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You can preorder the Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro and Book3 Pro 360 now and get "Early Access" to the Book3 Ultra.
Samsung Galaxy S23 preorder deals: All the ways you can save money, including a free storage upgrade and up to $100 in Samsung credit
Samsung is offering incentives for preordering the new S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra, including trade-ins. Here's how to get the limited-time deal.
Samsung unveils Galaxy S23 series with better performance, battery life, and cameras — here's how to preorder
Samsung's new Galaxy S23 series will be available on February 17. Here are all the details you should know about the S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra.
Meet 26 rising stars of brand marketing who are revolutionizing advertising inside companies like Procter & Gamble and Uber in 2023
These advertising up and comers are reaching consumers in new ways, developing products, and helping their companies prepare for privacy changes.
Samsung unveils new smart fridge with a huge 32-inch screen that lets you watch TikTok and order from Amazon in your kitchen
Bespoke Refrigerator Family Hub Plus is part of Samsung's line of products called SmartThings Home, which aims to make home-life more efficient.
The Samsung S95B is one of the most impressive TVs we've ever seen. The high-end OLED 4K TV is on sale now for 40% off during Cyber Monday.
The Samsung S95B is one of the most impressive 4K TVs we've ever seen. The OLED 4K TV is on sale now for 40% off for Cyber Monday.
Yes, Android smartphones may never be as 'cool' as iPhones, but I don't care. Here are the 7 reasons why I'll never buy an Apple phone.
"They say that once you get an iPhone, you never go back," writes Insider's Grace Dean. "I don't want to get stuck in that loop."
Transportation and logistics companies are betting their business models on 5G amid cost, infrastructure, and adoption challenges
5G delivers new capabilities to transportation and logistics industries, with many companies betting their business models on the network. But experts warn it's not the panacea for success.
The 10 best Amazon Prime Day TV deals are coming to an end — save on top models from Sony, LG, Samsung, and more
Don't miss out on Amazon's October Prime Day sale on TVs, including the best deals on 4K TVs, QLEDs, and OLEDs.
The 12 best TV deals from Amazon's October Prime Day, including all-time low prices on the Samsung Frame
Amazon's Prime Early Access Sale has some of the best prices we've ever seen on OLEDs from Sony and LG, as well as Samsung's gorgeous Frame TV.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 review: The best foldable phone you can buy, but that doesn't mean you should
Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 4 is a well-made foldable phone with great performance, but it's still held back in battery life and overall usability.
South Korea just pardoned Samsung's chief for bribing a former president because the country needs him to overcome a 'national economic crisis'
Lee was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison for bribing a friend of then South Korean President Park Geun-hye.


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- Information Center
- Investment News
South Korean auto parts makers will likely continue to increase profits thanks
to China's automobile markets, a report said Wednesday.
Parts makers with high earnings contributions from Chinese subsidiaries, such as Mando Corp., Sungwoo Hitech Co. and Hwashin Co., are expected to enjoy sound earnings growth, Woori Investment & Securities said in a report.
"We believe that
China will continue to post leading global auto sales growth in 2013 thanks to
the Chinese government's likely introduction of economic stimulus and capacity
expansions via joint ventures with overseas automakers," said Cho Soo-hong, an
analyst at Woori Investment.
During the first eleven months of this year, China's auto sales recorded 140.3 million units, up 6.9 percent on-year.
Meanwhile, South Korean automakers' sound growth in China will continue, largely backed by Hyundai Motor Co.'s expanded capacity upon the start of operations at its third China plant in July 2012 and solid roll-out effects at Kia Motors following the launch of the K3 in September 2012.
Against the backdrop of solid sales growth at the domestic automakers in China, parts makers will post higher bottom-line growth, Woori Investment said.
Korean parts makers supply automakers in China through their 100 percent-owned subsidiaries, while automakers usually operate business in China through joint ventures with local companies.

domain: news


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The last major bricks-and-mortar outlet for role-playing games showed signs of recovery in the third quarter in both books and games.
Barnes & Noble recently released its fiscal results, reporting store sales increased 2% from $1.46 billion to $1.49 billion. Comparable store sales increased 2.8%, on top of a 7.3% increase a year ago. Retail core comparable store sales, which exclude sales of devices, accessories and warranties, increased 4.2% over last year. Overall total sales increased 5% as compared to the prior year, from $2.3 billion to $2.4 billion. William Lynch, chief executive officer of Barnes & Noble, explained:
“In the third quarter, our traffic and sales in stores were the highest we’ve seen in five years. Our physical book sales at our stores increased more than 4% over last year, and our merchandising changes in our juvenile business and our Toys & Games department experienced double-digit revenue growth in the third quarter.”
In light of the increased role-playing games sales reported by ICv2, Barnes & Nobles’ modest increase in games and physical books sales will set the stage for a major push by Wizards of the Coast’s 5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons. The positive outlook for game books should lift all role-playing publishers’ boats in 2012.


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Skyflow, a data privacy startup founded in 2019 by former Salesforce executives, announced $45 million in Series B funding led by Insight Partners. The round comes two weeks after Skyflow launched a new service for securing financial data, which opens the door to more business with companies that offer banking services and stock trading applications, CEO and co-founder Anshu Sharma said in...
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Data Privacy Startup Skyflow Raises $45M, Targets Fintech Firms
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The Briefing apple ar/vr
Apple’s New Headset Makes Meta Look Like AR’s BlackBerry
Apple may have just BlackBerried Meta Platforms’ Quest devices. Apple’s presentation of its mixed-reality headset, the Vision Pro, on Monday seems likely to spell the beginning of the end for Meta’s ambitions in augmented reality and virtual reality. Remarkably, given the endless amounts of media coverage devoted to this device over the past couple of years, Apple’s presentation felt...
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MoonPay CEO, Other Executives Cashed Out Before Crypto Business Dropped
In November 2021, just as crypto prices were hitting all-time highs, MoonPay—a crypto payments startup that celebrities including Jimmy Fallon and Paris Hilton had praised for its non-fungible token “concierge” service— announced it had completed its first ever outside fundraising: an eye-popping $555 million round at a $3.4 billion valuation from investors including Tiger Global Management and Coatue Management.
The 1:1 ai
Adam D’Angelo’s Endless Quest to Answer Everything
Adam D’Angelo is basking in an “ endless summer ” of artificial intelligence. A few weeks before he and 350 industry peers released a bizarre, one-line statement warning that AI could herald a nuclear-level extinction event, the 38-year-old co-founder of Quora told me he actually sees more upside in AI than downside.


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Xbox CEO Phil Spencer has posted a long post on his official blog posting his vision for the future of the Xbox. Although the post contains many marketing terms and buzzwords, at its core it describes a user-centered approach to hardware and software development.
Spencer began his article by discussing the Xbox team’s commitment to fighting harassment and hatred across the gaming community, noting that the platform was designed for everyone: “From all walks of life and from any part of the world”… He hopes that thanks to the hard work of the Xbox security team, there are nearly 300,000 “Ambassadors”promoting diversity and the development of new technology designed to “Reducing hate speech and toxicity” this goal will finally be achieved.
The executive also touched on the Xbox Series X discussion in his post. He listed previously announced information about high frame rate support, backward compatibility, ray tracing and lower load times (thanks to the next-gen SSD in the Xbox Series X), as well as some additional comments.
For example, according to the Xbox boss, all games from Microsoft’s internal studios released over the next few years will be available on both current and next generation consoles. The company is not interested in forcing players to switch to Xbox Series X at launch just to play long-awaited projects like Halo Infinite.
Of course, Series X games will still be better with the same SSD, increased power, ray tracing, and so on, but the foundation will undoubtedly be the same. This is good news for those gamers who prefer to wait before moving on to the next generation of gaming systems.
In addition, Spencer promised that all existing Xbox accessories (in particular, controllers) will work perfectly on the Series X, so that they will not have to be bought again (only Kinect will not be supported).
If you notice an error, select it with the mouse and press CTRL + ENTER.


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Traveling -- a quick one from the road: Is this the answer?:
Scientists call for legal trade in rhino horn: Four leading environmental scientists today urged the international community to install a legal trade in rhino horn – in a last ditch effort to save the imperiled animals from extinction. ...
"Current strategies have clearly failed to conserve these magnificent animals and the time has come for a highly regulated legal trade in horn", says lead author Dr Duan Biggs of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions (CEED) and University of Queensland.
"As committed environmentalists we don't like the idea of a legal trade any more than does the average member of the concerned public. But we can see that we need to do something radically different to conserve Africa's rhino."
The researchers said the Western Black Rhino was declared extinct in 2011. There are only 5000 Black Rhinos and 20,000 White Rhinos left, the vast majority of which are in South Africa and Namibia.
"Poaching in South Africa has, on average, more than doubled each year over the past 5 years. Skyrocketing poaching levels are driven by tremendous growth in the retail price of rhino horn...
World trade in rhino horn is banned under the CITES Treaty - and this ban, by restricting supplies of horn, has only succeeded in generating huge rewards for an illegal high-tech poaching industry, equipped with helicopters and stun-darts, which is slaughtering rhinos at alarming rates.
Attempts to educate Chinese medicine consumers to stop using rhino horn have failed to reduce the growth in demand, they said.
The scientists argue that the entire world demand for horn could be met legally by humanely shaving the horns of live rhinos, and from animals which die of natural causes. Rhinos grow about 0.9kg of horn each year, and the risks to the animal from today's best-practice horn harvesting techniques are minimal. The legal trade in farmed crocodile skins is an example of an industry where legalization has saved the species from being hunted to extinction. ... A legal trade in rhino horn was first proposed 20 years ago, but rejected as 'premature'.
However, the time has now come for a legal trade in horn, says Dr Biggs. ... "Legitimizing the market for horn may be morally repugnant to some, but it is probably the only sensible way to prevent extinction of Africa's remaining rhinos," the scientists conclude.
Their paper Legal Trade of Africa's Rhino Horns by Duan Biggs, Franck Courchamp, Rowan Martin and Hugh Possingham, appears in the latest edition of the journal Science (March 1).


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First Shots Are Fired in Global 'Currency War'Submitted by 2012R3V0LUT10N on Wed, 01/16/2013 - 16:46
Faced with a stubbornly slow and uneven global economic recovery, more countries are likely to resort to cutting the value of their currencies in order to gain a competitive edge.
Japan has set the stage for a potential global currency war, announcing plans to create money and buy bonds as the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe looks to stimulate the moribund growth pace. (Read More: Japan PM Says BOJ Must Set 2% Medium-Term Inflation Goal)
Economists in turn are expecting others to follow that lead, setting off a battle that would benefit those that get out of the gate quickest but likely hamper the nascent global recovery and the relatively robust stock market.
Read more here


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Starbucks faces MPs over tax avoidance
Starbucks coffee shops across the country will be the target of demonstrations by anti-tax avoidance activists, the protest group UK Uncut has announced.
The protesters' threats to invade Starbucks stores come on the day that the company's bosses are hauled before MPs over its accounting policies. Last month the US coffee company was revealed to have paid almost no tax in the UK since 2009, and only £8m in the 14 years since it opened its first British store, despite sales of £3bn in that time.
UK Uncut, which is known for taking over stores such as Fortnum & Mason in protest at alleged tax avoidance, said campaigners would be selecting specific Starbucks branches to target on 8 December.
The UK Uncut activist Sarah Greene said: "It is an outrage that the Government continues to let multinationals like Starbucks dodge millions in tax while vital services like refuges and rape crisis centres face the axe. It does not have to be this way."
Starbucks' global finance chief, Troy Alstead, and UK managing director, Kris Engskov, will give evidence to the Public Accounts Committee this afternoon on the taxation of multinational corporations. Representatives from Amazon and Google are also expected to give evidence, while it was reported yesterday that Nissan has avoided paying millions of pounds in corporation tax by selling cars through a Swiss parent company.
There is no suggestion that any of the multinationals have done anything illegal, but there is growing frustrations at the way the tax system is set up. Former City minister Lord Myners is pushing for the introduction of a sales tax.
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The recovered metal was re-purposed as a pair of shields on Spirit and Opportunity.
The move has severely limited access to numerous Dutch government sites.
The new device will have the perk of Amazon's shopping prowess.
UCSD researchers present a study showing the latest possible ATM scam.
New composite tech should allow for better reception and sleeker devices.
The hand axes are the oldest examples ever found of their type.
Samsung's Galaxy Note hovers between the screen size of a phone and a tablet.
The paper develops an in-browser mobile site instead.
Independent news reports are often attacked as rumors in Chinese social networks.
The plan highlights the difficulty in bringing broadband to rural areas.
Soon users will be able to replace their credit cards with their smartphones.
Apple's win is most likely an empty one.
Here come the digital lo-fi photo wars.
SSDs are the way of the future in enterprise computing.
The camera has a translucent mirror for fast autofocusing even while shooting video.


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Google has provided Android customers a glimpse on the subsequent main improve coming to their gadgets with the arrival of the primary beta for Android 11. The Californian agency cancelled an internet occasion to spotlight a few of the largest new options coming to Android 11 earlier this month. Google mentioned it did not need to pull focus from the Black Lives Matter demonstrations going down throughout the globe with its new working system.
Despite canning its occasion scheduled for June 3, Google has nonetheless pushed out the primary beta to Pixel smartphone house owners to check the options. OnePlus-branded handsets also can begin to check out the brand new beta software program proper now too. Phones from different producers may very well be appropriate with the unfinished software program quickly. Ahead of the launch of Android 10 final 12 months, choose fashions from LG and Sony had been additionally ready to obtain the beta in addition to Google’s personal Pixel vary of gadgets. So, it is doable these gadgets might be ready to get a style of Android 11 within the coming weeks too.
Although an early model of Android 11 was rolled out to builders again in February, the newest replace is accessible to anybody. It’s not advisable to set up a beta model in your primary smartphone – the software program is notoriously unreliable as might depart you unable to make or obtain an vital name due to a glitch within the code.
The public beta for Android 11 has extra options than the sooner developer launch. That is smart as groups at Google have had a few extra months to toil away on the cell working system.


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Thieves in stolen ute smash open city shopping centre
JUST before 1am this morning, a group of thieves used a stolen ute to smash open the front entrance at Westridge Shopping Centre.
A Queensland Police spokeswoman said once the thieves were inside they attempted to ram the ATM in a bid to force it open
"They did not get into the ATM, they did not get into any other shop and they did not steal anything else that we are aware of," the spokeswoman said.
"All they did was cause headaches for the shop owners."
The thieves used a white Holden Colorado stole from the Davey Group workshop a few hours earlier.
Police appealed for information from the public to catch the offenders.
If you have any knowledge of the crime, the offenders identity or have dashcam footage of a white Holden Colorado acting suspicious phone Policelink on 131 444.


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Unfashionable Facebook follows the latest trend and will allow content creators on its platform to earn revenue from short-form videos via advertisements, the world’s leading social network has said.
The announcement came in a blog post where the company detailed its plans to help creators make more money, as smaller tech rivals have been racing to attract famous social media personalities in order to attract new users.
Snapchat owner Snap Inc has been paying $1 million per day to creators who make viral short videos on its feature called Snapchat Spotlight. Twitter recently announced it would launch “Super Follows,” which would let users charge followers for exclusive content.
Facebook said creators can now earn ad revenue from videos as short as one minute, down from three minutes previously.
It will also begin testing ads that look like stickers, which content creators can use in their Facebook Stories to earn money.
More creators can now qualify to earn ad revenue from live-streaming videos on Facebook, previously an invite-only program.
The social media giant said it would also give away $7 million in free Facebook Stars, which users can pay to creators on Facebook Live as a form of tipping.
The team at Platform Executive hope you have enjoyed the ‘[post_title]’ article. Translation from English to a growing list of other languages via Google Cloud Translation. Initial reporting via our official content partners at Thomson Reuters. Reporting by Munsif Vengattil in Bengaluru and Sheila Dang in Dallas. Editing by Devika Syamnath, Alexandra Hudson.
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(eTN) – Following in the footsteps of the hugely successful ILTM (International Luxury Travel Market) series, which includes the dedicated Asia and Americas editions, Reed Exhibitions has just announced that the first ever Africa edition has been scheduled for April next year in Cape Town, South Africa.
It is one of ILTM’s policies of pre-qualifying both buyers and exhibitors. Each of the buyers and suppliers invited to attend will be specially accredited for participation in ILTM Africa. Pre-scheduled appointments will be arranged on a strict one-to-one ratio to ensure the best possible business environment, a formula which has made the Asia and America editions the success they have become.
Alison Gilmore, ILTM Exhibition Director, said when launching the media release for the event: ”Reed has been exploring opportunities in Africa for sometime, and because of the sheer size of the continent, the diversity of its luxury travel offering with natural beauty, world-class facilities, adventure and wildlife experiences, it makes sense to take our global brand, already on 3 continents, to a new one – Africa. From the day we launched ILTM Americas earlier this year, we sold out within a matter of weeks, and with the debut event opening on October 1, there will be a wait list of companies who will ensure substantial growth for the event in 2013; we fully expect ILTM Africa to have the same support.”
One of the invited participants for the Africa event, Frances Geoghegan of Africa Travel UK, was in the media release and quoted to have said: “Africa offers it all for the luxury traveler – exotic locations, stunning properties, and unique experiences. Where else can you watch the phenomenon that is Tanzania’s wildebeest migration, watch hippos from a canoe as you glide down the Zambezi, trek the mighty mountain gorillas of Rwanda, or enjoy the varying splendor of Africa’s mother city, Cape Town? It is fitting that Africa now has a platform with ILTM to showcase its wonders and diversity. ILTM has been the pioneer of luxury travel forums, matching buyers and suppliers in a highly-professional and successful environment. ILTM coming to Cape Town will be of great benefit to the whole of the African travel industry.”
And how true that is – time that Africa can showcase its natural miracles and wonders in particular for the top end of the market and finally get a fair share of this market segment, which pays top dollars for top services, from Southern to Eastern and Northern Africa.


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Those who have problems with Ramaphosa are rubbing their hands in glee at what they see as reinforcement that he is captured by those who funded his campaign, writes Chris Vick.
Twice as many used cars are bought in South Africa every year than new ones and the 2019 Gumtree Autos Pre-Owned Awards uniquely acknowledge that reality by giving local pre-owned car buyers an accessible guide for their choices.
Many South Africans kept memorabilia from SA's first democratic election 25 years ago and an online market for these exists, says Gumtree.
On March 2-3, 2019, more than 25 000 petrol heads and casual motoring fans are expected to descend upon GrandWest to attend the Cape Town Motor Show (CTMS).
Around 200 000 young South Africans are starting university in 2019 and many of them are on the hunt for a car. Here are five pieces of advice for students (and their parents) who are in the pre-owned market.
By now you should have booked your tickets for the Gumtree World Rallycross of South Africa event, taking place later in November.
Gumtree will title sponsor the FIA World Rallycross Championship to be held in Cape Town on 24-25 November at the Killarney International Raceway.
The 24th and 25th of November marks the start of the Gumtree World Rallycross of South Africa that takes place at Killarney Raceway in Cape Town.
It's always an exciting moment when buying a car for the first time. Here are some top tips to follow when buying a second-hand car.
We list some of the more heavier and luxurious models available in the SUV segment that still retain a high value as used vehicles.
From the Takata's ongoing airbag crisis affecting to more recent cases of vehicle setting on fire, vehicle recalls have left many motorists concerned whether cars are becoming more dangerous and if so, why?
New cars can be expensive, but there are sometimes significant savings to be had in motoring's nearly-new aisle. Here are 5 bargain year-old cars to keep in mind.
Thrift is increasingly going mainstream and a Gumtree survey estimates it could be worth R1trn in terms of items in SA households that are not being used.
If you're thinking of buying a pre-owned bakkie, these basic tips might come in handy to help you choose the right option.
With so much deals and discounts happening this Black Friday, if you're in the market to buy a set of wheels here are a few tips to keep in mind to get the best deal.
The finalists have been revealed in Gumtree's 2018 Pre-Owned Car Awards. Take a look at the top cars in 10 different categories.
Not all automakers started out in the car industry. BMW made airplanes, Toyota produced weaving looms and in the mid-1800s, you might have purchased a patented Peugeot pepper mill.
Only one in three South African vehicle owners take great pride in their cars with most of them describing it as 'nothing special'.
The latest generation of the Volkswagen Golf seems to be the popular choice for used car buyers according to the Gumtree Pre-Owned Vehicle Awards for 2018.
'The automotive industry has traditionally been a "boys club" but women and people of colour are entering the ranks in droves," says Gumtree Auto's Nunben Dixon.
Have you dreamed about owning a Delorean from 'Back to the Future'? Maybe you favour American muscle cars? Here's what you need to know about importing a vehicle to South Africa.
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Sarah Simpson will join Porsche Cars Great Britain as Chief Executive Officer on 1 September, taking over from Marcus Eckermann, who is set to take up a new role within Porsche AG.
Due to the huge Germany-wide interest, almost 4,000 golfers took part in this year’s 47 tournaments where there were special hygiene measures in place. The top golfers at the qualifying competitions met last weekend at the Germany Final held at the Frankfurt Golf Club (net B and gross) and the Golf Club Neuhof (net C and A) to determine, in four separate competitions, the participants for the coming year’s Porsche Golf Cup World Final in Mallorca.
“Sarah Simpson has worldwide experience in marketing and sales of premium vehicles,” says Barbara Frenkel, Vice President Region Europe at Porsche AG. “With this extensive knowledge, she will further strengthen our position in Great Britain.”
Sarah Simpson has worked for the Volkswagen Group for more than 20 years, the past decade with Bentley Motors. Joining the company as Operations Director, Simpson became Regional Director for Bentley’s home market, the UK in 2014. Throughout the past seven years, she has assumed responsibility for other international regions, firstly adding Asia Pacific to her leadership role, before becoming Regional Director for UK, Middle East, Africa and India in January 2020.
Porsche Cars Great Britain
Great Britain is the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer’s fourth-largest market globally. Annual UK sales in 2020 were 14,270, with the newly launched Taycan taking second place, behind the Macan SUV. So far in 2021, the Taycan is the best-selling model.


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Yuner Shao and “Stef” Puzhen Zhou may have only launched their fashion line Refuse Club less than a year ago, but they’ve already made a major statement. In February, the design duo released their first collection with commentary on the #MeToo movement and how it was being censored in China.
To showcase this, the designers created traditional qipao dresses, or feminine body-con dresses with high necks, and reworked corsets with handmade prints of women applying masks instead of makeup. “There was a lot of sexual harassment happening both here [in the U.S.] and China,” explains Zhou. “This collection was our way of discussing that situation.” The prints served as storytelling illustrations. For instance, some garments were printed with messages about censorship taken directly from internet search engines in China, where results are often censored. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, “Since 2017, no website or social media account is allowed to provide news service on the internet without the Cyberspace Administration of China’s permission. Internet users are blocked from foreign search engines, news websites, and social media platforms by the Great Firewall.”
The idea for their fall 2019 collection was inspired by the brand’s mission: to use clothing as a platform for social justice and awareness. Even the brand’s name, Refuse Club, has roots in defying conventional norms. The name comes from the 1863 controversial exhibition titled the Salon des Refusés in Paris. Artists like Édouard Manet and Gustave Courbet, both rejected by the official Paris Salon (the official art exhibition of the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris) due to being too controversial and provocative, banded together to show their unconventional work in one space. “We had a similar idea because there’s a lot of rules for having your own fashion brand. It’s really hard when you’re not on the official fashion calendar and you don’t have any investors,” says Zhou. “We want to refuse certain things.”
To continue the censorship conversation further, Refuse Club opened an account on WeChat, the Chinese multipurpose messaging, social media, and mobile-payment app. “We talk about censorship, cultural appropriation, problems in the [fashion] industry, more so in China than here [in the U.S.]. Here, there are things that are overexplained and overcorrected, but there, back home, it hasn’t even started,” says Zhou.
For their spring 2020 collection, Shao and Zhou are making another major statement. Now they’re using their platform to showcase another side of social media in China, highlighting different subcultures and identities found in rural China through the Beijing-based social media app Kwai, which the duo dubbed the “less-gentrified version of TikTok.” In 2017, the Wall Street Journal called Kwai “the video app for small-town China,” saying that the app is popular among “the less affluent, less educated people in China.” Explaining further that “some critics view much of Kwai’s content as crude and silly, while the company says it’s an authentic place for average Chinese.”
Refuse Club’s New York Fashion Week presentation had models acting out some of the Kwai video challenges these users are participating in; for example, dripping water on a rock in the same place for one year to try to make a hole. “It’s related to a Chinese myth of using water to drill on a stone,” says Zhou.
Similar to their first collection making a statement on #MeToo in China, their latest collection went back to their custom prints. This time to tell stories about what Kwai users are doing in their short, viral videos. They used lots of lace to represent femininity, but workwear silhouettes to represent the everyday person. “Refuse Club SS20 Collection is inspired by young people from Chinese small towns and villages, by their fashion style and online subcultural presence,” read their collection statement. “We find their fashion energy unique and fun.”
“They tend to have their own way of thinking, which people just want to ignore, because they tend to assume that they are narrow-minded,” says Zhou of the users she researched on Kwai. “But they have unique cultural things going on. I think that’s important, and people in China criticize it so much, because these young people aren’t educated, they don’t have proper jobs, and they want to be influencers on this app.”
It’s what makes Kwai so unique: the odd challenges, the snippets of everyday life from real people. For instance, there are Chinese social media influencers who are either fashion bloggers, actresses, or singers, just like there are in the U.S. Most of these users are popular on Instagram, WeChat, and Weibo, not Kwai.
“Each collection should refuse something. This one is about saying no to this idea of wanting to be an influencer but having to do something that’s very polished,” says Zhou. “With no intention to criticize anyone by reinterpreting their style, the collection is a sarcastic joke, a gesture of saying, ‘Look at how ridiculous the outfit is, and we refuse to change it.’”
Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue


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For some time now, Google has been publicly encouraging website owners to transition to HTTPS, a more secure version of the ubiquitous HTTP protocol that powers the internet.
NB: This is a guest viewpoint by Michael Cameron of Rome2Rio.
You can identify websites (like Tnooz) that use HTTPS -- a system that enables your web browser or app to securely connect to a site -- with the padlock symbol in the address bar.
In August 2014, Google went one step further and used their considerable influence as the world’s most popular search engine to entice website owners to make the switch, by announcing an SEO ranking boost for sites that use HTTPS.
Although the ranking boost is small, Google suggests it will increase with time.
Rome2rio has supported HTTPS for some time. We use it for parts of the site related to user accounts, passwords, and ticket purchases.
However, in July last year, we decided to take the plunge and force all users to view the entire site through HTTPS. Technically the project went smoothly, but after ramping the change to 100%, we noticed a significant drop in our Google advertising revenue.
Our research quickly revealed that other website owners had experienced that same thing. We learnt that not all advertisers that place bids through the Google ads system support HTTPS, resulting in fewer ad impression bids and lower overall ad revenue.
We learnt that many website owners had transitioned back to HTTP for this reason. We concluded the revenue drop was too large to justify the switch to HTTPS, so we also made the switch back.
In January, we decided to re-visit the HTTPS question. This time, we properly measured the potential impact with an A/B split test. We redirected visitors to HTTPS for 5% of pages and measured the change in ad revenue.
Our conclusion; ad revenue was 7% lower for the HTTPS pages.
We dug down further and examined the impact on ad revenue for each of Rome2rio’s top advertisers:
The data illustrates that the overall 7% drop in revenue appears largely due to a handful of advertisers where revenue drops by more than 40%.
Google is working hard to transition all advertisers to HTTPS, and we hope to see this 7% figure decrease when we next repeat this A/B test in 6 to 12 months.
NB: This is a guest viewpoint by Michael Cameron, COO of Rome2Rio, a Melbourne-based startup that offers a multi-modal, door-to-door travel search engine.


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In today’s technology age, there are so many new advancements and services to tune into. Driving a car is made easier with the help of navigation systems and voice-activated controls. Getting in touch with loved ones who live out of state is made all the more personal through video chatting with programs like Skype. And as it turns out, the health care industry is benefiting, as well.
Telehealth, which is defined as the delivery of health-related services and information with the help of telecommunication technologies, is paving the way for the future of health care. According to the telehealth Wikipedia page, it can be as basic as two health care professionals discussing a case over the phone or as sophisticated as doing robotic surgery between facilities at different ends of the globe.
In a recent article published by the Mayo Clinic, telehealth, also referred to as e-health or m-health (mobile health), the editors discussed a variety of health care services, including but not limited to:
- Online support groups
- Online health information and self-management tools
- Email and online communication with health care providers
- Electronic health records
- Remote monitoring of vital signs
- Video or online doctor visits
Those same editors also looked listed out a few good examples for how telehealth can benefit someone with say, diabetes. That person could tap into telehealth services to manage their health and they could do it from the comfort of their own home. Here are a few of those examples, courtesy of the Mayo Clinic.
- Use a mobile phone or other device to upload food logs, medications, dosing, and blood sugar levels for review by a nurse who responds electronically.
- Watch a how-to video on carbohydrate counting and download an application (app) for it to your mobile phone.
- Use the same app to estimate, based on your diet and exercise level, how much insulin you need.
- Send an email or text message to a nurse or diabetes educator when you have questions.
- Order testing supplies and medications online.
- Research the pros and cons of alternate treatments, such as insulin pumps.
- Get email, text or phone reminders when you need a flu shot, foot exam or other preventive care.
So thanks to the cutting-edge benefits that telehealth can bring, these are truly exciting times to be living. And it’s nice to know that these technologies aren’t just for the young and hip. They’re for the old, the young and everyone in between.
To learn more, talk to your doctor or your Freedom Health Care caregiver. And take advantage of the advancements that are being made every day.


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Fireworks sales go off safely locally
Jul 08, 2015 12:03 am
New York's first year of expanded fireworks sales went off quietly, though there were five fireworks-related deaths nationally. But that's down from 2014, when nine people died from firework accidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. New York Giant Jason Pierre-Paul, in Florida, was a notable victim of fireworks misuse, nearly blowing off his hand. The Greene County Legislature legalized the sale of sparklers countywide earlier this year after Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a law last year permitting counties to allow certain fireworks to be excluded from the definition of dangerous fireworks, with legal sales periods from June 1 through July 5, and from Dec. 26 through Jan. 2. State Sen. Michael Nozzolio, who sponsored the bill to legalize more fireworks, said at the time, "Industry groups estimate there will be over $50 million in sales in the first year, with New York state collecting at least $2 million in much-needed tax revenue."


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HONG KONG (Reuters) – Shares in China's leading e-commerce firm Alibaba.com (1688.HK: Quote, Profile, Research) slid 6 percent on Monday after Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) dropped a bid for Yahoo Inc (YHOO.O: Quote, Profile, Research), Alibaba's key investor.
Yahoo owns 39 percent of Alibaba's parent, Alibaba Group, and Microsoft's failure to win Yahoo means potential business opportunities Alibaba might have had with Microsoft, such as in advertising or online trading, would not now likely materialize.
“The stock fall was largely expected as Microsoft dropped its bid for Yahoo, and there will be no news for Alibaba in the short term,” said Antony Mak, sales director at DBS Vickers.
Shares in Alibaba, due to post quarterly earnings on Tuesday, closed down 5.9 percent at HK$15.24, their biggest drop in four weeks, underperforming the Hang Seng Index .HSI, which eased 0.22 percent.
“This is a highly volatile stock, and is driven by sentiment,” said Francis Cheung, analyst at CLSA. “The news may have affected sentiment but has very little to do with what the company can do in terms of earnings.”
Some analysts said the withdrawal of Microsoft's $33 per share bid for Yahoo would help remove some uncertainty as Alibaba Group had been touted as seeking investors to buy Yahoo's stake in a move to stop Microsoft getting access to Alibaba stock.
“The news is not so negative, but obviously investors are using this as an excuse to sell after a sharp rally last week,” said Linus Yip, strategist at First Shanghai Securities Ltd.
Alibaba shares had jumped 12.5 percent to a 4-week high on Friday amid talk that Microsoft, the world's biggest software maker, may raise its Yahoo bid. But Microsoft gave up the chase on Saturday after failing to meet Yahoo's $47.5 billion price tag.
Alibaba declined to comment on Microsoft's decision.
“This is an issue for our parent company only. Three months ago when this issue was first raised, we didn't have any comment, and we don't have any comment now,” CEO David Wei told reporters after a shareholder meeting in Hong Kong on Monday.
Alibaba shares, listed in Hong Kong in November and ranked as the city's most popular IPO last year, have slumped 45 percent this year amid a global share sell-off, underperforming a 5.9 percent fall on the blue chip Hang Seng.
The stock, which trades at 58 times forecast earnings, nearly tripled on its debut from an IPO price of HK$13.50 that had valued the company at more than 106 times forecast earnings.
The company is expected to report a strong first quarter net profit of 263-290 million yuan ($37.6-$41.4 million) as margins improved, according to two analysts polled by Reuters. It earned 295 million yuan for the first six months of 2007.
Concerns about Alibaba's premium membership growth and the impact of a firmer yuan and a slowing U.S. economy on its customer renewal rate, could continue to overhang the stock, analysts said.
“Alibaba mainly caters to external trade, and I think external trading is going to slow,” Cheung said.
Alibaba, looking to serve small- to medium-sized businesses, shrugged off the threat of a slowing global economy, saying this could instead be an opportunity for it and its customers.
“E-commerce helps small- and medium-sized companies to control costs, to source better and make better profits — it could enable them to survive,” Wei said.
By Alison Leung and Joseph Chaney
(Editing by Ken Wills & Ian Geoghegan)


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Happy Winter Solstice. We have indeed reached the darkest day of 2020 — things can only get brighter now!
There’s light at the end of the tunnel for Steve Olsen, the West Bank Cafe and Laurie Beechman Theater. So far over $145,000 has been raised to save these 42-year-old W42nd Street legends — and there’s a Christmas Day Telethon to look forward to.
Steve Olsen told us this morning: “The outpouring of love and generosity we have received from our loyal customers, friends, relatives and business associates is overwhelming. Over a thousand people have donated money to help us survive this catastrophic pandemic and a couple of hundred artists are contributing to our Christmas Day telethon, which will be on Facebook from noon until 8 pm. I am forever grateful to, and appreciate, everyone who has ever patronized West Bank Cafe. Gratitude is the best Christmas gift one could ever receive. I wish everyone a healthy and safe Holiday season.”
Part of the promotion has been fans posting their favorite pictures from the venues with the hashtag #savewestbankcafe. You can add yours too…
We’ve had over 500 readers download the “Hell’s Kitchen is OPEN!” app this weekend. It’s what they call a “Progressive Web App” so you should just be able to click the link below. It will give you instructions on how to add it to your home screen. Please share with your friends — and help support our local eateries!
What we’ve been reading
How a dream came true for the acting commissioner of the New York City Department of Sanitation. (New York Times)
Food pantry demand is soaring in New York. (NY1)
A fifth of New Yorkers have paid no rent in December. (Bisnow)
You can probably stop dreaming of a white Christmas. (NBC)
How to survive a fall onto the subway tracks. (Reddit)


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MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has always embraced his Hawaiian upbringing and his Samoan roots, and so have his fans.
“Back in Alabama, when Tua was playing there, they had a lot of people (who) were buying fresh leis in flower shops and actually wearing them to the games in order to work with the Polynesian culture in support of Tua,” South Florals CEO Danny Sanchez said.
So when he came to Miami, Tua partnered with South Florals to create “Tua leis,” in support of his Tua Foundation.
“It really just embodies where I come from, my heritage, and then it’s also giving back to a good cause,” Tua said.
“They’re premium quality silk leis, and this is solid metal. It’s great quality. We encourage all of our fans to wear one in support of Tua and the Tua Foundation,” Sanchez said.
South Florals’ CEO says the company has been providing fresh, beautiful flowers to the area for more than 40 years.
Sanchez says their partnership with Tua started about a year and a half ago, but getting the leis right was not an easy process during a pandemic.
“It’s been challenging during COVID times obviously to get new product manufactured and set up, but once we got it all set up I think they came out great,” Sanchez said.
A portion of the proceeds go to Tua’s foundation, but they also want this to become sort of a new tradition for Dolphins fans — for people to wear the leis to games and show their support for Tua and the Polynesian culture.
To learn how to purchase your leis, visit Southflorals.com/tua. The leis cost $59.95.


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According to recently released data from the Central Statistics Bureau (CSB) Q1 hotel stays in Latvia grew by 5.9%. Foreign visitors increased by some 9.3%, while Latvian guests grew slightly less substantially. Some 300,000 plus hotel stays were recorded in the report.
Eastern European value is becoming almost legendary as travelers search for extraordinary deals and destinations. A recent poll of hotels under 50 pounds sterling reveals some surprising values. From Estonia to Romania, people visiting these destinations can strike up unbelievable values actually.


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Lenovo signs with C2000, plots SME assault
Takes two years to fill gap left by Northamber
PC firm Lenovo has inked a distie deal with Tech Data's UK subsidiary Computer 2000 in a bid to sniff out prospective small biz customers.
The firms are set to links arms from 1 July on an agreement that covers the entire Think range: desktops, All-In-Ones, workstations and servers.
Lenovo UK and Ireland SME and channel director Darren Phelps revealed that the vendor is eyeing up 10 per cent market share in the UK, saying in a PR blurb that it needed "breadth and depth in our channel".
The deal means Lenovo has finally plugged the gap in its distie roster nearly two years after it jettisoned Surrey-based Northamber. C2000 will be rubbing shoulders with existing Lenovo UK disties Micro P, Ingram Micro and SDG.
During Q1, Lenovo grew desktop and laptop sales out through UK and Irish distributors by 71 per cent and 61.4 per cent respectively, grabbing the number two spot, Context figures show.
To seize the crown, both globally and locally, Lenovo is trying to make waves in the consumer market, where its dominance has been so far limited to China.
But some in the B2B channel have already urged the vendor not to take its eye off the ball in the professional sector.
Dave Watts, commercial director at C2000, said in a prepared statement that Lenovo had gone from "strength to strength" and talked up the raft of tech in the pipeline. ®


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Expo 2020 Dubai’s highly successful BusinessConnect F&B session has marked the first step on the journey to Expo for small and medium sized enterprises, SMEs, in the food and beverage sector.
The session, which saw more than 100 SMEs take part, outlined the food and beverage pathway and timeline, including encouraging them to sign up to the Expo 2020 Dubai e-Sourcing portal so they can keep track of all the current and upcoming procurement opportunities.
These opportunities include taking a share of an estimated AED2 billion in onsite food and beverage sales generated by visitors attending Expo from 20th October 2020 to 10th April 2021. In addition to this, an estimated five million meals will be needed to keep the Expo 2020 workforce fed during the six months of Expo.
Manal AlBayat, Senior Vice President, Business Development and Integration at Expo 2020 Dubai, said, "This BusinessConnect F&B session is just the beginning of the journey for SMEs in the food and beverage sector to Expo 2020 Dubai. Not only does it enable us to explain timelines and present opportunities to the SMEs, we also get to hear their questions and incorporate their feedback into our planning."
At peak, up to 85,000 meals are expected to be served per hour during Expo 2020 Dubai, across 30,000 square metres of front-of-house space for food and beverages. As a result, Expo will be a major opportunity for F&B firms, as well as a chance to showcase the many cuisines and cultural diversity of the UAE.
Expo 2020 Dubai is committed to supporting the SME sector across the region as part of its plans for a lasting economic legacy. Last year, it announced that 20 percent of direct and indirect spend for the Expo will be awarded to SMEs.
The BusinessConnect series aims to shift the traditional model of procurement to one based more on the value of collaboration, with each edition delivered in the format of an open dialogue and focused on a specific aspect of Expo 2020 Dubai.
To date, it has brought together senior representatives from a wide spectrum of industries to explore critical areas such as marketing and communications, ICT, architecture and design, real estate and youth.


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With word on the runway from British Airways’ cabin crew that there had been a rise in the number of independent female passengers, British Airways has released the Global Solo Travel Study into the who, what and why of the trend across the world and to understand which locations are the most tempting for true escapism.
The BA Global Solo Travel Study of almost 9,000 18-64 year olds across the UK, US, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, India, and China found that over 50 per cent of women have taken a holiday by themselves, with 75 per cent of women planning a solo trip in the next few years.
The most adventurous? Italy. An impressive 63 per cent of Italian women aged 18-65 have explored another country alone, followed by Germany at 60 per cent. On home turf, more British women and men (14 per cent) were over 50 on their first solo trip compared to any other country.
Looking ahead, sixty per cent of UK women are planning a trip in the next few years, with 16 per cent of them jetting off solo in the next two to three months.
The least inclined to venture overseas with only 16 per cent, were women from the US. However, this looks to change with 62 per cent currently planning their getaway in the next few years.
Most choosing to head into the sunset alone for new experiences do so for one week, with over 50 per cent globally choosing a short haul trip overseas. However over 30.5million women in surveyed markets have headed off on long trips of over six months, equipped with nothing but a rucksack and an open mind.
German travellers go solo the most often, with one in five having treated themselves to a solo trip over 10 times. The nation most willing to travel long distance is China, with almost 50 per cent flying over 11 hours for their last international experience.
In the spirit of the short haul pick-me-up, 67 per cent of solo travellers globally choose to explore the wonders of their own continent. India’s travellers skip between continents the most, with 37 per cent having travelled solo to Europe and 33 per cent exploring the UAE and Middle East. Over 51 per cent of the travellers in both the US and China had also toured Europe ‘toute seule’. Those looking to part from the crowd for an original solo holiday can fly on British Airways routes to Dubai, as other than Indian voyagers, the UAE and Middle East is the path least explored for solo journeys, with under ten per cent having visited.
The British Airways Solo Travel Study also unpacked the reasons why passengers were choosing to head out alone. More than half of our global respondents (55 per cent) choose to travel alone due to the feeling of freedom and independence, being able to choose your destination, what you eat and what you do. Holidaymakers from Germany are the most open, with over 50 per cent also prioritising meeting new people and having unique experiences. Interestingly, ten per cent of UK travellers confessed they had taken off solo to get over a break up.


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California Passes Blockchain Bill (AB 2658)
On February 15, 2018, California Assemblymember Ian C. Calderon of District 57 introduced blockchain bill AB 2658. The bill proposes legal framework and a definition of blockchain technology to provide California-based businesses with greater certainty. Providing certainty allows for use and innovation of this new technology.
The California bill passed on May 30, 2018 with 76 aye votes. It defines blockchain as “a mathematically secured, chronological, and decentralized ledger or database of transactions or other data.” This definition remains in effect until January 1, 2022. The bill only pertains to blockchain and excludes smart contracts due to potential complications. Section 2 of the bill requires the Secretary of the Government Operations Agency to appoint a blockchain working group. The group is to form and to have a chairperson by July 1, 2019. The group will evaluate the use, risks, benefits, legal implications, and best practices of blockchain in state government and California businesses. Consisting of over 17 members, the group will take input from a broad range of stakeholders with a diverse range of interests. The group will also report to the Legislature before July 1, 2020.
Currently, there is no uniform definition on what constitutes blockchain technology. There are about six or seven other states that have a blockchain related bill, each having their own definition of blockchain. In addition, the U.S. Uniform Law Commission has no enagement in this effort so far. This bill is the first stepping stone for blockchain and cryptocurrency regulation in the State of California. As Assemblymember Calderon states, there is no one proven way to regulate this new technology. Calderon proposes to move forward and refine regulation, allowing California to be a leader in blockchain innovation.


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General Electric Co. (NYSE: GE), said it signed an agreement with Shin-Etsu Chemical of Japan to establish a jointly-owned facility in Thailand to manufacture silane-monomers and siloxanes, materials used in the production of silicone end-products.
The $250 million plant will be the largest silicones manufacturing plant in Asia. It is expected to become operational in 2003. Groundbreaking will be sometime during the third quarter of this year.
The joint venture company, Asia Silicones Monomer Ltd., is owned 50 percent by a GE and Toshiba partnership and 50 percent by Shin-Etsu Chemical, a major Japanese silicone producer.
"The demand for silicone products in Asia is expected to grow rapidly in the future," said Bill Driscoll, vice president and general manager of GE Silicones.
GE Silicones, based in Waterford, is a component of General Electric Cos. plastics division in Pittsfield, Mass.


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From warding off pollen to slowing the ageing process: Beards are good for you
You’d be forgiven for thinking a beard was de rigueur at the Baftas.
From Ben Affleck and George Clooney to Hugh Jackman, Sam Mendes and Joaquin Phoenix, it seemed every celebrity male has joined the beard brigade.
The look that was first spotted on hipster twentysomethings has been taken on by their dads’ generation.
Beards at the Baftas: Ben Affleck (left) and George Clooney (right) have joined the beard brigade
Many women won’t want to put up with a scratchy-faced partner.
But think twice before you tell your man to reach for a razor, because beards and moustaches might be beneficial for men’s health.
This is still, it has to be said, an emerging field of thinking — but here, with tongue half in bearded cheek, we reveal the health upside of men’s facial hair...
PROTECTS AGAINST THE SUN
A fuzzy face offers significant protection against sun damage and skin cancer, according to a recent study from the University of Southern Queensland published in the journal Radiation Protection Dosimetry.
The researchers found that the parts of the face covered by beards and moustaches on average had a third less exposure to harmful UV rays compared with hair-free areas.
The study was conducted in the Outback sun with mannequins and stick-on beards (1.5in and 3.5 in long), with a clean-shaven mannequin used as a comparison.
The researchers used dosimetric techniques, which measure the amount of rays or radiation absorbed in a given time.
Their results showed the beards appeared to offer 90 to 95 per cent protection against the sun, depending on length of hair.
Generally hair offers good protection against the sun, says Dr Nick Lowe, a leading London-based dermatologist.
That’s why women have much less sun damage if their hair covers the back of their necks and the sides of their faces.
‘It’s also a question of the thickness of hair,’ he says. ‘It’s similar to an SPF factor — the higher the hair density and thickness, the higher the SPF.
‘I frequently see the classic example of this when I work in southern California.
‘A balding, bearded surfer will have more sun damage and pre-cancers on their heads than they will on the top of their faces.’
Another theory is that coarse, curly beard hair breaks up the sun’s rays, says Iain Sallis, a consultant trichologist.
‘Light travels in straight lines, but when it hits curly hair the light waves refract, or break up, so they hardly ever reach the skin underneath.’
It also depends on how long the beard has been growing.
Sun damage can also occur when it reflects off surfaces below the face — such as pale sand or water — so hair growth on men’s faces will add to the protection under the chin and neck.
However, Dr Lowe recommends men with facial hair use a thin sun lotion or spray that isn’t too greasy over the hair because a lot of beards are not very dense.
MAY PREVENT ASTHMA ATTACKS
Men whose asthma is triggered by pollen and dust could find facial hair helps reduce their asthma symptoms
Men whose asthma is triggered by pollen and dust could find facial hair —– or more specifically, a big moustache —– helps reduce their asthma symptoms.
Moustaches that reach the nasal area may stop allergens going up the nose and being inhaled by the lungs, says Carol Walker, hair medical expert and owner of Birmingham Trichology Centre.
Dr Rob Hicks, a London-based GP, thinks it’s only pollen — which is sticky — that might be trapped this way, preventing it getting into the airways.
‘Dust particles are microscopic,’ he says.
Even if moustaches did trap dust, then a downside, according to Dr Hicks, is that it can build up and it just takes one wipe or knock before it goes into the nose.
‘In theory, a moustache could stop things that trigger asthma entering the airways, but it would have to be a big one,’ says Dr Felix Chua, a consultant respiratory physician at the London Clinic, Harley Street.
SLOWS DOWN AGEING
Over time, facial hair can help keep the skin young and in a good condition.
The hair stops water leaving the skin — keeping it moisturised — by protecting it from the wind, which dries the skin and disturbs the protective skin barrier, says Dr Lowe.
‘Also, if you put a moisturiser on then it will stay put under a beard or moustache much better than on an exposed or shaven skin where it can be more easily rubbed off.’
The simple presence of hair follicles on the face also helps, as do the sebaceous glands in the skin that coat the hair in protective oils.
Anywhere hair follicles and oil glands are present — including the chin, lower face and sides of the — makes the skin thicker (and men have more hair follicles in this area than women do).
‘Thicker skin is more resistant to damage, even if the man doesn’t have a beard, compared with women, whose skin tends to be thinner and have fewer hair follicles,’ says Dr Lowe.
HELPS FIGHT OFF COUGHS
Thick beards that have grown under the chin and neck will raise the temperature of the neck and may help battle colds, says Carol Walker.
‘Hair is an insulator that keeps you warm. Long, full beards that trap the cold air and raise the temperature of the neck are going to be an added bonus when you’re under the weather,’ says Carol.
‘When you have a sore throat, the body builds up temperature to kill the virus.
'It has to run its course, but the warmer you keep yourself and the more fluids you drink equip you to fight it better.
‘Hair around the chin and neck adds another layer of protection.’
Facial hair can act as a physical barrier to cold temperature, says Dr Chua.
‘A higher body temperature can help a cough, though you need to look at the underlying causes to treat it, too.
‘I’ve had patients who have said that if they wrap up by using something like a scarf their cough gets a bit better. It’s possible that a beard could also do this.’
PREVENTS NASTY SKIN RASHES
Not shaving means no more nasty rashes. Shaving is usually the main cause of bacterial infections in the beard area, says Dr Martin Wade, consultant dermatologist at the London Skin and Hair Clinic.
‘It can lead to razor rash, ingrown hairs and conditions such as folliculitis (infection of the hair follicles that causes spots), so men would benefit from growing a beard,’ he says.
P.S. BUT THE BAD NEWS...
Scientific evidence shows that beards can spread infections, says Dr Ron Cutler, microbiologist at Queen Mary, University of London.
That’s why it’s important for fuzzy-faced men to wash and groom their facial hair regularly and ensure the area under the hair hasn’t become sore from ingrown hairs.
‘Men need to wash and trim their beards and moustaches regularly and make sure debris from food isn’t left around,’ adds Carol Walker.
‘Also be careful about your choice of barber, because you can get bad infections if they haven’t cleaned their tools properly.’
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Your Comments On...
Senate Votes For Safer Products
The Senate yesterday approved the most far-reaching changes to the nation's product safety system in a generation, responding to recalls of millions of lead-laced toys that rattled consumers last year.
By Annys Shin
E-Mail This Page
© 2008 The Washington Post Company


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Bitcoin and the blockchain are no longer obscure, unfamiliar concepts. On the contrary, no one can stop talking about them. For many investors — especially those that got in recently — this is a favorable development since it implies additional volume and participation. But on the other side of the coin, the rise of bitcoin mania has got to be disconcerting for long-time investors.
Last week, popular fast-food company Jack in the Box launched a commercial mocking bitcoin mania. “Jack,” the company’s quirky spokesperson and official face of the brand, mentioned that holiday shopping and bitcoin about to go bust leaves most of us broke. The solution? Buy junk food that’s priced just right, of course!
And three weeks ago, “Late Night with Seth Meyers” introduced a skit of three housewives discussing investment options. One wife complains that investing is complicated, but another chimes in that the perfect solution is bitcoin. As she explains the complexity of the blockchain, the complaining wife suddenly becomes interested, while the third wife acts as the voice of reason.
The underlying message is that bitcoin mania has gotten so out of hand that otherwise rational people are making completely irrational choices.
Proponents of cryptocurrencies will dismiss this coverage as nothing more than the desperate death throes of the traditional markets. There’s definitely truth in that assessment. However, one of the telltale signs of a market bubble is that everyone is talking about the asset(s) in question. With cryptocurrencies no longer a niche community, has bitcoin mania hit its peak?
While the recent media coverage about cryptocurrencies seemingly points towards the bubble bursting, we should first be aware that this media attention is nothing new. During the late spring season of 2016, “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” had a monologue which discussed bitcoin among other subjects. Almost four years ago, “Conan” featured a segment dedicated exclusively to bitcoin.
Though they mocked bitcoin at the time, cryptocurrencies eventually soared.
Another point to consider is that we shouldn’t worry about simple media coverage. When we should think about selling out is when bitcoin mania grips the general public. If former blockchain critics are now pumping cryptocurrencies, that’s not a good sign for sustainability.
Fortunately, the animus towards cryptocurrencies is extremely severe. I’ve yet to come across a popular figure publicly give bitcoin a fair shake. That tells me that “bitcoin mania” still has plenty of life left.


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The Holiday season is one of the most critical times of the year for marketing. Winter holidays are crucial to prepare for due to people’s willingness to splurge on products. In fact, according to a 2020 article from Investopedia, the average shopper will spend almost $1000 on holiday gifts. Businesses need to adapt to trends to maximize holiday opportunities.
According to a report from Microsoft, there are going to be a few essential changes that companies can make to prepare for the season. These changes include starting earlier than usual, providing alternative payments, putting sustainable practices in place, and revisiting bidding strategies.
Tip #1: Start earlier than normal
The first and most timely tip is that shoppers are starting early this year, which means that marketers need to kick off their holiday plans soon — like now. Microsoft found that it’s common for shoppers to start their research for holiday gifts 30 days in advance. Black Friday used to be the mark for when customers would begin their shopping research, but this is no longer the case. Starting the holiday push right now is probably a good idea, as shoppers have continually started doing their research earlier and earlier.
Tip #2: Provide alternative payments
Gift cards have become a go-to for shoppers who are willing to be a little bit flexible with their purchases. According to Microsoft’s research, one in four shoppers said that they would purchase a gift card if they could not find the perfect gift of their choice.
So what can we take away from this? Retailers need to make sure that gift cards are both readily available and easy to buy.
Tip #3: Put sustainable practices in place
As social and environmental causes have risen to the forefront of our culture, consumers search for businesses that align with their beliefs. There is a considerable opportunity to create more conversions through appealing to customers’ environmental beliefs. According to Microsoft, search volume for sustainable products has risen by 37% since 2019.
Featuring sustainable ads would be an effective way to implement this. If businesses can implement initiatives with creative imagery, copy, and extensive callouts, then the success during the holiday season would likely perform well.
Tip #4: Rise to the competition
There is extremely high competition in holiday advertising, with Microsoft predicting that 2021 will be even more competitive than in past years. Cost-per-click has risen by 15%, partially due to more clicks on the competitive queries in the second quarter. Some recommendations for businesses would be to revisit keyword and bidding strategies to win over the competition.


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By Levi Sumagaysay
With most coronavirus pandemic regulations lifted in the U.S. and hotels seeing a resurgence of visitors, many hotel employees have returned to work. But not all.
Hotels have cut back on daily room cleanings, which means many housekeepers remain on call. Because of this, a union that represents hotel service workers is sounding an alarm and saying that nearly 40% of hotel-housekeeping jobs — more than 180,000 — are in danger of being permanently eliminated.
“Every time there’s a crisis, companies try to use it to hurt workers,” Unite Here International President D. Taylor told MarketWatch.
Executives of some of the nation’s biggest hotel chains, including Hilton /zigman2/quotes/202780307/composite HLT +0.04% , Marriott /zigman2/quotes/200170042/composite MAR +0.58% and Hyatt /zigman2/quotes/207542923/composite H +2.91% , have signaled that pandemic-induced changes may become the norm. Some of those changes could result in fewer hotel employees and diminished offerings for hotel customers, including room cleaning, room service, complimentary breakfasts and other food service.
A Hilton spokesman said daily cleaning remains an option at all of the company’s hotels, but that it has “seen different types of demand for housekeeping during the pandemic. Some guests have preferred to access a sealed room and then be the only ones entering that room for the duration of their stay. Others have preferred daily housekeeping.”
The cutbacks may be related to the pandemic, but the hotels are also using them to soothe investors. Christopher Nassetta, chief executive of Hilton Worldwide, said on the company’s earnings call in November that he expected cost savings such as furloughs and workforce reductions “should be semi-permanent.” On the other hand, he said during the earnings call last month in response to a question about reported staffing shortages that “you just can’t get enough people to service the properties.”
See also: Is that Airbnb too expensive? CEO plans ‘systematic update on pricing’ as travel recovers
That doesn’t seem to be the case at Hilton Hawaiian Village, where Nely Reinante is a housekeeper and is waiting to go back to work full-time. Furloughed since March 2020, she recently told MarketWatch her hotel has made daily room cleaning optional, which means she remains on call. Unite Here said Reinante’s hotel has brought back about 450 of its 620 housekeepers.
Reinante said she has worked just one day a week so far. Though she appreciates being back, it’s not enough. She also needs health benefits for her and her family, including a 9-year-old daughter who has medical issues. She can’t get those health benefits unless she works at least 20 hours a week.
“I hope that we’re going to get called every day,” she said. “I’m trying to stay positive.”
A spokeswoman for Hilton said “the vast majority of housekeepers at Hilton Hawaiian Village have been recalled to their roles, though hours and shifts may vary based on business demand as the industry recovers.” As for food service, some Hilton hotels switched to “grab and go” options or food and beverage credits at the beginning of the pandemic instead of buffet breakfasts, and are now in various stages of reintroducing different standards.
The Airbnb effect: Travelers are booking trips online again, but they mostly want the same thing — not a hotel
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nationwide unemployment rate for cleaning and maintenance workers in May was at 6.7%, while the rate for food preparation and service workers was 9.8%. While those rates are an improvement from a year ago and even a month ago, they are still far higher than rates from before the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s clear that some workers’ situations — even if they have returned to their jobs — are far from ideal.
Some hotel housekeepers complain that the scaling back of daily cleanings has made it harder for them to do their jobs. Andee Huang-guan, a housekeeper who went back to work at the Westin Boston Seaport District hotel in October, told MarketWatch that her hotel recently resumed daily cleanings, but that before that, having to clean mostly “checkout rooms” — rooms that guests had stayed in for several days and then checked out of — was a big pain.
“It’s a lot more cleaning inside,” she said, describing stained glasses or cups and adding that she was having to use more chemicals. “Sometimes I could not finish my assignments. I had to work faster.”
Huang-guan also said she had to take pain medication, and some of her colleagues “are having to do physical therapy” because of the added stress to their bodies. She said going back to daily cleaning will be easier for her and her colleagues, and will benefit the hotel guests, some of whom have asked her about the changes.
“Every day, guests said ‘nobody is cleaning my room,’ ” she said.


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Philips recently presented first concepts to the Dubai Municipality and the Historical Buildings Section yesterday for a city beautification program that will instigate the creation of a lighting master plan for the historical Creek Elevations.
This seminar, organized in cooperation with Al Ghandi Electronics, agent for Philips products, was the first event towards an ongoing dialogue between Philips and Dubai Municipality to take this city beautification project forward.
Philips brought in global expert Senior Lighting Designer, Duilio Passariello, from the Outdoor Lighting Competence Center in France who presented alongside the Philips Lighting Middle East team on what can be achieved with the use of architectural lighting. A number of creek-side facades were illuminated to demonstrate the impact of creative and innovative lighting concepts.
Philips, has undertaken a number of lighting projects in the Middle East which includes part of the Dubai Internet and Media Cities, the four soccer stadiums in Dubai, the Abu Dhabi Cricket Stadium, fountain lighting of the Za'beel Palace and the lighting of the Abu Dhabi Trade Center so far the biggest fiber optic lighting project ever undertaken in the Middle East.
Philips Lighting products are found all around the world in a multitude of professional applications. For example, Philips Lighting products are used in 30 percent of offices, 65 percent of the world's top airports, 30 percent of hospitals, 35 percent of cars and 55 percent of football stadiums, including six in the Middle East. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com )


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Uber likely to sell stake in Zomato in mega block deal tomorrow: Report
Uber Technologies is likely to sell a 7.8% stake in food delivery firm Zomato through a $373-million block deal on Wednesday, according to a source familiar with the matter and a document seen by Reuters.
The offer size of $373 million was based on the lower end of a Rs 48-Rs 54 price range set for the block deal, the document showed.
BofA Securities is the sole bookrunner for the deal.
Shares of Zomato on Tuesday jumped nearly 20 per cent after the company said its loss in June quarter almost halved.
The stock climbed 19.96 per cent to settle at Rs 55.60 — its upper circuit limit — on the BSE.
At the NSE, it zoomed 19.97 per cent to Rs 55.55.
The company’s market valuation also climbed Rs 7,283.52 crore to Rs 43,777.52 crore on the BSE.
In traded volume terms, 80.3 million shares were traded at the BSE and over 528.8 million shares at the NSE
during the day. Zomato on Monday said its consolidated net loss in the first quarter of current financial
year almost halved to Rs 186 crore due to higher income.
The company had reported a net loss of Rs 360.7 crore in the year-ago period.
(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Significant easing of store cattle prices at Grafton on Thursday were in line with all other centres as a combination of factors makes a mark on the trade.
Of the 1012 head yarded almost half were steers selling to an average - for big and small - of 492.2 cents a kilogram or $1186.51 to reach a top of 640.2c/kg for the best of the lightweights and $2064.81.
That top price belonged to Peter and Judy Parr, Tucabia, who offered four tooth Charolais cross 505.8 kilograms for 408.2c/kg, going onto feed in the lower Gwydir.
Last month's store sale recorded average steer prices of 557.9c/kg, a difference of 65.7c/kg.
Heifers numbered 333 head to average 403.6c/kg or $861.52 to reach a top of 540.2c/kg and $1615. June bids averaged 509.3c/kg in June or a difference of 105c/kg.
Red tagged heifers pregnancy tested in calf and sold liveweight made $1960 for 502kg.
Cows averaged 246.3c/kg (305.8c/kg in June) or $1148.65 to top at 382.2c/kg and $1762.90. Cows with calves sold live weight, 35 head, averaged $2544.57 to each a top bid of $3140.
Tracey Lawson, Alumy Creek, bought two tooth Angus steers, 630kg for 280.2c/kg or $1765.26 after recently consigning a fully grown bullock, Charolais cross, for 780c/kg carcase weight.
"Yes I am concerned about FMD," she said. "But it's no good having a paddock of good grass. You've got to take a gamble and trust the intelligence that goes on in the bureaucracy to do the right thing."
Commission buyer John Dougherty said there was a new wave of buyers as the market comes back. "They are the people who see an opportunity," he said, sending Angus steers 207.5kg to the Liverpool Plains for 630.2c/kg or $1307. "In 12 months they will double their money."
The same consignment included a pen of EU accredited Charolais over Brahman/Hereford from the Chapman family, Fine Flower, 225kg for 560.2c/kg or $1260.45 and Brangus from the Wratten family 235kg at 544c/kg or $1278.87.
"At times like this you've got to stick to your program," said Mr Chapman.
Selling agent David Farrell said the complexity of this market demanded that producers stuck to their guns. "There are a lot of things influencing the market at the moment," he said. "You can't point your finger at just one."
Other cattle went to Taroom, Qld, to the east of which just got plenty of rain this week.
Local buyers were very present, with Brett O'Connor from Harwood Farm Store taking home Santa Gertrudis steer 248.8kg for 466.2c/kg or $1159.67 to put on country at Jackybulbin.
Phil Ensbey, Lawrence, was stubborn enough to replant rye three times after the biggest flood ever in the lower river followed by another nearly as bad and weeks of wet.
"Sure, FMD is bad but what do you do? This is good buying and I've got room for more calves," he said before bidding on black baldy heifers 306.3kg for 295.2c/kg or 904.05.
Melanie Hughes, Dilkoon, was happy to come away with four Brangus steers 172.5 for 500c/kg or $862.85 and will put them on oats planted by her father Lewis during the rare dry weeks of June.
"We will stay in business," she said. "We've got the feed."
Read more: Price correction due to much more than FMD
Read more: Record bull prices continue
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Read, understand and consent to the blog's DISCLAIMER here before proceeding to read the article
Yes, It is official! Buried down under in a filing late last week, Taro, nonchalantly confirmed that it is now the Number 1 Generic Dermatology firm in the USA in Sales. Shareholders it is time to celebrate and be proud of this. You own an unique, invaluable asset in the market place: A Market Leader in a fundamentally favorable, limited competition business.


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Draper, UT -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/17/2013 -- Today reported sales and earnings for the second quarter of 2013. Net sales for the three months ended June 30, 2013 decreased approximately 32% to $211.7 million from $309.5 million for the comparable prior year period, primarily due to lower sales at ViSalus and, to a lesser extent, at PartyLite, Blyth's operating profit would have been $27.7 million last year versus $1.2 million this year. Mr. Goergen added, "We are experiencing the cost impact of investments made in ViSalus over the last twelve months combined with the effects of a decline in the number of North American Promoters.
Blyth's operating profit for the second quarter was $1.2 million this year versus $17.8 million last year, largely driven by the decline in sales.
~ A $17.8 drop to $1.2 – ouch!
Net Loss Attributable to Blyth, Inc. was $1.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 compared to earnings of $8.0 million in the comparable prior year period.
~ From + $8 million to negative $1.4 million = $9.4 million concerns.
Net Loss Attributable to Blyth, Inc. Common Stockholders was $3.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013
Blyth lost money in its second quarter on weak sales and direct sales company slashed its full-year earnings outlook, sending shares tumbling nearly 23 percent to a multiyear low Friday. Stripping out dividends paid to ViSalus stakeholders in excess of income earned, Blyth Inc. lost 8 cents per share. The company lost $3.2 million, or 20 cents per share, for the period ended June 30. Revenue for the Greenwich, Conn., company fell 32 percent to $211.7 million from $309.5 million, mostly due to a 47 percent sales decline at its ViSalus business. For the year, Blyth now expects earnings of 75 cents to 90 cents per share. Its prior guidance called for earnings of $1.30 to $1.45 per share. The company said that the revised outlook is mostly due to a decline in ViSalus' sales expectations.
Blyth's stock slid $3.21, or 22.6 percent, to $10.99 in midday trading. The shares fell to $10.93 earlier
About MXI Corp
Established in 2005, Marketing Xocolate International Corporation (MXI-Corp) is the world leader in great tasting, healthy, dark, chocolate products. MXI Corp was founded upon the same solid foundation that the Brooks’ family used to build their enormous Pure Delite Low Carb Chocolate company (circa 2000) which had retail sales in Wal-Mart, 7-Eleven, Rite-Aid and Walgreen’s of over $300,000,000. All MXI products are focused on potent doses of delicious, antioxidant-rich Belgian cacao. MXI-Corp believes that the high levels of natural antioxidants and Polyphenols that are found in its cacao can provide a viable solution to individual nutritional needs. The Xoçai™ (sho-sigh) line, which currently includes nine products, is manufactured utilizing a cold-press process, which preserves the nutritional values of the company's proprietary blends of vitamins and minerals. MXI is recognized as the category creator and world leader in healthy chocolate. The vision of Xoçai is to transform and improve individual lives worldwide through its unique chocolate products. One unique element of the company’s formulations is their proprietary high-antioxidant blend of cacao, açaí and blueberries, called XoVita™. The Xovita ingredient combination is exclusive to Xoçai. Nevada-based MXI-Corp is a privately held company. Xoçai's nine chocolate products have the highest ORAC (antioxidant-measuring test) and flavonoid rich products available on the market. The Brooks family, owners and operators of MXI-Corp, have total combined chocolate sales of more than $1 billion. MXI Corp is now operating internationally in 41 countries. firstname.lastname@example.org www.adampaulgreen.com/partnership


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Google CEO Sundar Pichai usually kicks off I/O with a keynote tackle.
Google will host hundreds of builders in its hometown of Mountain View, California, for I/O, its largest occasion of the yr. The annual convention, which kicks off later right this moment, is Google’s alternative to tout its latest creations for its Android working system, Assistant software program and different widespread providers. But this yr there’s much more at stake. It’s an opportunity for CEO Sundar Pichai to handle the world, on his dwelling turf, amid what’s been essentially the most tumultuous time within the search big’s 20-year historical past. Since final yr’s gathering, Google’s largest points have spilled into public view. The firm’s staff have protested towards Google’s army contracts, its work in China and its therapy of short-term and contract staff. Pichai has additionally been dragged in entrance of Congress to defend Google towards accusations of political bias.
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The occasion comes simply days after hundreds of workers staged a sit-in at a number of Google workplaces to precise discontent over alleged firm retaliation for a previous protest. Two longtime workers mentioned administration had been unfairly concentrating on them due to their roles in organizing final yr’s historic Google walkout, which noticed greater than 20,000 of the corporate’s workers march out of their workplaces. That protest was aimed toward Google’s dealing with of sexual harassment allegations directed at executives. Google has additionally confronted criticism over YouTube’s lack of ability to police the content material on its sprawling platform. The video service, a Google subsidiary, has been accused of prioritizing progress over the security of its customers. The blowback crescendoed after a shooter livestreamed himself gunning down worshippers at two New Zealand mosques final month. YouTube wasn’t capable of include the video’s unfold on its platform, and it was uploaded tens of hundreds of instances.On Tuesday, Pichai will take the highlight for his most high-profile tackle of the yr. It’s akin to Google’s State of the Union, and TV cameras and press will probably be readily available to listen to what he has to say.Though he might nod towards a few of Google’s present controversies, he is prone to attempt to hold the give attention to lighter fare: new options and merchandise. In years previous, Google has unveiled Glass, its in the end doomed good eyewear; Google Cardboard, a do-it-yourself headset that grew to become the launching level for the corporate’s digital actuality efforts; and the Google Assistant, its digital-helper software program akin to Amazon’s Alexa. Last yr, Google concurrently wowed and creeped out the world with the primary demo of Duplex, synthetic intelligence software program that sounds jaw-droppingly human.CNET will probably be readily available to cowl Pichai’s keynote tackle and convey you reside updates from the convention. Here’s what we may even see at I/O.When and the place is it?Google’s annual developer competition kicks off May 7 and runs via May 9. It’s being held within the search big’s yard on the Shoreline Amphitheater. The big live performance venue is so near Google’s international headquarters in Mountain View, California, you possibly can see it from CEO Sundar Pichai’s workplace.How do I watch it?The occasion’s primary keynote, which Pichai usually headlines, will begin at 10 a.m. on May 7. It’s normally livestreamed on YouTube and you’ll catch it on CNET as properly. We’ll even have our personal dwell protection and a crew on the bottom to deliver you real-time updates.Google holds its I/O convention on the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, CA.
Android QOver the previous couple of years, Google has launched its latest taste of Android to software program builders in March. But the corporate usually reserves a portion of stage time for its cell working system. This yr’s Android Q will help foldable screens, sooner app launches and privateness updates, equivalent to extra restrictions on location sharing.The query with Android updates, after all, is how Google will get them to extra of its smartphones (many nonetheless run on older variations). Hopefully, Google has a greater reply. Google AssistantGoogle usually makes use of I/O to introduce new options for the Assistant. Last yr, that included new Assistant voices (together with John Legend’s), a characteristic that requires youngsters to say “please” when bossing the Assistant round and the flexibility to ask two questions at one time. But what actually stole the present was Duplex, synthetic intelligence know-how that speaks like a human. It attracts out some phrases and pauses after different phrases, like regular individuals do. It says “uh” and “um” and has different verbal tics. The concept is to let the software program make calls in your behalf to arrange appointments, like restaurant reservations. From the second it was introduced, the product drew controversy over its capability to deceive individuals who won’t know they could possibly be speaking to a robotic. Google later mentioned they’d construct these disclosures into the product. This yr, it is affordable to count on extra updates to the Assistant as Google tries to push the service to extra individuals and gadgets. The firm is in a race with Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s Siri to be the dominant digital helper in your life. Augmented and digital realityThree years in the past, Google launched its Daydream digital actuality platform at I/O. It lets individuals flip their telephones into VR machines by placing them into particular headsets. Recently, Google has been quiet about its Daydream and VR efforts. But the corporate has made noise round augmented actuality — overlaying digital photographs on high of what you’d usually see in the actual world. For instance, Google launched a know-how referred to as Lens at I/O two years in the past. It’s a software that allows you to seek for data on stuff via your telephone’s digital camera. For instance, you can see digital directional arrows in your telephone’s display screen once you’re in Google Maps’ navigation mode. Or you can see evaluate details about a restaurant once you level your digital camera at a retailer entrance. Any information would come on the heels of final week’s Facebook F8 convention, which noticed the launch of the low price Oculus Quest, which editor Scott Stein referred to as the perfect factor he is tried on this yr. It would not be a shock if Google supplied extra perception into its imaginative and prescient for AR or VR. Google Lens permits you to seek for stuff along with your telephone’s digital camera.
Last month, Google appeared to by accident leak its personal product: The firm’s retailer web site made point out of the Nest Home Hub, with a “10-inch HD screen and stereo speakers.” The machine may also reportedly have a built-in Nest Cam.In the previous few years, Google has usually reserved lots of its declares for its annual “Made by Google” occasion. (That would additionally embody Nest, which Google absorbed final yr.) But a giant reveal at I/O would not be out of the strange. The firm unveiled the unique Google Home good speaker on the convention three years in the past.Rumors have swirled a couple of midrange model of Google’s flagship telephone, reportedly referred to as the Pixel 3A. In one other obvious Google on-line retailer slipup, the corporate touted a “Pixel 3A — NEW” within the telephones part of the web site, earlier than scrubbing away the point out. To feed the hypothesis much more: Earlier this week, the Google retailer web site teased “something big coming to the Pixel universe” on May 7, the identical day because the Google I/O keynote.Google StadiaLast month, Google took the wraps off of Stadia, a brand new cloud-based gaming platform. The concept is to stream video video games instantly from Google’s information facilities, as a substitute of a console. The platform additionally has tie-ins to YouTube and can let individuals share playable snippets of video games by sending hyperlinks. There are nonetheless a number of unknowns. We do not know but if Stadia may have a subscription mannequin or how a lot it may cost. We additionally do not know a lot about what sort of gaming catalog it’ll have. When the search big introduced Stadia on the Game Developers Conference in March, the corporate mentioned it might give extra particulars “in the summer,” presumably on the E3 gaming convention in Los Angeles. But it is attainable Google might tease us with extra about Stadia at I/O, too.Originally printed on April 22.Updated on May 7 at 5:16 a.m. PT: To embody extra background.


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Los Angeles will now require retail food stores like supermarkets and convenience stores to devote the first hour of business every day to the elderly, disabled, and those who care for them.
The ordinance was passed during a City Council meeting on Friday and now awaits the signature of the mayor. Many retailers had already voluntarily implemented these guidelines last week, but the ordinance will make them standard across the board.
"The ordinance defines any retail food store as a grocery store and convenience store that primarily sells canned food, dry goods, fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and poultry," the Los Angeles Times reports.
Costco is also included in the ordinance along with any "membership-only warehouse club." The city defines elderly as anyone who is 60 and above.
Smaller stores (less than 2,500 square feet) are exempt from the guidelines while stores between 2,500 and 10,000 sqaure feet are required to abide by the new rules at least three days a week. Larger stores must abide by the rules every day.