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A new iMessage bug involving a string of text and the black dot emoji (⚫) can overload iMessage if sent to your iPhone. The bug was spotted by YouTuber EverythingApplePro, who frames it as a prank to freeze people's phones. Watch him explain the bug in the video below:
EverythingApplePro says the bug affects iPhones running iOS 11 to iOS 11.4, but we aren't sure if he tested earlier versions. CNET hasn't tested the bug on our iPhones yet, but other outlets such as 9to5Mac and Tom's Guide report encountering the bug.
The good news is there's a fix:
- If the bug crashes your iMessages, force close the iMessage app
- Then 3D Touch the iMessage app from the home screen, and select New Message
- Hit cancel on the New Message screen, and that'll take you back to your list of iMessage convos
- From there you can delete the message with the bug
If your phone doesn't have 3D Touch, the steps are a little different. MacRumors provides a guide for these iPhones that encounter the bug:
- Force close iMessage
- Bring up Siri and ask it to "Send a reply to... [whoever sent you the bug]"
- Keep sending replies through Siri until the bug is off screen in the iMessage convo
- Open iMessage and hit back so you get to the conversation list
- From the conversation list, you can delete the thread with the bug
This bug is similar to Apple acknowledged that bug and rolled out a fix in the next software update.that crashed iOS apps when displayed. Luckily
CNET has reached out to Apple about the black dot bug and will update when we hear back.
reading•Black dot bug hits iPhone: How to fix if this emoji breaks your iMessages
May 24•Samsung must pay Apple $539 million for infringing iPhone design patents, jury finds
May 24•iPhone 6 'bendgate' was real -- and Apple knew about it, according to court docs
May 23•Apple and Volkswagen joining forces to make autonomous shuttles, report claims
May 23•What data does Apple have on you? Here's how to find out


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Creepy Teddy Bears Leak Kids’ Voices to Strangers on the Internet
Parents, please think twice about letting your children play with talking toys that connect to the Internet. While kids may love have conversations with special stuffed friend, there’s a big risk that strangers online can listen in on what they say.
The latest cautionary tale comes from CloudPets, a company that makes cute bears and dogs that can pass voice messages between kids and their parents. As the company’s marketing video for the toy shows, a dad on a business trip can use the CloudPets app to say “I miss you” through the stuffed toy—while his daughter can squeeze the toys arm to record a message that will be sent back to her dad.
Cute as this may be, such toys also pose a huge privacy risk because, like so much on the Internet, it’s easy for hackers to break into them. In the case of CloudPets, security researchers this week revealed that the company’s app relies on a Romanian company whose website contains huge security holes.
You can read all the technical details here on the blog of researcher Troy Hunt, but the gist of it is that a terrible security design makes it easy to steal all of CloudPets’ customer records—including the email addresses of parents—and to listen to recordings of what children have whispered to the toys. Hunt cites the example he heard of a little girl saying, “Hello Mommy and Daddy I love you so much,” and another of her singing.
Get Data Sheet, Fortune’s technology newsletter.
According to Hunt, researchers and a journalist repeatedly contacted CloudPets to warn it about the security blog flaw, but so far the company has done nothing about it. Fortune attempted to contact the company, but a message to the only email address on its website bounced back.
The CloudPets incident is only the latest in a troubling series of stories about Internet-connected toys and dolls. In December, for instance, privacy groups filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission about a doll called “My Friend Cayla.” The doll maker reportedly recorded children’s conversations and stored them on a server to use in product testing. Meanwhile, Cayla caused such alarm in Germany that the government there advised parents to destroy the doll.
Such security lapses are not surprising in part because the core competency of toy makers is making and marketing toys—not creating secure Internet services. That’s why, for now at least, parents who want to purchase talking dolls should stick to the old-school ones that come with strings in their backs.

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El Salvador updates
Sign up to myFT Everyday Digest to be the first to know about El Salvador news.
As the cryptocurrency bitcoin turned authorized tender throughout El Salvador this 7 days, a extensive queue formed at a cash device on the edge of the cash. Those in line were typically immediately after a single factor: US bucks.
A lot of waited to convert the $30-truly worth of cost-free bitcoin provided to them by the Salvadoran govt into difficult forex, but the hard cash dispenser stopped performing. An formal admitted that just 3 people today experienced been able to withdraw money from the device all day.
Francisco Alemán, 1 of the fortunate 3, was cashing in bitcoin incentives collected from various family users — though the blended $120 had dropped to $118 by the time he obtained the dollars since the volatile currency’s price had fallen.
“I imagine it is a excellent point,” said the 24-year old student, adding that he thought the specialized difficulties ended up short-term. “The people today who want to use it will adhere all around, and these who don’t and just want the $30 will not. It’ll control itself.”
Beneath a system rushed by Congress by authoritarian president Nayib Bukele, El Salvador this 7 days come to be the initially state in the planet to adopt bitcoin as authorized tender — a bold financial experiment that is getting closely watched by central bankers and crypto-fans alike.
Organizations from retailers to dining places and hairdressers have to now take bitcoin alongside the greenback, which has been El Salvador’s official currency since 2001.
As of Tuesday, Salvadorans who down load the Chivo digital wallet — the name means “cool” in nearby slang — could sign up with a countrywide identification variety to acquire the reward, equivalent to about .00065 bitcoin. To invest in a products, customers scan a QR code to ship the payment right away.
Touted by Bukele as a way to appeal to financial investment, convey the down the value of remittances from overseas and attain the country’s unbanked — approximated at 70 for each cent of the population — his authorities put in far more than $200m generating the application, environment up a network of hard cash equipment and footing the bill for commissions.
But the initiative has been criticised by economists, the IMF and credit score score businesses, who say it threatens economic steadiness, places customers at possibility and exposes the governing administration to possibly significant trade amount movements.
Bitcoin is the most recognisable of the countless numbers of digital cryptocurrencies that are upending common finance and hard central banking institutions.
Still this week’s rollout of the electronic currency in the central American country of 6.5m folks has been considerably from sleek, with the app plagued by glitches and protests in the cash towards its start.
While the $30 incentive was intended to be put in in retailers, quite a few buyers worked out that by shifting it to a further digital wallet, it could be taken out in cash — foremost to long queues at money dispensers.
Multinational corporations functioning in El Salvador these types of as Pizza Hut and Starbucks now acknowledge bitcoin payments, as does cell phone firm Claro. “It’s fantastic with me — as extended as it performs,” reported Ricardo Mejía, 27, a smaller-small business owner who was a single of those people queueing.
When it is only week 1, acquire-up of the currency as a usually means of payment appeared to be confined. 1 of the country’s major banking institutions informed the Economical Times that less than .0001 for each cent of its day-to-day transactions have been in bitcoin. As of Thursday many of the country’s premier supermarkets ended up nevertheless not capable to acquire bitcoin payments.
El Salvador’s government did not react to a ask for for remark or present figures on the selection of downloads or transactions employing the app.
Most of the country’s business leaders have remained quiet on the rollout, preferring to maintain a low profile. “We are in a ‘wait and see’ place,” a senior government at a substantial El Salvador financial institution claimed on situation of anonymity. “We’re striving to administer this in the most conservative possible way.”
The government claimed the lender had processed a little number of transactions in bitcoin this 7 days and that it experienced an agreement with an global exchange to convert them straight to pounds anyway.
Patrick Murray, co-founder of El Salvador-based ecommerce app Tuyo, criticised the federal government for obliging companies to take bitcoin and for failing to convey enterprise on board.
“Few people today if any who I have talked to are against bitcoin for each se. Persons are versus how items are becoming finished in the name of bitcoin,” reported Murray, aspect of the family that owns the Grupo Agrisal hotel and property conglomerate. “This kind of conclusion is placing us on the map for the incorrect causes.”
But not every person is so pessimistic. Among individuals in Salvadoran modern society who stand to gain from bitcoin are these who send and obtain remittances — which add a quarter of El Salvador’s $25bn GDP.
Financial institutions and cash transfer organizations can usually cost substantial costs on remittances: upwards of 10 for each cent. Bukele has explained the adoption of bitcoin would save Salvadorans $400m in commissions a 12 months.
At the income-dispenser line, one particular spouse and children was seeking to acquire funds despatched by cousins in Italy and had presently been ready a lot more than an hour.
In a different line was Kiara Hueso, 27, a magnificence products and solutions saleswoman who was overjoyed to be able to withdraw $75 despatched by her father in the US — commission-no cost — following two days of seeking. “It’s easier and it’s a lot quicker,” she beamed.
For the newest news and sights on fintech from the FT’s network of correspondents all around the entire world, signal up to our weekly publication #fintechFT


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A polar wave of low temperatures hit Buenos Aires today and a number provinces as the thermometers considerably descended this morning hitting below zero temperatures in several locations of the country.
Following the lifting of the long distance buses strike backed by UTA union, winter holidays began today, with thousands of people leaving the City.
A winter storm brought snow, rain and dangerous winds to the US Northeast, plunging many residents of the most populous region of the country back into darkness just as they were recovering from Superstorm Sandy.
A thick blanket of snow covered US Northeast, as the fifth major storm of the winter set snowfall records, delayed the opening of financial markets and clogged Washington highways with abandoned cars.
An American groundhog delivered his annual weather prediction, declaring that there will be six more weeks of winter after seeing his shadow.
British designer Stella McCartney opted for exaggerated volume at her fashion show in Paris today, presenting contrasting pinstripes, voluminous coats and elongated skirts, as the brand hopes to expand its store base in Asia.


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Chinese tourists use of mobile payments abroad overtakes cash
Chinese travellers use of mobile payments abroad has overtaken cash for the first time with 32% of transactions paid for digitally, according to new research.
Chinese tourists spend more abroad when mobile payments available
A joint report by Nielsen and Alipay, the Alibaba affiliated financial services company, found Chinese tourists were spending more money when travelling with more tourists using mobile payment while overseas.
Chinese mobile payment methods also help to boost business for overseas merchants with 58% stating that after adopting Alipay, their foot traffic increased, while 56% claimed their sales improved.
The research revealed it is not just millennial Chinese travellers opting for mobile payments with 68% of the Chinese tourists that used mobile payment abroad in 2018 aged in their 40’s.
The growth in locations accepting mobile payments also increased in 2018 with Chinese tourists making mobile payments in locations such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Europe, the United States and Australia.
The ‘2018 trends of Chinese mobile payment in outbound tourism’ report surveyed more than 2,800 Chinese travellers and over 1,200 overseas merchants in a bid to highlight the consumption habits of Chinese travellers.
The report also found that Chinese tourists travelled to more destinations in 2018, and their travel budget and actual spending increased to more than $6,000 per person.
Shopping, accommodation and dining remain the top three categories for purchases by Chinese tourists and discounts, quality and price are the three key factors driving Chinese tourists' shopping choices.


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Arriving to please the most sporty, the New Honda CB 650R 2021 should maintain its naked style “Neo Sports Cafe” and with a classic retro feel. Those who like a design like this will be interested in this New Honda CB 650R 2021, even more for its settings.
The technical specifications leave no doubt that, even with a classic look, it is possible to add modernity to the new Honda CB 650R 2021, which will replace the CB 650F. Modernity is also combined with power, which is similar to the old Hornet.
Curious to know what’s new in the CB 650R for 2021? So, let’s go to know everything about the new naked of Honda!
What’s new on the Honda CB 650R 2021?
Honda has always been innovating and bringing news in the motorcycle segment, and this is clear from what happened in recent years. After the passage of the Hornet CB 300 2021, Honda brought the CB 650F to guarantee the position of 2021 bikes in the streetfigther style.
It didn’t take long, and there Honda was bringing the Honda CB 650R 2021 to replace the 650F, but with more aggressive touches. That is why the acronym “R” by Racing, to remember that the new bike is more sporty.
The classic design “Neo Sports Cafe” already came from the CB 1000R, but with the most futuristic concept. Honda’s proposal is for the CB 650R 2021 to be lighter than its predecessor, weighing about 6kg less.
In addition, the power is also another highlight and that ends up approaching the old Hornet due to the four cylinders of 1000 rpm. Thus, the power reaches 5% greater than the replaced 650F.
✓ Main competitors of the 650R 2021:
CB 650R 2021 standard items
The new Honda CB 650R 2021 can repeat some standard items from its predecessor, such as ABS brakes and a digital panel, and bring some news for 2021.
However, so far, there is no information on new serial items, but as soon as the automaker releases, we are back to updating this article.
For now, let’s go with equipment that can integrate the new 650R:
- ABS brakes;
- FullLED headlights;
- Seat 810 mm high;
- Shit-light – gear shift indicator;
- Front / rear tire: 120/70 – ZR17 / 180/55 – ZR17;
- Lower handlebars.
Honda CB 650R 2021 Line Fact Sheet
The CB 650R 2021 line also has a chance to repeat the 649 cm3 engine with four cylinders and 16 valves. Such power would need a lightweight chassis – and it did! Honda worked on a chassis almost 2kg lighter than the previous one to “insure” the power.
There is also concern for the environment, so the automaker has added new intake ducts and iridium plugs so that the 650R has less impact on nature.
Take a look at the Honda CB 650R 2021 spec sheet:
- Type: DOHC, 4 cylinders, 16 valves and liquid cooling;
- Cylinders: 649 cm3;
- Power: 95 hp with 12,000 rpm;
- Torque: 6.5 kgf.m;
- Showa front suspension (Showa Dual Bending Valve);
- Rear suspension with mono system and seven adjustment levels;
- Compression ratio: 11.6: 1;
- CO2 emissions (g / km): 112 g / km of CO2;
- Exchange: 6 gears;
- Electronic injection;
- Fuel: gasoline.
Chassis, size and capabilities
- Chassis: Diamond Frame;
- Length x width x height: 2130 x 780 x 1075;
- Minimum ground clearance: 150 mm
- Dry weight: 202 kg;
- Fuel capacity: 15.4 liters.
Average consumption of Honda CB 650R
The average consumption of a vehicle is something that must be taken fully into account. After all, it is through this that the citizen will be able to know if the motorcycle will be a good investment for the future or not.
Thus, according to tests, Honda guarantees that the new CB 650R should consume 4.9 liters / 100 km.
Honda CB 650R 2021 Price
It is already known that the new Honda line 2021 of the CB 650R is not yet for sale, but there is speculation about its prices. See below:
- Average price of the 650R – $ 6000 to $ 6800.
That was the most recent information about the 650R, a 650F replacement. When Honda releases news – you know it! This article will be updated.
✓ Check out the new Yamaha XT 660 2021 launch


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The reality of Covid-19 has settled into the electronics supply chain as shipment delays, labor shortages and flight cancellations have upended global logistics. Although the tech industry has improved supply chain resilience, new technologies are gaining traction as the coronavirus spreads.
The previous weeks have focused on Chinese supply as manufacturing slowly recovered across the country, logistics expert Freightos reported March 18. But as the outbreak spreads and the U.S. and Europe struggle to respond, disruptions to western logistics to receive those goods in the near-term and the possible collapse of global demand is the new concern.
Supply chain visibility remains a significant problem for OEMs and EMS providers trying to anticipate component shortages. Manufacturers may be closely linked with their suppliers, but not their suppliers’ suppliers. Original component manufacturers (OCMs) rely on silicon, chemicals, metals and other raw materials to manage their production. The inability to gather materials information from OCMs has hindered OEM conflict-minerals compliance efforts.
Artificial intelligence and workflow automation are assisting manufacturers in Covid-19 management. Overall, though, the industry isn’t as well prepared as it could be.
In the 10 years since H1N1, said Resilinc Founder and CEO Bindiya Vakil, most organizations have not updated pandemic plans; many organizations are completely unprepared and have no plan; or people have moved on and no one is aware of what the plan is.
The Harvard Business Review came to a similar conclusion in a Basware-sponsored study. More than 60 percent of respondents say that a lack of visibility into their suppliers’ practices is a significant risk management issue. And many say they lack the tools to evaluate or monitor those vendors.
As a result, nearly a quarter of HBR respondents said their organization is not accurately evaluating their suppliers’ business practices. At a time when raw materials and components, manufacturers, and consumers are increasingly geographically dispersed, maintaining visibility throughout the supply chain is more important than ever—and more difficult.
AI and automation to the rescue
Artificial intelligence and automation have already gained traction in the manufacturing sector and have become more relevant during the Covid-19 pandemic. Automated manufacturing lines require few or no workers, for example. Automated workflow platforms can enhance employee safety, according to Catalytic founder and CEO Sean Chou. Catalytic has developed a platform of AI-enabled workflow solutions.
“A safe work environment is produced as a result of consistent application of safety standards,” Chou told EPSNews. “By automating workflows, companies accomplish three things: provide employees with checklists and guidance to complete tasks in a safe manner; automate tasks to reduce risks, quality issues, and unsafe practices; and reduce employee workloads to avoid rushed, unsafe behaviors.”
Catalytic has used its own platform to build an actionable business continuity plan.
“While this has been in place well before Covid-19 and tested every year, the dynamic nature of automation allows us to enact our plan with the touch of a button to respond to anything in real-time—a unique case like the novel Coronavirus included,” Chou said. “Catalytic’s technology automatically carries out steps in a multi-phase plan, like communicating instructions to our employees via text, email and Slack, so that no time is lost in making sure our people are safe and that they have what they need to deliver uninterrupted service to our customers.”
Manufacturers of medical equipment and safety gear have been asked to ramp up manufacturing in response to the outbreak. Automation greatly expands the capacity of an organization, particularly during spikes in volume of work, said Chou. “Each employee is only able to increase throughput by a small percentage when processes are manual, but automated workflows can scale exponentially to handle massive upticks during emergencies.”
Companies that already have automation software may be able to ramp up based on their vendor, he added. “If their vendor has a SaaS platform, they will be able to keep track of the different automation efforts. If they don’t, they may run the risk of silent failures or losing track of work effort from employees that are suddenly unable to continue the work because bots are running independently on different desktops.”
Generally, companies are better off focusing automation efforts in a way to free up their existing resources to focus on more critical issues -- such as data triage, information distribution, and other administrative processes, Chou said.
Procurement as change agents
Procurement departments have a particularly hard time during supply chian disruptions. Forecasting, ordering and even payment is more difficult than usual, which in turn disrupts multiple business departments.
Catalytic solutions work with systems procurement pros often work with (financial, procurement, sales and order management) and have built-in connectors to a number of common business systems used within procurement processes.
“Since procurement often needs to work across the corporate boundary to engage suppliers, Catalytic is designed to work seamlessly within and outside corporate firewalls,” Chou said. “Catalytic makes it easy for procurement to incorporate people into workflows, so completing judgement requirements, approvals and quality checks are simple.”
HBR found procurement departments are actively promoting supply chain visibility efforts. “Finance and procurement departments, which are pioneering the tools and tactics to heighten visibility into business relationships and are modeling a culture of openness for the rest of the organization,” said Guillaume Roels, Timken Chaired Professor of Global Technology and Innovation at INSEAD. Fifty-nine percent of HBR respondents say that they expect their organizations’ finance and procurement arms to drive their culture of transparency.
Roels says the technical challenges have largely been overcome, but cultural and organizational issues remain: “The main constraint is aligning organizations,” he told HBR. “The question is to get buy-in. We have to move beyond the mentality of silos. Many organizations try to optimize just for their business, but they don’t see the whole value chain.”
Leaders who adopt quickly stand to widen the impact of finance and procurement. In fact, nearly 60 percent of HBR survey respondents said that their procurement and finance teams are expected to identify and drive a business culture of transparency throughout the organization.
And while every organization cannot immediately reach full transparency, experts agree that all organizations can —and should—start on the path.
Catalytic’s cloud-based platform can be instantly provisioned and quickly deployed, according to Chou. Digital workflows can be designed, built, and deployed by business users in a matter of days (or even hours). With built-in process monitoring and optimization, workflows can continue to quickly evolve.
There seems little can be done to accelerate shipments by air or sea. With much of northern California already sheltering in place, Freightos said, some factories are already limiting their workforce, and many other industries working from home. It could be only a matter of time until the U.S. economy shuts down nearly completely.
“For logistics, the impact of a shutdown could be felt not only in terms of ports not able to handle the expected surge in shipments arriving from China, but also in dropping U.S. demand for imports, once again sending ripples through the supply chain, this time toward the east,” said Eytan Buchman, Freightos CMO.


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Contact lens wearing is seeing an increase in Malaysia.
This is according to a report in the New Straits Times Online, which included data from Ciba Vision.
The report stated that while Taiwan has a contact lens penetration of 13 per cent and Singapore of 12 per cent, Malaysia"s figure is a relatively low five per cent.
However, this is seeing a rise.
The paper said that the trend would depend on whether consumers realise the benefits of contact lenses and how much professionals prompt people to try them.
Daily disposable lenses were described as part of the "breakthrough" in the popularity of contact lenses.
Another reported trend was the rise in the use of silicone hydrogel contact lenses.
Recently, Optician Online reported that Sauflon launched the first silicone hydrogel daily disposable lenses that are made in the UK.
by Alexa Kaczka


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Any Nigerian who wants to obtain passport, open bank accounts, among others must produce a national identity card from September, this year
FROM September 1, this year, the National Identity Number, NIN, will be required for all transactions involving the identification of individuals in Nigeria. Hence, the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, which is in charge of NIN issuance, has called on Nigerians to avail themselves the opportunity of enrolling in the national identity database to get their NIN.
Abdulhamid Umar, NIMC general manger, in a statement, corporate communications, on Sunday, June 21, said the agency had been advertising in some national dailies that the use of NIN would become mandatory for all transactions offered by applicable government institutions from September 1. Quoting section 27 (1) and (2) of the NIMC Act, 2007, the commission said transactions involved that required the NIN, include application for, and issuance of international passport, opening of individual and/or group bank accounts.
Also affected are all consumer credits, purchase of insurance policies, purchase, transfer and registration of land by any individual, National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, such transactions that have social security implications, registration of voters, payment of taxes and pensions, among others.
“Consequently, any government agency/institution, bank, insurance company and all other institutions offering services and/or involved in transactions requiring the identity of an individual must first demand for the NIN,” Hadiza Dangana, NIMC general manager, Inspectorate, Regulatory and Compliance Services, said, adding that any individual and corporate organisation that failed to comply would be punished under section 28 of the NIMC Act.
The commission would want Nigerians to appreciate the full import of the NIMC mandate and understand that the three-decades-old problem of identity management in Nigeria had been fixed since 2012 by the NIMC’s unique identification infrastructure and the subsequent launch of the National e-ID Card scheme in 2014.
The agency disclosed that there are about 404 enrolment centres nationwide, and that cards were currently been issued in the state offices across the nation and that the Federal Capital Territory, adding that the exercise would be hastened as soon as the commission scales up its facilities and infrastructure.
— Jun 22, 2015 @ 14:45 GMT


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Mayor, DPW Announce Resumption of Bulk Trash, White Goods Collections
Wednesday Sep 15th, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, September 15, 2021) — Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Jason W. Mitchell announced that bulk trash and white goods collection services for residents will resume on Saturday, October 2, 2021, with a modified schedule.
Collections will occur on Saturdays from 7 a.m. - 3 p.m., with services focused on a different sector of Baltimore City each week. Residents can call 311 to schedule bulk trash or white goods collection. Each household will be allowed the removal of up to three items per month. Residents can begin contacting 311 to request a collection date starting September 17, 2021.
“We know residents rely on bulk trash services and, thanks to a strong partnership with Director Mitchell and the Bureau of Solid Waste, I’m proud to announce the restart of this service after a long suspension to help keep our neighborhoods clean,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “I thank our residents for their patience and understanding while this service was suspended, and look forward to working closely with DPW to ensure this and other services can come back online safely for the benefit of our residents.”
The collection schedule will be as follows:
- First Saturday of the month: Southwest
- Second Saturday of the month: Northwest & Central
- Third Saturday of the month: Northeast
- Fourth Saturday of the month: Southeast
- DPW will make up all missed bulk and white goods collections during the week
“We are excited to resume this service for the residents of Baltimore, and I want to thank our Bureau of Solid Waste for being innovative and flexible in executing this initiative,” said Department of Public Works Director Jason W. Mitchell. “I believe restarting this critical service for Baltimore City residents is about access and equity. We have many residents that do not own vehicles, older residents, and residents with disabilities who may not be able to make it to our drop-off centers, and this will be a big help to them, their family, and friends who assist them.”
When residents call 311, service representatives will share the next collection date available. Collections will be limited to 200 bulk trash stops, and 30 white goods stops per Saturday. Requests received after this limit is reached will be scheduled for the following month. DPW may modify these limits later depending on crew efficiencies and available resources. Requests for a Saturday collection must be received before 5 p.m. on the Thursday before the Saturday when the collection will occur.
Bulk items include furniture, appliances, and up to four tires with the rims removed. White goods consist of home appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, dryers, and air conditioners. All items must be clearly marked "bulk collection" and placed at the same location as regular trash pickup. Residents with a rear pickup should leave items at the end of the yard and leave the gate unlocked. Residents should not place items out for collection until they have a confirmed collection date from 311.
Residents who can are still encouraged to use DPW’s five Drop-Off Centers. For more information on our Drop-Off Center locations and hours, click here.
For information about the current status of city services, visit the City’s Service Status website at baltimorecity.gov/servicestatus.


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Recently, Microsoft announced that the company will be cutting down 7,800 employees most of which have been working in mobile division. Microsoft also stated that the company will write off its seven billion deals with Nokia and will also be closing research and development center in Finland.
There were rumors that Microsoft will be preparing for job cuts since its hardware business comprising of windows mobile unit was not doing well. According to Techradar.com, Microsoft stated that the company will be following a different strategy which will involve creating and implementing a good Windows OS ecosystem for the users. The company was also planning to put concentrated focus on its mobile device portfolio and will also retain the capability of innovating in mobility. An e-mail with this message was sent from Satya Nadella to the employees of Microsoft.
Follow up of March job cuts
We all are aware of the fact that, Microsoft recently laid off 18,000 people across the globe as in order to restructure and cut down costs. But the recent job layoffs have come just after the departure of Stephen Elopfrom the company. Elop was the former CEO of Nokia and was hired by Microsoft after the company took over Nokia. It must also be noted that Microsoft is not only cutting jobs but has also decided to write off its deal with Nokia. The company has now decided to focus its attention to Windows 10 which will be releasing in the last week of July.


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Changing of the shopping guard
Thursday's overnight bargain-hunters replaced by Friday's early-rising crowd
Updated 10:37 pm, Friday, November 23, 2012
GUILDERLAND — After shopping all night, many of the people at Crossgates Mall leaned heavily on their packages, bleary-eyed and weary.
By 6 a.m. Friday, when the JCPenney store opened its doors, the mall had been open for six hours. Other stores, such as Wal-Mart and Target, had opened Thanksgiving night. With so much shopping already done, the early morning crowd was a little lighter than expected, with spaces available in the parking lot.
More than 100 shoppers lined up outside the mall entrance to the rebranded JCPenney's for its opening Friday. When the doors opened, people grabbed $8 slow cookers and Belgian waffle makers. Within six minutes, the line at one register was 15 people deep.
Terri Bardascini of Amsterdam had been out shopping for 9½ hours.
After starting at 8:30 Thanksgiving night, Bardascini said she was wrapping it up while others were just getting started.
"We're finished," she said as she waited for a friend to finish a purchase. "We're out of here."
Sarah Bolognino of Albany was buying with friend Katie Jacobson.
"It was just to be part of the madness," Bolognino said.
Overall, shopping in the Capital Region appeared to be brisk, said Ted Potrikus, vice president of the Business Council of New York State. "It looks like any other Black Friday when the weather is great. It will not phase me in the least when the retailers later report their numbers were great."
As the day grew warmer, well-rested shoppers replaced the overnight bargain-hunters and parking lots once again filled.
At noon at Colonie Center, the aisles at Macy's were a human obstacle course and Sears had lines 15 people deep that moved swiftly.
At the food court, people behaved the same way as in the parking lot: hovering, waiting for a space to clear.
Next to the food court, an American Red Cross table invited shoppers to take a moment to sign cards for the troops.
"They get shipped to active-duty servicemen and servicewomen, military families, retired veterans — all branches of the military," said Dianna Rios, Services to Armed Forces manager for the Red Cross.
In the first two hours, more than 200 people had signed cards. The goal was to get 1,000 by 6 p.m., Rios said.
Many shoppers said that as much as they love Black Friday, they were opposed to starting shopping on Thanksgiving.
"We decided to boycott the whole sales on Thanksgiving," said Heather Dwyer of New Baltimore, who was holding space in the checkout line at JCP in Crossgates while her mother and sister shopped. "We've got kids, and it's time to be home with them."
"We started at 3," Jones said. "I need some sleep to stay perky."
She said the mall was less crowded than she expected.
Jones also disliked the idea of Thanksgiving Day sales.
"I like getting up early," she said. "It's fun but I think it's cruel making them work on Thanksgiving."
Potrikus said the Thanksgiving openings were in part a response by retailers to help manage some of the more-enthusiastic crowds that would blast into stores at the crack of dawn on Friday. "There is a safety and comfort factor here, both for shoppers, who may not feel as many pointy elbows jabbing into them, and the store employees, who now may not have quite as many people to handle on Friday."
They had been at the mall since 3:30 a.m. Jamie and Laurene were first-time Black Friday shoppers; Arianna and Gaby had done it before. Arianna said she had helped the group figure out where to go. They started at H&M then went to Victoria's Secret.
"I figured out what stores were having 50 percent off sales, 40 percent off sales before we came here," Arianna said.
"I'm dragging a little bit," Michelle Watkins said, but she liked coming out for the deeply discounted sales.
Carey had been up since 6:30 a.m. Thursday. She cooked Thanksgiving dinner and then went shopping. Still, she seemed to be the most energetic member of the family.
They have made Black Friday shopping a tradition for the past five years.
"At the beginning, we did research," Danielle Watkins said. "Now it's just 'Let's see what we find.'"
firstname.lastname@example.org • 518-454-5092 • @timobrientu


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COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE
The Canadian Alliance Against Software Theft (CAAST) has got yet another company to pay the price for software piracy.
The anti-piracy watchdog yesterday announced a Toronto firm has agreed to fork out $73,300 for using unlicensed software. It said Curran, McCabe, Ravidran and Ross, a construction consulting firm, agreed to the settlement after an audit revealed the company was using unlicensed copies of Adobe, Autodesk and Microsoft programs.
CAAST – a coalition of software industry companies battling software piracy – believes such crackdowns are vital to the success of goal of stamping out piracy.
Others within the industry, however, take a very different view. For instance, an Ottawa-based open-source software advocate believes that CAAST has adopted a flawed approach.
The anti-piracy body acted within its rights in leveling fines, but its actions exhibit a failure to adjust to technology and economic trends, according to Russell McOrmond, policy coordinator of CLUE (The Canadian Association for Open Source). CLUE promotes the use and development of free and open-source software.
"CAAST's problem is not the lawlessness of their customers, but their own failure to embrace new business models suited to the Internet era," said McOrmond.
He said the business model adopted by CAAST members – that charges a fee for every copy of software – is at odds with the very nature of the Web. For years the Internet has allowed users and developers to create and exchange software unencumbered by patent agreements, he said.
"The best way to manage improperly licensed software," said McOrmond "is to switch to Free/Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS) where there are no per-desk, per-user, or per-server obligations."
He explained that some of the largest software companies such as IBM, Novell, Sun Microsystems and Apple Computer have adopted the FLOSS model.
While his organization strongly supports the right of software creators to protect their interests through copyright, McOrmond said, he doubts if lawsuits against users will benefit creators. "Don't litigate, use creative licensing."
For instance, he said, musicians who have chosen to license their creations based on the open source concept are still able to protect and generate revenues from their creation. Radio, television stations, advertisers and other commercial users that play the songs still pay the artist's royalty fees.
The head of CAAST, however, believes it is the duty of businesses to ensure the software they use is licensed.
"Companies should implement policies that demonstrate the importance of using licensed software. The cost of doing business otherwise can be very high," said Jacquie Famulak, CAAST president.


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Enjoy our Sunday series, Conversation Piece, a NUVO–curated digest of things on the Internet we think you’ll want to talk about.
Playing dead. Move over, Day of the Dead. There’s a new morbid festival in town—or at least in a tiny town in northwestern Spain. Every year on July 29th, the residents of Santa Marta de Ribarteme celebrate a Christian-meets-pagan ritual known as the “Festival of Near-Death Experiences”. Locals who have survived life-threatening experiences in the past year clamber into coffins to be carried through the streets by relatives. See the strange parade for yourself, here.
Fender vendor. Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba has announced plans to build a giant vending machine that will swap out chips and chocolate bars for cars. Shoppers will be able to browse through the cars on their smartphone and once they hit the “buy” button, the car will be released from the vending machine. According to the general manager of Alibaba’s automotive division, this new retail model “will make buying cars as easy as buying a can of Coke”. More details, here.
Just a little crush. At first glance, Chinese pop group Acrush looks like your typical boy-band—but one slight detail sets them apart: the five members are cisgender females. Androgyny is the look for most Asian boy-bands (for whom the term “flowerboys” was coined to capture their elfin beauty), and dovetails with the popularity of yaoi anime—which provides a mostly straight, female audience with tales of boy-on-boy romance. But what role does gender-bending media play in an essentially conservative country still defined by Confucian ideology? Is Acrush an object of Chinese tweens’ desires deferred? Read more.
The aesthetics of doom. Of dystopian TV series The Handmaid’s Tale’s 13 Emmy nominations, one is for costume design, overseen by designer Ane Crabtree (previously: Masters of Sex, The Sopranos, and Westworld). In an interview for Dezeen, Crabtree reveals her intention behind the colour-coded costumes of dustry primaries, how her vision for the show’s aesthetic was fuelled by modern American politics, and her response to seeing women don the show’s trademark red bonnets and capes at protests across the country. More, here.
Never miss a story, sign up for NUVO’s weekly newsletter, here.


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EAST SYRACUSE, NY AND MERRILLVILLE, IN…
DirectBuy Club, the leading home improvement and home furnishings club with direct insider prices, recently announced at its International Sales & Service Conference in Dallas, Texas, that DirectBuy of Syracuse as the 2010 Top Customer Service Star Rating Club.
DirectBuy clubs have the opportunity to be recognized as a Top Customer Service Star Rating Club based on the results of a customer service survey that goes out monthly to new and old members, as well as to consumers who visited a DirectBuy location and declined to become members, regarding their experiences with DirectBuy. The survey measures all clubs according to DirectBuy’s Service Theme and Standards, from the appointment-setting process and new member orientation all the way to problem resolution and renewals.
“DirectBuy of Syracuse achieved a 5-Star Customer Service Rating for five of the six quarters of the qualification for this award. They narrowly missed having six straight quarters of 5-Star Ratings by just .02 points!” said Patti Titus, DirectBuy Corporate’s Senior Director of Merchandise Services. “That speaks to how focused they continue to be in delivering the absolute best member experiences each and every time, and also stands as a testament to the talents of their team members.”
DirectBuy of Syracuse owners Maurice King and Melina Cholmondeley accepted a commemorative plaque onstage at DirectBuy’s International Sales & Service Conference.
“We take customer service very seriously at DirectBuy of Syracuse. We’re constantly looking for ways to improve,” said King. “This award really is a testimony to our staff. It is a team effort all the way as we strive to elevate the shopping experience for our members while continuing to provide them with tremendous selection and savings.”
DirectBuy of Syracuse offers area residents thousands of items, including kitchen cabinets, flat-screen televisions and major appliances from more than 700 top manufacturers and their authorized suppliers.
To assist members with their home renovation projects, DirectBuy employs interior designers and product specialists who are specially trained in one of five areas of merchandise: Home Furnishing, Home Improvement, Flooring, Accessories, and Entertainment/Outdoor.
DirectBuy of Syracuse, conveniently located at 6804 Manlius Center Road in East Syracuse, offers consumers a comfortable, welcoming setting and design center where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.
About DirectBuy Club
For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Club has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories, and much, much more. With more than 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy Club offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada.


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Electronic Cigarette Industry Predictions for 2013
It is a brand new year and with 2012 in the rearview mirror, there is no doubt that 2013 is going to be an interesting year for the electronic cigarette industry. While there is no guaranteeing that any of these predictions will come true, we do believe that we will see a number of changes in the upcoming year.
It should come as no surprise to anyone that technology is only going one way – forward. We can expect to see more variety and different options hitting the market, and with potentially lower prices as well. Expect to see more devices that come with a computer interface, especially considering that Joyetech and Janty already released such devices near the end of last year. It will be an exciting year as far as new products are concerned.
Unfortunately, the traditional tobacco industry will unquestionably use their lobbying power to force different standards in the upcoming year. Even though we are not guaranteed to see any changes enacted in 2013, that does not mean that the small retailer will not suffer a setback. We will likely see E-Liquid manufacturers be forced to undergo licensing requirements and rigorous certification in order to produce products containing nicotine. While it will not affect the large manufacturers, smaller companies may not have the financial resources necessary to do that.
Retail options will grow
It is simple, if there is a demand, we will see more people willing to provide. That is why we should expect the retail adoption of electronic cigarettes to continue to grow at a rapid pace in 2013. Because there is limited shelf space available in retail locations, we will likely see some brands flourish while others may lose market share. We are also overdue for another big tobacco buyout. We predict that either Marlboro’s parent company Altria or Phillip Morris buys out NJOY.
Prohibitionists will change their argument
Unfortunately, we cannot honestly predict that the prohibitionist camp is going to be quiet this year. In fact, the opposite may be true. Because e-cigarettes are becoming increasingly popular, it means they get more attention as well. The prediction is that the prohibitionist camp will undoubtedly ignore the research and suggest that electronic cigarettes make smoking appear cool again. Do not be surprised to see more “smoking gateway” arguments either. The prohibitionist camp is never one to let facts get in the way of a good story.
Also read Steve's industry predictions for 2013 here.


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At the "Kobe Selection.10 preview" held at Kobe Fashion Mart the other day,
Our company was awarded as a "certified company for 10 consecutive years".
Achieving development while flexibly accepting new ideas and methods,
We will continue to devote ourselves to creating products unique to Kobe,
We hope that we can contribute to the development of Kobe through Kobe beef.
■What is Kobe Selection?
Kobe, which opened its doors to the world from early on, has added its own essence to its products,
It is a city with a rich sensibility that is good at refinement.
“Kobe Selection” aims to create a new Kobe brand by soliciting and selecting attractive products nurtured by the climate of Kobe.


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SAVE UP TO $46: As of Oct. 6, select variants of the new Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 and S7+ are on sale on Amazon ahead of Prime Day.
Based on first impressions, Samsung has some serious iPad Pro competitors on its hands with the all-new Galaxy Tab S7 and S7+ — and if Apple's pricing is your biggest hangup, this deal we just found on Amazon ahead of Prime Day could easily tip the scale in Samsung's favor.
For a limited time, the retailer is offering savings of up to $46.32 on select variants of the Galaxy Tab S7 and S7+ — their first big discounts since their Sept. 18 release. There's a good chance they'll be on sale for Prime Day, too, but we can't see their prices getting that much lower, since the best deals typically go to older models. (For comparison's sake, the 2016 Galaxy Tab A was marked down a whopping $120 during last year's savings event.)
SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon Prime Day 2020
ICYMI, the 11-inch S7 and the 12.6-inch S7+ are Samsung's first-ever 5G-capable tablets (and the first devices of their kind in the U.S., according to a press release). Notably, they feature powerful processors and 120Hz refresh rates — the same as the iPad Pro! — for "PC-level productivity," as well as a neat new "Auto Hotspot" tool that lets you automatically tether other Galaxy devices when 5G is enabled. If you shell out for the S7+, you'll also get an in-display fingerprint sensor. (The S7's is located on its side.) Both models come with a newly updated S Pen, which boasts a 9ms latency — the same as the Apple Pencil, coincidentally.
Amazon's sale includes the following variants:
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 (WiFi, 512GB) in Mystic Black — $803.67 (save $26.32)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ (WiFi, 128GB) in Mystic Black — $803.67 (save $46.32)


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Xbox Games Studios’ Undead Labs is gearing up for the future with some changes. At the same time, Compulsion Games, also part of Xbox Games Studio, has begun work on a new IP.
Undead Labs, the State of Decay developer, announced in a blog post that it will be opening a new studio in New Orleans. Along with this, the new studio will be partnered with a broad-discipline game development academy. The announcement further stated: “With the support of Xbox and Microsoft, [studio head and founder Jeff Strain] is going to continue in his role as studio head at Undead Labs while also building opportunities to bring in people who might not otherwise consider a career in the game industry.”
Undead Labs didn’t share any specifics regarding what exactly the new studio will be working on but promised to share more information in the future.
Meanwhile, Compulsion Games isn’t opening up a new studio, but the team responsible for We Happy Few is working on creating “a new universe.” While talking with USGamer, studio founder Guillame Provost spoke about the failures of We Happy Few and how it plans to grow, saying that “there’s a hunger in the studio to apply all the knowledge that we’ve acquired to a new universe.” All that is known about this new IP is that work began on the project last month.
Provost also opened up about the studio’s feelings about the future: “Things feel like they’re gonna get a lot easier for us to succeed. If we don’t make something much better than the last game, then something is uber-wrong with my direction for the studio.”
Microsoft recently showed off its towering Xbox Series X at The Game Awards 2019. Fans can expect to see games from both Undead Labs and Compulsion Games on this next-generation console at some point.


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Half of $1B Apple awarded from Samsung invalidated
SAN JOSE, California— A U.S. judge is erasing nearly half of the $1 billion in damages that a jury decided Samsung Electronics should pay Apple in a high-profile trial over the smartphone and tablet computer patents.
In an order issued Friday, U.S. District Court Judge Lucy Koh lowered the damages awarded to Apple Inc. by $450.5 million. The ruling reduces Samsung Electronics’ bill to just under $599 million.
Koh also ordered a new trial on Apple’s allegations that Samsung stole its ideas for more than a dozen different smartphones and tablet computers.
The judge says the jury had made several mistakes in its deliberations.
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Grainger to acquire large European MRO distributor
Chicago, IL - Industrial distributor W.W. Grainger Inc. (Grainger) of Lake Forest, IL, plans to acquire the shares of Fabory Group of Tilburg, the Netherlands, a European distributor of fasteners and related MRO (maintenance, repair and...
Chicago, IL – Industrial distributor W.W. Grainger Inc. (Grainger) of Lake Forest, IL, plans to acquire the shares of Fabory Group of Tilburg, the Netherlands, a European distributor of fasteners and related MRO (maintenance, repair and operations) products. The transaction price will be approximately US$344 million (242 million euro).
The parties plan to enter a definitive agreement upon completion of required consultations with Works Councils representing Fabory employees in the Netherlands, Belgium and France.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2011.
Fabory was founded in 1947 and is the fastener market leader in the Netherlands and Belgium. With 2010 sales of about $300 million (211 million euro), Fabory offers its 120,000 customers access to more than 80,000 products in 14 countries. A total of 53% of its sales are to the MRO market, with 19% going to wholesale and 28% to OEMs (original equipment manufacturers); 63% of its business is fasteners, 25% tools and 12% industrial supplies.
According to Grainger, Europe is the largest MRO market in the world, valued at about US$200 billion (140 billion euro). Fabory has been aggressively expanding its MRO and fastener offerings throughout Central and Eastern Europe and also provides supply chain fastener solutions to OEM customers in Europe, North America and China as well as through a joint venture in India through Sterling Fabory Ltd.
“Fabory provides a unique opportunity for Grainger to enter one of the world’s largest MRO markets through an established and growing business,” said Jim Ryan, Grainger’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. “Fabory brings expertise as a fastener specialist to amplify Grainger’s product offering, while Grainger’s scale and supplier network will help accelerate further growth of Fabory’s business.”
Grainger intends for Fabory to continue as a separate business, maintaining the Fabory name and brand. Oswald van den Belt, chief executive officer of Fabory Group, will continue to lead the business and report to Court Carruthers, senior vice-president and president, Grainger International.
“Known as the Masters in Fasteners, Fabory’s demonstrated expertise in fastener products in MRO and OEM applications will benefit all of our businesses,” Carruthers said. “We look forward to supporting Fabory’s plans for expansion and working together to continue enhancing our fastener expertise around the world.”
“We are delighted to join Grainger, the world’s leading distributor of industrial supplies with demonstrated supply chain expertise, culture of service and an unmatched product offering,” van den Belt said. “Our ability to leverage each other’s strengths will create a winning partnership to reach more customers with the best product offerings.”
W.W. Grainger Inc., with 2010 sales of US$7.2 billion, is North America’s leading broad line supplier of MRO products, with expanding operations in Asia and Latin America. It is the parent company of Canadian industrial distributor Acklands-Grainger Inc., Richmond Hill, ON. For more information about the company, visit www.grainger.com/investor.


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As the annual holiday shopping and celebratory season approaches, a leading federal financial regulator has released new research detailing how communities of color are being targeted not only by well-known types of predatory lenders, but new forms of lenders. fraud seek to exploit consumers in the throes. of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Published by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Serving Communities of Color summarizes the agency’s five-year efforts focused on the financial woes facing communities of color. Since 2016, the FTC has filed more than 25 actions alleging behavior targeting or disproportionately affecting communities of color. Cases challenged illegal practices by auto dealers, for-profit schools, for-profit opportunities, student debt relief programs, and more.
Beyond these financial transactions, the report also notes that many payment methods used by black and Latino consumers offer less protections against fraud, such as debit cards, cash, and money orders. While credit card payments offer greater protection to consumers, very few complaints filed with the FTC by people of color have involved this type of payment.
“What has become very clear from research and experience is that fraud, along with certain other business practices, has a disproportionately negative impact on communities of color, compared to white communities.” , indicates the report. “A review of 23 FTC cases shows predominantly black communities are overrepresented in the pool of consumers who have lost money.”
For example, last June, the FTC and the state of Arkansas jointly filed a lawsuit against a scam operation that explicitly appealed to black applicants who were suffering financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lawsuit alleged that the “Blessings in No Time” program was in fact a pyramid scheme that falsely promised members returns on investment of up to 800%. The minimum “investment” for the alleged scam required $ 1,400, but some members paid as much as $ 67,700. The Texas-based defendants also falsely assured attendees that they would not lose any money and could opt out at any time with a full refund.
Most recently, on October 15, the FTC ended a jail appeal program that tricked family and friends of incarcerated people with marketing and advertising that promised unlimited calling plans to keep in touch with relatives while in-person visits were suspended due to COVID. -19. Instead, no call time was ever provided. The defendants, inmatecall.com and inmatecallsolutions.com, presented themselves as companies authorized to provide appeal services to prisons and prisons to bolster the credibility of their misrepresentation. A federal court order now requires all deceived consumers to be informed and prohibits defendants from future activities.
When these financial losses are combined with the effects of a national racial wealth gap that found black people to have only 22 cents for every dollar of wealth whites hold, it becomes clear how deceptive and predatory loans are declining. the ability of black consumers to effectively manage their financial lives. Just as redlining limited where black people could live, today’s predatory loans, like fringe financial services, limit the ability of black communities to build wealth.
For example, about twice as many consumers in predominantly black communities, compared to white consumers, purchased student debt relief programs and payday loans. But the top two complaints by black consumers to the FTC were credit bureaus (21%) and impersonator scams (12.5%). In 2020 alone, the FTC filed or resolved seven debt collection cases against 39 defendants and obtained $ 26 million in judgments for aggrieved consumers.
Other types of predatory and deceptive loans include debt collection, bank loans, and auto sales and financing. The agency also found evidence of healthcare fraud, identity theft, as well as suspected jobs and lucrative opportunities.
For many consumers, buying and financing a car is the second largest consumer transaction after housing costs. Ample evidence of blatant discrimination against black, Latino and Native American car buyers included false information about claims and contracts, as well as deceptive advertisements in Spanish.
“Research indicates that consumers of color face discrimination in the sale and financing of cars and often pay higher prices as a result,” the report says.
Over the past five years, the FTC has filed multiple lawsuits against auto dealers for deceptive tactics, including advertised prices that were never available to potential buyers, falsifying financial information in sales, financial reporting false and / or deceptive and unfair practices.
Identity theft has been discovered in cases where crooks often gain credibility by posing as an official. For example, a defendant marketed prepaid cards to black and Latino customers, claiming their cards were like Visa or MasterCard. Instead, consumers couldn’t use the cards or were wasting all the money they loaded into them.
For consumer advocates, these and other recent findings on the financial abuse facing consumers of color deserve even more aggressive enforcement, particularly at the federal level.
“Never in US history have black people and other families of color experienced a level playing field in financial matters,” Ashley Harrington of the Center for Responsible Lending told the House Financial Services Committee this spring. “And the COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated existing disparities. In fact, in many cases, white families will have 5.5 times more savings than black families to financially resist the pandemic. “
There is ample evidence of financial abuse. The nation needs a new calculation to right the wrongs.


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Vacasa has acquired Sterling Resorts, one of the largest vacation rental management companies on the Florida Gulf Coast. Previously purchased by Pacifica Companies in 2015, Sterling Resorts now manages 450 units in destinations along the Gulf Coast of Northwest Florida down from 585 units in 2015.
With the acquisition, Vacasa now manages 13,000 exclusive vacation rentals and is the largest vacation rental management company in North America.
Vacasa has raised over $207 million in outside funding and, with this purchase, is taking another significant step in purchasing established vacation rental management companies in traditional leisure destinations, including South Carolina, Colorado, Alabama, and Florida. The company that was once considered a newcomer has quickly crossed over into mainstream, traditional vacation rentals.
Sterling’s largest area competitors include Southern Resorts (which has been expanding regionally) and Wyndham Vacation Rentals. Wyndham Destinations recently announced that it is exploring strategic alternatives for its North American vacation rentals businesses, including its locations in Northwest Florida.


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Fast-moving consumer goods segment in Hong Kong is tough: costs of rent and labour rise quickly, price competition is fierce, and online challegeners are strong.
759 Store, a fast growing groceries retail chain of over 200 stores sprung up since 2010, was hit hard by shrinking retail market reasuling falling sales, narrowing margins and plunging profits this year, reflected on its latest financial report of its parent companyCEC International Holdings (0759.hk).
Offering directly imported Japanese snack food at low price, 759 store was once considered as miracle in the retail market. However, the retailer has decreased the weighting of its snack category because of strong Japanese yen and continues to imports more food groceries and frozen foods from Mainland China, Europe and America. This shif of products range hurts its company positioning to customers and broadening type of goods means head-to-head compeition with existing players.
For the year ended April, 759 Store operations reported an 11.8 per cent drop in revenue and a loss of HK$29.5 million, following a loss of HK$15.8 million in the previous financial year. Meanwhile, shop rents were still its largest expense item for retail, rising 3.3 per cent in 12 months.
Fortunately, Lam Wai-chun, founder of 759 Store, has learned his mistake and said he would cut the number of his outlets and add more Japanese snacks.


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Similar blessings have also come from Valve and Oddworld Inhabitants, as publishers encourage fans to keep making videos despite YouTube policy changes.
YouTube users uploading footage from Ubisoft games have recently found copyright claims filed against them. However, Ubisoft has assured its fans that nothing has changed in the company outlook towards YouTube and that they “plan to work with as many of you as possible to help remove any incorrect claims,” according to a statement on the company blog. “At Ubisoft, we value the talented content creators on YouTube, and we want to empower all of you to produce Ubisoft-related videos,” continued the statement. “We would like to reiterate today that nothing has changed in our policy and approach to YouTube content creators … We appreciate your creative work and we will continue to support your efforts.”
The claims were the result of recent changes in how YouTube allows copyright holders to file claims against video posters, stated Ubisoft. Many of the claims on Ubisoft-related material came from a company called IDOL, a longtime partner of Ubisoft which assisted in digitally distributing its music. Ubisoft stated that they’re working closely with IDOL to remove the claims, which may take another week or so. The post directed specific questions or requests to be directed towards [email protected].
Around the web, other publishers have also spoken up and told their fans to keep making videos. VG247 reports that both Valve and Oddworld Inhabitants want players to continue posting content related to their titles. “We encourage our users to make videos using Valve game content, such as playthrough or instruction videos or SFM movies,” read an official statement from the house of Half-Life. Likewise, Oddworld Inhabitants also gave explicit permission to post videos of their games. “Nothing makes us happier than to see you guys enjoying our games, and it’s something we encourage wholeheartedly,” the company said.


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Chile closed 2018 common trade surplus of US $ 5,378 million, thanks to copper exports that grew 4.7% more than in the previous year, the Central Bank said on Monday.
The positive balance occurred after registration exports for $ 75,481 million, above imports that reached 70,103 million, according to a BC report.
Foreign sales in 2018 grew 9% compared to 69,229 million in 2017, while imports increased 14.3%, compared to 61,307 million in the previous year.
In 2017, the country closed with a trade surplus of US $ 7922 million.
Only in December 2018, the trade balance showed a positive balance of US $ 596 million in December.
The annual result is based on the positive numbers for copper sales – Chile is the world's largest producer with more than a third of the global supply, which reached 36.495 billion dollars, more than the 34.868 million registered in 2017.
Thanks to the red metal, mining exports surpassed 40,000 million dollars in 2018, which means 5.6% more than in 2017. Only copper shipments grew by 4.7%.
Meanwhile, the industrial sector sold 29,074 million last year, 13.3% more than in 2017.
By 2019, the Central Bank projects a trade surplus of 6,000 million dollars.


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Tacopocalypse hosting 6-course dinner
Attention Tacopocalypticals (no? How about Tacopocalypsies? Tacopocs? I mean, Beliebers is already taken…).
On Sept. 24, Tacopocalypse is hosting a six-course Fall Harvest Bounty Dinner. Taco Doc Sam Auen says the dinner will focus entirely on fresh local produce from Cleverley Farms and a few other growers – yep, it's vegetarian. And you should expect the unexpected as far as technique, flavors and presentation go – it is Auen after all.
For the weak among you, there will be a meat option for the main course. But really, it's all about the produce. And there's a possibility that one of the courses might feature a sneak-peek dish from Krunkwich, Auen's next project (housed in the former Tacopocalypse location), which will open soon.
Tickets are $65 and include nonalcoholic beverages. No corkage fee for BYOBs of your favorite grown-up stuff. Doors open at 6:15, dinner is at 7 p.m. Reserve your spot at Tikly.co or while you're having tacos at the restaurant (407 E. Fifth St.).


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According to a newly released white paper [PDF] from the National Consumer Law Center, banks brought in $29.5 billion in overdraft fees in 2011 alone (a recent study showed that number increased to $32 billion in 2012). Given that the median fee is now around $35, while the actual cost to the bank for processing the overdraft is anywhere from a few cents to a few dollars, a large portion of those billions is profit.
The NCLC also found that the median debit card overdraft is only $20, while the median amount for all overdrawn transactions is $36. Thus, in many cases, the fee is larger than the amount being overdrafted.
In recent years, a some of the larger banks have made no secret of the fact that the average checking account-holder is not a source of profits, and have tried to institute things like monthly fees for debit cards, a number of which have resulted in public backlash.
Meanwhile, the NCLC says banks have realized the potential for profit in customers with accounts on the brink of overdraft, instituting systems that make it easier for these consumers to cross that threshold.
Such changes include the extending of overdrafts to debit and ATM card transactions. Previously, the standard had been to not allow customers to cross into overdraft territory in this way. Then there’s everyone’s favorite — re-ordering transactions so that the purchases with the highest dollar amounts are processed first, thus making it more likely to push the customer across the overdraft threshold. Additionally, since some banks charge a fee per transaction, each of the smaller overdrafts results in a separate $35 fee.
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney introduced legislation in March to address this and other issues regarding bank overdraft fees, but the NCLC believes that the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has the authority under the CARD Act to rein in these fees.
The Act requires that credit card fees and penalties be “reasonable and proportional” to the violation for which they are imposed, but this regulation is not placed on debit transactions.
“The CFPB now has authority to issue regulations to interpret the Credit CARD Act,” explains the NCLC. “The CFPB could apply the reasonable and proportional standard to overdrafts accessed by debit cards by treating them as ‘credit cards.'”
In the broader picture, the NCLC holds that the CFPB could use its consumer protection authority to rein in overdraft fees, regardless of whether or not a debit card is involved.
“There seems no better use of the CPFB’s power to ban unfair, deceptive, and abusive acts than to restore a centuries-old doctrine that still protects businesses – the more sophisticated and powerful entities – but not consumers,” writes the NCLC.


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I can’t say I’m not excited. Google has announced that the Apple TV app, including Apple TV+ is now globally available on the new Chromecast with Google TV. Support for more Google TV devices is coming.
If your Apple Watch Series 5 or SE isn’t charging when in Power Reserve mode, Apple is offering to fix it for free.
Apple has steadfastly stuck with a single biometric authentication method on its new iPhones—Face ID. In the era of frantic hand sanitising and wearing face masks daily, though, it can be a hassle having to enter your passcode manually and constantly throughout the day. However, the upcoming iOS 14.5 update (now in developer beta) introduces […]
The era of the all-new Apple Silicon Mac has arrived. The first line of new Apple M1-powered hardware—the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini are now available for order on Malaysian shores, starting from MYR2,999. Promising amazing performance, efficiency, and battery life (for the MacBooks), the new Mac hardware has stirred plenty of buzz […]
Apple has taken the wraps off its first over-ear headphones (Beats by Dre, excluded)—the AirPods Max, previously rumoured to be called AirPods Studio. Uniquely designed, the AirPods Max injects the magic of the best-selling AirPods, including the power of computational audio thanks to powerful H1 chips. The headphones feature Adaptive EQ, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), […]
It’s officially here. Apple’s little M1 chip is a big deal. First, signalling Apple’s baby steps in its two-year transition to ARM-based Apple Silicon. Second, bringing the biggest leap in performance and efficiency ever for the Mac, built on cutting-edge 5nm process technology and packing 16 billion transistors. And this… is just the beginning.
The much-awaited Apple iPhone 12 is finally out, albeit a little later than usual this year. The powerful new line-up comprises the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max. Across the board, the new smartphone series gets 5G connectivity, edge-to-edge Super Retina XDR displays (bye, bye LCD), a new […]
It has finally happened. Apple has finally embraced 5G technology with its new iPhone 12 lineup. The new iPhone 12 family is also all-in with edge-to-edge Super Retina XDR displays and a new Ceramic Shield front cover developed by Corning, the toughest glass to date. Unsurprisingly, the new phones are powered by Apple silicon—the A14 […]
Beats 1, one of the world’s most listened-to radio stations, is now known as Apple Music 1. Apple also introduces two new live global radio stations on Apple Music—Apple Music Hits and Apple Music Country. All three stations are available to music fans in 165 countries.
Apple has spec-bumped its iMac range including the 27-inch and 21.5-inch iMac as well as the iMac Pro. The iconic all-in-one desktops get up to 10th Gen Intel Core processors, higher resolution 1080p FaceTime cameras (finally!) and now get SSD storage as standard across the line.


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May 19, 2023
SINGAPORE – Ms Rachael De Foe was not happy with her career options in the communications sector, so she started her own company in 2020.
The 28-year-old Singaporean developed the strategic communications practice Redefy after recognising how reputation-building for start-ups and venture firms differed greatly from the public relations needs of mature technology companies.
Credibility around a company’s early-stage growth depends on closely aligning communication outcomes with key milestones such as fund-raising and accelerating go-to-market strategies for products or services, said Ms De Foe.
For her efforts to tell the stories of these fledgling companies, she made Forbes’ eighth annual list of promising young talent in the Asia-Pacific region.
Said Ms De Foe: “When I launched Redefy, it was out of a deep dissatisfaction with the career options in communications… It’s been the most incredible journey building Redefy and now, I’m now more hopeful about the path forward.”
She is among Singapore’s 42 representatives from 30 entries in Forbes’ annual 30 Under 30 Asia list for 2023. Each entry can have more than one representative.
The list features 300 young entrepreneurs and leaders under the age of 30 across the Asia-Pacific region.
There are 30 entries selected for each of the 10 categories: the arts (art and style, food and drink); entertainment and sports; finance and venture capital; media, marketing and advertising; retail and e-commerce; enterprise technology; industry, manufacturing and energy; healthcare and science; social impact; and consumer technology.
Of the 42 representatives from Singapore, 18 are non-Singaporeans who are based in and operate from Singapore.
Singaporeans on the list include local video publisher Our Grandfather Story’s co-founders Cheah Wenqi, 27, and Matthew Chew and Ng Kai Yuan, both aged 29.
Singer Shye, 20, whose better-known songs include Love U and How R U Sleeping, also made the list. She is the youngest person from Singapore on the list. She released a new single, Flower, in May.
The founders of nine enterprise technology firms in Singapore also made the list.
They include Mr Shi (CJ) Looi and Mr Cyril Nie, both 29 and co-founders of Web-based editor PixCap; and Ms Angelina Terlaki, 25, co-founder of deep-tech firm Red Dot Analytics.
Others on the list from Singapore include Mr Lester Li, 25, founder of Singapore’s King of Fried Rice; Ms Samantha Thian, 28, founder of social business Seastainable; and Mr Hrishi Olickel, 28, chief technology officer of Greywing, which provides an intelligence and automation service for ship operators.
Greywing’s dashboard leverages technology to give crew managers all the insights they need for smarter crew changes.
The Forbes list acknowledges the company’s role in advancing maritime tech, spearheading industry firsts such as artificial intelligence chatbot SeaGPT.
SeaGPT can handle all e-mails related to port agency communication, clarify questions and provide information for crew managers, saving time and reducing the risk of human error.
The Covid-19 pandemic was a big blow, but it also amplified the weak links in the global maritime value chain and gave Greywing an opportunity to plug that gap, while setting companies up to better weather future storms, said Mr Olickel.
For the Asia list, India leads the region with 75 entries in the 2023 list, followed by China (34), Japan (33), Singapore (30), and South Korea (28).
Clarification note: This story originally stated that there are 30 Singapore honourees in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list for 2023. It has been updated to clarify that there are 42 individual representatives from these 30 honourees.


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Tamkeen backs firms at Bahrain boat show
Manama, November 26, 2011
Tamkeen contributed nearly BD130,000 ($344,828) in support to 30 companies in Bahrain through the Tarweej scheme to exhibit in the Bahrain Boat Show International 2011 at the Amwaj Marina.
This is part of its ongoing efforts to put private sector enterprises on the right track towards prosperity.
Tarweej is one of the many schemes available to private sector enterprises under Tamkeen's Enterprise Development Support programme.
There was a strong demand from enterprises looking to take part in this prominent event which is held in partnership with the Economic Development Board (EDB), an indicator to the importance of this sector in Bahrain.
Mohammed Al Mosalem, managing director of UCO Engineering, a Bahrain-based company specialising in supplying marine vessels with a wide range of electronic equipment, said he applied through Tamkeen to take part in this event as he aims to enter the leisure boat market and diversify his client base which has been focused primarily on commercial vessels.
2000 Group commercial relations manager Ahmed Saad Al Hasan thanked the EDB and Tamkeen for their support of this prestigious event, and stressed that he looks at this participation as a national duty as it demonstrates the high quality of products and services Bahrain's enterprises offer on the international stage.
He said that Bahrain has been a pioneer in the boating industry and boasts an excellent reputation across the globe, and that this exhibition is a great way to network and discover the latest trends and challenges in the industry.
'Due to its geographical location, Bahrain has long been synonymous with boating and marine activities,' Tamkeen's private sector support senior manager Mohammed Bucheery said.
'This expo will be a great opportunity for companies based in the kingdom to showcase their products and services in front of a large international audience.
'This comes as part of our enterprise development support strategy to help enterprises market their products and to network with their counterparts and clientele,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service


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China's central bank appears to have noticed a rise in its residents' interest rate against the digital yuan. The project is expected to help China participate in the digital rush by replacing a significant number of its fiat currencies with the digital Yuan.
The People's Bank of China credits the CBDC interest rate to Bitcoin
If China's digital currency becomes a success, part of the credit goes to Bitcoin, according to Wang Xin, director of the research bureau at the People's Bank of China. According to CNBC which translated his comments from Mandarin to English, Xin said: "On the one hand, this is linked to the fact that more and more central banks around the world are participating in the development of national digital currencies."
Xin revealed that the country's growing interest in the country's digital yuan could be a result of other countries introducing a national digital currency.
But Wang isn't giving all the credit to the world's most important digital currency. While the country's Bitcoin ban has remained in effect to this day, Xin says the spike and price of bitcoin may have affected interest rates.
"On the other hand, this (interest) could also be related to the sharp rise in the price of bitcoin." He revealed.
There is currently no official date for the launch of China's digital yuan, but the country intends to continue accelerating pilot projects that offer residents from different parts of the country the opportunity to test the currency in retail stores. As Xin added, "Next, we will move forward with the digital RMB pilot programs and accumulate more experience."
CBDC: a threat to Bitcoin?
Integrating a central bank digital currency has become popular with many countries that are essentially looking to go digital.
Since 2020, there has been an increase in activities aimed at accelerating the CBDC implementation process. Countries such as Japan, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK have started researching, testing and exploring CBDCs.
The Bahamas was the first to introduce a central bank digital currency called the "sand dollar". The Central Bank revealed that the digital dollar is intended to facilitate "inclusive access to regulated payments and other financial services".
CBDC integration has been a success for the Bahamas so far, as Mastercard recently partnered with the Central Bank to enable users to “convert digital currency into traditional Bahamian dollars and pay for goods and services wherever Mastercard is accepted in the Bahamas. islands and throughout the rest of the world ".
A fuss has been raised about possible competition between CBDC and independent digital currencies like Bitcoin. However, as Bitcoin offers a level of decentralization that common CBDCs lack, the pro-Bitcoin community is optimistic that these currencies will never surpass BTC.


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Council ‘confident of success’ as Sports Direct joins Barons Quay
Retail agent GCW has confirmed Sports Direct will be opening an 18,000 sq ft store at Barons Quay in time for Christmas as council bosses said the £71m retail scheme was close to attracting a “critical mass” to make it a success.
The sports retailer is set to take a unit over two floors which will open later this year; it will join The Entertainer and H&M, which is set to open a 21,500 sq ft in October, as tenants at the 225,000 sq ft retail and leisure scheme.
The Entertainer is taking a 3,000 sq ft unit near to Asda, which will also open in the run-up to Christmas.
Sports Direct’s deal leaves 21 units still to let at Barons Quay, which was developed by Cheshire West & Chester Council and opened in 2016 at a cost of £71m.
Of these available units, 15 are retail and six are leisure. Other tenants at the scheme include Asda and Marks & Spencer for retail, while the leisure is anchored by cinema chain Odeon and restaurant Wildwood.
Speaking to Place North West earlier this month, Cheshire West & Chester’s director of place commissioning and commercial management Graham Pink admitted that lettings at Barons Quay “had been slower than we [the council] would have liked” but added the council was “confident the scheme will go on to be a great success for Northwich”.
“We can’t deny that trading conditions are tough; towns like Northwich are struggling against a national market at the moment. But we’re heartened by the conversations we’re having with retailers at the moment, and half the battle is to get a critical mass of people into Barons Quay.”
Some of the retail units could also potentially be set aside for other uses including flexible workspace, or be used for independent retailers, he added.
“We’re also talking to a number of other retailers who will be new names to the town centre, which is exciting; but absolutely our minds are also open to a whole range of different uses that may be available.
“Part of the consultation work we’re doing on [former shopping centre] Weaver Square is to pick up as many ideas from local people as we can.”
Retail agent GCW was added to the Barons Quay retail agent team in April this year, working alongside Brasier Freeth, in a bid to attract more tenants.
The council also signed off a budget of £1.3m to support lettings at the development; this includes helping with professional fees, providing allowances for bespoke fit-outs, and promoting events at the site.
Nick Warr, director at GCW, said the H&M and Sports Direct deals would give “fresh impetus” to the retail agent’s leasing campaign.
“The aim is to get as many retailers open and trading for Christmas,” he said.
- Read Place North West’s special report on Barons Quay here


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Slump in city markets: Eid sales yet to pick up
Srinagar: Even as Eid-ul-Adha is around the corner, the city markets are yet to see the festival buzz.
The festival related business, as per the traders, is yet to pick up with Eid sales marking just 20 percent of what traditionally they would be around this time.
Requirement of following the COVID19 safety guidelines and the fear of third wave of pandemic is keeping many people from the public places, traders said.
“The Eid business is considerably low. The sales are just 20 percent of what they used to be traditionally on this occasion in normal times,” said Farhan Kitab, president Kashmir Retailers’ Association.
The purchasing power of people, he said, has diminished because of the covid19 lockdown. “People don’t seem to be gung-ho about spending in these hard times particularly when there are apprehensions about a possible third wave,” Kitab said.
He said that the rates of daily use products have also gone up while most people in private sector had literally no business during pandemic.
The Eid shopping in Shahr-e-Khaas markets is also not encouraging for the traders.
Shop owners in the Downtown said that trade depression is mainly due to the impact of the prevailing COVID19 pandemic.
“We could not even achieve 20 percent of our sales target around this festival,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, a street vendor at Nowhatta.
After the COVID19 lockdown this year, the Srinagar administration allowed partial reopening of markets with clear directions of maintaining proper safety guidelines.
Shahre Khass Traders Coordination Committee president Nazir Ahmad Shah said that they are optimistic about good sales from Sunday to Tuesday (18 July to 20 July). “At the same time we appeal the traders as well as the shoppers to follow COVID19 protocol in letter and spirit,” Shah said.


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News : Call Center Opens in Mesa's Fiesta District, Expected to Employ 970 People
Mesa, AZ, USA, May, 2016 -- Predictable weather, a different time zone and nearby colleges are among the reasons why a car loan company decided to open its newest customer service center in the East Valley.
CEO Jason Kulas of Santander Consumer USA said the lack of tornadoes, hurricanes and damaging earthquakes was a big draw for the Dallas-based company.
During a ribbon cutting ceremony, Mesa announced that Santander plans to employ more than 970 people over three years. Mayor John Giles told Mesa's channel 11 he asked Kulas why he picked the East Valley town and the CEO pointed across the street to Mesa Community College.
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"They are very interested in the young, educated, motivated workforce that Mesa has to offer," said Giles.
Santander’s call center is in the Fiesta District, near U.S. 60 and Loop 101. Over the last several years, many big box retailers and restaurants around Fiesta Mall closed their doors and city leaders have focused on turning the area into an employment center.
Posted by Veronica Silva Cusi, news correspondent
Today's Tip of the Day - Support Staff
More Editorial From Santander
The Santander Group is a Spanish banking group centered on Banco Santander, S.A. and is the largest bank in the Eurozone by market value. It is one of the largest banks in the world in terms of market capitalisation.
Published: Tuesday, May 10, 2016
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Thoroughbred Financial Services LLC lessened its stake in Coca-Cola Co (The) (NYSE:KO) by 46.6% in the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 16,809 shares of the company’s stock after selling 14,694 shares during the period. Thoroughbred Financial Services LLC’s holdings in Coca-Cola were worth $751,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.
A number of other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. National Pension Service increased its position in shares of Coca-Cola by 7.1% during the 4th quarter. National Pension Service now owns 4,485,325 shares of the company’s stock valued at $248,263,000 after purchasing an additional 298,886 shares during the period. Howland Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Coca-Cola by 3.6% in the second quarter. Howland Capital Management LLC now owns 51,342 shares of the company’s stock valued at $2,294,000 after buying an additional 1,807 shares during the period. YorkBridge Wealth Partners LLC boosted its stake in Coca-Cola by 2.6% during the first quarter. YorkBridge Wealth Partners LLC now owns 28,202 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,248,000 after buying an additional 721 shares in the last quarter. Global Wealth Management Investment Advisory Inc. grew its holdings in Coca-Cola by 22.6% during the first quarter. Global Wealth Management Investment Advisory Inc. now owns 32,825 shares of the company’s stock worth $1,452,000 after acquiring an additional 6,041 shares during the period. Finally, Honkamp Krueger Financial Services Inc. raised its position in Coca-Cola by 15.8% in the second quarter. Honkamp Krueger Financial Services Inc. now owns 107,383 shares of the company’s stock worth $4,798,000 after acquiring an additional 14,679 shares in the last quarter. 67.40% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.
Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Cfra lowered their price objective on shares of Coca-Cola from $60.00 to $55.00 and set a “strong-buy” rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, April 21st. Bank of America reissued a “buy” rating and set a $53.00 price objective on shares of Coca-Cola in a research note on Friday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Coca-Cola from a “neutral” rating to an “overweight” rating and set a $44.00 price target for the company in a research report on Monday, March 23rd. Argus raised shares of Coca-Cola from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $54.00 price objective for the company in a research note on Friday, March 27th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group decreased their target price on shares of Coca-Cola from $48.00 to $47.00 and set a “hold” rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, April 22nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating, fifteen have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. The stock has a consensus rating of “Buy” and an average price target of $54.32.
Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 21st. The company reported $0.51 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the Thomson Reuters’ consensus estimate of $0.44 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $8.60 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.32 billion. Coca-Cola had a return on equity of 45.26% and a net margin of 26.95%. The firm’s revenue was up 7.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.48 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that Coca-Cola Co will post 1.79 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.
The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 1st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 15th will be given a dividend of $0.41 per share. This represents a $1.64 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.56%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 14th. Coca-Cola’s payout ratio is 77.73%.
In related news, SVP Lisa Chang acquired 1,650 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, April 27th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $46.74 per share, with a total value of $77,121.00. Following the acquisition, the senior vice president now owns 5,826 shares in the company, valued at approximately $272,307.24. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 1.01% of the stock is owned by company insiders.
Coca-Cola Company Profile
The Coca-Cola Company, a beverage company, manufactures and distributes various nonalcoholic beverages worldwide. The company provides sparkling soft drinks; water, enhanced water, and sports drinks; juice, dairy, and plant-based beverages; teas and coffees; and energy drinks. It also offers concentrates, syrups, beverage bases, source waters, and powders/minerals, as well as fountain syrups to fountain retailers, such as restaurants and convenience stores.
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New Target COO's headache: Too few goods to keep shelves filled
By Nandita Bose
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Two days after being promoted to the new position of Target Corp's (TGT.N: Quote) Chief Operating Officer, John Mulligan's big job is clear: fix a supply chain that the company blamed for shortages of goods that are undermining sales growth.
On Wednesday, the fourth-largest U.S. retailer blamed its "incredibly complex supply chain" for unacceptable stock levels at its stores this year, forecasting weak growth in current quarter sales at established stores.
The focus on the supply chain network is the latest move by CEO Brian Cornell, who took charge a year ago and announced a restructuring plan in March.
Under that program, Cornell eliminated several thousand corporate jobs, revamped grocery operations and announced a $1 billion investment in supply chain technology.
Mulligan, who was promoted from the position of chief financial officer on Monday, said that in-store product stock levels have been getting worse over the last couple of quarters. Kathee Tesija, the company's former chief merchandising and supply chain officer, was moved to an advisory role in June.
"Given the breadth and complexity of the business, it will always be a challenge to be in stock on every item in every store... but our guests need us to be consistent in delivering everyday essentials," Mulligan said.
Target's supply-chain problems have grown more acute as it has expanded its offering of consumable goods such as meat, fresh produce and dairy products, which in turn have brought customers back to their stores more frequently than in the past.
Target's larger rival, Wal-Mart Stores Inc (WMT.N: Quote), has struggled to tackle the problem of running out of stock at its own stores for several years, despite having one of the largest and most sophisticated supply chain networks in the business. Continued...