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Facebook, Google, and Twitter have mutinied over the strict censorship rules due to be implemented by Pakistan and are threatening to leave the country altogether.
As reported by the New York Times, the tech giants' anger is directed at Pakistan's Citizens Protection Rules (Against Online Harm), a recently-revealed set of tight censorship demands.
The rules (.PDF), laid out by the government of Pakistan, would give local authorities the power to demand social media platforms remove any content they deem questionable within 24 hours. Pakistan has proposed the creation of a "National Coordinator" office to monitor these services.
See also: Facebook sues SDK maker for secretly harvesting user data
In addition, social media platforms must provide a way to prevent the live streaming of "online content related to terrorism, extremism, hate speech, defamation, fake news, incitement to violence and national security."
Within three months of the new rules coming into play, companies such as Facebook and Twitter must also open up permanent offices in the country, establish one or more local servers to store data in Pakistan, and must also agree to "remove, suspend or disable access to such account, online content of citizens of Pakistan residing outside its territorial boundaries and posts on online content that are involved in spreading of fake news or defamation and violates or affects the religious, cultural, ethnic, or national security sensitivities of Pakistan."
The proposed rules also give the government the right to block a social network if they refuse to comply or impose fines of up to five hundred million rupees (approximately $6.9m).
Critics argue that such wide-reaching powers are designed to curb free speech and impose censorship, and it seems that Facebook, Twitter, and Google agree.
The organizations are part of the Asia Internet Coalition (AIC), a trade association discussing issues of internet innovation and regulation in the region. In response to Pakistan's rules, the organization said, "the rules as currently written would make it extremely difficult for AIC Members to make their services available to Pakistani users and businesses."
CNET: Clearview AI facial recognition customers reportedly include Justice Department, FBI, ICE, Macy's
In other words, upwards of 70 million residents could find themselves not only unable to access Facebook and Twitter, but also make use of Google's range of services, widely used by businesses across the world.
"AIC members recognize Pakistan's strong potential, but the sudden announcement of these rules belies the government of Pakistan's claims that it is open for business and investment," the complaint reads. "As no other country has announced such a sweeping set of rules, Pakistan risks becoming a global outlier, needlessly isolating and depriving Pakistani users and businesses of the growth potential of the Internet economy."
The AIC added that it wished to work with the government of Pakistan to come up with more appropriate solutions to online data and content management, without risking the "crippling" of Pakistan's emerging digital economy.
TechRepublic: Open Cybersecurity Alliance looks for new members and new projects at RSA 2020
By threatening to leave altogether, the companies may be attempting to pile pressure on Pakistan's government to quickly rethink the proposed rules or face protests from the country's citizens and business owners.
Last year, India proposed a set of new rules in the same vein, prompting the same concerns over free speech. The country is expected to publish these guidelines soon.
In earlier news this week, Facebook filed a federal lawsuit against OneAudience, alleging that the data analytics company has paid developers to install its SDKs to harvest Facebook user information. The SDK was allegedly found in a range of mobile applications ranging from shopping to utilities.
Have a tip? Get in touch securely via WhatsApp | Signal at +447713 025 499, or over at Keybase: charlie0


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Former U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said on “America’s Newsroom” on Wednesday that during the coronavirus outbreak employees at meat processing plants “are essential workers and they need essential safety precautions.”
Vilsack, CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council, made the comment one day after President Trump signed an executive order to ensure meat processing plants stay open during the coronavirus pandemic.
The order invoked the Defense Production Act, deeming the facilities a part of the country’s critical infrastructure as concerns mounted that the U.S. food supply chain will be disrupted because of the contagion. The federal government also is supplying additional personal protective gear to plant employees.
“The food and ag [agriculture] industry in the United States is 28 percent of the workforce directly or indirectly and 20 percent of the economy,” Vilsack noted. “So it’s not only just a situation relative to food and food supply, it’s also about jobs, farm income and food prices so it is important that we try to maintain and keep these plants open.”
He went on to say that he thinks the challenge will be for processing facilities “to put in place enough precautions and safety measures to make sure that their workers are safe because at the end of the day this is essential work, these are essential workers and they need essential safety precautions.”
Vilsack also reacted to an editorial in The Los Angeles Times published Wednesday which claimed that “Trump’s meat supply fix is a recipe for coronavirus disaster.”
“The order appears to impose no new health or safety obligations on the plants, leaving workers as vulnerable as ever to the virus,” the editorial board wrote. “This disregard for the health and safety of people already working in appalling conditions in unconscionable.”
Vilsack said it is up to the federal government and the meat processing facilities to tackle safety issues, calling it a “joint responsibility.”
“I think the government, obviously through OSHA [The Occupational Safety and Health Administration], has a responsibility to maintain certain state workplaces but, it’s in the company’s best interest to do what they need to do to protect workers,” Vilsack said.
He acknowledged that meat processing plants might have to slow down the production line, install protective equipment, give their employees masks and other protective equipment and do more testing, which could be expensive.
Vilsack said if that is the case he thinks, “just like any other industry, it can look to the federal government for reimbursement as the airline industry and other industries have looked for.”
“At the end of the day, the safety of the worker is directly related to the ability to produce product so it’s in everyone’s best interest that we keep our workers safe and it’s in everyone’s best interest that we keep these facilities open or get them reopened as quickly as possible because it’s jobs, farm income and it's affordable food,” he said.
Fox News’ Andrew O’Reilly, Fox Business’ Blake Burman and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Compass Group North America has signed a deal with MasterCard Worldwide to begin accepting MasterCard PayPass at select cafeterias it manages across the U.S. PayPass allows users to make purchases by simply tapping a transmitter card or device on specially equipped readers at check-out. The purchase amount is then deducted from the user's PayPass account. Compass will deploy PayPass-accepting Vivotech 4500M contactless readers at check-out lanes across its foodservice locations over the course of the year.
"Our on-site cafeterias typically handle large groups of people at lunchtime, and our operators need the best use of technology to maximize speed of service to our customers to enhance their dining experience," says Compass CIO Rob Watkins. "By expanding payment options to include MasterCard PayPass, we are able to offer not only convenience, but also peace of mind from using a secure system."
PayPass makes small-amount transactions quick and easy because it does not require customers to sign receipts for purchases under $25. "Environments like corporate cafeterias are an ideal setting for MasterCard PayPass because they cater to a particularly busy set of customers," says Cathleen Conforti, senior vice president, Global PayPass, MasterCard Worldwide.
According to MasterCard research, consumer preference and satisfaction is driving PayPass growth and usage globally. About 94 percent of PayPass-using respondents to a 2008 MasterCard PayPass Benchmark Study said they were satisfied with their experience, and 77 percent said they use PayPass as their primary card for everyday purchases. Compass says it will continue to accept all other traditional magnetic-stripe payment card brands in addition to PayPass.


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Rental car company Hertz announced Monday that it plans to buy up to 65,000 electric vehicles over five years from Polestar, the 5-year-old Swedish EV maker.
The cars are expected to be available in Europe in the spring of this year and in North America and Australia by the end of 2022. Hertz will initially order the Polestar 2, which will include an infotainment system powered by Android Automotive OS with Google built-in.
The new deal is part of Hertz’s goal to offer the largest EV rental fleet in North America and one of the largest in the world. In October, the company said it would order 100,000 Teslas by the end of 2022 in a deal reportedly worth $4.2 billion.
For Polestar, the deal gives the fledgling carmaker an opportunity to introduce itself to a wider market.
“The partnership with a global pioneer like Hertz will bring the great experience of driving an electric car to a wider audience, and will meet a wide range of the mobility needs of our mutual customers in the short and long term,” said Thomas Ingenlath , Polestar CEO in a statement. statement. “For many of them it might be their first time driving an EV, and it will be a Polestar.”
Polestar was founded in 2017 as an independent car manufacturer by Volvo Cars and Geely Holding. The company reported that it nearly tripled volumes in 2021 and expects volumes to more than double again this year. It expects to sell 290,000 vehicles per year by the end of 2025.
As Polestar gains traction in the burgeoning EV market, it still has a long way to go to catch up with Tesla, which just announced it delivered more than 310,000 vehicles in the first quarter of this year.


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Monday, August 13, 2012
Gogo Opens Up Free In-Flight eBay On Delta, Virgin America
Gogo, the provider of in-flight wireless access which has operations in Broomfield, Colorado, said this morning that passengers on Gogo equipped planes on Delta Air Lines and Virgin America now will have free access to eBay. Gogo said the unlimited access will allow users to shop for items in-flight, using any Wi-Fi enabled device. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed; eBay is one of a number of partners where Gogo has deals to offer free Wi-Fi access to certain shopping services.


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Companies that have stood out in the Mexican security marketplace during 2008 will be honored for the first time with Awards of Excellence, which will be presented at Expo Seguridad Mexico 2009, Mexicoâ€™s premier security trade exhibition.
The Awards of Excellence will pay tribute to companies in five categories of awards that include: Best manufacturer, Best Distribution Company, Best Integration Company, Best Security Guard Company and Best Social Responsibility Initiative - the Mission 500 Award.
Expo Seguridad Mexico will be held April 21-23, 2009 in Centro Banamex in Mexico City.
Voting will be done online through the Expo Seguridad Mexico web page (www.exposeguridadmexico.com). Everyone who has attended the Expo in the past or who has registered to attend the seventh annual Expo Seguridad Mexico in 2009 will receive an email to participate and vote.
Depending on the category, some of the criteria used to select the winner will be based upon:
- Commitment of ample resources to the Mexican market (manufacturers)
- Offering a higher level of service to Mexican clients (distributors and Integrators)
- Contribution to the development of the Mexican market
- Availability of Certification courses for their clients in Mexico
- Offering products according to the needs of the Mexican market
- Investment in the development of their employees and the education of their clients
There is no cost to enter. All companies that have offices or operations in Mexico can qualify including both national and international companies. Companies can be entered in more than one category. Neither the company nor persons inside the company are eligible to vote in that category and for their own company. All votes must be received by March 31, 2009.
Each category winner will receive a trophy, editorial coverage in Ventas de Seguridad and other industry publications, recognition in a special advertisement to be placed in the Expo Seguridad Mexico directory and recognition in a gala cocktail during Expo Seguridad Mexico 2009.
"These awards will help our industry recognize the companies that show leadership and motivate manufacturers to commit more resources to the Mexican market," said Andrea Ferrando, director of marketing for Giprex, the show organizer. "The Awards of Excellence will create a healthy competitiveness, help raise standards and build an incentive for greater professionalism in the security industry."


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As flu, colds, COVID take over the season, what will you turn to? Some consider vitamin shots, IV therapy, probioticsDec 13, 2023
Alondra Ramos rolled up her sleeve this week for a vitamin shot she hopes will prevent her from getting her husband’s cold.
The Fort Lauderdale accountant says the shot, a mix of potent vitamins, usually boosts her immunity levels when traveling and during her busy season at work — now she’s counting on it for cold and flu season.
“It’s like taking a high-dosage multivitamin,” Ramos said.
Cases of RSV, COVID-19 and the flu are on the rise in the United States, and Florida is one of the states now reporting high levels of respiratory illnesses. Along with vaccines, vitamin injections and vitamin IV therapy are among the tools people are turning to this winter to help ward against these hard-hitting viruses and bacteria circulating, which also include strep throat.
Kelly Rice, vice president of operations at Healthy Choice Wellness Center, says her company has been hired by several Broward County businesses this winter season, including Ramos’, to give vitamin shots on-site to employees. And individuals are coming to her Fort Lauderdale center in the Casbah Spa, for a boost before traveling or gathering — or when they start to feel sniffles or a sore throat coming on.
“You are giving your body nutrients to function at optimal capacity,” she said. “Every virus or infection when you get sick is going to behave differently, but allowing your body to absorb the nutrients within seconds to minutes does help your body fight it off.”
Vitamin IV therapy also has become popular to boost immunity levels, taking about 30 minutes to an hour to drop electrolytes, minerals and vitamins into the body through an arm vein. It bypasses the digestive system to deliver hydration, nutrients and minerals directly into your bloodstream.
Dr. Sam Torbati, co-chairman of Emergency Medicine at Cedars-Sinai, says that’s a reason to be cautious.
“When you put something straight into the bloodstream, you bypass all of your body’s built-in safeguards and filters,” Torbati says on the California hospital system’s blog. “You want to make sure you know exactly what’s in it.”
Some doctors say IV vitamin therapy is generally considered safe if a trained professional administers the treatment in a clean environment and uses sterile equipment. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also has urged caution with ensuring vitamin IV treatments and shots are done under sanitary conditions. The FDA considers vitamin infusions and vitamins taken orally to be dietary supplements and does not regulate dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness.
Anyone with allergies should ask about ingredients. Likewise, anyone on multiple medications should speak with their healthcare provider first.
Although no medications or supplements can cure the flu or prevent coronavirus, experts say some measures do naturally help support immunity.
Liquid vitamins: Nadine Mikati, assistant professor of nutrition at Nova Southeastern University, says those seeking an instant immunity boost could try cold-pressed juices with ginger, turmeric, elderberry and other vitamins. “You have to read the label and look at the ingredients to make sure it’s not full of sugar,” she says.
Probiotics: Mikati also recommends probiotics. “People think it’s for the gut, but there’s research on how it boosts immunity,” she said. Early research has found probiotics stimulate the immune response with an increase in specific antibody production. Probiotics come in beverage form like kombucha, in cultured dairy products such as yogurt, and in fermented foods such as kefir and kimchi. They also come in a powder or pill form.
Vitamin supplements: It is usually better to get the vitamins you need from food, rather than a pill, but Mikati says supplements like Vitamin C, D and zinc can help to increase immunity levels. Check with a doctor, though, to find out whether supplements might interact or interfere with prescription medicines.
- Vitamin C — In the body, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Research has found vitamin C does not prevent colds but can reduce their length and severity. The recommended daily amount is 90 mg for men and 75 mg for women. “There’s not a huge benefit of taking more vitamin C than what’s recommended,” Makati says. In fact, high doses can cause digestive disturbances such as diarrhea and nausea.
- Vitamin D — Many people don’t get enough vitamin D in their diets. Some studies showed taking vitamin D daily protects against acute respiratory infections and may improve the body’s response to antivirals.
- Zinc — This mineral plays many important roles in the body, including immune support. Taking zinc lozenges within 24 hours of the onset of a cold may reduce its duration. However, it’s important to note that high doses of zinc can cause side effects like nausea
A balanced diet: One of the best ways to keep immunity levels high is eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing the amount of saturated fat, trans fat, sodium and sugar you eat, says Meryl Brandwein, a dietitian, nutritionist and owner of Brandwein Institute for Nutrition and Wellness in Cooper City. “The key is consistency,” she adds. “Foods like garlic, onions, shallots and leeks are good for the immune system. Just be consistent with consuming those kind of foods.
“Most women don’t get enough iron, which is crucial for immune health. Liver is a good source of iron, but no one eats it. Things like eggs and grass-fed meat have iron.”
“When you have poor nutrition, it can cause inflammation. You are priming the pump and then, when you get exposed to a pathogen, you can have a heightened response,” he says.
To keep inflammation minimal, he advises eating lots of colorful vegetables; protein such as fish, chicken and turkey; and good fats like olive oil, avocado and walnuts.
Quality sleep: Adults should get seven to nine hours of sleep each day, while children need eight to 14 hours, depending on age. When you are sleep-deprived, your natural immune cells, or T cells, decline, and inflammatory cytokines (inflammation cells) rise — and that puts you at a disadvantage when exposed to a virus. With sleep issues on the rise, about a third of Americans get less than the recommended amount per night Brandwein says the solution is to create good sleep hygiene. “Carve out time for winding down. This is where breath work comes in amazingly well,” she says.
She recommends the 4-7-8 breathing pattern, saying that “it calms your nervous system. People have to get out of their own way and not get into bed and scroll on their phones. It’s part of self-care.”
Movement: Exercise increases the circulation of immune cells that find pathogens like viruses and wipe them out. The benefit, though, eventually goes away unless you keep working out consistently. Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, which can include anything from walking to jumping rope. Osborn says strength training is great exercise and something people of all ages can do. He recommends strength training three days a week, and endurance exercises two days a week.
Stress reduction: At the same time viruses are in peak season, stress levels rise with travel and holiday shopping and activities. “Be careful with the people who you are around this time of year,” Brandwein said. “You do not want to be around toxic energy. Those relationships drain us and drain our immune systems.”
Avoid contact with people who can cause you to become ill, she advises. “Unless someone is coughing or sneezing, you sometimes don’t know who around you is sick,” she says. “But you do know who brings out toxic emotions.”
Sunlight and socialization: Being outside in nature can reduce stress levels and give immunity levels a bump, Osborn says. “Your eyes must see the sun every day.” In his opinion, the best time to go outside is in morning light. “Stand outside for 10 or 15 minutes. It does wonders for the brain and immune system,” he says.
Being around other people can be a boost, too. “It’s not a good thing for your immune system when you are depressed and alone,” he says.
Alcohol moderation: Alcohol consumption becomes a slippery slope during the winter, but something to consider cutting back on going into the respiratory virus season. Alcohol reduces the number of antibodies available to fight off infection. “Alcohol impacts how your body detoxifies,” Brandwein says. “If your body is not getting rid of toxins, they recirculate and impact the immune system. I’m not saying don’t drink and have cookies. You need to find moderation over the holidays.”


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Faced with the double challenge of Brexit and COVID-19, U.K. supply chains are being thrown into disarray.
The pandemic presented an opportunity for some producers to test the strength of their ability to get the materials they need and ship their products. However, it didn’t necessarily offer them much comfort they can weather Britain’s divorce from the European Union.
Many companies doing business in the U.K. are finding the lingering uncertainty over European Union trade talks has eclipsed the fallout from months of lockdown. The regulatory requirements after the transition period ends on Jan. 1 remain unclear, creating a much bigger challenge than did the panic buying that accompanied the pandemic, said Natasha Linhart, chief executive officer of Italian food supplier Atlante.
The lockdowns drove stockpiling, and this heaped pressure on staff at the company, which supplies prosecco, panettone and other delicacies to supermarket chains including J Sainsbury Plc. She said her teams were able to manage supply blockages at key transit points, such as the tunnel between the U.K. and France.
“I think we are more prepared now that we were during the first wave” of the virus, she said in an interview. But with Brexit, “we see the talks are going on but we don’t know whether there will be a free trade deal or not. So actually getting the company ready for that is the big challenge.”
Bologna-based Atlante has already shipped some Christmas items to U.K. supermarkets, such as seasonal cakes. However the shipment requirements for chilled products such as cheese are creating worries because storage partners in Britain have limited shelf space.
“We fear the accumulated stress on supply chain caused by the combination of Brexit, Christmas and Covid,” she said. “One of our biggest concerns is getting the lorries back from the U.K. in a timely manner so that we can maintain a continuous flow of goods. The regulatory requirements are very unclear so for companies like ours it is difficult to implement changes in our processes and in our IT systems.”
U.K. Business Secretary Alok Sharma wrote to businesses Monday, imploring them to prepare for the end of the transition period. The message was that unless companies act now, they’ll face difficulties.
While food retailers are poised to go into overdrive for the peak Christmas period, it’s a different story in the aerospace industry.
The slump in demand for air travel and plane production has eased immediate pressure on supplies of components. With orders down 40% or more, manufacturers are comfortable to run down stockpiles they had previously built to deal with Brexit.
That’s created more flexibility and leeway in aircraft supply chains, Andrew Mair, head of the Midlands Aerospace Alliance, said in an interview.
“Coronavirus has completely changed the picture, so if a part gets held up at Dover that you didn’t really need because you’re not making very many airplanes, is it going to be very disruptive?” Mair asked. “Probably not”
For Brompton, maker of the folding bike favored by London commuters, the prolonged Brexit process has had one silver lining. Two years ago, it spent 1.5 million pounds ($2 million) on building up extra stocks of components in case of disruption.
With the coronavirus spurring more people to hop on bikes, creating a global shortage of bike parts, it’s had to dip into those emergency supplies to satisfy demand, Chief Executive Officer Will Butler Adams said in an interview with Bloomberg Television.
“The problem now is we really do have Brexit coming and the global pressure on cycle parts is great,” Adams said. “So we do have a challenge coming with Brexit. It may affect our ability to grow as fast over that period. I think we’ll weather the storm.”
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Russia suspects Azerbaijan of re-exporting banned Turkish tomatoes
"During the inspection to check whether Azerbaijan and Iran are fulfilling their obligations to prevent the export of plant products from Turkey, we found that in January Azerbaijan increased deliveries of tomatoes to Russia five-fold," the head of the watchdog Sergey Dankvert told Interfax.
Rosselkhoznadzor is unclear how Azerbaijan could so dramatically increase the supply of greenhouse tomatoes to Russia. Moreover, Baku provided microbiological certificates that said the product was of Azerbaijani origin.
Dankvert added that Rosselkhoznadzor specialists could go to Azerbaijan to cut off the re-export channel.
At the same time the inspection of goods from Iran showed it is fulfilling its obligation to block the re-export of Turkish products.
The supply of vegetables, fruits and other goods from Turkey to Russia has been prohibited since the beginning of the year. Relations between the two countries have been in crisis since November 24 last year, when a Turkish fighter jet shot down a Russian warplane in Syria. Russian President Vladimir Putin called the incident a "stab in the back" and signed a decree on economic measures against Turkey.
According to Russia's Ambassador to Turkey Andrey Karlov, Russia-Turkey trade fell by two-thirds in January.


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Release date for the new Covenant album finally revealed
On January 17th the new Covenant album “Modern Ruin” will be released via SPV and Progress productions.
Eskil says to his fans:
We have just sent away all the files for our long anticipated album “Modern Ruin”. It have fared well and looks and sounds the world. It’s time to lock up our hearts and ammo for now and go home.
Modern Ruin will also be sold in a limited edition featuring an extra bonus CD and a special intro text by Joakim Montelius.
If you have missed Stereoklang’s interview with Covenant some weeks back in time, make sure to check it out below:


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Does Modi’s War on Cash Make Sense for India?
The informal sector runs on cash. Work that happens off the books is of course hard to regulate and hard to tax. It is arguably unfair to scapegoat under-the-table work for missed revenue—US taxation of capital gains, for example, has often relied on the honor system. However, there are ostensibly many good reasons for the government of India, which has long fought a reputation for corruption, to discourage cash transactions. India’s large wholesaling sector deals almost exclusively in cash, meaning significant missed tax revenue, and the country ranks poorly in measures of perceived corruption, partially due to the fairly common practice of facilitation payments. That said, a major currency change is a drastic tactic in a place where almost 80 percent of consumer transactions are conducted in cash.
Despite the stated goal of taking money derived from tax evasion out of circulation, banning—or “demonetizing”—Rs500 and Rs1,000 notes also hurt India’s sizeable unbanked population. While 80 percent of Indians do have a bank account, thanks to initiatives like sending bank representatives door to door in rural villages, the 20 percent who don’t total roughly 191 million people. And having a bank account does not mean using it—more than 47 percent of bank account holders in India did not make a deposit or withdrawal in 2017.
Modi’s war on cash is tied to promoting Aadhaar, the identity program that ties biometric data to government benefits and bank transactions. Anyone who wants to activate a mobile phone must also be enrolled in Aadhaar. The rate of enrollment in the system has been extremely high, encompassing 99 percent of Indian adults, but faulty technology and other problems with the system have impeded access to rations for some of the most underprivileged Indians. Many government observers are concerned about the system’s potential privacy violations, which can affect all classes, but there is also a notable information gap in explaining and justifying Aadhaar. The Indian government’s Aadhaar FAQ page exhorts,
“just ask your maid servant, household help, driver, poor living in slums & villages as to how they are using Aadhaar to prove their identity to get jobs, open bank accounts, for rail travel, and to get various entitlements & government benefits directly into their bank accounts without middlemen. Ask them and they will tell you how empowered they are by having Aadhaar.”
Disparate rates of internet access
This sentence assumes that poor Indians aren’t reading the government’s “myth busters” page, perhaps rightly so because of the rates of internet access discussed below. A willingness to explain the government’s rationale to the middle and upper classes while expecting poor Indians to simply accept the new system underlines the unequal effect of India’s schemes to rapidly modernize the economy and bureaucratic structure. Attempts at a cashless India disproportionately hurt informal sector workers and rural residents who have stored cash under mattresses in the absence of banks.
Relying on technology to bring everyone to formal banking is premature. Indeed, only 38 percent of rural Indians accessed the internet at least once a day in 2016; the figure is about 50 percent for urbanites. The approximately six out of ten rural residents who access the internet infrequently are disadvantaged in a system that seems to assume, if not require, near-constant internet access. The primary vehicle for this sort of internet access is the mobile phone, and 358.46 million people in India are mobile phone internet users; this is only about 27 percent of the population.
In addition to the rural-urban gap, only 30 percent of internet users in India are women. Rates of internet access among scheduled castes and scheduled tribes are far lower still. The 2011 census found that 1.3 percent of scheduled caste households and 0.7 percent of scheduled tribe households had internet access. These statistics indicate that the supposed streamlining of government benefits and modernization of payment through Aadhaar may only increase inequality by tailoring the economy to a population that is primarily urban, male, and among the higher castes.
Alternatives to banning cash
The Indian government has not succeeded in increasing formal banking or even reducing the use of cash; it has only made both accessing bank accounts and using cash more inconvenient. This underscores the fact that there are other, likely better, methods of fighting corruption and increasing tax revenue that the government could employ. India has not criminalized foreign bribery, and the government is not transparent in providing information about investigations of bribery and fraud, so it is difficult to know to what extent anti-corruption measures are being enforced.
Further, there are more self-employed people in India than any other type of worker, yet the country is ranked as one of the more difficult places to start a business. Simplifying that process could both decrease facilitation payments and increase tax revenue by encouraging entrepreneurship. In a country with disparate rates of internet access and unequal gender participation in the labor force, the population might be better served by modernization initiatives that focused less on the technology of an ideal world and more on increasing access to the more prosaic technology and capital that are currently only available to some.
Global Business Projects, India


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BMW M5 Competition has been launched in India, it is a more powerful version of the regular M5. BMW India has introduced a sportier sibling of the M5 and it is called M5 Competition. Priced at Rs. 1.55 crores (ex-showroom), the M5 Competition is around Rs. 10 lakhs more expensive than the regular M5. What’s … Read More
BMW M5 is the performance centric version of the BMW 5-Series that was first introduced by the German automaker in 1985. The mid-size luxury performance sedan is made by the Motorsport division of BMW. The BMW M5 F10 generation was unveiled in 2011 internationally and launched in India in 2012. Powering the BMW M5 is a 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbocharged engine that produces a maximum power of 560 BHP at 6000 RPM with a peak torque of 680 Nm at 1500 RPM, mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. The BMW M5 competes with the likes of Mercedes E63 AMG and Audi RS6. The BMW M5 is available in the Indian market with a price tag of Rs. 1.20 crores.
Shootout: BMW M5 vs Mercedes-AMG E63S Shootout No. 202 Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 1,70,38,575/- (Mercedes-AMG E63S), Rs. 1,78,07,499/- (BMW M5) If luxury and features are a priority pick the AMG E63S otherwise the M5’s performance is insane The Germans have been at it for years, fighting it out for top honours in the super saloon … Read More
2018 BMW M5 Test Drive Review Car Tested: 2018 BMW M5; Road Test No. 1031; Test Location: Mumbai Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 1,70,38,575/- The BMW M5 is a serious performance sedan with a luxurious interior Sports cars bring in a lot of performance but compromise on practicality but there is something called the best of … Read More
The much awaited BMW M5 has been launched at the Auto Expo 2018 and the monstrous sedan now pumps out 600 HP. Almost all BMWs have their M iteration in the lineup and soon after a new model is launched, we enthusiasts bite our nails to see what its M sibling would be like. The … Read More
BMW takes wraps off the 2018 M5, gets xDrive AWD for the first time in 30 years. BMW has unveiled the 2018 iteration of the M5 sports sedan that surprisingly gets BMW’s M xDrive AWD system for the first time in 30 years. All its previous iterations were primarily RWD (Rear Wheel Drive) versions. The … Read More
The BMW M5 is a mad car, an aggressive cat on the roads and a complete hooligan on the track The venue was Madras Motor Sports Club and the climate was bloody hot. Tucked away in the air-conditioned lounge were a bunch of auto journalists who had come to experience the all new BMW X5 … Read More
BMW India has launched the new BMW M5 facelift, which is priced at Rs. 1.35 crores (ex-showroom, India). The 2015 BMW M5 performance sedan competes primarily against the Mercedes E63 AMG that was launched last year. The BMW 5-Series, as we all know, is an executive mid-size luxury sedan that offers a good balance of … Read More


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Foxborough firm's tech brings TV tray-side visits
- Ryan McBride
For better or worse, people gather the bulk of information -- on everything from news to fashion -- from their television sets. Now a local startup has a product that enables the elderly and chronically ill to switch on the TV to view their personal health data.
BL Healthcare Inc., of Foxborough, recently launched a system known as TVx. The system gathers a patient's health information from Bluetooth-based wireless diagnostics in the home and displays it on everyday television screens. It also sends the information over the Internet to a secure server, where doctors and nurses can log in to check up on their patients.
In December 2006, BL Healthcare began shipping its TVx systems to the United States, Australia and parts of Europe, entering the emerging market for products that provide patient health information to doctors and other caregivers in remote locations.
With early backing from Boston's Hub Angel Investment Group LLC, BL Healthcare is now looking to raise $3 million to $5 million in Series A financing to boost sales and marketing efforts, said Michael Mathur, president and CEO of BL Healthcare.
Mathur, who founded the company in 2005, said TVx serves a crucial need for in-home technology systems that improve medical treatment of people and reduce overall health-care costs.
"This is a phenomenal system that allows older people to live in their homes longer," he said. "That's been a phenomenal story for us."
The TVx system includes a set-top box with videoconferencing capability and a remote control. Other companies provide the wireless diagnostics, including blood-glucose meters, weight scales, blood-pressure instruments and pulse oximeters that connect to the system. Each time a patient, say, measures her blood sugar, that information is sent from the glucose meter to the box.
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We come from the picturesque shore of Desna, so it is that which is glorified by O. Dovzhenko in his works. And we love our
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PRODUCTIVE BEEKEEPING IS APPROCHING – ONLY 6 DAYS TO GO TILL THE №1 EVENT IN THE SPHERE OF BEEKEEPING!
The international specialized exhibition of manufacturers of beekeeping industry equipment, veterinary preparations, bee packages and related products Prоductive Beekeeping is coming soon! The team of Prоductive Beekeeping invites beekeepers,
Do you know what smart-solutions can be effectively implemented into your beekeeping business? We would like to share the list of the global IT- solutions,
Мelisa 93, the leading producer of beekeeping tools in Ukraine, will take part in the specialized exhibition Prоductive Beekeeping! Production of the company is ensured by
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BeeStar technology, a new exhibition of the international specialized exhibition “Productive BeeKeeping”!
The list of exhibitors of the international specialized exhibition “Productive Beekeeping” has been extended by one more company. Meet BeeStar Technology, a producer of industrial convection


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Following an announcement that the Cape Town International Airport has scooped the best airport in Africa last week, the Western Cape government has seen a rapid rise in cargo volumes.
According to the City of Cape Town’s Economic Growth Mayoral Committee official, James Vos, there has been massive growth in terms of cargo volumes while the city recovers from the devastating Coronavirus pandemic.
Vos says they are working around the clock to ensure the recovery from the ravaging covid-19 pandemic is improved.
He also explained that the y are engaging with the management of the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) on the expansion of Cape Town International Airport’s capabilities.
“We are hard at work on recovery plans for the aviation sector, including rebuilding confidence in air travel and the expansion of air cargo, together with our strategic business partners,” said Vos according to EWN.
“By boosting direct flights and expanding current routes we create more efficient connections between the city and our key source markets.
“To handle more planes and cargo which is crucial for travel and trade opportunities, because much of these exports are happening through airports and by air.”
It is now reported that the top three international cargo markets for the region are Netherlands, Germany and the United Kingdom
Meanwhile, the province’s airport bagged the accolade as it was rated by Skytrax World Airport Awards for the seventh year in a row.
The results of the latest survey, conducted between September 2021 and May 2022, were announced on Thursday last week.
“This award is what brings global attention and gives airlines confidence in flying to the Mother City,” said Vos.
“It is also a show of economic readiness as a city because connecting Cape Town to more cities and countries means that we can welcome more visitors and create more jobs through tourism and provide trade opportunities to increase export of proudly Cape products to the rest of the world.”


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Progressive tax rates have always puzzled me because they assume that government has different value for citizens based on their incomes.
Break government down to the basics and it is essentially a provider of services — defense, transportation, the legal system, schools, etc. — that customers want or need and are willing to pay a price to obtain.
In that way, it’s little different than a private sector business.
Except in the private sector, goods and services have a set value; all customers pay the same. You don’t have to scan your 1040 at the gasoline pump to set the price per gallon.
Only in government does every customer pay a different price for the same thing.
Reader Jon Taub sent me a note last week putting the difference between government and private sector pricing in perspective.
Taub, a corporate lawyer for a Detroit business, notes that the top 1 percent of earners pay for 38 percent of the general fund services delivered by the federal government.
Forty-seven percent of earners pay nothing for these services. And the bottom 40 percent actually get a reverse payment from the federal government in the form of a refund on taxes they don’t pay.


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In a place as massive as the New Orleans Morial Convention Center, it can be easy to lose your way in the sea of “world’s first ___” claims and free samples. The TIC Gums booth featured a bearded mascot who wanted to take a picture with you. Pop Rocks had a booth of its own, claiming that its electric delicacies fit well in milkshakes. Distractions aside, BevNET dug deep into this year’s Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) show and spotted trends — emerging and yet to surface alike — that have already shifted or could soon make a dent in the beverage industry. And if you’re thinking about launching an aspartame-sweetened cola with a side of GMOs, you may want to take some notes.
Waves of Grain
Ingredient suppliers are continuing to find new ways to meet the demands of an evolving market that calls for more protein and energy sources. While Monster and Red Bull continue to dominate the energy drink market, a growing number of consumers beyond natural channels are seeking alternative ingredients that can offer energy-boosting qualities.
Mamma Chia and Chia/Vie have long served as the torchbearers of the small, but growing, chia beverage industry. However, recent figures provided at IFT by market research group Mintel indicate that this small but intriguing category could soon grow into a more significant global player. In 2012-13, chia products in food and beverage increased by approximately 140 percent. And it wasn’t the only grain to see a significant boost during this time frame. A few other growing ingredients include high-protein wheat product Kamut (78 percent), sorghum (65 percent), millet (54 percent) and oats (48 percent).
The growing interest in alternative protein sources has also led to the introduction of a number of plant-based options sourced from rice, pea and microalgae. Roquette, a plant-based supplier in northern France, introduced algility HP, one of a number of algae proteins at the show that can be applied to juices and smoothies, among other beverages with a thick enough viscosity.
The microalgaes caught the eye of Mintel senior consultant Nirvana Chapman, who connected these somewhat funky ingredients to the nature of the beverage industry.
“I feel like beverage gets leeway to be a little bit more experimental,” Chapman said.
A few other noteworthy figures via Mintel:
In the past five years, sucralose has been consistently featured in about 40 percent of product launches. However, over the same time frame, product launches with aspartame have decreased by 8 percent.
In 2013, 40 percent of flavored coffee launches in the U.S. were sweet flavors.
22 percent of Americans believe gluten-free is bad for you.
“No additives” is the top claim on new products launched globally. The phrase appears on more than 16 percent of new products in certain regions.
35 percent of consumers in the U.S. believe “made with whole grains” defines a healthy menu item.
54 percent of men and 65 percent of women read the labels on foods before they make a purchase.
34 percent of U.S. parents want to see brands commit to non-GMO ingredients.
74 percent of U.S. consumers are “very concerned” or “somewhat concerned” about food safety.


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When Steve Jobs announced iCloud at the Apple Worldwide Developer Conference, many in enterprise IT dismissed the broader relevance of consumer cloud services, but they do so at their peril.
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What’s Good for Us Is Good for Our Pets
As the bond between people and their pets continues to grow stronger, it’s no wonder that key lifestyle trends are trickling down to our furry friends, as well. In a recent survey commissioned by the Michelson Found Animals Foundation, a survey of 1,000 dog and cat owners found that as humans become more tech-connected and embrace alternative health practices and diets, they’re getting their pets on board with these same practices.
Smart pets. Intrigued by pet technology and its ability to give pet parents a better grasp on a pet’s health and wellness, many are gravitating toward features such as nutrition apps (47 percent), vet telemedicine (46 percent) and fitness trackers (31 percent) to help maintain their pet’s health. More than half (53 percent) are interested in getting a pet tracking device or a microchip (52 percent) and four in 10 (40 percent) are interested in pet monitoring cameras. With one in four pet parents admitting they spend more on tech for their pets than for themselves, the future of pet tech is very bright. In fact, more than half (56 percent) of pet parents say they have special tech just for their pet.
Alternative treatments. Pet owners who have tried alternative therapies themselves are likely to use them on their pets, as well. Of those who have used alternative treatments like hemp-based products, 74 percent have also used them on their pets. More than a quarter of pets (26 percent) have experienced mobility-related therapies like massage, physical therapy, chiropractic and acupuncture.
Clean eating. As people’s growing awareness of the effect the food they eat has on health and wellness leads them to try new diets and eating plans, it’s trickling down to their pet’s diet, as well. Of those surveyed, 45 percent admit to personally following a diet, and 70 percent of those admit to putting their pet on a special diet too; for example, almost half of pet parents who eat organic also feed their pets organic (47 percent vs. 12 percent average).
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Hyatt confirms purchase of legendary Driskill Hotel
Photo courtesy of the Driskill Hotel
Austin’s historic Driskill Hotel is now owned and operated by an affiliate of the Hyatt Hotels Corporation.
According to a spokesperson for Hyatt, the 189-room hotel will still be named Driskill, but will now operate under the umbrella of Hyatt Hotels and Resorts. Hyatt paid about $85 million for the legendary hotel.
“We are thrilled to add such a well-loved local icon to the Hyatt family and are delighted to be increasing our presence in Austin, which offers world-class business and educational institutions, as well as thriving entertainment and technology scenes,” Rakesh Sarna with Hyatt said in a press release.
The spokesperson said that the hotel will now undergo an $8 million renovation which is expected to preserve the downtown landmark's historic look and legacy. The renovation should take about two years.


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The Lund-based development company Invent Medic continues marketing activities for its first product, Efemia bladder support. The company has applied for 510(k) market registration with the FDA and is also starting a subsidiary to bring the product to market in the US. BioStock has spoken to the company’s CEO Karin Bryder to find out more.
Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) is a common phenomenon among women, with up to 700 million reportedly suffering to varying degrees worldwide. With its first product, Efemia bladder support, Invent Medic aims to provide women with an easy-to-use and effective aid against the problems.
The company has established several distribution channels in Sweden and in other European countries as well. A first step is now being taken to enter the United States, a market where, according to the company, more than 20 million women suffer from SUI. An application for 510(k) market registration has been submitted to the FDA and the company is currently working on a marketing plan for the product’s launch in the country.
»It is gratifying that the process of obtaining market registration of Efemia continent support in the US is now taking another step forward. At the same time, I would like to highlight several other activities that are important for our success in the US. These include our strong commitment to increased marketing and support for our regional partners, which will also include the US, as well as the work to identify US partners at different levels.« – Karin Bryder, CEO Invent Medic.
Establishing US subsidiary
Invent Medic has also signed an agreement with the consulting company MLVC to make the entry into the US as efficient as possible. MLVC specialises in helping Swedish medical device companies enter the US market and will, among other things, help with the setting up of a subsidiary that will drive marketing and sales activities.
Increased investments in marketing
The latest activities are just a few in a long line of initiatives designed to drive the marketing. The company started the new year by announcing two new hires with responsibility for communication toward healthcare professionals and for online marketing. A first step in the effort to enter the US market will be to identify partners. In addition to a distributor agreement, the company will target researchers, healthcare professionals and women’s organisations to build trust and awareness.
The plans also include the introduction of the company’s menstrual cup, which is currently being developed, and which is expected to be launched on the Swedish market in the second half of 2021.
To finance the new investments, Invent Medic has entered into an agreement for subscription and guarantee commitments regarding the warrant TO1. The exercise period runs from February 25 to March 18 and will upon full subscription add 14,9 MSEK to the company The company has secured the issue to 34 percent and has also agreed on a loan facility of 10 MSEK with Råsunda Förvaltning. The capital needs for the next 12-month period are thus secured, regardless of the outcome of the warrant.
BioStock has spoken to Invent Medic’s CEO Karin Bryder to find out more.
Karin, you have now submitted a 510(k) application to the FDA. What does this mean for the company?
– This means that we can seriously talk to contacts that we have established from before. Carina Lindqvist, who responsible for our international expansion, has, among other things, made contacts at the ICS meeting in Gothenburg in 2019. We can now send products for evaluation, which we could not do before.
When can you expect a response from FDA?
– The time for approval of products in our category has historically varied a lot, ranging from four months to just over a year.
You hold a patent for the product in the US where an application for design protection is also under review. Can you tell us more about your intellectual property strategy?
– Invent Medic’s main strategy is to own all intellectual property rights, such as patents, trademarks and design protection, for the products we develop and offer. This creates maximum flexibility when negotiating with potential distributors and licensees, while avoiding ongoing licensing costs.
You are also using MLVC to expand into the country. What does this collaboration mean for the company?
– This means that we have an experienced controller who can streamline the process of starting a subsidiary in the US, and who can handle the transactions we expect.
The content of BioStock’s news and analyses is independent but the work of BioStock is to a certain degree financed by life science companies. The above article concerns a company from which BioStock has received financing.


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by Jim Dudlicek / NGA Director, Communications and External Affairs
Independent retailers are a key partner on the path to ending hunger and supporting heathy diets. Retailers are community economic hubs that support community revitalization and growth.
NGA members care deeply about their communities and as such have worked hard to increase access to healthy food options for their customers.
As such, NGA was honored to be a part of the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health on Sept. 28, and is committed to helping enhance food access and nutrition for all.
Specifically, over the next two years, NGA will assist with improving access to grocery stores across the country by working to increase the number of grocery retailers authorized for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) online purchases with a prioritization on rural areas and areas with low food access, and creating a toolkit with a list of resources and funding opportunities to support the expansion of full-service grocery stores in designated food deserts.
NGA members are out in their communities every day making a difference. Our grocers look for innovative solutions to bring food to communities in need and work with the communities to listen to those needs.
For example, the Homeland grocery chain opened a full-size grocery store in northeastern Oklahoma City, which is a predominantly Black neighborhood and food desert. In addition to offering nutrition incentives for buying fresh produce, the retailer increased food access and created jobs by working directly with the community and learning their needs.
NGA was particularly encouraged by the prominent inclusion by the administration of antitrust enforcement in the effort to fight hunger. Enforcing antitrust laws like the Robinson-Patman Act is one of NGA’s top priorities.
“Without a level playing field for independent grocers, the food insecure of our nation are only going to have a harder time accessing the nutritious food their families need to thrive,” said South Dakota-based independent grocer RF Buche, who attended the White House conference and was present earlier this week in Minneapolis where FTC Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya declared his commitment to enforcing RPA.
“I know firsthand the challenges that rural communities face in getting consistent access to groceries,” said Buche, who spearheaded an effort to serve food deserts in his home state with temperature-controlled food lockers. “Acknowledgement of these challenges by the administration and support to build upon these efforts will be welcomed with open arms by folks in the communities I serve.”
Also attending the conference was Jimmy Wright, a single-store independent operator in Opelika, Alabama, who was impressed by the focus on food and nutrition.
“It’s encouraging to see a high-level of interest in food access and nutrition from the Biden administration,” said Wright, who participated in the SNAP Online purchasing pilot program. “This is a tremendous opportunity for independent grocers to share our stories about the important role we play in providing nutritious food to communities across the nation. I look forward to working with the administration and Congress on solutions for greater food access, including the enforcement of antitrust laws to address economic discrimination in the marketplace.”


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PARIS — Millions of European women will soon come into contact with designs by Max Azria — at prices not much higher than a bottle of Champagne or a baked ham.
Carrefour, the world’s second-largest retailer after Wal-Mart, unveiled its new Tex by Max Azria collection, a contemporary line slated for August delivery at 718 locations in Europe and designed to help ignite the retail giant’s nonfood business.
“We are going to reach a lot of women that are very difficult to reach,” said an ebullient Azria, in town for a fashion show and launch event Tuesday night at the Musée de l’Homme here. He was referring to the fact that Carrefour stores in Europe are typically located on the outskirts of large cities or in smaller towns, giving him unprecedented access to women, who make up 80 percent of footfall at its stores, which totals 20 million people daily.
The Tex line initially will be sold in France, Greece, Spain, Belgium, Italy and Portugal, with the Carrefour-Azria deal calling for a minimum guaranteed volume of 1 billion euros, or $1.35 billion, through the end of 2011.
Carrefour declined to specify its future rollout plan, but it is understood the label will ultimately be expanded to other doors in additional markets. There are 1,040 Carrefour units in the world, while the group operates more than 12,000 stores in 29 countries. Carrefour recently has seen some turmoil with the departure of its chairman, Luc Vandevelde, and Bernard Arnault’s Groupe Arnault linking with Colony Capital to buy a 9.1 percent stake in the retailer.
José Maria Folache, Carrefour’s general manager for Europe (excluding France), noted that only one in five Carrefour shoppers purchases apparel in its aisles, a ratio it aims to increase with Azria’s contemporary and mostly casual styles, which range from lantern-sleeved cardigans and tailored coats to low-slung jeans andfringed suede boots. In the first quarter, sales of nonfood items rose 0.4 percent at Carrefour.
The giant retailer’s aim is to bolster “pleasure-related purchases. This is our new strategy,” Folache said during an informal press conference held on the middle of the catwalk before the show. “We’re looking to convert this brand into a full-fledged fashion label.”The Tex label has existed for 25 years at Carrefour, and the retailer sells more than 75 million Tex items per year in France alone. But Azria’s mission was to make women’s styles more “fashion-oriented and sexy,” Folache said. The label, to be merchandised with special fixtures, will be the main women’s ready-to-wear offering at Carrefour, which also carries such apparel brands as Levi’s, Dim, Terre de Marin and Auber.
Azria said the Tex line is aimed at a “contemporary type of woman, relatively ageless,” with an accent on casual styles and broad choices in accessories. Most items are priced between 10 euros, or $13.50, and 40 euros, or $54.
But adding the right fashion touch was only part of the equation. Folache noted that BCBG Max Azria Group’s expertise in retailing and apparel manufacturing helped seal the deal. “Max has enabled us to gain access to a complex, specialized business. We would never have been able to do it alone,” he said.
“It’s not just clothes; it’s scientific,” Azria agreed. “There’s the product on the one hand, and the technical aspects of the products.”
Azria said he’s employing a category management business model for the Carrefour venture, which will streamline product flows and allow it to compete better against retailers such as Zara, which often has stores near Carrefour in suburban locations.
The debut collection, spanning some 400 styles and 1,000 stockkeeping units, has a polished bohemian vibe and includes layers of soft knits, short dresses, tunic tops, oversize bags and a broad assortment of sweaters. The most notable BCBG-inspired piece was a billowy knit cardigan wrap that has been seen in recent collections. Coming later in the season are major offerings of denim, dresses and coats.
Meanwhile, Azria’s business is enjoying strong momentum on other fronts.
In an interview, the Los Angeles-based designer disclosed plans to open 25 BCBG Max Azria stores in Europe this year, primarily in France, but also Switzerland and Belgium.
BCBG’s European business should total $400 million over the next 12 months. Azria also said that in August he will relaunch Alain Manoukian, the French sportswear firm his group acquired in 2005. Nameplates will be converted to Manoukian, with close to 100 stores, most of them in France, displaying a new decor, graphics and colors. Azria also overhauled the Manoukian design team and promised a collection that would be “more affordable and more designer and value-priced.“It was always my dream to sell a product at many prices, from $10 to $5,000 and be good at every one,” he said in an interview. “French fries are good, but caviar is good, too.”
“What he has done at Vuitton is really exceptional,” said @gameofthrones’ actress Gwendoline Christie on @mrkimjones’ final show for @louisvuitton. “He has rebooted luxury in terms of making it commercial, viable and contemporary. And most importantly artistic. He has never compromised his artistic vision for the sake of commodity.” (📷: @zefashioninsider)
After seeing a demand for men’s wear from its customers, British contemporary women’s wear label @ariesarise has added a men’s wear component and will launch a unisex collection with @mrporterlive. The 20-piece collection includes jackets, denim, logo T-shirts and more with deconstructed ‘90s vibes. Set to launch on January 18, you can shop the pieces on Aries’ website and on mrporter.com. #wwdfashion
“And so spending so much time with a character who thinks like that, inevitability you try and analyze yourself and go back and think about your own demons and dark chapters that you had in your life,” says @thedanielbruhl of his role in TNT’s “The Alienist.” The show, set in the Gilded Age of New York, also stars Dakota Fanning and Luke Evans. Head to WWD.com to read about how 39-year-old Brühl prepared for the role and why he thinks the show is so relevant to today #wwdeye ( 📷: @Eriktanner)
Now that Celine Dion’s collection has topped $10 million in sales, the pop superstar, fashion icon and newly-minted industry player is eyeing growth in Asia. Read the full report by @tiffanyap, link in bio. #wwdnews #celinedion
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Among the familiar faces at @off____white’s show was a surprise figure: Japanese artist @takashipom, pictured here on Wednesday morning. Other show-goers included @jerrylorenzo, who spoke about his upcoming project: a @nike collaboration for back to school, with designs inspired by his childhood on the West Coast. Sitting in the front row were Future, Don Crawley, @miguel and more. See the rest of the photos on WWD.com #wwdeye (📷: Stephane Feugere)
According to @laurentsai, former “Terrace House: Aloha State” cast member, she didn’t know she was auditioning for the Japanese version of “Real World.” “I was telling a couple of my friends and someone’s like, ‘That sounds a lot like Terrace House.’ I was like, ’No it can’t be.’” Turns out, it was. But Tsai isn’t just a reality star — she’s an illustrator who has worked with Starbucks Japan and most recently, she’s dipping her toes into the fashion world. Head to WWD.com to read about her time on the show, modeling and her art. #wwdeye (📷: @danieldorsa)
More changes are coming to New York Fashion Week: Beginning with the spring 2019 collection, @alexanderwangny will move his New York show to June from September, adopting a biannual schedule with collections shown in June and December. Additionally, the @cfda is planning for an official summer/winter fashion season taking place as soon as June and December 2018. Read more about the upcoming changes on WWD.com. #wwdnews #wwdfashion (📷: @slovekinpics)


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An esteemed group of Asia Pacific medical and scientific professionals and researchers has written to Hong Kong Chief Executive, Hon Carrie Lam, concerned that Hong Kong is set to ban safer alternative nicotine products such as vaping.
‘We recently came across media reports highlighting that Hong Kong will move forward to deliberate on a bill which seeks to ban the importation and sales of all alternative nicotine delivery products such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products,’ wrote the Expert Advisory Group of the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA).
Nancy Loucas, Executive Coordinator of CAPHRA, says members of the Expert Advisory Group were keen to offer their views. They understand other regulatory proposals have also been tabled for the Hong Kong Government to consider which, if adopted, could see the regulation of heated tobacco products instead of a blanket ban for ENDS – Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems.
‘It is highly commendable that Hong Kong has set a target to reduce smoking rates from the current 10.2% to 7.8% by 2025. We strongly believe that by appropriately regulating heated tobacco products and adopting a harm reduction approach to complement Hong Kong’s existing strong tobacco control policies, Hong Kong can achieve a high reduction in smoking rates and improve public health outcomes,’ they wrote.
The experts noted Japan’s significant success having regulated heated tobacco products. In fact, Japan’s smoking rates have declined by more than 30% since heated tobacco products were first launched in 2014.
Citing global scientific evidence and data, the experts said a growing consensus in the international scientific community is that ENDS are much less harmful that regular cigarettes as they do not involve combustion.
‘With the growing global evidence in support of the harm reduction potential of heated tobacco products, 48 countries have moved towards specifically regulating heated tobacco products. In fact, a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) did not make any recommendations to ban these products and specially recommended that member states should regulate heated tobacco products,’ wrote the Expert Advisory Group.
The experts noted that China is a member of the WHO Framework Convention of Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).
Nancy Loucas: “With Hong Kong at a crossroads, our experts were keen to respectfully offer their views backed by the latest international evidence. They wanted to be crystal clear: It is the combustion of tobacco that is the primary cause of smoking-related diseases, with vaping and heated tobacco products significantly less harmful.”
The head of CAPHRA says several countries in the Asia Pacific region have now regulated the availability of safer alternative nicotine products.
“The Philippines Senate, for example, is set to approve a bill to regulate in a positive and risk proportionate way. If Hong Kong is to successfully reduce its smoking rates, it must also give smokers legal access to safer alternatives. We hope they follow the evidence, because as our experts have shown, there’s plenty of it,” says Nancy Loucas.
To read the full letter from the Expert Advisory Group of CAPHRA to the leadership of Hong Kong, visit https://caphraorg.net/wp-content/uploads/pdfs/hong-kong-letter-revised.pdf
The expert signatories: Kumamaru Hiroya MD, PhD (Japan), Eliana Rubashkyn B Pharm, BSc, MA Public Health (New Zealand), Colin Mendelsohn MD and Joe Kosterich MD (Australia), Ron Christian G. Sison RMT, MT (AMT), MLS (ASCPi), MPH (Philippines), Rohan Sequiera MD, PhD (India), Andrew John Da Roza MA, MSc., SAT, SAC, CSAT (Singapore) and Dr Tan Kok Kuan, MD, MBBS (Singapore).
To view the latest Voices for Vape panel discussion of Southeast Asia consumer Tobacco Harm Reduction advocates, visithttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJOFWFOHvYs. Topics include the WHO’s South East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) conference in September and possible impacts for the WHO FCTC in November.
Now live and boasting nearly 14,000 testimonials, CAPHRA is calling on those who’ve quit cigarettes through smoke-free nicotine alternatives to tell their story on www.righttovape.org
Consumer groups in the Asia Pacific region have also launched a petition at change.org/v4v-petition that urges the WHO to respect consumer rights and to stop demonizing Tobacco Harm Reduction options ahead of November’s meeting of the WHO FCTC.
For a free digital media repository on tobacco harm reduction in Asia Pacific – including media releases, images and graphics – please visithttps://apthrmedia.org
The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Advocates (CAPHRA) is a regional alliance of consumer tobacco harm reduction advocacy organisations. Its mission is to educate, advocate and represent the right of adult alternative nicotine consumers to access and use of products that reduce harm from tobacco use.


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The decrease in physical interaction and mobility resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting people’s livelihoods, especially women micro-entrepreneurs, who sell their products at mobile food stalls, warung (small kiosks), and tourist sites.
Made, a craftswoman in her 50s from Gianyar, Bali, depends on selling small wooden decorations and bracelets for her living in Sukawati. Her income has decreased by 80 percent since Bali closed its doors to tourists. In December, her income has been slowly recovering but has yet to reach its pre-pandemic level.
She has tried to sell her products through social media and e-commerce platforms. However, the results have not been as good as expected. She has found it difficult to be bound to her phone, to pay for phone credit, to take good photos of her products, and to market them online. Micro-entrepreneurs, according to Law No. 20/2008, have annual sales of no more than Rp 300 million with a maximum asset value of Rp 50 million, excluding land and buildings used for business.
There is no publicly available data on the number of women micro-entrepreneurs like Made. In 2017, Seno-Alday and Bourne from the University of Sydney, using 2015 population data, estimated that the number was 24.7 mill


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MIAMI -- Burger King says it struck a deal to buy Tim Hortons Inc. for about $11 billion, a move that creates the world's third-largest fast-food company and could accelerate the international expansion of the Canadian coffee and doughnut chain.
The corporate headquarters of the new company will be in Canada. The two brands will continue to be run as stand-alone chains, with Burger King still operating out of Miami.
Some analysts have suggested that Canada's lower tax rates stand to benefit Burger King over time. But Burger King said that's the not main motivation for the deal.
During a conference call with analysts and investors, Burger King Executive Chairman Alex Behring stressed that international growth possibilities are driving the deal. He noted that 3G Capital, the investment firm that owns a majority stake in Burger King, has turned the hamburger company into one of the fastest-growing chains since buying it in 2010. He said that experience will be applied to Tim Hortons.
"It's not being driven by tax rates," Behring said.
In recent years, more U.S. companies have acquired businesses in countries with lower tax rates, then moved their headquarters there. Such tax inversions have become the subject of criticism by President Barack Obama and Congress because they mean the loss of revenue for the U.S. government.
After the deal, which is expected to close by early next year, the new company would have about $23 billion in sales and more than 18,000 locations.
The tie-up could help Burger King and Tim Hortons pose a greater challenge to market leaders such as McDonald's and Starbucks and reflects a desire by both companies to expand internationally. Burger King, which has nearly 14,000 locations, has been striking deals to open more locations in developing markets. The company sees plenty of room for growth internationally, given the more than 35,000 locations McDonald's has around the world. Tim Hortons has more than 4,500 locations, mostly in Canada.
There are eight Burger King locations on Staten Island.


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Investors from around the world experienced dismay when Facebook disclosed that its Initial Public Offering (IPO) will not be until 2012.
Facebook now attracts more attention from potential investors than does Google, many might say. With more than half a billion users and private investment in Facebook at an all time high, some hoped that an IPO would come sooner rather than later.
> The Obama economy
Although Facebook appears ready for an IPO now, some suggest that concerns over volatile market conditions and the Obama economy require the postponement of its IPO in hopes of achieving a higher valuation. Present indicators seem to suggest that the value of Facebook has nowhere to go but up.
Facebook is not the only corporation putting IPO plans on hold in hopes of outlasting current economic conditions. At the end of last month, SurgiVision became one of the latest to announce a rethought strategy after disappointing results in preliminary value estimates.
While awaiting fairer economic times, Facebook hopes to use the time to grow and increase its current base of private investment.
> The risk of delay
By delaying its IPO, Facebook may face additional risks along with its potentially higher value. Some analysts see competition from other social networking venues such as Twitter intensifying over the short term, especially in the battle over advertising dollars.
Facebook CEO Mark Zukerberg, seemingly perpetually under fire for the controversial nature of his business strategies, could self destruct at any time. Privacy lobbyists, already having a heyday over the egregious privacy and security issues that haunt Facebook, could also use the time between now and 2012 to subvert the popularity Facebook has enjoyed.
Although presuming that Facebook users will remain detached from the threats they encounter through the use of the site could end up costing the company billions, the fact that privacy and security matters have little or no traction within our society tends to confirm that Facebook faces no real danger in that arena.
> The new Online landscape
Changing winds in the Online corporate world reflect the way our entire society now seems to value social networking over more traditional services such as Internet search results, email, and voice communications. Not too long ago, Google seemed like an unstoppable force set to dominate the Online world for decades to come, but now has seen its stock value collapse as the economy and changing public preferences have taken their toll.
Before Google gained prominence, Microsoft seemed like the unstoppable force; before that there were computer manufacturer powerhouses like Dell and HP. Before that was IBM.
Time has shown us that – as in the traditional business world – no business can plan on prolonged dominance, regardless of the desires of its top brass. With a public so demonstrably fickle, especially in the technology world, one can only hope that the delay of the Facebook IPO pays off as planned.
Heera, Sarabjit. Facebook is now $33 billion entity . August 29, 2010. http://topnews.us/content/224881-facebook-now-33-billion-entity (accessed September 8, 2010).
Shwiff, Kathy. SurgiVision Postpones IPO Because Of Market Conditions . August 30, 2010. http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100830-711665.html (accessed September 8, 2010).


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Taipei, Feb. 18, 2011 (CENS)--The Taiwan-based Sintek Photronics Corp., a touch panel maker affiliated with Walsin Lihwa Group, has signed a deal with Samsung Mobile Display (SMD) to supply LTPS (low temperature poly-silicon) production and touch sensors, confirmed the chairman W.I Chang.
Chang said that Sintek's LTPS will be shipped in the form of backplanes to SMD mainly for production of AMOLED (Active-matrix organic light-emitting diode) displays, adding that his firm will also supply AMOLED touch panels to the client in the future.
The firm is planning to acquire a factory located in Southern Taiwan Science Park from Hannstar Display Corp. to set up 5.5th-generation LTPS production lines, with the investment estimated at NT$20 billion at least. With technical support from SMD, Chang said his firm is scheduled to activate the lines at the end of this year at the earliest, with monthly output of 50,000 substrates in the first stage of construction.
Industry insiders indicated that the Sintek-SMD alliance is the first cooperation between Taiwanese and Korean firms on production of AMOLED displays, which will help Sintek to sharpen its competitive edges to boost its position in the industry, while allowing SMD to add more LPTS and touch panel supply sources.
Noteworthy is that Sintek is likely to reinforce its partnership with SMD in the future, as the former will increase its capital by NT$6 billion through issuing 200 million shares for NT$24-30 per share through GDRs, and the latter is believed to stand the chance to become a shareholder in Sintek.
Slim, lightweight and power-saving, AMOLED displays have been seen as a next-generation display, ideal for use in electronics devices as handsets, tablets PCs and TVs, with SMD the only supplier in the world. Although most Taiwanese firms have preferred to join hands with Japanese partners to counter SMD, Sintek's cooperation with the Korean firm, however, has set a more concrete cooperation pattern for players who want to gain solid grounds in the segment, noted market observers.
(by Steve Chuang)


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GREENBRIER COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – Lewisburg prepares for the holidays and hopes you’ll visit it’s local stores this Christmas.
Interim city manager Misty Hill says the city will kick off the downtown holiday season November 6. While the town hopes to attract shoppers to enjoy local stores and visit restaurants, they’re making sure everyone stays safe in the process.
“You’ll notice that on all the merchants doors downtown are going to have a number of how many people can actually be in the store,” said Hill. “They’re also requiring masks and they’ve set up stations that you can hand sanitize before shopping through the store. They’re also taking measures to sanitize after everyone leaves.”
Hill says all businesses have had to adapt to the new normal since the start of the pandemic, but restaurants especially have gotten creative to stay open while following guidelines.


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Michael Leedy's eventual successor as chief marketing officer at American Eagle Outfitters should consider boosting the brand's digital outreach while doubling down on simple, honest messages like the acclaimed "Real" campaign for its Aerie lingerie in early 2014.
So say retail watchers in the wake of the company's announcement yesterday that Leedy would step down on Sept. 15. No reason was given for Leedy's impending exit, but the search for a new CMO is underway.
"American Eagle has managed to make a comeback with its focus on e-commerce and emotional marketing like the Aerie 'Real' campaign featuring nonphotoshopped models," said Brooke Blashill, senior vice president of The Boutique @ Ogilvy PR. "With the departure of its CMO, the brand will need to continue to build on these assets, especially as it heads into the holiday buying season."
By some estimates, 85 percent of teens start their shopping online, so "continued focus on omnichannel marketing will be critical," said Blashill. Creating campaigns that speak to young people in their own language, about fashion and body issues important to them, is paramount if AE is to maintain its hard-won momentum, she said.
Leedy earned praise during his four years as CMO for helping establish a more modern, vibrant brand for the teen-oriented clothing and accessories retailer. Following a protracted slump, the chain's fortunes have seen an upswing in recent quarters. On Wednesday, the Pittsburgh-based company reported fiscal second-quarter net income of $33.3 million and a profit of 17 cents per share, beating analysts estimates. Sales rose to a record $797 million, a 12 percent gain compared to the same frame a year ago.
"AE has done a better job than its peer-set competitors—Abercrombie & Fitch and Aéropostale—in the past couple of years" through a mix of marketing and "coward-fashion improvement," such as focusing on denim and other trendy fabrics, said Mary Brett Whitfield, a senior vice president at Kantar Retail.
American Eagle can keep climbing "if it establishes itself as a destination brand for teens, setting itself apart by a compelling brand story and promise," said Tessa Tinney, founding partner of brand consultancy at Monaco Lange, who adds, "A change in CMO is a great opportunity for a fresh new look at what the brand represents."
Leedy hired New York agency Translation last year as his lead creative resource. The shop's music-video-style back-to-school campaign for 2014, "Portraits," was generally well received.
Scott Davis, chief growth officer at Prophet, a brand consultancy, injected a note of caution about making change for change's sake. "Both the company and the incoming CMO need to be careful and pragmatic about how they move forward with the brand," he said. "The tendencies of many new CMOs is to initiate a reboot with new agencies, new campaign creative and new media. But since America Eagle is experiencing so much success right now, I would advise that they resist that temptation."
So, what's his advice for Leedy's successor?
"When a company is doing a well, the CMO has the ability to focus on the growth strategy, as opposed to spending all their time trying to fix what's broken," Davis said. "Companies such as Coke and Allstate have been able to successfully transition between CMOs because they stuck with what was working and didn't change the ad or media strategy. Instead, they focused on innovative strategies that can support growth for the brand—not just for the next quarter but in the long term."


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Got $18,000 for a library on wheels? Books not included.
That's what the Des Plaines Public Library is asking for its nearly 16-year-old mobile library that was retired in December because it was too costly to maintain.
It cost Des Plaines $132,660 annually -- roughly 2 percent of the total library budget -- to operate the mobile library. After spending $6,750 to rebuild the bookmobile's transmission, officials realized it could cost roughly $20,000 to put in a new engine. They decided to end the program instead of fixing the bus.
Since Des Plaines is a municipal library, the city gets first dibs on the sale of any of its equipment. However, the city council this week waived the city's right to purchase the bookmobile.
"This vehicle is on life support," 7th Ward Alderman Dan Wilson said. "It's well beyond its useful life."
Library Director Holly Sorensen said there are several brokers nationwide that help sell specialty vehicles such as bookmobiles for a fee, including one in Wisconsin that works with the American Library Association. That broker recommended the library list the bookmobile for a retail price of $24,999, but it was deemed too high by city officials.
Des Plaines public works officials offered to include the library's bookmobile in the Northwest Municipal Conference's vehicle auction held twice a year. The city sells its used vehicles in those auctions.
Library officials agreed and the bookmobile will be auctioned off May 19 at the Arlington Heights public works yard.
The auction will be televised and people can also bid online. For details, visit the Northwest Municipal Conference website, nwmc-cog.org.
"We're hoping for $18,000, and we are also hoping for a bidding war," Sorensen said.
The proceeds will go into the library's general fund.


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Small stores should be given a say in how Scotland's bottle and can deposit return scheme will work, says the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
The body has joined forces with the Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland (APRS), which spearheaded the campaign for environmental initiative, to produce a list of asks for the Scottish Government.
FSB policy Scotland policy chair Andrew McRae said these were designed to "ensure deposit return works well for some of Scotland's smallest businesses, from the corner shop to the micro-brewery".
Scotland is the first part of the UK to bring in such a system as part of environmental efforts - with shoppers paying a 20p deposit when buying drinks in a plastic or glass bottle or a metal can, and getting their money back when returning them for recycling.
APRS and the FSB are insisting small businesses must have "appropriate representation" on the board of any deposit return scheme operator.
They also want the operators to meet the expense of providing equipment for firms to collect and store empty drinks containers - as well as "frequent and predictable" collections from these.
And if necessary there should be the option for extra collections to be organised, potentially over periods such as Hogmanay, the FSB and APRS insisted.
The organisations stressed there must be no detriment to small firms as a result of taking part in the scheme. To prevent small drinks manufacturers from being disadvantaged, they argued for a tiered system for registration fees, rather than a flat rate payment.
APRS director John Mayhew said: "The rules for Scotland's deposit return system will be finalised over the next few months, and it's time to get into the detail.
"We've always said that big producers and big retailers will readily be able to make it work for them, but, as so often, it'll be harder to get the regulations right for small businesses in Scotland.
"We know a lot of small businesses have concerns about how deposits will work for them, so it's great to be able to work with FSB Scotland to try to identify a small list of key commitments we all believe would make a big difference.
"It's in everyone's interests to build a system that's as efficient and easy to take part in as possible, and one where small retailers and producers don't face disproportionate costs for taking part."
Mr Mcrae said the list they had produced was a "simple and practical set of asks for the Scottish Government to consider".
He added: "Our hope is still that there will be a single UK-wide deposit system, which would be better for the environment and the public as well as our members. But in the meantime, as Scotland's system gets finalised, this is the moment for small producers and retailers to be heard. We need to see decision-makers work harder to make these proposals work for our local economies."
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "We believe Scotland's deposit return scheme (DRS) could help us recycle more than 90% of single-use drinks containers placed on the market, which is well in excess of what is being recovered through existing collection arrangements.
"The Scottish Government is keen to support businesses as they prepare for the scheme's implementation. As part of this, Ministers have confirmed the introduction of a new 100% non-domestic rates relief for reverse vending machines installed by retailers to accept returned packaging.
"We continue to work with a wide range of stakeholders, including through our Implementation Advisory Group, and would encourage anyone with an interest to offer their views on the recently published draft legislation to establish the scheme."


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The CBD Crypto-Coin market price and value for 2022
A bit uncertain due to the lack of a solid forecast.
While there is a strong potential for CBD, it is not yet gaining the popularity of other popular cryptocurrencies.
The coin has dropped to a low of $0.00035774 over the last seven days and is still showing risky framing segments.
While the fundamentals of this cryptocurrency are sound,
it might not be a profitable asset in the short term.
The CBD Crypto-Coin market is currently volatile
Causing many analysts to make predictions about future prices.
However, the current situation is encouraging for the cryptocurrency, with a high potential to rise to $0.010 in 10 years.
The coin is expected to hold its current value for some time and reach a maximum value of $0.00040813 by 2022.
In the meantime, investors are expected to buy the coin in anticipation of long-term gains.
The future of the CBD-Coin price prediction is based on
the fact that it will reach a maximum value of $0.00056707 by the year 2022.
Furthermore, the market experts believe that the coin will reach a maximum value of $0.001 by 2022.
This bullish price forecast is backed by the growing use of Blockchain in real-world applications.
In other words, the CBD Coin’s price is expected to rise by over five times
and surpass the $0.000001 mark in the next decade.
CBD Cryptocurrency Price Value
The CBD Crypto-Coin market price for 2022 will start at $0.0000 USD and end at $0.004 USD.
This is a tenfold increase in the next five years.
It will rise by more than 140% by the end of 2022.
The CBD-Coin price will be at a high of $0.000 USD in May.
The minimum and maximum price will be around $0.0007 in June 2022.
The CBD Crypto-Coin market Price and value for 2022 will be $0.000537 USD and could reach $0.00056707.
The expected price for the CBD coin is expected to be $0.00046711.
The minimum expected value is about $0.00032610.
The maximum predicted price for CBD is $0.00050.
At this point, it is unlikely to trade above $0.0000 in the next two years.
In March 2022, CBD Coin’s price will start at $0.00038392 USD and increase to $0.00043398.
in February. By February 2022, the average price of CBD Coin is expected to decrease by 9%.
It is likely to increase to $0.0000 USD by February 2022.
With the current market growth rate and future prospects,
this figure will grow by as much as tenfold in 2022.
The price for CBD Coins will start at $0.0000 USD in July 2022.
The minimum value of CBD Coin is expected to be $0.0000 USD in the same month.
In November 2022, the price for CBD is likely to fall by approximately 1%.
The expected market value for the CBD coin in August will be $0.00051282.
Therefore, the minimum price for the CBD Coin is $1.00.
By the end of 2022, the CBD Coin price will be $0.0000 USD.
By the end of the year, it will be worth about $8.00 USD.
The average CBD Coin price will be $0.0000 USD in April.
Then, it will rise to $2.00 USD in July,
with a ten-year supply of the corresponding cryptocurrency.
The price of a single unit of CBD will depend on the demand for the product.
In December 2022, the CBD Coin market cap will be $0.0000 USD
As of today, CBD Coin has the capacity to increase by up to 111%.
The projected price of these cryptocurrencies will also increase by 3.76%.
They will become the 9551st largest crypto-currencies in the world by December.
In addition, the CBD Coin market cap will be the most important metric to look for in 2020.
The global market for CBD has huge potential
CBD is an extremely valuable product that can be used for medical purposes,
including chronic pain management, and is a great alternative to prescription medications.
The price of CBD has not increased significantly since the beginning of the year,
and the market is still at an early stage.
The value of the CBD is expected to increase