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1,500 water bottles are being bought every second in the U.S, according to treehugger.com. That’s 90,000 water bottles each minute. While there is access to cold, filtered water stations on campus, Burlington High School continues to buy roughly 100 water bottles a day.
“We sell water […] to generate revenue for our program because our program isn’t funded,” said Doug Davis, the Burlington School Food Project director. The lunch program does not get any money from the district, leaving all revenue to be created themselves.
Decisions about what to put in the BHS vending machines are based on supply and demand, just like in the real world. If students buy products in the vending machines then food service will continue to sell them. Likewise, if students do not buy the product, the item is no longer put into the vending machines.
“Water is one of the things that kids tend to buy and seem to want, so I would be happy if they brought their own water bottles and used the water bottle fillers that we have, but it’s something that kids have always asked us to provide and so we provide.” Davis said.
Every few years the rumor surfaces that BHS will replace the option to buy plastic water bottles with reusable water bottles.
“If kids brought their own water bottles from home and filled their water bottles themselves, and the sales of water was impacted, then just by supply and demand we would have less water bottles,” Davis said. “I think that there’s a feeling that the water coming out of the water fountains isn’t good. And that’s not the case.”
Students bringing in their own water bottles and not buying the school ones would not impact lunch food revenue either. Davis said that water bottles could just be replaced with another product that students would buy just as much. He said he could not be sure but thought that there would be no direct impact to the lunch program budget if they didn’t sell water bottles.
“I don’t know what happens to them after they leave nor do I know how diligent students are, or adults, putting bottles where they belong,” Davis said.
Water Bottle Waste
The Geyser Spring water bottles sold at the high school are recyclable. Davis hopes that once the bottles leave the machine they are either reused or recycled. However, many students notice this isn’t the case.
“Then they should get rid of them. They shouldn’t be wasting plastic. Also they should encourage students to bring their own water bottles,” said Janizer Diaz-Cartagena.
The sophomore believes plastic water bottles should be replaced with reusable ones and that they should be sold at the same price.
“I thought it was more.” said student Hannah Cunningham, when told that BHS sells approximately 100 water bottles a day. Cunningham also thinks thought that using that much plastic was unnecessary and bad for the environment.
Many students at BHS do not know about the level of water bottle sales at the high school. Elijah Labounty said that he does not buy water bottles at BHS very often. Him and Devin Libby, a senior, were surprised by the numbers. They did not know that water bottle sales at school were so high.
Combatting the Problem
Ella Causer, is co-president of LEAP, the BHS environmental club. Her organization is leading the effort to replace the recyclable water bottles with reusable ones that would also be sold in vending machines.
“[The environmental club] has been working on contacting local business owners to receive funding and they’ve actually secured a $2000 grant from Dealer.com,” Causer said.
There is a GoFundMe page set up by the environmental club to raise money for these new reusable water bottles. They are currently $1,000 short of their $5,000 goal.
The environmental club is also teaching students the proper way to recycle and compost. Causer said that many students do not know how or what to recycle and what to compost. They end up mixing them up and contaminating both. To fix this problem, the environmental club will be working with advisories.
To combat the problem, the organization has developed a new community service opportunity called “Trash Talkers.” Students will earn one hour of community service per lunch period for standing near the waste bins and helping students separate their compost, recycling and trash. Students can contact the environmental club for more information.


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YAKIMA, Wash.-- Things are starting to look up for the City of Yakima and it's struggling finances. Recently released numbers from the finance and budget department show steady growth for the city's sales tax revenue.
This past May, the city's sales tax revenue grew by more than $40,000 compared to May 2011. A pretty good increase when you look at the dramatic drop the city had to deal with about three years ago.
In fact, in 2009, the city collected about one-million dollars less than just one year before, a huge hit to the general fund which sales tax revenue goes into.
Since the big drop, sales tax has stayed pretty flat, but now with this year's growth things might be looking up for the city.
"It's a step in the right direction. And it may ease some of the concern to get 2013 balanced as we go forward," said Cindy Epperson, director of finance and budget.
Epperson says the increase not only means good things for the city's finances but also for local businesses. The change shows people are out spending more money helping the economy bounce back.
May's increase puts the city almost $150,000 ahead of 2011, and so far, June is also ahead of last year too.

domain: news


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For UK-based Wolseley plc, growth in the e-commerce channel isn't enough; they want to be one of the strongest players in the e-commerce business.
"We've invested a lot getting a very good transactional site up and running," CEO Ian Meakins said in a call to discuss the distributor's mid-year earnings. "We benchmark it not just against our other competitors in our space, but versus Amazon, those sorts of people – Grainger – we want to have the best transactional site."
Grainger is commonly recognized as having one of the strongest e-commerce platforms in the distribution industry. E-commerce now accounts for a third of Grainger's total $9.4 billion in annual sales. (Read more about Grainger's e-commerce plans in Behind Grainger’s E-Commerce Strategy.)
"Over 9 percent of our (U.S. B2B) business is now conducted via e-commerce and it is rapidly gaining share of our business, with more than 70 percent growth," Meakins says. "We have 30 people dedicated to converting customers to our e-commerce site." About 20 percent of Wolseley's customers are currently signed up on its website with their own terms and conditions.
In the recent 2014 State of E-Commerce in Distribution survey, MDM found that 77 percent of respondents reported e-commerce comprising less than 10 percent of their company's total sales in 2013. The report also found that 48 percent of respondents did not have any dedicated e-commerce personnel. Of those that had dedicated personnel, only 5 percent had a dedicated e-commerce division.
Both Wolseley's business-to-business and business-to-consumer e-commerce programs have experienced significant growth this past year, especially in the U.S.
"In total, (e-commerce) would be about 15 percent (of total U.S. sales), when you add B2B and B2C together," Meakins says. "B2B e-commerce, after a slow build over many years, has begun to accelerate rapidly in the U.S."
Meakins credits the investments they've made in e-commerce as being crucial factors in the channel's growth.
"The critical steps are having an excellent transactional site, and then investing resources to get customers confident in using that site. Once they have seen the benefits, they increase usage rapidly, particularly as they increasingly use tablets and mobile devices," Meakins says.
Despite success in the U.S., adoption of e-commerce channels in the U.K. has been much slower. Once it gets its U.K. customers set-up and accustomed to the e-commerce system, "they will adopt, just like the U.S.," Meakins says.
After the company dedicated people to oversee and develop the e-commerce channel in the U.S., the pace of adoption picked up. "The same will happen in the U.K. We're now putting dedicated people against it. We've got to help our customers; transport them from not using the site into using the site. It's just going to have to be a patient game," Meakins says.
Wolseley will continue its significant investment in developing the e-commerce channel to capitalize on the strong benefits the channel provides and to improve the distributor's ability to compete in a changing market.
"The benefits for us are higher average order size, margins are better because of consistent pricing without the ability to negotiate, and in addition, it's lower cost-to-serve for us," Meakins says. "We continue to drive this channel hard and will invest further to improve and re-platform our business over the next 12 months, so that we will increase our advantage over smaller distributors, and can compete with the larger e-commerce players, who are beginning to come into our space, like Amazon and Home Depot."


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According to a pair of press release statements, global publisher Webzen and Red 5 have entered into legal wrangling centered around the development and publication of Firefall. Red 5 Studios has filed for arbitration against Webzen for "alleged breach of obligations" and is seeking to recoup $5 million. Webzen has responded by saying that it has more than fulfilled its obligations and vigorously denies the allegations.
From Red 5:
“We are deeply disappointed that Webzen has forced us to react this way,” said Red 5 CEO Mark Kern. “Since day one, our goal has been to craft a revolutionary gaming experience, get that game into the hands of as many people as possible, and do so utilizing the free to play model. Sadly, we do not believe that Webzen has lived up to its obligations under our agreement, which isn’t fair to our passionate team at Red 5 or to our supportive fans in Asia.” Kern confirms that the arbitration will not disrupt Red 5’s continued development of the game. Red 5 still plans to self-publish the game in the United States and Europe and will offer Firefall as a free digital download that’s free of any monthly fees. Webzen continues to hold publishing rights in Asia as well as a few other territories.
From Webzen (via email press document):
As the publisher of the game in territories other than North America and Europe, WEBZEN has patiently waited for the completion of the game for five years despite numerous delays in development. The game, for which WEBZEN has invested nearly $25 million, is not yet complete, and we are dismayed that Red 5 has initiated this dispute before we are able to enjoy the results of our investment.
We'll keep you posted on this developing situation.
UPDATE: An open letter has been posted by Red 5's CEO Mark Kern to fans of Firefall.


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More than £100bn raised in AIM junior stock market since its launch in 1995
More than £100billion has been raised on the AIM junior stock market since its launch, highlighting the strength of the City as Britain's Brexit negotiations approach.
The market, which started in 1995, is the only one of its kind in the world and allows smaller businesses to sell shares to the public.
It has been criticised as a Wild West where firms can tout themselves with less regulation than the main indices.
Landmark: More than £100billion has been raised on the AIM junior stock market since its launch in 1995
But supporters view it as a key source of funding for fast-growing firms and a major feather in London's cap.
AIM stocks tend to be extremely volatile and prone to wild swings in price – meaning money can be made, or lost, very quickly.
Last year 38 companies floated on AIM, raising £1.1billion and ending the year with share prices up an average 39 per cent.
Meanwhile 263 companies already listed raised an extra £3.8billion in funding.
It suggests appetite for the City's cash continues unabated, despite fears of a Brexit slowdown.
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Caterham seriously preparing brand new sports car that will be launched in 2016 . Caterham cooporate with Alpine to build this car.
The makes of the cars read like a Debrett’s of the automobile world: Bugatti, Hispano-Suiza, Talbot-Lago, Panhard-Levassor, Maserati, Ferrari, Delahaye, Delage. They are a hoard of 60 classic cars discovered on a farm in the west of France.
The Spy Who Loved Me featured perhaps the the second most famous James Bond car of all time, after the iconic Goldfinger DB5: the Lotus Esprit S1 that went from sports car to submarine with the flick of a switch.
Who said Rolls Royce or Maybach are the prestige? Check out Russian car build for Vladimir Putin the Russian President. 7.0 litre engine, 315 bhp.


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Cana is rebuilding food and beverage manufacturing
“Plastic doesn't go in the blue bin anymore,” I told my son as we were putting the garbage away that we had collected from cleaning up his elementary school playground. The county we lived in did not collect our plastic anymore and, to be honest, I didn't really know why.
I started to surf around on the internet to understand why, which quickly led me to learning about the impact plastic was having. The biggest culprit in creating plastic waste is the food and beverage industry. Each year the manufacturing and distribution of food and beverage creates more than 400 billion plastic bottles. We are essentially drowning ourselves in plastic bottle waste and, worst of all, the plastic is starting to break down in our oceans and find its way into marine life and our bodies…and surprise, neither is good for us.
One piece of information that hit me hard was the World Economic Forum Global Risk report. The report surveys heads of state, CEOs, NGO leaders, and business and socio-economic analysts about the biggest risks to humankind's progress and the likelihood that those risks become real. The risks are bucketed into five categories; economic, environmental, geopolitical, societal, and technological. 2020 the top 4 issues were all from the environmental bucket. The top impact issue was climate action failure.
Us? No way!
I was motivated to take action.
That's where The Production Board entered the picture. I met Bharat and Dave at the end of 2020, learned more about their thesis around decentralized manufacturing of food and beverages. In essence, these guys were bucking the survey's top challenge of climate action failure, they were attempting to make “climate action success”.
So what's the problem?
Single-use beverage containers have no place in the home
With the exception of refrigeration, beverage production hasn’t changed for decades. Every year, the world produces 481 billion plastic bottles. Once consumed, only 20% of bottles and cans are recycled. It’s estimated that in the coming decades, there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish. An issue we’re committed to addressing directly.
Decades old and environmentally wasteful infrastructure
On average any beverage consumed is 90% water. A beer, a wine, sports drink, or a coffee. Only about 5% of a beverage are the unique ingredients that give a beverage its taste and aroma. This means that we are essentially shipping water from point A to point B. To ship the worlds beverages we emit about 543M metric tons of CO2 annually. That's like putting 117M internal combustion engine vehicles on the road each year!
And in a year, to create the unique 5% of flavor and aroma ingredients we use 400 trillion liters of water. As an example, tea is the worlds most consumed beverage and it takes 27 liters of water to make a 250ml cup of tea. Coffee, the second most consumed beverage, 133 liters of water for a cup. If you want to see more check out water footprint network.
All this to say, the current centralized system is CO2 spewing, water wasting, plastic garbage creating infrastructure running on automatic, making the world's beverages at a time when our environment and natural resources are going to be put at peril if we don't act.
Cana is decentralizing manufacturing and bringing the beverage aisle to your countertop
Cana is offering more convenience than 2-hour delivery ever could by giving consumers access to 1000’s of drinks on demand without the waste associated with manufacturing, bottling, and transporting. Think of it as having the entire beverage aisle on your countertop.
With over four years of scientific research, our team has created a universal beverage ingredient set. These are ONLY the essential 5% of beverage ingredients that we need to give any beverage its taste, aroma, and mouth feel. We can now create great tasting beverages from cocktails to wine, to coffee, and your favorite sparkling seltzer all from a single set of beverage ingredients. We combine our beverage ingredients with the tap water in your home to reduce water waste, reduce plastic bottle and packaging waste, and CO2 emissions from shipping water from point A to point B.
How do we make all this work?
Cana gives people the ability to create any beverage, any time, with the water from their tap - it’s like magic. To do that, Cana has created the world's first molecular beverage printer. Cana’s molecular printer is beverage manufacturing in your home - our system provides only the essential 5% of ingredients in a highly optimized cartridge, this significantly multiplies the number of beverages that can be served. For example, Cana can save the average American household 100 beverage containers a month. Beverages are just the beginning, with our eyes on food and more beverages we are taking “climate failure action” to 10.
With support from The Production Board, we aim to put a stop to the pollution, waste, and mismanagement of land and water by the $2 trillion per year centralized beverage manufacturing system. We are doing so by decentralizing the entire system of production with our molecular beverage printer, and providing customers with any drink, any time, with ultra-low waste.
So what's next?
As we look ahead, we’re seeking out those who thirst for more and are passionate about making true, sustainable change in the world. We’re currently hiring across all areas of the business and open to investors and partners that want to join the battle and advance our mission. To learn more about our novel approach to transforming the way we create and consume beverages, please visit https://cana.com.
Come taste the future.


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A ten-year-old boy from Cumbria has written and published his very own, dairy-free, cookbook.
Dan Newton has a rare condition called galactosemia, which means he can't eat dairy.
He's been selling signed copies of his book at his school, Braithwaite Church of England Primary.
More top news
The iconic international fashion designer is hosting a talk at the University of Cumbria in June.
A Cumbrian farmer is calling on ministers in London today to give his action group permission to fix flooding problems across Cumbria.
Cold winds bring a taste of winter.


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Update on the latest in business:
Stocks post broad gains
NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks have moved broadly higher as investors welcome strong quarterly earnings reports from Google parent Alphabet, drugmaker Biogen and other companies.
Technology and health care stocks accounted for much of the market’s gains. Alphabet rose 4.1 percent and Biogen climbed 4.3 percent.
Harley-Davidson surged 7.6 percent after reporting a strong quarter.
Energy companies rose along with the price of crude oil. Chevron rose 2.1 percent.
Utilities and other safe-play stocks lagged the market.
Administration prepares plan to provide billions in emergency aid to farmers
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is preparing a plan to provide billions of dollars in emergency aid to farmers who have been hurt by tariffs. That’s according to two people who have been briefed on the plan who spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of a formal announcement.
The Agriculture Department was expected to announce the plan later Tuesday.
This comes as President Donald Trump appears at the Veterans of Foreign Wars national convention in Kansas City in the heart of the nation’s farm country. The plan aims to provide temporary relief to farmers who have faced retaliation from U.S. trade partners during Trump’s escalating trade dispute with China.
The administration has slapped tariffs on $34 billion in Chinese goods and China retaliated with duties on soybeans and pork.
Ag sector bounces on word of US tariff aid for farmers
NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street is flooding into the agricultural sector on reports that the Trump administration is preparing a plan that would send billions in aid to U.S. farmers hurt by tariffs.
CF Industries Holding and Mosaic Company both traded up more than 3 percent, while Deere & Co. shot up more than 4 percent after news of the aid package was leaked to The Associated Press by two people briefed on the plan. Shares in Archer-Daniels-Midland and FMC Corp. also rose.
The Agriculture Department is expected to announce details later Tuesday. The plan would attempt to give relief to farmers who have faced retaliation from U.S. trade partners with duties on products like soybeans and pork.
President Donald Trump is in Kansas City Tuesday, the heart of the nation’s farm country.
Ryan says lawmakers are arguing against tariffs
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Paul Ryan says lawmakers are making the case to President Donald Trump that tariffs are “not the way to go.”
The Republican leader told reporters Tuesday, “I’ve made it pretty clear I don’t think tariffs are the right answer.”
Ryan said he understood Trump’s goal — of trying to get a “better deal for Americans” — but he disagreed with the president’s strategy. Ryan said he doesn’t support tariffs. He added that, “Tariffs are taxes.”
Ryan’s remarks came a couple hours after Trump tweeted that “Tariffs are the greatest!” and threatened to impose additional penalties on U.S. trading partners.
The president is meeting with European officials on Wednesday at the White House. The U.S. and European allies have been at odds over Trump’s tariffs on steel imports and are meeting as the trade dispute threatens to spread to automobile production.
Trump threatens additional penalties on trading partners
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is declaring that “Tariffs are the greatest!” and threatening to impose additional penalties on U.S. trading partners as he prepares for negotiations with European officials at the White House.
Trump is tweeting that trade partners need to either negotiate a “fair deal, or it gets hit with Tariffs. It’s as simple as that.”
The president writes that the U.S. is a ”‘piggy bank’ that’s being robbed.” He notes that countries “that have treated us unfairly on trade for years” are coming to Washington to negotiate.
Trump is meeting with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (zhahn-KLOHD’ YUN’-kur) on Wednesday. The U.S. and European allies have been at odds over the president’s tariffs on steel imports and are meeting as the trade dispute threatens to spread to automobile production.
China insists US airlines describe Taiwan as part of China
BEIJING (AP) — China says there will be “no room for negotiation” in its demand that U.S. airlines describe self-ruled Taiwan as part of China ahead of a deadline this week.
Beijing has insisted that carriers change references to Taiwan on their websites to “Taiwan, China” by Wednesday. Taiwan separated from China amid civil war in 1949 but Beijing continues to claim it as its own territory.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Tuesday that China hopes the U.S. government will urge businesses to follow China’s requirements. He did not specify how China would punish defiant carriers, saying only that it will “wait and see.”
The White House has previously criticized the Chinese demand as “Orwellian nonsense.”
ELI LILLY-ANIMAL HEALTH IPO
Drugmaker Lilly plans IPO for part of animal health business
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Eli Lilly is planning an initial public offering for part of an animal health business that brought in about 13 percent of all company revenue last year.
The drugmaker said Tuesday that the IPO will represent an ownership stake of less than 20 percent. Lilly said it will divest its remaining stake in Elanco Animal Health through a tax-efficient deal, but offered no other details.
Eli Lilly and Co., based in Indianapolis, once saw animal health as a pivotal asset in equalizing the loss of patents on some top products. Last fall, however, it said it was exploring other options for the business.
Elanco brought in $3.08 billion in revenue last year. It makes antibiotics and feed additives for livestock and flea and heartworm treatments for pets.
Fiat Chrysler new CEO takes wheel with earnings presentation
MILAN (AP) — Fiat Chrysler’s second-quarter earnings presentation was meant to celebrate long-time CEO Sergio Marchionne’s achievement of zero debt. That will be overshadowed by the accelerated debut of a new global boss, Mike Manley, after the sudden deterioration of Marchionne’s health.
Credited with the turnaround of money-making Jeep, Manley faced his first test as CEO on Monday as shares in Fiat Chrysler became volatile and the head of the European operations — a potential successor to Marchionne — quit. In a vote of confidence, ratings agency Standard & Poor’s confirmed Fiat Chrysler’s BB+ credit grade.
Manley’s next test comes Wednesday when he presents the Italian-American automaker’s earnings. A forecast by FactSet put Fiat Chrysler second-quarter profits at 1.28 billion euros ($1.5 billion), up 11 percent over the same period last year.
Netflix to open in Spain its first European production hub
MADRID (AP) — Netflix says it’s establishing in Spain its first content production hub on European soil as the online video entertainment platform tries to expand in different languages.
A company statement Tuesday says the new production center in the outskirts of Madrid will initially occupy close to a quarter of the 22,000 square-meter production hub currently under construction by Grupo Secuoya, a leading Spanish media company.
It says the studios are expected to be operational in September and will help Netflix’s “growing slate of Spanish-language original content,” including new and existing titles, co-produced or undertaken by Netflix alone.
Netflix is about to release the third season of Cable Girls, produced entirely in Spain, and has recently signed a deal with the creators of Money Heist, its most watched non-English language show.
4 types of Goldfish Crackers recalled, salmonella fears
NORWALK, Conn. (AP) — Pepperidge Farm is voluntarily recalling four varieties of Goldfish Crackers because of fears they could potentially have salmonella.
The company on Monday took the action after one of its ingredient suppliers notified it that whey powder used in a seasoning may be contaminated. The products were distributed in the United States and no illnesses have been reported.
The Goldfish recall covers Flavor Blasted Xtra Cheddar, Flavor Blasted Sour Cream & Onion, Goldfish Baked with Whole Grain Xtra Cheddar and Goldfish Mix Xtra Cheddar + Pretzel. The company has posted a chart with the product codes on its website.
The products can be returned to place of purchase for a refund.
Consumers can call customer service at 800-679-1791.


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Today, Trion Worlds announced that their reimagining of last year’s online sci-fi shooter, Defiance, has been released on console and PC as Defiance 2050. This time it’s brought to the current generation with updated visuals, gameplay enhancements, and more.
Originally released in 2013, Defiance blended third-person gunplay with fast-paced action, cooperative gameplay, and a tie-in with the Syfy channel show by the same name. Players, or, Ark Hunters, fight their way through a post-apocalyptic landscapes of Earth, using alien tech and weaponry to take out threats of this new world.
The definitive Defiance experience, Defiance 2050 is focused on bringing the game into the current generation. In addition to taking advantage of modern hardware to improve the original game’s visuals, Defiance 2050 also makes major updates to Defiance’s gameplay systems, streamlining and modernizing them for today’s shooter audience.
Like its predecssor, Defiance 2050 is free-to-play. However, players can purchase an “ultimate class pack” that contains $50 worth of Bits, a Crusader Class + Outfit, Engineer Class + Outfit, Assault Class, Guardian Class, Combat Medic Class, and the TMW Hannibal 800R ATV.
Defiance 2050 is available now on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. For more information, visit the official website.


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HOB Announces Its Holiday Series: Heart For The Holidays
Last updated 11/10/2021 at 1:16pm
The Heart of Brevard (HOB) announced Heart for The Holidays, a series of three special holiday events, sprinkled with cheer for the entire family, according to a news release.
These events highlight the unique businesses that make downtown Brevard a charming destination and focus on shopping locally this holiday season, the release said.
All events are free and open to the public.
The series begins Nov. 20-21 with The HeArt of the Season, celebrating local arts and culture in downtown.
This simple, two-day event allows galleries and studios to show off their creative skills and those...


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HOUSTON, TEXAS — The owner of a gun store in North Houston shot and killed a robber trying to break into his Class 3 firearms store. There were apparently two robbers in this but one of them managed to escape. The other one wasn’t so lucky. According to KHOU, the break-in occurred around 3 am and the gun store owner responded with deadly force.
Not much is being released about this story because it’s a pretty open and shut case. Unlike the burglary at Al’s Army-Navy Store in Orlando, these burglars weren’t at all creative.
When will burglars realize gun stores are not easy targets? More importantly, with the up-tick in loosened gun restrictions in Texas regarding the right to carry concealed and openly carry a firearm – you would think burglars would be MUCH more cautious about their trade.
We’ll update if more details emerge. Hopefully the surviving burglar who escaped reconsiders his choice in career. The other one can be considered “permanently retired”.


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DoorDash's latest data breach compromised the data of 4.9 million users. The delivery service confirmed the breach in statement on September 26.
No commodity exists in isolation. Weather changes, government intervention, and consumer demand are just a few of the forces that push supply into unpredictability.
TDn2K’s vice president of insights and knowledge, Victor Fernandez, put the restaurant industry’s current standing in clear terms.
Some pundits have approached restaurant growth with caution in recent quarters. Is there a ceiling to off-premises expansion? What is the limit to price taking?
This collection of 50 emerging chains with 50 or fewer locations offers plenty of insight into how a full-service restaurant concept can grow. We’ve got the numbers driving the most exciting chains—and tips that will help your growing brand chart its own world domination. ...
Diners are increasingly on the move and eating on the go, which means they’re thinking more and more about convenience and choosing restaurants that offer easy off-premises solutions. ...
We don’t need a room of experts to confirm opening a restaurant is daunting.
Buffalo Wild Wings’ turnaround efforts have chipped away at something chief executive Paul Brown alluded to before the ink dried on Arby’s deal to acquire the 1,200-unit chain.
If you examine the past decade, the reality hasn’t changed all that much for restaurants. Guest counts have declined as brands flood units into a saturated system.
It isn’t a novel statement: Demand for delivery is shaking up the restaurant industry. Guests want the food they’d grab in-store, where they are, as fast as they can get it.


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Peter Cuneo takes over as Iconix Chairman
By Prachi Singh
Aug 7, 2015
Cuneo has served on Iconix's board since October 2006 and previously was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Marvel Entertainment. The board has formed a search committee to evaluate candidates to serve as the company's next CEO and will be engaging a leading executive search firm to assist in the process.
Commenting on Cole’s exit, Cuneo said, “Neil Cole is a pioneer in our industry and as founder of this company has overseen its significant growth for the past 10 years. Under Neil's leadership, Iconix has acquired over 35 iconic consumer brands creating a diversified and powerful portfolio.”
Cole served as the company's Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and President since he founded Iconix in 2005.As part of announcement, Sue Gove, who joined the Iconix board in 2014, was named Chair of the Audit Committee, a position formerly held by Cuneo. In addition, Drew Cohen has been named Lead Director. He has served on the Iconix board since 2004.
Cuneo is currently the Managing Principal of Cuneo & Company, a private investment and management company, in which his sons, Gavin and Colin are partners. Cuneo & Co. is focused on making investments in private companies within the consumer, retail and entertainment oriented industries. Some current investments of the company include Valiant Entertainment, Herotainment, West World Media and RangeWorks, among others. Cuneo is a recognized leader in business turnarounds. Since 1983, he has completed seven turnarounds of distressed branded businesses in the global media and consumer products sectors.


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Aldi has revealed plans for its latest store in North Wales. The discounter is expanding across the region and North Wales Live reported this spring that it had five target towns listed for North Wales.
Now the food retailer is bringing forward proposals to develop land just off Caernarfon Road in Pwllheli, with a new "modest" food store. If approved, the store will create up to 40 full time equivalent jobs, alongside further opportunities associated with construction and the supply chain.
The other target towns in North Wales are Caernarfon, Menai Bridge, Colwyn Bay and Holywell. Rival Lidl has 11 places in the region where it wants new stores.
A spokesman for Aldi said: "Aldi is aware that a there is lack of discount supermarket options for residents in Pwllheli. As customers continue to look for better-value products to help make their money go further, it is important that residents have access to a wide range of shopping facilities.
"Aldi’s proposal would provide an attractive, modern Aldi food store in an accessible location for the residents of Pwllheli, improving customer choice and enhancing customer experience."
As part of the statutory consultation process, Aldi triggered the 28-day pre-application consultation period on Monday. Aldi is looking to submit its planning application to Gwynedd Council in August this year.
- A new, modestly sized Aldi food store with a sales area of 1,332m² including an external lobby
- Access in and out of the site will be available through a new purpose-built road off Caernarfon Road
- The existing footpath on Caernarfon Road will be extended to provide pedestrian access (including an accessible ramp) to the store,
- Free customer parking for 113 cars, including eight disabled, 10 parent-and-child spaces, 14 cycle spaces, three motorcycle spaces and 12 electric vehicle charging points.
Bryn Richards, property director for Aldi, said: “We are delighted to announce our proposals for Pwllheli. Over the years we have received a number of requests from local customers who live in Pwllheli to open a store closer to home and we are delighted to have found a suitable location.
“With our closest store located almost half an hour away from the proposal site we believe the redevelopment of this site will drastically cut down travel times for those who travel to do their weekly shop at Aldi and this will also help to keep spending within the local economy.”


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Urgent.ly, an mobile app that allows stranded drivers to summon car-repair help, is partnering with MapQuest in a deal that aims to disrupt the $10 billion industry for roadside assistance, much as Uber has done to the taxi and car-service business.
The alliance, announced Tuesday, allows MapQuest users to use Urgent.ly to call for help to repair a flat tire, fix a dead battery or tow the vehicle.
MapQuest is an AOL property and Urgent.ly is a Dulles-based start-up founded in 2013 and run by several former AOL executives.
“MapQuest is one of the premiere mapping services in the U.S., and has more than 40 million users nationwide. Integrating with MapQuest allows Urgent.ly to scale quickly by providing our innovative, on-demand roadside-assistance service to their millions of users across the country,” said Urgent.ly chief executive Chris Spanos, who once was general manager for AOL’s local business.
The service is to work this way: After receiving vehicle information and a description of the problem from a MapQuest user, Urgent.ly hones in on the driver’s location and connects the stranded motorist to a nearby service provider. Users can track the service provider’s progress on a map, along with an estimated arrival time. The MapQuest customer pays for the service with a credit card.
MapQuest’s 44.4 million users will be able to tap a “roadside assistance” button on the MapQuest menu bar, connecting them to Urgent.ly, without going through a separate application.
Urgent.ly and its new partner said they are aiming to tap into the 200 million drivers on U.S. roads who experience 100 million roadside “events” per year. AAA, which has 53 million members, services 29 million calls for service per year.
Urgent.ly estimated there are roughly 30 million potential roadside customers who search online through a smartphone to find help, Spanos said.
“The whole thing now is, if you search on your phone and you find Joe’s Towing listed, you have no idea if he is near you, open, available, capable and how much he is going to charge,” Spanos said. “Using Urgent.ly and its upfront, flat-rate pricing, you will have an estimate on cost and answers to where and when the assistance will arrive.”
Prior to launching Urgent.ly, Spanos, 45, founded SeniorChecked, a network of pre-screened local businesses for seniors and their families. SeniorChecked was acquired in 2011 byAsurion, a company that provides insurance and services for mobile phones and other products.
Urgent.ly received $525,000 in March from Blu Venture and CIT Gap Funds, which is a venture-capital fund for Virginia-based technology companies. Urgent.ly has been live in Washington for several months, testing its service among several thousand users.
More from Capital Business:


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Food processing and packaging solutions company, Tetra Pak is ramping up its offering of Tetra Recart in the Australian and New Zealand markets, providing a new solution for food manufacturers.
According to the company, Tetra Recart is the world’s first retortable carton package, which provides an alternative to cans, stand-up pouches and glass jars.
“Having witnessed the success and popularity of Tetra Recart in other markets we’ve decided to make it more readily available to Australian and New Zealand manufacturers as well,” said Craig Salkeld, Managing Director, Tetra Pak Oceania.
The packaging solution not only provides various benefits to customers, but is also functional and convenient for consumers, while offering a more sustainable option from an environment standpoint.
According to the company, it is a modern packaging solution with high consumer appeal. In a survey covering six countries in North America, South America, Europe and the Middle East, 79 per cent of consumers who had bought Tetra Recart at least once said they preferred it over a can.
The report also showed that consumers perceive shelf-stable food packed in Tetra Recart to be fresher compared to food in a traditional tin can, as it does not carry the metallic taste from its packaging.
Tetra Recart has also been named as a finalist in the inaugural Australian Packaging and Innovation Awards, for 2017 Design Innovation of the Year Award – Food Category, a further testament of Tetra Recart’s modern and innovative design appeal for businesses and consumers alike.
The product was designed with simplicity in mind. It provides consumers with convenience, as the lightweight material and cubic design means it is easy to carry, transport and store. The cartons come with a perforated edge opening, which enables quick and safe opening of the package, even for younger users.
It pours easily with a full-top opening, and can be flattened when it needs to be discarded. Each aspect of the package functionality provides ease of use for the modern, busy consumer.


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The Starling Bank banking app on a smartphone.
Adrian Dennis | AFP by technique of Getty Photos
LONDON — British digital financial institution Starling reported a sevenfold develop in earnings in the 16 months ending March 2021 as its lending soared, serving to to lower losses in half.
Losses after tax totaled £23.3 million ($32 million) in the interval, down from the £52.1 million Starling misplaced in its excellent annual accounts, which lined the 12 months as a lot as Nov. 30.
Revenues, meanwhile, shot up 600% to £97.6 million from £14 million in its 2019 fiscal results.
Starling acknowledged it changed its financial 300 and sixty five days-discontinuance from Nov. 30 to March 31 to create it more straightforward for shareholders to compare results on a quarterly basis.
The London-essentially based entirely entirely company has been vastly rising its steadiness sheet amid a surge in lending on story of of authorities-backed financing schemes aimed at serving to agencies during the coronavirus pandemic.
Starling acknowledged the quantity of lending on its books spiked to £2.2 billion “from a extraordinarily low immoral.” This helped the financial institution rupture even for the principle time in Oct. 2020, Starling acknowledged, at the side of that it has made a profit every month since then.
In a shopping and selling update Thursday, Starling acknowledged gross sales reached £42.8 million in three months to the discontinuance of June 2021, giving it an annual flee price of £170 million.
Starling is now “an excellent deal no longer astray to put up our first paunchy 300 and sixty five days of profitability” in its 2022 fiscal results, CEO and founder Anne Boden told reporters on a name Thursday.
The financial institution’s shift toward profitability marks a divergence from fellow fintechs Monzo and Revolut, which noticed their losses mount in 2020.
Monzo racked up a put up-tax lack of £113.8 million in the 12 months to February 2020, up from £47.1 million a 300 and sixty five days earlier. The London fintech, which noticed its market cost slashed by 40% to £1.25 billion excellent 300 and sixty five days, warned disruption from Covid-19 had ended in “essential doubt” about its skill to proceed “as a going mission.”
Revolut reported annual losses of £167.8 million in 2020, better than the £106.7 million it misplaced in 2019. Alternatively, Revolut acknowledged it used to be “strongly tremendous” in the principle quarter of 2021. The company unprejudiced no longer too long previously raised funds at a $33 billion valuation, inserting its market cost before British banking big NatWest’s.
Boden acknowledged that, despite the proven truth that Starling’s rivals hang hundreds and hundreds more clients than it does, Starling customers in overall preserve rather more cash. Starling has over 2 million customers, while Revolut and Monzo hang 16 million and 4 million, respectively.
“They’ve seven cases the customer numbers we hang and exclusively 60% of the deposits,” Boden acknowledged. In step with Starling, deepest banking clients preserve an moderate steadiness of £2,000 with the lender.
Starling is pushing heavily into the exiguous commerce banking market, now commanding a 6.3% fraction of the sector in the U.Okay. and planning to attain double-digit market fraction in the following 18 months. As of June 30, £3.9 billion of Starling’s deposits hang been from agencies while £2.8 billion hang been from retail customers.
The company, which used to be excellent privately valued at $1.5 billion, unprejudiced no longer too long previously launched mortgages and plans to manufacture a lender to additional bolster its steadiness sheet. As for an preliminary public offering, Boden acknowledged she would possibly per chance merely tear along with the drift the commerce by slack 2022 or early 2023.
“We will cease it in our time,” she acknowledged. “We’re no longer going to be forced to cease it on story of or no longer it’s standard in the intervening time.”
Earlier this month, cash transfer company Life like went public in a blockbuster train list in London, valuing the commerce at $11 billion. The company’s shares hang step by step elevated since, and or no longer it’s now price $18.2 billion.


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No problem of plenty! BSE CEO Ashish Chauhan likes reading multiple books simultaneously
The bourse big boss boasts of an impressive e-books collection on his ‘To-Read’ list.
INX will be the main beneficiary of GIFT City: Ashish Chauhan
INX, an interesting experiment started last year in January. It is just over a ...
What is a reasonable price for a stock? This will open your eyes
For successful investors, risk management is more important than making mone...
Ashish Goel of Urban Ladder says small furniture shops can drive innovation
Goel, CEO of Urban Ladder knows exactly why size matters.
Ashish Kacholia buys 4.3% stake in Acrysil
The data also showed that Everest Finance & Investment Co sold 2.2 lakh shares at Rs 486 per share.
BookMyShow: India’s largest online entertainment ticketing site is looking beyond the box office
Will BookMyShow’s strategy to scale its non-movie businesses prove to be another blockbuster for the e-ticketing platform? Team ET offers a preview
Quikr raises Rs 55 crore in venture debt financing from InnoVen Capital
Quikr will use the proceeds from the debt funding round to scale its businesses across its multiple verticals, an official statement said.
MERC tells firm to explain 'inflated' power bills
It pointed out that there were complaints from consumers about receiving electricity bills based on average energy consumption instead of actual meter readings.
Why some founders love starting from scratch
Entrepreneurs who have successfully sold startups are on their second innings, inspired by the joy of building a new venture
Bru refugees in Tripura to get transportation facility to vote in Mizoram election
Transport facility is provided till a pre-identified alighting point on the Tripura side, around 500 meters from a bridge that connects the two states. The cost of transportation will be borne by the Mizoram government.
Mizoram polls: 4,363 service voters issued electronic ballots, says Chief Electoral Officer
Campaigning for the Mizoram assembly elections concluded on November 26, setting the stage for polling on November 28. All preparations have...
Ashutosh and Ashish Khetan: Kejriwal's Twitter timeline told tale of fall from grace
.The diminishing importance of the two leaders reveals an analysis of Kejriwal's Twitter account over two months.
No reason to defer Mizoram polls, says Chief Electoral Officer
The six relief camps in Tripura would exercise franchise inside Mizoram in accordance with the decision of the Election Commission of India.
Pepperfry founder Ashish Shah’s road-trip recommendations: Leh-Zanskar, Melbourne-Adelaide
Next on the startup boss's bucket list is a drive from North-East to Myanmar.
On Urban Ladder CEO Ashish Goel's bookshelf: Robert Ludlum, Roald Dahl, and Neil Gaiman
This top boss reads for an hour every day before bedtime.


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The re-opening of our area’s major theme parks would signal the start of the recovery for our area’s all but shutdown tourism industry. There’s no news on that front from the area’s giants, except that construction, and therefore the opening, of Universal’s Epic Universe is delayed to a potential 2024 opening. Gov. DeSantis didn’t even mention the theme parks in Phase I or II of the state’s three-phase plan to open Florida and its economy.
And while nothing’s come out of Walt Disney World either, messages from a Tuesday earnings call may have provided some hints of the special rules that could be in place for employees and guests when it does reopen.
Shanghai Disneyland will begin a phased reopening on Monday at 30 percent capacity, Disney CEO Bob Chapek said, while announcing Tuesday costs related to COVID-19 cut Disney’s pretax profit by $1.4 billion.
Any opening of U.S. Disneyland or Walt Disney World would come with a set of new guidelines used by the U.S. Travel Association and based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations, to help keep travelers safe during the pandemic.
Cast members would be provided with access to personal protective equipment, including face covering, and the parks will see increased cleaning and disinfection in work areas and high-traffic areas.
What would follow would be a gradual reopening or partial reopening of certain locations like retail and dining locations ahead of opening of the parks. Locally, that could mean Disney Springs could lead the way.
To cut down on, or eliminate, lines forming, technology like the Play Disney Parks App could create virtual queues. Guest density inside the parks must be managed unlike ever before to enable an opening sooner than later, in queues, restaurants, hotels and ride vehicles to meet CDC guidelines.
Some measures, like adding hand sanitizers and hand washing stations across our resorts, have already been implemented, according to Disney Parks Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pamela Hymel. She also said executives are looking to the medical community and federal government for guidance regarding enhanced screening procedures and prevention measures, including the use of PPE.
Cast members would be provided with new health safety training closer to reopening, likely putting them back to work before parks open.
None of these measures created a timeline for re-opening the Walt Disney Word resort, which has been closed since March aside from the Magnolia, Palm and Lake Buena Vista Golf Courses. And the Disney cruise line would reopen after everything else, officials said.


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Posts tagged: Speech
The Oct. 6 lecture at Gonzaga University by Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Muta Maathai has been canceled because of travel complications from Kenya.
Refunds for tickets purchased at the McCarthey Athletic Center Box Office will be available there, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., or at the Spokane Arena Box Office. Refunds for tickets purchased via TicketsWest outlet locations will be available at the Spokane Arena Box Office Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tickets purchased online and by phone will be refunded automatically by TicketsWest. An announcement will follow if the event is rescheduled.


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GRAND RAPIDS -- Employee recognition award maker Terryberry Co. kicked off its 90th year in business by purchasing a 120-year-old competitor.
The Grand Rapids-based company said it had purchased John Gray Awards, of Cincinnati, with plans to move Gray's operations to Terryberry's headquarters, 2033 Oak Industrial Drive NE.
Privately-held Terryberry said the purchase of Gray, also a custom jewelry and employee recognition award maker, will increase its business by about 15 percent and create six to eight new jobs in Grand Rapids.
Terryberry has about 140 employees and had 2007 sales of $30 million. John Gray's 2007 sales were about $4.5 million.
Terryberry will maintain John Gray's sales office in Cincinnati with about 10 people.
Twenty-four John Gray employees involved in manufacturing and other operations were offered an opportunity to relocate to Grand Rapids, but declined, said Mike Byam, a fourth-generation partner at Terryberry.


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A blockchain-driven startup believes that blockchain technology has the potential to be more than a "One trick pony designed for investors" - setting the objective of creating cutting-edge technology for fast transactions, and delivering "Practical services for real people."
The company says its team is determined to ease consumers into blockchain by creating easy-to-use tools and products that gradually increase awareness and general knowledge about the opportunities that blockchain technology provides.
Among ARK's distinctive features is a development called SmartBridge, which enables its blockchain to interact with any other popular networks, including Bitcoin and Ethereum.
ARK believes one of its strengths is its easy-to-use wallets.
Syncless, paving the way for "Very fast" transactions, they are compatible with all ARK based blockchains and can be customized with plugins and personalized to fit users.
Through the SmartBridge functionality, the platform says it is "Able to offload non-essential functions to hundreds of parallel chains." Therefore, making the team believe that this paves the way "For great scalability, while keeping the main ARK blockchain lean and fast."
Another concept put forward by the ARK Network is dynamic fees.
This makes ARK the first DPoS based blockchain to achieve this feat, the company says.
ARK's website comes complete with detailed updates of how far along it has come in completing certain milestones - as well as providing a due date.
At the time of this writing, it was 84 percent through a "Total overhaul" of the ARK Core - paving the way for a plethora of new features, including a higher number of transactions per second.
Blockchain Startup Offering 'Dynamic Fees' To Help Users Save Money On Transactions
gepubliceerd op Oct 17, 2018
by Cointele | gepubliceerd op Coinage
South Korean Hospital to Create Blockchain Medical Data Management Platform
Blockchain-powered medical data marketplace Longenesis and biotechnology company Insilico Medicine have entered into an agreement with South Korean hospital Gil Medical Center to create a blockchain-based health data management solution.
Bitcoin Up 40% in 1 Month: What's Triggering it and How Far Can it Go?
The bitcoin price has surged by a staggering 40 percent in the past 30 days.
Over $100 Million Missing: CoinBene Claims Maintenance, a Month of Questions Point Toward a Hack
Curious detailsOn March 27, 2019, the day after CoinBene's maintenance announcement, data scientists at Elementus - a blockchain infrastructure firm - published a report that described the fund transfers out of CoinBene's hot wallet bore all the hallmarks of a hack.
BlockFi Now Has Over $53 Million in Client Crypto Under Management
BlockFi crypto wealth management and lending company now has over $53 million in client crypto assets under management.


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Not a month goes by without traditional media groups unveiling plans to cope with consumers shifting their media consumption to digital. Each medium has to find its own way to overcome the challenges, but one that seems to be doing so successfully is among the oldest media of all: radio.
These days, for example, Virgin Radio says it gets more digital listeners than analogue ones at certain times of the day. For advertisers wanting to reach consumers online, the potential for engaging with digital radio services ought to have plenty of appeal.
But radio groups are being hampered as much as helped by their most important partner – the music industry.
In the online world, the biggest challenge for radio groups might be not their traditional rivals but upstart “music discovery” companies such as Mercora and Last.fm. These let users search for music they like and stream it free to their PC – in effect, a personalised radio station.
The first wave of music sites, such as Napster, led the music industry to criminalise its online customers, chasing illegal file sharers through the courts. Unfortunately, it is reacting once again with a stick rather than a carrot, this time against websites that are far easier for the industry to work with and far more engaging for consumers to use than Napster ever was.
This month, music labels forced one of the new generation of music services, Jukebox, offered by internet service provider Tiscali, to shut down. You might see this as a sensible reaction by labels wanting to protect their revenues, but Tiscali claims that sales of legally downloaded music from its portal increased 30% in the few weeks it was up and running.
Shutting down such services is short-sighted, because record labels miss out on potential legal sales, particularly the chance to sell the vast catalogue of tracks that rarely make it onto radio stations’ playlists. In any case, listeners will just go elsewhere, perhaps to illegal sites.
Radio stations could easily develop their own versions of such services alongside DJ-led shows. But while the music industry maintains its current stance that seems unlikely. Another way radio stations can attract and retain users is podcasts – but for licensing reasons, stations still can’t include music tracks in their time-delayed shows.
As radio continues to move over to digital platforms, it could find that it is not the listeners or even the advertisers that create the most difficulty, but the record labels.


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Car manufacturer Local Motors has revealed it is currently 3D printing an autonomous vehicle, the Olli at his micro-factory in Knoxville, Tennessee.
The driverless vehicle has already begun trials in Germany as part of a collaboration with Deutsche Bahn and has been designed to autonomously transport small groups of passengers around an urban environment. The German trial is taking place in Berlin to transport passengers from work to the nearest Deutsche Bahn rail station.
In a blog post from Local Motors, the company states it “is making history this week by “printing” it’s first Olli self-driving shuttle in the company’s Knoxville micro-factory.” Local Motors is known for its 3D printed car production in the past which has also incorporated drones.
However, the company is not just using the production method for a gimmick. By implementing 3D printing as the means for production, Local Motors is able to modify the design depending on the customer, while providing a rapid and sustainable production process. Los Angeles company Divergent3D is similarly addressing the automotive market with 3D printed production.
Am 16. September findet der Fachkongress AUTOMATICAR zum 2. Mal änlässlich der ...»weiterlesen
Am 12. April fand das erste Mal die von der Mobilitätsakademie des TCS organisierte ...»weiterlesen
EPTA Conference 2017 „Shaping the Future of Mobility“ Luzern, Verkehrshaus, Mittwoch, 8. ...»weiterlesen
Am 22. September war www.auto-mat.ch live vor Ort, als die ersten beiden automatischen ...»weiterlesen


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All posts tagged "kamen rider ryuki"
Tamashii Nations 2015: Kamen Rider RoundupNovember 4, 2015
Several new figures were revealed this last weekend at the annual Tamashii Nations event.
S.H.Figuarts Dragranzer Announced by Tamashii NationsOctober 22, 2015
The S.H.Figuarts Ryuki line has been quiet for a while, but a new addition has emerged...
First Images of the Kamen Rider Ryuki Blu-Ray SetMay 9, 2014
Previously, we reported that Kamen Rider Ryuki was coming to Blu-ray and now, a pre-order listing...
Kamen Rider Ryuki Blu-Ray Box Sets To Be Released This SummerMarch 19, 2014
Following the Blu-Ray sets of W and Faiz, Kamen Rider Ryuki is now slated to have...
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The Denver Broncos have a lot of film study ahead of them if they want to find a way to get past the Seattle Seahawks top ranked defense. But while the next two weeks will be full of preparation, the team has made it’s first big decision for Super Bowl XLVIII — what jersey will they wear?
According to Mike Klis of the Denver Post, the Broncos will be wearing their orange jerseys on Super Bowl Sunday.
As Klis points out, the last two Super Bowls that the Broncos went to saw them wear their traditional home blue jerseys, but that’s a uniform they’ve only worn once this year. Since Peyton Manning came to town, the orange jerseys have become popular and that’s what Denver will be wearing in New Jersey.
This means that we can expect the Seahawks to likely wear their white uniforms, which may end up being an advantage. Should we get a blizzard in New Jersey like everyone is predicting, the white road uniforms for the Seahawks will allow them to possibly blend in with the elements, making them even more dangerous than they already are.
As good as Seattle’s defense has been this season, they may need all the help they can get against Peyton Manning and his orange-clad Bronco brethren.


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The new rules aim to decrease the number of unsafe toys sold in the EU single market and protect children better from toy-related risks.
On Tuesday, the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee approved its position on an update of EU rules on toy safety unanimously, with 37 votes in favour. The text, which also converts the current directive into a regulation, responds to a number of emerging challenges, including the changes in purchasing habits from online shops and the increased use of digital technologies.
Ban on harmful chemicals
To improve child health protection, the regulation continues to prohibit carcinogenic and mutagenic substances or substances toxic for reproduction (CRM). The adopted text additionally bans chemicals harmful to the endocrine or the respiratory system, and toxic to specific organs.
The draft rules provide for manufacturers to create digital product passports for each toy, which detail how it complies with the relevant rules. This will enhance market surveillance and strengthen customs inspections at borders. MEPs added that consumers should also have easy access to safety information, for example via a QR code. They also urge the Commission to support and guide SME toy manufacturers in performing safety assessments and fulfilling the product passport requirements.
Safety, security and privacy by design
To prevent overlaps with existing EU rules, MEPs specify that digital toys with AI will have to comply with the Artificial Intelligence Act, which classifies them as high-risk, and subjects them to third-party assessments, risk management, transparency, and human oversight.
Under EU Cybersecurity rules, internet connected toys that have social interactive features (e.g. speaking or filming) may also require a third-party conformity assessment. The safety assessment will have to consider health risks, and when appropriate mental health, to ensure the highest standards for children’s well-being.
Toys must also comply with the recently updated General Product Safety rules, for example, when it comes to online sales, accident reporting, consumers’ right to information and remedy.
Rapporteur Marion Walsmann (EPP, Germany) said: “The health of our children is paramount. There is no place in a child’s room for unsafe toys. The updated text protects children more effectively from harmful chemicals in toys, reduces administrative burdens and bolsters the detection of unsafe toys, especially from outside the EU. This ensures fair competition for EU toy manufacturers, most of whom are SMEs, and provides them with additional support”.
The draft report will now be put to a vote at an upcoming plenary session and will constitute Parliament’s position at first reading. The file will be followed up by the new Parliament after the European elections on 6-9 June.
Despite the EU market being among the safest in the world, dangerous toys still find their way into consumers’ hands. According to the EU Safety Gate (the EU rapid alert system for dangerous consumer products), toys were the most notified product category, accounting for 23% of all notifications in 2022 and 20% in 2021.


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As the COVID-19 crisis continues to impact economies worldwide, many companies have taken extraordinary steps to protect their financial and physical assets. But when a significant portion of the workforce is working remotely to comply with governmental guidelines, one asset, perhaps the most important, is often overlooked and left in jeopardy—talent.
This time it really is different. COVID-19 is unlike any other global issue experienced in the era of modern corporate communications – it affects everybody, everywhere, and at different speeds.
Quarantines, schooling online, work from home, empty malls and bars closed. This is the new reality for many, and sentiment as to how people feel about this is changing weekly – and differs from market to market and segment to segment.
With new consumer markets gaining importance, social media influencers becoming powerful sellers, and social search on the rise as a conversion tool, the trends for China in the Year of the Rat are clear. The number of internet users in China has decreased for the first time, down 2 million in Q2 2019 alone to […]
We live in a multi-screen world. The way we consume and retain information evolves daily alongside innovations in technology. With the increase of information streams, we cannot be naïve by expecting all sources to be 100% authentic. Every company can be a media company as long as they have a good story. The question we […]
Brand Purpose is a hot topic of conversation these days, but what is it exactly and why is it important to a successful brand strategy? A powerful brand purpose is the guiding star for how a company intends to change the world for the better. It justifies a company’s existence beyond acting purely as a […]
As Chinese brands begin to have more presence on the world stage, how can they ensure their reputations remain intact? Oliver Pearce shares his thoughts.
Even in our digital age, a well-written release can be beneficial for your brand. Adrian Lo shares the secrets on how to write a press release with punch.
Once we define our public, how do we go about relating to them? Janet Chan outlines the four Rs to keep in mind to ensure public relations success.


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Analysts in Detroit are seeing today's announcement as a sign that the possible GM-Chrysler merger being discussed could come to fruition. Renault has also expressed an interest in parts of the Chrysler business.Who'll be next? We're witnessing huge change in the auto industry. Click 'Add your comment' and tell us who the next casualty of the credit crunch will be
The credit crisis gripping the world's economy struck Chrysler again today – the car maker announced it would cut a quarter of its staff by the end of the year. Although exact figures haven't been issued yet, it looks like as many as 5000 jobs could be axed.


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The November revision of the maximum price of butane gas bottles has brought more bad news for consumers in Spain, trying to heat their homes as winter approaches.
The latest price hike is the seventh in a row and since September 2020 the price of the cylinders has risen 40 per cent, and from 16 November they will cost 16.92 euros.
The maximum price of the 12.5 kilo cylinder increased by 4.96% in the latest update, according to the order published in the BOE Official State Gazette. This rise in this new revision is due to the strong increase in the cost of raw materials (+ 20.59%) to which must be added the depreciation of the euro against the dollar (-0.94%) but is partially offset by the drop in transport costs (-2.07%).
However, the maximum price was capped by an upper limit of 5%. If there was no such limit, the price of the bottles, without taxes, would have increased by 13.45%.
The maximum sale price of bottled liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) in containers of between 8 and 20 kilograms in Spain is reviewed bimonthly on the third Tuesday of the month.
Currently, 68 million LPG containers of different capacities are in use in Spain, of which 53 million are subject to the maximum regulated price (78%). From 2009 to 2018 the total consumption of bottled LPG has decreased by 20%.
The new maximum price of piped liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) was also published in the BOE, which shows an increase of 3.2% on the bill for an average customer.


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There will be a noon demo out in front of Staples on Merrimon Avenue this Sunday, June 29th.
Staples supplies Huntingdon Life Sciences, a notoriously cruel laboratory, and doesn't care about its customers concerns regarding this.
Ashvegas Hot Sheet: TakoSushi moves ahead with Asheville restaurant site - Also, Wicked Weed has announced a new location for its big summer beer bash, and much more. The post Ashvegas Hot Sheet: TakoSushi moves ahead with Ashev...
10 hours ago


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Facebook starts showing all ads a Page is running
Fb is constant its transparency efforts round Pages and commercials, now together with an “Information & Advertisements” segment on Pages that listing all commercials the Web page has run throughout Fb, Instagram and Messenger, in addition to Fb’s spouse networks.
This implies someone can pass to a Web page and spot its complete scope of promoting, irrespective of whether or not the commercials had been at the start focused on the person or now not. There can be an choice at the advert to flag if it’s suspicious through clicking at the “File Advert” button.
Along with appearing all of the commercials a Web page has run, Fb is sharing detailed knowledge at the Web page, together with its introduction date and if there were any contemporary identify adjustments to the Web page.
“Nearly all of commercials on Fb are run through legit organizations — whether or not it’s a small trade on the lookout for new consumers, an advocacy team elevating cash for his or her motive, or a political candidate operating for administrative center. However we’ve observed that unhealthy actors can misuse our merchandise, too,” writes Fb’s director of product control, Rob Leathern, and its product advertising and marketing director, Emma Rodgers, the corporate’s information weblog.
This replace used to be first announced in October of last year, at the side of the new adjustments to Fb’s political advert insurance policies. Fb shared the next video to turn how the brand new knowledge will probably be displayed on a Web page:
Fb says it has plans so as to add extra Web page knowledge quickly. It’s also rolling out the similar political ad labels and its searchable archive of ads — first introduced in the United States remaining month — in Brazil, forward of the rustic’s upcoming October elections.
Fb and Twitter each have made sweeping changes to their ad policies not too long ago, aiming to offer protection to their platforms in opposition to the malicious conduct that took place at the apps all over the 2016 presidential elections. Simply as of late, Twitter introduced its Ad Transparency Center, a searchable database of commercials similar to Fb’s advert archive, making it conceivable for someone to look commercials that experience run at the app all over the remaining seven days.
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If you mention the brand name “Bentley” to anyone, they will recognise it as one that belongs to a luxury car manufacturer. The British firm was set up in 1919 and have produced a string of successful luxury cars.
Currently owned by the Volkswagen Group, Bentley have a long and successful motorsport career. But today, the firm are branching out to the smartphone market!
Image Credit: London Flash Cars
Critics may dismiss the Bentley and luxury smartphone maker Vertu partnership as just a gimmick. But on reflection, it makes perfect sense for the two firms to join forces.
Bentley is a car marque that attracts a niche customer base, as does Vertu. The owners of Bentley cars will doubtless own and use a smartphone too. Considering Bentley owners lead a certain lifestyle. A luxury smartphone will fit in well with that lifestyle.
Who are Vertu?
Few people have heard of the Vertu brand. That is because they only offer their products to the discerning consumer.
Vertu was set up back in 1998 by Finnish mobile phone maker Nokia. They owned the brand in its entirety but sold it to a group of private investors about two years ago.
They have just 500 worldwide retail outlets, and their main customer bases are in the Middle East, Russia and Asia. This little-known firm have sold 350,000 handsets as of Q4 2013.
Vertu has already collaborated with other car manufacturers, including Ferrari. Their experience of working with the automotive industry makes them an ideal partner for Bentley.
What Do We Know so Far?
According to recent media reports, Bentley is set to release their first smartphone with Vertu in October 2014.
The partnership between Bentley and Vertu is set to last around five years. Industry analysts expect five smartphone models in total to be available during that period.
There is no specific information available on the smartphone that will go on sale in October. Experts from the Thames Motor Group predict that it will feature exclusive Bentley-related content.
It has also thought that the design will be akin to existing Vertu smartphone models. Others believe that there will be tight integration of the smartphone with future Bentley car models.
Vertu’s CEO, Massimiliano Pogliani, made the following statement about the collaboration with Bentley:
“[the new smartphone] will appeal to drivers, travellers and brand enthusiasts.” He also added that the smartphone will be “designed by the Vertu and Bentley design teams”.
Mr. Pogliani hopes that the new Bentley smartphone will appeal to the customers of both firms. He also said that their customers have a “desire for sophistication” and “precision engineering.”
Will the New Bentley Smartphone be Worth the Money?
Vertu smartphones focus on styling rather than incorporating the latest technology. The new Bentley smartphone will appeal to motorists that want to own a luxury smartphone.
The luxury smartphone market isn’t huge. Existing smartphone makers like Apple and Samsung need not worry about losing a big market share.


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Nespresso joins B-Corp community
3 May 2022 at 4:27 pm
The pod coffee company was recognised for its environmental efforts in particular.
Nespresso is the latest organisation to achieve B Corp certification, joining a collection of 4,500 businesses around the world that are recognised for their high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
The coffee giant announced its certification on 26 April and said in a statement that it was “a marker for the positive impact Nespresso has made in the coffee industry and beyond” since the company was founded in 1986. Nespresso, which operates in 81 countries and has over 13,000 employees, is one of the largest companies to certify around the world.
In a LinkedIn post, B Lab Europe said Nespresso had been working for three years towards achieving certification and said bringing multinationals like Nespresso into the B Corp fold was key to bringing about systemic change.
“It acts as a beacon for other large organisations to begin their path towards better business, thereby helping not only transform individual companies but entire industries,” the post read.
According to Nespresso, some of the key reasons why it achieved certification include its approach to coffee sourcing through its AAA Sustainable Quality Program, its strategic alliance with Fairtrade, and its global coffee pod recycling scheme.
The AAA Sustainable Quality Program is a partnership with Rainforest Alliance and sees Nespresso work with more than 120,000 farmers in 15 countries to embed sustainability on farms and in the nearby environment. The program has increased yields and improved the livelihoods of the farmers and communities involved.
Overall, Nespresso achieved a global B Corp score of 84.3. It scored particularly highly on environmental factors and customer stewardship.
Nespresso CEO Guillaume Le Cunff said the company was proud to join the growing B Corp community “of like minds who share our belief that profit and purpose go hand-in-hand”.
“Most importantly, B Corp certification inspires us to do more. It strengthens our commitment to our vision that every cup of Nespresso coffee has a positive impact on the world,” Le Cunff said.
B Lab Switzerland founder Jonathan Normand congratulated Nespresso on the certification, and said he hoped it would have a flow-on effect amongst Nespresso’s value chain, encouraging them to also join the B Corp movement.
“As a movement designed for system change, we are happy to support them on their path to accelerate and foster an inclusive, equitable and regenerative economy,” he added.


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12 Aug, 2014
By: John Latchem
Cinedigm Entertainment is touting a heavenly reception at retail for the home entertainment release of God’s Not Dead. Cinedigm president Bill Sondheim reported that first-week Blu-ray and DVD sellthrough of the faith-based title exceeded 50%, equating to about 300,000 units sold.
The Pure Flix film, which was released on disc Aug. 5, earned $60.8 million at the U.S. box office on a budget of $2 million.


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Hoe Mun revealed that the distributor is in the process of building a new mobile application for all Renault
TC Euro Cars (TCEC) has launched the new 2021 Renault Koleos facelift without much fanfare.
** This article is the personal experience of a 2017 Renault Fluence owner and does not necessarily reflect
To offer Renault customers an extra peace of mind, TC Euro Cars (TCEC) has introduced the Renault Relax
TC Euro Cars (TCEC), the sole franchise holder of Renault vehicles in Malaysia, announced a sales promotion
TC Euro Cars (TCEC), the sole franchise holder of Renault vehicles in Malaysia, has announced a clearance
it seems like the next manufacturer to follow that move is Renault.During a recent general meeting, Renault
The latest plan allows customers to subscribe to a car for one month with the Renault Subscription 1-
normal where sanitisation and disinfection is the norm, TC Euro Cars (TCEC) has introduced the special Renault
The start is light and fast, the CVT gearbox is not dull, and the power output is in one go.At 1700 rpm
Renault has been named Malaysia Car Subscription Company of the Year at the 2020 Frost & Sullivan
TC Euro Cars (TCEC) the official distributor of Renault Vehicles in Malaysia, is running a 15-day Renault
TC Euro Cars (TCEC) announced today adjustments to their successful Renault Subscription plans with the
Renault is probably one of the quieter car brands in Malaysia.
TC Euro Cars (TCEC), distributor of Renault vehicles in Malaysia, introduced Renault Subscription in
Renault Malaysia celebrates the return of the Renault Megane R.S. 280 Cup with a special night time track
Alpine is Renault’s sports car division.This particular Alpine A110 is currently on display at
City drives its front wheels via an E-CVT gearbox.In truth, the Honda City RS doesn’t have a gearbox
TC Euro Cars, the sole franchise holder of Renault vehicles in Malaysia today announced that Renault
A few days ago, Renault Group officially released its sales report for the first half of 2019.
And it’s a special one at that - the successful Espace, in Renault’s case.Remember the Enviro
The Renault Captur is now sportier than ever with the introduction of a new Limited Edition Captur Trophy
TC Euro Cars (TCEC) has launched the facelifted 2021 Renault Megane RS 300 Trophy, priced at RM 326,476
improve handling 6-speed EDC dual-clutch automatic available TC Euro Cars, the official distributor of Renault
It was also the year the Renault Koleos was launched in Malaysia not long after its world debut.
Although all Renault showrooms will be closed during the nationwide movement control order from 18 to
The issue to be rectified is the hydraulic pressure accumulator within the 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox
TC Euro Cars (TCEC) has had the Renault Subscription in place offering an alternative to traditional
According to Jato Dynamic’s monthly report, the Renault Clio, with 24,915 units registered, has
The annoucenment came after the distributor expanded the Renault Subscription Trial Plan to offer unlimited
renault clio gearbox removal-renault clio gearbox removal-Hvordan bytte multireim der på RENAULT CLIO 3 [AUTODOC-VIDEOLEKSJONER]
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renault clio gearbox removal-How to install piston rings and not break them. Oil ring explanation POV installation! #pistonrings
renault clio gearbox removal-How to Remove Door Panel And Fix Window Regulator Laguna 2 1.9dci [EN/SER] Subs
renault clio gearbox removal-FŰTÉS ÉS LÉGKONDICIONÁLÁS
renault clio gearbox removal-What burns and fails in the French automatic transmission Renault DP0 / Peugeot AL4). Subtitles!
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No, Renault Clio isn't available in Collision Warning.Read More
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No, Renault Clio doesn't have Immobilizer.Read More


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Bwog Staff wants to bring their personality to each and every Zoom call and we find that this is best achieved through the background we choose.
On Tuesday, September 15, Columbia Psychiatry hosted a panel titled “Unequal Care: Mental Health and Black Americans,” the first of a three-panel series in partnership with the School of Journalism titled “Justice and Mental Health:
Steve Jobs released a second version of the iPad yesterday. Other tablets cower. The highlights: two cameras (front/back), FaceTime, up to 9 times faster, and a 10-hour battery life. Plus, just in time for Spring Break, it’s now 33 percent thinner! (WSJ, Apple, Gizmodo, PC World) In a Supreme Court battle between funeral protesters and […]


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HMD Global will be unveiling its upcoming flagship Nokia 8 on August 16 in an event. Earlier it was rumored that the smartphone will be priced at €598 ($686). Now Vodafone Romania has leaked the pricing of the smartphone, which will be around €517.
As the leak came from Romania, it could suggest that the pricing will be same for all European markets. But, as taxes vary from country to country the cost of the smartphone can be different. This pricing will make the fans happy as it’s a decent price to pay for a flagship with a dual camera.
According to the specs-sheet, the smartphone will be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 and will be available in two variants 4GB and 6GB of RAM. It will come with 64GB of internal storage which can be expanded via MicroSD card up to 256GB. It will be running on Android 7.1.1 Nougat out of the box and will be available in four color options Blue, Steel, Gold/blue, and Gold/copper.
On the rear, the handset will sport a vertical dual camera with 13MP sensors which are Zeiss-branded. The smartphone will feature a 5.3-inch display with Quad-HD (2560 x 1440) resolution and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on top for protection.


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Winston Surfshirt and Polographia have teamed up to create a funky new project by the name of POLOSHIRT debuting new track Pinned Upon.
The sound found itself from the influences of a mix of 70’s slow jams to 8-bit anime and with the magic touch of these two creatives the alliance was formed. Their debut track, Pinned Upon features the familiar vocals of Winston and the live production duo of Polographia to create smooth electronic blend that calls for some serious R ‘n R.
This is also just the first taste of more to come from these lads, who confirmed a full EP is coming our way later this year that features a line up of local talent. For now, you can listen to Pinned Upon below or catch the group are set to play live at this weekend’s Curveball alongside Alison Wonderland and more.


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US companies are reportedly reviewing the future of almost $600bn (£490bn) worth of UK investments due to concerns Britain will have restricted access to the EU single market in the wake of June's Brexit vote.
The FT reports that in a document to be presented to the UK's Cabinet Office this week, the US Chamber of Commerce warns a post-Brexit UK would need "unfettered access" to the European goods and services...
Tracking real performance
Diversified return team
The equivalent of £1.7m every day
Janus Henderson Global Dividend index


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Its almost July 4th, and soon Californians from San Diego to Redding will gather to watch fireworks and enjoy the peak of summer. Most of us will eat a barbecued meal with family and friends as well — the Fourth is the number one grilling event of the year. Here are some key things to know to protect your health when you’re preparing your holiday barbecue.
Much of the meat sold in the United States comes from animals raised with the routine use of antibiotics. That means producers often give the drugs to animals that aren’t sick to prevent disease brought on by unsanitary, overcrowded conditions and other outdated production practices. That routine antibiotic use breeds “superbugs,” bacteria that can cause infections that are difficult, and sometimes impossible, to treat in people. These bacteria travel off farms and into communities via food itself and environmental factors as well.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 1 in 5 antibiotic-resistant infections in humans are caused by germs from food and animals. Health experts, including the World Health Organization andAmerican Academy of Pediatrics, are calling for an end to the routine use of antibiotics in food-producing animals because of the risks posed to human health.
Purchasing meat raised without routine antibiotics can help reduce your exposure to potentially harmful bacteria.
The good news is that we have a lot more choices here in California than we ever have before. Thanks to legislation that passed a few years ago, starting this year animals raised for meat in California can no longer be given antibiotics on a routine basis. You can visit http://www.eatwild.com to find farmers in your area who raise animals without misusing antibiotics.
And not just in California but all across the country the chicken industry in particular is transitioning away from routine antibiotic use. After hearing from its customers, Perdue Farms — the fourth-largest U.S. chicken producer, phased the use of antibiotics important to human medicine out of nearly its entire production system. Tyson Foods, the largest chicken producer in the country, followed suit shortly afterward when some of its biggest customers, including McDonald’s, said they wanted chicken raised without misusing life-saving medicines. We estimate that about half of the U.S. chicken industry is on track to no longer raise birds with the routine use of medically important antibiotics soon.
Beef and pork are a different story. According to the latest data from the Food and Drug Administration, beef producers purchase 43 percent of the medically-important antibiotics sold for food production, with pork producers trailing close behind at 37 percent. Although beef and pork products raised without routine antibiotics are not as prevalent as chicken, you can find responsibly raised meat in most places. Companies including Niman Ranch, Ranch Foods Direct, and Applegate sell meat from animals raised without misusing the drugs.
You can help change the industry, by choosing to not buy meat from companies contributing to the crisis of antibiotic resistance. Consumer Reports has some great resources for how to navigate labels to ensure that you’re purchasing meat raised without routine antibiotics. You can also visit the Antibiotic Resistance Action Center resource page at the George Washington University for some helpful tips in protecting your family from potentially-harmful bacteria on the meat you’re cooking.
Don’t just focus on fireworks safety this July 4th — focus also on food safety. And the best way to start is keeping meat raised with routine antibiotics off your grill.
State Director, Environment California
Laura directs Environment California's work to tackle global warming, protect the ocean and fight for clean air, clean water, open spaces and a livable planet. Laura stepped into the State Director role in January, 2021 and has been on staff for over twenty years. She has led campaigns to make sure California goes big on offshore wind and to get lead out of school drinking water. As the Environment California Field Director, she worked to get California to go solar, ban single use plastic grocery bags and get on track for 100% clean energy. Laura lives with her family in Richmond, California where she enjoys hiking, yoga and baking.


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Brewster officials have announced that the town has reached an agreement to purchase the Cape Cod Sea Camps property, according to town’s website.
Details, including the purchase price, will be publicized during an online forum scheduled for Friday.
The purchase will require approval at a special town meeting on September 25th and an election on October 5th.
The two parcels on Cape Cod Bay and Long Pond are nearly 120 acres combined.
Possible uses include new public beaches and affordable housing.
The sea camps closed last year after nearly a century of operation.


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An agreement between Facebook and Yahoo to allow users to blend content from the two sites has big implications for “cloud computing.”
The deal, announced last week, will make it easier for users to read their friends’ Facebook posts or update their own Facebook status from Yahoo. Facebook content will be available across Yahoo properties, including its Flickr photo service. It’s of course a two-way street, allowing people to display their Yahoo content on Facebook as well.
For Yahoo, it’s an extension of a strategy the company started implementing earlier this year when it added “applications” to the Yahoo front page that allow users a peek at data from Yahoo and non-Yahoo accounts, including Gmail, eBay and Facebook.
It’s likely that deals like this will grow over time, perhaps to include integration with Twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace and other social networks.
There have long been applications that allow a certain amount of integration between sites, such as displaying your Twitter feed on Facebook or using RSS to have your blog posts automatically linked to Facebook and Twitter. But having the companies work together — at least in theory — means that the integration can be tighter and more reliable.
In some ways, it reminds me of the integration of e-mail in the early 1990s. Back in the ’80s there were several companies that offered e-mail — including CompuServe, The Source, Prodigy, AOL and MCI Mail — but members of one service couldn’t exchange messages with someone using another service. That was solved when virtually all e-mail providers started using the Internet to connect to other providers.
Unlike Internet e-mail, moving data between the likes of Facebook and Yahoo requires business relationships between the two companies. But I envision a day when there are Web-wide standards for data exchange, allowing what you post on any service to be viewed or updated from another.
Of course, there are some privacy and security issues to be worked out, which I’m quite certain was part of the discussions between Yahoo and Facebook. Many of us want our data to be accessible across a wide range of services but we all also want to be able to maintain control.
In some ways, data integration could make control easier. If you can post something in one place to be read in many places, that should mean that you can delete it or change it in that one place and have it disappear from everywhere.
From a security standpoint, what’s important is that there be some system to vet the integrity of any sites that cooperate in data sharing. For this to work, all players need to subscribe to and enforce strong privacy and security policies, which is why it’s a good idea to start small with bilateral deals like the Yahoo-Facebook arrangement.
It will be interesting to see whether Microsoft is invited to this party. Microsoft is an investor in Facebook and a search partner with Yahoo. If the three companies agree to allow their customers to share data on their vast and various platforms, it could have a big positive impact on them and a potentially negative impact on Google and AOL.
As we move toward cloud computing, the long-term implications of this type of data-sharing go beyond simple things like being able to see your Facebook update on Yahoo or your Flickr photos on Facebook. Over time, people are going to be doing more and more of their computer activities online. Microsoft will be releasing an online version of Office, and Google Docs already offers rudimentary word-processing, spreadsheet and presentation features via the Web.
There are several online photo editing sites and there are also online personal finance management sites like Mint.com. With Google’s upcoming Web-centric Chrome operating system, all of the applications will run inside a Web browser with most applications and data stored on Internet servers rather than a PC hard drive.
The advantage to cloud computing is that your data is available whenever you have an Internet connection. But a potential disadvantage is that your data — and the software needed to access it — is controlled by whatever company is hosting your application.
If the industry or key players can come up with interoperability standards, then consumers will have more options to access and massage their data. That can improve not only competition but reliability as well. If one service is unavailable, you would be able to access your data from another service.
Contact Larry Magid at email@example.com. Listen for his technology chats on KCBS-AM (740) weekdays at 3:50 p.m.


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Social Media Survey
Credit unions that want to connect with their members through social media should find a receptive audience, according to a new report from Fiserv Inc.
Based on a nationwide survey of 3,000 representative online consumers conducted with The Marketing Workshop in August, 11% already are connected with their credit union or bank through a social media site and more than 36% of those who are not said they would be interested in doing so.
Interest in making that connection is highest, at 45%, among Gen Y consumers, the survey found. All participants in the survey had to have a checking account and some responsibility for paying bills online, Fiserv said.
The survey also found that connected consumers primarily use their financial institution’s social channels to receive information about financial services, and that those who are connected that way tend to use more services and products from that institution.
Broken down, the survey results showed that 66% used the channels for information about services, 32% to receive information about offers or promotions, 31% to review or post opinions and reviews, and 30% to conduct customer service-related activities.
"There is clearly a sizable segment of consumers who are interested in interacting with their financial institutions through social sites," said Geoff Knapp, vice president, Online Banking and Consumer Insights, at Fiserv in Brookfield, Wis.
"An active, engaging online social media presence is a viable way to maintain and grow valuable relationships with consumers who are visiting branches less and interacting through digital channels more," Knapp said.
Fiserv is offering a white paper on the survey results at www.fiserv.com/white-papers.htm.