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Suzanne Collins is returning to the world of Panem in a brand new Hunger Games prequel, set for release next year.
The Hunger Games author announced the new book alongside publisher Scholastic Monday morning. Currently untitled, the Hunger Games prequel is expected to explore the early “Dark Days” of Panem, 64 years before the events surrounding Katniss Everdeen and the revolution she sparks.
“With this book, I wanted to explore the state of nature, who we are, and what we perceive is required for our survival,” Collins told the Associated Press. “The reconstruction period 10 years after the war, commonly referred to as the Dark Days — as the country of Panem struggles back to its feet — provides fertile ground for characters to grapple with these questions and thereby define their views of humanity.”
Collins’ publisher Scholastic said they’red “thrilled” to return to the world of Panem.
“Suzanne Collins is a master at combining brilliant storytelling, superb world building, breathtaking suspense, and social commentary,” Scholastic Trade Publishing President Ellie Berger told the Associated Press in a statement. “We are absolutely thrilled — as both readers and publishers — to introduce the devoted fans of the series and a new audience to an entirely new perspective on this modern classic.”
Scholastic also released a placeholder mockup cover. Check it out:
— Scholastic (@Scholastic) June 17, 2019
Scholastic isn’t the only company excited about the announcement. Lionsgate, the movie studio behind the megablockbuster Hunger Games movies, appears to have been somewhat involved throughout the writing process and is eyeing the book for film.
“As the proud home of the ‘Hunger Games’ movies, we can hardly wait for Suzanne’s next book to be published,” Joe Drake, chairman of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, told the Associated Press. “We’ve been communicating with her during the writing process and we look forward to continuing to work closely with her on the movie.”
Collins’ was heavily involved in the Hunger Games films (not surprising, considering that she has many screenwriting credits under her name) and penned a goodbye letter to the Hunger Games franchise after the final film’s release in 2015.
“Having spent the last decade in Panem, it’s time to move on to other lands,” she wrote at the time. “For me, The Hunger Games Trilogy is part of a larger goal to introduce the ideas of just war theory to young audiences, but how much wider and more varied an audience came with the films, and the credit for that goes to all of you who contributed so much to this project.”
Fans might have to wait a while for the prequel, which won’t hit shelves for nearly a year. It’s currently set for a May 19, 2020 release date.
Widely considered a pioneer in YA, The Hunger Games is one of the best-selling book franchises in recent years. Collins’ released the first book just over a decade ago in 2008. The final Hunger Games novel, Mockingjay, came out in 2010 and was an instant bestseller, with a print run of 1.2 million copies.


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By Chalida Ekvitthayavechnukul
The second half of 2017 saw Thai startups bagging plush investments, including aCommerce, which raised $65 million in a Series B round in November, Zilingo ($17 million) and Pomelo ($19 million), thereby pushing the total deal value over $100 million.
The company is targeting a larger international presence and a bigger lifestyle play to fulfil its ambitions of becoming a global brand.
After selling the trust units, the Bhiraj Office REIT will invest in assets with a value of not more than 6.6 billion baht ($203 million).
In September 2017, mu Space became Blue Origin’s first Asian customer by signing a partnership agreement to launch its first geostationary satellite aboard the latter’s New Glenn orbital rocket.
The company said the asset sale is part of its business restructuring plan.
The new company, called PT Surya Internusa Timur (SIT), has an initial registered capital of $15 million.
It would use the IPO proceeds to expand production capacity and distribution channels. It will sell a maximum of 76 million shares at 53 baht apiece, which is the highest public offering price this year. It has scheduled the first trading on December 26 under ticker symbol DDD.
Thailand’s five biggest lenders are Bangkok Bank, Krung Thai Bank, Siam Commercial Bank, Kasikornbank and Bank of Ayudhya.
The projects aims to serve demand for quality accommodation from Japanese in Bangkok
Prior to this round, it secured $2.1 million in seed funding from Convergence Ventures and Wavemaker in November 2016

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Across seven football fields-worth of toys at the New York Toy Fair this year, which trends stood out as ones that will rake in revenue? We picked four as ones to watch…
Elmo, PAW Patrol pups, and even the Toys R Us giraffe showed up to the 2019 New York Toy Fair to engage with retailers, executives, and press as they hunted for the trends that will take over kids’ wishlists this year. Plenty of trends that we’ve watched rise through the ranks over the past couple of years continued in full force at the fair, while others faded. STEAM toys remained an important educational angle for toymakers, while slime has expanded into other compounds like putty and sand. One trend that seems to have been shoved to the back of the toy box is gross-out toys and games; though there were some new offerings, like YULU’s PopPop Snotz and WowWee’s Fart Launcher, shelf space seems to have mostly shifted from disgusting to cutesy. Meanwhile, llamas are the new unicorns; the animal was everywhere, and we’re keeping an eye on sloths and narwhals to be big hits in the near future as well.
Unboxing, a trend we called out in 2018, became bigger than ever—The Toy Association is calling it “Unboxing 2.0.” The trend has expanded into an entire YouTube-fueled genre, full of influencers, ASMR, and of course, toymakers putting a spin on surprise collectibles originally inspired by L.O.L. Surprise! and Hatchimals. In addition, several iconic toys and franchises had anniversaries this year, causing toy makers to come out with new spins on nostalgic classics. But brands also went beyond throwbacks to appeal to Millennial parents, catering to adults as much as kids. Find out more about the four trends that took over the New York Toy Fair this year:
1. AR, App-Connected, Animatronic, Etc.
Toymakers want kids’ IRL play to connect to digital play. Spin Master created a new app for their Hatchimals that lets kids use codes that come with the product to expand their in-app experience. They also debuted collectible toys that come with cards that are best viewed through screens for an augmented reality experience. Several other retailers also implemented AR technology, like LEGO, whose Hidden Side kits let kids see an entire haunted world layered on to their IRL creations. Meanwhile, Kidscreen reports that Pictionary Air from Mattel asks players to draw in the air using a light up pen. An app plays back how the drawing actually turned out for unwitting artists, and users can laugh at the recording of the user attempting to create their masterpiece. Other toys also turned to digital by giving the characters used in their toys their own webisode series, like MGA Entertainment’s Kingdom Builders. And the showiest toys in the tech-driven genre of Toy Fair contestants had to be the animatronic offerings, which have come a long way from the robot dogs of Millennials’ childhoods. Spin Master’s Juno My Baby Elephant can be taught new behaviors based on the user’s actions, like tapping a certain number of times with their trunk, while Owleez are taught to fly.
2. YouTube-Inspired Everything
Last year, we saw unboxing take over the toy fair after L.O.L. Surprise and Hatchimals made every kid’s holiday wishlist. The trend was an even bigger presence this year, with seemingly every brand turning their toys into a surprise experience. At Spin Master, Hatchimals got several spin-offs, including a How to Train Your Dragon version that will let kids hatch their very own dragon. Other takes on the trend included Candylocks, which are dolls wrapped in long locks of hair (unwrap to reveal), Skyrocket’s Blume, a doll that blooms from a pot as kids water it, and Barbie Small Surprise Reveal Mermaids. MGA Entertainment’s L.O.L. Surprise! also released tons of new versions but this year, unboxing wasn’t the only way retailers catered to YouTube. Also at Spin Master, Kinetic Sand, which is made for lovers of the autonomous sensory meridian response trend taking YouTube by storm, comes with a phone stand so kids can film themselves using tools to shape the sand in oddly-satisfying ways. There were also entire toy lines inspired by digital influencers, including Tyler “Ninja” Blevins (like a blue wig fans can wear), Jiffpom, and Ryan ToysReview.
3. Nostalgia Gets A New Spin
This year has plenty of significant anniversaries for the toy industry, so brands are reminding their customers of their legacy status with throwback releases. After a strong fourth quarter for the iconic toy, Mattel is celebrating Barbie’s 60th birthday with new versions made for 2019, including an astrophysicist (Barbie was born during the space race after all) and differently-abled dolls that come with a wheelchair or a prosthetic leg. But Barbie’s not the only nostalgic toy celebrating a big birthday. Remember the red and yellow wagon that you moved Flintstones-style by running along the ground beneath your seat? That’s right, the Little Tikes Cozy Coupe from MGA Entertainment turned 40 this year. Sesame Street is also celebrating their 50-year anniversary, and life-size Elmo walked around the fair to keep the franchise top-of-mind. Meanwhile, The Little Mermaid has inspired tons of toys from Hasbro as the film celebrates its 30th anniversary. But not all nostalgic hits have stuck around since they debuted; instead, some are being revived. The Fashion Doodle Bear that ‘90s kids will remember is making a comeback, while Razor is keeping their original logo and launching scooters made for nostalgic Millennials and their kids.
4. Toys Made for Millennial Parents
Nostalgia-inducing toys are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the ways toy brands are trying to engage Millennial parents. Items that are either specifically for parents or for parents and kids to both play with were abundant at the convention center, too. For one thing, Instagrammable pool floats were everywhere, straying far from the classic white swan that took over social media feeds. There were prosecco floats, giant llama floats (as we said, llamas were everywhere), and even a Stranger Things-inspired Waffle Float for the show’s avid fandom. Over at Razor, the trend was especially apparent. Their line has grown up a lot since the ‘90s and ranges from commuter scooters (they have scooter shares similar to Bird and Lime in multiple cities) to bikes made for little tykes (but that I was assured the parents always get on as well). MGA Entertainment is thinking outside of the toy box with an in-person experience meant to engage both kids and adults: a new LA-based event will invite families to engage with Little Tikes and build awareness for the toy brand.
To download the PDF version of this insight article, click here.


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Tesla’s claims to autopilot and self-driving are again under fire, this time from the California Department of Motor Vehicles in a complaint it filed on July 28.
The complaint Alleged that the company provided “incorrect or misleading” statements in advertisements on Its website by claiming that Tesla Vehicles were, or could be, equipped with advanced driver assistance system features.
(TSLA) The complaint said the ads were shown in marketing materials on the company’s website “on at least five dates” between May 2021 and July 2022.
It included descriptions like “autopilot” and “full self-driving capability” and used wording like “All you have to do is get in and tell your car where it’s going … a Tesla will determine the optimal path, navigate city streets, complex intersections and highways,” the lawsuit said.
Another claim that the California DMV claimed was misleading said, “The system is designed to be able to make short and long trips without any action required by the person in the driver’s seat.”
“These ads are deceptive practice” under California civil law, the DMV complaint said.
Tesla does not usually respond to requests for comment.
The complaint added that Tesla has published a disclaimer since last June, warning that the features still require active driver supervision, which conflicts with “misleading labels and claims.”
The complaint warned that Tesla’s advertising actions could result in it temporarily losing its manufacturer’s license and California private plate number.
Data released In June by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that there 273 accidents in the past nine months related to Tesla’s driver assistance technologies, due to Either its “fully self-driving” software or its predecessor, Tesla Autopilot.
The data found that of a total of 497 accidents studied by the NHTSA, 43% of accidents caused by driver assistance technologies occurred in California.
Tesla’s autopilot feature comes standard on all of its vehicles, making it one of the The most widely used autopilot systems in the industry. While Tesla reminds drivers to stay alert while using it, 2021 Study MIT It revealed that users who used the system were more distracted and looked out of the way than they were Driving without the feature.
Tesla has 15 days To respond to the complaint in order to avoid the decision in absentia.
The administration said this complaint is separate from continuous review of the intended design and technological capabilities of Tesla vehicles.
The Los Angeles Times was the first news outlet to report the complaint.
“Amateur organizer. Wannabe beer evangelist. General web fan. Certified internet ninja. Avid reader.”


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Android Eclair Information:
Android 2.0 Eclair is Google's 3rd big iteration of Android, not counting the 1.0 initial version. Android 1.5 Cupcake and Android 1.6 Donut came before Eclair. Android 2.0 Eclair actually brought some big steps forward for Android and started shaping up Google's OS. Let's check out the changes Google introduced with Android 2.0 Eclair. Expanded Account sync is definitely an important step forward, this feature allows you to add multiple accounts to a device for synchronization of e-mail and contact. Microsoft e-mail support was also added, with combined inbox to browse e-mail from multiple accounts in one page. Bluetooth technology is stepping forward as well, Android 2.1 support has been added by Google. Some neat shortcuts also found their way in this iteration of Android, like the ability to tap a Contacts photo and select whether you want to call, SMS or e-mail that person. You can now also search all saved SMS and MMS messages and set the OS to automatically delete oldest messages in a conversation when the defined limit is reached, which should help greatly with your memory.
Google has also added a ton of new camera features, like flash support, digital zoom, scene mode, white balance, color effect and macro focus. The on-screen keyboard experience has also been improved, speed has been improved and the dictionary is now smarter than ever and learns from your word usage and includes contact names as suggestion. Browser UI has also been refreshed with bookmark thumbnails, double-tap zoom and support for HTML5. Calendar has been re-worked as well, it is now showing attending status for each invitee and the ability to invite new guests to events. Google has also optimized hardware speed and revamped the UI to some extent as well as added support for more screen sizes and resolutions with better contrast ratio. Google Maps also got an update to version 3.1.2 with tons of improvements. Live Wallpapers have also been added, animated wallpapers for those who prefer them are now available. Android 2.1 Eclair brought mainly bug fixes and stability improvements. That's pretty much it, a long list indeed.
AndroidHeadlines.com Android Eclair Articles:
- New YouTube Ported to Eclair
- Donut and Eclair Off the Menu as Jelly Bean Gains in Latest Figures from Google
Additional Android Eclair Resources:
Android Eclair Editor Rating:
If you take a look at the "Information" section above, you'll notice the significant amount of important changes Google introduced with Android Eclair. It is quite obvious at this point that Google has big plans for this platform and plans on working hard and pushing this platform out to consumers. Android still needs a lot of work as a platform, but this is the right path I believe. There are some significant additions here which will make this OS a lot better overall and some of them open up big possibilities for the platform. I'm looking forward to using Android Eclair and am even more excited to see what will Google come up with next year. The way this tech giant set up Android as the OS really does open up a lot of possibilities and could go a long way as a smartphone OS, I just hope Google will take all the right moves while developing this platform.
Android Eclair Videos:
Android Eclair Gallery:


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The Turkish tourism industry predicts that the number of Russian tourists this year will surpass the 6 million guests recorded last year.
Turkiye has become the most popular holiday destination for Russians, especially since the early 2000s. Every year, millions of Russian tourists visit Turkiye, especially Antalya, Izmir and Istanbul.
Last year, Russia ranked first among the countries that sent the most tourists to Turkiye with more than 6 million people.
Turkiye, which has managed to get ahead of its competitors with its climate, nature, rich cuisine, developed infrastructure and quality in the service sector, also stands out in terms of ease of transportation with frequent flights by companies such as Turkish Airlines.
Bahattin Abi, President of the tour company Lisav Travel, said in his evaluation to the AA correspondent at the Moscow International Tourism Fair, which attracted great interest from Turkish and Russian tourism professionals, that Russia has always been an important market for Turkish tourism professionals.
Stating that Turkiye is also an important destination for Russia, Abi said, “Last year, we hosted around 6 million Russian tourists in Turkiye. I believe we will increase this number even higher this year.” said.
Stating that Russia is “an endlessly large market”, Abi said, “The opening of the new airport has also had a huge impact on transit flights. I believe we will easily exceed 6 million this year.”
Abi stated that they expect support from the authorities for more organizations for tourism at home and abroad, and stated that 2024 will be a good tourism season.
“Authorities say 2024 will be the year of Alanya”
Alanya Tourism Promotion Foundation Vice President Mehmet Dahaoglu said that Alanya is a well-known place and that it became even more known after the Russia-Ukraine War.
Stating that Alanya’s safety is the most important reason for choosing it, Dahaoglu said, “We started to receive more tourists as the tourists who came from last year returned happily to their countries and talked about it. The officials we talked to say that 2024 will be the year of Alanya.”
Pointing out the importance of transportation, Dahaoglu emphasized that flights were affected due to sanctions and that they expect solutions to create more capacity.
Pointing out that tourism is based on a delicate balance, Dahaoglu said, “One of the biggest reasons why people choose Alanya is that it is a safe port and a city of peace. In fact, every place in Turkiye is successful in this regard. We really do this job better than many countries in terms of destination, price balance and quality.”
“Turkiye continues to be an affordable holiday destination”
Mehmet Dahaoglu said that the consumer budget was also negatively affected by the Russia-Ukraine War, and that tourism operators in Turkiye had to raise prices in order not to compromise on quality. Emphasizing that despite these, Turkiye continues to be an affordable holiday destination, Dahaoglu said, “I think we will exceed the 6 million figure this year, at least for Russians. As long as the planes’ wings are not damaged.”
Russian tourists’ love for Türkiye
Veronika, a Russian citizen and one of the visitors of the fair, said that she visits Turkiye frequently and likes it very much.
Pointing out that Turkiye is one of the countries where they can go most easily, especially now, Veronika said, “I love Turkiye especially for its ease of transportation, the fact that we can get on a plane and go in a short time. The sea is also very beautiful.”
Veronika stated that she wants to visit Turkiye again soon and said, “Although I have been there so many times, I still have not been to Istanbul. I want to see Istanbul, especially in terms of history. Going to Cappadocia is also among my future plans.”
Russian Vlada also stated that Turkiye is a very beautiful country. “Turkiye is undoubtedly a beautiful country, you can have a holiday for everyone, for every taste.” Vlada said that she also liked Turkish cuisine very much.
Stating that she wants to visit Turkiye this year, Vlada said, “Turkiye is a holiday destination that appeals to everyone. It is possible to take a historical holiday and visit historical places or choose a beach holiday on the southern coastline of Turkiye.”
Source: AA / Prepared by Irem Yildiz


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Fortnite players need to be extra vigilant when it comes to account hacks.
According Fornite players on reddit and the official forums, accounts hacks have been on the rise, and quite a few have seen unauthorized charges applied to their accounts.
If you are a Fornite player, it's probably time to change your password, make sure it isn't shared across different accounts, and for extra security, don't save your payment details. Yes, the latter is an inconvenience, but it will help matters.
Epic Games told Kotaku it was aware of the attacks and was looking into the issue, and refunds on fraudulent charges were being issued.
Hacked account reports have been on the rise since late February. The Fortnite website has an FAQ on how to protect your account, and you should give it a read.
Epic also warned players that visiting websites or clicking links claiming “free” Vbucks or in-game items are unsafe.
Also, the developer hasn't sent out iOS invites for Fortnite on mobile yet either so players should "be aware of false mobile download links."


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Two years ago I never thought much about the end of my professional career. I was still too busy making it happen. After eight years of learning his craft, my oldest son voiced a desire to take the reins.
How do you manifest stress? Be careful what you think. Your body is listening, because disease and stress walk hand in hand.
You may have heard the term "stock buybacks" in the news recently and most of the discussion about buybacks is negative.
The story of personal finance can be summarized in four words: Most wounds are self-inflicted. One of the worst sins is trying to time the market.
With tax season in full swing, Americans across the country are hunkering down among piles of records and receipts to settle the score with Uncle Sam.
A new phenomenon has come about with the digital age: the rise of “influencers.” What used to be a space for celebrities (whose inspiring lifestyles were seen in magazines or film) has become the domain of everyday “it girls” thanks to social media.
Many years ago when I was on the board of Kinko’s, we had a pointed conversation about our future initiated by John Davis, a board member and Harvard professor who specialized in family business. He believed we needed to change our culture from family to team.
Why strive for internal brand engagement? What makes it so important to your business?
Starting a new venture isn’t for everyone. Some research suggests that a whopping 90 percent of startups fail, but experienced startup founders know their odds for creating a successful venture are much better than one in 10.
Returning for 2019, ColoradoBiz Magazine presents a unique opportunity to show the faces behind some of the state’s notable businesses. Distinguished by artistically composed photography, “Faces of Colorado” is an editorialized, photo-driven special advertising section that provides an eye-catching platform for you to share your message with our 40,000 readers.
Business owners are often caught in a seemingly never-ending cycle of decisions to make and things that need to get done.
More than $1 trillion is lost every year due to alarmingly high rates of depression and anxiety, affecting productivity in the workplace.


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MOSCOW (MRC) -- China imported a record-high 27,207 mt of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) from India in June - more than five times compared to 5,174 mt recorded in May - as India accelerated PVC exports amid pandemic-related nationwide lockdown, reported S&P Global with reference to the latest statistics data.
It is a rare move as the Indian PVC market is net short by close to 2 million mt/year.
India started its nationwide lockdown on March 25 and it was initially scheduled to be lifted on May 3, but the government extended the lockdown by another two weeks with new restrictions.
During the lockdown, India's PVC demand plunged, prompting cancellation of PVC deliveries to India. Suppliers had to move their cargoes to China to clear excess supplies.
Looking forward, market sources said China's PVC imports from India would likely slow as India's nationwide lockdown ended early-June.
In total, China's PVC imports for June also stood at a record-high of 172,941 mt, up from 92,254 mt in May, according to the latest statistics.
In other countries, China's PVC imports from the US stood at a three-month high of 23,672 mt, compared to 5,231 mt a month earlier, the statistics showed.
As MRC informed before, Sichuan Jinlu Group has halted operations at its Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) carbide based plant owing to flooding in the region. The company has undertaken an unplanned shutdown at the plant early this week. The exact duration of the shutdown could not be ascertained. Located at Deyang, China, the PVC carbide based plant has a production capacity of 300,000 mt/year.
According to MRC's DataScope report, imports of suspension polyvinyl chloride (SPVC) into Russia totalled 13,800 tonnes in the first half of 2020, up by 5% year on year, whereas exports grew by 7% year on year.


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The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to approve a controversial cyberthreat information-sharing bill, despite opposition from the White House and several privacy and digital rights groups.
The U.S. House of Representatives moved closer Wednesday toward the passage of the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA), despite concerns that the cyberthreat information-sharing bill will allow Web-based companies to share a wide am...
The chief sponsor of the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA) in the U.S. Congress has ignited a Twitter storm by suggesting many opponents of the proposed cyberthreat sharing bill are 14-year-olds in basements.
The White House has threatened to veto the controversial Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA) in its present form, citing concerns that the bill does not adequately prevent sharing of irrelevant personal information.
Pirate Bay co-founder Gottfrid Svartholm Warg was charged with hacking the IBM mainframe of Logica, a Swedish IT firm that provided tax services to the Swedish government, and the IBM mainframe of the Swedish Nordea bank, according to the Swedish pub...
Paying for an app in Google's online store, Google Play, will banish nagging in-app ads, but it won't dam the flow of personal information from your phone to marketers.
The Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA), a controversial cyberthreat information-sharing bill, will be debated on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives this week, despite continued opposition from some privacy and digital r...
Find My Mac can be used to show the location of a stolen Mac, but the service often does not provide enough evidence to obtain a search warrant and get the stolen device back to its rightful owner, the Dutch police said on Monday.
A U.S. House of Representatives committee failed to make the changes necessary to allay fears about government surveillance in a controversial cyberthreat sharing bill that's moving toward a House vote, critics said.
A feature in the Twitter API (application programming interface) can be abused by attackers to launch credible social engineering attacks that would give them a high chance of hijacking user accounts, a mobile application developer revealed Wednesday...
Hackers could use vulnerable charging stations to prevent the charging of electric vehicles in a certain area, or possibly even use the vulnerabilities to cripple parts of the electricity grid, a security researcher said during the Hack in the Box co...
“Improving users' experience” is not justification for using consumer information in Big Data projects according to Europe's top data protection officials.
The high-end Canon EOS-1D X camera can be hacked for use as a remote surveillance tool, with images remotely downloaded, erased and uploaded, a researcher said during the Hack in the Box security conference in Amsterdam on Wednesday.
Mobile phone apps are accessing users' private data and transmitting it to remote servers far more than appears strictly necessary, while users have inadequate tools to monitor or control such access, according to a new study by two French government...
Last week, Facebook released new software for Android phones called "Home." The software is a set of apps that you can download to put Facebook photos and messaging front and center on your mobile device.
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Daihatsu Malaysia reported sales of 1,190 units for 2022.
Gran Max Minor Change Contributes to Daihatsu Malaysia Strong Overall Sales Performance
The overall sales volume, which includes pick-ups and panel vans (both manual and auto transmission), sees Gran Max being retained as Malaysia’s Number One pick-up and panel van model for the light commercial vehicle segment (below 2.0L).
While sales were challenging compared to 2021 with the auto industry being globally affected by a supply chain disruption and an economic slowdown, Daihatsu Malaysia still posted a strong overall sales performance that is attributed to the introduction of Gran Max Minor Change (MC) in June 2022 in addition to consistent fleet support.
The most sought-after light commercial vehicle, both Gran Max pick-up and panel van, were given minor changes last year with updates in the power windows, multimedia player system, reverse camera and 12v-24v fast charging USB port.
“Keeping in mind that convenience and practicality are among the strongest aspects in consideration for commercial vehicle use, Daihatsu Malaysia aims to deliver an overall driving experience by providing comfort, reliability, safety and above all, convenience and practicality in every drive. For that, we believe the Gran Max (MC) received positive reception, thus contributing to good 2022 sales,” said Arman Mahadi, Managing Director of Daihatsu (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
With the new vehicles in operation, quality assurance also came in reliable after-sales service. The company saw steady growth in its service intakes for the past five years despite a slowdown in service activity due to the pandemic lockdown that took effect in 2020.
The increasing volume in Daihatsu service intake was in tandem with steady overall sales in 2022, followed by consistent fleet sales support over the last three years with comprehensive service retention scheduled for its dedicated fleet customers.
The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) recorded 78,885 registered commercial vehicles in 2022 (25 per cent higher than the forecasted TIV). This improvement in commercial vehicle sales was due to the increased demand as companies had invested in anticipation of an economic rebound after two years of slowdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The company is now looking forward to 2023 to embark on its business transformation plan and dealer network expansion in the northern and southern regions of Peninsular Malaysia as well as Sabah and Sarawak.
As the exclusive distributor of Daihatsu commercial vehicles in Malaysia, the company says expanding and improving customer reach is always its top priority. Building the ideal distribution network not only creates opportunities to reach new customers but also builds brand recognition to stay relevant and competitive among the market leaders, ultimately further growing the company’s revenue and profitability for business sustainability.
Daihatsu Malaysia adds that it believes in providing durable vehicle and reliable product offerings as well as striving to deliver best quality after-sales service for customers.
“At the end of the day, making our customers, even our dealers and business partners, happy and well satisfied is what matters most! Putting a smile on their faces and providing happiness is a side effect that would build trust, followed by loyalty and investment in return. And for that, we are forever grateful to our valued customers and associates for their endless support,” Arman said.
马来西亚大发公布它2022年的销售量为1,190 辆。其总销量，包括皮卡和厢式货车（手动和自动变速箱），Gran Max再次在大马商用车（2.0L以下）的轻型皮卡及厢式货车车型中稳坐第一。
尽管与2021年相比，汽车行业在全球范围内受到供应链中断和经济放缓的影响，销售面临挑战，但马来西亚大发的整体销售业绩仍然亮眼。除了来自车队的一致性支持外，就要归功于2022年6月推出的Gran Max Minor Change（MC）。
最抢手的轻型商用车，包括 Gran Max 皮卡和厢式货车，去年都进行了微小的改动，更新了电动车窗、多媒体播放器系统、倒车摄像头和12v 至24v快速充电 USB 端口。
大发（马来西亚）私人有限公司董事经理阿曼（Arman Mahadi）表示：“由于便利性与实用性是使用商用车的两大要素，在每次驾驶中提供舒适性、可靠性及安全性，还有最重要的便利性和实用性的整体驾驶体验，因此成了马来西亚大发的目标。 大受市场欢迎的Gran Max (MC)，为我们 2022 年的良好销售做出了贡献。”
随着新车的投入使用，质量保证也伴随着可靠的售后服务而来。虽然服务活动因 2020 年为遏制冠病大流行政府所采取的封锁措施而放缓，但该公司在过去五年中的服务量稳步增长。
据马来西亚汽车商公会（MAA）的数据显示，大马2022年的商用车注册总量为78,885 辆，比预期的汽车总销量（TIV）高出25%。商用车销量的改善是由于需求增加，因为在冠病大流行导致经济放缓的两年后，许多公司预期经济将反弹而进行了投资。马来西亚大发如今期待在 2023年开展其在大马半岛北部和南部地区，以及沙巴和砂劳越的业务转型和代理商网络扩展计划。


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You’ve heard about a ton of high-profile hacks over the past few years, and it’s important to note that these numbers will only continue to climb. A recent incident involving Time Warner Cable, a large ISP in the United States, shows the world that even huge companies that specialize in providing Internet for users can suffer the embarrassment of a data breach.
The breach in question happened on January 7th, 2016, and it’s estimated that up to 320,000 Time Warner Cable customers could have had their email addresses and passwords stolen. The cable company was notified by the FBI of the data theft, and Time Warner Cable proceeded to notify its affected users of the situation, both through email and direct mail. Time Warner Cable, however, vehemently declares that their systems failed to exhibit signs of a data breach.
This is hardly the first time that a major ISP’s information was breached or stolen by scammers. Just last November, Comcast had to reset the passwords of nearly 200,000 customers that were found on the black market. In this case, the incident was blamed on phishing attacks that coerced users into handing over their credentials, but what happened with Time Warner Cable isn’t so clear.
Time Warner Cable suggests that the theft occurred thanks to potential phishing attempts directed at the company, or it was the result of a data breach at other companies storing Time Warner Cable customer credentials. Either way, the fact remains that Time Warner Cable suffered a data theft, and is now paying for it with the stigma associated with lost credentials, and frustrated or simply worried customers.
As a business owner, you need to ask yourself if your organization can handle losing this much face, and more importantly, the financial burdens of allowing data breaches to happen. Most businesses that lose data due to data breaches, and aren’t able to recover quickly, go out of business within one year of the incident. That’s not to mention the fines of personal or sensitive information being stolen or compromised. If this happens, you can expect some nasty compliance fees that could break both your budget and your operations. This is why it’s a best practice to take preventative measures to keep hackers out of your network in the first place.
In general, it’s a good idea to change your passwords every now and then, especially if they’re still the default password that hasn’t been changed in several months or even years. Your passwords should always be long and complex, with both upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols. Of course, these tips won’t help you much if your password gets sold on the black market, but it will keep the average hacker from cracking your password through brute force alone.
A password manager is a great way to keep your business’s credentials safe, without compromising security. The password manager stores your company’s credentials in a secure location and calls them only when you need them. It’s great for maintaining security while being able to remember your passwords.
For more information, give us a call at (610) 828- 5500.


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When Pubg Mobile Lite Update Is Coming In India
PUBG Update November 2021 According to the latest sources the PUBG Corporation is already in talks with Indian Giants like Paytm Airtel.
When pubg mobile lite update is coming in india. Guys After is video meinmaine appse baat ki hai PUBG Mobile ke India ban aur iske comeback ke baare mein jaha pe PUBG corporation India mein jaldi hi. Certain sources say that it could launch during a Steam sale which should happen around June 25. PUBG MOBILE LITE INDIA ISCOMING.
ꜰᴇᴀᴛᴜʀᴇs- ʀᴇᴄᴏɪɴ 0 ᴀʟʟ ɢᴜɴ. The game developers recently posted a new job listing on LinkedIn for the India subsidiary an Investment and Strategy Analyst who will be responsible for mergers and acquisitions. However there has been no official mention of a Battlegrounds Mobile India Lite.
Currently only PC gamers can enjoy playing PUBG in India legally as PUBG Mobile was banned in the county by the Indian government in September 2020. Rank push - apk modpubg lite 0210 0212 paid premium support ready. Recently PUBG Corporation confirmed its plan to put up an Indian subsidiary and will launch PUBG Mobile India as soon as possible It is expected that the launch of PUBG Mobile India could happen in June.
As of now game developer Krafton has not yet shared any official details about the launch date of PUBG Mobile India replacement in the form of Battlegrounds Mobile India for Apple iOS. KRAFTON thanks Indian Fans for overwhelming response to BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA 2021-06-03. Battlegrounds Mobile India BGMI has been officially launched in India on 2 July.
PUBG Mobile Lite developers recently released the latest iteration of the hugely popular PUBG Mobile India game ie the 0210 update. If you doubt that this game will be coming so for low-end smartphone users then yes it will be coming for those andso no need to worry if your smartphone has 2GB RAM or 3GB RAM. This is the Indian version game of PUBG Mobile India which.
New Delhi October 30 PUBG Mobile and PUBG Mobile Lite will no longer work for gamers in India starting from Friday the company has announced. PUBG MOBILE LITE 0210 14952 Update on. KRAFTON announces pre-registrations for BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA 2021-05-18.
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The only Popeyes buffet temporarily closed due to COVID. Will it reopen?
Did you know that the famous fried chicken chain has a buffet?
The future of the latest Popeyes buffet – which has become a landmark for lovers of spicy fried chicken and an emblem of the popularity of the chicken sandwich – hangs in the balance.
Popeyes’ location in Lafayette, Louisiana has been revered in food circles for years. On a trip to Louisiana, Anthony Bourdain, the late Parts Unknown star, dined there for three consecutive days.
Tips from Southern Kitchen:Southern Cast Iron Fried Chicken Recipe
Popeyes in Louisiana is considered the last existing Popeyes buffet, but the buffet was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fried Chicken Art:All the ways fried chicken can go wrong – and how to do it right
There have been rumors for months that the famous buffet might not return once the pandemic is over – and Hot 107.9 reported on Wednesday that a worker said he would not – but a spokesperson for Popeyes said the restaurant has not made a decision on the buffet’s long-term future.
“The buffet has been closed due to covid restrictions and the restaurant has yet to decide whether or not to reopen the buffet,” Mollie Birer, spokesperson for the restaurant chain, said in an e- mail.


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Market view: UK recovery 'not going to plan'
Confirmation today that UK GDP grew by a modest 0.5 per cent in the first quarter has led several major analysts to question the strength of the economic recovery, with a key think-tank warning that it is "not going to plan".
The latest UK gross GDP figures published today (25 May) show an estimated increase in growth of 0.5 per cent during the first quarter of this year, unrevised from the 0.5 per cent first estimate published.
The final quarter of 2010 saw GDP fall by 0.5 per cent, following a year-long spell of positive growth figures from the third quarter of 2009 to the third quarter of 2010.
The UK's annual growth rate during this period was 1.5 per cent and last month’s GDP figures saw a rise of 0.5 per cent.
Tony Dolphin, chief economist at the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), said that the recovery was "not going to plan" and warned that exports alone have saved the UK from a double-dip recession.
He said: "The government has said it wants to rebalance the economy away from debt-funded domestic spending and towards exports.
"The export side of this shift is progressing well and lending figures show that increases in debt across the economy are modest. The problem is that confidence is low and real incomes are contracting, so households and businesses are now reducing their spending.
"This was not part of the plan. Increased certainty about the public finances was supposed to lead to increased confidence and more spending.
"Instead, greater uncertainty about the economic outlook – and some bad luck with global commodity prices – has led to reduced confidence and less spending. Were it not for the export boom, the UK would now be back in recession."
Jeremy Batstone-Carr, head of private client research at Charles Stanley, said the GDP figures showed the UK economy was faring badly.
He said: "The figures may not seem that exciting on the surface but still waters run deep. The breakdown of the GDP figures is quite significant.
"In particular we saw a very sharp fall in consumer spending or household consumption which may reflect the VAT hike but does not bode well going forward.
"It does suggest it is going to be very hard to get the UK economy moving. It is no great surprise that the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development today has downgraded its forecast for economic growth in the UK economy from 1.5 per cent to 1.4 per cent in 2011.
"Trade is being regarded by some as positive but it is dependent on the export market. Given my negative expectations for exports I am not perhaps as sanguine as others."
Mr Batstone-Carr said it was likely the GDP figures would dissuade the MPC from an interest rate increase in the near future.
"The Bank of England gives us to expect there will be rate hikes but given the ongoing weakness of the economy there is still the possibility we will not see a rate hike in August.


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The February Soirée event, which took place at the Press Club Brussels Europe on the evening of the 13th of February, brought together a panel of industry experts to delve into the pressing topic of “Demand Management” within the transport sector.
The esteemed panel, comprising Christina Russe, Patrick Edmond, Robin Loos, and Sergio Alegre Calero, engaged in a robust discussion centred on the potential use of taxation as a strategic tool to reduce travel and transport consumption, particularly in the air transport sector. Some of the panellists expressed apprehensions about the feasibility and efficacy of employing taxation as a means to curtail travel consumption, citing concerns about its practicality and effectiveness.
In addition, the panellists explored the potential use of taxation and alternative measures to foster cleaner mobility and steer consumption toward less-carbon-intensive transportation options. Notably, promoting high-speed rail as a viable alternative to aviation and multi-modal passenger transport was a key point of discussion, and the forthcoming revision of the EU Air Service Regulation may include measures in this direction. However, the panellists raised reservations about the competitive dynamics in the rail market and the various factors influencing consumer choices, such as pricing, ease of searching and booking rail travel and service quality.
A pivotal highlight of the event was the examination of Paris’ decision to significantly increase parking fees on SUVs as a means to reduce their appeal. While acknowledging the potential environmental benefits of reduced SUV usage, some of the panellists voiced serious concerns about the methods employed in Paris. One panellist emphasised the concept of supply-induced demand and underscored the impact of inadequate CO2 regulations for cars and vehicles on the surge in SUV sales across Europe. Another drew attention to the applicability of supply-induced demand in the low-cost air carrier market, where new routes from airlines generate demand simply by offering routes.
The event provided a balanced and insightful perspective on the complexities of demand management within the transport sector, offering a nuanced analysis of the implications of taxation as a tool for moderating travel consumption. Moreover, the discussions shed light on the multifaceted considerations involved in promoting cleaner mobility and effecting sustainable shifts in transport consumption patterns.
In summary, the February Soirée event at the Press Club Brussels Europe offered a comprehensive exploration of demand management in the transport sector, providing valuable insights and perspectives from industry experts on the strategic use of taxation and alternative measures to shape consumption patterns and foster sustainable mobility.
The Green Mobility Magazine would like to thank all the speakers for their insights and the participants for their attendance. The next Soirée will occur on the 19th of March and explore the “Just Transition”. Panellists at the next soiree include Carlos Zorrinho – Member of the European Parliament; Julia Poliscanova – Senior Director of Vehicles & E-mobility Supply Chains, Transport & Environment; Livia Spera – General Secretary of the European Transport Workers’ Federation; and Raluca Marian – Director, EU Advocacy & General Delegate, International Road Transport Union (IRU).


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News Dick Johnson Racing Open Day A Big Hit With Fans
28 July 2014: Over 7000 fans and their families attended this year’s Open Day at Dick Johnson Racing’s Queensland headquarters on Sunday 27 July under Queensland’s famous sunny, clear skies. A free annual event for DJR fans, the day boasted non-stop entertainment and activities.
As a major sponsor of the DJR team, PAYCE also had a strong presence and took the opportunity to display its new corporate branding which features heavily on both team cars.
The day featured a variety of stalls from auto products and motoring suppliers to lifestyle offerings such as the latest top of the line luxury motorhome. Hot Tomato Radio FM were onsite to add audio ambience to the day and a special prize draw for the crowd. Attracting families from around Queensland, young and old were catered with the Race Centre Simulator Rides while the little ones enjoyed the free jumping castle and face painting.
Showtime FMX stunt motorcycle riders had people in awe with their death-defying feats and local Ford car clubs showcased members’ performance, vintage and street machine cars.
The day was also important for one of DJR’s favourite charities, Camp Quality, and funds raised on the day will help the children’s family cancer work.
V8 Supercars also participated for the first time at the Open Day and were kept busy handing out balloons and promoting coming events on the 2014 calendar.
Popular with the fans were the workshop tours where all the behind-the-scenes action takes place away from the racetrack.
Visitors were able see where the cars are serviced, components are developed and assembled and where the colourful signage is created that gives the cars their individual identity.
PAYCE’s Managing Director, Brian Boyd said Dick and his team were to be congratulated on putting together such a great event for their huge fan base.
‘’No one appreciates the importance and support of fans better than Dick,” he said.
“Over the years, his fans have stuck by him through thick and thin and remained loyal followers when Dick hung up his helmet and swapped the driver’s seat for that of team owner.
“Further evidence of this allegiance was the number of people, including kids and toddlers, proudly wearing and carrying a variety of DJR merchandise on the day.”
Brian Boyd said both PAYCE and DJR had a lot in common, including a strong commitment to supporting communities and charities.
“The Open Day was an ideal way to give something back to the fans and at the same time, highlight and help the important work that Camp Quality does for young kids and their families going through hard times,” he said.


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MUSIC’S BIGGEST STARS CELEBRATED AROUND THE CONTINENT AS 2016 SOUNDCITY MVP NOMINEES ARE REVEALED VOTING IS NOW OPEN AT SOUNDCITYMVP.COM
Guys goodness our beloved little Comedienne Little Emmanuella has just been crowned the Princess of Comedy by the Australian
BBC has announced the players on the shortlist of this year’s edition of the BBC African footballer of the year award.
Mainland Tv Fashion Show and Awards 2016 Mainland Tv Fashion Show and Awards is a platform designed to honour Fashion Practitioners with recognition awards and
Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez have been named on the 2016 Ballon d’Or award shortlist for the world’s best player.
MTN Project Fame West Africa drew the curtains on its Season 9 show last night by crowning Okiemute Ighorodje as its winner.


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Kakao has just announced that it’s launching a fresh round of funding starting today. Kakao has just completed a $90 million fundraising round via a private coin offering – circumventing the ICO ban in South Korea – and is seeking more capital to help get its blockchain platform off the ground. The new blockchain platform will create a blockchain based ecosystem for gaming, streaming videos, instant messaging, and much more. If Kakao manages to pull it off, Klatyn could become the hottest blockchain ecosystem around.
Teaming Up with Professionals
Kakao hasn’t been afraid to put its hand up and ask for help with this ambitious project. It has called upon blockchain experts Ground X to tap into their client base and bring in around 26 companies to develop different segments of the new blockchain ecosystem. Just one of these firms is the incredibly popular Watcha video streaming service. This smart move highlights the potential depth and breadth of services the new blockchain ecosystem could provide to the world. If Kakao ports its wildly popular instant messaging service to the ecosystem, Klatyn could easily become the only platform South Korea will ever need.
Funding Rounds Filling Up Fast
It isn’t just Kakao that’s filling its funding rounds in record time. Last week, Nivaura secured $20 million in a funding round led by the London Stock Exchange. It’s the first time a major stock exchange has dabbled its investment arms into the blockchain world. Over in South Africa, Coindirect raised an incredible R16 million for its latest project to bring crypto to the masses. Bringing crypto to the unbanked and people living out in the wilderness, Coindirect is looking to unleash a new wave of crypto investors on the world.
Dodging the ICO Ban
South Korea is famous for banning all ICO activity in the country until a time where the government can fully regulate the scene. While several counties around the globe are trying their best to achieve this, South Korea has opted for a blanket ban in the meantime – this is why Kakao opted for a private coin offering (PCO). The PCO is the crypto version of a private funding round and is only available to a select group of investors – a smart and sneaky way of bending the rules.
ICOs are back in fashion and are selling out faster than ever before. Fetch.AI sold out their entire ICO in a mere 10 seconds, meaning Kakao is potentially losing out on huge sources of funds by remaining in South Korea. If the government refuses to lift the ICO ban, Kakao could be forced to move elsewhere in order to secure funding.
Klatyn is definitely one of the most anticipated blockchain projects of 2019 – and it’s clear why. Packing some of the most popular services into one sleek, quick, and affordable ecosystem will only allow all companies involved to grow, all thanks to blockchain.
Klatyn is set to launch in June 2019 and we simply can’t wait to try it out!


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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — In observance of the holidays, Carwash eNews will not be published again until Tuesday, Jan. 5.
Although we will not be producing Carwash eNews, we have prepared a special e-newsletter, and you can expect to see that next week.
The Top 15 of 2015 e-newsletter will recap the most popular stories our subscribers read this past year. Be sure to check your inbox for this look back in 2015.
The entire staff of Professional Carwashing & Detailing wishes all our readers and their families a safe and happy holidays.
Follow us on Twitter here.
Like us on Facebook here.
Connect with us on LinkedIn here.
And visit us online anytime at www.carwash.com for the latest news and trends impacting the carwash and detailing industry.


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| May 30, 2013
Scott Vallely brewed beer at home for 30 years while running a successful career in the paper and pulp industry. But the digital age took its toll, and three years ago, Vallely sold his company, paper.com. He always brewed beer in the kitchen of his New...
| Feb 21, 2013
| 10:03 AM
The brew pub that arguably started it all in Chicago — or can at least lay claim to being the granddaddy of the city's current generation of breweries — has a new hand at the helm.
This month, Nick Barron, 28, formerly the head brewer at...
| Jul 5, 2013
| 6:30 AM
This could be the big summer of cider. We've fallen hard for the crisp dry hard ciders coming out of Millstone Cellars in Monkton, which are so refreshing for hot-weather dining.
The Maryland Wineries will host Locapour - Drink Local, a tasting event at...
| Aug 28, 2013
| 12:10 PM
There are beer snobs or ("craft-heads" as they're sometimes called) who sneer at anyone daring to create their own special beer using someone else's brewery.
"I've had bars tell us, 'If you don't have your own brewery, we won't pour you,'" says...
| Jul 9, 2013
Don't worry, Dooby's will be here soon. That's the word from Dooby himself.
Dooby's is the long-long-awaited Mount Vernon cafe from Phil Han, the Gilman alumnus whose childhood nickname is now plastered on the Park Plaza building, which has been without...
| Oct 1, 2012
| 9:32 PM
He has to be one of the most understated personalities on television. But Lt. Joe Kenda (retired) made a solid impression on viewers with the premiere season of Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda, and he’s returning to his nightmares and to...
| Jul 31, 2013
| 7:30 AM
Back in the mid-2000s, the Boston Beer Co., brewers of the Samuel Adams brand, issued a "Beer Drinker's Bill of Rights," which declared that "Beer shall be offered in bottles, not cans, so that no brew is jeopardized by the taste of metal." This year, the...
| Aug 9, 2013
| 9:45 AM
These letters were sent by readers in response to our July 31 article, "Beer Cans Are Making a Comeback."
I'm a big fan of Rob Leonard's local brews from New England Brewing Company, and likewise a big fan of canned beer after years as a bottle...
| Jun 20, 2013
| 9:58 AM
Not long ago, going to a Chicago street festival usually meant settling for '80s cover bands, greasy food and ordinary beverages. That was then. Paralleling the grass-roots evolution of the city's dining and brewing scenes, summer get-togethers have...
| Jan 30, 2013
| 1:25 PM
Margaret and Louis Chatey are turning pears and apples from Ledyard and Middlefield into award-winning brandy in a barn off an Ashford country lane.
Over in East Hartford, Adam von Gootkin is hunting for Connecticut corn he can transform into what he...
| Jan 29, 2013
| 9:24 PM
Beer lovers will appreciate that the first ever Lehigh Valley Beer Week, Feb. 11-17, encompasses Valentine’s Day. Is there a better way to express abiding affection for craft brews than enjoying a special beer dinner on Feb. 14 at Allentown or...


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Euro zone annual inflation was 1.2 per cent in April, down from 1.7 per cent a month earlier, European Union’s statistics board Eurostat said on May 16. The annual inflation in the EU as a whole in April was 1.4 per cent, down from 1.9 per cent in March.
A year earlier, inflation was 2.6 per cent in the euro zone and 2.7 per cent in the EU as a whole (in UK’s case, data was not available and Eurostat estimates were used to calculate the EU figure).
In April 2013, the lowest annual rates were observed in Greece (0.6 per cent deflation), Latvia (0.4 per cent deflation) and Sweden (zero per cent inflation), and the highest in Romania (4.4 per cent), Estonia (3.4 per cent) and the Netherlands (2.8 per cent).
In monthly terms, seven countries reported deflation in April and four countries reported flat inflation. The euro zone reported 0.1 per cent deflation in April and the EU as a whole had zero per cent inflation.
Bulgaria reported earlier this week monthly deflation of 0.4 per cent in April and the annual figure at the end of the month was 0.9 per cent.
(This is the harmonised consumer price index used by Bulgaria’s National Statistics Institute to compare inflation to the rest of the EU. The inflation figures calculated using the institute’s own methodology were 0.4 per cent deflation for the month and two per cent inflation on an annual basis.)


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Fashion and New York are like bread and butter. Or, lox and bagels. The city is an undisputed global fashion capital and home to more than 200 diverse cultures and over 800 fashion companies, accounting for 6% of the city’s jobs. Fashion has an entrenched value system in this city, from the streets of Harlem to the posh storefronts of Madison Avenue.
Woven into the very threads of this global fashion capital is the NYFT Lab, a collaborative effort between major fashion retailers and fashion tech innovators, enabling iteration, validation, and acceleration of technologies, from early and growth stage companies, that will advance and enhance the industry.
The New York Fashion Tech (NYFT) Lab is an initiative by The Partnership Fund for New York City, the investment arm of the Partnership for New York City, and Springboard Enterprises. The accelerator program grooms tech companies with a strong focus on fashion and connects them with leading fashion retailers, including Bloomingdale’s, Fossil Group, Inc, Coach, and VF Corporation, who will be joining the founding members of the 2014 inaugural NYFT Lab – Alex Ani, Kate Spade and Company, Estee Lauder Companies, and Macy’s – to create the next industry-shifting technologies, spanning categories including Fit Tech and Wearables, Style Customization, and Data and Productivity.
“The class has a broader focus this year,” said Maria Gotsch, Co-Chair of NYFT Lab and President and CEO of the Partnership Fund for New York City. “Last year, we saw a lot of analytics companies. This year, the class includes Wearables, Consumer Engagement – and we also have a company that’s focused on disruptive pricing.”
“Last year (which was the program’s inaugural year), we succeeded in creating a unique program that united innovative technology solutions with key players in fashion and retail, which resulted in both Wall Street and Madison Avenue taking notice,” said Kay Koplovitz, co-chair of NYFT Lab, Board Member of Kate Spade & Company and Chairman of Springboard Enterprises. “This year, there’s a stepped-up interest in wearables. There are times when certain ideas are ripe to come to market.”
And like the fashion world itself, the NYFT Lab responds.


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Organizers claimed that nearly 2 million Hong Kong protesters took to the streets Sunday in a rally to demand the city's top official resign a day after she suspended — but...China Politicsread more
African swine fever, which has already ravaged pig herds in China and pushed up food prices there, could also drive up inflation in the other emerging markets, according to...Asia Economyread more
Consumer goods giant Unilever has taken the unusual step of having some of its marketing staff read their own DNA profiles to see whether finding out about their heritage has...Marketing.Media.Moneyread more
Stocks in Asia traded mixed on Monday as investors await a U.S. Federal Reserve meeting set to happen later in the week stateside.Asia Marketsread more
In the survey, 66% of Democratic primary voters say they'd be enthusiastic or comfortable about Biden as their nominee to take on President Trump in the 2020 election. Just...Politicsread more
Heavy rains caused unprecedented delays in planting this year and contributed to record floods across the central United States.Agricultureread more
Target's registers were down on Saturday for several hours preventing customers from checking out.Retailread more
Although Cook did not mention companies by name, his commencement speech in Silicon Valley's backyard mentioned data breaches, privacy violations, and even made reference to...Technologyread more
U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman called the gesture a "birthday present" to Trump, who turned 73 on Friday.Politicsread more
The outlook for Germany's economy and political stability are more uncertain than ever, writes Michael Ivanovitch.World Economyread more
The agreement, which is on the framework for the plan of adjustment, provide for more than a 60% average haircut for all $35 billion, a 36% haircut on pre-2012 general...Bondsread more
In an age of fabricated 'holidays', each day of the year now features celebrations for hamburgers, pirates and pancakes, just to name a few. The crowded calendar suggests it was perhaps inevitable that emojis would eventually get recognized as well.
Coinciding with National Ice Cream Day in the U.S. (which by the way brings with it the opportunity to get free samples of the fattening sweet treat), World Emoji Day celebrates the plethora of digital faces used by billions of smartphone and social media users around the globe on a daily basis.
Even the annual tech extravaganza South by Southwest has gotten in on the action, having featured a panel discussion at this year's conference entitled "The Linguistic Secrets Found in Billions of Emojis."
The holiday, to the extent it can actually be considered one, was the brainchild of Jeremy Burge. The London-based founder of a site called Emojipedia created it two years ago on Twitter, and giving the day its own Twitter account.
Recently, Twitter compiled a list of the most popular emojis by geographic region, and found that Italy, France and Japan (credited as the actual birthplace of the emoji) prefer hearts. Meanwhile, U.S. and U.K. users are partial to weary electronic expressions—which may or may not be related to their turbulent politics.
True to its reputation as a company willing to appropriate popular culture in the name of science, General Electric has launched an emoji avatar called "Dot the Bot." Dot's purpose will be to encourage users to crack scientific emoji codes via Facebook Messenger.
The most successful emoji decoders around the world will be awarded various prizes by GE.


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Toys R Us is winding down its going-out-of-business sales.
Friday, June 29 will be the last day to shop at locations of the bankrupt retailer.
Sales are now running up to 60-90% off, but stores with less stock have already closed.
Toys R Us is uttering its final gasps of breath before it vanishes from the retail landscape forever.
The toy retailer that was at times both venerated and reviled will wrap up all of its going-out-of-business sales by Friday, June 29. After that, all of its stores will close, and Toys R Us as we know it will cease to exist, the bankruptcy of the former stalwart of toy retail finished, its flame snuffed out.
The retailer's Twitter account has been counting down the days.
Many stores that have run out of stock have already closed. Those that are still open are running clearance sales of up to 60-90% off.
It's an unceremonious end for a retailer that was once known as a "category killer" — meaning that it got so good at one thing that it drove independent stores out of business.
Toys R Us filed a motion to liquidate its US business in March, setting off the process of closing or selling all 735 of its stores in the United States. It had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September.
How did we get here?
The debate over who and what killed Toys R Us is is still raging among analysts, company executives, and shoppers lamenting the chain's death.
Toys R Us was once king of the toy castle. In the 1990s, it was the biggest toy seller in the US, expanding rapidly as it pushed out smaller chains. But by 1998, things had changed, and Walmart began selling more toys than Toys R Us in the US — a signal of more trouble ahead.
Toys R Us then launched a turnaround plan that ended with the chain seeking buyers. Bain Capital, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, and Vornado Realty Trust together invested $1.3 billion in a $6.6 billion leveraged buyout in 2005, taking Toys R Us private. The company had essentially been purchased using its equity, with the help of the private-equity cash.
This saddled Toys R Us with an astronomical amount of debt — over $5 billion worth — that the company hadn't shaken even a decade later. According to the filing with the bankruptcy court, Toys R Us was still making $400 million payments on its debt each year.
"In Toys' case, high leverage remaining from the 2005 leveraged buyout reduced financial flexibility, which in turn limited investment, leading to the erosion of the company's competitive position at a time when its primary competitors such as Walmart, Amazon, and Target were running on all cylinders," said Charlie O'Shea, a Moody's analyst.
These high payments prevented the chain from making the changes necessary to compete, like improving the in-store experience and beefing up e-commerce in the age of Amazon, the company said in the filing. The debt also prevented the chain from keeping up the appearance of its stores and ensuring its employees were well-paid.
The retail landscape was shifting underneath Toys R Us' feet, and the combination of increased competition and lack of maneuverability helped lead to its demise.
In the liquidation filing, Toys R Us blamed its poor holiday performance on Walmart, Target, and Amazon pricing their toys low enough that it couldn't compete and make a profit.
But not everyone agrees that Toys R Us' debt load led directly to its downfall.
"When you have Target/Walmart on one side and Amazon on the other ... the amazing thing is that it was alive at all," Jim Cramer said on CNBC.


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Transforming the Landscape in the USA, and Across the Globe
the «Global Trading Revolution: Going Digital» In the ever-evolving realm of finance, Digital Trading Revolution has emerged as a transformative force, reshaping how individuals and institutions engage in buying and selling assets. This article delves into the landscape of digital trading, exploring its impact on financial markets in the United States and around the world.
The Rise of in the USA «Global Trading Revolution: Going Digital»
- Technological Advancements:
Being a financial powerhouse, has been at the forefront of adopting cutting-edge technologies in trading. The integration of advanced algorithms, artificial intelligence, and machine learning has not only streamlined the trading process but has also brought about unprecedented levels of efficiency.
- Accessibility and Inclusivity:
«Global Trading Revolution: Going Digital» platforms have democratized access to financial markets, allowing a broader range of participants to engage in trading. From seasoned investors to novices, anyone with an internet connection can now participate in the dynamic world of trading, contributing to a more inclusive financial ecosystem.
- Cryptocurrency Phenomenon:
The USA has witnessed a surge in interest and adoption of cryptocurrencies as digital assets. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies have become integral parts of digital trading portfolios, reflecting a shift in how investors view and diversify their holdings.
Global Implications of Digital Trading
- Market Globalization:
Digital trading has transcended geographical boundaries, connecting markets and investors globally. Traders can execute transactions in real-time, responding to market developments around the clock. This globalization has led to increased market liquidity and has opened up new opportunities for cross-border investments.
- Regulatory Challenges:
The borderless nature of digital trading has presented challenges for regulatory bodies worldwide. Regulators are grappling with the need to strike a balance between fostering innovation and safeguarding investors. The USA, along with other countries, is actively working on adapting regulatory frameworks to address the unique challenges posed by digital trading.
- Emergence of Decentralized Finance (DeFi):
Digital trading has given rise to the concept of decentralized finance, or DeFi. Blockchain technology enables the creation of decentralized platforms for lending, borrowing, and trading without traditional intermediaries. This global movement has the potential to revolutionize how financial services are delivered and accessed.
Future Trends and Challenges
- Integration of AI and Big Data:
The future of digital trading lies in the continued integration of artificial intelligence and big data analytics. Predictive algorithms and data-driven insights will play a crucial role in informing trading decisions and mitigating risks.
- Sustainability in «Global Trading Revolution: Going Digital»:
With a growing emphasis on sustainability, there is a rising demand for responsible and ethical investing. Digital trading platforms are likely to witness a shift towards offering sustainable investment options, reflecting a broader societal awareness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.
- Cybersecurity Concerns:
As digital trading continues to expand, so do cybersecurity threats. The protection of sensitive financial information and the resilience of trading platforms against cyber attacks will be paramount in ensuring the stability and trustworthiness of digital trading systems.
In conclusion, «Global Trading Revolution: Going Digital» has emerged as a dynamic force shaping the financial landscape in the USA and globally. Its transformative impact is evident in the increased accessibility, globalization of markets, and the integration of innovative technologies. As we navigate this evolving landscape, the key will be to strike a balance between embracing innovation and addressing the challenges that come with it. The future of finance is undoubtedly digital, and the journey has just begun.
Digital Trading Revolution oportunidad de oro


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We can show how lowering IT running costs by 10% can increase your innovation budget by as much as 40%.
Most companies are looking to free up their budget and resources to innovate and reach the market first. 9/10 outperforming CIOs focus on developing new products and services within weeks or even days. Modernization is the way to go.
Jon Collins’ in-depth look at tech and society
Phil Muncaster reports on China and beyond


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April 20, 2022 – As Croatia continues to develop its digital nomad story, the return of Zagreb Digital Nomad Week is announced.
It has been quite a journey.
Two years ago, few people in Croatia had heard about digital nomads, and perhaps even less nomads considered Croatia as a nomad destination.
Croatia’s early adoption of a digital nomad visa/permit and the associated global media interest at the height of the pandemic changed all that, and suddenly Croatia became one of the most talked-about nomad destinations in Europe.
One year ago, few people would have used Zagreb and digital nomads in the same sentence, as most of the destination interest was on the coast.
And yet, six months ago, in October 2021, Zagreb was named as the 5th most-liked city in the world in the influential and comprehensive NomadList 2021 survey of its members. Not only fifth in the world, but also the first in Europe!
(Zagreb Digital Nomad Week won two awards at Conventa 2021 in Ljubljana)
A key component of last year’s Zagreb nomad calendar was the award-winning Zagreb Digital Nomad Week and Ambassador program, which put the Croatian capital firmly on the global nomad map. At a time when travel was restricted due to the pandemic, Zagreb Digital Nomad Week was one of the first live conferences to be held, with many speakers and participants visibly joyful at the opportunity to meet in person. Seven themes over seven days in seven locations all over the city, the true potential of Zagreb as a nomad destination was revealed. And the visitors were impressed. As keynote speaker Dean Kuchel from Israel noted in his video interview below, the only thing missing in Zagreb for digital nomads was more digital nomads.
And those nomads are coming…
And with a good crowd expected in June for the return of Zagreb Digital Nomad Week! The 2022 edition will take place from June 13-19, continuing the partnership between Zagreb Tourist Board, Saltwater Nomads, the Digital Nomad Association Croatia, and Total Croatia News, building on the considerable success of 2021. To get a flavour of last year’s event, check out the conference overview video below, as well as the Jolly Wrap Up event in December.
Zagreb Digital Nomad Week 2022, which conveniently takes place just before the legendary INMusic Festival (this year featuring The Killers) promises to be even better than last year. WIth both Zagreb as a nomad destination, and the conference itself firmly established, coupled with the ease of travel compared to a year ago, this year’s event is already attracting some exciting global names as keynote speakers, with many more live attendees expected to contribute to the vibe.
And with a lively social plan incorporating Zagreb’s growing nomad community to complement a stimulating week of presentations and panels all over the city, why are you not bookmarking Zagreb for your travels in June?
More details on Zagreb Digital Nomad Week 2022 will be released this week. To follow the latest and register your interest, check out the official event website which will be fully updated shortly as well as other news and features on digital nomads in Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section.


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InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) has recently announced the signing of Holiday Inn® Plovdiv International Fair in Bulgaria. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2015. Holiday Inn Plovdiv International Fair will operate under a franchise agreement with new owner Petrov Commerce Ltd. The existing office building will be converted into a 68 room hotel and emerge as the first IHG hotel in Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second largest city. The hotel will be situated at the entrance of Plovdiv City Centre close to Plovdiv fair grounds which attracts more than 600, 000 visitors annually.
Angel Kolev Petrov, Owner of Petrov Commerce Ltd. Said: “Our hotel has a winning formula – great facilities combined with a welcoming Open Lobby and friendly efficient service in a city rich in history and culture. We look forward to both international and local travellers coming to stay with us.”
Peter Vermeer, Director of development Eastern and Central Europe said: “We’re excited to be expanding in Bulgaria. The hotel market is starting to gain some momentum as international brands begin to make headway here. The Holiday Inn brand continues to resonate with guests and owners looking for hotels providing simple service, friendly hotel staff and comfortable beds in easily accessible locations.”


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In the recent news, the Emirate of Dubai and the UAE have been ranked first in the list fastest growing e-commerce markets in the Middle-East and North Africa region. Thanks to the government's advanced initiatives, such as the Dubai Smart City, tech-eager consumers and a favourable environment promoting start-up development as the chief factors that have placed the UAE and Dubai at the forefront of the e-commerce growth in the MENA region.
The E-Commerce transactions in the Emirates are forecast to total $16 billion (Dh 59 billion) in 2019 and grow 23 per cent yearly between 2018 and 2022. With these numbers, the UAE is making rapid strides as the fastest growing e-commerce market in the Middle East and North Africa, according to a joint study by Dubai Economy and global payments technology company Visa. The report also emphasised that the government promoting a cashless economy and greater transparency has boosted e-commerce in the country. The ‘emPay’ digital wallet, launched by Dubai Economy and the Dubai Commerce initiative has also been underlined as outstanding initiatives towards endorsing e-commerce and offering more convenient access to digital transaction platforms.
Let us now understand why e-commerce market is rapidly growing in the UAE.
1.High Digital Penetration
Digitisation is the future, and hence e-commerce has become the future of the UAE. According to the reports, mobile phone penetration is now at a world-record high of 210.9%. The residents of the UAE are among the top 10 worldwide when it comes to spending time on the internet and social media, be around seven hours and 54 minutes daily.
2.A rise in the Use of Mobile Wallets
Deep penetration of cell phones is the baseline for mobile wallet adoption, and this has been a reality for years in the UAE. The usage of mobile wallets in the UAE has increased with global giants like Samsung Pay, Google Pay, and Apple Pay entering the fray along with local players like Beam Wallet and Etisalat Wallet, as well as local banks. With just a smartphone you can pay bill anywhere, be it a petrol station, cinemas, or departmental stores.
The UAE has strong logistics support in the e-commerce market. Moreover, logistics can be a game-changer for any e-commerce business. Luckily, the Emirates is a central point for distribution, and its low cost on logistics and state-of-art infrastructure makes it an ideal place for e-commerce to thrive. It enjoys an advantage as a significant global trans-shipment hub with the port of Dubai International Airport (the sixth busiest cargo airport globally) and Jebel Ali providing a high standard of logistics, according to the Visa report.
Pro-business initiatives of the government have been vital in building a digital culture in the UAE and eradicating many of the barriers to becoming a cashless society. Cashless payments and digital commerce were identified as top government priorities in the UAE Vision 2021. The authorities have also implemented several initiatives to support it, such as the wage protection system.
The population of the Emirates consists of approximately 30% of digital-native millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) and a rising Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012). These digital communities are always associated with and seek on-demand, near-instant clarifications. Their desire for convenient and fast shopping experiences is expected to quicken the acceptance of online shopping.
Through the years, e-commerce growth in the UAE largely owes to the retail sector and the thriving mall culture. Also, shortly, new e-commerce companies are expected to make a big splash in the UAE’s e-commerce market. The business-friendly environment of Dubai and other places in the UAE is attracting e-commerce companies from developed countries like the USA and UK.
Should you decide to start an e-commerce business in the UAE, then we at Commitbiz can help you with it. Our advisors have years of experience in this field and can make the process hassle-free. Contact us today for more information.


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Researchers have uncovered evidence confirming the perceived tolerance effect of continued cannabis use, the PsyPost reports. The double-blind study — named “Reduced responsiveness of the reward system is associated with tolerance to cannabis impairment in chronic users” and published in the Addiction Biology journal — used brain imaging scans to measure the substance’s effect on 12 frequent and 12 occasional cannabis users.
Study co-author Natasha L. Mason said in the report there is “a growing body of evidence” that cannabis’ effects are less prominent in regular cannabis users.
“Although this development of tolerance is quite well established,” she said, “the neurobiological mechanisms underlying it are not.”
“These neurobiological mechanisms are important to elucidate, both in the context of therapeutic use of cannabis-based medications (e.g. deciding on dose in long-term treatment), as well as in the context of public health and safety of cannabis use when performing day-to-day operations (e.g. developing traffic laws).” — Mason, via PsyPost
For occasional users, the researchers noted that cannabis use altered the brain’s reward system circuitry. Chronic cannabis users, meanwhile, did not show specific brain changes or “any cognitive impairment.”
“Cannabis tolerance is not a final, permanent state that is achieved after chronic cannabis use, but rather a temporary state of decreased sensitivity to cannabis exposure that dynamically fluctuates across the spectrum of a full-to-no experience of cannabis effects, depending on the pattern of cannabis use,” Mason told PsyPost.
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Today’s discussions with energy retailers must not forget small business, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry said today.
Chief Executive, James Pearson said:
“Most small businesses buy their energy from retailers, just like households. Many retailers have hit small businesses even harder than households, with price rises up to 20 per cent.
“Transparency in terms of the offers available and what contributes to your bill is as important for small businesses as it is for households.
“For a competitive market to operate, consumers, including small businesses need to be able compare prices in a meaningful way and be able to switch providers easily if they are offered a better deal.
“The information available to small businesses and households needs to be clearer and needs to compare what the real costs will be.
“In states with a deregulated energy market there are a large number of retail providers, but there remains significant market concentration. Nearly 80 per cent of Victoria’s retail electricity market is dominated by just four players. In NSW, just three businesses cover 90 per cent of the market and in South Australia, it is just two businesses with 70 per cent of the market.
“The Australian Chamber’s members are concerned that the market is not sufficiently competitive and the full benefits of deregulation have not flowed through to prices.
“Our message to the Prime Minister and the energy retailers is simple – measures to help households with their energy costs need to include small business customers too.”


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Dragon’s Dogma is now a franchise!
We’ll be seeing plenty more of Dragon’s Dogma. Capcom’s adventure into the realm of RPGs has gone well, selling over a million copies. Not only that, but apparently it set records for most pre-ordered new IP in Japan.
Capcom have decided that this warrants franchisedom for the title, which means that we’ll probably be seeing a sequel sooner rather than later. Not only that, but Capcom will continue to release DLC for the game – we’ve already seen a pretty constant flow since launch.
Capcom said that they hoped that the game would become a pillar of earning for them (read cash cow), so we’ll just have to wait and see what happens next.


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For a while now, it has been rumoured that Apple would be working on a sleep-tracking functionality for the Apple Watch, and we’ve seen a limited sign of that until today. A MacRumors reader has spotted screenshots in the App Store that mention a ‘Sleep’ app.
Part of a Sleep application will include a toggle to set a Bedtime alarm – which, as of October 2019, can only be done using an iPhone or iPad and are not viewable or accessible on a Watch. However, this app is not expected to be released until late 2020, when Apple will likely ship sleep-tracking as a key feature of the Series 6.
Although, it’s obvious Apple’s working on sleep-tracking and sleep features, it’s not likely we’ll be seeing these this year, or even for the most of next year. For now, use a third-party tracker app such as Sleep++.


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Mamoru Miyano is going to be featured on Neko magazine.
Mamoru Miyano is featured on the cover of Neko magazine's August 2019 Vol.111 issue. The cover is the following:
Miyano was interviewed about his role in the Japanese dub of PET 2.
Neko August 2019 Vol.111 is scheduled to hit stores on 12/07/2019. This issue is available for purchase on CDJAPAN.
Neko August 2019 Issue Miyano Mamoru


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An independent study has found 79 per cent of Australians are concerned about being charged significantly more than their US counterparts for digital products like movies, music, software and games, despite a bipartisan parliamentary enquiry a year ago urging changes.
The survey of almost 1200 Australians by Essential Media Communications found 58 per cent are also concerned that movies and TV shows were available for downloading in other countries but not legally in Australia. The study comes after a draft government discussion paper was leaked on Friday, which set out tough plans to crack down on Australians breaching copyright via online piracy.
Tuesday marks the anniversary of the tabling of the final report following a year-long inquiry into IT price discrimination in Australia.
“It’s been 12 months since the IT price inquiry report was released - but all we have from the Abbott government is inaction," Mr Husic said. “As a result, Australian consumers and businesses are paying a high price for the Abbott government dragging its feet on IT price discrimination."
After hearing from the major players involved, including Apple, Microsoft and Adobe, the final report from last year’s inquiry found goods and services are, on average, 50 per cent more expensive in Australia than other countries, prompting the committee to suggest changes to the law to reduce local prices
Often termed the “Australia Tax", the report highlighted numerous examples of products costing significantly more in Australia than elsewhere in the world.Companies claimed this was due to a mixture of local copyright holders in the case of iTunes, retailer’s decisions on what a market can bear in the case of Microsoft and various other factors impacting on the cost of doing business in Australia.
The report largely rejected this, saying the price differences for IT products could not be explained by the cost of doing business in Australia, particularly when it came to digitally delivered content.
Consumer advocacy group CHOICE said the tone of the government’s piracy discussion paper had shown little attention had been paid to the raw deal experienced by Australians, who attempted to buy online from overseas.
CHOICE campaigns manager Erin Turner said Australians still commonly paid twice as much for software and other digital products like games and music. While she said the IT Pricing Enquiry had provided a bipartisan blueprint for reforms to address price discrimination, the government had seemingly failed to take any notice.
A missed opportunity
“If the leaks are correct, the government’s leaked anti-piracy discussion paper has missed the opportunity to deal with this problem – in fact, the paper explicitly says the government does not want to receive comment on Australia tax issues," Ms Turner said.
She said the leaked paper appeared to focus on expanding the liability of internet service providers for copyright infringement, and introducing an anti-piracy internet filter, whereas these kinds of measures had proven ineffective against piracy overseas and had been costly for consumers.
One argument often offered to justify the high levels of piracy in Australia is the lack of availability of affordable and timely legal alternatives in Australia. File-sharing website TorrentFreak, for example, said Game of Thrones, which is broadcast exclusively by Foxtel in Australia, was illegally downloaded 1.5 million times by Australians in the 12 hours following the finale of its latest season in the US.
CHOICE said better availability was not the only issue driving piracy, but said numerous examples explained why Australians were tempted to breach copyright.
“We are not suggesting that better access and more competitive prices are silver bullets that will solve this issue entirely. However, they are important factors which deserve real consideration – not just a tokenistic mention in a preamble," Ms Turner said.
Trish Hepworth, executive officer of copyright lobby group the Australian Digital Alliance, said the Essential Media survey showed the effect on affordability for Australians of geo-blocking on websites and restrictions on parallel imports.
The IT Pricing report had suggested a program be started to educate Australian internet users about how to circumvent geo-blocks where legal, while voiding any website contracts that use geographic restrictions.
“This is not a phenomena of the tech-savvy younger generations; 80 per cent of people aged 35 to 54 are concerned and 79 per cent of the over 55s. This is not a tech or an age issue, it’s a fairness issue and Australians do not like being ripped off," Ms Hepworth said.
Geoblocking technology is used by many tech companies and websites to discriminate on pricing and available services, based on a user’s location.
Popular online TV streaming service Netflix, for example, is a lot cheaper than Australian equivalents, with a large catalogue of shows available, but it is unavailable on internet connections originating in Australia. Circumventing these geoblocks is not currently illegal in Australia, but it is considered a grey area under copyright law because it also often contravenes the terms and conditions placed on users of websites.
“In a world where the internet has reduced delivery costs it seems ridiculous that it can be cheaper to order a hard-copy product and have it shipped to Australia than it is to download a digital file."
The Australian Financial Review


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Govt grants for entrepreneurs
9 September 2003
The department of trade and industry has launched a Competitiveness Fund that provides financial support to qualifying entrepreneurs, allocating grants that cover up to 50% of their running costs.
All registered private sector South African companies qualify for assistance. However, companies should have a clearly stated objective to support competitiveness.
- More information: Competitiveness Fund (department of trade and industry)
Gwagwa said the increasing economic activity in the province had necessitated the introduction of incentives, such as those offered by the Competitiveness Fund, to ensure that companies can compete in the global economy.
Tumelo Chipfupa, the fund's chief director, said the government had "realised that South African firms needed special assistance and support for their products and services in the context of international competition".


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Cult-favorite Milk Bar treats hit Denver
The beloved truffles, rainbow-flecked cookies and cakes from New York City's Milk Bar chain have landed in Denver thanks to an exclusive partnership with DoorDash, Axios Denver has learned.
Why it matters: The signature desserts are now available for delivery and takeout across the city.
- A company spokesperson said the arrangement will maintain the quality and freshness of its original brick-and-mortar bakery locations.
Details: Milk Bar gained a following in New York City more than a decade ago as the sister bakery to Momofuku. It has since developed its own devoted fan base. Today, there are outposts in Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, Toronto, Boston and Los Angeles.
The bakery chain is known for infusing cereal milk flavoring into its soft-serve ice cream and gooey-buttery chess pie with an oat cookie crust — a salty-sweet slice previously dubbed "Crack Pie."
- Denverites can choose from a selection of pastry chef Christina Tosi's treats, including the birthday cake topped with crunchy crumbs and rainbow sprinkles, a collection of cookies, ranging from cornflake chocolate chip marshmallow to vanilla confetti and cake truffles, crafted from leftover bits and pieces of cake.
The big picture: The popularity of food delivery has given rise to startups that open "ghost kitchens" inside warehouses or trailers that prepare food solely for delivery and have no option to dine in, Axios' Erica Pandey writes.
- "We continue to see the push towards selling foods that are meant to be consumed outside of the restaurant, whether it's to-go ordering or delivery," Aaron Jourden, a senior research manager at Technomic, recently told Axios in a 2022 prediction.
- "The elephant in the room is this lingering pandemic that forced ongoing shutdowns across different countries and has really continued to inform what everybody is doing."
Of note: The playful and decadent dessert brand also found its way onto supermarket shelves last year with pre-packaged soft-bake cookies, truffle crumb cakes and pints of ice cream available at Whole Foods, Target and other retailers.
What's next: For now, there is no concrete timeline for the Denver pop-up. Milk Bar won't commit to official plans for a brick-and-mortar expansion in the Mile High City, but the team behind the scenes is frequently scouting new markets.
- New customers can enjoy $7 off orders of $35 or more using promo code MILKBARCO through Feb. 6.
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Last Wednesday, April 7, the World Watch and Wonders event for 2021, which includes 38 international brands to launch their new watch, was launched, including:
- This year, Piaget launched new watches in three models in different colors: Ultra-thins, skeletons, and high-jewelry. It also highlighted the high-jewelry collection, where six watches were issued that shone with diamonds.
- This year, Oblo also appeared at the Watches and Wonders exhibition with watches that combine luxury and sophistication, with multiple options for sapphire, diamond and ceramic straps.
- Patek Philippe released four watches in the Nautilus collection, characterized by distinctive dials, and also four watches from different collections
- Chopard also launched many watches in various models as it celebrates the 25th anniversary of the LUC collection and presented it at the largest watch fair for the first time
- Vacheron watches 2021 releases
- Rolex was distinguished this year by launching several watches in different models, including the Rolex Explorer. It came with two 36mm watches, the size of the first Explorer watch that was launched in 1953 and climbed to the top of Mount Everest.
- It also released two watches from the ExplorerII collection 42mm in white and black enamel
- And Rolex launched several watches, Date just, with distinctive dials with two mountain bracelets and an Oyster
- As for the new version of the Rolex Daytona watches, they are three watches in yellow gold, rose gold and white with an Oysterflex bracelet, all with a metro-right dial.
- Cartier launched many watches in many models, but the watches of the Cloche de cartier collection were distinguished by a different and distinctive design, as were the Cartier Pasha de Chronograph watches.
- Cartier also launched the first solar-powered watch in the Cartier Tank collection
- Cartier editions in the Ballon Bleu Decartier collection
- This year Bvlgari appeared in the biggest event of watches with many options and also released the second edition of the Octo Finissimo Tadao Ando collection in very limited numbers