporate grows.
Parasher had based LetsTransport in 2015, together with Pushkar Singh and Sudarshan Ravi. The 2 cofounders will proceed to be part of the corporate. “A few months back, my cofounders and I came to an understanding that I want to work on something out of LetsTransport and have been very supportive of this decision. We all are still close friends, and we will remain the same way our whole lives,” Parasher stated in a LinkedIn put up.
LetsTransport facilitates inter-city aggregation of mini vans and huge automobiles for sectors corresponding to retail, FMCG, ecommerce throughout B2B and B2C. It additionally supplies intra-city logistics options for on a regular basis errands like shifting homes, shopping for furnishings, electronics amongst different issues. Clients can e book a truck utilizing the corporate’s on-line platform.
The corporate has raised $20 Mn funding until date from main traders like Fosun RZ Capital, Bertelsmann India Investments, Mitsubishi Company and others. LetsTransport is now investing in geographical and technological enlargement and integrating know-how so as to add extra shoppers and for scaling up the corporate’s operations.


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Intel Ignite Tel Aviv appoints Alon Leibovich as Managing Director
“His experience, in addition to Alon's mentoring personality, makes him an ideal program managing director,” says Tzahi Weisfeld, Intel's Vice President and GM of Intel Ignite
Intel Ignite, Intel’s startup growth program, has announced that it has appointed Alon Leibovich as Managing Director of its Tel Aviv-based program. Leibovich joins after serving as Co-Founder and CEO of SaaS marketing analytics firm BrandTotal and will replace its former Managing Director Ranny Nachmias.
"Having wrapped up a successful Founder and CEO experience, coupled with being both a psychologist and having leadership development experience as an officer, provides me with a unique perspective on the world,” Leibovich said. “I am excited to be a part of Intel Ignite because I know how beneficial this program is for the entrepreneurs who participate. I consider myself fortunate to have left a dent on the industry I operated in, and thus feel obligated to share the lessons, insights and mistakes I made along the way with the brilliant entrepreneurs we get to work with in the program. I remember how helpful a program like this was to me when I was in their shoes, so I am delighted to pay it forward and give back to the entrepreneurial ecosystem."
Leibovich will be bringing more than 10 years of experience to the role, including the ability to lead and develop products in their early stages, identify Product Market Fit, and develop a go-to-market strategy in order to scale a business. He was CEO of BrandTotal for six years, which raised tens of millions of dollars from investors and oversaw its global expansion. Before that, he worked as a strategic planner and management consultant at McCann Tel Aviv, where he developed communication and marketing strategies for brands.
"Alon is an experienced founding CEO, he went through many ups and downs along the way, as expected of most entrepreneurs - from significant fundraising from leading funds, managing a board of directors, creating a product and a global company, to business and legal matters involving technology,” added Tzahi Weisfeld, Intel's Vice President and GM of Intel Ignite. “His experience, in addition to Alon's mentoring personality, makes him an ideal program managing director. I am happy on behalf of Intel and on behalf of the Israeli ecosystem that Alon agreed to take on such a significant role and look forward to watching ground-breaking companies work with Intel as part of Ignite under Alon's direction."
Intel Ignite is a global 12-week program where 10 startups are selected in each region to operate. Each startup receives a package of services from both Intel and industry experts, as well as gain access to technology and business leaders in the global ecosystem. To date, 60 startups in Israel and 30 startups in Europe have participants in Intel Ignite’s growth program, including Classiq, Deci, and Granulate.


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The latest Apple financials revealed a 16 percent YoY drop in iPhone sales, and the company seems to be looking at new markets such as India and China to overcome this slowdown. However, one of its plans to increase sales in India has now been rejected by the country's government.
Apple traditionally relies on carrier partnerships to sell its devices at subsidized rates in most countries. In India, this system is non-existent and consumers buy their devices unlocked from retail stores. The company is handicapped here, as the latest iPhone range costs upwards of $800 and even the cheaper iPhone SE is priced at around $525 in the country. As a result, the iPhone market share in the world's second largest smartphone market is reported to be just two percent.
To boost sales in such a situation, Apple was planning to introduce refurbished devices in the country. It has now been reported that the company has failed to secure permission from the Indian government to import and sell refurbished devices in the country. The report also mentions that local manufacturers protested against the company's plan, as it could increase the inflow of used goods in the country and defeat the government's "Make in India" program.
Apple is getting closer to launching its retail stores in India. However, failure to find a solution to its pricing problem could continue to hinder its growth in the price-sensitive market.


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It’s official: Haus has returned.
Beverage company The Naked Market recently acquired Haus for an undisclosed amount, according to a company press release. The aperitif brand, known for its low-alcohol offerings and minimalistic bottle design, was shuttered last summer following funding struggles.
“They built an iconic brand, and that’s incredibly hard to do in food and beverage,” The Naked Market CEO and co-founder Harrison Fugman told VinePair, praising the work of original founding duo Helena Price Hambrecht and Woody Hambrecht. “When the opportunity came to integrate this powerhouse of a brand they built, it got us excited.”
Haus, originally based in Sonoma Valley, Calif., launched directly to consumers in 2019. In August 2022, the company announced it would be shutting down after Constellation Brands pulled $10 million in Series A funding, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Haus relaunches today with three core expressions from its original lineup: Citrus Flower, Pomegranate Rosemary, and Grapefruit Jalapeño. The low-ABV aperitifs — technically classified as vermouth — will initially be available online. According to the release, the Naked Market will also “take Haus into new categories within the food and beverage space” by utilizing its existing distribution network. Sonoma winemaker Micah Wirth joins the company to lead research and development.
“We were both independent customers of the brand,” said COO and co-founder Alex Kost told VinePair of himself and Fugman. “We knew that we wanted the brand to continue the community it had created. We knew that within our overarching company, it would continue to succeed.”


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Apple will be focusing more on artificial intelligence, says CEO Tim Cook.
“It [artificial intelligence] is a major focus of ours. It’s incredible in terms of how it can enrich customers’ lives. We see enormous potential in this space to affect virtually everything we do. It will affect every product and service we have,” elaborates Cook.
He further clarified that AI incorporation would also pervade several other company sectors.
His observation seconds what is already evident. AI has progressed as one of the most impactful technological trends in the recent past.
Interestingly, a few of Apple’s services already incorporate AI, such as the new crash warning tool for the iPhone and Apple Watch and the ECG feature on the Apple Watch that allows users to record their heartbeat and rhythm.
Additionally, the company plans to open another facility in Japan that would focus more on AI. This would be the first-of-its-kind facility outside the U.S. by Apple.
The announcement about incorporating more AI in its core practices makes sense with respect to its current status. AI is the next technology that can optimize the wide range of products and solutions Apple.
AI has always been an area of interest for the tech giant.


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Highlight Reels in Fantasy Football Picks and Public Companies…”BOOM!”
As pre-games have wrapped up, the official start to football season is just around the corner (tonight) which either ignites some sort of excitement inside of you or evokes an immediate eyeroll. While the “super-fan die hards” are organizing their jersey collection, there’s another group of people called degenerates. These people are picking out their line ups for the 6 fantasy football leagues they intend to blow their third quarter bonus on. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that most who partake in educated gambling aka equity investing, are also fantasy football fanatics aka seasoned professional degenerates. If this sounds like you, kill two bets with one read as we highlight some fantasy picks and stocks.
Aaron Rogers, QB (NYJ)
One recent “big deal” that football fans have been talking about is Quarterback Aaron Rogers who was traded to the New York Jets from the Green Bay Packers, a team he had played with for 17 years. Imagine being stuck in Wisconsin for 17 years to finally leave and you end up playing for the Jets. It’s like finally getting to travel on the company dime and they send you to Omaha. (Insert Peyton Manning joke here). We don’t know if you pick him or not, just know he’s no longer a cheesehead.
Speaking of Jets, Boeing (BA) along with Aviation Capital Group LLC (ACG) announced this week that the airplane lessor has finalized an order for 13 737 MAX jets, increasing the lessor’s order book to 47 737 MAXs. Boeing is currently trading up ~11% YTD.
Austin Ekeler, RB (LAC)
If this guy is still around when your time to pick approaches, snag ‘em. He’s electric with 731.5 fantasy points across his last two campaigns. No one else compares. Also, he’s the only RB to finish in the top 10 in fantasy scoring, in each of the last two years. Keep in mind that despite having a stud RB, the Chargers lacked energy by having the third-worst rushing offense in the league, last season. Hopefully, their new offensive coordinator Moore, can ignite some play.
EVgo Inc. (EVGO) recently announced the debut of an Alexa-enabled EV charging experience with Amazon (AMZN). Drivers can now ask Alexa to help them navigate to the closest EV charging station. EVgo is becoming one of the nation’s largest public fast charging networks in the EV space. While EVgo is trading down ~5% YTD, Amazon is trading up ~57%.
Damien Harris, RB (BUF)
Buffalo is having a tough go of things this pre-season as it relates to injuries. Harris missed the August 19th game due to a knee injury and is considered day to day. It’s tough starting off the pre-season being the “hot pick-up” to quickly being the guy no one takes. We’d say it’s comparable to being recommended as a “Buy” from Mad Money’s, Jim Cramer.
Bills fans who are looking for their next table to jump through during tailgating may want to check out Bassett Furniture Industries (BSET) who recently announced their preliminary financial results. Net sales for the quarter came in at $87M, 26% lower than the corresponding period in 2022. It’s likely this will result in a net operating loss. However, the company is expected to report positive operating cash flow and a cash and short-term investment balance in excess of $65M. On September 28th the company plans to issue its final press release before the open. The company has traded down ~10% YTD.
Michael Mayer, TE (LAS)
Despite being one letter short from sharing a name with a Halloween serial killer this rookie tight end has been a part of recent fantasy chatter as he was picked up by the Las Vegas Raiders, in the second round. Mayer hails from Notre Dame leading in all-time receptions for the Fighting Irish. Not to brag, but he also graduated ND without ever having been Catfished. 10 years later and it’s still funny….
If you have no friends and still want to join a fantasy pool, Draft Kings (DKNG) is the place to go. In a recent announcement, Golden Nugget online gaming who is powered by Draft Kings has announced its launch of online and mobile casino in Pennsylvania making it easier than going to Vegas to lose all of your money. If you prefer to make money, you may want to consider the stock as its traded up ~174% YTD.
Pick em, drop em, buy em, short em…. We don’t judge here, just don’t show up in face paint.
Company Business Descriptions:
Boeing Co (BA) is a renowned global aerospace company with a storied history dating back over a century. As one of the world’s largest and most influential aerospace manufacturers, Boeing is at the forefront of innovation in the aviation and aerospace industries.
EVgo, Inc. (EVGO) is a prominent and innovative company operating in the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure sector. Founded in 2010, EVgo has become a leading provider of fast-charging solutions, playing a vital role in facilitating the adoption of electric vehicles and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) is a global technology and e-commerce powerhouse that was founded in 1994. It has evolved into one of the world’s largest and most influential companies, with a diverse range of businesses and services.
Bassett Furniture Industries (BSET) is a well-established American company with a rich history dating back to 1902. As a leading manufacturer and retailer of home furnishings, Bassett Furniture has built a reputation for quality, craftsmanship, and personalized design. The company also embraces digital innovation, offering online tools and virtual design consultations to make the shopping experience even more convenient and accessible to a broader audience.
DraftKings Inc. (DKNG) is a sports technology and entertainment company founded in 2012. It has become a major player in the rapidly growing industry of daily fantasy sports and sports betting. At its core, DraftKings offers an online platform where sports enthusiasts can engage in daily fantasy sports contests across various professional sports leagues, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more.


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PlayMonster joins Mojo Pitch 2024
Inventors will be able to pitch concepts to PlayMonster at this year’s Mojo Pitch.
Forming part of this year’s Play Creators Festival, the live Mojo Pitch event will take place on Thursday, June 27th at London’s Stamford Bridge Stadium.
PlayMonster will also be involved in the Virtual Mojo Pitch event, taking place digitally across July 9th, 10th and 11th.
Both the live and virtual Mojo Pitch events will welcome inventors, invention studios and design agencies as they pitch new toy and game concepts to a range of companies, each on the lookout for new products.
“PlayMonster can’t wait to come out and play at the Mojo Pitch 2024 – of course we’ll make plenty of time to see those newsworthy, break through ideas from the inventor community!” said Dianne Lauble, Director of Inventor Relations at PlayMonster.
“We’ll be looking for concepts to grow our powerhouse licenses as well as our homegrown brands. As much as we look forward to seeing what inventors have been cooking up, we look forward to the rare magic that happens when we meet face to face and rally around our valuable, creative, important world of play. “
If you’re an inventor, invention house or design agency that would like book in a meeting with PlayMonster at this year’s Mojo Pitch, email Mojo’s Billy Langsworthy on firstname.lastname@example.org.
To stay in the loop with the latest news, interviews and features from the world of toy and game design, sign up to our weekly newsletter here


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Citi Trends (NASDAQ:CTRN – Get Rating) issued an update on its FY 2022 earnings guidance on Tuesday morning. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of $4.050-$4.600 for the period. The company issued revenue guidance of -.Citi Trends also updated its Q1 2022 guidance to $0.150-$0.400 EPS.
Shares of CTRN opened at $31.70 on Tuesday. The company’s 50 day moving average is $37.73. Citi Trends has a 52 week low of $27.59 and a 52 week high of $111.44. The stock has a market capitalization of $269.45 million, a P/E ratio of 4.68 and a beta of 2.08.
Citi Trends (NASDAQ:CTRN – Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, March 15th. The company reported $1.16 EPS for the quarter, beating the Zacks’ consensus estimate of $1.09 by $0.07. Citi Trends had a net margin of 6.28% and a return on equity of 46.72%. The firm had revenue of $240.97 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $241.80 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.81 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Citi Trends will post 4.45 EPS for the current year.
Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of CTRN. Morgan Stanley lifted its stake in shares of Citi Trends by 120.5% in the third quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 93,034 shares of the company’s stock worth $6,786,000 after buying an additional 50,839 shares during the last quarter. Marshall Wace LLP lifted its stake in shares of Citi Trends by 167.1% in the fourth quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 79,135 shares of the company’s stock worth $7,499,000 after buying an additional 49,510 shares during the last quarter. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC raised its stake in Citi Trends by 399.8% during the 4th quarter. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC now owns 22,295 shares of the company’s stock valued at $2,112,000 after purchasing an additional 17,834 shares during the last quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN raised its stake in Citi Trends by 174.6% during the 4th quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 24,390 shares of the company’s stock valued at $2,311,000 after purchasing an additional 15,508 shares during the last quarter. Finally, UBS Group AG raised its stake in Citi Trends by 18.7% during the 3rd quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 28,883 shares of the company’s stock valued at $2,107,000 after purchasing an additional 4,546 shares during the last quarter.
Citi Trends Company Profile (Get Rating)
Citi Trends, Inc operates as a value-priced retailer of fashion apparel, accessories, and home goods. The company offers apparel, such as fashion sportswear and footwear for men and ladies, as well as kids, including newborns, infants, toddlers, boys, and girls; sleepwear, lingerie, and scrubs for ladies; and kids uniforms and accessories.
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Latest Kroger Stories
HOUSTON, April 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As the 41st anniversary of Earth Day approaches, Kroger Southwest, which consists of 208 stores in Texas and Louisiana, continues to make progress toward reducing greater amounts of waste and conserving more energy by implementing green practices and following a three-step approach: Educate, Maintain and Invest.
Walmartâ€™s Great Value private-label brand was the most recognizable among consumers in panel research study Louisville, CO (PRWEB) April 12, 2011 Consumers prefer certain private-label products over others, and some do not even know they are purchasing private-label brands, according to a new study by Market Force Information, the worldâ€™s leading customer intelligence solutions company.
PORTLAND, Ore., April 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Fred Meyer Jewelers, the third largest fine jewelry retailer in the U.S., is proud to announce it has achieved certification under the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) Certification System.
BALA CYNWYD, Pa., April 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Skinny Nutritional Corp.
HOUSTON, April 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning April 13, 2011, Kroger customers in the Greater Houston area will be able to save up to $1 per gallon at 68 Kroger Fuel Centers through the grocer's new fuel accumulation program.
CINCINNATI, April 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced new details of its progress on seafood sustainability and the next phase of its partnership with World Wildlife Fund (WWF), a leading global conservation organization.
CINCINNATI, April 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) notified its customers today that there has been a breach of the database that stores customers' names and email addresses only.
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa., March 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Turkey Hill Dairy, maker of the nation's fourth largest-selling premium ice cream and top-selling refrigerated iced tea, has announced it will now receive a quarter of its annual electricity needs from the new wind turbine power project at neighboring Frey Farm on Turkey Hill along the banks of the Susquehanna River.
LOS ANGELES, Feb.
CINCINNATI, Feb. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) and the USO are expanding their partnership with a new campaign to support men and women in the armed forces and their families. As part of the Daytona 500 celebration on Sunday, Feb.
- A volcanic mudflow.


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It only takes one text to put hundreds of millions of phones at risk. Learn about the Stagefright bug and how it puts your digital life on the line.
Alerts & Outbreaks [Mar, 4, 2015]
A massive HTTPS vulnerability called “FREAK” existed for over a decade but was only discovered recently. Millions of Android and Apple users are affected.


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The world’s largest hotel company, Marriott International, Inc. (MAR - Free Report) recently unveiled its first Marriott Hotel in Rwanda, bringing the brand to sub-Saharan Africa for the first time in its nearly ninety years of history.
The hotel, situated in Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali has 254 rooms and is among the country’s biggest and most luxurious properties. Kigali’s reputation as a hub for conferences and conventions will be further enhanced by the hotel’s world-class meeting spaces and modern amenities, thereby attracting both leisure and business travelers.
The company believes that Rwanda is going through an economic transformation and there is much to gain by being part of it. As reported by the World Travel & Tourism Council, Rwanda’s travel and tourism industry generated 7.1% of the country’s GDP last year and is predicted to rise at 4.1% annually through 2025.
The company has tried to render a large-scale positive impact on the entire community in Kigali via the sustainable approach it has taken in the staffing and supply of the hotel. The initiatives include partnering with community-based organizations like the Akilah Institute for Women to recruit and train Rwandan women for supervisory positions in the hotel.
The Kigali Marriott has also partnered with the Women for Women International and the Relationship Coffee Institute, to equip women with skills required for hotel jobs and to supply the hotel with goods such as baskets, honey and cheese. Moreover, the Kigali Marriott Question Café serves locally sourced coffee, while the hotel is incorporating an array of local goods in its retail store and menus.
All of these initiatives help reduce the company’s carbon footprint and elevate it on the Corporate Social Responsibility scale.
MARRIOTT INTL-A Price
Marriott International Outlook
The Kigali Marriott opened a little over a week after Marriott completed its acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, which ultimately led to the creation of the world's largest hotel company. Marriott is currently operating or franchising more than 5,700 properties and 1.1 million rooms, in over 110 countries. With the completion of the acquisition, Marriott's distribution more than doubled in the Middle East and Africa combined.
Meanwhile, with the boost in the economy and an improvement in business and leisure travel, Marriott is well poised to grow in the near as well as long term. The company’s significant international exposure and an aggressive buyback strategy add to the positives. Further, its investments in technology for hotel bookings would improve guest experience, which in turn should boost occupancy.
However, lingering political uncertainty in key international markets and significant currency headwinds might restrict revenue growth.
Zacks Rank and Other stocks to consider
Marriott currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Better-ranked hotel stocks include China Lodging Group, Limited (HTHT - Free Report) , Intrawest Resorts Holdings, Inc. and Peak Resorts, Inc. (SKIS - Free Report) . While China Lodging sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Intrawest Resorts and Peak Resorts are currently Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) companies. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
China Lodging has recorded an average positive earnings surprise of 54.3% over the past four quarters, with a beat in each. Additionally, its growth estimate for the full year 2016 is pegged at 65.7% compared with the industry average of 21.7%.
Intrawest Resorts has received three upward revisions over the last 30 days as against zero downward revisions. Moreover, over the last 30 days its current year earnings estimates also increased from 28 cents to 60 cents.
Peak Resorts’ growth estimate for the full year 2016 is pegged at 200% compared with the industry average of 21.7%. Moreover, it has received three upward revisions over the last 30 days as against zero downward revisions.
Confidential from Zacks
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The supplement being studied is Anatara’s Gastrointestinal Re-Programming complementary medicine (GaRP), which is a bromelain formulation derived from pineapple.
Anatara is currently recruiting 200 patients for phase 1/2 randomised, double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial across Australia for an eight week study.
Microba’s gut microbiome analysis platform will compare pre-treatment and post-treatment specimens to assess the effectiveness of GaRP for IBS-D patients.
The condition is a subset of IBS with symptoms such as higher diarrhoea frequency and abdominal pain. There is no definitive cure for IBS-D.
IBS-D is complex to treat and is often managed through diets such as the low FODMAP diet, medications, supplements or psychological interventions such as gut-directed hypnotherapy.
However, current pharmaceutical treatments have high failure rates and severe side-effects, leading to more than half of patients trying complementary and alternative medicines in the hope of managing their chronic bowel condition.
The findings of this study will help address unmet needs for treatment option for sufferers of IBS-D, which still lack evidence.
The GaRP supplement has been demonstrated through in-vivo and in-vitro studies to manage symptoms from IBD and IBS.
The sequencing method that Microba uses is metagenomics, which helps overcome the previous bottleneck of older sequencing methods. It has the ability to see the whole microbiome as opposed to the previous 29% other methods were able to access.
Microba has a lead program in IBD, with therapeutic leads in pre-clinical models, and is looking to recruit human subjects for a phase 1 clinical trial in 2022.
It also has another program in immuno-oncology neoadjuvant therapy.
Most recently, it announced a partnership with Illumina, a gene sequencing company to work on projects ranging from Parkinson's disease, depression, autism, cardiovascular disease to oncology.
“We'll be accelerating the discovery of microbiome biomarkers, and the translation of these insights into innovations that will improve healthcare, that will no doubt involve research institutes, pharma and biotech companies, and multinational food and nutrition companies,” Dr Luke Holtham Reid, Microba’s company president told NutraIngredients-Asia.
As this work evolves, the partnership will see the development of novel nutraceutical and functional food products.
“The next generation of microbiome-targeted products will have a strong evidence base from reliable data and will also become more personalised as we learn more about how individuals respond to treatments in different ways.”
“The key thing is that even diseases that have already been heavily investigated and published, we can expect new studies to be performed using our platform because when we have the Illumina sequencing matched with our meta genomics platform, so we can measure 25% more of the microbiome than other platforms.”
According to Reid, the partnership with Illumina will mainly focus on clients in the APAC region.
“Australia is our home base, so we would like to support our local research, but opening this up formally to other regions within the APAC area is a natural fit for us to get this technology out to everyone.”
Key regions of interest to the company are India, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, New Zealand, and South Korea.
Microba has already partnered with several functional food and probiotic innovation companies to research, develop and commercialise products.
Earlier this year, it recently announced a partnership with Unilever to study the impact of the gut microbiome and sleep quality.
“The ultimate goal is to develop new consumer health products that would improve sleep quality,” Reid said.
Microba currently has an ongoing project with the University of Queensland, exploring treatments for Parkinson’s disease as well as studying faecal microbiome transplants (FMT) to treat depression with the Food and Mood Centre.


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Clothing rental startup Wardrobe expands nationwide
Sep 8, 2020
Wardrobe, a relatively new clothing rental company, has launched across the U.S. after a New York City beta test that it had been operating since November 2019.
The clothing rental startup functions on a peer-to-peer basis, allowing renters to browse the closets of hundreds of users willing to rent out their clothing. All orders are picked up through "Wardrobe Hubs," which are dry cleaners that the company has partnered with. Wardrobe's system allows individuals to earn money on their unworn clothing, and helps bring business to local dry cleaners.
Users who choose to rent out their clothing lend items to Wardrobe for 120-day consignment cycles.
Wardrobe's platform has allowed over 50 thousand dollars worth of designer fashion to be rented out in the New York market, with several lenders earning over 1,000 dollars.
The company's website does not yet state which markets will now have access to Wardrobe rentals.


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eSports seem to be the new opportunity in the gaming sector and the Italian regulator already put in place the relevant regulations.
According to a report issued by Superdata Research the global eSports market is worth $748 million in 2015 and will reach $1.9 billion by 2018. North America and Europe make up a combined 52% of the market as they continue to rapidly invest in the space while Asia approaches stagnation after a long fascination with eSports.
Click here to view chart.
As showed in this chart, the eSports market has a number of drivers that make its dinamics more difficult to interpret and since the global eSports audience is 134 million strong and growing the market is very attractive.
Given the potential winnings in cash in eSports tournaments, the Italian gaming regulator decided to put in place a regulatory environment that would ensure adequate protections to players and at the same time would consider eSports as a kind of “soft” game waiving some regulatory obligations.
Since the participation to the game requires payments in cash and participants can win prizes in cash, the companies offering online eSports tournaments, bets and fantasy games shall hold an online gaming license. eSports tournaments are considered a subcategory of skill games named “pure games” and can, among others, rely on
- a simplified certification of the platform and
- the possibility to update the game without performing a new certification prior to the annual re-certification process.
The liberalization of the Italian sportsbetting market does not prevent per se to offer bets on eSports events. However, it is likely that the Italian gaming regulator will assess each type eSports game depending on its features.
Indeed, it is not possible to offer bets on events that are against the public morality and decency. Therefore, while no issue might arise for bets on sport-related eSports, the Italian gaming regulator might thoroughly review “cruel” games to assess whether or not bets on such games can be offered.
eSports fantasy games
I have already discussed about fantasy sports and the same rules apply to eSports fantasy games. This is a market that is rapidly growing and the regulations are already in place.
Do you have an online gaming license?
As mentioned above the online offering of eSports tournaments, betting and fantasy games requires to hold an Italian online gaming license. And the good news is that 120 online gaming licenses will be available in 2016.


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What makes you sweat
The essential conflict in golf is against nature, a solitary person drilling a small ball across the manicured environment.
Given Rick Zurak’s dedication to the game, it should come as no surprise that he basically works alone.
Zurak, 56, has grown his Lancaster-based retail business over 12 years by finding a unique margin: purchasing cheap, closeout merchandise, which allows him to sell it to tournaments and individuals at low cost.
Rick Zurak’s Golf Warehouse, on Transit Road, is open from mid-April to the end of October. He spends the winter attending major golf shows in other cities, where he sets up a tent and sells his merchandise.
Zurak said his freedom from corporate structure allows him to offer people deals, with discounts increasing as they buy more. This strategy has been key to retaining annual customers.
“I take care of the people who take care of me,” he said.
The former Channel 7 sports reporter dedicated himself full-time to publishing a local golf magazine from 1993 to 2001. While doing that, he sought advertisers at golf shows in such places as Pittsburgh and Cleveland, which spurred his interest in the merchandising business.
In 2001, Zurak flew to the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando and walked each step of its 15 miles of vendors seeking cheap merchandise to buy, and then started renting out his own space at trade shows. At the same time, he started doing tent sales in Buffalo. His current spot at Transit Road and Genesee Street came up for rent, and with its big lawn for trying out golf gear, it was a perfect fit. The rest is history.
“Since then, every year has been an increase in sales,” said Zurak, who declined to release his company’s net profit.
Dan Miner is Business First's enterprise reporter. He also covers education and public companies.
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That figure represents a membership increase of about 38 percent over a year ago, when CIRP estimated the number of Prime members at 58 million. About 60 percent of all U.S. Amazon shoppers are now Prime members, according to the study.
CIRP found that Prime members spend almost twice as much as non-Prime customers on an annual basis — $1,300 versus $700.
For years, Prime has been an annual subscription program, with a current price of $99 per year. But last year Amazon introduced a monthly subscription plan at a cost of $10.99 as well as a standalone subscription for just its Prime Video service. CIRP estimates that about 26 percent of Prime members have opted for the monthly plan.
“The monthly payment plan proved attractive, even thought it costs more than the annual plan,” said Josh Lowitz, partner and co-founder of CIRP. “We think that the monthly membership option appeals to the later Prime adopters, with a smaller, potentially temporary commitment, that ultimately yields a long term commitment. With smaller dollar, single month decisions, the new plan winds up helping with retention rates, which already average 85 percent for a member renewing after their first year.”
Prime is one of the main “pillars” of Amazon’s business. The online retail giant continuously adds new perks for members to induce more customers to sign up. The annual spending delta between Prime and non-Prime shoppers shows why Amazon is putting so much effort into adding more subscribers.
Amazon doesn’t publicly disclose the official number of Prime members, but Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos has said membership is in the “tens of millions” range. To get its estimates, CIRP did a survey of 500 Amazon shoppers and examined metrics such as subscription revenue.


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Borrowing intentions are high for SMEs to seize opportunities
Australia’s reopening is leading to a surge of credit demand, with more than one in three small businesses requiring access to an average of $46,000 to take hold of an opportunity as the nation bounces back to recover in time for holiday season.
New research conducted by RFi Group over October 2021, commissioned by Prospa, offers insight into the funding needs of SMEs over the next 6 to 12 months as business and economic confidence rises with the lifting of restrictions.
The research found 37% of SMEs require access to funds, with an increase to 56% for businesses that have traded between two to five years. The amount required also increases from an average of $46,000 to $58,000 for SMEs that have traded for less than 5 years.
For majority of businesses the top reasons additional funds are required is to purchase tools, equipment, or machinery, restock on inventory, or invest in digital software. The survey reinforces the importance of capital, with 87% respondents noting opportunities may be missed without access to funds.
Roberto Sanz, National Sales Manager at Prospa, said:
“Cities are bustling as restrictions relax and small businesses want to seize the opportunity of economic uplift and end of year trade. However, the journey to recovery for small businesses comes with the need for credit to restock and retool.
“Access to funds should be fast, and not met by delays, to keep your business moving. I encourage small businesses to explore alternative lenders like Prospa that can offer access to funds in 24 hours to ensure this time tomorrow your business can get organised to recover and thrive.”
To learn more about Prospa’s business funding products and solutions please visit www.prospa.com.au
For further information, please contact [email protected].
RFi Group research, commissioned by Prospa, surveyed 396 Australian small medium businesses in October 2021.
How brokers can help small businesses at EOFY (and beyond)
Roberto Sanz, National Sales Manager at Prospa, joins Annie Kane on the latest episode of The Adviser’s In Focus podcast.
Sustainable growth: why it matters more than scaling up
Prospa’s Chief Revenue Officer and Co-Founder, Beau Bertoli recently spoke 2GB Money News on the importance of sustainable growth for small businesses, scaling up and responsible risk.


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No other government on the planet has welcomed digital currencies as warmly as the Isle of.These formed the core of entrepreneurs who would later introduce Bitcoin to the island.Ireland might learn as the Isle of Man positions itself as the new bitcoin.
Isle of Man Official Announces Permissive ICO RegulationsNewly incorporated Isle of Man Bitcoin company Garigus Limited, announces founding shareholders paid their shares in Bitcoin, an element qualified as a key milestone.
Isle of Man Regulator Seeks Rule Change to Ease Bitcoin Gambling.With the rise of digital and virtual currencies, Bitcoin as a major example leading into this post, regulation and controls to protect consumers and operators are.Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission proposes six policy changes, including allowing online licensees to accept Bitcoin deposits.
Nick Williamson, an American entrepreneur who decided to settle in the Isle, launched a startup called Pythia.
Bitnation Offers Refugees Bitcoin Debit Cards - NEWSThe Bitcoin Cash Network Continues to Grow With an Ambitious Roadmap.Kirby has travelled to the Isle of Man and met the relevant government authorities.On Bitcoin Isle. ethereum blockchain exchange facebook govern government group initial invest law lawyer media network offering.The Isle of Man was set to be the biggest bitcoin hub in the.A statement said that although support from the government is very.The Isle of Man is considering making changes to its gambling regulations that will see service providers accept Bitcoin same as cash.
Isle of Man to Make Gambling Regulations Bitcoin FriendlyThe Isle of Man Opens its Doors to Bitcoin and. currency and in line with this approach the Government are currently developing a new and wide.
CoinCorner launched as the first Bitcoin exchange on the Isle of Man. The Isle of Man Government amended the Proceeds of Crime Act 2008,.Credits is also currently building a federated KYC system with Isle of Man government. Bitnation Offers Refugees Bitcoin Debit Cards Cryptocurrency Talk.No other government on the planet has welcomed digital currencies as warmly as the Isle of Man.Position: Business Development Manager, Isle of Man government.
Isle of Man Government Head of Digital Business Brian Donegan about.Bitcoin Island and Its Cryptocurrency Gambling Isle of Man is a self-governing British Crown dependency, also termed the Bitcoin island.
Jersey group in campaign to create 'Bitcoin Isle' - BBC NewsDigital currencies have received a ringing endorsement from the government of the Isle of Man.The crown dependency has announced it will be taking specific.
Isle of Man firm to launch 250 mln-pound Dubai property
The government is seeking to make the island one of the most important hubs for Bitcoin.The island has a history with embracing emerging technological innovations, such as satellites and cellular service.Isle of Man Company, Garigus Limited, Incorporates: Founding Shareholders Pay in Bitcoin. 14 October 2014.
thoughts on #opendata #opengov #openbanking #bitcoin #
Isle of Man Blockchain proof of concept project : Bitcoin
The Isle of Man Opens its Doors to Bitcoin andThe Isle of Man government is currently investigating ways of regulating the virtual cash system.
Bitcoin Knowledge Podcast – Learn about blockchain andThe Isle of Man government is researching and developing blockchain technology to create synergy with the Internet of Things IoT concepts.The Isle of Man wants to become a leading Bitcoin hub and attract digital fintech businesses, entrepreneurs and developers, Business Insider reports.Get all the latest Bitcoin business tips and information straight to your Inbox that will help you.Bitcoin Knowledge Podcast. the true value of miners, securing your bitcoin through the.
The Isle of Man, a tiny, Celtic island between the west coast of England and Northern Ireland, is soon to pass legislation that its government hopes will help it.Isle of Man firm to launch 250 million-pound Dubai property priced in bitcoin.Bitcoin has managed to hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons - but the Isle of Man has embraced the prodigal son and is trying to take it mainstream.


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Disclaimer: The Industry Talk section features insights by crypto industry players and is not a part of the editorial content of Cryptonews.com.
The cryptocurrency market is down today by 4%, with its total cap declining to $1.03 trillion in the past 24 hours. This level represents a 2.8% drop in a week but a 4.8% rise in a month, as the market continues to wrestle with ongoing macroeconomic issues and a long-term downturn.
However, while the market as a whole may be down, some coins are either up or are showing some real short-term promise. This article collects them in a list of the best cryptos to buy today.
Dash 2 Trade (D2T)
Currently holding its presale, Dash 2 Trade (D2T) is an Ethereum-based trading intelligence platform that will launch in the first quarter of 2023. Its dashboard will provide beginner and experienced traders alike with real-time analytics and social trading data, enabling them to make more informed investment decisions.
Having begun nearly three weeks ago, its sale has already raised an impressive $5.6 million, with 1 D2T currently costing 0.0513 USDT. This price will rise again — to 0.0533 USDT — once the sale enters its third stage.
Promisingly, the Dash 2 Trade Twitter account has already attracted over 45,000 followers, having opened only in September. This provides a hint at how popular the platform could become once it launches, and with its team already being responsible for the Learn2Trade forex intelligence platform, it certainly has a good pedigree behind it.
On top of this, it has already confirmed its first exchange listing, with LBANK Exchange. This will help its early investors secure a good return in the not-too distant future.
Visit Dash 2 Trade
VET is currently up by 1% in the past 24 hours, at $0.02594816. This price also represents an 8% increase in the last seven days, as well as 13% rise in a month.
VET’s chart reveals some very strong technical indicators. Its relative strength index (purple) has risen to nearly 70 in the past few days, having been under 40 as recently as the end of last month.
Likewise, its 30-day moving average (red) has begun rising towards its 200-day average (blue). This suggests it will soon overtake the longer term average, something which could signal a breakout.
Turning to VeChain’s fundamentals, the VeChain Foundation has confirmed that its planned hard fork has been approved by a community vote. This is the main reason why it has been rallying in the past day or so, with the date for this fork and the resulting mainnet upgrade due set at November 17.
This upgrade is bullish for VET largely because it will see VeChain move to a new and improved proof-of-authority consensus mechanism. Dubbed PoA 2.0, this will allow for greater scalability.
Expect VET to continue rallying until November 17, if not beyond.
IMPT is a new Ethereum-based platform that will provide a decentralized marketplace for carbon credits, while it will also enable users to earn such credits by shopping with a wide range of partnering retailers that support green intitiatives. Its primary aim is to inject more transparency into the marketplace for carbon offsets, which has been wracked by opaqueness and fraud up until now.
Having begun at the start of October, IMPT’s presale has now raised just over $12.5 million. This total has been achieved largely because IMPT’s fundamentals make it attractive to the growing numbers of ESG investors throughout the globe.
In particular, IMPT’s platform enables consumers to shop via a network of “thousands” of retail brands, all of which contribute a percentage of their sales to environmental causes and initiatives. Accordingly, users will be able to support eco-friendly activities and projects simply by shopping online, with the Impact Project currently explaining that it has signed up more than 25,000 affiliate brands, an impressive number for a new platform.
IMPT will provide consumers with its native IMPT tokens as a reward for eco-friendly shopping, which can then be used to purchase NFT-based carbon credits. Such credits can be sold on the platform’s marketplace, or they can be retired, improving a user’s carbon score.
Either way, the tokenization of carbon credits promises to make them more transparent, since the use of the Ethereum blockchain means they can be traced. Its this premise that has enabled IMPT to raise so much money so quickly, and it’s likely it will carry forward this momentum once it receives its first exchange listings.
At $8.72, LINK has risen by 6% in the past 24 hours, as well as by 11% in the past week. In fact, it’s up by 26% in the last 14 days and by 17% in the last 30, making it one of the best-performing top-100 coins right now.
LINK’s RSI has risen to nearly 70 in the past few days, indicating some very strong momentum that could continue (since the RSI isn’t in the overbought range yet). At the same time, its 30-day average is about to overtake its 200-day, signalling a sustained rally.
A big reason why LINK is rallying is that Chainlink is preparing to launch staking on its network. Such a rollout will inevitably increase demand for the altcoin (since it will gain the ability to earn holders money), which is likely to continue posting gains all the way up to December, when staking is due.
Other than that, Chainlink remains a highly promising network that functions to provide other blockchains (and their smart contracts) with reliable data. Most notably, it partnered in September with major payment network SWIFT on a cross-chain interoperability protocol.
Another promising new Ethereum-based platform, Calvaria (RIA) is a play-to-earn game that lets players earn and battle with NFT-based collectible cards. Interestingly, it aims to make itself accessible to wider a pool of potential players by enabling users to play it without having to hold any cryptocurrency.
The sale for its native RIA token began in October, and has already raised over $1.5 million. It has recently entered its fourth stage, with 1 USDT currently buying you 40 RIA, although this price will rise once stage five begins.
Within the Calvaria ecosystem, RIA will be used to purchase in-game items (e.g. the NFT-based cards) and also for staking, giving a wide range of utility. As a card game, Calvaria’s gameplay will be largely turn-based, with the alpha version of the game due in Q1 2023.
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Last week, Apple posted stronger-than-expected fiscal third-quarter results. The company’s top and bottom line were both better than analysts were expecting. Apple CEO Tim Cook and CFO Luca Maestri both offered bullish comments in the earnings call that solidified the Street’s approval of the quarterly update.
Daniel Sparks for The Motley Fool:
1. Apple expects accelerated growth
“Overall, we believe our year-over-year revenue growth will accelerate during the September quarter compared to the June quarter,” said Apple CFO Luca Maestri… Making the guidance even more impressive, it also includes some expected supply constraints. Though those supply constraints are expected to be lower than what Apple endured in fiscal Q3.
2. iPhone demand is strong
When asked whether the current macroeconomic environment is negatively impacting demand for its products, Apple CEO Tim Cook had an optimistic response, noting that there was “no obvious evidence of macroeconomic impact” to demand for iPhone.
3. Apple’s cash gives it options
Revealing it had a $179 billion position in cash and marketable securities at the end of its fiscal third quarter, with net cash of $60 billion, one analyst asked if Apple is considering any potentially accretive acquisition… “[W]e would buy something that is strategic for us,” Cook said. “To date, we have concentrated on smaller [intellectual property] and people acquisitions. But I wouldn’t rule anything out for the future, and obviously, we are constantly surveilling the market.”


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LAS VEGAS — Women’s activewear appears to be fighting off the effects of recession better than most sectors, and exhibitors at the the Super Show, which ended its three-day run at the Sands Expo & Convention Center here Jan. 22, aim to add...
LAS VEGAS — Women’s activewear appears to be fighting off the effects of recession better than most sectors, and exhibitors at the the Super Show, which ended its three-day run at the Sands Expo & Convention Center here Jan. 22, aim to add more punch by offering a strong combination of performance and fashion.
Conventional wisdom on the show floor held that activewear is a relatively small investment for women and too much an integral part of their lives to suffer much of a setback from economic jitters.
John Riddle, president and chief executive officer of show producer Sporting Goods Manufacturing Association, pointed to research by The NPD Group stating that sports apparel, representing 21 percent of all apparel, has been doing well or better than the apparel industry as a whole over the past four years.
"We can thank women for that," said Riddle, noting women spent 1.9 percent more on sports apparel in 2001 than the prior year. At the same time, women’s activewear has been more resistant to discounting, a practice that’s sent total activewear sales declining 2.3 percent in 2001 versus 2000, though 3 percent more units were sold in that same time frame.
Companies such as Champion, Everlast and Under Armour have stepped up to the plate by offering technologically advanced fabrics. Goods with wicking capabilities or that keep moisture away from the body "[are] just the price of entry," said Heather Stefani, vice president of marketing at Champion.
To up the ante for fall, the Winston-Salem, N.C.-based company patented "friction-free" yarn for jog bras and tights to prevent chafing under arms and in the thigh area caused by running.
Fall fabrics at New Balance incorporate breathability, wicking and UV-protective coatings and weave to reduce ultraviolet radiation, or "aging and burning rays" of the sun.
But the merchandise has to be cute, too. About 80 percent of women don’t buy sports clothing just for exercise, according to NPD figures. They wear activewear at home, on the weekends, shopping, traveling or going to work.
So, New Balance’s heretofore boxy styles are being shaped and molded to the female form. Current samples include tight, low-waisted and flared yoga pants, capris and zip-up hoodies, including some with retro stripes. Nancy Desrosiers, New Balance’s apparel product manager, said total apparel sales (including men’s) for the company are on track to grow from $30 million in 2002 to $49 million in 2004."We’re seeing that basics as a rule are not retailing as fast as fashion," said Dottie Dye, Russell Athletic’s director of women’s merchandise.
The Alexander City, Ala.-based brand has a cotton and spandex blend designed to dry sweat four times faster than cotton, but the brand’s velour tracksuit has had just as strong sell-throughs, she said.
Everlast’s Serenity line features zip-front crewneck jackets, yoga pants with a sash at the waist, and a mock-wrap plunging V-neck top, all of which caters to the après exercise crowd, as well.
George Horowitz, chief executive officer of the New York-based manufacturer, said the women’s segment has had double-digit increases in the last year, but lamented not getting more space at department stores.
"So many fashion houses are using active product in their lines," he said. "Why don’t they get it from us where it’s real?"
At Sunday’s financial day, the show’s curtain-raiser, top sporting goods merchants outlined their plans to woo both sexes, expansion strategies and the need to continue to update the looks of their stores.
Several were keeping an eye on mass marketers and discounters. Hibbitt Sporting Goods almost always chooses strip malls with Wal-Mart stores to capture a greater share of foot traffic.
"Wal-Mart is our ally, not our enemy," said Mickey Newsome, ceo of the Birmingham, Ala.-based 356-unit retailer, noting that the store generally signs short leases to follow the giant wherever it goes. "Wal-Mart can change everything by moving to the other side of town."
Gart Sports, with 181 stores under the Gart Sports, Sportmart and Oshman’s nameplates, plans to acquire Kmart real estate from closed stores to put an additional 15 stores in existing markets.
"Kmart is going to give us market share," said ceo Doug Morton of the Denver-based chain. Buoyed by "real solid double-digit increases" in apparel, Gart will also put more funds to branded and private label apparel. Apparel is a growing segment for the retailer, now accounting for 26 percent of revenue, while other segments such as footwear declined in the year.Marty Hanaka, ceo of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Sports Authority, said the chain is on track to add seven stores to the 204-unit portfolio in 2003. Stores are getting better signage, lighting and fixtures, as well as concept shops and a full-service footwear department.
"Only 53 of the 204 stores have the new look," Hanaka said, adding that securing better brands and private label in apparel, accounting for 20 percent of the business, is another focus. "You have to have the right stuff."
My character, Dinah Madani, is just the coolest, [most] badass woman imaginable," says @amberroserevah. The actress stars in @marvel's newest series on @netflix, @thepunisher. To prepare for her role, Revah sat down with Homeland agents to get a real sense of with Dinah's day-to-day life is really like. Read our full interview on WWD.com. #wwdeye (📷: @jilliansollazzo)
A scene from the 91st annual @macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. The parade, which boasts 50 million TV viewers and 3.5 million on-site spectators, is considered one of the largest and most watched parades in the world. (📷: Jason Szenes/EPA-REX)
The circus came to @bloomingdales 59th Street on Tuesday night and lit up Lexington Avenue with acrobatic dancers, death-defying knife throwing, sword swallowing and aerial acts with no net. The 45 minutes of theatrics built up to unveiling the holiday windows depicting @swarovski crystal-encrusted circus pieces and scenes from “The Greatest Showman” – songs from the soundtrack included. See the rest of the photos on WWD.com #wwdfashion (📷: Joshua Scott)
The psychedelic fashion that pervaded the ’60s is back with an exhibit at the @museumofcityny. “Mode New York: Fashion Takes a Trip” chronicles the changing styles from 1960 through 1973 and features designers such as @ysl, @oscardelarenta and more. The exhibition, which is on display through April 1, is organized into four periods: First Lady Fasion, Youthquake, New Bohemia and New Nonchalance. Pictured here is model Pat Bardonella during the Garvey Day Parade in 1968. (📷: @kwamebphoto) #wwdeye #wwdfashion
“People should be a lot more honest in expressing both the dark and light of themselves. We need to give each other the space to do that because it’s the only way we can grow and evolve,” says @noelwells of her new film “Mr. Roosevelt,” which is largely based on her own struggles. Unexpectedly leaving @nbcsnl in 2014 after just one season, Wells felt set back in her self-esteem and career trajectory. She quickly refocused her energy to more personal projects, which led to the completion of “Mr. Roosevelt.” Read the rest of WWD’s interview with the “Master of None” actress on WWD.com #wwdeye (📷: @jilliansollazzo)
@barbrastreisand is giving fans a chance to see her perform up close in a new concert series, which makes its debut on @Netflix today. From behind-the-scenes takes to her concert performance in Miami last December, the two-hour streaming special captures Streisand in her element. Pictured here is the singer/actress photographed for WWD in 1963. (📷: Palmieri Tony) #wwdeye #wwdarchive
@chanel and @pharrell dropped what’s being dubbed as the world’s most exclusive sneakers yesterday. The Adidas Originals NMD Hu, which Williams designed in collaboration with Chanel and @adidasoriginals, has a waiting list of over 120K people who pre-registered online at chanelatcolette.fr –– and only 500 pairs are on sale. The singer predicted the resale value of the shoes could reach $40K. Read the full interview on WWD.com. Link in bio. #wwdfashion (📷: Dominique Maître)
@imanshumpert is diving deeper into his creative endeavors and relaunching his clothing line, Post 90s, and is helping to raise money for the hurricane victims in St. Maarten with a jersey he’s designed with his brother. The Cleveland Cavaliers player talked to WWD about kneeling during the national anthem, working with fashion brands and how he wants to be more than an @nba player. Read the interview on WWD.com #wwdfashion (📷: George Chinese)


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Memory market: What awaits us in 2024?
Entering the fourth quarter of 2023, the memory market is witnessing extensive price growth DRAM i NAND Flash memory. This increase is associated with the gradual impact of company production cuts and sustained strong demand in certain market segments, and is expected to last during the first quarter of next year.
Analyzes show estimated price growth Mobile DRAM of 13-18% in the fourth quarter, while prices for eMMC and UFS NAND Flash are expected to increase by around 10-15%. Looking ahead to the first quarter of 2024, the overall upward trend in memory prices is predicted to continue.
Prices for Mobile DRAM and NAND Flash (eMMC, UFS) are expected to continue to grow, provided that companies maintain a conservative production strategy and supported by tangible consumer demand.
The memory market, emerging from a challenging phase, is not only experiencing price increases, but is also expected to gain momentum from various factors contributing to its recovery.
The increase in memory capacity in smartphones is driven by artificial intelligence
According to Wccftech reportsa significant trend in 2024 is an increase in the terminal artificial intelligence, now integrated into different chipsets like Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Dimensity 9300 i Exynos 2400. Smartphones with artificial intelligence require more memory, with the expectation that Android phones with built-in artificial intelligence will require a minimum of 20GB of RAM.
While 8GB of RAM remains standard for Android phones, there are now phones on the market that boast larger RAM capacities than most laptops or PCs, although this has not yet become commonplace.
Industry experts suggest that to run artificial intelligence smoothly in the future, Android phones would need at least 12GB of RAM. Considering the applications of artificial intelligence and other functions, the phones will require more than 20GB of RAM for flawless operation.
The memory market expects an increase in demand for DDR5 modules
Industry experts expect significant growth in demand in the DDR5 memory market, fueled by falling prices and continued improvement in company yields.
As a high-value DRAM, DDR5 continues to attract the attention of major players. Micron’s recent announcement of DDR5 memory based on 1β technology, with speeds up to 7200 MT/s, marks a move into the data and PC markets.
This year is considered to be “the year of massive adoption of DDR5.”
Recently, Micron also introduced 128GB DDR5 RDIMM memory using 32Gb chips. This series has speeds up to 8000 MT/s and is suitable for servers and workstations. Using Micron’s 1β technology, this series contributes to a 24% improvement in power efficiency and a 16% reduction in latency.
Furthermore, Micron plans to launch 4800 MT/s, 5600 MT/s, and 6400 MT/s models into the memory market in 2024, with an upcoming 8000 MT/s model in the future.
As for Samsung, it is said to be expanding its production DDR5 memory. Given the high value of DDR5 and its adoption in the PC and server markets, this year is considered the “year of large DDR5 adoption.”
Similar to DDR5, HBM, High Bandwidth Memory DRAM, has attracted considerable attention this year. Driven by the trend of artificial intelligence, the demand for HBM market has increased, which has led to the expansion of HBM production capacity.
TrendForce-this research indicates that the HBM surplus is expected to improve looking towards 2024, moving from -2.4% in 2023 to 0.6%. With the AI boom driving demand for AI chips in 2023 and 2024, companies are ramping up HBM capacity, expecting significant improvement in HBM supply in 2024.
In terms of specifications, with the rise in performance needs of AI chips, it is expected that HBM3 i HBM3e become the dominant election in 2024. Overall, with demand growth and higher average selling prices of HBM3 and HBM3e compared to older versions, significant growth in companies’ HBM revenue is expected in 2024.


text: Clarendon Hills officials appeared to embrace Monday allowing a distillery on Burlington Avenue which would produce and sell brandy and whiskey.Brandon Getchel and John Keeley propose opening the distillery in the vacant building at 211 Burlington Ave., which could also host tastings and a small-scale tavern.Village President Len Austin said he is impressed with what he heard.Brandon Getchel talks to the Clarendon Hills Village Board about the Tierra Distilling Co. distillery he and businesses partner John Keeley want to open.“It sounds great, exciting,” said Village Board member Carol Jorissen. “I’m hoping it moves to fruition.”Tierra Distilling Co. needs special use approval to open. The building has been vacant since a planned restaurant four years ago never materialized.If approved, Clarendon Hills would be the first distillery for Getchel and Keeley.“It started as a hobby for me, and I decided to make the leap to a distillery,” Getchel said. “It’s a little bit of a different take on home brewing of beer.”Getchel said they looked at several locations before deciding on Clarendon Hills.“We really looked all over, between Oak Park and Naperville and found something in Downers Grove that didn’t work out,” Getchel said. “We like the idea of being so close to the train."Keeley said they believe Tierra Distilling Co. will be a destination business, attracting many customers from outside Clarendon Hills.“We’ll rely on the fact that people will be searching for us. There are not a ton of distilleries in this area,” he said.Getchel said the plan is to start operations by producing and selling different brandies and whiskeys. He and Keeley project sales of about $178,000 in 2020, $277,000 in 2021 and $831,000 in 2022.They plan to offer tours of the distillery, along with regular tastings, retail sales, special events and the opportunity to come in for a drink between 2 and 10 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays.“It’s not a full-service bar,” Getchel said. “Our idea is to have our brandies and whiskeys available, along with limited local craft beers."


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Aug 3, 2023
Amazon rainforest: Deforestation in Brazil at six-year low
The rate of deforestation in Brazil's Amazon has dropped to its lowest in six years, space agency data suggests. In July of this year, 500 sq km of rainforest were cleared in Brazil - 66% less than in July of last year, national space agency Inpe said. The Amazon rainforest is a crucial buffer in the global fight against climate change and 60% of it is located in Brazil. The drop is substantive and makes for an impressive turnaround just days before an Amazon summit with leaders from countries that share the world's largest rainforest. The fines imposed in the first seven months of this year have topped $400m, a rise of almost 150%. Reversing the damage done in the Amazon remains challenging but the deforestation drop announced by Inpe on Thursday will send a reassuring message to the world that progress has been made in a relatively short time.
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South Africa’s continued having solid economic growth this past quarter. Economic growth unexpectedly accelerated to the fastest pace in a year in the first quarter as the lowest interest rates in three decades spurred manufacturers to restock to meet rising demand.
Economic growth in South Africa picked up more than expected in the first quarter, rising to 4.8%, compared with a revised quarterly figure of 4.5% in the fourth quarter of 2010, official data showed Tuesday.
The rate of growth in seasonally adjusted gross domestic product was above economists’ expectations of 4.2%.
The largest driver of the economic expansion in the first quarter was a strong improvement in manufacturing, which contributed 2.2 percentage points to the overall quarterly growth figure, Statistics South Africa said.
This was followed by growth in finance, real estate and business services, which contributed one percentage point to overall growth, and the wholesale, retail, motor trade and accommodation industry, which contributed 0.5 of a percentage point, the agency said.
By contrast, agriculture, forestry and fishing output fell 2.6%, largely as a result of the impact of floods earlier this year on field crops.
Manufacturing growth was led by a strong expansion in the production of gasoline, chemical products, rubber and plastic products, basic iron and steel, nonferrous metal products, metal products, machinery and furniture, the agency said.
Unadjusted real GDP rose 3.6% compared with the first quarter of 2010.
This is good news for the South African economy and investors. It shows once again that the county is on the right track economically and sound management of the economy is being exercised.


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Locu, a startup born out of Sir Tim Berners-Lee’s lab at MIT, has been working hard to create a vast database on local business information, using a combination of a web crawlers and human editors to gather menu, pricing and service data. Now, it’s opening up its data to developers and publishers with a new API that could help power more local search and information sites and apps, providing detailed real-time information that is currently hard to get at.
The move will further pit Locu against SinglePlatform, a New York-company recently bought by Constant Contact that helps businesses get their menu and business information on line. Locu started off helping businesses keep their menus current on various sites online using its MenuPlatform product. SinglePlatform also provides menu information for free on 500,000 storefronts using its free API.
But the larger goal for Locu has been to build a repository of local data that goes beyond menus to all kinds of local information. The idea is to get very detailed information about dishes and services, providing more information on descriptions and options. With that data, an app, for instance, could provide dietary information on a specific dish or could show all the customization options available for a specific product.
That requires Locu to make sense of a lot of unstructured data and organize it. To do that, Locu uses web crawlers to find information online and pairs that with machine learning algorithms to help classify and structure the data. But Locu also adds trained crowd-sourced workers to untangle the really difficult data sets and clean them up. It’s this approach that will allow Locu to offer a deeper set of real-time local data and that in turn will help power a lot more interesting apps and services, said Marc Piette, COO and co-founder of Locu.
“Application developers have great tools and cloud-based infrastructure but what they’re missing is data. There’s a lot of that data available online but it’s very hard to reach and extract,” Piette told me.
Locu is still building out its local database and has about half a million points of interest right now with almost that many price listings. Though it began with restaurants, Locu is adding more data on other local services businesses. The API will be free for developers up to a certain limit and then Locu will set up licensing agreements for heavy users.
Locu has raised about $4.6 million to date from General Catalyst Partners, Lowercase Capital, Lightbank and SV Angel. It has about 15 employees between Boston and San Francisco.
It will be interesting to see how developers and publishers take to Locu’s data. There’s a lot of information already available and search engines and local apps have been gathering this data themselves. But if Locu can deliver even more detailed stuff, it would be a nice addition to have for services like Yelp (s yelp), Google (s goog) or Foursquare. They can keep users engaged more by offering additional data without sending them to another service. And it can improve our local search experience by helping people find businesses around them that can fulfill specific needs. Locu’s data can also give rise to new apps and services that want to get creative with more granular information.