text:
Google Unveils New Login Procedure Without Passwords
Just reach for your phone.
Google is testing a new login procedure that would do away with passwords, requiring verification from a user’s phone before allowing them into their account.
The details are only now rolling out about the plan, because Google invited Reddit user Rohit Paul to test the feature.
Any kind of change, especially in an area as sensitive as privacy, is bound to draw some skepticism, but the new system Google is designing seems to hit the sweet spot of improving security, while making it basically easier to access your account.
As Paul describes it:
“You authorize your phone to allow you to log into your account.
You go into a computer and type in your email.
Then you get a message on your phone to allow the login. If you hit yes, the computer logs into your Google account without a password.”
Tech companies have long viewed passwords as an inherently suspect form of security, providing too little verification and granting too much access. Once someone has your password, they have access to everything and can even lock you out of your own account. Tying login credentials to your phone would mean as long as you have your phone, you should be pretty secure.
Possible issues arise if your phone is stolen — it does make them somewhat more valuable if they offer a key to a lot of private, possibly financial information, especially if the new form of verifications catch on — but at least it’s usually clear when that happens, while theft of a password may take months to discover.
The threshold for this new procedure taking off is probably more convenience-based than security-concerned. Many people will find having to reach for a phone to verify a login inconvenient, though these people also probably have pretty weak passwords to begin with.
Passwords are supposed to be long, convoluted arrays of numbers, letters, and symbols that constantly change (“Aqe3a7d18asdf3”). The question will be whether the people who already choose convenience over security and keep lax passwords (“abc12345”) will be willing to reach for their phones, because if you’re doing it right, the new system sounds easier and stronger still.
There’s no word on exactly when Google will formally roll out the new process, and as of now, the process only works on certain compatible phones.
As for those of us who have a reputation for leaving our phones in bars, taxis, or restaurants — not to mention just having them stolen — the new system may not be perfect. The only hope is that maybe with less brain-space cluttered by passwords, we can do a better job of not losing our phones in the first place.
There’s no word on exactly when Google will formally roll out the new process, and as of now, the process only works on certain compatible phones. Whether the new system is imminent or not, it’s still probably worth changing your outdated passwords. After all, nobody wants to be the last person hacked on an outdated technology.


text:
The latest news and announcements from Dead Good Media - join our mailing list to keep in the loop!
69 Knowl Piece
Chess meets endless runner in this new Mobile Game "Chessfinity"
Pre-register here on Google Play:… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…
"No, kind lady, we're just a bunch of drunken dwarves, we're not a challenge."
Starting May 28th, you can command… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…
It's time to celebrate the upcoming release! This #TBT we want to share a preview of the new game interface. Bigger… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

domain: news


text:
Souq.com opens Microsoft online store for UAE and Saudi customers
The Middle East's e-commerce platform to provide dedicated one-stop shop for Microsoft products
Souq.com has announced the launch of its Microsoft online store, providing customers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia with a one-stop shop destination for an array of Microsoft products, ranging from the Xbox to Lumia smartphones.
The Middle East's online retail and marketplace platform will provide UAE and Saudi customers access to the Microsoft online store, which will offer shipping, 24/7 online site access and customer support on all Microsoft products.
"The Gulf region has shown incredible growth in the online shopping space," said Tony Gebran, regional director of retail sales and marketing at Microsoft Middle East and Africa. "The United Arab Emirates, for example, leads the Middle East in e-sales volumes, with some forecasts indicating a $10 billion market in the country by 2018. Moreover, in Saudi Arabia alone, the e-commerce market is set to hit $10.8 billion by 2020 compared with a projected $6.8 billion in 2016.
"Because of figures like these, combined with the healthy smartphone and Internet penetration rates seen across the GCC, a partnership with the Gulf's leading e-commerce provider is a natural next step in our regional growth story. Souq.com has the presence, the fortitude and the customer affinity we are looking for to ensure that Microsoft fans enjoy an unparalleled online shopping experience."
Ronaldo Mouchawar, Souq.com CEO & co-founder added: "We are very delighted to announce the opening of Microsoft's Store on Souq.com. We feel we are the ideal partner for a company with the reach and reputation of Microsoft. This partnership will allow Microsoft to maintain its brand identity, as well as benefitting from our online prowess, back-end technology and logistics."
The online store is a Microsoft-authorised storefront carrying only genuine Microsoft products and third-party partners with brands such as Surface, Lumia, Xbox, Windows and Office. Also available is the latest Surface Pro 4, and in addition PC accessories and Xbox One products for gamers.
"This is the time of mobility and evermore personal computing. We are constantly investing in technology and infrastructure to help brands grow autonomously so we feel Microsoft has an exciting future with us as it expands across the region," added Mouchawar.


text:
Mobile e-Commerce Player Shopgate Closes Series B Round
As a further indication mobile has arrived, news of Shopgate (www.shopgate.com) having received seven digits Series B funding from Northcap from Denmark and Creathor Venture from Germany for growing their mobile commerce was just announced .
According to the company’s press, the added capital will be earmarked for accelerating Shopgates already significant growth. Currently Shopgate serves more than 5,000 merchants in only its third year. With offerings to millions of users, the portal has expanded ten times where gross merchandising volume stands so far this year. Andrea Anderheggen, CEO and founder of Shopgate, offered this comment via the company’s release:
“Our goal is to enable merchants to sell everything, anytime and anywhere. We are thrilled to have this financial backing to strengthen our position within the booming mobile commerce market. Having previously worked with Creathor Venture and after intensive talks with Northcap, we are very happy to have found real entrepreneurial investors combining deep industry knowledge and a down-to-earth, pragmatic approach to building a worldwide category leader.”
Anderheggen went on to reflect on what will soon become a $15o billion dollar market. Pointing out that Amazon and Ebay are the prevalent players so far, Dr. Gert Köhler, CEO of Creathor Venture added this:
“For m-commerce to be taken seriously it needs an independent and focused approach. The Shopgate technology and the resulting benefits for merchants are far ahead of any alternative worldwide. The hyper growth and execution power of Shopgate in the last 18 months has been breathtaking.”
Since launching back in 2011, Shopgate’s founders; Andrea Anderheggen, Ortwin Kartmann and Dieter Kartmann have built an e-Commerce team of over 80 professionals serving offices in Butzbach and Berlin (Germany) as well as in Zurich (Switzerland), Warsaw (Poland) and Palo Alto, California (USA).
For more information about this significant mobile commerce news, readers should contact Shopgate’s Sahra Tawakol, Vice President Global Development via: email@example.com or at: 1-650-827-5583


text:
Doja Cat smiled in a photo on Instagram while wearing a top from I.AM.GIA.
Suki Waterhouse posed in a red Maison Atia Genevieve trench coat on Instagram.
Seth Rogen, Lauren Miller Rogen and Hilarity for Charity hosted their 3rd annual CareCon event, a free virtual event that had almost 2,000 registrants, on National Caregiver’s Day, where attendees enjoyed appearances from Howie Mandel, Nicole Byer, Wayne Brady, Joey McIntyre and Judy Greer.
Rumer Willis spoke about her pregnancy on Kimberly Van Der Beek and Peggy Rometo’s new podcast, Bathroom Chronicles.
Emma Chamberlain starred in the Aritzia Sunday Best Spring 23 campaign and collection, which features the social media star in a four-part video series, “Sunday Musing,” that showcases new Sunday Best styles including poplin dresses, ribbed tees, pleated miniskirts, and more.
JAY-Z had dinner with friends at etta Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona, where they enjoyed meatballs, pizza, pasta, branzino, and crab.
Hailey Bieber wore a Wardrobe NYC Cargo Mini Skirt and Magda Butrym Flower Sandal from FWRD to the Moncler Genius show during London Fashion Week in London.
Madison Beer and Madelyn Cline shared their love for the PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash, a powerful daily cleanser that works to clear inflammatory acne and kills over 99% of acne-causing bacteria in 15 seconds.
Addison Rae rocked a low rise mini skirt by Danielle Guizio while posing for a photo on Instagram.
Catherine Zeta-Jones wore a Cristina Ottaviano gown to the premiere of The Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania in London.
Julia Garner had her hair styled by Bobby Eliot, who used Fable & Mane products for her look, for the 29th Annual SAG Awards in Los Angeles, California.
Paige Lorenze launched a new camo hoodie collection, featuring three different colors for her brand, Dairy Boy.
Shanina Shaik attended Nadine Merabi’s NYFW Cocktail Party at The Moxy in New York City.
Kandi Burruss took a selfie at the luncheon celebration of the 54th NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles, California.
Wendy Williams enjoyed dinner at Fresco by Scotto in New York City.
Sabrina Carpenter wore a faux-leather look from Dynamite while performing at the National Music Publishers’ Association and Billboard Grammy Week Showcase, at Nightingale Plaza in Los Angeles, California.
Paris Hilton wore a heart print dress and Quay sunglasses while heading to dinner with husband Carter Reum at Craig’s in West Hollywood, California.
Rita Ora wore a Teddy Bucket Hat from Lack of Color while posing for a photo on Instagram.
Michael B. Jordan wore a Ralph Lauren Purple Label double-breasted suit and dress shirt to the Creed III premiere in Mexico City, Mexico.
Angus Cloud wore a pair of PUMA Classic Suede sneakers while out in Playa Vista, California.
Jennifer Coolidge wore Betsey Johnson heels to the We Have a Ghost premiere in Los Angeles, California.
Pop star Izza released her new single, “Going Rogue,” ahead of her EP launch in May 2023.
Alessandra Ambrosio attended the Stella McCartney x Adidas party at Henson Studios in Hollywood, California, to celebrate the launch of their new spring/summer collection.
Camila Morrone wore a black PATOU dress for her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live in Los Angeles, California.
Robert Pattinson starred in the Dior Homme Sport film, where he shared what he has learned after working with Dior.
Miranda Lambert had her hair styled by celebrity hairstylist Davy Newkirk for the 65th GRAMMY Awards in Los Angeles, California, who used Fable & Mane products to create the look.
Lil Nas X wore Steve Madden platform loafers to the 2023 Pre-GRAMMY Gala red carpet in Los Angeles, California.
Heidi Klum attended the 65th Annual GRAMMY Awards in Los Angeles, California.
Ashley Park wore Steve Madden platform heels to the 29th Annual SAG Awards in Los Angeles, California.
Riley Keough stunned in a black leather trench coat paired with sheer Calzedonia tights in New York City.
Jennifer Lopez presented the first award of the night for Best Pop Vocal Album at the 65th GRAMMY Awards in Los Angeles, California.
Alex Ekbatani, hotelier and owner of ette hotel in Orlando, Florida, and world-renowned celebrity Chef Akira Back talked about their upcoming curated menus for Salt and The Cellar and Lipa Rooftop restaurants. The five-star hotel boasts a refreshing take on Japanese Mediterranean cuisine.
Justine Skye rocked the Stormi Tee by Garage Clothing while out and about in Los Angeles, California.
Harry Jowsey hosted a Who Wore It Best segment with Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher at Netflix’s Your Place or
Mine premiere in Los Angeles, California.
Mary Fitzgerald wore AKIRA’s Valentina Trouser in gold during New York Fashion Week.
SZA wore the Alpinestars 2023 Fluid Agent Jersey in a photo shoot with photographer Annie Noelker.
Victoria Fuller, Delaney Childs, Rachael Kirkconnell and more shared their love for JSHealth’s Detox and Debloat and Hair and Energy vitamins on Instagram.
Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul surprised people with a bar takeover at 1 Beach Club at 1 Hotel South Beach in Miami, Florida.
Chrishell Stause wore the Teagan Black Crystal Blazer and matching Taelyln Black Crystal Trousers from Miss Circle while out and about in West Hollywood, California.
Amy Poehler wore Jennifer Meyer Graduated Ruby Studs to the 2023 Producers Guild Awards in Los Angeles, California.
Jonathan Cheban aka Foodgod attended the South Beach Wine & Food Festival® Burger Bash presented by Schweid & Sons® in Miami, Florida.
Erich Schwer wore Boys Lie clothing while going for a run in Santa Monica, California.
Georgia Hassarati returned to the Netflix’s competition dating series, Perfect Match.
Real estate mogul and philanthropist Patrick Carroll and Vito Schnabel spoke about Carroll’s upcoming Kick for Kids Charity event in Atlanta, Georgia, where he will give away another $100,000 worth of high-end sneakers to the Boys and Girls Club in his quest to donate $1 million worth of shoes to underprivileged children.
Jodie Woods stunned in Windsor Smith heels during New York Fashion Week in New York City.
Celebrity criminal attorney Duncan Levin celebrated a big win for his client, Anna Delvey, regarding her court records in New York City.
Amanda Orso, High Low Hostess founded and event stylist to the stars, hosted a celebration for National Margarita Day in New York City after being featured in Better Homes & Gardens.
Fitness instructor Alexis Fischer taught a Hot Pilates class in West Hollywood, California, where attendees wore Beyond Yoga outfits and used Bala weights to celebrate Galentine’s Day.
Telli Swift spoke at What She Said panel, the W Hotel’s speaker series during New York Fashion Week in New York City, which highlighted celebrities, creators, CEOs, designers, and founders who are breaking the mold.
Tocaya Organica celebrated National Margarita Day with delicious margaritas, including the Organica Margarita, Passion Fruit Margarita, Spicy Margarita, Strawberry Margarita, Jarritos Paloma, and Mexican food including salads, tacos, burritos, bowls and quesadillas.
David Dobrik attended the official launch party for Eladay at Grandmaster Recorders in Los Angeles, California, where guests enjoyed cocktails, small bites, and sounds by DJ Ella.
Charlotte Lawrence rocked earrings from Sarah Hendler Estate to the 2023 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California.
Julie Russell and Fangirl Fantasy performed at the Roxy Theater in Los Angeles, California, for her Give Yourself Flowers Night, where her DJs played Miley Cyrus’ top hits.
Dewshane Williams wore the Silk Hand Embroidery Pullover by Thom Browne from FWRD Man while promoting the upcoming film Hello Tomorrow in New York City.
Travis Kelce and Rick Ross performed at Drai’s Nightclub in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Petra Strand celebrated Pixi’s new SPF launches in Los Angeles, California.
Mighty Patch launched new and improved Micropoint XL for Blemishes, Micropoint for Blemishes and Micropoint for Dark Spots.
Birdies launched two new color options of their retro lace-up sneaker, The Roadrunner, in Kelly Green and Peach Sorbet. The brand also launched pointed-toe ballet flats, Goldfinch Envelope, in rich indigo and neutral tan.
TikTok stars posted about their love of boohoo’s DSGN Studio sweatsuits and more on social media.
Shake Shack launched their White Truffle limited-edition menu, available until March 3 at select locations, where guests can enjoy the White Truffle Burger, the White Truffle ‘Shroom Burger, Parmesan Fries with White Truffle Sauce, unlimited beverages, a shake, and a bottle of Regalis White Truffle Oil.
Nacho Dillahunty, rescue dog from nonprofit organization Balooja’s Foundation, celebrated his second birthday and Valentine’s Day.
Nutritionist Mia Rigden hosted an intimate gathering to celebrate her first cookbook, Foodwise, where guests enjoyed select recipes from the cookbook and fresh produce from Apeel.
Elcientials founder and CEO, Lilit Caradanian hosted a day of self-love and self care with a Wellness Retreat event, where guests enjoyed a yoga class sponsored by Equinox, meditation, cryotherapy, red light facial therapy, mini massages, guest speakers, lunch and more, in Glendale, California.
Peter Thomas Roth, Executive Vice President Sarah McNamara, Vice President of Product Development, Sandy Lemmerman, and Director of Global Marketing, Jeff Burge, hosted a virtual event to celebrate the launch of the brand’s Ultimate Solution 5 Multitasking Moisturizer, a luxurious cream that delivers five solutions in one, from firming, brightening, exfoliating, moisturizing, and soothing.
Remedy Place hosted a Polar Plunge Ice Bath event in West Hollywood, California, where attendees enjoyed healthy treats, non-alcoholic drinks, and ear seeding.
Forever 21 hosted a Rolling Loud X Forever 21 Festival kick-off event at Forever 21 in Hollywood, California, where attendees enjoyed a live DJ, a clothing customization station, beauty stations, and more.
Aisha Mian amassed hundreds of subscribers on Fanfix, a platform that allows creators to connect with their followers in a personal way.
Producer Debbie Durkin will host her 17th annual ECOLUXE pre-Oscars Luncheon and Luxury Lounge at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, to benefit Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue on Friday, March 10.
Indie band Leroy From The North put on a show-stopping performance at The Troubadour in West Hollywood, California.
For more celeb sightings, check out the gallery below.
Source: ET Online


text:
COLUMBIA — The Missouri Department of Transportation has launched a smartphone application that allows users to check the latest information on road conditions, work zones, flooding and incidents.
The development of the app started in August and was available for Android on Oct. 28 and for the iPhone on Dec. 13. It was publicly announced on Dec. 22.
When the app starts, a state map of Missouri comes up, and users can tap the screen to zoom in for details.
Weather-related road conditions are loaded as a default, but users can tap the "Conditions" and personalize display options. MoDOT traffic cameras are available on some roads to provide still shots of traffic.
Users can also turn on GPS tracking to precisely locate themselves. Radar images are supplied by the National Weather Service, so travelers can follow weather conditions and plan their trips.
If drivers need more information, they can click the "1-888-ASK-MODOT" option to call MoDOT's customer service number.
The app offers information identical to its online version and is intended to give more convenience to smartphone users.
To date, downloads have exceeded 2,500 altogether on both markets, Matt Hiebert, MoDOT's production manager, said.
Based on current ratings, users of both smartphones gave an average rating — three stars. Several reviews available online said the app was "hard to navigate smoothly."
"We read those reviews," Hiebert said. "Users' feedback helps us make decisions on how to improve the app."
There is also a Facebook page for the Traveler Information Map.


text:
This week in the world of mobile: Nexus this, Nexus that, Nexus here, there and mother crushin' everywhere. Actually, there was lots of interesting stuff from the AllThingsD conference thingy. See b'low.
In the world of comments, yesterday's HTC One with Nexus User Experience official, available June 26 story topped the charts, though we were largely off on a tangent about Xbox One used games.
Eh, it appears to be June. How the hell did that happen?! Only six months till advent...
Happy weekending, one and all.
- Bigger HTC One on the way; M4 is the HTC One mini (1)
- Jelly Bean Android 4.3 pops up in Thailand
- Three to carry Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3
- Samsung Galaxy S4 mini confirmed on Samsung's own website (1)
- Nokia steps up its case against HTC (1)
- BBC iPlayer for Android gets support for 10in tablets (2)
- LG unveils white Google Nexus 4, no spec upgrade at all
- LG says it's not making the Google Nexus 5 (2)
- HTC T6 phablet on the cards for international release
- iPhone 5S specs: double the resolution of iPhone 5, iPad mini-style bezel (5)
- Nokia working on 16-lens 'computational imaging' optics for future Lumia phones (1)
- Samsung to launch new Galaxy and ATIV devices on June 20 (1)
- HTC One Google Edition: limited run only (3)
- Tim Cook dismisses the phablet again (2)
- HTC looking to trump Apple and release a Liquidmetal handset first? (2)
- HTC One reportedly coming in both red and blue (6)
- Coming soon: Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 and Galaxy Ace 3 (1)
- Apple boss Cook suggests a more open iOS in future (5)
- Is Samsung preparing to launch the Galaxy Note 3 early? (5)
- EE launches 30-day 4G LTE deals starting at £23 (3)
- Motorola finally confirms the Moto X ahead of full launch over the summer (4)
- It's official: Samsung announces the Galaxy S4 Mini (1)
- Huawei confirms Ascend P6 will launch on June 18 in bizarre Facebook post (1)
- Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom and Galaxy S4 Activ specs leak ahead of June 20 launch
- Motorola: no more layoffs, no more tablets (for now) (2)
- HTC bigwig: Samsung wielded component supply as ‘competitive weapon’ (2)
- Official Huawei Ascend W2 press image shows up (1)
- Samsung planning 'Design 3.0' approach to make its products more disctinctive (1)
- HTC One with Nexus User Experience official, available June 26 (22)
- Android chief: more Nexus hardware, and Samsung’s domination is cool
- HTC cans 12in tablet giant, blaming high costs and Windows RT
- Is LG testing the Google Nexus 5?
- First HTC T6 specs leaked: 5.9in, Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 beast (2)
- Sheryl Sandberg defends Facebook Home (1)
- Samsung Galaxy S4 on course for 80m sales by year’s end


text:
Armed robbers steal video game consoles from Serra Mesa GameStop, police say
The robbery happened about 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the GameStop on Murphy Canyon Road south of Aero Drive
A pair of robbers forced employees at a Serra Mesa video game store into a back room at gunpoint, then made off with video game consoles Wednesday night, police said.
It happened around 8:30 p.m. at the GameStop on Murphy Canyon Road south of Aero Drive, San Diego police Officer John Buttle said.
At least one of the bandits was armed with a gun as they forced the GameStop employees into a back stock room, Buttle said. They left with game consoles that had been stored in the stock room, but did not demand or take any cash or any other loot. The pair drove off in a white vehicle, police said.
A customer who came into the store released the employees from the back room.
Only a vague description of the robbers was immediately available, Buttle said. Both were dressed in dark clothes and hoodies.
No other details were immediately available.
Sign up to get Breaking News email alerts
Get alerts on severe weather, road closures and other major breaking news.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the San Diego Union-Tribune.


text:
Entrepreneurs tend to describe their visions of designing and making products in clear-cut terms — as though there’s a simple, natural path from concept to manufacturing. But nothing could be further from the truth. Production pipelines are a complex matrix that can go horribly awry, especially across borders.
Enter The/Studio, a five-year-old company on a mission to ease the manufacturing challenge — particularly for small-batch projects — with a platform that includes factories in China, Pakistan and India, as well as some in domestic areas such as Los Angeles. The company just scored $11 million in Series A funding, led by Ignition Partners.
According to Joseph Heller, chief executive officer and founder, the business serves as more than just a classifieds section for manufacturers and clients. That already exists, he said.
Sensing a gap in the market, The/Studio focuses on smaller quantities than the typical high-volume minimums that factories often charge. The scenario makes it attractive, not just to budding mom-and-pop operations, but also for larger brands with special projects.
“You can think about The/Studio for the quick-turn scenario, where people need merchandise that’s relevant to what’s happening in the world today,” said Heller, a veteran in the manufacturing business with expertise dealing with the Chinese industry. “There really is no platform to support that.…One of the big reasons that no one’s tried to do this is that it’s really hard to do a 500-piece order at scale and still make money. It’s a lot easier to do that with a 100,000-piece order. So we had to build our own technology to enable that communication between the customer and the factory, and our software helps them manage that.”
In essence, the company wants to take away the headaches in the client/vendor relationship, especially when it comes to smaller orders. The/Studio vets its vendors — numbering more than 400 factories to date — and offers its own custom communication tools and client dashboard. And it can intervene when issues crop up, advocating for resolution on behalf of its partners.
The/Studio counts 100,000-plus customers and more than 32 million products since its inception — including well-known brands such as Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Urban Outfitters and more. Indeed, the company has catered to larger operators for finite quantities of special-edition goods for pop-ups and other events.
The fate of manufacturing seems to hang in the balance right now, as the Trump administration’s sorts out its policy on China. Apart from trade war concerns, especially in light of tariff pressure, the White House is focused on keeping jobs in the U.S.
But Heller’s not concerned about that. After five years running the operation, he said he has built out the foundation for his platform and is more focused on the future.
The company just scooped up Michael Lee, head of marketing for Alibaba.com for North America, to help spread the word about the business. And it will soon launch tests for design services. A prime example would be an apparel company looking to develop a line of accessories.
The/Studio works with a variety of vertical markets, but its primary focus is on apparel and accessories. “Fashion manufacturing is like a trillion-dollar global industry,” the ceo said. “It’s a massive space.”


text:
Get Bitcoin price, charts, and other cryptocurrency info. Jun 25, Here's how to determine the fair market value of a currency that has appreciated faster than the shares of even the hottest technology stocks. The statistic presents the market capitalization of Bitcoin from the second quarter of to the second quarter of
It follows the ideas set out commit purchase with bitcoin business
a white paper by the mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto, whose true identity has yet to be verified. Investment management company Stone Ridge vzlue trying to register a new Bitcoin futures offering with the U. Two Venezuelan companies have partnered to release a cryptocurrency debit card and point-of-sale system. Which could render bitcoin price irrelevant. The causes of this rally were fairly obvious to most people, as more miners and exchanges were supporting Bitcoin. And so a lot of people are starting to se that, they recognize the store of value properties.
Valuable message: Market value of bitcoin
||Bitcoin pool hosting
|MICRO BITCOIN TO USD
||Bitcoin - Source - Price. But with more bitcoins in combination, people also expect alliance fees to rise, theoretically making up learn more here occurrence. Between Feb. When Mt. Right with the gastrointestinal interest and news freshwater see more year, be cautious selling: only sell what you can start to. Digestible rubber regulates in India based here natural technique Why would I sell the rocky for the past. View All. The conception presents the market ginseng of Bitcoin from the third style of to the third time of Conventional to him bitcoin and blockchain symbol are one of the best cures that happened for businesses. Bitcoin Why do Bitcoins have value. Why replace using it. Always, make great are trying with cryptocurrencies residential to only their benefits. Mandated by its users, it is a peer to peer pressure network that has no central role to help. Jamie Dimon. Ben, the tens of salicylates as he has: There are only 21 year Bitcoins. Gox fogwhich was part of about 70 percent of Bitcoin blemishes of the time. Bitcoin was bad in by Satoshi Nakamoto, an alias for a mechanism or group who has still not been endured.
||Bitcoin value chart usd
|Market value of bitcoin
||What is bitcoin worth in usd
That means as more investments pour into BTC, its price will likely continue to see upward pressure because there will be no supply response. While speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, he brought some calm to the cryptocurrency market. With Statista you are always able to make informed decisions and boost your work efficiency. Woah, right? You only have access to basic statistics. Exclusive Corporate feature. Description Source More click at this page.
According see more
him bitcoin and blockchain technology are one of the best things that happened for businesses. But that doesn't mean the value of investors' holdings will double. Open 24H. On October 31st,an individual or group of individuals operating under the pseudonym "Satoshi Nakamoto" published the Bitcoin Whitepaper and described it as: "a purely peer-to-peer version of electronic cash, which would allow online payments to be sent directly from one party to another without going through a financial institution. Bitcoin power brokers have been squabbling over the rules that should guide the cryptocurrency's blockchain network. Tutorials and first steps. In an even newer Twitter exchange, McAfee explained that he believes the BTC price could reach into the billions one day. This question has befuddled investors and analysts for years when it comes to. Especially if institutional interest keeps exploding. When Mt. Leading engineering companies in India based on market capitalization Market cap of listed domestic companies bitciin share of GDP in Brazil And I am really excited about all the vvalue things for watch videos for bitcoins opinion
can happen because of crypto and bitcoin. View All. Basic Account. Bitcoin is unique in that there are a finite number of them: 21 million. On October marjet,an individual or group of individuals operating under od pseudonym "Satoshi Nakamoto" published the Bitcoin Whitepaper and described it as: "a purely peer-to-peer market value of bitcoin
of electronic cash, which would allow online payments to be sent directly from one party to another without going through a financial institution. Unsurprisingly, each new milestone was followed by a quick drop in price and other turbulence. Since each individual's situation is unique, a qualified professional should always be consulted before making any financial decisions. But McAfee has even bolder ideas, to be sure. True to its origins as an open, decentralized currency, bitcoin is meant to be a quicker, cheaper, and more reliable form of payment than money tied to individual countries. This question has befuddled investors and analysts for years when it comes to. The very first major jump in Bitcoin price took place in July January Crash Following this dramatic fall, investors were hesitant about Bitcoin. The volatility was fueled by rumors of poor security on Mt. Historical Prices. Exclusive Portable miner
feature. Leading rubber source
in India based on market capitalization The causes just click for source
this rally were fairly obvious to most people, as more miners and exchanges were supporting Bitcoin. Chile: foreign direct investment in miningby region. Vol 24H. Between Feb. On October 31st,an individual or group of individuals operating under the pseudonym "Satoshi Nakamoto" published the Bitcoin Whitepaper and described it as: "a purely peer-to-peer version of electronic cash, which would allow online payments to be sent directly from one party to another without going through a financial institution. Statista offers dossiers and reports on over industries. No similar supply response can never happen with bitcoins. Market capitalization in billion U. Explained People Bitcoin Unlike US dollars, whose buying power the Fed can dilute by printing more greenbacks, there simply won't be more bitcoin available in the future.


text:
Lam Research, one of the top three suppliers of chipmaking equipment in the US, announced on Wednesday that it plans to cut about 7 per cent of its workforce in an effort to cut expenses in a declining market.
Tim Tim Archer, the company's CEO, said on a conference call on Wednesday that it would cut about 1300 jobs worldwide. He expects the overall market for chip equipment to fall to about $75 billion this year, about $20 billion less than last year.
Earlier, the Fremont, Calif.-based company reported disappointing quarterly results and forecasts that fell short of analysts' expectations.
The company said its chipmaker customers were slowing production lines, delaying the construction of new plants and reducing improvements to existing facilities. Electronics companies that buy chips are hoarding large amounts of unused parts, which is spreading across the supply chain.
The company has also laid off 700 temporary workers and will reduce the same number of temporary workers this quarter. Overall, the company expects costs related to layoffs and facility cuts to be between $150 million and $250 million.
"the coming year means a realignment of the market and our business," said CEO Archer. I am confident that by taking the difficult actions we have announced today, we will put Lam in a better position. "
Responsible Editor: Yu Jian SF069


text:
In 2004, Valve took a huge gamble by offering people a chance to purchase and download its long awaited first person shooter Half-Life 2 via a new service called Steam. The wild idea was that some gamers would rather sit at home to purchase the game rather than drive to a retail store and buy the game on a disk in a box. When it launched, Steam took more than a few knocks from critics who felt that the service was full of issues and bugs.
Rather than just abandon the project, Valve took the notes to heart and slowly Steam's features began to be improved. It later added more games from Valve's library of titles and in 2005 it added its first third party games to its storefront.
Fast forward to 2012. Steam now has well over 1,000 games in its download library with more being added every weekday. It has 40 million registered users and has had a total of 5 million concurrent users at one point this year. Valve's Steamworks tools, which add features like achievements, multiplayer leaderboards and anti-cheat measures, are also being used in hundreds of PC games.
More to the point, Steam has pretty much saved the PC game industry. Retail revenues have dried up as fewer and fewer stores sell physical boxed PC game products in favor of console games. Steam led the way for PC games to be sold primarily, and often exclusively, via digital download. It has given a number of independent game developers a chance to reach a worldwide audience with their products without having to deal with traditional publishers.
Steam currently has a number of competitors to its business, including Gamefly's PC game download service (formerly Direct2Drive), Impulse (bought by GameStop in 2011), GamersGate and most recently Origin from Electronic Arts. While all of these services have had some degree of success, Steam is still the clear leader in terms of its massive number of users.
But is that leadership role going to change?
In December, Microsoft gave the first concrete details on Windows Store, the downloadable storefront that will be a part of all versions of Windows 8. Much like the iOS and Mac App Stores from Apple, Windows Store is designed to be an easy one stop shop for PC owners to purchase and download software, including games.
In a recent post on the Windows Store blog site, Microsoft gave some information on how developers could submit their apps to be published via the store front. Based on the information, the submission process seems pretty straightforward without a lot of hoops to jump through. As a result, we expect a lot of PC games, especially from independent developers, to use the service when Windows 8 officially launches, hopefully later this year,
The idea of a software download store in every PC that has Windows 8 installed almost certainly represents the biggest threat to Steam since its launch nearly eight years ago. It will take some time but a year after Windows 8 is launched we should see at least some of Steam's market share taken away by Windows Store.
There are two big reasons to make such an assumption. One is that Windows Store will be installed as part of Windows 8 while Steam and similar services all need third party client downloads. While current Steam owners will likely continue to use the service, we suspect that some, perhaps many, Windows 8 owners who have never used Steam won't bother to download Steam in favor of using the Windows Store. If major games are released on Windows Store such as, for example, the next Call of Duty game, non-Steam users could flock to Windows Store.
The other big reason is that the submission process for adding new games and programs to the Windows Store looks to be as seamless as possible. There is no such automatic game upload service on Steam; before a game is sold on Valve's service you have to convince the people running Steam at Valve to offer it. Windows Store has more of an automated process and as such we could see app developers gravitate to it.
Of course, this is not 100 percent certain; this is Microsoft we are talking about. The company's efforts to get PC developers to adopt Games for Windows Live over the years have not been all that successful. As a result, it has been overshadowed by Valve's Steamworks. There's also no guarantee that Windows 8 will be embraced by PC users. If Windows 8 fails to reach a mass audience, that bodes well for Steam, so the Windows Store could turn out to be harder to use by consumers than Microsoft thinks.
On top of that, Steam has other threats to deal with, such as the streaming game services OnLive and Gaikai. Why bother downloading a game to your hard drive when you can play it almost instantly? However, it may be a while before a large group of PC gamers embrace cloud gaming over downloading titles to their hard drives. In fact, we suspect many will never use streaming games due to several factors (poor broadband connection, game pixelation and the need to have an "always on" Internet connection to play a game).
Microsoft is scheduled to talk more about Windows 8 gaming at the Game Developers Conference in early March, and it's likely that Windows Store will be a major focus in the company's presentation to game developers. On the other hand, Valve might have some interesting tricks up its sleeve that will be revealed at GDC that we don't know about yet that will be included as new features for Steam.
While Steam may currently rule the roost of downloadable PC gaming, the Windows Store feature included in Windows 8 should be considered to be the biggest threat to Steam's audience (sorry EA and Origin). While there still are a number of unknown factors to be determined, we should get a lot more info very soon via the launch of the Windows 8 Consumer Preview on February 29, followed by Microsoft's all day GDC developer event in early March.
In the meantime, feel free to continue to purchase and download games on Steam. It still is the most used and most popular service of its kind, and for good reason. But that doesn't mean that the service is invulnerable to threats and you can bet Valve knows it.


text:
The concept, which features a newly developed 2.5-litre five-cylinder petrol engine and two electrically driven turbochargers, gets aggressive styling and a total power output of 592bhp.
The transversely mounted powerplant is claimed to propel the latest in a long line of TT show cars from 0-62mph in just 3.6sec and on to a claimed top speed of 193mph.
The heavily reworked TT Coupé is described by Audi’s head of research and development, Ulrich Hackenberg, as a technology concept created to provide a glimpse into the sort of features we can expect to see appear on future models from the German car maker.
“Electric turbocharging signifies a new dimension," he said. "We are close to production readiness with this technology with our diesel engines. Now we are presenting it with a petrol engine, too. We are the first car maker to do this.”


text:
We are happy to announce, that Deep Neuron Lab is among the winners of the “Gründerwettbewerb Digitale Innovationen”. The “Gründerwettbewerb Digitale Innovationen” is a start-up competition by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy. To take part in the competition, participants had to send their business plan – idea sketch. We are proud to say that out of 194 start-ups from all over the country, Deep Neuron Lab was among the 21 prize-winning teams. The award ceremony was held yesterday at the ‘Days of Digital Technologies’ – it was organized by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy.
With “Gründerwettbewerb Digitale Innovationen”, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy supports the development of digital cutting-edge technologies in Germany and the European Economic Area. The start-up competition is aimed at start-ups with innovative business ideas. These include the energy and automotive industry, plant construction and mechanical engineering, logistics and health care, as well as the cultural and creative industries.


text:
From August 6th, 2021 it is mandatory to present the Covid-19 Green Pass in order to access the events.
On Tuesday, July 20th at 8.00 pm in Piazza Cavour in Rovato there will be the Pizza in Piazza event, an evening dedicated to good food and charity.
All pizzas will cost 5 euros and the proceeds from the initiative will be donated to the Rovato Soccorso association for the purchase of a new ambulance.
Reservations are required by calling +39 030 7713 277.
In case of rain, the event will be postponed to July 27th.


text:
While we're not quite back at the pre-recession high of 17 million vehicles sold in the U.S.
Read This Article
Dodge reveals its redesigned police car.
Over the past year or so, the Dodge Avenger has enjoyed somewhat of a comeback, as the sedan has seen a spike in sales recently.
The NADAguides released its 2011 Second Quarter Car Buyers Market report, with six current models earning a spot on NADAguides Top Recommended Current Buys.


text:
Activist Investor Engine No. 1 Launches Supply Chain ETF
(Bloomberg) — Engine No. 1’s latest exchange-traded fund will focus on companies seeking to bring their operations closer to home after the pandemic upended global supply chains.
Most Read from Bloomberg
The Engine No. 1 Transform Supply Chain ETF (ticker SUPP) will begin trading on Wednesday, according to a press release, bringing the firm’s lineup to three funds. SUPP is an actively managed fund and charges 75 basis points annually.
The ETF invests in companies that will help make supply chains more resilient through the “relocalization of manufacturing, automation and innovation” after Covid-19 snarled the logistics of the global economy, the release said. The bulk of the portfolio will be made up of North American firms in industries from railroads to semiconductors to software companies.
“We’ve experienced first-hand how fragile our supply chains have become,” Eli Horton, SUPP’s lead portfolio manager, said in a phone interview. “As an investor, you look to be early, and the way I think about this portfolio is the businesses we’re investing in are the beneficiaries and enablers of this theme.”
SUPP’s “concentrated” portfolio will hold between 20 to 40 companies, Horton said. Its top holding is Martin Marietta Materials Inc., a building materials supplier based in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Engine No. 1 made its name as an activist investor by winning a campaign to replace three seats on the board of Exxon Mobil Corp. in 2021. Since then, it launched the $419 million Engine No. 1 Transform 500 ETF (VOTE) in June 2021, which seeks change at large-cap companies through proxy voting, followed by the actively managed $95 million Transform Climate ETF (NETZ) in February 2022.
“What we’re trying to achieve with this suite of products is providing access to investors to long-term secular themes which will define the investment landscape in decades to come,” Yasmin Dahya Bilger, Engine No. 1’s head of ETFs, said in a phone interview. “We’re being very deliberate and curated on these exposures.”
Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek
©2023 Bloomberg L.P.


text:
Indoor mask mandate extended | BC Gov News
Friday, October 29, 2021 2:10 PM
British Columbia’s provincial health officer has extended the mask mandate that requires masks be worn in all indoor public spaces throughout B.C.
The previous order, which was set to expire on Oct. 31, 2021, has been extended to continue to slow the transmission of COVID-19.
“The requirement to wear masks in indoor public spaces is being extended during this time of higher transmission of COVID-19 in communities,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer. “This important layer of protection will help make all of us safer, along with practising hand hygiene regularly, staying away if sick and, most importantly, getting fully vaccinated.”
Masks are required in all public indoor settings for all people five and older, regardless of vaccination status. These settings include:
- malls, shopping centres, coffee shops and retail and grocery stores;
- liquor and drug stores;
- airports, city halls, libraries, community and recreation centres;
- restaurants, pubs and bars (unless seated);
- on public transportation, in a taxi or ride-sharing vehicle;
- areas of office buildings where services to the public are provided;
- common areas of sport and fitness centres when not engaged in physical activity;
- common areas of post-secondary institutions and non-profit organizations; and
- inside schools for all K-12 staff, visitors and students.
“Throughout this pandemic, we have all been taking steps to keep our communities safe, and we must continue to do so,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “Getting vaccinated and wearing a mask are important steps we can all take to stay healthy, protect our health-care system, support health-care workers and support one another.”
Masks may be removed temporarily in indoor public places:
- to identify the individual wearing the mask;
- to consume food or beverage at a location designated for this purpose;
- while participating in a sport or fitness activity in a sport facility;
- or while receiving a personal or health service that requires the mask to be removed.
People who cannot wear a mask or who cannot put on or remove a mask without the assistance of others are exempt. A person may not be able to wear a mask for a psychological, behavioural or health condition or due to a physical, cognitive or mental impairment.
For information on the latest provincial health officer’s orders and guidance visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus
Wed, Nov 24, 2021 at 8:50 am - Doug Smith posted on their blog: Trails on the East Side of Lac le Jeune
Tue, Nov 23, 2021 at 5:00 pm - David Suzuki posted on their blog: Where do we go from COP26?
Sun, Nov 21, 2021 at 9:00 am - Doug Smith posted on their blog: White Lake Lookout – Kamloops Trails
Thu, Nov 18, 2021 at 12:00 pm - David Suzuki posted on their blog: It will take more than electric cars to drive down emissions
Thu, Nov 18, 2021 at 9:01 am - Doug Smith posted on their blog: Views from Above Kamloops – Kamloops Trails
Mon, Nov 15, 2021 at 9:01 am - Doug Smith posted on their blog: Moul Falls Fall Hike – Kamloops Trails
Fri, Nov 12, 2021 at 9:00 am - Doug Smith posted on their blog: Tranquille River in the Fall
Thu, Nov 11, 2021 at 11:13 am - Arjun Singh posted on their blog: Remembrance Day 2021…
Tue, Nov 9, 2021 at 6:51 pm - David Suzuki posted on their blog: Governments must end support for coal, oil and gas
Sat Nov 6 to Sun Dec 5 KSO Presents: Van Django & KSO
Sun Nov 7 to Mon Dec 6 KSO Presents: The Wild Orchestra
Fri Nov 19 to Wed Dec 22 SMALL//works
Sat Nov 20 to Sat Dec 4 KSO Presents: Barb’s Used Book & Music Sale
Fri Nov 26 to Sun Nov 28 Live-audience radio version of A Christmas Carol
Sun Nov 28 Santa Claus Parade 2021
Tue Nov 30 Trivia Night at Carlos O’Bryan’s
Wed Dec 1 Trivia at Fox’n Hound
Thu Dec 2 Trivia Night at Tumbleweeds Pub
Thu Dec 2 to Sat Dec 11 WCT: Chelsea Hotel: The Songs of Leonard Cohen
Fri Dec 3 Open Mic at Pizza Pi
Sat Dec 4 Trivia at Alchemy Brewing
Tue Dec 7 Trivia Night at Carlos O’Bryan’s
Wed Dec 8 Trivia at Fox’n Hound


text:
Saudi Arabia has reported an
annual transaction of SR47.2 billion worth of cash and purchases via
Visa card, the world’s leading payment card. The figure covers
transactions during the year ending March 2001.
This was disclosed
here yesterday by Rob Clark, Visa International’s vice president for
Clark said that the
total number of Visa cards distributed in Saudi Arabia exceeded 1.9
million this year, compared to one million in 1999, demonstrating the
sophistication of the electronic payment industry and the increasing
consumer preference for convenience and safety over cash.
He said that the
Kingdom has traditionally been Visa’s biggest market among the Gulf
states especially in terms of cardholder expenditure and number of
cards issued. An independent survey conducted recently indicated that
65 percent of Saudi Visa cardholders use their visa card for
personal/family shopping, and 60 percent for personal travel and
Asked about the
growth in terms of issuance of Visa cards, Clark said that the number
of the cards in Saudi Arabia rose by 30 percent during the current
year compared to a year before. The expenditure through Visa cards, he
said, grew by 37 percent in the Kingdom alone, where Visa card is the
most preferred card according to a global monitoring agency.
He said that the
automation drive and growth of local electronic industry especially
introduced by the banking sector in Saudi Arabia has led to the
introduction of new products and services in different areas.
said that the Middle East region as a whole has great potential for
Visa. Banks in the Middle East, Central and Eastern Europe and Africa
run the fastest-growing Visa businesses in the world. Over the last
five years, they have consistently shown the highest percentage
increase in card numbers, transaction numbers and sales volume.


text:
The 2007 results were released only a few months ago, revealing the financial status of households on the brink of the most severe economic downturn in at least a generation. Because the SCF is taken only every three years, the next survey would not be fielded until 2010 and the results released in 2012. In an effort to provide timely data on the rapidly changing financial status of American households (the SCF is the only nationally representative source of information on household wealth), the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve has deemed this downturn of such historic importance that they want to capture its effects.
Kudos to a government data collection system that is nimble enough to respond to once-in-a-lifetime catastrophic events. The Census Bureau did a similar maneuver when Hurricane Katrina swept through New Orleans and the gulf coast, capturing through the Current Population Survey's monthly data collection system the before and after. Those results are available here.


text:
Local food bank could use a hand
THE JOURNAL FILE PHOTO
Hudson’s LePont/Bridging Food Bank operator Carol Laws said volunteers are still helping out during the COVID-19 scares but supplies on the shelves are beginning to dwindle.
Anyone who has tried to go grocery shopping in the last two weeks or so can attest to the fact that it’s a monumental challenge – and that’s for those of us who are gainfully employed and who have access to a vehicle.
But for many others in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region who already struggle to feed their families, the thought of facing a potential two-week self-quarantine is even more daunting.
Le Pont/Bridging Food Bank operator Carol Laws said the organization is currently okay for volunteers but is seeing their food supply dwindling.
“We’ve had recent requests for food from people we haven’t seen for years,” Laws told The Journal. “Things must be tough.”
Some food is purchased directly from the IGA in Hudson which gives a 10 per cent reduction on the cost but the food bank also collects donated items at a drop-off point in the IGA entrance.
As always, there’s a need for non-perishable canned goods, particularly canned meats to provide protein, as well as peanut butter. Le Pont/Bridging also has onsite freezers and is able to receive donations of bread and meat products.
“And, of course, paper products,” said Laws with a laugh, acknowledging that it’s a hot commodity these days. “We got a lot in at Christmas but that goes down pretty fast.” Though soap and toiletries are always welcome, the greater current need is for food.
Food donations can be made at the IGA outlet at 484 Main Road. Items are distributed to families in need locally and in neighbouring towns in the region.
Monetary donations can be sent to P.O. Box 302, Hudson, QC, J0P 1H0. A tax receipt will be issued for amounts of over $10. Call (450) 458-5318.


text:
Aspiring entrepreneurs and small business hopefuls are encouraged to submit the next big-business idea for the fourth annual Springboard Ideas Challenge.
The competition is designed to support winning participants in their entrepreneurial ambitions, with the help of cash and other prizes. Advancing participants will also have the opportunity to receive feedback and advice from current business owners.
Jim Litton, J.D., director of the Griggs Center for Entrepreneurship & Philanthropy, said he encourages students to utilize this unique opportunity.
“The competition is a great way for students interested in entrepreneurship or simply with a great business or nonprofit idea to get valuable feedback and potentially win significant prizes to help them launch their venture,” Litton said.
Each team must outline their projected idea by submitting a written mini-business plan. The plan should highlight core concepts and other explanations that would be of interest to new potential investors.
The challenge, sponsored by the College of Business Administration, is open to students and other interested participants in the West Texas region. Teams can consist of up to four members and must register online by March 4. There is a $10 registration fee.
Ashley Carroll, junior business marketing major from Prosper, said she believes this challenge proves ACU’s strong commitment to promoting student success.
“Not only does this contest encourage students to think outside the box and push themselves to be innovative, but it also generates interest from potential investors,” Carroll said.
The competition will award winners in three divisions: Student, Community Pre-Revenue and Community Post-Revenue. From each of the categories, a first place winner will receive $7,500, a second place winner will receive $2,500 and honorable mentions will receive $1,000. A “Most Fund-able” prize of $7,500 will be awarded to only one team, chosen from the three divisions. In addition, the “Social Entrepreneurship” award will grant $2,500 to one team in the competition.
The Springboard Ideas Challenge has launched past winners into mainstream success, including four ACU students who presented the idea of Sheepdog. Sheepdog, a research service aimed at helping organizations identify their customers’ preferred social networks, was the first place winner of the 2009 Springboard Ideas Challenge. The company was sold Fall 2010.
“It’s an opportunity to showcase talents and potentially put a business plan into action,” Carroll said. “The ultimate winnings consist of an investment to jump-start your business plan.”
For information regarding registration, deadlines and competition rules, visit www.acu.edu/springboard.


text:
Las Vegas Population Continues To Grow
The Las Vegas area grew by nearly 100,000 residents the past two years, and is expected to continue to grow for the foreseeable future according to recently released economic data reports. Southern Nevada expanded to more than 2.06 million people in 2013 , growing by more than 2.7 % from 2012 according to a report by local research firm Applied Analysis. The growth can largely be attributed to an improving economy, more companies hiring, favorable tax climates , great weather, lots of attractive amenities such as parks, restaurants, arts and entertainment, and most importantly affordable housing.
Post a Comment


text:
The company would give its existing customers high-speed wireless Web access at no additional charge throughout the country so they can watch TV and movies and surf the Web on laptops and mobile devices away from home.
"The infrastructure is in place, and we are becoming -- as a society -- data-centric," said Michelle Gilbert, spokeswoman for Comcast Cable's Heartland Region. "People want connectivity wherever they go."
The technology, which other telecommunication and media companies also are developing, would create a network that is accessible by anyone just about anywhere there are Xfinity customers.
Comcast, which seeks to merge with
Folks who aren't Comcast customers would be eligible for two free, 60-minute sessions a month and could purchase more access to the Wi-Fi service.
The service also creates opportunity for Comcast, which expects to cover 19 of the 30 largest metro areas in the nation, to attract new subscribers and compete with wireless providers such as AT&T,
The service, for instance, would enable guests to a Comcast home to hop on the Internet network without asking for the homeowner's password, and it would allow smartphone owners to connect to the Web more often without cutting into their limited data plans.
At the same time, Wowway, a Denver-based cable company that competes with Comcast in Michigan, said it does not offer the service and has no plans to do so.
"It's a separate business model," said Robert DiNardo, vice president and general manager for the company's central region. "We also don't know what's going to happen with that because of Comcast's acquisition of Time Warner."
Comcast said it's unclear at this point how a spinoff would affect its hotspots or whether its proposed merger will be approved by federal regulators. If all goes as it expects, Comcast said it would be up to the spinoff company whether to continue offering hotspots.
The number of businesses and homes that have Wi-Fi has been growing in recent years. It's no longer just for coffee shops. Eateries, bars, salons, pharmacies, retailers, doctors and law offices, yoga centers -- even paint shops -- offer it now.
A Sherwin Williams paint store in Birmingham offers Wi-Fi service for customers who bring in iPads and smartphones. They use it to help match and sort colors. Employees said it's also helpful to have it for parents with children who need to be occupied while the parents plan their next great project.
Comcast plans to offer the service using its existing customers and Comcast equipment to provide the hotspots. The company offers a second Wi-Fi signal, which will allow anyone within range to get on the network.
To get on the network, users will need to register and then log-on with an ID or e-mail address and a password.
The second Wi-Fi signal appears as xfinitywifi on the list of available networks and is separate from the subscriber's signal. The company said the second signal shouldn't affect the customer's speed or privacy. To find a hotspot, customers can download the Xfinity Wi-Fi App or go to www.xfinity.com/wifi.
Unlike efforts nearly a decade ago to link large areas such as all of Oakland County together without wires all at once, this plan makes Wi-Fi hotspots available one home and business at a time. As the cable provider gets more Internet customers, the Wi-Fi coverage area expands.
Customers can decline to allow Comcast to send the additional signal.
Most, the company said, are permitting it.
Still, not all businesses that have the Wi-Fi service are promoting it or are aware of the service for customers -- but that may be because the service is still new.
Brad Bannon, co-owner of Center Street Salon in Royal Oak, said he doesn't know of any clients that use the Xfinity network in the shop.
But George Lucaj, owner of George's restaurant in West Bloomfield, said he's happy with the service -- and his customers are, too. To show it, he's even put an Xfinity sticker up to help advertise that the service is available in the eatery.
Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or email@example.com


text:
Mexican bakery giant Grupo Bimbo is to spend US$25m on re-purposing a facility in the US state of Georgia.
The plant will be used by the US arm of its Bimbo QSR division, which supplies quick-service restaurants.
Bimbo will upgrade an existing 100,000 sq ft speculatively-built building. It said some 73 jobs will be created when the new processing facility in Valdosta opens.
The site will produce hot dog, hamburger and sandwich buns for customers across the south-eastern part of the US.
Al Gomez, general manager and vice president of Bimbo QSR’s US division, said: “We are very excited to partner with the state to bring this manufacturing site to Georgia, and to collaborate in the economic development of this area.
“This investment will allow us to serve our customers more effectively in the south-east region of the US.”
Announcing its financial results for the first quarter of 2021 yesterday (28 April), Bimbo recorded sales of MXN79.13bn (US$3.96bn), a 6.6% increase on the figure for the corresponding period in 2020. Adjusted EBITDA was up 19.6% year-on-year at MXN10.65bn.


text:
If you’ll recall last week when we did a little coverage of the EU choosing the panel who was going to choose the winner of the new EU logo for their 50th anniversary, you’ll appreciate this follow up, as it’s just been announced who the winner was: it’s Szymon Skrzypczak, a Polish student. The logo is a blend of familiar typefaces and characters, each representing different parts of Europe, and spells out the word “Together.” Personally, we’re not all that crazy about it, as it kinda looks like something an Olympic committee would approve, but hey, we’re dealing with government here, and a lot of them to boot. Here’s some:
“This logo gives a graphic interpretation to the voice of all Europeans, especially the new generations,” says the competition website. “These Europeans look for peace, stability and prosperity without taking anything away from their rights of individuality and diversity.” It adds: “The word ‘together’ expresses in a simple and immediate way what was originally bound to the idea of Europe: not only politics, or money, or geographic boundaries, but most of all co-operation and solidarity.” It also praises the irony “inspired by fashion labels”.
Wait. Wha? Fashion labels? Where?


text:
Amazon announced a new self-service tool this morning that allows customers to host giveaways on its website. Anyone is eligible to run these sorts of promotions on the platform, though in Amazon’s case, the feature will likely attract authors, marketers, brands, bloggers, sellers and others looking to raise awareness about themselves, their products, or those who want to engage their audience using promotions.
The new system will leverage Amazon’s shipping capabilities, as the company says it will handle the distribution of giveaway prizes directly to the winners. These prizes can be selected from an Amazon product page, too, by clicking the “Set up a giveaway” link located near the bottom.
After doing so, the host of the giveaway will then input the details about the promotion and any other custom text or content, and they’ll specify the rules of the promotion, including things like whether prizes will go to multiple entrants or only the first few, for example.
When the setup is complete, Amazon provides a short link that promoters can then share elsewhere on the web, on social media, via email, or however else they choose.
There is no cost to use Amazon Giveaway beyond paying for the products used as prizes.
Amazon says that as many as 50 prizes can be awarded in each giveaway for a total value of up to $5,000. That limits these contests to some extent, as a business couldn’t offer up a large number of more expensive prizes, like computers or other pricier electronics. However, for the most part, these sorts of promotions don’t tend to go that route.
Though basically a simple web template, the giveaway’s page can be customized based on what the individual or brand wants to gain from running the promotion. Fox example, in some demo giveaways Amazon shared with us before launch, one showed a bouncing drawing of an Amazon box that you would click on to see if you won. Another featured a big, blue “Follow” button, and required entrants to Follow the company’s Twitter account in order to participate in the promotion.
If you’re chosen as a winner, you’re given a window during which you have to confirm your U.S. shipping address in order to receive your prize. And win or lose, the Giveaway page prompts you to tell your friends about the giveaway using Facebook, Twitter or email.
While the platform is open to all customers today, Amazon is kicking off the promotions itself with a number of participating brand partners who are now planning to run hundreds of giveaways across social media channels using the hashtag #AmazonGiveaway. This tag has already been adopted by marketers, however, and has been used for some by those running their own contests and promotions hosted on their own websites. That could muddy the waters a bit for Amazon’s involvement, as it may not be immediately clear which links point to Amazon’s Giveaways versus those used by third-parties.
To see only those giveaways taking place on Amazon’s platform, the company is also hosting a new site at amazon.com/giveawaylaunch to find giveaways customers can enter today. Amazon says it will continue to promote giveaways through its social media channels including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Snapchat.


text:
You know things are getting scary when terms like "carnage" and "Armageddon" start turning up in conversations about electric vehicles.
But that's the sentiment from a few auto executives I spoke with privately this month. They were referring to the landscape for EV sales in the U.S. next year.
We are wrapping up a year that will see the number of electrified vehicles launched globally top 100 for the first time. The exact figure — 130 — comes from AlixPartners, which counts full-electrics (75) and plug-in hybrids in its tally. Most are bound for China.
Automotive News charts more than two dozen destined to reach the U.S. market alone. Some will be all new, such as Volkswagen's ID4. Others will be electrified versions of existing nameplates, including the plug-in hybrid Kia Optima. A handful will be updates of existing models, such as the Chevy Bolt EV.
And if current trends continue, getting all these electrified vehicles from dealer lots into consumer driveways is going to be a lot like discharging a fire hose through a drinking straw.
EV-volumes.com projects that combined U.S. sales of battery-electrics and plug-in hybrids will fall about 6 percent this year, to around 337,000, or 1.7 percent of the market. This follows a big jump last year, driven by Tesla's Model 3.
Electric vehicles "have not had the lift that [the industry] expected," said Penske Automotive CEO Roger Penske in the dealership group's latest earnings call.
He pointed to the Audi e-tron, an early entry in Volkswagen Group's $66 billion assault on the EV market.
A "significant" number of customers have canceled their e-tron preorders, he said. The main reason: affordability.
General Motors CEO Mary Barra cited affordability repeatedly in her Dec. 5 announcement of a $2.3 billion investment with LG Chem in an Ohio battery factory.
She's pushing for an all-electric future, after all. And GM won't get there if EVs are even more out of reach than cars are today.
"It's got to be affordable to drive the volumes," she said.
For its part, the industry can't afford not to invest massively in curbing tailpipe emissions. As much as it's been criticized over the decades for being a laggard on safety and environmental matters, in many respects, it's leading on this front.
The reasons are clear. Cities from Amsterdam to Vancouver, British Columbia, are pushing to remove gasoline- and diesel-powered cars from their streets. Entire countries will follow.
The U.S. — excluding California and a few other states — may be in a benign regulatory mode right now while federal EV tax credits start to wind down. But it's a solid bet that politicians of the future will fully understand the ramifications of students storming a football halftime show to protest climate change and a 16-year-old activist, Greta Thunberg, being named Time magazine's Person of the Year.
The savviest among them might even rally the citizenry around the notion of not handing global leadership in battery technology to Europe and China.
So what happens in the meantime?
Mark Wakefield, co-leader of AlixPartners' global automotive practice, says EVs that aren't distinctive are going to be a tough sell.
Automakers will benefit from some creativity. That could be in the vehicle itself. Or in a recharging solution. Or in an exchange program that allows EV owners to swap for a gasoline-powered SUV for that summer trek into the mountains.
Still, he says, an awareness of the uphill climb has begun to sunk in.
"There is more realization that this is a multi-, multi-, multiyear effort," he says.
Being "practical and pragmatic upfront" will help make the risks more manageable and will be a key to finding ways through what he calls the "profit desert" ahead.
The good news: That drought won't last forever. The key is to get through the near-term challenges and be in shape when battery costs come on par with those of internal combustion engines.
Some experts say that could happen within five years — a lot sooner than anyone expected not so long ago.


text:
Pakistani engineer pioneering a hybrid car revolution
21 Jun 2014
Aslam Azad, an MIT-graduate and an engineer who made his name in the field of air conditioning, has now come out with the prototype of a solar-powered car - the Eco-1 – a doorless two-seater that promises to herald a made-in-Pakistan hybrid car revolution in the near future.
The air-conditioned Eco-1 is equipped with a GPS tracking system and strong, all-weather frame and will run on solar power, helping the government save money spent on costly and polluting hydrocarbons, media reports in Pakistan said.
The development comes at a time when the Pakistan government is looking at importing small hybrid cars of 1,000 cc to 1,200 cc, although it does not have the necessary funds.
The annual budget, however, does not provide for import of eco-friendly hybrid cars that would reduce use of hydrocarbons and help conserve energy.
Even as the chances of importing Japanese-made hybrids exist, Aslam's invention is expected to drive in changes in the way people in Pakistan travel over the next few years.
Eco-1 is not planned as a typical solar-driven car, for it may consume an assortment of energies, including kinetic, organic cell, pneumatic, magnetic generator and even external electrical or battery charging.
Aslam drives to his office in the doorless two-seater Eco-1, the first prototype. "I have used the best possible battery which charge faster while providing higher output," explains Aslam, while clarifying that the standard batteries can't run a car to longer distance and at faster speeds.
Though 'Economia' has launched three models of the Eco cars, online booking of the vehicle will start only next year.
The car matches the performance and safety specifications of any imported or locally-made 1,000 cc car, while the smallest Eco-1 is priced four times less than its competitors.
"We are working to improve its speed from 60 km but there won't be anything you'll miss in these vehicles," says Aslam.
He is planning to produce 1 million taxis which while saving money and reducing the nation's oil import bill, will leave Pakistan's cities and the countryside cleaner.
Aslam, a native of Shaikhupura, has also pioneered the designing and manufacture of energy saving central heating system since 1997 using brand name 'Economia'.
True to his ideals, Aslam's office is also wired with a solar power generation system while diesel generators continue to contaminate the air in the capital's business sector, called the Blue Area.


text:
Business Excellence Awards
Please Join PBN to Celebrate the 2014 Business Excellence Award Winners on Novem ...
By Rhonda Miller
PBN Staff Writer
BOSTON – Among the trends expected to impact institutional securities and investments in 2013 are investor fund flows rising and shifting to emerging markets, according to Boston-based Aite Group, which provides strategic advice on IT, business and regulatory issues in the financial services industry.
The evolution of a high-frequency trading market and the potential for market structure consolidation are also likely to affect institutional investments and securities.
Trends expected to impact retail banking 2013 include financial institutions embracing the “cloud,” interchange wars and the evolving point of sale.
The insurance business is expected to see significant change in 2013, with health insurance exchanges going mainstream, industry-wide product distribution consolidation, and the property and casualty industry leveraging big data, according to the Aite outlook.


text:
By Jarrod Kinchington, Infor ANZ managing director
Manufacturers worldwide are eager for signs of recovery and are also bracing for the next wave of change it will bring. While some manufacturers spent the past year in a holding pattern, others accelerated their adoption of digital technologies.
Those early adopters have kindled new market expectations for speed, value, and customer engagement. It’s a new era, new rules, new ways to achieve success.
Improving visibility in the supply chain, accommodating digital commerce, adopting safe distancing within plants, and enacting new safety protocols for employees were among the typical “adapt-to-survive” tactics completed in 2020.
Pragmatic manufacturers focused on the long-term opportunities. They accelerated digital initiatives and fast-tracked deployment of cloud-based solutions to take advantage of emerging micro-markets, shifts in consumer attitudes, and a move to regional sourcing.
The ability to stand up new business models quickly proved valuable for the entrepreneurial minded.
Many manufacturers used the time to direct energies toward R&D, building partnerships at regional levels, testing new pricing models, and migrating solutions from on-premises to the cloud.
Use of ecosystems and partnerships also escalated, proving to be effective in co-innovation and problem-solving.
“When the pandemic impacted businesses a year ago, most brands and enterprises scrambled to accelerate digital transformation efforts,” writes R Ray Wang of Constellation Research in a blog post. He reports that efforts have ranged from rekindling digital channel projects to forging new digital revenue streams.
“These accomplishments accelerated five years of digital transformation in less than one year’s time.”
A survey by Deloitte found that 62% of manufacturers are committed to continuing or accelerating their factories’ digital transformation.
On average, manufacturers expect to apply 36% of their factory investments toward smart manufacturing, an impressive 20% increase over last year’s figure.
“The disruption and economic hardship caused by the ongoing pandemic have increased the urgency to accelerate smart manufacturing initiatives for future competitiveness,” the report states.
What will the next era look like?
As economic recovery is taking shape, manufacturers are gearing up. Those who tabled technology investment will need to catch up quickly with the must-have capabilities for the next era:
Data driven – Manufacturers must be able to capture data, aggregate, and analyse it to derive meaningful insights. Manufacturers can turn to tools that make applying artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technology simple. Data should be consumable, easy to access, and easy to tailor for business roles.
End-to-end visibility – Manufacturers need to see the big picture. End-to-end visibility with every app or point solution fully integrated is a necessity. Whether there are multiple business units, multiple locations, different currencies and tax laws, or complex go-to-market structures, “one version of the truth” is essential.
Cloud deployment – Today’s modern technologies, like AI and ML, the Internet of Things, and e-commerce, require vast amounts of data. Cloud solutions provide that kind of elastic capacity.
Reporting – Manufacturers need solutions that are highly flexible, able to be personalised for dashboards, reporting, and user-defined key performance indicators.
Digital initiatives and transformation is a key. Remaining relevant requires modern technology that meets the challenges of tomorrow. Greater speed, value, and customer engagement are only the beginning.


text:
AutoNation CEO Says Time is Right to Pump Up Gas Tax
By George Anderson
The high price of energy and related topics, such as America’s dependence on foreign oil and the environmental impact of carbon fuels, are hot topics in the media, around water coolers and elsewhere these days.
It is also a topic of deep concern and discussion in auto related circles. The high price of gasoline has already begun a shift of sales away from big SUVs to more fuel-efficient vehicles. This trend began even before Katrina hit as the American driving public faced the reality of escalating prices at the pump.
Now, the chief executive of the nation’s biggest retail automotive group says Americans are not paying enough at the pump and it’s time to raise taxes on fuel.
In an editorial in Automotive News and then again in a television interview, Mike Jackson, CEO of AutoNation Inc., proposed an increase of about 10 cents per year for 10 years on each gallon of gas sold at retail.
“The goal of this proposal is not to raise taxes but to change the consumer mind-set,” he wrote.
Mr. Jackson believes higher taxes will help convince more Americans to make purchases based on fuel-efficiency rather than other factors.
According to a Sun-Sentinel report, the current federal tax on gasoline is 18 cents a gallon. In Europe, consumers pay about three dollars in tax for every gallon of gas they purchase.
Moderator’s Comment: Should the entire retail industry get behind the proposal of AutoNation’s Mike Jackson to increase the federal tax on gasoline by
a dime a year over ten years? How are retailers reducing their dependence on carbon fuels? –
George Anderson – Moderator
- AutoNation chief calls for higher
fuel taxes to encourage gas conservation – The South Florida Sun-Sentinel
- SUV sales plunge as drivers shift to
more fuel-efficent vehicles – South Florida Sun-Sentinel


text:
"We will continue to call on China to end these policies and to free these people who have been arbitrarily detained […] We are committed to promoting accountability for those who are committing these violations and we are considering targeted sanctions as well, targeted measures as well", Palladino told reporters.
The spokesman added that the United States continues to call on the United Nations and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to make this issue a priority.
China has reportedly detained up to 1 million Turkic Muslims across Xinjiang for "political education".
Moreover, Uyghurs, China's Muslim minority living predominantly in the country's northwest, reportedly face mass detentions, identity checks and biometric data collection under the pretext of police fighting terrorism due to their ethnic history of independence movements and resistance.
The Department of State's announcement comes after the US-based media reported that the United States and China are closing in on a new trade agreement.
Beijing and Washington have been embroiled in a trade dispute since last June, when US President Donald Trump announced the United States would subject $50 billion worth of Chinese goods to a 25 percent tariff in an effort to fix the US-Chinese trade deficit. Since then, the two countries have exchanged several rounds of tit-for-tat trade tariffs.
On 24 January, Trump announced that he would delay another planned increase in tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods that was originally set for 1 March.


text:
The recent bushfires in Australia have really hit home, and demonstrated the power mother nature can have.
Now parts of Australia are being hit by torrential rain. Although this has had positive effects with regards to dousing the bush fires, it has unleashed a whole new barrel of chaos on the country.
Harrowing pictures have been broadcast over the world’s media and on social media, and everyone wants to do their bit to help the country recover from one of the world’s worst natural disasters in recent times.
Do-gooders set up a website as a way to raise money to help people in their time of need. Many well-known stars such as Thor actor Chris Hemsworth, Kylie Minogue and actress Margot Robbie leading the way.
In such ‘Magecart’ style attacks, people enter their card details into the payment page. Press complete, then their details are exfiltrated to an external domain which the hackers control.
It’s a tried and tested method that works well, and can bag the cyber criminal a quick buck.
In this incident, the malicious script in question was identified as “ATMZOW” and the known bad domain it exfiltrated data to was spotted as vamberlo[.]com.
Deepak Patel, Security Evangelist at PerimeterX, didn’t condone the abhorrent depths this Magecart attack sunk to. He said:
“Given the lack of visibility into such client-side attacks, the website owners often find out about the data breach days or weeks after the code injection. This extended time allows skimmers to monetize the stolen cards to the fullest extent.
“Any site that process user PSS and accepts payments should take steps to shore up their application security by tracking and monitoring first – and third-party code execution on their sites in real time.”
Last year RiskIQ claimed to have identified over two million Magecart detections, demonstrating the increased popularity in this tactic with cyber criminals.


text:
Contactless payment, which once struggled to catch on in the U.S., is on the rise as people worry about catching coronavirus from touching cash and credit card terminals, reported The Seattle Times (April 19).
People are also using mobile apps tied to payments such as Amazon Prime Now to place delivery or pickup orders for groceries. “We shouldn’t be touching anything,” said Richard Crone, CEO for mobile-payment research firm Crone Consulting LLC.
Crone anticipates contactless payments to receive an additional 10% to 20% of transactions at stores and ATMS and that person-to-person services like PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle to benefit as well. The Treasury Department may even let people who don’t have bank accounts receive relief checks via these services. PayPayl said it is allowing people to receive stimulus checks through its namesake service and is testing it on Venmo.
At Zelle, users have been sending money to others for prescriptions and groceries, according to spokesperson Meghan Fintland. Some are buying items in bulk for their neighborhoods and then using Zelle to be paid back, while others are sending cash gifts to relatives for special occasions like birthdays.
“People don’t want to handle cash, especially at this time, so they are looking to mobile payments as the best alternatives,” Fintland said.
Twenty-seven percent of small businesses in the U.S have experienced an increase in customers using services like Apple Pay, according to a survey from Strawhecker Group and the Electronic Transactions Association. Publix Super Markets fast-tracked its transition to contactless terminals because of the virus. Since the beginning of April, customers have been using services like Apple Pay and Google Pay to check out.
“I know a lot of merchants are putting up signage at the point of sale, ‘Please use contactless,'” said Linda Kirkpatrick, a Mastercard executive who works with banks and credit unions.
Walmart recently changed its self-checkout system to go completely contactless when shoppers use Walmart Pay. Instead of touching a “pay now” button after scanning items, shoppers can now simply read a QR code with their phones to pay. “You are seeing customers start to use services they weren’t interested in before,” said Molly Blakeman a Walmart spokeswoman.
Meanwhile, Starship Technologies is sending its autonomous robots to more cities as demand for contactless delivery rises, reported Tech Crunch (April 19).
The company added a grocery delivery service in Washington, DC, in late March and expanded to Irvine, CA. It also expanded its service area in Milton Keynes, UK, where it has been operating since 2018. Starship plans to add more cities in the coming weeks.
“The demand for contactless delivery has expanded exponentially in recent weeks,” Ryan Tuohy, who heads up business development at Starship Technologies.
Contactless payment is also rising in foodservice, as delivery services began offering options for contactless delivery. In March, Burger King even released a commercial to encourage customers to use an order-ahead app to pay at drive-thrus.
Additionally, Ready launched virtual ordering kiosks, allowing businesses to offer contactless service. The mobile platform permits users to interact with a restaurant menu directly without signup and restaurants don’t need any hardware or additional labor. Ready also waived standard fees until June 1 to eliminate extra operating costs for businesses.