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GNC, the country’s largest retailer of supplements, has agreed to pay $2.25 million in a settlement with the Department of Justice.
The popular store chain has also agreed to better police the products it sells, weeding out pills and potions that contain illegal and unsafe ingredients, and keeping a list of safe-to-sell products.
GNC did not admit to any wrongdoing in the settlement, but the Department of Justice said it would keep open the threat of prosecution if GNC breaks any promises.
“A lengthy investigation conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas and the Consumer Protection Branch of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division revealed that GNC’s practices related to ensuring the legality of products on its shelves were lacking,” the DOJ said in a statement.
“GNC engaged in acts and omissions that allowed a misbranded supplement — OxyElite Pro Advanced Formula, a product of Dallas-based USPlabs LLC (USP Labs) — to be sold at GNC locations nationwide in 2013.”
GNC did not know that the capsules contained anything other than what the label said, but also didn’t bother to check, the DOJ said.
In 2015, authorities indicted USPLabs for falsely claiming its popular workout and weight loss supplements were made using natural ingredients.
Some of USPLabs' products contained 1,3-dimethylamylamine — or DMAA. It's sometimes called a geranium extract on product labels. Two soldiers died after taking DMAA, which can cause heart attacks. It also caused an outbreak of liver injuries that were severe enough to require liver transplants.
“Companies like GNC need to do more to ensure that they are not selling products containing questionable and untested ingredients,” said Benjamin Mizer, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.
“GNC will maintain and continuously update a list of ingredients that will be prohibited from inclusion in any products that are sold by GNC,” the DOJ said.
The company will also spend $500,000 training farmers who supply herbal and botanical products, the Justice Department said.
The multibillion dollar vitamin and supplement industry operates with very little regulation because the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) exempts products from FDA's pre-marketing oversight.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, more than half of Americans took some sort of dietary supplements in 2003-2006, 40 percent of them multivitamins.


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Manga about high school boys living together to launch on February 13
The February issue of Shueisha‘s Bessatsu Margaret magazine announced on Friday that manga author Minami Mizuno will launch a new manga with the temporary title Ao Haru Sō e Yōkoso (Welcome to the Blue Spring Dorm) in the magazine’s March issue on February 13.
The new manga is about five high school boys with different personalities living in a dormitory. Various incidents happen as the boys experience love and spend their youthful days together.
Mizuno recently ended her Hiiragi-senpai to Ofutari-sama (Together With Upperclassman Hiiragi) manga (pictured right) in November 2022. The manga launched in Bessatsu Margaret (Betsuma) in December 2021. Shueisha published the manga’s third and final compiled book volume on December 23.
Mizuno ended the Koi o Shiranai Boku-tachi wa (We Who Know Nothing of Love) manga in Betsuma in May 2021. The manga began with a one-shot in Betsuma in January 2018, before launching as a full serialization in June 2018. Shueisha published the 11th and final compiled volume in June 2021.
Mizuno launched her Rainbow Days manga in the February 2012 issue of Bessatsu Margaret, and ended it in March 2017. Shueisha published the 15th and final compiled book volume in April 2017. The manga inspired a drama CD that Shueisha bundled with a limited edition of the seventh volume in October 2014. The manga then inspired a television anime that premiered in January 2016. Funimation streamed the anime as it aired in Japan. The manga’s 13th volume then bundled an original anime DVD in September 2016.
Source: Bessatsu Margaret February issue and website
#Rainbow #Days #Minami #Mizuno #Launches #Manga #News

domain: news


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This is the Statt Mann Baby. Time to Scatt a little bit.
Pay attention to the biggest business headline of the week: ATT has offered more than eighty billion dollars to buy Time Warner. When a distributor buys a content producer it’s massive news.
There’s another broadcast story, though, that involves computer generated advertising during live television broadcasts.
It was big news several months ago when ESPN put ads into the World Cup hockey tournament.
Motor racing has done this for years. In drag racing you’ll see corporate logos super imposed on the lane surfaces for television.
Formula One goes even further by creating posts and signs that drape OVER the track with sponsor logos. IndyCar broadcasts featured CGI advertising on posts during the Indy 500 years ago. One looked like it was on the entry to pit lane at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
It’s important on international broadcasts when some sponsors want consumers in one country and not in others.
Get used to it. Rights fees are going up and broadcasters spending the money need more and more ways to get that money back. Especially when fewer viewers are out there.
Now, what happens when promoters start using CGI to put fans in the empty seats?


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Panorama: How Hackers Steal Your ID
Internet security expert James Lyne bought the stolen credit and debit card details of 13 people on the dark web as part of a Panorama investigation
Hackers have stolen the personal details of millions of customers from companies like Talk Talk. So how do cybercriminals get hold of our data? Reporter Daniel Foggo meets the hackers who can break into any website and finds out how criminals profit from our information.
First broadcast: 9th November 2015


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Publishing Poll Results: Free Trials Most Likely to Convert Visitors to Subscribers
What You’ll Learn:
Find out the results of a poll conducted in our most recent webinar, covering the world’s most unique and effective paid content strategies for publishers.
On 20th September, MPP Global’s Ana Lobb, VP, Media & Publishing, Europe, joined forces with Ben Edwards, our partner PageSuite’s Business Development Director, to present a selection of paid content strategies and products from unique international markets.
During a live webinar, Around the World in 80 Paid… Content Strategies, Ana and Ben asked attendees to share their thoughts regarding the best promotions, offers and incentives publishers can use to convert visitors to subscribers.
Results from the poll revealed that free trials were considered the most effective introductory offer likely to convert anonymous readers to repeat subscribers.
An overwhelming 40% of attendees cited free trials as the method most likely to result in casual visitors becoming paid subscribers.
Personalized content also scored highly, demonstrating more effective use of data and supporting the market’s increased deployment of de-bundled products and services.
Meanwhile, third-party collaborations and percentage discounts provide good entry points for new subscribers, and the ability for publishers to work hand-in-hand with their advertisers.
These findings are supported by the fact that some of the most prolific and successful newspaper and magazine publishers worldwide use promotions and incentives to great effect, including:
The Times & The Sunday Times
The Times & The Sunday Times give users access to the latest news from an award-winning paper with a subscription from just £1 a week, accessible in print and online.
In July 2018, The Times and Sunday Times hit 500,000 subscribers as digital outnumbered print for the first time. Digital-only subscriptions rose 20% year-on-year to reach 255,000, according to figures from June this year.
The Times & The Sunday Times owe some of this success to the positioning of their sales on bundled subscriptions, combining print with digital access.
News UK, owner of the Times titles, said 2018 was its most successful year since the digital subscription model was launched in 2010, putting online content behind a paywall and launching enticing offers for digital audiences.
The New York Times
The New York Times made more than $1 billion in overall subscription revenue last year, with a total of more than 2.6 million digital-only subscriptions.
The publisher offers free subscription periods to new users, followed by discounted rates, as a means of attracting new subscribers and discouraging churn.
In August 2018, the publisher announced a $24 million profit, with revenue from digital subscriptions rising to $99 million in the second quarter, a jump of nearly 20% YoY. Part of this success can be owed to The New York Times’ intuitive, bundled promotions and offers.
Time, an American weekly news magazine and news website, boasts the world’s largest circulation for a weekly news magazine. The print edition alone has a readership of 26 million, and digital readership and content figures only continue to grow thanks in large part to gift subscriptions, offers for free issues of the publication, and substantial annual subscription discounts.
Meredith Corp. recent sold Time magazine to Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff with a $190 million price tag. The price paid was close to six times the operating profit of the magazine, thanks to its more profitable subscription model and offers; a similar publication that is only ad-supported would sell for roughly three times less than this.
McClatchy is one of the largest media companies in North America and averages circulations of 1.6 million weekly editions and 2.4 million Sunday editions, including such titles as The Sacramento Bee, The Herald Sun and The Kansas City Star.
They support digital initiatives with intelligent technology to drive audience engagement, turning casual consumers into paid subscribers.
McClatchy’s member center has progressed relationships with their users, providing them with the functionality to create and launch multiple targeted marketing campaigns and incentives, such as discounted rates and introductory offers for new customers. For example, The Herald Sun de-bundled their content and launched Sports Pass: a sports-only digital subscription offering unlimited access to sports content, for $30 a year.
L’Équipe is a daily newspaper focused solely on sports content. The publication has diversified their product strategy with a digital-first focus to take advantage of changing consumer habits and digital storytelling.
In light of changing consumer behavior and the rise of ad-blockers, L’Équipe saw the necessity to look for an alternative revenue model to advertising. The publisher uses eSuite to power gifted subscriptions and third-party promotions as new customer acquisition initiatives.
Since the launch of its new innovative strategy, L’Équipe has experienced significant growth and development across its digital services. Within three years of the launch, the publisher has reached over 300,000 paying readers.
35% of L’Equipe’s entire revenue now comes from gifted subscriptions, while third-party partnerships with Orange and PlayStation have provided valuable data collection and conversions. Using voucher codes, L’Equipe created a special offer for customers who bought FIFA.
One of the most interesting product developments employed by Amaury is the micro-payment model, and the ability for consumers to buy individual articles or purchase pre-paid credit to draw down. The cost of an article is the same to cover price for the full newspaper, and the initiative now accounts for 10% of reader revenue online.
Ana Lobb, VP, Media & Publishing, MPP Global, commented: “I think it’s fascinating how product development in publishing is changing from five years ago, when many publishers were still deciding whether to charge for digital content, to where we are today.
“The innovation in technology and increased ability for publishers to collect data and understand their customers better than ever before is providing opportunity to create new, brand-based digital experiences, and sustainable, complementary print and digital business models.
“Whilst I agree that free trials are often the tipping point for customer acquisition, I wonder whether this scored more highly since these are the easiest models to deploy and potentially the most tested. And don’t forget, the offer itself is just the tip of the iceberg; pricing strategy, content engagement and personalized user experiences all play into the overall success.
“What we can say, following the research and webinar, is that product development has never been so diverse. To grow, publishers will need to invest in technology that supports operational efficiency, including flexible and agile product and offer launches.”
Find out more about how you can integrate some of the most effective paid content strategies from around the world into your subscription offering by watching the webinar, hosted by Ana Lobb and Ben Edwards.


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February 8, 2019
U.S. pork exports in November trended lower year-over-year, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation, while beef exports continued on a record pace.
November export data was released about one month later than usual due to the recent government shutdown, and year-end 2018 data is expected to be available in early- to mid-March.
November pork exports totaled 206,852 metric tons, down 8% year-over-year, while value fell 12% to $538.7 million as retaliatory duties in key markets continue to generate headwinds for U.S. pork. For January through November, exports were steady with 2017’s record pace at 2.23 million mt and value was down 1% to $5.86 billion.
Trade barriers are also pressuring pork export value on a per-head basis. In November, export value per head slaughtered was $48.80, down 16% from November 2017. Through the first 11 months of 2018, per-head export value averaged $51.46, down 3%. Exports accounted for 24.5% of total November pork production and 22% for muscle cuts, down from 27.7% and 24.1%, respectively, in November 2017. For January through November, exports equated to 25.7% of total pork production (down from 26.5% in 2017) and 22.4% for muscle cuts (up slightly).
“2018 was truly a remarkable year for U.S. beef exports, which shattered previous records in both volume and value and reached new heights in several of our top markets,” says USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “In the first half of the year, pork exports were also on a very positive trajectory but unfortunately U.S. pork has been heavily targeted for retaliation. We remain hopeful that these disputes can be resolved soon, so that U.S. pork can get back on a level playing field with its competitors.”
Beef exports totaled 112,842 mt in November, up 1% from a year ago, while value climbed 6% to $709.2 million. For January through November, exports reached 1.24 million mt, up 8% year-over-year and 6% above the record pace of 2011. At $7.63 billion, beef export value was up 16% and has already broken the full-year record set in 2017 ($7.27 billion).
Beef export value per head of fed slaughter is also on a record pace, averaging $322.97 in November (up 5% from a year ago) and $320.72 during the first 11 months of 2018 (up 14%). Exports accounted for 13.1% of total November beef production and 10.9% for muscle cuts, both steady with November 2017. For January through November, exports equated to 13.4% of total production and 11.1% for muscle cuts — up from 12.8% and 10.3%, respectively, in 2017. These numbers highlight the strong international demand for U.S. beef as exports are accounting for a larger share of growing U.S. production and are fetching higher prices, with some U.S. cuts trading at record prices in Asia.
Bright spots for U.S. pork include Korea, ASEAN, Latin America and Oceania
After a very solid start to 2018, November pork exports to leading volume market Mexico were lower year-over-year for the sixth consecutive month (61,344 mt, down 14%) while value fell 30% to $97.1 million. This pushed January-November export volume slightly below the record pace of 2017 at 717,618 mt (down 1%) while value was down 11% to $1.22 billion.
“The good news is that the U.S. continues to export strong quantities of hams, picnics and other pork cuts to Mexico,” Halstrom says. “The bad news is that instead of generating positive returns for the U.S. industry, 20% of these sales go directly into the Mexican Treasury in the form of tariffs. This is why it is critical that the dispute over steel and aluminum tariffs be resolved as soon as possible.”
January-November pork exports to China/Hong Kong were down 29% year-over-year in volume (324,623 mt) and fell 19% in value ($790.2 million). This region is by far the largest destination for U.S. pork variety meat, and these exports also declined by 29% in volume (209,090 mt) and dropped 17% in value ($555.5 million) as the 62% tariff rate makes it very difficult for U.S. pork to compete in China.
The combination of retaliatory tariffs in China and Mexico contributed to sharp decreases in ham and picnic primal values (down 19% and 22%, respectively, from June through December, compared to the same period in 2017). The decrease in values for these two primals averaged $9.95 per head for those seven months. China’s retaliatory tariffs have also heavily impacted prices for pork offals and have forced some products into rendering due to the lack of alternative markets. Lost value for feet and picnic hocks was at least $1.80 per head and losses are even worse when products that have been rendered are included. The cost of these retaliatory tariffs has been lost value of at least $11.75 per head on just hams, picnics and feet, or roughly $860 million in industry losses from June through December 2018.
Other key details from the January-November pork export results include:
Although November results trended significantly lower, pork exports to leading value market Japan were up 1% year-over-year in both volume (364,114 mt) and value ($1.5 billion). Similar to beef, market access disadvantages in Japan are a major concern for the U.S. pork industry due to Japan’s implementation of Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and its economic partnership agreement with the European Union. The most immediate impact of these agreements is expected in Japan’s imports of ground seasoned pork and processed pork products as duties on those products are phased quickly to zero, while the U.S. pays 20%.
Korea stands out as the largest driver of growth for U.S. pork exports in 2018, with volume up 41% to 216,899 mt while value climbed 44% to $603.8 million — already shattering previous full-year records set in 2011. Unlike the situation at that time, when Korea was struggling with a widespread outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, Korea’s domestic production was up 4% in 2018. The surge in exports to Korea is being driven by exceptional consumer demand and growing consumption. Most U.S. pork entering Korea also benefits from duty-free treatment under the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement.
Led by strong growth in Colombia and Peru and a second-half rebound in Chile, pork exports to South America have already topped the records set in 2017, increasing 24% year-over-year in volume (120,059 mt) and 17% in value ($292.3 million). Colombia is an especially important destination for hams and picnics at a time when Mexico and China are imposing higher duties.
In Central America, pork exports were higher year-over-year in mainstay markets Honduras and Guatemala, and posted very strong growth in Panama, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Export volume to the region was up 15% to 74,980 mt, breaking the 2017 record. Export value was 12% higher at $176.8 million, and will set a new record when December results are included.
Pork exports to the Dominican Republic have also exceeded previous yearly highs, with volume up 37% year-over-year to 39,453 mt and value jumping 29% to $85.7 million.
With solid growth in both Australia and New Zealand, pork exports to Oceania were up 12% in volume (77,336 mt) and 10% in value ($224.3 million). This region is also a key destination for U.S. hams when retaliatory duties are in place in Mexico and China.
Strong performances in the Philippines and Vietnam drove pork exports to the ASEAN region 46% higher in volume (63,978 mt) and 33% higher in value ($158.6 million). Pork variety meat exports to the ASEAN region were especially strong, more than doubling year-over-year in both volume (26,626 mt, up 138%) and value ($42.7 million, up 115%).
Asian markets set pace, but beef export growth widespread
November was another strong month for U.S. beef exports to the key Asian markets of Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, while exports to the ASEAN region also increased sharply. For January through November, beef export highlights include:
Exports to leading market Japan were up 7% year-over-year in volume (306,603 mt) and 10% in value ($1.93 billion). But market access to Japan is a major concern for the U.S. beef industry, as key competitors recently joined Australia in benefiting from an 11 percentage point tariff advantage through the CPTPP. U.S. beef remains subject to the 38.5% tariff rate and to Japan’s quarterly safeguard mechanisms. Competitors’ tariffs will decline again on April 1, the start of the Japanese fiscal year. The Trump administration has announced its intention to negotiate a trade agreement with Japan, but formal negotiations have not yet begun.
U.S. beef has already shattered the previous yearly value record in Korea, with export value soaring 45% to $1.6 billion, while volume was up 32% to 220,770 mt. Although Korea’s imports from Australia and New Zealand also edged higher in 2018, U.S. market share increased significantly — reaching nearly 50% in volume and 56% in value. Through the KORUS, the duty rate on U.S. beef to Korea is 18.7% this year, down from 40% prior to implementation.
Exports to Taiwan were up one-third from the record totals posted in 2017, reaching 53,626 mt valued at $495.7 million (a record for the sixth consecutive year). The United States holds more than 75% of Taiwan’s chilled beef market, the highest of any Asian destination.
Beef exports to Hong Kong were lower year-over-year in volume (109,082 mt, down 4%), but export value still climbed 13% to $865.3 million. Exports to China totaled 6,567 mt valued at $55.1 million. U.S. beef regained access to China in mid-2017, making year-over-year comparisons difficult. But in the second half of 2018, export volumes to China were higher year-over-year in every month except September, and November exports reached a new monthly high of 890 mt, despite an additional 25% retaliatory duty.
Led by strong increases in the Philippines and Vietnam and slightly higher shipments to Indonesia, beef exports to the ASEAN region climbed 19% year-over-year in volume (45,255 mt) and 31% in value ($252.4 million).
Although beef exports to Mexico were up just 1% year-over-year in volume (218,281 mt), export value to Mexico climbed 8% (to $966.7 million) and will exceed $1 billion for the first time since 2015. The hike in value reflects a strong year for beef muscle cut exports to Mexico, which increased 7% in volume (130,330 mt) and 11% in value ($759.2 million).
Source: U.S. Meat Export Federation, which is solely responsible for the information provided, and wholly owns the information. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.
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Latest News on Samsung Galaxy s10 Lite India
Showing of 0 - 10 from 4 results
Samsung Galaxy s10 Lite India - Total results - 4
Jan 23, 2020
Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite launch highlights: Launched at Rs 39,999, will be available starting 4 FebruaryGalaxy S10 Lite features a 6.7-inch full-HD+ (1080 x 2400 pixels) Infinity-O Super AMOLED display with 19.5:9 aspect ratio.
Jan 11, 2020
Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite appears on Flipkart, reportedly launching on 23 JanuaryThe Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite and Note10 Lite were announced recently and the former is coming to India.
Jan 10, 2020
Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite teased on Flipkart, may go on sale in India next monthThe report also claims that Samsung will be pricing the Galaxy S10 Lite in the Rs 40,000 to Rs 45,000 segment.
Dec 20, 2019
Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite camera, chipset and pricing details reportedly leakedThe Galaxy S10 Lite will reportedly sport a 48 MP primary camera with tilt-OIS.


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Profit takers who aimed to cash in on the DFM General Index's strong first quarter performance sent the gauge down 2.04% to close at 1,648.87 points Thursday. Since January 1, the measure advanced 21.92%. Emaar Properties slipped 1.94%, like a total of 22 declining shares, while seven stocks advanced. Tabreed, which tripled in value in Q1, closed unchanged. Trading volumes declined as some 167.6m shares were traded, valued at Dhs229.3m.
Renault Saudi launches 2015 Duster
Renault Saudi Arabia has launched the 2015 year model Renault Duster SE, one of its worldwide best-selling models which offers the latest in terms of appearance, performance, comfort, safety and ente


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Pebble-backed Smart Strap wearable technology places a wallet on the wrist
The new wearables from Fit Pay could soon make it possible for people to pay for products with a flick of the wrist.
Owners of Pebble Time wearable technology devices may soon be able to take advantage of the convenience of contactless mobile payments among the other benefits of wearing their gadgets.
A Pagaré smartstrap Kickstarter campaign was recently launched by Fit Pay to make this happen.
The funding for this wearable technology would be used to support its final production and to be able to bring it to market. The Pagaré payment smartstrap has NFC technology embedded into it, as well as card network tokenization. In that way, it will be possible for these wearables to be read by any POS terminal with an NFC reader, which is quite commonplace at retail checkout counters around the world.
Essentially, if the NFC contactless payments symbol is displayed at a checkout counter, this wearable technology is compatible.
To use the smartstrap wearables, a user would simply need to wave his or her wrist over the reader terminal at the POS counter. In that way, the transaction can be completed and the wearer would never have to take out a wallet and swipe or tap a card. It wouldn’t even require a smartphone to be used, as is the case with other types of mobile wallet that have been trying to achieve widespread adoption over the last few years.
According to the chief exec at Pebble, Eric Migicovsky, “It’s a great example of how our open platform allows Pebble to become even more useful in the everyday lives of more people.” There are still a few weeks left to the Fit Pay campaign, as it will run until March 9 in order to bring in the $120,000 it requires from backers in order to get these wearables moving forward.
The company is currently working directly with the suppliers for Pebble in order to be able to provide the smartstrap wearable technology in exactly the same materials, finishes and colors as the Pebble Time, the Time Steel and the Time Round smartwatches. In that way, form will not be sacrificed to function.


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Earlier this year, mysterious retail listings unveiled the existence of a “Capcom Retro Arcade” – which was touting 10 retro games from the Mega Man and Street Fighter series. Details on this strange mini-console were sparse at the time, but we’ve finally learnt some new information about it!
Officially titled the Capcom Retro Station – the mini-console will feature an 8-inch 4:3 LCD Display that runs at 1024×768, built-in 10W super bass speakers, and be able to output to a television screen via a HDMI connection. A USB port will also allow owners to attach an additional controller for two-player versus gameplay. It will cost 21,780 Yen and launch for Japan in March 2021.
All this information comes courtesy of an official website by TRON – who are developing the mini-console with Capcom. The website also confirms that “other regions” outside of Japan will also be getting the Capcom Retro Station (see below).


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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, the company’s next flagship smartphone, should arrive in Q1 2023. We had already seen the renders of the phone, now the first camera sample from the phone has surfaced, thanks to leaker Ice Universe.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is said to be the first Samsung phone to use a 200MP camera. According to the zoomed image posted by the leaker, the camera offers more details compared to the Galaxy S22 Ultra and the Google Pixel 7 Pro. These should be a crop from the original full resolution image.
According to the leaker, the default resolution in S23 Ultra is 3000×4000, which is 12MP, and not 12.5MP after pixel binning. There are also 50MP (6120×8160 pixels) and a 200MP (12240×16320 pixels) modes. The leaker also reveals f/1.7 aperture for the camera, compared to ƒ/1.8 aperture in the S22 Ultra.
S23 Ultra Default resolution 3000×4000,Is not 12.5MP.
S23 Ultra 50MP resolution 6120×8160.
S23 Ultra 200MP resolution 12240×16320.
— Ice universe (@UniverseIce) November 12, 2022
He added that the S23 Ultra will not lose details in bright areas even when zoomed in, which has been an issue with the S22 Ultra.
Based on earlier rumours, the phone is said to retain the similar ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto and a 10MP Periscope lens for 10x optical zoom, same as the predecessor.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra series is rumoured to be announced in the first week of February 2023.


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“Visuals” come up a lot in conversations about psychedelic experiences, so perhaps it makes sense that DoubleBlind will take its message to the masses via a giant flashing billboard at New York’s Times Square. For the coming week, the woman-led magazine, which covers “the expansion of psychedelics around the globe” is teaming up with Honeysuckle Magazine, Musings Magazine, and Rainbo Mushrooms, to broadcast a campaign to destigmatize plant medicines.
“As hundreds of millions of dollars pour into psychedelic drug development and initiatives to decriminalize psychedelics sweep the nation, now is the time to introduce nuanced and intentional conversations about psychedelic use to the general public,” said Shelby Harman, co-founder of DoubleBlind. “The billboard in Times Square will be tied to a hashtag #celebrateplantmedicine with an intention to disrupt the profit-driven advertising we often see in places like Times Square to fuel a conversation about healing.”
Honeysuckle, a woman-led arts and culture magazine with robust coverage of cannabis issues, is no stranger to billboards–In 2018, they put cannabis brands on the boards for the first time in US history. Past campaigns honor artists, women, and indigenous voices in the cannabis industry and include “Diversity in Cannabis,” a collaboration with Lil’ Wayne that went live on Times Square this past 4/20.
Honeysuckle founder Ronit Pinto notes, “Getting this kind of creative approved is extremely challenging. I don’t know how much people realize that!” But she’s enthused about the collaboration and calls the end result “stunning.”
In a press release, DoubleBlind encouraged New Yorkers and visitors to “Go visit the billboard: take photos, videos, and go live in front of it using the hashtag #celebrateplantmedicine. Follow and tag us and our partners @doubleblindmag, @honeysucklemagazine, @musingsmagazine, @musesmoment, and @rainbomushrooms so we can reshare your posts! If you feel called, we encourage you to include information in the caption of your posts about how psychedelics have transformed your life.”
The campaign will be running on the bird billboard in Times Square, from midnight on 9/26 to midnight on 10/3. It’s located at 719 7th Ave., NY, NY 10036.


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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Shatto Milk Company will be releasing their fan-favorite red velvet milk in honor of the Kansas City Chiefs fourth Super Bowl appearance in five years.
It will be available in all stores carrying Shatto Milk on February 2, through Shatto Home Delivery and the farm store in Osborn, MO.
In addition to the red milk release, specialty apparel including “Mahomes Dairy Cow” are available for purchase at the farm store in Osborn, MO and via Shatto Home Delivery.
The milk company has released numerous milk specials for the Chiefs throughout their run.
For more information, you can contact a nearby store selling the product, visit their social media pages or go to the Shatto Milk website.


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The bus station at Merry Hill Shopping Centre is to undergo a £10 million revamp, it was announced today. The Government is giving £5m towards it.
The overhaul of the station comes after it was rated the worst by the region's passengers.
The project also aims to improve bus services going to and from the giant shopping complex and neighbouring Waterfront Business Park, where 8,000 people are employed.
New eco-friendly buses will be introduced and bus lanes and gates installed to allow the vehicles to avoid queuing traffic. The new lanes and gates will be put in The Boulevard in Brierley Hill.
Centro and Dudley Council drew up the Better Bus Area project, which has now received Government backing.
Currently, only 10 per cent of the 21 million annual visitors to the shopping centre go there by bus.
The aim is to improve that and reduce traffic congestion around the centre and the business park as well.
Brierley Hill councillor Zafar Islam said: "Hopefully improving services around Waterfront will encourage new businesses to move in or encourage employers who have left to re-think their decision to leave."


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Who dat? Who dat? Who dat say dey gonna claim trademark rights over a two-word phrase popularized by beleaguered fans of one of the teams playing in this week's Super Bowl?
The NFL, apparently.
The "who dat" chant popularized by New Orleans Saints fans is under siege this week from the NFL. The Wall Street Journal explains:
The NFL asserted rights to ["who dat"] earlier this week through the Florida Department of State, and it has issued cease-and-desist orders against New Orleans vendors who sell Saints memorabilia adorned with the wording. It informed vendors that using the phrase is likely to "confuse the purchasing public into believing that your items" are sponsored by the NFL.
New Orleans locals are outraged and suspicious. The NFL, they contend, never cared about the quirky chant when the football team was dubbed the 'Aints a few decades ago, or after it was ousted from its home stadium in 2005 by Hurricane Katrina and finished 3-13.
There are two ways to react to this news:
1. Once again, the man is sticking it to the little guy: The big, bad NFL doesn't care about its fans, it just cares about making money. Why should a corporate behemoth that rakes in billions annually care that some shopkeeper in Jefferson Parish is selling a T-shirt for $13.95? Is this really going to put the NFL in the red? And what about some compassion for the people of New Orleans and everything that they've been through?
2. Yes, it's lame. But the NFL has to protect its trademarks: You can't sell a "Just Do It" T-shirt for long without getting a letter from Nike lawyers or open up a place called "Mick E. Mouse" and not draw the wrath of Disney. What's different about "Who Dat"? Sure, today it's New Orleans but tomorrow it's vendors in 32 NFL cities. Futhermore, the reason people in New Orleans didn't know that they weren't allowed to sell "Who Dat" T-shirts is because nobody wanted them until the team went to the Super Bowl. (Note: You can't write it on your bandwagon either.) And the phrase was sort of poached from the Cincinnati Bengals who, in turn, had actually adapted it from a cringe-worthy source.
Look, I take shots at Roger Goodell's NFL more than most. I've written here many times that I believe the league's greed will eventually lead to its demise. Stuff like this only feeds that perception. But the NFL isn't wrong here. You can't sell NFL-related merchandise without a licensing agreement. This isn't up for debate.
It's not like the league is saying that it owns the phrase "who dat." That's the attractive story and headline, but not the truth. The NFL is contending that vendors can't sell already-illegal Saints gear with the phrase "who dat" written on it. Call it parsing if you want, but there's a legitimate difference. Both are greedy. Only one is unjustifiably so.


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The designs of a few of the Batik fashion items are being showcased this weekend at the fashion show in New York City.
Here are a few notable trends that are being shared by designers in the fashion industry and the fashion community at large.
These are the most popular batik dresses that are in stores this weekend:The Batik Bamboo, a black-and-gold version of the traditional Batik dress, is available in the US, and in Europe the Batki Bamboo will be available in March 2019.
The Batiki Bamboo has a floral motif, and features a floral-patterned skirt with a bodice and a bow on the front, a long skirt, and a long hemline.
The Ballet Batik is a modern take on the traditional batik dress.
The skirt has a bodysuit, and the skirt has an ankle-length bow on both sides.
The bodice is made of satin and is lined with a satin-covered fabric.
The dress has a short skirt and is available for men in October 2019.


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Fat Americans too much for old-fashion autopsy tables
ORLANDO -- Americans are getting fatter. So are dead Americans.
And if your beefy body passes through the Orange-Osceola Medical Examiner's Office on the way to the grave, rest assured. It has an autopsy table expansive enough for the heftiest among us.
At 3 feet 6 inches wide and 7 feet long, the table is 40 percent roomier than standard carts.
Stout, reinforced legs support a tray of heavy-gauge stainless steel, buffed to a satin finish.
Its weight load is 1,000 pounds.
As it is with stadium seats and amusement-park rides, so it is with autopsy tables and morgue drawers, cadaver carts and other equipment used to hoist, lift and carry the dead. Americans are growing too large to fit, so autopsy equipment is getting bigger.
The percentage of obese Americans has jumped to about 33 percent from 15 percent about 30 years ago, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Twenty-three percent of Floridians are obese, according to a 2006 study.
A 300-pound body is wheeled through the doors of the Orange-Osceola Medical Examiner's Office about once a week, said Steve Hanson, the office's chief investigator. He knows. He has tried to make it work.
"We've run into people ... they've kind of spread out and completely filled the table," Hanson said. "We had people hanging over the sides."
As the obesity epidemic has grown, so has the need for bariatric equipment, or medical devices for the obese, industry experts say.
By 2010, the U.S. market could yield more than $1 billion in revenue, according to market analysts Frost & Sullivan.
Dead bodies need the equipment just as the living do, said Dr. Joseph Prahlow, president of the National Association of Medical Examiners.
"The problem spills over, if you will, to the morgue and death industry as well," he said.
Dead weight is the morgue's awkward logistical challenge.
Some bodies are too large to slip into the drawers of morgue refrigerators. They tip over standard-sized cadaver carts. Their weight tests the physical strength and stamina of the people who must lift and flip a corpse to conduct a thorough exam.
Workers at Palm Beach County's offices soap the carts to ease moving bigger corpses on and off them, said Chief Medical Examiner Michael Bell. Then they spend an hour or more hovering over a body during an autopsy.
Manufacturers are rushing to fill the need.
Mopec Inc., makers of the Elevating Bariatric Autopsy Table ("The width measures a full 40" wide!" according to the catalog), sells about 100 bariatric autopsy tables a year, said Rick Bell, co-owner of the company.
Standard weight loads for autopsy carts used to be 300 or 400 pounds, Bell said. Now customers want tables that can carry 1,000 pounds.
Because many bodies are too big for morgue drawers, the company now manufactures them in wider sizes.
Special mechanical lifts for hoisting bodies that were once typically built to hold 500 pounds are now designed to hold 750 pounds.
Hospitals now design their morgues with obese children in mind, Bell said.
Equipment for the obese dead is pricey. Larger tables come at a 30 percent to 40 percent premium because they take more materials.
The Orange-Osceola Medical Examiner's Office's bariatric autopsy table cost $3,367. It also bought a specialized hydraulic table to help with heavier bodies.
A foot pump similar to the ones used on beauty-salon chairs raises and lowers the table's telescoping legs so that technicians can roll bodies onto it from above instead of lifting them. It cost $3,544.
Agencies with less cash have resorted to low-tech solutions.
Prahlow, of the National Medical Examiners Association, said he once worked at an office that made an impromptu bariatric table with a piece of plywood rigged with casters.
The "table" top lifted bodies only inches from the floor.
"We called them 'floor-topsies,'" Prahlow said.


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You can Uber yourself a king cake Wednesday
BATON ROUGE - The ride-sharing service Uber will deliver king cakes on Wednesday, the official start of Carnival.
Uber announced app users can request the popular treat between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. People in Baton Rouge, Lafayette and New Orleans can request the king cakes and drivers will deliver them from Haydel's Bakery.
Uber posted on its website, "Experience the most famous Mardi Gras treats without leaving your house!"
The king cakes will cost $20 and Uber expects the cakes to go quickly.
Follow the publisher of this post on Twitter: @treyschmaltz
Desktop NewsClick to open Continuous News in a sidebar that updates in real-time.
Scams, elder financial exploitation focus of town hall
EBRSO: Student arrested after pulling loaded gun during argument at local middle...
Long delays on alternate routes across Mississippi River amid Sunshine Bridge closure
Boy abandoned on Texas doorstep
Feed your nightmares: BK offers Halloween themed burger


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How long could you last without your smartphone: a day or two? Maybe a week? Would it be a truly great discomfort if you left your precious mobile assistant at home? Is there a fear that you’d lose something important? There has been a lot of talk about the fact that computers and Internet are highly addictive. Now this kind of addiction is mobile, it’s unchained and with us, anywhere we go. The more we use mobile devices, the stronger the urge to check them once again: within one hour of waking up, all along the daytime, and just before going to sleep. We have found an interesting infographic with some statistics about surviving without smartphones:
– Among the 800+ surveyed smartphone owners around the world, 84% believe that the so-called smartphone addiction actually exists, while 71% said to know at least one person who they thought had it.
– 52% confessed their own addiction to mobile devices, and 57% expressed worries about the possible increase of their smartphone usage in the future. 45% check smartphones at least once an hour.
– 61% agreed that they wouldn’t make it through a week without a mobile device; 66% said they wouldn’t make it through just one day.
– 36% of the surveyed said they were very concerned about smartphone addiction in general; 48% have moderate concerns about that, while 16% expressed none. realme 5
– For how much money would you agree to spend a week without your gadget? 44% said they would, being paid at least $100, while 19% would ask for more than $500.
There was also the second part of the survey: 7 people were subject to not using smartphones for one week. This one has also shown lots of interesting details:
– The experience was divided, depending on whether users wanted to access the conventional mobile phone features (such as simple calling or texting), and smartphone-specific features (such as mailing, mapping, web searching, and social networking). The compared metrics were anxiety and frustration. Both of them were mostly at a very mild level.
– Instances of moderate and high anxiety were twice less frequent for smartphone features. In general there were 79% more instances of anxiety concerning just calling or texting. During the whole week, the peak of such inconveniences fell on Thursday. However, by the end of the week the levels of frustration and anxiety fell.
– When this week was over, people were asked to leave their impressions. Well, for example, one person felt the freedom from constantly being online, not having to answer the calls at once. Another person had reactionary desire to check the smartphone because someone else was actually doing that. Some were actually getting quite used to the situation, while some were not.


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Did you read about Herbal-Supplement Scam: Tests Reveal Fake and Dangerous Ingredients According to YAHOO SHINE OF NOV 4, 2013? ”Findings of a recent study, using DNA analysis, suggest that many plant-based remedies on the market today may be made of cheap fillers, such as soy, rice, and wheat, or contain weeds or potentially harmful contaminants.” Many of the herbal capsules that people purchased in drug stores and online are “contaminated with plant species not listed on the ingredients list, including some that were considered toxic or allergy producing, as well as other potentially hazardous substances”. In a 2010 study A lot of the vitamins, etc. tested positive for hazardous substances such as lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, and pesticides.
Speaking of which, I used to have a booth at the farmers market next to a man about 10 years older than myself. He told me that he adds arsenic to his fertilizer when planting his produce. This man was not an uneducated person by any means. His real job was working at a newspaper company as the lead graphic artist.
People love to complain about the FDA sticking its’ nose into food and farming operations. But if you are observant, you’ll be able to see why. Not everyone has the same sanitation and safety codes when they grow and harvest their produce, herbs, animals, what have you. It can be years before the FDA receives enough complaints to take action. And adverse reactions are shockingly underreported.
According to this article, you can also look for a "USP Verified" label, which means the manufacturer has voluntarily asked the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, a nonprofit organization that sets industry standards for medicines, food ingredients, and dietary supplements, to test the quality of its product.
When it comes to botanicals, quality control is difficult and all the more reason to sell them in the most natural state possible.
I’m seeing some people selling their herbs in vegi capsules and really wonder why anyone would purchase herbs this way from an herbalist. It seems to me that there is too much handling of the herb involved. Where do these people get the vegi capsules from in the first place? Are they making them, themselves? Then, how do these people fill these capsules? Are they wearing gloves? Hair nets? What about their equipment? And can they offer a USP Verified label? At least for the most part, companies who make and sell the herb and vitamin supplements have to follow sanitation codes, thanks to the FDA. However, an herbalist working out of their home, doesn’t. This is something to really think on. Herbalist should be way above companies that are selling their vitamins and herbs in unsanitary conditions and using fillers in their products. People rely on us to provide the best and that’s what we should be doing.


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US equity firm Thoma Bravo has made a US$3.9 billion acquisition bid for Sophos, with the cyber security solutions vendor’s board unanimously recommending the offer.
Newly renamed 'Windows 10 November 2019 Update' is nearing release. But given past naming conventions, it might not show up until November.
As CEO Bill McDermott steps down, SAP appears well-placed to ramp up its investment in partner enablement for cloud solutions sales.
Rubrik has questioned the credibility of a recent magic quadrant report from Gartner, insisting that the analyst firm’s methodology was “seriously flawed”.
Industrial supplier Redmond Inc. gets tighter control over bandwidth allocations, makes configuration changes with a software-defined WAN.
- What are microservices? Your next software architecture
- Microsoft prods customers with Windows 10 retirement dates
- IBM launches blockchain-based supply chain service with AI, IoT integration
- Microsoft's next Windows 10 feature update gets a name
- VMware builds security unit around Carbon Black tech
- SAP CEO Bill McDermott exits
- PC market grows again in Q3, as Windows 7 nears end of life
- HPE and Nutanix roll out hybrid cloud offering through channel
- How SaaS vendors are designing software for the 'best of breed' world
- With Windows Virtual Desktop, the bad old days are coming back
- Forcepoint steers channel towards global enterprise with program shake-up
- Channel Asia Innovation Awards: and the finalists are…
- Here's why there won’t be a quick enterprise blockchain revolution
- SAP gets set to build out its cloud services offering with enhanced stack
Snapshot survey by Channel Asia outlines priorities of ACA Pacific, Crayon, Ingram Micro, Innovix Distribution, Synnex Metrodata and Tech Data
The new CEO of the cloud data warehouse vendor talks frankly about what he wants to bring to the company and some of the key challenges on his agenda
Dublin-based business sizes up regional expansion
Eight cloud specialists in Southeast Asia outline market future to Channel Asia


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Before the recent Congressional recess, National debt and budget deficits were all we heard about for months. These are very serious issues that we need to address but they are not our most pressing problem. Our current focus should be on our lack of economic growth and how we get the economy moving again.
Sometimes we wrongly assume that everything financial is directly connected because we are given misleading information. Sensationalized news broadcasts discuss the national debt/deficits in the same breath as poor economic growth which indirectly implies that one causes the other. Not exactly. While our debt and deficit issues are a significant long-term problem that needs to be solved, we are currently paying the interest on our national debt and treasury bonds are still where investors put their money when they want to be “safe”.
Some economic impact is psychological
The biggest immediate impact that the debt/deficit situation has is when the media dramatizes these issues so much, people become scared. This lowers consumer confidence which negatively affects the markets because lower confidence levels indicate consumer reluctance to spend which, in turn, hurts businesses. When it comes to the economy, the power of positive (or negative) thinking has a very real impact.
Real economic drivers
Consumer spending is the biggest driver of growth in the U.S. economy, accounting for about 70% of our economy according to most estimates. Some criticize this figure, arguing it might not be quite that high because some spending is on non-U.S. products. However, regardless of the particular percentage, consumer spending is clearly a primary driving force in the economy.
In good times, we see the cycle of economic growth perpetuated. Consumers are confident and spending, which creates profits for businesses and corporations. Businesses can use these resources to create jobs and give raises to current workers. This puts more people back to work and gives current workers more disposable income. Corporations report profits, unemployment rates go down, and markets respond positively. This boosts consumer confidence levels which again promotes spending and round and round we go.
However, when people are out of work, haven’t received raises that keep up with the cost of living, or are worried about keeping their jobs, the economy takes a hit because people tighten their belts and cut back their spending. This is both a natural reaction and a personally responsible choice. However, the economic impact is very negative because, when people aren’t buying goods and services from businesses and corporations, profits suffer. When this happens, they don’t create jobs and may be forced to layoff workers. This causes unemployment to rise and consumer confidence to be shaken, which leads individuals to cut their personal spending further. This negative spiral works against economic growth.
The current stumbling block to improvement
We hear that we are coming out of the recession and that things are improving. There has been some ebb and flow, but overall consumer spending trends are up. However, unemployment rates are improving at a dead slow pace right now. So, what is the missing link? Why aren’t things improving more quickly?
Currently, our biggest barrier is that corporations are not creating jobs and replenishing their workforce. This would be more excusable if their profits weren’t so substantial. In July, the 2Q (second quarter) corporate earnings report was released, indicating a substantial upsurge in profits. Most corporations are in the position to hire back workers that they have lost and/or create jobs but they are simply not doing it. But why?
I frankly believe that some corporations are enjoying the current climate and plan to sit back and pile up as much cash as they can. Many companies cut back to a bare bones workforce during the heart of the recession by eliminating jobs and overloading remaining workers who were just glad to keep their jobs. People are still worried, job creation is not at an appropriate level, and getting another job is extremely difficult due to the number of folks competing for the small number of openings. All these factors create the perfect climate for exploiting your workforce by continuing to overload employees, many of whom are too scared to complain or wouldn’t be able to find another job if they tried.
Since it seems like those in the private sector (i.e., corporations) are enjoying their current profitable situation too much to do the right thing for the economy, how do we fix this and get the economy back on track? The government must initiate a jobs program – and soon.
You might be thinking… but won’t this add to our debt and deficit problem? Yes, in the short term, it will. (And mentally prepare yourself now for the demonization of any jobs program because it will require spending.) But as the old saying goes, “you’ve got to spend money to make money”. More people employed is not only good for the economy because it increases consumer spending, but it is also good for the federal budget because more employed people means more federal revenue. Every currently unemployed person who gets a job will be paying federal taxes as well as social security and medicare payroll taxes.
Long story short – if we can do enough to jump start our economy and get things moving in a positive direction, the positive momentum can build on itself and finally repair our damaged economy. If we don’t act, we are in for more of the same stalled growth we have now.


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Capcom Showcase Live Stream Announced June 13
Capcom will host a live stream event on Monday, June 13, called the Capcom Showcase, where the company promises to provide new details on upcoming and announced games. The 35-minute rollout begins Monday at 3pm PDT / 6pm EDT and will be streamed on Capcom’s Twitch and YouTube channel
The publisher’s current product line includes 6 . street fighter and a remake of Resident Evil 4. The show may also focus on Resident Evil Villageincluding Virtual reality support is in development for PlayStation VR2one expanded announcementand a multiplayer subcomponent, Resident Evil Reversethat was basically delayed.
In addition, Capcom also has some original titles, such as Pragmata and Exoprimal, but those games look likely to be further into the future. In the near future, Capcom will release soon Monster Hunter Rise: Sunshade expansion and Capcom Fighting CollectionA compilation of classic arcade fighting games.


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Johansson is claiming that Disney, caused Marvel, its subsidiary, to breach its contract with her. However, her contract stated “if Producer in its sole discretion determines to release the Picture, then such release shall be a wide theatrical release of the Picture (i.e. no less than 1500 screens).” But nowhere in the agreement does it state that Disney cannot simultaneously stream the movie.
Johansson’s attorneys argue that a theatrical release means an exclusive initial release in theaters before being exhibited on other media. And while it has been customary for theatrical pictures to give exhibitors an initial exclusive theatrical window first, followed by a home video release at least 90 days later, there is nothing in the agreement that specifically says the movie has to be released exclusively in theaters first.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, theaters were shut down, and a lot of films slated for theatrical release had to be held over or released digitally for viewing at home. Black Widow was initially scheduled to be released on May 1, 2020. The release was pushed back several times because of the Covid pandemic.
Walt Disney issued a statement responding to Johansson’s lawsuit: “There is no merit whatsoever to this filing. The lawsuit is especially sad and distressing in its callous disregard for the horrific and prolonged global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Disney has fully complied with Ms. Johansson’s contract and furthermore, the release of Black Widow on Disney+ with Premier Access has significantly enhanced her ability to earn additional compensation on top of the $20M she has received to date.”
“Black Widow,” grossed more than $318 million worldwide since opening in theaters and on Disney+. But it experienced a steep box-office drop between its first and second weekends. According to the National Association of Theater Owners, this reduction in box office was because the film was available on Disney+, where it could be rented for $29.99.


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Now that the holidays are behind us, retailers haven’t stopped offering bargains. In fact, there’s evidence they’re offering even better deals in some cases.
That’s good news if you got some gift cards in your stocking or plan to return some gifts for a refund. Sara Skirboll, a shopping and trends expert at RetailMeNot, says the time between Christmas and New Years Day is a great time to find after-holiday sales.
“Plus, it is a great time for shoppers to make any returns or exchanges for those unwanted gifts and use up those gift cards they have received throughout the season," Skirboll said.
Just about every retailer has something on sale this week, with many of the sales extending through most of January. Bath & Body Works has slashed prices up to 75 percent on a number of products. The sale ends on January 20.
Coach has marked down select items up to 50 percent for a sale running until January 7. It’s also offering free shipping.
Express has slashed prices up to 70 percent on a large number of products, with some clearance items marked down 40 percent. The sale runs through January 9.
TVs and video games
Best Buy’s after-Christmas sale features smart and UHD TVs in a variety of sizes, with savings of up to $70. The sale also includes $150 off the X-Box One X 1TB Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order deluxe edition console bundle and up to $200 off select laptops.
Yankee Candle has launched its semi-annual sale with online discounts of up to 75 percent. The sale ends on January 21. Michael Kors’ semi-annual sale is also underway, with savings of up to 70 percent. The promotion ends on January 28.
H&M has a 60 percent off winter sale underway through January 3. TOMS is knocking 25 percent off all markdowns in a sale that runs until January 8.


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Top Trends at Expo West 2024 – slideshow
Head into Expo West 2024 looking for these Top Trends.
March 1, 2024
Expo West is a place for discovery galore! While there are countless trends you’ll find on the show floor, New Hope Network has identified three Top Trends to keep an eye out for. From clean labels, prioritizing a sustainability story and focusing on innovation, these are brands and trends that consumers are looking for and you won’t want to miss.
Download this guide to 2024’s Top Trends at Natural Products Expo West!


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DALLAS — Dean Foods’ earnings ticked up during the second quarter of fiscal 2016 as the company continues to shift its focus away from less profitable market segments and attempts to develop a strong national, branded presence through the development of its DairyPure and TruMoo brands.
For the quarter ended June 30, Dean Foods earned $33,371,000, equal to 37c per share on the common stock, and an increase compared with the previous year when the company earned $26,519,000, or 28c per share.
Sales for the quarter fell to $1,848,788,000 from $2,014,706,000 during the same period of the previous year.
|Gregg Tanner, c.e.o. of Dean Foods|
“In the second quarter, total Dean Foods volume across all products of 632 million gallons was in line with our expectations,” said Gregg Tanner, chief executive officer, during an Aug. 8 conference call with securities analysts. “The declines in our fluid milk products were primarily due to large-format, private label volume we have chosen to exit, as this volume was not consistent with our more disciplined pricing architecture. Our branded white milk volume in all channels was flat year-over-year, and we experienced an increase in our flavored milk volume”
During the second quarter, Dean’s branded white milk share at retail increased 10 basis points versus the first quarter and 40 basis points when compared against the prior year, according to the company.
“Across the majority of our channels, fluid milk volume performance is exceeding or meeting our expectations,” Mr. Tanner said. “As we previously stated on the first-quarter call, we expect our share to remain stable or grow modestly over the balance of this year.”
A challenge facing the company is the cost of raw milk. During the second quarter, raw milk prices were down approximately 7% versus the first quarter of 2016. The quarterly average cost for the second quarter was $13.53 per cwt, which represents a decline of $2.30, or nearly 15%, on a year-over-year basis, Mr. Tanner said.
“With regards to the dairy commodity outlook, we forecast raw milk costs for the third quarter to average $15 per cwt, which represents an approximately 11% increase sequentially but an approximately 8% decrease year-over-year,” he said.
With the cost of raw materials rising, financial analysts on the call were asking about the company’s ability to manage pricing of its branded products versus private label.
“… there’s a couple things,” Mr. Tanner said. “One is we put in a pricing team that has gotten some new tools … that I think has made us much more effective and efficient in our pricing. And secondly, I think the investments that we’ve made behind the brands … have allowed us to expand our margins and really focus on that gap between private label and branded.”
An interesting subject that came up during the conference call involved how Dean Foods’ product portfolio may change in the future. In December 2012, the company sold its Morningstar Foods business unit to Saputo, Inc., Montreal, for $1.45 billion. Included in the agreement was a non-compete clause that prevented Dean Foods from manufacturing products produced by Morningstar Foods. Later this year the non-compete clause expires and Dean Foods will be free to manufacture and market its own creams, creamers, ice cream mixes, whipping cream, aerosol whipped toppings, iced coffee, half-and-half, value-added milks, sour cream and cottage cheese.
“Are those categories attractive?” Mr. Tanner said in response to an analyst’s question. “Yes, there are some of those categories that are very attractive. I think for us it’s a matter of prioritization of our innovation pipeline and which of those choices in sequencing did we want to take on, and how much do we want to throw at the organization at any point in time.”
He added that the company also is looking at plant-based products as an alternative for its innovation pipeline.
For the first six months of fiscal 2016, Dean Foods earned $72,572,000, or 79c per share, which compares favorably to the same period of the previous year when the company recorded a loss of $47,221,000.


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Whatever your opinion on the 'Metaverse', it would appear that brands are lining up to get involved. It feels almost inevitable that the Metaverse will continue, evolve and develop, so it is unsurprising that brands want to be a part of it.
Nike recently filed a new US trade mark covering "downloadable virtual goods", "retail store services for virtual goods" and "entertainment services...for use in virtual environments". It will no doubt seek to use this application as a base to file corresponding foreign applications elsewhere.
Even if Nike do not intend to operate within the Metaverse, it is clear that they are looking to the future and seeking to secure protection for the endless possibilities the virtual world provides. And they will not be the only brand to do so.
This is a reminder to ensure that your trade mark coverage is up to date and relevant for all current and future projects.
Nike isn't the first brand to jump on the Zuckerberg train. Following the Meta announcement, the official Twitter account tweeted "@Balenciaga what's the dress code in the metaverse?" hinting at a potential collaboration or partnership in the digital sphere.


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Your self-proclaimed second favorite soccer periodical is all set to release their 9th issue. This year marks the 20 year anniversary of the last time the legendary Eric Cantona rocked the red , white and black of Man United. As such, Mundial Magazine has decided to pay homage to the polarizing Frenchman by making him the cover star and focal point of their latest release via ten articles from those closely followed his storied career. Aside from Cantona you can look forward features on Steven Gerrard, Roberto Carlos, Panathanikos Ultras, the greatest Ajax kit ever and the success of bald men in the beautiful game.
The issue will release with three different covers. One for the newsstand in all his Man United Glory, one for the subscribers in his feisty Marsielle days and a limited cover featuring the brilliant artwork of Man United fan/renowned artist, Stanley Chow. All three can be seen in the featured image above.
To cop Mundial Magazine issue 009 go to: Mundialmag.com


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The Great Internet Blackout of 2012, which the FBI feared could impact thousands of Internet users, came and went with little more than a whimper on Monday, as the so-called "Doomsday" deadline passed with few reports of outages.
At 12:01 a.m. EDT, the FBI shut down temporary servers it had set up to handle Web traffic for thousands of computers infected with a virus spread by a ring of cyber criminals the bureau busted last year. Those using the estimated 200,000 computers still infected with the virus were expected to lose their Internet connection after the servers were closed down.
But Monday's big "blackout" failed to materialize.
"The impact seems to have been limited," CBS MoneyWatch.com said. According to the FBI, 41,800 of the 211,000 worldwide computers infected with the virus were in the United States, but U.S. Internet providers reported vastly fewer victims.
The virus "lacked the strength that some had feared," CNBC said, calling the interruption "overblown."
[Also read: 'Doomsday' fix: What you need to know]
In Australia, the "anticipated chaos at ISPs did not eventuate and, at worst, caused little more than a modest increase in calls to helpdesks," according to theaustralian.com.
In the U.K., "security firms reported no significant outages linked to the DNS Changer virus," the Daily Mail reported, "as many Internet service providers have either implemented a fix or contacted customers with steps to clean their computers."
Many Internet service providers had made temporary arrangements to keep those customers affected by the virus online. Online security firms, Facebook and the FBI offered free diagnostic checks for users whose computers may be infected. And the problem, security experts said, was relatively easy to fix.
Meanwhile, media hype over a potential "blackout" threatened "to obscure what has been a highly successful effort—one of few to date—to stamp out a global online scam and malware infestation," Paul Roberts wrote on threatpost.com. Six people were arrested in Estonia and charged with Internet fraud in the sting. A seventh, who was living in Russia, remains at large.


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What research says about green coffee’s ability to support metabolic health
Vol. 20 No. 7
Manufacturers have laid the groundwork to succeed in the fast-growing high-flavanol cocoa category, but there is work still to be done to show consumers that high-flavanol products are more than just desserts.
Emerging research supports probiotics for a range of conditions, from allergies to oral health.
Do calcium supplements really increase cardiovascular risk? Here’s what the latest research says.
Ingredients for better sleep, relaxation, and improved mood are backed by promising science.
“The key to continued probiotic growth is to expand the user base—have it go more mainstream,” says Dupont’s Megan DeStefano. “To do this, we need to attract new consumers through new and different benefits beyond immune and digestive health.”
Where do probiotic foods, beverages, and supplements stand today?
Will brands and formulators have to do better than simply offering higher concentrates in order to keep consumer interested in omega-3s supplements?
Sports Nutrition, Led by Protein Products, Growing at Faster Rate than All Other Consumer Health Categories Globally, Euromonitor Says
Sports protein sales, specifically, are likely to reach $14.6 billion globally by 2021, Euromonitor predicts.
The detox category’s had its ups and downs, enjoying wild popularity and bullish sales, even as it comes in for criticism from the medical community and others.


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According to the results of the FTSE 350 Cyber Governance Health Check, FTSE 350 Boards of Directors are growing more confident in their investments to mitigate cyber risks but they’re also aware of the huge scale of the challenges ahead. Just 1% of those companies surveyed feel their Board is fully informed and skilled enough to manage innovation and risk in the digital world.
For the second year, PwC has helped FTSE 350 companies complete the Health Check which is run by MI5, GCHQ and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. The process assesses how well FTSE 350 Boards of Directors and Audit Committees understand and oversee risk management measures and subsequently address their cyber security threats.
Cyber security is clearly on Boardroom agendas, with the majority of companies (88% of those surveyed, in fact) having a cyber risk category within their strategic risk register.
However, with an increasing number of cyber breaches occurring in 2014, only 29% of the 108 companies that completed the Cyber Governance Health Check believe cyber is a ‘top risk’, suggesting that companies need a more mature approach to cyber risk management.
While most (92%) of respondents say their Boards have a clear or acceptable understanding of the value of key information and data assets, one-in-three state the risks associated with maintaining this information is “never” reviewed. This issue is further compounded by 25% of firms taking part in the survey reporting that Boards never receive intelligence from their company’s senior cyber risk owner about who might be targeting the organisation.
On a more positive note, half the respondents to the Cyber Governance Health Check said their company has responded ‘Very well’ or ‘Quite well’ to cyber compromises and occurrences over the last year, while almost all (93%) felt that employees were now comfortable with reporting such compromises.
The cyber risk responsibility is placed firmly with the Board. 74% of Boards are said to take cyber risk very seriously.
However, given the ever-changing risk landscape there remains a degree of uncertainty around cyber threat with some 49% of respondents feeling there’s more companies can do to protect themselves from cyber threats.
Managing cyber risk: “More needs to be done”
Speaking about the survey results, Richard Horne (cyber security partner at PwC) explained: “To prosper in the digital world businesses absolutely have to manage their cyber security risk. It’s encouraging to see that most FTSE 350 companies place cyber risk firmly on the Board agenda. That said, in order for them to truly manage cyber risk more needs to be done.”
Elaborating on that last point, Horne commented: “As recent events have shown, the cyber security threat landscape continues to evolve at a fast pace. Boards of Directors must review their risk on a regular basis and ensure that the organisation is both managing its vulnerabilities and keeping pace with the sophistication and scale of the threat. Boards must develop the skills and capabilities to understand the impact of cyber threats on their organisations and shape the necessary strategic response.”
Importantly, Horne asserted: “In today’s digital world, securing key data and digital processes is now a core element of business management.”
Horne has also responded to the recent announcement concerning the establishment of a joint US and UK ‘cyber squad’. “As Prime Minister David Cameron and US President Barack Obama have pointed out, cyber attacks are a real threat to all businesses. In the digital world we now live in, all businesses rely on processes and data that’s stored electronically. Protecting that data and those processes is fundamental.”
Horne continued: “In helping global businesses build their defences and respond to breaches, we see the impact that a breach can have on a company that’s unprepared. However, it’s not an unmanageable risk. While attacks are becoming more sophisticated, so too are the defence mechanisms. With focused investment, preparation and the right skills companies can defend themselves by both preventing the majority of breaches and reacting rapidly and appropriately when incidents do happen.”
According to Horne, the financial costs of not acting can be crippling. “The average cost of an organisation’s worst security breach is rising significantly year on year,” he urged. “For smaller organisations, the worst breaches cost between £65,000 and £115,000 on average. For large organisations, that statistic is somewhere between £600,000 and £1.15 million.*
Due to the global nature of cyber risk, Horne is adamant that collaboration between the UK and US Governments is “paramount” when it comes to combating the threat.


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Florida orange crop declines after Hurricane Ian damage
Florida’s orange crop this year will be nearly a third smaller than last year, and one of the smallest in decades after Hurricane Ian devastated citrus groves last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Wednesday.
Why it matters: A smaller citrus crop could lead to higher prices, and orange prices have already increased 14.4% over the past year with inflation as of August, according to the Consumer Price Index.
- Juices and nonalcoholic beverages rose 13.1% year-over-year, the CPI showed.
Driving the news: California is projected to surpass Florida as the top orange producer in the country for the 2022-2023 harvest, according to Wednesday's report.
By the numbers: Florida’s orange crop is expected to be the smallest since the early 1940s, according to historical data. Wednesday's USDA report showed:
- The forecast for all Florida oranges for 2022-2023 is 28 million boxes, compared to 41 million in 2021-2022, down from 67.4 million boxes in 2019-2020.
- California is projected to produce nearly 62% of the nation's oranges with 47.1 million 80-pound boxes, up from 40.4 million last year but down from 54.1 in 2019-2020.
- The U.S. total for all oranges for 2022-2023 is forecasted at 76.3 million down from 81.7 million last year and 122.8 million in 2019-2020.
Meanwhile, orange juice futures rose as much as 0.8% to $1.92 a pound, a 50% increase in the last 12 months, Bloomberg reports.
Flashback: Florida's crop decline is not just damage from Hurricane Ian. In January, the crop was expected to be the smallest in over 75 years with a projected 44.5 million 90-pound boxes, the Associated Press reported.
- Citrus greening, a bacteria that can cause fruit drops and kill citrus trees, is part of the reason for the quarter-century slide.
What they’re saying: Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said Hurricane Ian ravaged 375,000 acres of commercial citrus and the forecast will be “an invaluable baseline” in predicting additional crop loss.
- “It is heartbreaking to see such an iconic Florida industry hurting right now,” Fried said in a statement, pledging her support to citrus growers.
What’s next: Expect more imports from other countries. A USDA report from July said "favorable weather in Brazil and Turkey leads to larger crops that more than offset" lower production in Egypt, the European Union and the U.S.
More from Axios:


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In the recent one month, the negative news about e-cigarettes has flooded the vape world. For example, the UK e-cig regulation, the emergency landing caused by fire from e-cigarettes, the lung disease may caused by e-cigs or the electronic cigarette ads increasing the possibility to lure kids to be exposed to vape and the like. These bad news about the electronic cigarettes have made the vape market in a slump and put the vape business owners in a suspicion and mistrust about the future of this industry. As a matter of fact, the Vape industry still owns inflation of application on wider fields and increasing number of vapers using e-cigarettes.
An authorized institution conducted an online survey of 2,406 people in the US and found that 37 per cent of smokers who use electronic cigarette view them primarily as a complementary product to traditional cigarettes, rather than a substitute. We also found that while 55 per cent of “substituters” were trying to quit, only 40% of “complementers” were.
The survey means that more than half of the smokers still hold that the electronic cigarettes can substitute the traditional tobacco as a good way to quit smoking no matter how the regulators arouse the side effects of this product.
As vaping or electronic cigarettes become so prevailing, cloud chasing as a competitive art too has gained huge popularity. Vapers compete to see who can produce large clouds of vapor using e-hookah. This means Vaping, as a competitive art, can also bring the public something to appreciate and enjoy.
Besides, drug regulators have recently granted a license for an e-cigarette to be used as a quit-smoking medicine, the first time such a product has been given a drug license in the UK.This means that the e-Voke, made by British American Tobacco, could be prescribed on the NHS to patients trying to give up smoking. A Public Health England study claimed that e-cigarettes were “95% less harmful than tobacco”.
Amsterdam, Netherlands, 5 January 2016 – A new study, published in the Journal of Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, found that e-cigarettes share a similar short-term safety profile as Nicorette® products and are comparable in reducing tobacco withdrawal symptoms.All the above statistics have proved that e-cigarettes still have spaces to spread in satisfying various social demands, but not exactly as the vape opponents express that the ecigs are not safer than traditional tobacco and shall definitely be regulated.


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Mysuru: In a bid to save petroleum products, control pollution and encourage the public to use electric vehicles, Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) is all set to establish six charging units for e-vehicles on Mysuru-Bengaluru Highway and other vantage points in city.
As of now, a total of 110 e-vehicles have been registered at RTO (West) out of which seven are e-rickshaws, five e-cars and the rest are two-wheelers. As there are no charging units for these e-vehicles in city, people are not opting to buy these e-vehicles. But once the charging units are established, the sale of e-vehicles would pick up. Keeping in mind to give facilities to e-vehicle owners, charging units are being established, said CESC General Manager (Technical) V. Prakash.
Stating that places have been identified for installation of charging units and the installation points have also been inspected, he said that a proposal in this regard has been submitted to the Central Government and once the proposal is approved, the installation work would be taken up soon.
In the first phase, it has been decided to install two charging units at Maddur and Mandya, one unit each in Srirangapatna and Mysuru, he said and added that in the second phase, there are plans to establish public and private charging stations in Mysuru city. This apart, there is a plan to install a charging unit at CESC Corporate Office, he said.
He further said that the charging units which would be installed 35 to 40 kms apart from each other on either side of the road can cater two e-vehicles at a time for charging and added that an e-vehicle can travel up to 40 kms by charging for 25 minutes. Once the density of e-vehicles increases, power can be supplied to the charging units through solar facilities, he said.
Low cost and job creation
Prakash said that establishing charging units would not incur huge expenditure as it would be established in 8×20 ft. space. As two people are required at each charging unit, this would also create jobs to unemployed to some extent, he added.
Charging units in Bengaluru
As there are more than 9,000 e-vehicles plying in Bengaluru, there are many charging units established there. After seeing the success of these charging units, it has been decided to establish similar charging units on Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway.


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A worker delivers packages at a logistics center owned by Ningbo Peacebird Fashion Co Ltd, in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province, on Nov 10, 2020. [Zhang Yongtao/For chinadaily.com.cn]
Zhejiang province, an e-commerce heartland and foreign trade hub in East China, reported a robust increase in online retail sales in the first 11 months of this year.
Zhejiang's online retail sales reached 19.81 trillion yuan ($302 billion) over the 11-month period, up 13.3 percent year-on-year, according to the province's Department of Commerce.
The online consumption of residents in the province stood at 985.78 billion yuan, up 11.3 percent year-on-year.
In the first 11 months of this year, apparel, shoes and bags, home decorations, and digital products were the top categories that pocketed the biggest market share of online sales in Zhejiang, accounting for 30.7 percent, 20 percent, and 15.2 percent respectively, accounting for 65.8 percent of the whole.
The export value of retail sales through cross-border e-commerce in the province reached 91.16 billion yuan, up 28.9 percent year-on-year, among which Jinhua, Hangzhou and Ningbo ranked as the top three, accounting for 81 percent of the province's online cross-border retail sales.
Meanwhile, the retail imports of cross-border e-commerce rose 33.4 percent to 33.9 billion yuan, driving up the province's import growth by 1.2 percentage points.
Zhejiang established seven more comprehensive cross-border e-commerce pilot zones this year -- Wenzhou, Shaoxing, Huzhou, Jiaxing, Quzhou, Taizhou and Lishui.


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In Asia, aluminium import prices for old cast, Taint/ Tabor, Zorba 95/2, 6063 extrusions, A356 wheels rose in sync with the recent spike in the three-month aluminium contract on LME.
The official three-month aluminium contract settled at $1,994.5/mt on Nov 19, up by $72/mt from $1,922.5/mt the prior week. Participants reported few trades as scrap prices escalated.
The weekly Davis Index for Taint/Tabor settled at $1,338/mt cfr India port, up by $20/mt. The index for Tense settled at $1,350/mt cfr India port, up by $25/mt from Nov 11.
The weekly Davis Indexes for Zorba 95/2 settled at $1,388/mt cfr India port, up by $38/mt, and for Zorba 99/3 settled at $1,425/mt cfr China port, up by $15/mt. Market participants shared that scrap yards and shipping companies are still reluctant to sell aluminium scrap to Chinese shores as confusion prevails regarding the scrap standards allowed inside China.
The weekly Davis Indexes for 6063 extrusion settled at $1,530/mt cfr India port, up by $50/mt, and for A356 wheels rose to $1,683/mt cfr India port, up by $68/mt.
ADC 12 manufacturers reported new enquiries from China and Japan. The weekly Davis Index for ADC 12 was flat at $1,800/mt cfr China port, up by $25/mt.
The weekly Davis Index for ADC 12 cfr Japan reached $1,850/mt, up by $45/mt. Indians heard ADC 12 offers at $1,800/mt. Chinese manufacturers exported ADC 12 at $1,900/mt cfr Japan port.


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PS5: Sony confirms £449 worth and 19 November launch, alongside recreation set in Hogwarts in 1800s | Science & Tech Information
Sony has come out swinging ahead of the console wars looming this trip season by confirming its two PS5 consoles shall be on the market in November alongside a bunch of thrilling video video games.
The flagship PlayStation 5 shall be on the market for £449 inside the UK from 19 November, and a digital model which doesn’t have a disc drive will worth £359.
Sony delivered the prices and launch dates all through a showcase on Wednesday which included shock new video video games, along with Remaining Fantasy XVI and an open-world RPG set inside the Harry Potter universe.
Hogwarts Legacy is a role-playing recreation set inside the late 1800s and appears as if it might allow avid gamers to resolve on their Hogwarts residence along with uncover the world previous the magical school.
Players could have entry to spells, potions and magical creatures, and although the underlying story wasn’t revealed the narration steered will probably be fashioned by the alternate options the participant makes in-game.
Remaining Fantasy XVI seems to be set in a medieval-style world with knights driving the gathering’ primary Chocobo steeds and characters summoning icon monsters to battle in real-time. Every video video games shall be launched in 2021.
Sony’s flagship console will worth exactly as quite a bit as Microsoft’s, although the additional cheap Xbox Sequence S is £100 cheaper than the PS5 digital model. That is on account of digital model having the equivalent specs as a result of the mannequin with a disc drive.
The consoles are going to hit cupboards first inside the US, Japan, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea on 12 November sooner than coming out the following week within the the rest of the world.
Pre-orders will open on 17 September at select retailers, giving Sony slightly little bit of a head start on Microsoft with Xbox pre-orders opening on 22 September.
Sony put a lot of games into what was planned as a 40-minute showcase, along with these above along with a sequel to God of Battle, Spider-Man: Miles Morales and a model new Identify of Duty recreation.
Sky Info had beforehand completed a full roundup of all 26 games revealed for the PS5 in March, starting with the six we’re most excited for, adopted by the remaining in alphabetical order.
Response to the event was very constructive on social media, with the hashtag #PlayStation5 trending globally on Twitter as people talked about their favourite video video games.
Sony moreover launched the PlayStation Plus Assortment, which can provide avid gamers entry to primary PS4 video video games along with The Remaining of Us and Fallout 4 from launch.
#PS5 #Sony #confirms #price #November #launch #recreation #set #Hogwarts #1800s #Science #Tech #Info


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Luxury fashion firm Burberry has said its overhaul is starting to bear fruit as it posted higher annual profits despite falling UK sales as the pound's bounce-back dented tourist demand.
The group reported a 5% rise in bottom-line pre-tax profits to £413 million for the year to March 31.
Group comparable store sales rose 3%, although it revealed that growth halved in the second half of its financial year, from 4% to 2%.
Recent trading was dragged lower by falling UK sales in the final six months as the group failed to match the previous year's impressive performance, when sales surged thanks to a spending spree by overseas shoppers taking advantage of the weak pound.
Overall the UK saw a "low single-digit percentage" rise in sales over the year, Burberry said.
Results for the wider group showed a bounce-back after a tough previous year, when profits tumbled by 21% after being hit by weak wholesale trading in the US.
Burberry chief executive Marco Gobbetti said: "In a year of transition, we are pleased with our performance as we began to execute our strategy.
"While the task of transforming Burberry is still before us, the first steps we implemented to re-energise our brand are showing promising early signs."
Results showed underlying pre-tax profits lifted 2% to £471 million, or 5% higher with currency effects stripped out.
Mr Gobbetti is slashing costs - targeting £120 million a year in cuts by 2019-20 - and is axing under-performing stores as part of his overhaul.
The store closures are set to see retail sales fall by 1% in the new financial year, although Burberry is expecting "broadly" stable revenues and profit margins.
It cautioned in its latest results that the pound's recent recovery was set to have a higher-than-expected impact of around £40 million on underlying earnings in the new financial year.
The group had previously benefited from the pound's slump following the Brexit vote.


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A New Tool Could Push Snap Stock to an All-Time High
Social media camera company Snap Inc. (NYSE: SNAP) will hold its annual developer conference on June 11. The meeting will be virtual, of course, but an expected announcement is quite real.
According to a report last week at The Information citing unnamed sources, Snap is preparing to offer a stripped-down version of its platform that partners can embed in their own apps. Social media platforms are quick to duplicate new features that competitors introduce, and Snap’s new openness copies China’s popular WeChat social media site.
Staying ahead of social media competitors is close to a fool’s game. A recent example would be Facebook Inc.’s (NASDAQ: FB) rollout of its Facebook Avatars feature. Like Snap’s Bitmoji, Avatars lets users create cartoon-like images of themselves.
Facebook has to do something to get young people back. Recent polls indicate that Facebook is lagging in popularity among people between the ages of 13 and 22. The most popular social media app among this age group is YouTube, used by 79% of the survey’s respondents, followed by Instagram’s 73% and Snapchat’s 66%. Facebook draws just 58% of that demographic, and Twitter even less, just 44%.
Snap also recognizes that it can’t sit still, and copying WeChat’s embedding feature could really give the stock the shot in the arm that Wall Street is looking for.
What Is This Big Idea?
While details on what Snap has in mind won’t be available until next week, the general idea is pretty simple. Developers will be able to use a Snap-provided toolkit to build a Snapchat-like mini-app right into their own websites.
For example, a cosmetics firm might have access to Snap’s augmented reality feature that would allow users to try different products and share the results with friends. That could be done in the Snap app itself, but a company like, say, Ulta Beauty, likely would be willing to pay for the ability to corral a customer who wants to try several shades of lipstick and get her friends involved in making a choice.
A skilled marketer not only gets a chance to sell a product to a single customer but to all the people in the customer’s circle. Nabbing this kind of mindshare is worth serious money, and Snapchat will be paid to provide the platform.
How Much Help Does Snap Need?
Snap reported a net loss of $0.08 per share and $462 million in revenue for its first quarter of 2020. Consensus estimates had called for a net loss of $0.07 per share and $431.43 million in revenue. In the same period of last year, Snap reported a $0.10 per share net loss and revenue of $320.43 million.
During the quarter, daily active users increased from 190 million in the first quarter of last year to 229 million. On average, more than 4 billion Snaps were created each day in the first quarter of 2020. The coronavirus pandemic lockdown likely has accelerated this user growth. With schools closed, young people have been spending more time on their devices.
Average revenue per user increased 20% year over year to $2.02. As a result of these numbers, many analysts moved the stock to their Buy categories. On Tuesday, the stock reached a level it hadn’t seen in more than two years.
The momentum is there. In the fickle world of social media though, where user counts and revenue growth are the most critical components by which a company is judged, introducing a new revenue generator is a pretty big deal.
Analysts have been cautious about setting a price target on Snap stock. Ten of 12 firms either reiterated or raised their ratings on the stock to the equivalent of Buy, and 11 of 12 raised their price targets. On Monday, Deutsche Bank lifted its rating from Hold to Buy and put a price target of $24 on the stock, the highest number yet.
Snap’s all-time high is around $29.50 a share, posted on the day the stock came public in March of 2017. Shares traded $10 or so below that level Wednesday afternoon.


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Boots and bags made from recycled plastic provide Haitian jobs
We’re constantly looking for innovative ways to improve the Springwise experience, and so we’re now introducing BeeLine Reader, a new technology that helps you read more quickly and efficiently. To learn more about BeeLine Reader, an award-winning startup funded by Intel Capital, see BeeLineReader.com.
Pittsburgh-based Thread transforms trash into responsible fabrics, providing jobs in some of the poorest communities around the world. Timberland recently completed its five year pledge to plant five million trees in Haiti. So the recent collaboration between the two brands is bringing to market an iconic product with true social impact. The Timberland bags and boots will be available in stores from Spring 2017. Each piece in the collection will be 50 percent recycled plastic bottles. The bottles are collected from the streets of Haiti and Honduras by teams employed by Thread. Thread tracks every stage of its fabric production,…
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E-commerce trends and strategies for 2023
In a survey conducted in 2021, 86% of US marketers and agencies said that they planned on including shopping features within influencer marketing campaigns. Given affiliate links are the most popular revenue-generating...
Strong industrial sector key to development
Rise in UK manufacturing and construction activity
The weight loss industry’s transformation
Connected worker is fundamental to post-Covid business resilience
UK trade deal with Norway worth £20bn implodes
Remittances in the time of the pandemic
London firms switched to Dublin for post-Brexit business
Laying the foundation for Oman’s digital future
Inflation concerns in the United States
IMF raises growth forecast for UK and global economy
Where are the Arab pharmaceutical industries?
Investors look beyond Europe as optimism grows
Technology helps students learn safely


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Fountain Valley-based Hyundai Motor America Inc.’s Blue Link equipped vehicles will soon be compatible with Google Assistant voice commands, the company announced.
Users with a smartphone will be able to use voice commands to find restaurants, use the car’s navigation system, ask about weather, traffic and more.
For example, users can ask their Google Assistant to find a high-end sushi restaurant, the address of which can then be sent to their car via Blue Link, or start their car with it set to a certain temperature.
“Our customers are finding smart home integrations like the one we are showcasing with Google Home to be very useful and convenient,” said Manish Mehrotra, director, digital business planning and connected operations, Hyundai Motor America, in a statement. “We will continue to add layers of convenience to the Blue Link connected car system and our cars, making features like remote EV charge management, remote locking, temperature and remote start easier than ever while sitting on the couch and saying ‘OK, Google’.”
Hyundai Motor America sold 775,005 units in 2016, a 1.75 percent increase over 2015, even though December sales were down 1.9 percent.
In December, the auto brand ousted Chief Executive Dave Zuchowski. Jerry Flannery, executive vice president and general counsel, is the company’s interim CEO.
Contact the writer: email@example.com or Twitter: @HannahMadans