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On 5 November, Qixiang Tengda, a core corporation majoring new chemical materials under Cedar Holdings was awarded the Firmest Industry Innovator 2019 on China Business 2019 Annual Meeting on Enterprise Competitiveness.
Organized by China Business Journal and National School of Development at Peking University, the annual meeting witnessed extensive discussion between guests from governments, corporations and academic circle over issues including the global economy and Chinese opportunities, self-owned brand upgrade and technological innovation. The results of the 2019 Corporate Happiness Index were announced as well.
Cedar Holdings and its subsidiaries and branches stick to the mission - develop industry to make China great again and create values to give back to society. Among several hundred companies that competed for the prize, Qixiang Tengda stood out of the crowd, thanks to its insistence on the industry, and its quality expansion in high value-added fine chemicals and the field of new chemical materials.
In August this year, the construction of Tianchen Qixiang, a nylon and new materials industrial base with an annual capacity of 1 million mt jointly invested by Qixiang Tengda and China Tianchen Engineering Corporation (TCC) was officially launched. Once completed, this project will enable a breakout of technology monopoly of foreign countries as well as ADN technology and industry take-off in China.
On 23 July, Qixiang Tengda signed agreements with Evonik and ThyssenKrupp, two top-notched international companies from Germany to introduce the world's most environmentally friendly PO process into production.
Besides, to provide propene as a raw material for PO and adiponitrile, Qixiang Tengda upgraded the annual output of the propene dehydrogenation from 450,000 mt / year to 700,000 mt / year.
With the propane dehydrogenation and PO project, Qixiang Tnegda will be able to expand horizontally from C4 to C3.
In recent years, Qixiang Tengda, supported by Cedar Holdings, has been making a leapfrog development, with expanding business landscape across the globe and continuous growth. On 2019 Fortune China 500 list released in July, Qixiang Tengda ranked 302nd, 32 spots up from the previous year.
Currently, Qixiang Tengda is strengthening technology R&D and capacity cooperation with top-notched chemical companies from Germany and Korea in fine chemicals and new chemical materials and striving to achieve technology breakthrough in key areas. Qixiang Tengda aims at becoming a world-class company with coverage of the whole chemical industry chain and bumping China fine chemical and new materials sector into the global top tier.


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Leia a Disney princess? Open the online petition!
It has opened a petition online to make Leia a Disney princess
The death of actress Carrie Fisher, the famous princess Leia, has thrown into turmoil the followers of the Star Wars saga. After his death, have been promoted many initiatives, in his memory, in addition to the many tributes dedicated to actors and directors, friends, and the cast of Star Wars. Now, the dream of the fans of Leia Organa is to make it a Disney princess official.
The petition was launched by Cody Christensen on Change.Org and will be delivered to Bob Iger, CEO of Walt Disney. Here is the text of the petition:
After the tragic loss of Carrie Fisher, we believe it's right that Disney does not follow the rule that a Disney princess official have to be animated, and that makes Leia to all effects and purposes a princess. This would be a wonderful way to remember Carrie and welcome to one of the new properties Disney loved by millions of people.
What we ask is that the Walt Disney Corporation hold an official ceremony to crown Leia as the new Disney princess, as well as that may be a special event in memory of Carrie Fisher.
The petition has a goal of reaching 150,000 signatures. At the moment, there are nearly 80,000 supporters of the cause.
You what will you do? You sign up for our princess Leia? Please let us know with a comment below!
The article Leia a Disney princess? Open the online petition! comes from JustNerd.en.

domain: news


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The bug to own an electric vehicle (EV) has caught on. Though the capital cost of an EV is nearly 30-40% higher than comparable internal combustion (ICE) model, the promise of saving on gasoline costs and contributing to a greener planet is an attractive proposition. As it is, the Tata Nexon EV has a waiting period of 6 months.
However, buyers are also learning there are serious downside issues, mainly the lack of charging and maintenance infrastructure. Those with independent homes have the luxury of installing a charging setup of their own; but when it’s a community of apartments and common parking facilities, there are multiple challenges.
More recently, there have been serious safety concerns after there were a series of fire incidents in EV scooters. A popular manufacturer, Okinawa Autotech, acknowledging battery problems, has recalled a batch of 3,125 two-wheelers. Though EVs still have a long way to go, the volume is galloping. There are 12 models in the EV passenger car segment on offer and growing;and cumulative sales tripled to 14,800 units in 2021. EV two-wheelers are more popular, and current March figures show sales were just short of 50,000 units– a 4-fold rise from a year ago.
As is usual, policy and infrastructure support trails the commercial launch of products. After the EV fires, Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari has warned manufacturers of heavy penalties. An expert committee has also been set up, and will suggest remedial measures. Nudged by the confusion, the Niti Ayog has come up with a draft EV policy.
The draft policy is essentially focused on ‘battery-swapping’, which allows EV users to exchange discharged batteries for charged ones. This keeps vehicles running, and sidesteps charging as a delay factor. The battery, being at the heart of the EV system, the draft proposes to make it more affordable, the GST levy – currently pegged at a high of 18% – be brought down in line with other EV components that attract a rate of 5%. It also suggests setting up a network of swapping stations for batteries.
The swap arrangement is only workable with the smaller lithium-ion batteries and ,therefore, will be limited to two-wheelers or three-wheelers. The draft proposes GST benefits be extended to ‘fixed’ lithium-ion batteries too. It has also included safety measures on the agenda, and proposed a testing and certification process.
Considering the government has committed itself to doing away with the gasoline (ICE) engine by 2030, these efforts are not enough. A policy of making the EV cheaper and safer is required, along with building a network of charging and maintenance stations on a national scale. It is the government, in conjunction with the manufacturers, can achieve that scale. But will the legacy car makers allow it?
The lithium-sulphur option
It is therefore important that the hunt continues on how to make batteries cheaper and efficient. Then there are perception problems like ‘range anxiety’ – the fear of EV users that the battery may die on them in the middle of a ride. Though the lithium-ion packs are energy-dense, they are still quite heavy, large and clunky, making the EV inefficient. And as we have seen in recent cases of fire, the lithium-ion battery is a huge safety risk if it has a damaged cell. It can catch fire.
This search by scientists at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Philadelphia has come close to offering the lithium-sulphur battery as an alternative energy pack. Research showed the lithium-sulphur battery is environmentally safer, cheaper to produce, and more-energy dense, so maybe 3 times lighter than the traditional lithium-ion pack. The problem they encountered was it deteriorated quickly and died after 1-2 years.
This made it a commercial failure till the Drexel scientists began experimenting with changing the compounds in the battery’s cathode to slow down the chemical reaction that creates polysulfides when the battery charges and discharges. These crystals effectively take sulphur out of the electrode and ultimately cause a loss of capacity. In the process they made a huge discovery. They found a chemical phase of sulphur that stops battery degradation. Though still in an experimental stage, the lithium-sulphur battery will weigh a third of the equivalent lithium-ion batteries and have twice their lifespan. These packs can revolutionize transportation and make short haul flights, and large sea-faring boats go totally electric.
Much of the inputs for these batteries are freely available and accessing them will not require deep mining and damage to the environment. As we await the transition from discovery to mass marketing, the lithium-sulphur battery may bring us that much closer to a world of net-zero emissions.


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The Security Breach in the Cryptocurrency Community: Fake Ledger Live App Causes Financial Losses
The cryptocurrency community recently faced a significant security breach that resulted in substantial financial losses for unsuspecting users. A fake application titled “Ledger Live Web3″ appeared in the Microsoft App Store, imitating the genuine interface of Ledger‘s hardware wallet application. This fraudulent software managed to steal a significant amount of money before it was taken down.
Cryptocurrency Investigator Exposes the Scam
On November 5, 2023, cryptocurrency investigator ZachXBT brought attention to this scam and warned users about the counterfeit application. Through analysis of the transactions to the scammer’s bitcoin address (bc1q…y64q), it was discovered that approximately 16.8 Bitcoins, equivalent to around $588,000, were stolen through 38 transactions. Further investigation also revealed an additional address connected to the scheme, accumulating roughly $180,000 across the ethereum and Binance Smart Chain networks.
Microsoft’s Response and App Store Oversight
After the public uproar, Microsoft promptly removed the deceptive application. However, questions have arisen regarding their app vetting process and accountability, particularly since this is not the first instance of such a scam. Reports from victims have intensified the demand for stricter oversight of app stores, emphasizing the risks associated with downloading cryptocurrency-related applications from less regulated sources.
Timeline of the Scammer’s Activity
The scammer’s wallet activity began with a transaction dated October 24, indicating a well-planned operation that escalated from November 2. The largest single transfer recorded was $81,200 on November 4. Historical data revealed that the fake “Ledger Live Web3″ app had been listed on Microsoft’s platform as early as October 19.
Importance of Due Diligence in App Store Security
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in seemingly secure app stores. It underscores the importance of conducting thorough due diligence before downloading any financial management software.
The cryptocurrency community experienced a significant setback due to a fake Ledger Live app that deceived unsuspecting users and resulted in substantial financial losses. It is crucial for both app stores and users to exercise caution and take proactive measures to prevent such scams in the future.
Image source: Shutterstock
### News source: blockchain.news


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American company Netflix, which supplies movies and TV series based on streaming media, reported that in the first quarter of this year, the number of new users of the service grew by a record 9 million 600 thousand paid subscribers. The indicator significantly exceeded the forecast of analysts who had expected an increase in the number of subscribers by 8 million 60 thousand people. Its net profit was 344 million dollars with revenue of 4.5 billion dollars. Earnings per share rose to 76 cents from 64 cents per share a year earlier. The company also announced that, according to its forecast, earnings in the second quarter would be 55 cents per share, which is 85 cents lower than the same period last year. The forecast disappointed analysts, who had expected 99 cents per share. Against this background, Netflix shares lost 5% on Wednesday.
S&P and Nasdaq close on record gains amid hopes on new China stimulus19.02.2020
New York Fed: U.S. shoppers suspect spending growth slowdown17.02.2020
Japan's economy falls in fourth quarter, recession risks grow13.02.2020
Wall Street reaches record closing highs amid coronavirus slowdown


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Recently, Google Marketing Live 2021 showcased all of the new (and future) features for advertisers in the Google ecosystem. We hope you caught the latest product updates, trends, and best practices from Google Marketing Livestream.
In case you missed it, watch the keynote and other sessions on demand.
The expansive range of content covered topics from consumer privacy to shifts in shopping behavior. The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically changed how we find and purchase goods.
Today, we’ll focus on the Google Marketing Live 2021 announcements that have a significant impact on Shopping and Commerce advertising programs, across three categories: Bidding, User Experiences, and Integrations/Measurement.
Bidding Announcements from Google Marketing Live 2021
Target ROAS + Product Feeds for Video Action Campaigns
YouTube campaigns have developed rapidly to become shoppable placements. A channel traditionally known for upper-funnel reach and brand awareness has become a more versatile – full-funnel tactic. Supporting Target ROAS is extremely significant, since it’s been limited to Target CPA, thus far.
Video action campaigns take the best features of TrueView for action and scale them to more places on and off YouTube – all in a single automated campaign
Talk to your Skai Client Success team about measuring your YouTube Campaign performance.
Target ROAS + Product Feeds for Discovery Ads
Discovery Ads were unveiled in 2019 for advertisers to “deliver highly visual, inspiring personalized ad experiences to people who are ready to discover and engage with your brand — all through a single Google Ads campaign.” Similar to Video, Discovery Campaign bid strategies have been limited to Target CPA or Maximize Conversions, until this point.
Talk to your Skai Client Success team about measuring your Discovery Campaign performance.
User Experiences Announcements
Local Inventory Ads and Extended Shopping Labels on YouTube and Maps
“With stores starting to open back up, we’re adding new ways for merchants to promote and highlight in-store inventory through local inventory ads,” Stephanie Shum, Director, Product Management, Commercial Consumer Experiences at Google said.
“You can now highlight products nearby that are available for pick up now, later or curbside. We’re also extending curbside pick and in-store shopping labels via Maps and YouTube local ads. So you can reach customers, wherever they shop,” she said.
Launching “Deals Results” Page
Later this year, Google will also unveil a “deals results page” to make it easier to discover discounts and promotions via the search and shopping tab. Google plans to also roll-out deal optimization reporting in Merchant Center.
Integrations and Measurement Announcements
Introducing Price Competitiveness Report in Merchant Center
This report will show advertisers how other merchants are pricing the same products they sell, with an average price shown for all products that meet “minimum thresholds for traffic and Retailer aggregation.”
This will unlock key bidding, pricing, and performance insights for shopping advertisers.
Google Marketing Live 2021 Announces Shopify Integration
One major announcement of the day is that Google will be launching a seamless integration with Shopify, which is designed to make the process of activating inventory simpler. Further, the integration will enable Shop Pay as a payment option for users across Google services.
Please note this article does not include all of Google’s announcements from their live marketing event. For more information, please visit the Google Ads Help article recapping all of the Google Marketing Live 2021 announcements.


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Rising trend in gold continued for the seventh straight day as prices rose by Rs 10 to trade nearly one-month high at Rs 26,200 at the bullion market today on sustained buying by jewellers amid a firming global trend.
Tracking gold, silver also extended its rally for the eighth day and gained another Rs 30 at Rs 36,130 per kg.
Bullion traders said persistent rise in gold prices was mostly attributed to sustained buying by jewellers to meet seasonal demand and a firming global trend. Globally, gold rose by 0.2 per cent to USD 1,116.91 an ounce in Singapore.
Depreciating rupee against the American currency to Rs 65.34 (intra-day), making imports costlier further fuelled the upside, they said.
In the national capital, gold of 99.9 and 99.5 per cent inched up by Rs 10 to Rs 26,200 and Rs 26,050 per ten grams, respectively. It had gained Rs 1,210 in last six days.
Sovereign, however, remained steady at Rs 22,400 per piece of eight gram.
Also, silver ready gained Rs 30 to Rs 36,130 per kg and weekly-based delivery traded higher by Rs 65 to Rs 35,940 per kg.
Silver coins spurted by Rs 1,000 to Rs 51,000 for buying and Rs 52,000 for selling of 100 pieces on upsurge in demand.


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The Africa Cup of Nations Organising Committee has announced the prices for tickets for the tournaments' knockout stages.
According to Tazkarti website, which is the sole seller of the tickets, there will be two different prices for the matches in the latter stages.
The committee has priced the round of 16 and quarter-finals ticket at EGP 200 (approx. $12) and EGP 400 (approx. $24).
The semi-finals tickets will cost EGP 300 (approx. $18) and EGP 500 (approx. $30), while the tickets for the finals will cost EGP 500 (approx. $30) and EGP 750 (approx. $45).
This is the first time the tournament is hosting 24 teams, having upscaled from the previous 16 participants.
The month-long tournament will culminate in the finals set for 19 July.


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Gateshead drugs firm Shield Therapeutics has revealed a significant increase in revenue driven by US sales and upfront payments from new distribution partners.
The manufacturer said unaudited total revenue for 2022 rose to £8.5m, compared with the £1.5m it generated the year before. Shield's sales agreement with US healthcare group Viatris was behind much of the progress as total US prescriptions of the its Accrufer capsules increased to more than 25,000, worth £2.8m in sales.
The firm has previously said it hopes to sell about £123m ($150m) of the iron deficiency product to the US by the end of 2025, citing a large, under-served market of around 20 million people who suffer from anaemia. By linking with Viatris, Shield plans to establish a 100-person sales team in the US which will target 12,000 healthcare professionals.
Recruitment of that sales team was said to be well under way with 16 people already trained and promoting Accrufer in their territories and 17 more having either accepted job offers or considering offers. Shield's push into the US market is being funded by the proceeds of a share subscription and placing, an extended shareholder loan facility and upfront payment from Viatris partnership which altogether amounts to about $37.7m.
Greg Madison, CEO of Shield Therapeutics, said: "We believe Accrufer has the potential to be the oral iron treatment of choice for patients with iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia. In 2022, we set out to substantially increase product adoption, sales growth, physician awareness and generate positive clinical experience and expand payor coverage. 2022 has been a landmark year for Accrufer, marked by consistent improvements across all of these key performance indicators, led by a substantial increase in prescriptions and product revenues. I am proud and grateful for the excellent work by our team and our partners.
"Completion of the Viatris collaborative sales agreement in December 2022 has set Accrufer up for strong 2023 growth in prescriptions and product sales. We are thrilled to be working with Viatris to bring Accrufer to more patients suffering from iron deficiency/iron deficiency anaemia in the US.
"I am pleased to report that the collaboration is off to a great start and hiring and training is well underway to put the expanded sales team in place. We are pleased to expand our commercial footprint with Viatris' well established prescriber relationships, best in class digital marketing, direct to patient capabilities, and extensive market access experience."
Elsewhere Shield updated on progress on the path to regulatory approval in Korea and China as well as a 10% increase in European sales of its iron deficiency capsules, marketed as Feraccru across the continent.


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Now might be a good time for catering equipment manufacturers to invest in UK premises, as the latest IHS Market/CIPS Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) shows that British manufacturing has hit a 30-month high.
Rates of growth for production and new orders in December were among the best seen over the past 2.5 years. Companies benefited from stronger inflows of new work from both domestic and overseas clients, the latter aided by the boost to competitiveness from the weak Sterling exchange rate.
The headline PMI has signalled expansion in each of the past 5 months. December saw output expanded to meet the needs of stronger new work inflows.
Employment rose for the fifth consecutive month in December, with the pace of jobs growth accelerating to the fastest in 14 months. SMEs saw the steepest expansion of staffing levels, although large-scale producers registered a modest increase too.
However, price pressures remained elevated in December. Rates of inflation for input costs and output charges both remained among the fastest seen during the survey history, albeit both slowing from October’s highs.
Higher costs were passed on at the factory gate, as selling prices rose for the eighth straight month in December. Steep increases were seen across the consumer, intermediate and investment goods sectors.
Rob Dobson, senior economist at IHS Markit, which compiles the survey: “The UK manufacturing sector starts 2017 on a strong footing.
“Based on its historical relationship against official manufacturing output data, the survey is signalling a quarterly pace of growth approaching 1.5%, a surprisingly robust pace given the lacklustre start to the year and the uncertainty surrounding the EU referendum.
“The boost to competitiveness from the weak exchange rate has undoubtedly been a key driver of the recent turnaround, while the domestic market has remained a strong contributor to new business wins. A plus point from the December survey was that the expansion was led by the investment and intermediate goods sectors, suggesting capital spending and corporate demand took the reins from the consumer in driving industrial growth forward.
“On the prices front, higher input costs continued to feed through to increased selling prices, with rates of inflation remaining among the highest seen during the survey history. Of the companies citing a cause of higher costs, 75% linked the increase to the exchange rate.”
David Noble, group chief executive officer at CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) added: “Manufacturers enjoyed the stronger economic environment and consequently raised production at a robust pace, while finding room to increase purchasing activity at the strongest rate for 2.5 years.
“The stimulus for growth came from new order wins in both domestic and overseas markets. The rates of growth remained marked, while new export orders were boosted by the sustained weakness of the pound. Some respondents commented on an increase in orders from India, China, the US and EU.
“This fervent activity placed suppliers under greater pressure. Supplier delivery times lengthened for the eighth month in a row, with manufacturers reporting raw material shortages as placing strains on vendor performance. Backlogs of work also increased for the first time since February 2014.
“The impact of rising input costs continued to be felt, as the rate of cost inflation stood at one of the highest in the survey’s 25-year history. However, this did not deter manufacturers from leveraging their buying capability and increasing their input orders – the fifth month in succession. In fact, the rate of stock building reached its fastest for 6 years, partly to counteract future expected price increases in raw materials and any possible shortages in the year ahead.
“This fizz in new orders signals good news for UK manufacturers which has previously been hit by uncertainties following the EU referendum, and the sector looks set to reach a more robust growth path at the start of 2017.”


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The Federal Trade Commission sued Wyndham Worldwide hotels last month after poor security allowed $10,6 million in phony credit card charges. After that happened, it put a spotlight on a growing problem for many small and medium businesses and that is that computer hackers are increasingly targeting them.
Activities like this have plagued large corporations for some time, gaining worldwide recognition whenever a hack from Anonymous or LulzSec surfaces. Sony’s PlayStation Network was one of the more recent big name hacks followed by a Russian hacker posting 6.5 million LinkedIn user passwords online. But now hackers are turning to the small and medium-sized businesses of the world, ones that usually have weaker defenses.
One example comes from a mannequin company out of Brooklyn, New York, which lost $1.2 million in only a few hours. Verizon has also analyzed hundreds of data breaches from 2010 and found that 63% of them happened at companies that had 100 or fewer employees.
The surprising part is that this isn’t a new trend. Kevin Haley, Director at Symantec Security Response, cited company research that showed that only 13% of the 1,900 SMBs the firm surveyed felt completely protected against computer threats. In addition to that, a related study showed that 40% of targeted online attacks had gone after smaller businesses.
The big name hackers, like Anonymous, tend to go after big companies that they find are infringing upon privacy, human rights or some other cause. However, the hackers that are looking for a quick score tend to go after smaller businesses with a nice cash flow and lower security measures.
Things are getting worse for small businesses every day. Not only are they getting hit hard by the economy but what money they do make is being taken from them by hackers. What’s worse is that, according to McAfee and Guardian Analytics, hackers are using fraud automation to increase the power and speed of their attacks while tools found on hacker sites also help people illegally tap into company information networks.
If you are a small business owner, you may want to stock up on as much antivirus protection as possible. You don’t have to be completely protected, just more protected than your competition, because a hacker will always take the easier prey.
Source: CBS News – Hackers target small businesses


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Jul 31, 2013Very soon you will able to download your favourite movie or song, play online games, or just simply surf the Net while you wait for a train at the Chandigarh railway station. And, that too without shelling out any money.
Jul 19, 2013While light showers and drizzles, for the past few days, had been tempting the city residents to enjoy the weather, this has also led to worries about skin and hair problems in this season.
Jul 12, 2013The second edition of the ice cream fest to be organized at Sukhna Lake from July 12 to 14 to mark World Ice Cream Day promises to be a delectable treat.CITCO plans to put up a 20 feet tall ice cream cone at the fest.
Jul 12, 2013The arrival of monsoon brings with it a natural urge and craving to eat fried food items.The magic of the season works well on the city residents, tempting them to eat everything hot and spicy.


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Microsoft’s Xbox Series S (L) and Xbox Series X consoles.
Phil Barker | Future release | Future via Getty Images
Microsoft is bringing its cloud gaming service to Xbox consoles later this year.
The company announced Tuesday that Xbox Cloud Gaming would allow gamers to stream games instead of installing them on a device, would appear on its new Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles as well as older Xbox One machines this vacation.
American tech giants like Microsoft, Google and Amazon are betting on a future of video games beyond consoles, in which subscription services and software will play a much bigger role.
While Microsoft is still investing heavily in Xbox hardware, it also has a heavy focus on Xbox Game Pass, a subscription service that gives gamers access to a library of over 100 titles for about $ 15 a month.
Cloud gaming, in which games are hosted on remote servers and streamed to users over the internet, is a big part of Microsoft’s strategy. The aim is to attract players to the Microsoft ecosystem across different devices.
Currently, Xbox Cloud Gaming is only available on mobile and PC. Now Microsoft plans to bring it to consoles. It also has a plan to introduce cloud gaming on televisions through partnerships with manufacturers and their own dedicated streaming dongles.
Microsoft presented the release window for cloud gaming on consoles at the Gamescom video game fair. The event usually takes place in Cologne, but has only gone online this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Japanese rival Sony is also banking on services through its PlayStation Plus subscription offering that gives gamers access to online multiplayer and select free games every month.
But the company mainly touts its exclusive blockbuster games to attract consumers. Hit franchises like The Last of Us and God of War, for example, can only be found on PlayStation platforms.
However, recently Microsoft has been spending more aggressively on exclusive content. The company acquired Bethesda, the legendary video game publisher behind franchises like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout, for $ 7.5 billion last year.
Video games had a boom year in 2020 when people turned to home entertainment during the Covid bans. It’s now a $ 180 billion industry, according to market researcher IDC. As various countries lift their pandemic restrictions, it remains to be seen whether the momentum can continue.


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Netflix down: Netflix starting to come back online, still down for some
UPDATE: Netflix is back online for users across the United States. Phew!
Netflix went down on Saturday night and people online didn’t handle it very well.
Just before 9:30 p.m. ET, Netflix customer support tweeted that they were aware of the issue and it would be handled as fast as possible.
“We are aware that some customers are seeing errors when visiting Netflix’s website and we are working to solve this as quickly as possible.”
According to DownDetector.com, the problem has been ongoing over the past few hours.
Around 10:30 p.m. ET, many users reported the service was coming back online. However, some are still reporting problems.
Many web users were greeted with a “technical difficulties” message while Apple TV and Chromecast users have reported the streaming service is working for them.
Outages have been reported in other countries including Switzerland, Argentina, and several others.
Netflix has not given the “all clear” yet.


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Samsung is set to announce a range of smartphones in 2018, starting from the two flagship phones -- Galaxy S9, S9+ to the foldable phone, aka Galaxy X. The South Korean smartphone manufacturer may start the year with the most-awaited and rumoured Galaxy S9 and S9+. Samsung is expected to unveil the two flagship smartphones at CES, which is to take place next week and launch only at MWC in Feb. Ahead of the official announcement, both the phones have been leaked in renders again, showing off thin bezels, fingerprint sensor at the rear and more.
We have come across several rumours about the Galaxy S9 and S9+ already, and have a rough idea about the design and specifications. The newly leaked renders doesn't reveal any new information about the phones, and just confirms the previously leaked details. The renders were first spotted by Android Headlines. The renders show both the phones placed side by side, showing off both rear and front panel.
Coming to the cheaper variant first, which is the Galaxy S9. The smartphone looks much like its predecessor, aka Samsung Galaxy S8. This also indicates that Samsung may not bring much of a difference on the design front in the S9 lineup. However, there may be slight difference in terms of specifications.
As teased earlier, the new renders also show that the Galaxy S9 with single rear camera setup. While on the other hand, the bigger variant - S9+ -- may come with two cameras at the back. While on the front, both the phones may come with dual selfie cameras.
On the design front, the two phones may not see much difference when compared to the S8 and S8+. Both the devices are expected to come with thing bezels. However, the sizes of the two phones may vary. Galaxy S8 will be a smaller in size when compared to the Plus variant.
Moving ahead, unlike the S8, the fingerprint sensor on the S9 will be placed at the back, below the rear camera set up. The renders don't reveal any further details about the phones.
It is worth noting that there are no official words from Samsung on the launch of the S9 phones. However, going by the innumerable reports leaked online, the company may unveil the Galaxy S9 and S9+ at CES 2018, and launch them only at MWC.


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Gasoline rose as U.S. retail sales increased in May and storms in the Midwest caused units to shut at a refinery serving the Chicago area. Crack spreads widened.
Futures advanced as May retail sales rose 0.6 percent, the biggest jump in three months, Commerce Department data showed today. Citgo Petroleum Corp.’s Lemont, Illinois, refinery lost power to production units after a lightning strike yesterday. Pump prices in the Chicago area were $4.399 a gallon, 76.7 cents a gallon above the national average, according to data from AAA, the largest U.S. motoring organization.
“Gasoline got a bounce from the economic data and from Citgo,” said Phil Flynn, senior market analyst at Price Futures Group in Chicago. “The Midwest is like a horror story.”


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Rangoni Firenze Shoes, a longtime fixture of South Lake Avenue in Pasadena, has closed its doors in the face of declining sales.
On Monday store employees were busy boxing up shoes and getting things ready to be moved.
“I found out about 10 days ago,” said Gina Turner, who has worked at Rangoni for the past 15 years. “I liked working here because it was close to home, the shoes were high quality and the customers were terrific.”
Randy Paddock, the company’s general manager, said business at the Pasadena location had been falling off in recent years.
“It’s been declining for the last five to six years,” he said. “It went from a significant amount of business to next to nothing.”
The decline, he said, was fueled primarily by changing demographics.
“A younger generation of 30-somethings and the 40-somethings has moved into that area,” he said. “We really catered to what we call classic customers and many of them aren’t around anymore, so we tried to change our product line to go along with that. But when you’re known for one thing the younger generation doesn’t necessarily want that.”
Rangoni shoes typically range from about $185 to $250, Paddock said.
Rangoni also closed a San Francisco store and another location in Palm Desert last year.
The San Diego-based company now operates eight stores. They are in Costa Mesa, La Jolla, Dallas, San Antonio, Palm Beach, Fla., Raleigh, N.C., Charleston, S.C. and Chevy Chase, Md.
The 4,000-square-foot Pasadena store at 400 S. Lake Ave. originally operated as Huggins Shoes but became Rangoni Firenze Shoes in 1985.
The store has been at its current location for 65 years, but the business has operated as a shoe store for about 100 years, according to Paddock.
“It was a tough decision to close the store because of all the history there, but it was just losing money,” he said.
Turner said the store was known for selling quality products and offering shoes for hard-to-fit customers.
The company’s website expounds on that philosophy in describing its Amalfi line of shoes.
“With each shoe in the Amalfi line, Rangoni seeks a perfect marriage of quality and comfort,” website says. “That’s also why we continue to offer shoes in a full range of widths in an era when most manufacturers are scaling back. If the shoe fits, you’ll wear it. And Rangoni shoes are made to be worn.”
Longtime customer Lygia Fielding has certainly worn her share. Fielding showed up at noon on Monday and was surprised to learn the store had closed.
“I’ve been coming here about seven years,” the Pasadena resident said. “I like Rangoni because they have high-quality Italian shoes. They’re different from the other types of shoes you find at other stores. I’m sad and I’m shocked. It’s difficult to find such brands around here. Now I may have to go to Italy to find them!”
Liz Gomez, who works a few doors down at the Custom Comfort Mattress store, was also surprised to learn that Rangoni had closed.
“I had no clue,” she said. “Usually when a store closes they have a big closing sale.”


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You may have heard of electric eels before, and probably wondered how they got their name. It actually is because they do produce electricity, sometimes even at lethal doses. But it’s not like they carry batteries around underwater, or do they?
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New pilot contracts to drive up costs at US airlines
U.S. airline profitability will fall in 2023 as airlines spend more to retain pilots despite travel demand concerns from a recession.
United, American, Delta, and Southwest have hastened to hire after a faster-than-expected U.S. travel market comeback.
Some airlines have had to give pilots big contracts, raising fears about rising expenses as they recover from the epidemic and massive debt.
Last month, Cowen analyst Helane Becker said "margins are set to take a hit in 2023 as airlines ratify new contracts with labor groups."
BofA Global Research estimates the industry will need 5,200 pilots per year from 2024-2030.
"If ratified, Delta's recent tentative pilot agreement could drive incremental unit costs higher by 2%, and 2%-3% higher for American, Southwest
Travel demand, driven by a pent-up desire to travel and epidemic savings, may bring some respite while costs dominate.
Texas-based American Airlines anticipated a higher fourth-quarter profit on Thursday due to robust Christmas travel demand.
American, Delta, United, and Southwest shares plunged 14%–30% in 2022 due to huge cancellations and economic concerns.
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There are reports that Amazon is to open a massive (nearly) one million square foot fulfilment centre (FC) in New York City. This will be the major facility for the company in the city and the state. Previously fulfilment has been made predominantly from FC in New Jersey and other nearby states.
The 975k sq ft centre seems likely to be located on Staten Island giving easy access to millions of online shoppers in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island. But why has it taken so long?
The first obstacle has been with state officials over tax in the state but that is now largely resolved and the major barrier remained more obvious. Real estate in NYC is extremely expensive and there are few opportunities to find such big premises. The development of the Staten Island warehouse has been made possible because a plan for a NASCAR racing track at the site has fallen through due to political wrangling.
Amazon does already have a presence in the state. A smaller long Island facility is used for food delivery and there is also an Amazon Prime Now collection hub in Manhattan but this is by far their biggest incursion into the Empire State. Amazon has yet to make a public statement on these reported developments at time of writing
Big, densely populated, affluent urban centres offer huge opportunities for Amazon and being able to service them from close by as cheaply and efficiently as possible is vital. It also makes Amazon Prime and Amazon Prime Now more effective and enticing to shoppers. That NYC didn’t have a central fulfilment centre hub in the heart of the city has long been something of an anomaly but that looks set to change in the not to distant future with rumours that the facility will open before summer’s end.


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Last September, we reported that Nick Reilly, Chairman of Opel, hinted at the launch of the German brand in Australia. GM's European division made it official today at, announcing that Opel is set to enter the Australian market in 2012.
Nick Reilly, said at the Detroit Auto Show: “This launch is an important part of our international expansion strategy. With its growing demand for German design and technology, the Australian car market is an excellent opportunity for Opel. Australian drivers have a strong affinity with Opel vehicles.”
In a statement released to the press, Opel said the company’s offerings will include the Insignia, Astra and Corsa, with the full model line-up to be announced closer to the actual start of sales.
GM's Australian subsidiary, Holden, will most likely continue to offer its RWD Commodore and Caprice range with the rest of the lineup comprising of rebadged Chevrolet and Daewoo models such as the Barina Spark, Captiva and Cruze. The Opel brand will be positioned more upmarket targeting Volkswagen.
Following the previously announced launch of the brand in Chile and Israel, Australia becomes the third export brand for Opel, which is looking to strengthen its exports and increase sales. The German company said other markets that are under consideration include Argentina, the Middle East and an expansion in South-Africa and China.
Gallery: Opel's European Range


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For the second year in a row, the Roku Operating System (OS) was the No. 1 smart TV OS sold in the US according to NPD’s Weekly Retail Tracking Service.
Additionally, Roku announced a partnership with Sharp to bring Sharp Roku TV models to customers in the US. Sharp is using the Roku TV hardware reference design and Roku OS to deliver a series of HD and 4K TV models in 2022.
Sharp Roku TV models will come integrated with Roku OS, offering a customisable home screen, compatibility with the three major voice ecosystems and access to thousands of channels including over 200 live TV channels. More details on the Sharp Roku TV models availability and specs will be announced in the coming months.
Mustafa Ozgen, GM & SVP of account acquisitions, Roku, said: “Sharp, like Roku, is an award-winning, household known brand and we look forward to a productive partnership together in the US. We both firmly believe that the power and ease of use of Roku TV, combined with the Sharp brand promise of ‘simply better living’ makes an appealing combination for customers looking for a great TV experience.”
Added Jim Sanduski, president of Sharp Home Electronics Company of America: “We are excited to collaborate with Roku and equip our new HD and 4K UHD TVs with their award-winning Operating System (OS). Pairing our long-standing heritage in display technology with Roku’s best-in-class, easy-to-use interface is a winning combination for our consumers.”
In addition, the Roku TV licensing programme in Mexico will expand to include a total of 10 brands, with the addition of Aiwa and HKPRO starting in early 2022. The programme offers OEMs and TV brands an easy and cost-effective way to make best-in-class smart TVs at competitive price points.


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Yahoo phone calls Wassenaar legislation unfeasible
This new Wassenaar rules’ potential transposition towards United states law discovered light a few weeks ago and simply given that find comments on the newest idea run-out, Google has actually commercially verbal aside from the render.
“We feel these particular advised laws, because the already authored, will receive a significant crappy effect on this new unlock security browse community. They’re going to together with decrease all of our ability to guard ourselves, our very own profiles, and come up with the internet safer. It could be a devastating lead in case brand new a keen export handle created and come up with some one better end in huge amounts of users along the planet feel persistently reduced safe,” Neil Martin, export compliance counsel regarding the Yahoo, and you may Tim Willis regarding Google Chrome safeguards people, typed from inside the a report on Google’s webpages.
Google’s lead concern is to your rules’ definition of intrusion software, and that whilst currently stands manage avoid you aren’t unpublished safeguards research off deciding to make the u . s . in it (to go to a protection appointment for example) unlike first post it or revealing they on NSA. Brand new article and additionally claims one Yahoo have given lengthy views on the fresh new proposals. It’s still doing viewed when they will be susceptible to someone change otherwise passed on statutes.
Cheat of adult cheating website reveals 37 million users
Certainly America’s perhaps most obviously online dating sites, Ashleymadison that provides pages the an approach to cheat for the partners, might have been hacked. Overall, 37 million categories of user facts as well as legitimate labels, charge card info, images and chat logs. The group providing credit on the cheat is actually indeed named ‘The end result Team’ just who apparently concentrated the site on account away from ethical objections to their business model. Still 100 % free interracial matchmaking chat rooms Australian continent it pointed out that the fresh new website is simply billing profiles taking ‘full delete’ (we.e deleting new user studies) when in affairs they certainly were retaining percentage advice also while the names and you may address contact information. A study was started however, pages of your web site goes to-be worried.
Hackers wirelessly manage and you may beat a great Jeep
Among the most present hacking training has experienced Twitter by storm and with excuse. The internet out of something could have been a subject growing highest inside the brand new regions of cyber visibility and this latest demonstration was scarier than just most. It hijacked the sound system, come off the latest wipers next slain the fresh new sign off the ft 10 distant. Andy Greenberg sensed it absolutely was including risky and have now named him or her to stop.
The opportunity of hacking automobile, or in other words the fresh servers and that handle its digital devices actually completely the latest plus getting found of the right same hackers while . The difference would be the fact today they can bring step without any cables. You don’t need to greatest off imaginations to imagine the new terrifying options for it version of assault, nor the huge costs for automobile service providers who would need somehow posting otherwise bear in mind really otherwise many influenced automobiles.
CVS drugstore chain endures violation
The fitness team citation could have been unveiled, this time around impacting pharmacy strings CVS. The good news is, this is not medical studies that has been influenced, but rather people of their images heart, cvsphoto. Which records are available as an element of a much bigger infraction regarding the fresh independent merchant and this protects this service membership, most other sites including Walmart Canada and you can Costco might have begun swayed.
Four no months shown for the Web browsers
It seems while the brand new day’s no weeks. Adobe recently create the brand new change having spots for some Thumb vulnerabilities established from the Hacking Classification violation and you will Oracle repaired 93 pests a week ago. Now simple fact is that transform from suffering web browser Browsers, with a recently available security step having launched five the latest vulnerabilities within this November’s ‘Pwn2Own’ feel.
Microsoft were seem to told at that time but it’s the policy of your work which will make the details 120 days immediately following breakthrough, possibly the vulnerability might have been patched or otherwise not. The fresh new declaration info new bad of those vulnerabilities
“The new susceptability form how Browsers procedure arrays symbolizing muscle on HTML tables. By impacting a document’s activities an attacker is actually force an effective Internet sites Explorer to use why are Bikaner women so beautiful thoughts through the prevent regarding several HTML structure.”
This can basically succeed a competitor to add and you can perform dangerous password within the regular processes of your web sites browser. Other flaws relate solely to how Web browser talks about content. Because nothing of those weaknesses is actually patched therefore the information becoming had written it could be better to end Browsers ahead of weaknesses was basically repaired.


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Following lawsuit, NYC to resume indoor dining with heavy restrictions
New York City restaurants will now be able to serve customers outside for good.
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Friday that the city’s Open Restaurants Program, which was created in June as a temporary solution to help restaurants survive the coronavirus restrictions, will be made “permanent and year-round.”
“I want us to really take this model and make it part of the life of New York City for years and generations to come,” de Blasio told WNYC’s Brian Lehrer on Friday. “This has been, I think, an extraordinarily positive experiment and it’s worked.”
‘RESTAURANTS FOR BIDEN’: FAMOUS CHEFS, RESTAURATEURS CLAIM TRUMP ‘FAILED’ THEIR INDUSTRY: REPORT
The program allows restaurants to seat diners outdoors on sidewalks or curb lanes bordering their businesses, according to the Open Restaurants website.
It also allows restaurants to seat customers on streets that are closed to traffic, in coordination with New York City’s already existing Open Streets program.
TIMES SQUARE OLIVE GARDEN LOSING $300G EACH WEEK BECAUSE OF CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS
According to the mayor’s office, there are 85 New York City streets that are closed to cars on specific days for restaurants to seat diners.
NYC RESTAURANT INSTALLS ‘SPACE BUBBLES’ FOR SIDEWALK DINING AHEAD OF COLDER MONTHS
Overall, the Open Restaurants Program has enrolled 10,300 businesses and saved about 90,000 jobs since it started this summer, a press release said.
“Open Restaurants was a big, bold experiment in supporting a vital industry and reimagining our public space,” de Blasio said in a statement. “And it worked. As we begin a long-term recovery, we’re proud to extend and expand this effort to keep New York City the most vibrant city in the world. It’s time for a new tradition.”
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According to the release, restaurants will be able to use heaters in their outdoor spaces, and “partial tent enclosures." However, if they’re fully enclosed, they will have to abide by the 25% capacity rule for indoor dining, which goes into effect Sept. 30.
“The bottom line here is that we want restaurants to do well,” de Blasio told Lehrer on Friday.
“We want to see them thrive in the future and I think this is going to help a lot,” he added later.
Source: Read Full Article


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The coronavirus outbreak has already led to the complete cancellation of MWC 2020, but there’s another major trade show coming up at the end of this month: PAX East. The video game expo is one of the more popular ones to happen throughout the year, but today, Sony announced that it’s backing out of the show due to fears of the coronavirus outbreak.
Sony announced that it won’t be attending PAX East in an update to an existing post on the PlayStation Blog. “Today, Sony Interactive Entertainment made the decision to cancel its participation at PAX East in Boston this year due to increasing concerns related to COVID-19 (also known as ‘novel coronavirus’),” the company wrote.
“We felt this was the safest option as the situation is changing daily. We are disappointed to cancel our participation in this event, but the health and safety of our global workforce is our highest concern.” Sony, similarly, decided to drop out of MWC 2020 due to coronavirus concerns before the plug was pulled on the show as a whole.
Over on the PAX website, the organizers of the show said that it will go on as planned. “PAX East 2020 will take place as scheduled with enhanced cleaning and sanitization across the show, including adhering to the recommendations set forth in the U.S. EPA’s Emerging Pathogen Policy regarding cleaning disinfectants effective against the COVID-19 virus.”
PAX East organizers went on to say that they are working alongside the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center for follow health guidelines laid down by local, state, and federal governments, pointing those who want more information to the PAX East travel page.
Originally, Sony planned to have playable demos of games like The Last of Us Part 2, Iron Man VR, and Final Fantasy VII Remake at PAX East. Sony is the only major publisher to drop out of PAX East citing coronavirus fears so far, so we’ll see if any others follow its lead. Stay tuned.


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Shops face £2bn fines for selling alcohol to minors
England’s retail sector may face fines of £2 billion (US$2.3bn) a year for selling alcohol to underage customers.
ID Crypt Global, the digital identity specialist, found that there was a ‘sheer volume’ of underage customers purchasing alcohol on a yearly basis in corner shops and supermarkets.
Referencing an NHS study, the digital specialist said that 37% of ‘school children’ admit to obtaining alcohol within the timeframe of one month, equating to 1.7 million 11-17 year olds in the England.
Just 2% of respondents – an estimated 34,124 minors – admitted to buying alcohol from a shop, which could result in fines from the Trading Standards of £170.6 million (US$202m) a month.
The Trading Standards, which are the local authority departments within England, are responsible for handing down penalties and fines for the selling of alcohol to minors.
The selling of alcohol to a minor on licensed premises is a level-three fine, which can cost up to £5,000 (US$5,748).
The CEO and founder of ID Crypt Global, Lauren Wilson-Smith, commented: “These sales are in danger of facing some substantial financial penalties if caught.
“£5,000 is a huge fine but it’s not only the fine that has to be taken into consideration. It’s the responsibility of each licence holder to ensure they uphold the law.”
There are an estimated 409,483 illegal alcohol sales made via the nation’s shops each year, according to ID Crypt Global.
Wilson-Smith noted that more than 900,000 11 to 17-year-olds have a fake ID in England, so the problem is not simply “negligence” on the part of the retailer.
The research also found that the stores are at risk of £677m (US$778m) in fines from illegal tobacco sales per year, too.
Wilson-Smith added: “The good news is that 21st century technology is helping to advance the ways we can prove an identity, by allowing consumers to create verified, digital proof of identity that can be stored via mobile devices securely and with no third party access to personal data profiles.”
In the August issue of The Spirits Business magazine, we explored how the drinks industry is pushing back against the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) call for alcohol advertising bans and greater restrictions to be introduced.
In 2021, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology was utilised by UK supermarkets to tackle underage alcohol sales, analysing people’s faces to identify their age.


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New Delhi: As the COVID-19 shifts its epicenter from China to Europe, Daimler Group is the latest to join the production suspension list after Volkswagen, Ford, Volvo, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, SEAT, Groupe Renault, Groupe PSA and Renault Trucks.
The Daimler Group, the parent company of Mercedes, said due to the Worsening situation of COVID-19 pandemic, the Group has decided to suspend the majority of its production in Europe, as well as work in selected administrative departments, for an initial period of two weeks.
The suspension applies in Daimler's car, van and commercial vehicle plant in Europe and will start this week, the company said in a release.
"Connected to this is an assessment of global supply chains, which currently cannot be maintained to their full extent. An extension of this measure will depend on further developments," Daimler said.
It further informed that whenever operations need to be continued, the company will take appropriate precautions to prevent the infection of its employees.
The company also informed that Daimler's management is monitoring the situation constantly and will take further measures as required. "Full operations will be resumed when the situation improves," the statement added.
"With these closures Daimler is helping to protect its workforce, to interrupt chains of infection and to contain the spread of the pandemic. At the same time, this will help the company to prepare for a period of temporarily lower demand and to protect its financial strength," it added.


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Angelina Jolie is the latest celebrity to pose for the Core Values campaign by Louis Vuitton. The ad is slated to break in the International Herald Tribune on Wednesday, followed by a range of news, general interest and lifestyle publications, including Vanity Fair.
The campaign is expected to run for at least 18 months alongside a few other recent “core values” personalities, including Bono and Sean Connery. Vuitton introduced the advertising concept in 2007 as a way to trumpet its travel roots and showcase its perennial monogrammed leather goods as a balance to its fashion-driven marketing — and to reach a broader audience. Other personalities who have posed for Vuitton include Mikhail Gorbachev, Keith Richards and Catherine Deneuve.


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Interview with Giants: Citizen Kabuko's Ken Capelli
9:34 AM | Eddie Park | Comment on this story
Hypothermia recently received the chance to interview Ken Capelli, Lead Artist for Planet Moon Studios, the team responsible for Giants: Citizen Kabuko, among other titles. The interview focuses, among other things, on the design aspects and general development of Giants.
The PR through Giant's development cycle was one of some debate, as it was announced so early and "took so long" that some players started deriding it as vaporware, never to be released. Capelli comments a bit on this:
Well, Giants ended up taking quite a bit longer than originally intended partially as a result of organic design changes during development. As the game reached development plateaus it became clear when played that certain aspects would benefit from expansion, modification, simplification... or just downright removal (in the case of the Shepherd and
other enemy creatures) or massive addition (in the case of the multiplayer game).
As far as future plans go on Giants, including mods and new levels, Capelli mentions that a final patch (for the PC version) and a few new multiplayer levels will be released soon, and that future plans for his company will be announced at E3.
Planet Moon Site
For the rest of the interview, be sure to check out Hypothermia. The Mac port is currently underway by MacPlay and is expected out later this year. For more info, readers can scan IMG's preview.
IMG - Giants Preview
Hypothermia - Ken Capelli Interview
Planet Moon Studios
Giants: Citizen Kabuto
Buy Giants: Citizen Kabuto
|Other Mac Games News for Wednesday, May 9, 2001|
| MacSoft to Publish Tropico, Max Payne, Myth III, and More||3:10 PM|
| Apple Previews Emergency Room 3||1:08 PM|
| Captain Bumper 1.0 Released||12:56 PM|
| Game Doctor May Prescriptions Available||12:32 PM|
| Myst III Exile Sound, 3dfx Issues||10:37 AM|
| New Game Company Pledges Mac Support||9:51 AM|
| Interview with Giants: Citizen Kabuko's Ken Capelli||9:34 AM|
| World War II Online Preview, Interview||9:17 AM|
| Mac Doom Legacy Updates for OS 9, X||9:11 AM|
| OS X F.A.K.K.2, PCI Radeon Issues Revisited||9:08 AM|
| More Red Faction Info||8:52 AM|
| GarageGames Q&A||8:25 AM|
| Diablo II Media Mania||8:12 AM|
|View all of the Mac games news for Wednesday, May 9, 2001 on one page|
Recent Mac Games News
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Search for other Mac games news stories or browse our Mac Games News Archive.


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Croydon has moved a significant step closer to actually getting its long-promised Westfield shopping centre after a date was finally set for a crucial planning meeting.
Before the demolition of the Whitgift Centre, and subsequent construction of the £1.4 billion development planned in its place, can begin planning permission has to be granted.
There have been a series of delays with the meeting pushed back and then cancelled altogether.
The longer the process dragged on without a date being set, the more cynics questioned whether the shopping centre would ever happen.
But the date for the council’s key planning committee meeting has been revealed today.
It will take place on November 14 and everyone who is desperate to see the development come to fruition will now be hoping there are no further hold-ups and that approval is given.
It is hoped that the new shopping centre will not just rejuvenate the town centre but draw shoppers into the town from far and wide.
Earlier this week it was revealed that Croydon Council leader Tony Newman and the leader of the opposition, Councillor Tim Pollard, attended a meeting with government ministers on Monday.
Cllr Newman would not reveal the details of the meeting, but said the discussions were “encouraging”.
It was also announced today (Friday, October 20) that the council has been working with the Greater London Authority (GLA), the Met Police and Minister for London to make sure the latest proposal for the development made it to the planning committee.
If given the green light, it’s hoped the huge shopping centre will provide a massive economic boost for the town centre, and create scores of jobs.
Demolition work on the Whitgift Centre is still set to begin in 2018 if the shopping centre is approved by the planning committee.
The shopping centre is a joint venture between developers Westfield and Hammerson who together make up the Croydon Partnership.
The partnership's plans were first granted planning permission in February 2014 but last October an enhanced outline planning application was submitted featuring some key revisions including a third level of retail and leisure, additional new homes and a flagship Marks & Spencer store.
Today's announcement makes no mention of John Lewis being part of the plans.
It has long been rumoured that John Lewis was one of the developers' favoured anchor stores, with some people fearing that without the retail giant being on board the shopping centre would never actually get built.
John Lewis for its part has consistently refused to comment on what it sees as speculation, although its new managing director gave an interview in August in which she said the company had no plans to open any new stores.
It may be that the plans which will be presented before November's meeting shed more light on what other big names will be part of the development.


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Abuja - Despite the economic downturn in the country, about 360 exotic cars have been delivered to the House of Representatives to be shared by the lawmakers.
The cars are said to be worth a whopping N3.6 billion, reports Punch.
Already, the House has taken delivery of 28 units of the Peugeot 508.
The 28 were among the first batch of 50 cars supplied by the Kaduna-based Peugeot Automobile Nigeria Limited.
Lawmakers had a difficult time making up their minds on the choice of Peugeot 508 series as many had wanted the 2016 Toyota Camry, but eventually had to settle for the former.
The Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Abdulrazak Namdas, confirmed that members had started taking delivery of the vehicles.
The Senate has already taken delivery of its own cars for Senators.
The cost of the cars for the Senators is put at over N330m.
- News 24


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NEW CANAAN, Conn. -- SCORE of Fairfield County will present a five-part series on starting a business at the New Canaan Library.
The first session will start at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11. It will cover what is involved in starting a small business including the challenges, the opportunities and the requirements.
"It is meant to help people decide whether they really want to start their own business," a press release said. "The remaining four sessions will focus on the key fundamentals of running a business, including marketing strategy, financial planning and funding. Participants will also have the opportunity to meet with and ask questions of successful entrepreneurs."
The workshop series is designed to help those thinking of starting their own businesses to define and evaluate their ideas and establish a marketing strategy while receiving help from a SCORE counselor.
Sessions two through five will take place on the following dates:
- Tuesday, Feb. 11: entrepreneur self-assessment, business plan;
- Tuesday, Feb. 18: marketing strategy;
- Tuesday, Feb. 25: marketing implementation;
- Tuesday, March 4: financial planning and reporting;
- Thursday, March 13: funding sources, conversations with entrepreneurs.
All sessions will be held in the Adrian Lamb Room of the New Canaan Library at 151 Main St. in New Canaan
For more information, residents are asked to visit the New Canaan Library website or call SCORE at 203-831-0065.
Click here to follow Daily Voice New Canaan and receive free news updates.


text: There is no shortage of news about Bitcoin. And what I know about cryptocurrency wouldn’t even fill a thimble. However, I’ve noticed an interesting bit of information. A innovative company called stripe.com, a service provider that allows anyone to easily accept credit card payments, has added bitcoin to their lineup of accepted payments. If your customers pay with traditional plastic you will be charged 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction. (Just like with PayPal) However, if you get paid in Bitcoin the fee is a flat 0.5% per transaction. Anyone can set up a free bitcoin wallet (like at coinbase.com) and make a payment. This is not breaking news, but the ability to accept bitcoin by adding a ‘single line of code’ to your checkout cart can cut transaction costs by 2.4% is notable. Now I guess all that’s left to do is wait for the mainstream public to start stocking up on coins.


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Raising the steaks! Phenomenally rare Kobe makes a return to London at new restaurant ... but at £150 for 180g, can YOU afford it?
- Martin Williams' new restaurant M Grill is the 'United Nations of steak'
- The Japanese Kobe beef is prized as a delicacy and has a high fat content
- Restaurant menu also has less expensive steaks priced at less than £20
Kobe beef steak costing £150 for 180g will soon be available in London at Martin Williams' new restaurant
The former managing director of Gaucho is set to open the first of his three establishments M Grill next month on Threadneedle Street in the City.
The international grill restaurant specialises in the best steak cuts from across the world and offers single cuts from six selected countries - Argentina, France, South Africa, Japan, Australia, and the US - with prices ranging from £18 to £149.
Steaking a claim: Martin Williams' M Grill will be serving Kobe beef steaks which cost £150 for 180g
The 38-year-old plans to open a second M in the West End this time next year, with a third planned for 2016.
Mr Williams told MailOnline: 'I was very keen to not shy away from Kobe because of its price. When I was in Tokyo last month, I became obsessed by the unique quality and flavour.
'For M GRILL we selected six countries in the world that breed the best beef, then chose a single cut from each.
'The beef offering at M Grill ranges from Onglet from France at £18 and rump from Argentina at £19 to Blackmoor Australian Wagyu Sirloin at £130 and Kobe fillet at £150.
'We are the United Nations of steak!
'My family has a home in France, where I have become an Onglet Addict. It isn't about price, it’s about quality.
Elite beef: Kobe's high fat content ensures excellent marbling and a buttery, decadent texture
Mr Williams is 'incredibly excited' about the November opening of his new venture M Grill
'Kobe is phenomenally expensive and phenomenally rare,' he also said to The Standard.
Mr Williams' second restaurant Raw shares the same 15,000sqft site as Grill. The space will house a wine bar, a 'secret den for City boys' and sleeping pods as well as the two 100-cover restaurants.
The former Gaucho boss - who worked in the famous steakhouse chain for over nine years - is 'incredibly excited' about the November opening and has assembled a 'dream team' to ensure his venture is a success.
'The amount of bookings that we have received, since opening our phone lines last week has been phenomenal,' he said.
'I have handpicked an amazing team from London’s top restaurants to join me in creating M.
'To have secured my Head Chef from Chiltern Fire House and Restaurant Director from Cecconi’s is fantastic. I have a "Dream Team" and can’t wait to take hospitality to a new level with them.'
Mr Williams is the former managing director of Gaucho, a steak chain with 17 restaurants worldwide
Costly cattle: Kobe beef refers specifically to cuts of meat taken from the Tajima breed of cow (pictured)
Mr Williams (third from left) with his 'Dream Team' (from left to right) : Katie Watkins, Andre Mannini, Francesco Cappucci, Zack Chariliou, Julie Reynaud, Michael Reid and Jarad McCarroll, formerly of Chiltern Firehouse
Japanese beef - which was banned for 13-years after the BSE scare - has only recently been reintroduced to London.
Kobe is prized for its superb marbling, buttery texture and high percentage of fat (it can contain up to 25 per cent fat).
Kobe beef refers specifically to meat taken from the Tajima breed of cow, which are rumoured to be given daily massages to tenderise their meat.
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The Dell XPS 13 has been a real head turner since its redesign in 2015. While we are still several months away from CES 2018, where a variety of new technology debuts, it appears that the firm has given an outlet an early sneak peek at its upcoming laptop.
TechRadar was able to get an early preview while visiting Dell's headquarters in Texas. As you can see from the image above, the design is similar to what we have seen the past couple of years, offering a sleek design with minimal bezels across three sides of the display. The 2018 model will not arrive with full-size USB ports but will swap over to three USB Type-C ports. For those that rely on SD card support, sadly this has been removed and replaced with the smaller microSD card reader. The model will come in a new color this year dubbed as Alpine White.
In order to keep the aesthetics on the Alpine White model as consistent as possible, Dell developed a new woven material for the palm rest area that looks similar to carbon fiber but is fact something entirely custom. This should provide users with a firm but soft support system for their wrists when in use. This appears to be a small teaser for what's to come as Dell is preparing to properly announce its new XPS 13 at CES 2018 in January.


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Competing in business is hard enough, but how are you going to compete against Aquaman?
Not the fictional DC comic book superhero, of course, but Jason Momoa, who plays the character in movies, including the 2018 Aquaman and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, due out in 2022.
Momoa already had a water brand that uses aluminum cans rather than PET bottles, Mananalu, and now he's a spokesman for Ball Corp.'s aluminum cups, a product taking on Solo Co.'s red cups in an ad campaign.
As Steve Toloken writes, Kristin Kelley, global head of communications with Amcor Rigid Packaging, brought up the new competition during the Plastics Packaging Summit.
"They have certainly put a lot of dollars and a lot of resources behind education, awareness and marketing, and that is something we can lift and shift, and we should, if we expect to have that same sort of impact," she said.
Her comments got the Plastics News staff thinking about who might bring star power for a plastics PR campaign. The bad news is, we couldn't name anyone offhand who is not a culturally divisive personality.
If we take a path leading us to celebrities whose brands have been involved with recycled plastics, plus add a comics connection to keep up with Momoa's credentials ... Jessica Alba? The actress portrayed Sue Storm in Fantastic Four in 2005 and 2007 (although neither of those movies was well accepted), and her health and beauty line, The Honest Co., uses post-consumer recycled plastics and encourages recycling, although it also brags about how it allows consumers to use fewer plastic bottles each year.
Maybe the answer would be to go straight to comics, but Plastic Man doesn't have the same cache as Aquaman, despite PN's Frank Esposito's best efforts.
Do you have any ideas? There are a lot of people in the industry who would be interested to hear them.


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The image above shows what Jim would call "max-pain" in the on going storm of mortgage resets. We are now in the midst of a mind numbing peak in resets of subprime mortgages. Gee, could this be why retail sales and consumer confidence have fallen off cliff? And while we're at this grim peak, remember that reset doesn't equate with instant default. Default takes 90 days to happen and then once foreclosure proceedings are started, depending on the state, it can take up to a year before the foreclosure actually happens. So even with a peak in resets now, banks and the courts will be busy for the next year dealing with whatever carnage results from this reset tsunami.
Oh, and before you breathe a sigh of relief that we're at a peak in resets of "subprime" mortgages, notice that another tsunami of option arm adjustables and Alt-A resets will get underway in 2009 and not peak until 2011. Going from interest only to a principle and interest payment will be a killer.
-MMK for the Buttonwood Speculator


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The Winter issue of The Record is out now and available to download free of charge in digital format. Visit the magazine page to read the magazine online, or to download a copy to your device.
In this issue’s cover story, we consider the systems and solutions from Microsoft and its partners that are enabling businesses to advance on their digital transformation journeys and, as a result, realise unprecedented levels of operational efficiency. Julia Atalla, a senior director in Microsoft’s Surface team, leads the piece, supported by partners including DXC, GCI, Mercato Solutions and PGi.
In our communications and media section, Lorenzo Zanni, lead analyst at IABM, joins Microsoft’s Tony Emerson to discuss the digital transformation of the media industry. And in the financial services section, we discover how insurers are leveraging new technologies to gain insights from
their data and transform their business for the digital age.
Meanwhile, in our manufacturing feature we find out how Microsoft’s portfolio of big compute solutions are allowing enterprises to shift towards digital, enabling new levels of efficiency and effectiveness. And don’t miss our public sector feature, where Microsoft’s Toni Townes-Whitley explains how we should be preparing children for the workplace of the future.
Also in this issue, Microsoft’s Pinar Salk tells us how technologies like analytics and machine learning are helping retailers to create the personalised and seamless shopping experience their customers expect. Plus, there’s the usual mix of news, case studies, interviews and executive insight from across the Microsoft partner network.
We hope you enjoy this issue.


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Announcing: The New Florida 511 Traveler Information System
Enhanced features and new look – same reliable real-time traffic and travel information
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is proud to announce a system-wide update to Florida’s 511 Traveler Information System; with a new mobile app, website and phone system geared to enhance the user experience.
Florida’s 511, the state’s official source for real-time traffic and travel information, has added state-of-the-art features across all of its platforms while continuing to provide incident, construction and congestion information on all of Florida’s interstates and toll roads, and other major metropolitan roadways.
The new, mobile-friendly website features driving directions, point-to-point travel times, and alternate routes, alongside the traffic information to which users are accustomed. FDOT is also introducing weather forecasts and severe weather alerts supplied by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The innovative new “My Cameras” feature allows registered users to store a list of traffic cameras that provide an important, live look into the conditions along their route.
The new Florida 511 mobile app features turn-by-turn navigation, with real-time traffic updates, alternate routes, and improved travel times on roadways, along with all of the added features coming to the new site, while the updated phone system will provide more streamlined call navigation menus, getting you to the information you need more efficiently.
Know before you go! Keep Florida moving with the new 511!


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There’s a New Podcast for Cruisers and Travelers: Cruise Control Live with Bill Panoff
Editor-in-Chief of Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine Bill Panoff has a new podcast for cruise and travel lovers all over the world.
Just launched this week, Cruise Control Live with Bill Panoff offers an up-close and in-depth look at not just the cruise and travel industry, but interviews with major players, behind the scenes content from Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine and even a look at Bill’s travels around the globe.
A former cruise director, Bill has spent the past few decades on board ships of every size and brand and is one of the industry’s foremost experts on cruise travel. He founded Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine more than 25 years ago and has remained a leading voice in the industry ever since.
He is the host of the popular Youtube series ‘Cruise Control with Bill Panoff’ where he goes around the world to the best cruise locations and interviews some of the biggest names in the cruise industry. The new podcast takes his live interviews and brings them to the podcast platform of your choice including Spotify, Apple, RSS and more.
“I’ve spent my life traveling the world on cruise ships and the new podcast is going to be a wealth of information for cruisers and travelers. From interviews with cruise line CEOs to highlighting the best destinations for cruisers and even tips for getting the most out of your cruise vacation, this podcast has it all so make sure you tune in wherever you get your podcasts!” said Panoff.
In one of the first episodes of the new podcast, Panoff interviews former Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald about his career in the cruise industry and the biggest changes he’s seen since the start of his journey in the cruise industry.


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Walton can now use Dolby’s technologies, such as Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmo. Walton and Dolby Laboratories as a licensed manufacturer to produce sound quality televisions in Bangladesh.
This makes Walton the first-ever Bangladeshi television manufacturing company to become Dolby’s licensed manufacturer, who only allows its partners to use advanced sound technologies. Dolby is a renowned US-based company specializing in audio noise reduction and audio encoding or compression.
Walton authorities hoped that this partnership with Dolby would make the locally produced Walton television more acceptable in the global arena, the release added.
Earlier in January this year, a delegation team, led by Walton Television’s CEO Mostafa Nahid Hossain met with Dolby Laboratories’ senior director Vivian E Vassallo at Dolby’s head office at San Francisco in California, US.
In the meeting it was confirmed that Walton would be a licensed manufacturer of Dolby.
Mostafa Nahid Hossain said that Dolby considered a number of factors such as a setup of well-equipped research and development (R&D) centers, international standard television production line, significant market share in the local market, global market demands and other aspects while licensing and collaborating with an organization.
Engineer Rakibul Hasan, Walton TV’s central lab manager, said Walton have received permission from Dolby to use the MS12 package and Dolby AC-4 decoder.
As a result, Walton will be able to use all of Dolby’s technologies, including Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos, he also informed.
Using Dolby’s technology will take less time and data to produce high-quality sound.
Currently, there are 24 models of TVs in the market ranging from 610mm to 1.397m, including the 4K, full HD, HD resolution smart and non-smart LED TVs with prices range from Tk10,800 to Tk99,900 apiece.
REPORT BY DHAKA TRIBUNE.


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Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Newegg Names New CEO
City of Industry-based Newegg, an online electronics retailer, said today that the firm has shuffled its executive staff in a major change. According to the firm, Tally Liu, current President of the firm, has been promoted to Chairman and CEO of the company. Liu replaces Fred Chang, one of Newegg's founders. According to the firm, Chang will continue to serve on the firm's board and executive committee, as well as President of Newegg's China operations. Liu has been at Newegg for almost three years, and had previously served at Knight Ridder Inc. and its subsidiaries. Newegg said that it is the second-largest online-only retailer in the United State, with $1.9B in annual sales.


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Jul 17th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
New bike racing series uses an unusual track: parking garages
Jul 13th, 2018 by Jack Fennimore
Four-day French festival opened last night, with a new layout and familiar attractions.
Jun 20th, 2018 by Jack Fennimore
Neither rain nor chilly summer temperatures stopped the festivities, as our photos attest.
Jun 20th, 2018 by Urban Milwaukee
Crowd packs Pabst Brewery & Taproom for publication's 10th anniversary.
Jun 14th, 2018 by Jack Fennimore
Food, art, drinks, games, dancing, tours and more. The crowd ate it up.
Jun 11th, 2018 by Jack Fennimore
Our photos capture the love and color of the 31st annual PrideFest.
May 29th, 2018 by Jack Fennimore
It wasn't windy enough for supersized kites, but plenty of family-friendly fun was had.
May 21st, 2018 by Jack Fennimore
Lots of beer, food trucks and music for 1st anniversary of Pabst's Milwaukee microbrewery.
May 7th, 2018 by Jack Fennimore
8th annual March for Cannabis draws 200 people and speeches from six candidates for governor.
Apr 26th, 2018 by Jack Fennimore
Importing as much as 179,000 tons of steel, exporting grain and manufactured products.
Apr 23rd, 2018 by Jack Fennimore
More than 47 galleries had art on display.
Apr 6th, 2018 by Brad Smith
88Nine Radio Milwaukee launches musician accelerator program to cheers of appreciation.


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California’s big investor-owned utilities are under the gun to start turning on their smart meters' home area network (HAN) capabilities -- and they’re starting to make it happen. Late last year, Southern California Edison got the ball rolling with offers to synch up devices from Canadian startup Rainforest Automation and home security player ADT to the ZigBee radios inside their smart meters.
Last week, San Diego Gas & Electric joined the party, launching a program that allows customers to buy and install HAN devices and link them to the ZigBee radios inside their smart meters. As with SCE, the program promises that a simple phone call or website visit is all that is needed to get customers’ new devices up and running, at which point they can receive meter data updates as often as several times a minute -- a lot faster than the AMI backhaul data collection that heads back to the utility itself.
And on Monday, Pacific Gas & Electric, which has been the most resistant of the state’s big three investor-owned utilities (IOUs) about turning on their smart meters’ HAN connectivity, launched its new “Home and Business Networking” program. PG&E’s program requires an eligibility check for each customers’ address and a two to five business day wait, but promises a similarly hassle-free validation and activation process for connecting smart meters to in-home devices once that’s done.
All three utilities have a limited list of partner devices that they’ve certified to connect to their networks. SDG&E’s list includes Rainforest Automation’s EMU devices, as well as in-home power displays from startup Energy Aware. PG&E’s list also includes Rainforest’s EAGLE device, as well as startup Aztech’s Energy Information Display, and demand response company Comverge’s in-home display device.
Now the big question is, how many customers will go out and buy devices to test the utilities on their promises? Most of the devices on offer cost $60 to $120, which is at the high end of the price range that surveys have indicated people are willing to pay to monitor and manage their home energy use. Of course, rebates such as SCE’s $50 cash-back offer on Rainforest’s $60 EMU devices will doubtless drive increases in sales.
California’s big three IOUs are also likely to target their most engaged customers, like those that have signed up for summer peak-saver programs and the like. While the majority of homeowners may not care that much about their power bills, engaged customers can achieve huge reductions in energy use through behavior changes like running appliances at night and turning air conditioners down at times of peak power demand.
California’s big three IOUs have deployed smart meters through almost all of their territories, and they’ve also been piloting ZigBee meter-to-home technologies for years now. But until late last year, they hadn’t started to turn on their meter’s HAN radios for customers, beyond pilot projects.
Beyond the cost and complexity of turning on a whole new communications and control channel for multimillion-endpoint AMI networks, there’s the question of which technologies to sink investment into, and when to do so. PG&E has argued that the industry should wait for a key standard for home automation, Smart Energy Profile 2.0, to be formalized before proceeding with commercial-scale deployments.
But the California Public Utilities Commission is speeding up the timetable. In October it asked the state’s big three IOUs to start providing meter-to-HAN connectivity on some kind of consistent basis, as well as to make HAN-enabled devices available via third parties.
That’s a lot different than most of today’s utility-to-home load control networks, which use one-way paging or radio systems that offer the utility direct control over household loads. As for smart meters, while lots of utilities collect their data and make it available to customers via web portals, that’s day-old data, collected via the 15-minute to hourly AMI backhauls to the utility, then (usually) run through a back-office batch process overnight before being posted.
Smart meter-to-home connections are much rarer. Right now, the only other contender to California is Texas, which has a statewide ZigBee device registration program for customers to connect to smart meters from IOUs like Oncor and CenterPoint Energy, as well as programs from Texas retail electricity providers like Reliant Energy and TXU. In Oklahoma and Canada’s Ontario province, utilities have signed up tens of thousands of customers for smart-meter-to-home energy pricing and demand response programs.
All these HAN devices are using a previous version of Smart Energy Profile, known as 1.0 (or 1.1, or 1.x, depending on the latest update), which is specific to ZigBee. SEP 2.0, on the other hand, will include Wi-Fi and the wireline HomePlug communications standard as well. That opens up a new world of connectivity once SEP 2.0 is made an official standard sometime next year.
At the same time, home broadband and cellular networks are increasingly being tapped to provide utility-to-customer connectivity. In the case of California’s big three utilities, however, the CPUC has made it pretty clear that they’re going to have to “push” a lot of consumer data through their AMI networks to their millions of residential customers.
All told, Greentech Media Smart Grid Research forecasts a $750 million U.S. HAN market by 2015.See diagram below for the HAN taxonomy from the most recent GTM Research HAN report.


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VeChain (VEN) – Why Tim Draper Invested in This Cryptocurrency
VeChain (VEN) – (slowly rebranding itself to VeChain Thor) has been making big moves recently. Currently the 17th largest cryptocurrency by market cap, it is possible for this coin to become a dominant force in the industry as it proves to have a real use case and specific functions. While the price has recently plunged, big news and announcements continue to be made that can potentially increase price dramatically. With working products and real world use cases in the industries of automobile, medical, agriculture, fashion, and even liquor, VeChain’s uptrend can start happening any moment.
VeChain’s advanced technology has made their cryptocurrency a top contender amongst the market and has very credible venture capitalists like Tim Draper investing. Silicon Valley legend Tim Draper is a big believer in Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies alike, and predicts that in five years cryptocurrencies will be the main way society goes about making payments. Tim Draper is a legend in Silicon Valley, and basically all over the world, for his smart investments in companies like Tesla and Skype. Having invested majorly into Bitcoin when it was trading around $6, Draper has publicly invested in two cryptocurrency platforms as of recent: Nucleus Vision and VeChain – both extraordinary projects in their own way. Tim Draper has said this about the time we are living in: “This is the most excited I’ve ever been as an investor, and I was right there at the beginning of the internet,”
VeChain is a “leading global enterprise blockchain platform that aims to connect blockchain technology to the real world by providing a comprehensive governance structure and a robust economic model as well as advanced IoT integration. “
Using smart contract features, VeChain tracks item ownership. Sensitive valuables like jewelry and glass are documented from original sourcing all the way through transitional ownership. With their identity system, they can track shipments through tags that are eligible using NFC, QR, or RFI identifiers. By processing the product with a tag, companies and customers can track their items throughout the shipping journey. The blockchain platform Vechain runs on secures the supply chain by verifying product authenticity. Little details in a project like this are what end up being major deals and, with investors like Draper backing the cryptocurrency, it is evident that this platform can obtain mass adoption – quickly. As millennials become a dominant force in retail environment, brands are changing their strategies to accommodate their interests; perhaps making VeChain the perfect idea for its time. Companies may start to use this platform as it provides a solution to problems faced in the business world.
VeChain is currently trading at a price of $2.90 with 24 hour volume reaching $52 million. Things are looking steady as of now, but as we go further into 2018 things will get very interesting for the cryptocurrency market. Hitting an all time high of over $9 mid-january, the coin increased over 2,000% from its initial ICO listing.
Having publicly announced their partnership with the German car manufacturing giant BMW, VeChain’s use for real world adoption is set to skyrocket! While it is hard to understand what this partnership specifically has in store, it is most definitely a big deal. The increasing demand for implementing blockchain protocol in corporate and established firms is manifesting. It has been stated by the BMW group that they have been involved with the blockchain distributed ledger technology since 2015 and conducts research for this topic on a very broad spectrum of potential applications. The goal of VeChain and BMW is to implement the use of blockchain technology as a solution for the storage of vehicle data and its secure provision to third parties. In addition to the BMW deal, VeChain also has a collaboration the University of Oxford that will assist the development of the VeChain THOR platform. VeChain also has established partnerships with PricewaterhouseCoopers, DNV GL, Renault Group, KUEHNE+NAGEL, D.I.G., and China Unicom. There is a lot of hype surrounding this project as the ever-active VeChain Reddit Community of 23,000 members posts updates on the daily.
VeChain’s Board of Steering Committee
The Board of Steering Committee is the governing body of the Vechain Foundation that oversees the various functional committees within a decentralized foundation. VeChain has a strong Advisory Board as the backbones of the Foundation. The board represents the balanced interests of the Vechain blockchains stakeholders who help decide goals with efficiency and enable collaboration amongst platforms. When the committee held their first ever meeting in Singapore, in November of 2017, the VeChain platform underwent several changes and has since continues to innovate and progress. With a strong team and a strong roadmap going into the future, the China based organization will improve transparency and security in a ever-growing market still in its infancy stages. As people are looking for ways to up their potfolio, VeChain is a project that cannot be ignored.


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Everybody knows what an 'acquired taste' is - figuratively speaking. But what about scientifically speaking: what is an acquired taste?
As in, what goes on inside your body to make your mouth and brain actually enjoy the flavour of a food you once wanted to spit out? Scientists think they've now cracked this puzzle, and it could be the key to making healthy foods taste better for everybody (not just kids who hate vegetables).
"By changing your diet, you might be able to change your flavour experience of foods that at one point tasted nasty to you," explains food scientist Cordelia A. Running from Purdue University.
While we might often think of saliva as something that helps us swallow food, it's no simple mouth lubricant.
Roughly 99.5 percent of human saliva is water, but the rest is an important chemical mixture of compounds that help to break food down and protect our teeth – and even to taste food itself. This last part is key here.
Proteins released by our salivary glands are thought to bind to flavour compounds in food, and also to taste receptor cells in your mouth, which is why Running calls the fluid the "chemical media of the mouth".
The thing is, those proteins aren't static. Previous research with rats demonstrated that when the animals were fed a diet of bitter food, the expression of these flavour proteins in the rodents' saliva was altered.
When the proteins changed, so did the rats' feeding behaviour. They were able to eat more of the bitter food, and it wasn't just a psychological adaptation, but a biochemical one too.
What Running wanted to know was whether the same thing happens in humans. It's an important question, and one which might just seal the fate of broccoli and Brussels sprouts forevermore.
"If we can change the expression of these proteins, maybe we can make the 'bad' flavours like bitterness and astringency weaker," Running explains.
To find out, Running and fellow researchers carried out sensory evaluation tests with 64 volunteers, who had to drink a bitter-tasting chocolate almond milk three times daily for a week, rating the flavour as they went.
Much like the rodents before them, the experiment showed that the volunteers' scores for bitterness and astringency decreased as time went on, but that's not all that was changing.
Changes in the makeup of their saliva were also taking place, with Running observing that the levels of proline-rich proteins – which can bind to the bitter and/or astringent compounds in the milk – was increasing in the participants' saliva.
It's only a hypothesis for now – and the research has not yet been peer-reviewed – but the team suggests these two changes are related.
"We think the body adapts to reduce the negative sensation of these bitter compounds," Running says.
"Saliva modifies flavour, which in turn modifies dietary choices."
It's early days, but the researchers want to find out more about what's going on here, looking at what kinds of particular compounds in food are eliciting changes in our salivary proteins, and investigating how long it takes for our taste buds to adapt to new, disliked tastes.
One day, these proteins might even be isolated and consumed as a separate food additive, to help eaters stick to healthy choices they still don't like the flavour of, researchers suggest.
But even if that doesn't happen, the notion that your saliva can be recruited as an ally to help you eat better is a nice idea, meaning we have more than just our willpower to rely on.
"The idea that maybe not everything about dieting has to be hard," Running told Inside Science.
"Maybe some little piece of your body is actually trying to help you, I think that could really empower some folks."
The findings were presented at the annual meeting of the American Chemical Society in Boston on Monday.