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ARLINGTON, VA. -- ACCA, the nation’s largest association of indoor environmental systems professionals, has named Ivey Mechanical in Kosciusko, Miss., its 2013 Commercial Contractor of the Year.
“Again this year we had a number of innovative commercial contractors apply for this award,” said Paul T. Stalknecht, ACCA president and CEO. "Our judges have an extremely tough decision each year when they pick the recipient of this award. This year's winner, Ivey Mechanical, illustrates the characteristics that all of the best commercial contractors in the country have in common.”
Ivey Mechanical will be presented the Commercial Contractor of the Year award on March 1 at the closing general session of ACCA 2013 in Orlando, Florida.
Ivey Mechanical’s dedication to being "People You Can Rely On," propelled them to be the top choice for this year's award.
Over the past 66 years, Ivey Mechanical has grown from a small single location, primarily residential company, to a multi-location, regional commercial contracting firm. And while the growth wasn't without its pains, diversifying their services and expanding across the Southeast region has helped it achieve a new level of success.
The other key factor to its success, is its standard operating procedures that they have made into what is known as the "Ivey Red Book." This manual lays out the way the company does business, step-by-step. The Red Book has been a part of the company for over 25 years and has been "tweaked" along the way to keep up with times, but is pretty much the same. This has been an important part of its business creating a strong regional footprint, as it allows its employees to give each customer the same quality experience, with minor adjustments to cater to the customers' wants and needs. And to piggyback on the success of the Red Book, Ivey is now producing the "Ivey Blue Book," which outlines the Ivey service process step-by-step.
"Ivey is honored to be recognized as the ACCA 2013 Commercial Contractor of the Year," said Keith Paton, vice president of service. "This recognition is not only a testament to Ivey Mechanical Co.’s investment in the industry but also an acknowledgement of the many co-workers that strive each day to be 'People You Can Rely On.'"


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CEO Steve Rothwell talks to Ben Sillitoe on having Sir Terry Leahy and Simon Burke on the board, and what he sees will drive mobile technology rollout for retailers.
Eagle Eye Solutions, the market leader in mobile voucher issue and redemption technology for retailers, has announced that it has secured £1.5 million in a Series A round of funding. Sir Terry Leahy, the former chief executive of Tesco, and top-ranked City retail analysts, Bill Currie and Iain McDonald, bringing a wealth of expertise to the company, led the financing.
Sir Terry Leahy, best known for overseeing Tesco’s meteoric rise within the retail industry and the original brains behind the Tesco Clubcard, is already taking an active role in the company, making a number of introductions with senior level contacts in the retail space. City retail analysts Bill Currie and Iain McDonald, who have an impressive track record of successfully investing in consumer facing businesses, including The Hut Group, Metapack, ASOS, QXL Ricardo and Zooplus will be using their expertise in e-commerce to help guide Eagle Eye’s business strategy.This funding will enable Eagle Eye to further expand its team, consolidate and grow its retail partnerships, further establishing the company as the forerunner in digitally redeemed mobile coupons and gift vouchers.
“This is an exciting time to get on board with Eagle Eye Solutions, which has expanded its retail partnerships rapidly in recent months. The retail industry is waking up to the huge opportunities that mobile marketing represents and mobile coupons are a vital component. Eagle Eye is leading the way in this field and I look forward to playing a part in its positive impact on the market. ” said Sir Terry Leahy.
Steve Rothwell, CEO, Eagle Eye Solutions, said: “We are delighted to have secured the backing of such experienced and high profile figures within the industry. Our technology empowers retailers with physical stores to use digital marketing techniques that have worked so well online in the last 15 years. This funding round will enable us to accelerate our progress and sign up more retailers more quickly than we could organically.”
The key to any digital voucher is the ability to redeem simply and securely, in real time and with the ability to track customer usage. Eagle Eye delivers that vision today for retailers, using the Chip and PIN pad and without any requirement for a massive upgrade of retail/EPoS systems. It is already working with a number of high profile retailers, including Comet, Aurora Fashions, Blockbuster and Virgin Active.
This news follows the recent appointments of Simon Burke, the former Chief Executive of Virgin Entertainment Group and Chairman of Hamleys PLC, as Chairman and of Russell Buckley, former VP of Global Alliances at Admob (now owned by Google) as Chief Marketing Officer at Eagle Eye Solutions.
Read more about it here:
Daily Mail – Sir Terry Leahy’s ‘eagle eye’ fixes on mobile coupon start-up
City AM – Sir Terry buys British again
Retail Gazette – Leahy invests in mobile voucher firm Eagle Eye
The Retail Bulletin – Eagle Eye Solutions raises £1.5 million for mobile coupon technology
New Media Age – Sir Terry Leahy leads £1.5m investment in mobile coupons firm Eagle Eye
GoMo News – Eagle Eye Solutions raises £1.5m for Mobile Coupon Technology Series A funding led by Sir Terry Leahy, Bill Currie and Iain McDonald
Mobile Marketing Magazine – Eagle Eye Solutions Raises £1.5m
Retail Systems – Sir Terry backs mobile voucher tech firm
Retail Times – Sir Terry Leahy invests in digital mobile coupon company
Real Business – Sir Terry Leahy invests in mobile voucher firm Eagle Eye Solutions
Marketing Week – Sir Terry Leahy invests in mobile coupon company
Mobile Entertainment – Eagle Eye Solutions raises £1.5m
Growing Business – Leahy leads investment in Groupon-style mobile start-up
M&M Global – Eagle Eye Solutions secures $2.4m funding
Retail IT – Sir Terry Leahy invests in mobile coupon company
Simon Burke, the former Chief Executive of Virgin Entertainment Group and Chairman of Hamleys PLC, has today joined Eagle Eye Solutions, the market leader in mobile voucher issue and redemption technology for retailers, as Chairman.
Simon Burke is a highly experienced retailer, having led or been a Board member of a host of prominent UK retail brands, including Virgin Megastores, WH Smith, Hamleys, and Majestic Wine. He is currently Chairman of Hobbycraft and Mitchells & Butlers PLC, and is a Director of the BBC.
Eagle Eye Solutions is the market leader in delivering mobile voucher issuance and redemption technology to retailers. The key to any digital voucher is the ability to redeem simply and securely, in real time and with the ability to track customer usage. Eagle Eye delivers that vision today for retailers, using the Chip and PIN pad and without any requirement for a massive upgrade of retail/EPoS systems. Eagle Eye is already working with many prominent retailers including Comet, Aurora Fashions, Blockbuster and Virgin Active.
“I am very pleased to be joining Eagle Eye. Mobile vouchers are the next big thing in retail and leisure. This technology offers the only easy way to redeem these vouchers securely and in a way which tracks the usage, both of which can be invaluable to businesses. I look forward to working with the Eagle Eye team and helping to drive this innovation further into the retail and leisure sectors” said Simon Burke.
Steve Rothwell, CEO, Eagle Eye Solutions, said: “We’re delighted that such an experienced and high profile figure in the retail industry is joining Eagle Eye at a time when we’re enjoying a rapid expansion of our retail partnerships. Mobile vouchers are going to be key for retail mobile marketing and it’s great that our solutions are going to play such such a pivotal role in the future of retail”
Read more about it here:
City AM – Simon Burke takes job at mobile vouchers company
Retail Bulletin – Simon Burke joins Eagle Eye as Chairman
Retail Gazette – Eagle Eye Solutions appoints Simon Burke as Chairman
Mobile Europe – Simon Burke appointed Chairman of mobile voucher redemption specialist Eagle Eye Solutions
Mobile Entertainment – Eagle Eye Solutions hires former CEO of Virgin Entertainment
Retail Times – Mobile voucher provider to retailers has Eagle Eye for new chairman
Mobile Marketing Magazine – Simon Burke Joins Eagle Eye as Chairman
M&M – New chairman for Eagle Eye Solutions
Growth Business – Eagle Eye Solutions hires retail veteran Burke
Retail Week – Burke to chair Eagle Eye Solutions
Retail Design & Technology – A further appointment at Eagle Eye Solutions

domain: news


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Not all is doom and gloom on the cannabis front in Europe, no matter the frustrating red tape, delays, and inevitable lawsuits.
Indeed, this week the European Commission released news of two important developments that will certainly move the industry forward regionally. This is true even if further legal action is required in specific jurisdictions. With reform at an EU level, this creates the opportunity for policy and regulatory changes in individual countries like never before. One very good example of this is the Kanavape case in France, which was raised to an EU-level legal challenge, and which, in turn, spawned a similar lawsuit in Germany to allow imported hemp products.
The first announcement is absolutely going to impact hemp production. The second is going to move the needle on setting EU-wide standards on the cultivation front.
No matter how long and torturous the wait has been, including thanks to COVID delays, there is indeed light at the end of this canna-tunnel that ain’t just another train.
Validation of 5 Novel Food Applications
At least five companies in the EU have just received news that their Novel Food CBD cases have reached the final stages of the Novel Food process. These companies are located in the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Switzerland, France, and a British company.
Novel Food regulation is much misunderstood outside of Europe — and even within its borders there is plenty of confusion. Essentially, this regulation states that if a plant has not been in wide circulation and widely consumed since 1997, it must go through a separate compliance process. When this is applied to cannabis it broadly means three things — the source of the seed, its cultivation, and how it is extracted.
The fact, however, that five of these applications have reached the final level of EU-wide approvals is good news for the entire industry. The entire conversation has been delayed for the last two years thanks not only to COVID, but also to EU-level discussions, as well as international ones on how to proceed with the entire legalization of cannabis.
EC Panel to Vote on THC Levels in Food
Perhaps the two-year delay on all things cannabis, even hemp related, is beginning to break through the legal and regulatory logjam at the EC. Maybe it is the end of COVID, or an understanding, even at this nosebleed level, that reform is not going to go away.
Regardless, the EC’s Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed is again scheduled to vote on a proposal that would raise the level of acceptable THC in marketable hemp foods in Europe. This is after having delayed the decision twice now.
Under the proposal, which will be considered next Monday, February 28, the level for hempseed derived oil will be set at 7.5 mg/kg while dry hemp foods like dehulled hemp seeds, flour, and protein powder will be limited to 3 mg/kg. Hemp seeds contain almost zero THC, but trace amounts are present in the hulls.
Toward a Consolidated, Common Sense Policy on the EU Front?
It is far too early to celebrate on any front, despite the fact that this month has seen the regulatory advance of two big issues of the hemp discussion at a regional level. However, perhaps it is not too optimistic to hope that the achingly slow advance is now coming to an end. Beyond this, the temperature toward cannabis reform generally has moved forward in the meantime, and in fairly large and meaningful ways.
These are, in fact, large decisions and steps to accomplish. For that reason, there is cause to cheer, even though the details are still often lost in the weeds.


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(Adds details, company comment)
ZURICH, May 4 (Reuters) - Geberit reported a 14% increase in first quarter sales, the plumbing and bathroom component supplier said on Tuesday, as building activity ramped up at the start of the year.
The company, whose results are seen as a signifier for the health of the broader construction industry, said it was seeing a massive increase in home improvements by customers.
Fitters and plumbers were also increasing their stocks after running them down during 2020, as well as buying new piping and ceramics ahead of price increases this year.
As a result, the Swiss company said its sales rose to 910 million Swiss francs ($995.30 million) from 797.6 million francs a year earlier. Operating profit rose 24% to 276.4 million francs from 223.7 million francs in the first quarter of 2020.
Net income rose 27% to 232.5 million Swiss francs.
Sales in Europe, by far the company’s biggest region, rose by 13.3%, while in Asia - which was more badly affected by COVID-19 in the first quarter of last year - sales increased by 41%.
Geberit said it expected a significant increase in raw material prices during the second quarter, which would reduce its profit margin.
It remained “very difficult to provide an outlook at present due to the ongoing uncertainties in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact, as well as a lack of visibility,” the company said.
$1 = 0.9143 Swiss francs Reporting by John Revill Editing by Riham Alkousaa and Silke Koltrowitz
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.


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01:45 pm New Delhi: At the core of the entire Jayanthi Natarajan row is the so-called Jayanti tax, an expression which none other than BJP leader Narendra Modi had first used at a pre-election party rally in Goa to slam the conduct of the then ... The Freepress Journal, 1 month ago
Lamp lighting by Dr Bharat Barai, Anil Shah, Hashmukh Soni, Raman Patel and Usha Kamaria CHICAGO: United Senior Pariwar Chicago (USPC), a Chicago based organization of Seniors, celebrated its Annual Program 2014 on December 28 at Kethy Hall in ...IndiaPost, 2 months ago
SURAT: There was a scramble to claim Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pinstripe monogrammed suit with bids going higher on the third and final day of the auction as two Surat-based businessmen made an offering of 1.81 crore. Five fresh bids were ...Silicon India, 2 weeks ago
VADODARA: Warden of a private hostel and his son were arrested by the Karelibaug police on Friday after a 14-year-old boy they had allegedly beaten up tried to commit suicide. Jayanti Soni (60) and his son Nilesh (25) have been accused of thrashing ...Times of India, 3 weeks ago
Work hard, play hard, 2015 is telling working professionals. And now, travel buffs in Ranchi who are eyeing vacations across the many extended weekends in 2015 have another reason to feel happy. city-based tour operators have started offering ...Calcutta Telegraph, 1 month ago
NEW DELHI: The average annual spending of Indians on online purchases is expected to rise 67% to Rs 10,000 next year, according to a study. Currently, online shoppers spend around Rs 6,000 a year on average, said the Assocham-PwC study. About 40 ...TechGig, 2 months ago
inese smartphone maker Xiaomi has become the world's most valuable technology start-up just four years after it was founded. The firm raised $1.1bn (£708m) in its latest round of funding, giving it a valuation of $45bn, which surpassed the $40bn ...TechGig, 2 months ago
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Strategy.com(TM), the world's first Personal Intelligence Network(TM), today announced that they joined the WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) Forum, a global industry association dedicated to promoting WAP, a world standard for providing internet access and advanced telephony services on wireless devices. Strategy.com will join companies from all segments of the wireless industry, including AT&T Wireless Services, Bell Atlantic Mobile and IBM Corporation, to empower users with wireless devices to gain access to information anytime, anywhere. Strategy.com is a business unit of MicroStrategy(R) Incorporated (Nasdaq: MSTR), a leading worldwide provider of Intelligent E-Business(TM) software.
Strategy.com works with leading companies to deliver personalized information to consumers via email, telephone, wireless devices and the Internet. As a member of the WAP Forum, Strategy.com can extend its ability to "push" important information to users. With WAP, Strategy.com users will be able to actively access information and services -- such as sports scores, weather updates and financial information -- using only their digital mobile phone. WAP technology also will ensure that Strategy.com subscribers can react to their personalized alerts about investments, weather, news, sports and traffic by enabling them to trade shares of stock, buy merchandise, and make travel reservations by simply pressing a button on their cell phone.
"Joining the WAP Forum is part of our commitment to deliver the most robust and technologically-advanced services to millions of people all over the world," said Michael Saylor, president and CEO of MicroStrategy Incorporated. "Strategy.com already provides users with a highly-personalized and convenient way to monitor market activity and react to situations that are important to them, saving them time, money, and effort. Using WAP technology enables Strategy.com to also provide a wireless gateway so users can always access and act on the information that is important to them even if they are on the go."
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Microsoft Corp. and four other large American technology companies are using a Manhattan court case to draw a line in the cloud, saying the U.S. government has no right to seize computer data stored outside the country.
SanDisk is buying Fusion-io for about $1.1 billion as the flash-memory chip maker ramps up its storage business.
Judges around the country are grappling with the ripple effects of a 2-year-old Supreme Court ruling on GPS tracking, reaching conflicting conclusions on the case's meaning and tackling unresolved questions that flare in a world where privacy and technology increasingly collide.
The pizza delivery chain on Monday is introducing a function on its mobile app that lets customers place orders by speaking with a computer-generated voice named "Dom."
While the reflective properties of the objects are important in determining their perceived color, equally important is the light source illuminating the objects.
Historically, at this stage in the economy's recovery, pay would be rising in most sectors. But five years after the Great Recession officially ended, raises remain sharply uneven across industries and, as a whole, have barely kept up with prices.
The city has what young professionals want — including a vibrant nightlife and affordable, walkable neighborhoods — and it has what companies want: potential workers from universities including Penn, Drexel and Temple.
A European Union court on Thursday upheld a $1.4 billion fine against the American microchip manufacturer for abusing its dominant position in the market for computer central processing units.
Internet entrepreneurs have received a new home in Berlin with the opening of the "Factory" — a workspace developed in partnership with Google Inc. that allows startups to innovate and collaborate under one roof.
The EU's antitrust regulator has launched an investigation into tax deals that Apple, Starbucks and Fiat struck with some European countries, the start of a wider push to keep multinationals from taking advantage of loopholes.
Google is buying Skybox Imaging in a deal that could serve as a launching pad for the Internet company to send its own fleet of satellites to take aerial pictures and provide online access to remote areas of the world.
Benefits differ from company to company, but they include free meals, bikes to borrow, commuter buses, massages, swimming pools, dance and language classes, nap pods, parties and paid flights and hotels.
Apple's resurgent stock may have as much to do with financial engineering as the company's technological wizardry.
From online-only titles to virtual reality experiences, about 200 exhibitors will hype their latest software in hopes of becoming The Next Big Thing.
A Chinese environmental group launched a smartphone app that tracks and shames polluting factories, highlighting how the country is making environmental data more available and is welcoming public monitoring of companies that pollute.
Mexico's intellectual property agency said Friday it has ruled in favor of a small local firm's rights to the "iFone" name, saying that ads for Apple's iPhone have encroached on the trademark.
The device will be a 7-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 with Nook's digital reading software already on it. The tablet will be available at Barnes & Noble's 700 U.S. stores in early August. A price for the device will be announced then.
A cooing, gesturing humanoid on wheels that can decipher emotions has been unveiled in Japan by billionaire Masayoshi Son who says robots should be tender and make people smile.
It's cheap. It's easy to do. And it can take less than 20 minutes to set up. Yet more than half of all small businesses still don't have a website.
Nidec Corp. said Wednesday it will set up a factory in Rajasthan Province in western India to make motors for vehicles and consumer electronics from next April.
Sony Corp. is pulling the plug on its hand-held PlayStation Portable video game machine after 10 years.
For many companies in Vietnam there is little alternative but to trade with China, which supplies its factories with everything from the components to make smartphones to the fiber that its cheap labor force weaves into sweatshirts and t-shirts for international retailers.
Samsung said it will begin selling a smartphone that runs on its Tizen operating system in the third quarter of this year, advancing the company's plans to reduce dependence on Google's Android software.
The new tools for tracking health and controlling household appliances are part of updated operating systems that Apple unveiled Monday in San Francisco at its 25th annual conference for application developers.
If implemented correctly, wearable technology has the potential to transform manufacturing processes, improve productivity, increase efficiency, and even enhance employee engagement.


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India got to second rank in the Domino’s universe within 18 years. However, India is a distant No. 2 to the US, where Domino’s operates more than 5,000 stores.
Britain's biggest pizza delivery company Domino's Pizza said on Wednesday full-year pretax profit could come in slightly ahead of consensus.
Underlying pretax profit rose to 57.6 million pounds for the year ended October 31 from 53 million pounds a year earlier.
Other cities including Vadodara and Surat in Gujarat, Pune, Varanasi and Chennai propose to replicate this urban infrastructure project.
IFL, owned by India Equity Partners (IEP), and supplier of frozen foods to top quick-service restaurant chains.
FieldFresh is among many Indian and foreign companies looking to tap the growing appetite for Western fast food among India’s middle class.
Yum! Restaurants India is in talks with private equity firm Samara Capital Partners to sell the company-owned KFC restaurant chain business in West India.
Post September 2013, the mid caps have outperformed and the large caps’ valuations premium has come down sharply to less than 20%.


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According to an official at the Islamic Foundation Bangladesh, the approval from the Malaysian department automatically included the organization in the list of bodies worldwide allowed to grant halal certification to food products.
“This means that the organization would be able to certify food products made in Bangladesh for adherence to Islamic dietary laws and regulations,” said the official.
Islamic Foundation Bangladesh is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Bangladesh that carries out activities related to the values and ideals of Islam in the country.
At least six Bangladeshi food manufacturers have already approached the organization for halal certification of their food products, and the organization would review their applications over the next six months.
“My understanding is that these companies have established partnerships with Malaysian importers to supply their food products to their markets,” he said.
Previously, a chunk of Bangladeshi halal food exports was going to the Middle East and not to other big consumers like Indonesia, China, India, and Malaysia.
According to data from the World Halal Forum secretariat, the global halal food market had reached a total of US$651 bn at the end of 2010, with Malaysia accounting for US$8.4 bn of it.


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Photos: 20 facts for the 20th birthday of Walt Disney's Tower of Terror
While U.S. gas prices leave many Americans shaking their fists at the pump, they're nothing compared to gas prices in most countries around the world. Take a look at the average gas prices in 11 countries as of mid-March.
U.S. gas prices are nothing compared to many countries around the world.
Two senior citizens are confronted by a gunman in a Walmart parking lot and told to hand over their purses.


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The EpiPen––an epinephrine autoinjector––has been on the market since 1977. Mylan acquired the device in 2007, when a pen cost patients about $57. Today, patients have to shell out $500 or more to receive a dollar’s worth of the lifesaving drug, according to an article in Forbes.
Mylan’s profits from selling EpiPens reportedly hit $1.2 billion in 2015. That success came at a steep price for patients. Even after insurance kicks in, customers can be out $400 or more for a pack of two pens. Current guidelines call for prescribing two doses in case the first one fails, which Mylan used as an opportunity to stop selling single pens and begin selling only two-packs, according to Forbes.
Patients do have access to a generic version of a calibrated delivery device for epinephrine, the Adrenaclick, Forbes notes. However, the two devices work differently in ways that result in critical errors if users aren’t properly trained. For example, the EpiPen requires the removal of a single cap for use, whereas the Adrenaclick reportedly requires the removal of two caps.
In related news, Bloomberg reports that two senior U.S. senators are looking into Mylan’s price increases for the EpiPen, saying that the company’s practices may have limited competition and access to the treatment.
“The substantial price increase could limit access to a much-needed medication,” Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) wrote to Mylan Chief Executive Officer Heather Bresch in an August 22 letter.
In a separate letter, Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) asked the Federal Trade Commission to look into whether Mylan had done anything to deny competitors access to the market in order to keep raising prices. She pointed to the Adrenaclick device, which she said is less expensive but has only minimal sales.
In October 2015, Sanofi recalled its rival product, the Auvi-Q epinephrine injection, because of reports of device malfunctions and concerns that it wasn’t delivering the correct dose. In February, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries said that the FDA had identified major deficiencies in its application for its own epinephrine injector. Those setbacks have helped Mylan dominate the market, according to Bloomberg.
Sources: Forbes; August 22, 2016; and Bloomberg; August 22, 2016.


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Advanced Aims to Become a Major Player in Australasian Fire Detection
Advanced, formed in the North of England 15 years ago, has become a world leader in intelligent fire alarm systems and life safety products. It sells into over 70 countries, with bases across the UK, US, Middle East, India and now Australia.
In the recently signed deal, Advanced’s newly formed Australian subsidiary, Fusion Advanced, acquired Sydney and Melbourne based Fusion Fire Systems PTY, one of Australia’s fastest growing fire system providers.
Fusion Fire Systems was formed in 2007, to provide Australian consultants, installers and end-users with the very best systems available, alongside industry leading expertise and support.
Five years of rapid growth have seen Fusion work across Australia on a number of prestigious projects including the landmark $1.2bn Westfield development in Sydney.
Richard Hitchman, founder and MD of Fusion said: “This is a major step for us. After working for many of the biggest names in the industry our team, which includes Jack Castle, Stewart Clarke and myself, has several decades of fire industry experience which allowed us to adopt a completely new way of doing business.
“Many said there was no room in the market for us but we’ve proved that absolutely false. Our mix of the highest quality product and senior expertise, all the way from specification and design to install and maintenance has been incredibly well received.
“We initially chose Advanced as our key product supplier because of the quality, reliability and ease-of-use of their products and the partnership we’ve built has been an instrumental part of our growth.
“We’ve worked closely with their team to deliver region-specific products, to achieve unique solutions and obtain the highest local JAS-ANZ approvals certified by SAI Global. Their ambitions match our own and we’re delighted to formally join the Advanced family.”
Ray Hope, MD of Advanced said: “Fusion impressed us from the first day we began working with them. Their approach is very similar to ours; give customers the best quality product and solutions, and focus on service and customer satisfaction.
“It was a very easy deal for us to do and we’re delighted to welcome the Fusion team to the organisation. Our business in the region is growing fast and Fusion Advanced will be key in continuing that success.”


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You are well aware that Epic Games attacked Apple a few months ago for abuse of dominant position in the App Store. This week Apple’s lawsuit began in Oakland, California.
Epic Games notably criticizes Apple for the 30% commission imposed on all transactions made through the App Store payment system. However, Epic Games does not seem to want to go after Microsoft and Sony who also take a 30% commission on each transaction.
Why doesn’t Epic Games blame Micorosft and Sony the same?
The explanation is however quite simple. On many occasions, Tim Sweeney, founder and CEO of Epic Games has given reason. Once again, Sweeney explained during this lawsuit that Microsoft and Sony do not receive money on sales of consoles, unlike Apple which makes a huge margin with its iPhones.
In addition, Tim Sweeney believes that these sales almost at a loss make it possible to provide developers with a huge and very lucrative market. By also specifying that video games are widely promoted on Xbox and PlayStation, since Microsoft and Sony receive most of their income through purchases.
Microsoft, which also offers a lower commission on Windows within the Microsft Store since the Windows market is much larger than that of Xbox. Indeed, Windows is aimed at a larger audience and therefore has a multitude of other sources of income, unlike Xbox which only concerns gaming.
Apple, which by following Microsoft’s logic could also offer a lower commission knowing that the iPhone is not only designed to play, and especially that during the sale a large margin is made.
The trial continues to advance day by day, and a lot of information is reaching us quickly. We regularly post new articles related to this case.


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EDGERTON, Kan. – A new study from Wichita State University’s W. Frank Barton School of Business Center for Economic Development and Business Research shows Logistics Park Kansas City (LPKC) is an economic powerhouse for the State of Kansas.
Logistics Park Kansas City (LPKC) in Edgerton has changed the face of logistics in the State of Kansas. According to the study, “LPKC has an estimated 4,735 full-time equivalent workers. The regional cluster, which includes Johnson, Miami, and Wyandotte Counties, has an estimated 22,171 people working in logistics. There were just less than 42,000 people at the state level, meaning that the industrial cluster in northeast Kansas represents about 53 percent of all the jobs within the state.”
“In firsthand accounts from employees at Logistics Park Kansas City, we know LPKC has provided a new type of career opportunity for local families allowing them to buy their first home, pay off debt or purchase a car. This career path opens up opportunities for people to better their lives and their families’ lives,” said Edgerton Mayor Donald Roberts.
The public is also seeing significant benefits because of the explosive growth at Logistics Park Kansas City and across the logistics industry in Kansas. LPKC and the logistics cluster in Northeast Kansas generated over $2 billion of labor income and just shy of $6 billion in total output in 2020.
“To put this in perspective, Kansas’s gross domestic product in 2020 was 173.3 billion dollars. That means that the cluster directly represents 1.6% of the entire Kansas economy and supports 3.4% of the state’s overall economic activity,” the study’s authors write. “In 2020, the estimated public benefit directly created from LPKC $61.5 million for both state and local governments across Kansas. Sales taxes were the most prominent source of public revenue at $26.3 million.”
The study shows that the firms at LPKC have a significant impact on other businesses as well, supporting over 3,800 jobs ranging from grocery stores and restaurants to business-to-business transactions, like banking, security and legal services.
“The impact of Logistics Park Kansas City to not only the region but the state of Kansas as a whole cannot be overstated,” said ElevateEdgerton! President James Oltman. “The study found that LPKC firms generated an additional $473 million in sales from outside companies. The logistics and distribution sector is expected to continue to grow with the rise of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer shopping. Edgerton is proud to be able to help provide a positive impact and a better future for every Kansan.”
Copies of the study are available upon request.


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Remember GoNow? The Zhejiang based car maker was a plucky upstart in the early 2000′s with its export orientated methodology, but as other Chinese automakers saw opportunities overseas GoNow slipped from the limelight, then it was merged into the larger Guangzhou Automobile. News on GoNow has been slim on the ground in the past few years, under Guangzhou Auto’s management they slipped out a new SUV at the Beijing Auto Show but news on other models has been slim, much like their sales tally.
Chinese media have already commented that this new SUV looks a lot like the Toyota RAV4, personally we cant see any RAV4 about this model other than that it follows the same concept of being a light weight city SUV. If anything, this new model looks a lot like Guangzhou Auto’s own GS5 SUV which aired late last year and seems to be doing fairly well in the sales charts.


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These partners to Feeding America help support our mission through promotions where money raised goes back to food banks and the people we help.
For every home built, United Built Homes will donate $350 to local food banks in their territory across their 4-state footprint - which includes Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.
From 12/4/23-12/10/23, members will have the option to select the Feeding America donation across three different levels.
From November 13 to November 26, customers at all Big Lots locations will be able to make a donation at the register to support their local Feeding America partner food bank.
Milo’s Tea will provide up to 1 million meals through their Share the Joy campaign which runs from November 13th through December 25th.
Starting Nov. 15 through Dec. 19, Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie customers can help their neighbors in need this holiday season by donating $1, $5 or rounding up their grocery bill.
Amazon Fresh will be encouraging customers to donate in-store to Feeding America from 11/9/23 - 12/25/23.
For every turkey kit purchased, Turkey on the Table will donate 10 meals to Feeding America.
When T-Mobile or Metro customers tap on the Feeding America feature in the T-Mobile Tuesdays app on Giving Tuesday, November 28th, T-Mobile will donate $1*, up to $200,000.
Jersey Mike's will donate 20% of sales to Feeding America on 11/18 and 11/19.
The campaign runs from September 20th, 2023 until December 22nd, 2023 and at least 70% of total sales will be donated to Feeding America.
From November 1st through November 30th, 2023, the purchase of a new BMW will help provide approximately 200 meals* to people facing hunger.
From November 1st through December 31st, customers visiting one of Monro's family of brands stores can donate $1, $5, or $10 at register.
With every $10 spent across the retailers’ pop culture themed products, BoxLunch will help provide one meal (0.10) to a person in need through the Feeding America network of food banks from January 29, 2023 - February 3, 2024.
In honor of Hunger Action Month, we have launched our Limited-Edition “Hunger Relief” Roast Coffee, in which $10 of every purchase will be donated to hunger relief.
Food Lion invites customers to join in helping neighbors this holiday season by purchasing and gifting a Holiday Food Box, or by making a cash donation to help their local Feeding America food bank.
Mighty Spark believes that together, we can be the spark that makes an impact.
From November 16-December 26, 2023, Crate & Barrel brands will invite customers to donate at the register and online. For every Ornament Cookie Set sold, Crate will donate $10 to Feeding America.
Blackhawk Network Giving Good gift cards help support Feeding America's mission through each purchase.
Maverik's Register Round Up campaign runs October 18 – November 30, 2023. Debit and credit transactions will have the option to round up to the nearest dollar or any incremental amount up to $999.99.
On Friday, October 13th 2023, the OVERNIGHT YouTube channel will stay at the most haunted museum in the world to raise funds for Feeding America. The more funds raised, the longer they stay locked in the haunted museum.


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Less than a year after its main net launch, NFT protocol Charged Particles is on track to check every item on its rather ambitious roadmap. Created to enable people to “do more with their NFTs,” the protocol has already begun pushing the boundaries of what an NFT can do.
While not a new concept to those invested in the crypto industry, NFTs have only recently begun gaining traction in mainstream media. With news of pixelated JPEGs selling for tens of millions of dollars, the public has built a rather one-dimensional idea of what NFTs are.
Charged Particles, on the other hand, is everything but one-dimensional. Founded by two industry veterans, Ben Lakhoff and Rob Secord, it offers truly unique, fully programmable NFTs. While at its core still standard non-custodial ERC-721 tokens, NFTs issued through Charged Particles offer much more than just proof of ownership—they can represent a basked of other token holdings with fully configurable settings.
Its founders say their functionality is much like a traditional index fund, which holds hundreds of equities, bonds, and other products. In the case of Charged Particles, all of these products are locked in an ERC-721 token for users to own, trade, and collect.NFTs should contain more than just JPEGs
In an interview with CryptoSlate, the company’s founders said that while they sought out to offer thoughtful ways to use the token standard, they were caught off guard by the innovations proposed by the Charged Particles community. As the protocol developed, more use-cases and mechanics kept popping up and changing the shape of the products it offered.“The community continues to surprise us with new and ingenious ways of leveraging this nesting functionality to add layers of value and create new asset classes altogether. I think people are really starting to see that NFTs are so much more than just jpegs, visual art, and collectibles, but really a basic quality of the digital future,” sa...


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Rio Tinto tells BHP: £84bn isn't enough
The chief executive of Anglo-Australian mining group Rio Tinto today told takeover predator BHP Billiton that the company was worth much more than its $165bn (£84bn) offer because the price of metals may rise for another decade.
Rising prices: Rio Tinto shares have soared 59% in the past year
Rio chief executive Tom Albanese said that labour shortages, rising costs and declining ore quality were limiting metals supplies as growth fuels demand from China and India.
Shares in Rio, the world's third-largest mining company, have soared 59% on the London Stock Exchange in the past year as copper, gold and iron ore have risen to record highs and BHP made its bid.
These factors make Rio 'much, much more valuable than anything we've seen from BHP', Albanese said.
BHP, which made its offer in February, believes that a tie-up with Rio will generate $3.7bn in cost savings and revenue gains.
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Vivo mobile grows into SA with availability at MTN stores nationwide
November 2020, Johannesburg – vivo mobile releases the Y1S exclusively through the MTN network.
"Priced at only R199/month over a 24month contract, this phone is one of the most accessible smart phones currently in the SA market."
After a year in South Africa vivo mobile is now available through the MTN network with the newly launched Y1S. Priced at only R199/month over a 24month contract, this phone is one of the most accessible smart phones currently in the SA market.
Launched globally in August 2020, the Y1S offers South African consumers a cost efficient high-spec phone that has a 4,030mAh battery, that together with vivo's innovative smart power management system ensures a device that is powered up for days – perfect for easy gaming and ongoing video play.
The Y1S also has a 6.22-inch IPS HD+ display with 720 x 1520 pixels resolution. Plus, there's a 19:9 aspect ratio and a dewdrop notch overhead housing a fantastic selfie sensor, which works in conjunction with the 5MP front-facing camera with f/1.8 aperture. This means it's the easiest go-to for picture perfect selfies. For friends, family and on-the-go images, there's a 13MP rear camera with LED flash and f/2.2 aperture.
The Y11 will also be available through the MTN network. This phone launched into market with vivo's entry into country in December 2019 and has seen a successful uptake through that time. At the time of the launch, one review said: "In the hand, it feels sturdy and more premium than its price would suggest, something we seem to say often about vivo phones."
According to Hawa Hyath-Saloojee, vivo mobile SA Marketing Director, vivo works relentlessly to develop stylish and dynamic products that cater to diverse consumer segments around the world. "The Y Series range offers consumers premium technology at an affordable price point," she says. "vivo's answer to the growing demands of South Africans."
"Furthermore," she adds. "our product is now available in the MTN network. We truly believe that being available through Mzansi's best loved network is a much-anticipated step towards being accessible to all South Africans."
Christopher Hopkirk, General Manager for Devices at MTN SA says "Offering vivo products on our network is in line with our commitment to offer all South Africans the benefit of a modern connected life. There is no doubt that vivo smartphones will complement our award-winning network which we have invested over R55 billion into in the past five years."
The Y11 is available at R249/month on a 24month contract.
Spec sheet available here .


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Der Mond, one of Thailand’s best established jewelry brands shares its secret in capturing the heart of diamond lovers and paving the way to international markets.
Jewelry made in Thailand is known worldwide for its charming designs and intricate craftsmanship. Today, the gems and jewelry industry is considered one of the country’s top three industries with export value over US$12.8 billion in 2017.
Sirapat ‘John’ Pipatveeravat, creative director of Der Mond, is the second generation of his family to run the jewelry business that has been catering to Thai and international customers for more than 25 years. With a background in architecture, Pipatveeravat stepped in to play a significant part in both the design and marketing of the business just five years ago.
“The heart of our brand is diamonds, design and devotion,” says Pipatveeravat. “Over 90% of our products feature diamonds and we pride ourselves on being experts in diamonds; every stone has to undergo strict checks before becoming a part of our jewelry to ensure that customers get only the best stones.”
Apart from being top-notch quality, Pipatveeravat says the designs of Der Mond products are classic yet full of character. One of the most popular collections, Absolute Deco, was inspired by the Art Deco era and has received praise from customers for its elegant look and dedicated craftsmanship.
Der Mond has also established a customer base in Japan with its latest collection that has hit the right spot among Japanese jewelry lovers.
“Three years ago we partnered with a Japanese importer to feature Der Mond jewelry in leading department stores in Tokyo,” says Pipatveeravat. “Though in the beginning we had very little knowledge about the tastes and preferences of Japanese customers, last year we had a breakthrough with our Fireworks collection that sold really well.”
Part of Der Mond’s success in both the domestic and overseas market may be due to its designs reflecting both Eastern and Western aesthetics, under the concept of ‘modernized heritage’, revisiting classic and vintage designs and modernizing their look and feel for the brand’s customers.
Pipatveeravat is confident of the future of the gems and jewelry industry in Thailand, especially the diamond jewelry business.
“The strength of Thai diamond jewelry lies in its competitive prices, appealing designs and [high] manufacturing techniques,” says Pipatveeravat. “In the ASEAN region, Thailand is definitely a hub for diamond jewelry. Buyers have confidence in the quality of diamond jewelry produced by Thai craftsmen. Most importantly, Thai manufacturers are flexible about customizing products to order.”
Pipatveeravat is a great advocate of the Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair, at which Der Mond has participated for more than 20 years.
“The fair is a great platform for businesses to maintain existing customers as well as connect with new ones. Moreover, the DITP has been very active in training a new generation of jewelry makers which is promising for the country’s gems and jewelry industry.”
For designers, buyers, or manufacturers looking forward to catching up with the latest trends and technology in the jewelry industry, don’t forget to visit the 61st Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair, which will be held from February 21 to 25 at IMPACT Challenger Hall 1-3, Muang Thong Thani.
Words by Pimsirinuch Borsub


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At the end of the 2023/24 campaign, the collaboration between Juventus and Jeep will expire.
The famous car manufacturer has been appearing on the club’s jerseys since 2012. The Bianconeri currently collects 45 million euros from the sponsorship deal.
This collaboration was created by EXOR, the Dutch holding company that owns the majority of the shares at both Juventus and Jeep.
But according to Tuttosport via Calciomercato, the parties won’t renew their contract beyond June 2024.
As the source explains, the car market hasn’t been flourishing in recent years, so John Elkann (the CEO of EXOR) is no longer adamant about splashing a whopping sum over a jersey sponsorship deal.
Therefore, Juventus director Francesco Calvo will be seeking a new sponsor during the club’s US summer tour. He’ll be hoping to find an American company willing to match the figures that Jeep has been spending on a yearly basis.
Alternatively, companies from Saudi Arabia might be interested in a collaboration with the club.
The Arabic Gulf nation has embarked on a frenzy spending spree this summer to attract some of the top footballers to the Middle East. Thus, KSA would also be open to marketing opportunities.
Finally, the source wonders if this could be a further sign of detachment on Elkann’s part. The patron is the De Facto leader of the Agnelli family which has been owning the club for 100 years.
Some observers claim that Elkann is considering selling the club, especially following the departure of his cousin Andrea Agnelli who served as club president between 2010 and 2022.


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Intel is delaying the commercial release of its Larrabee graphics processor, which had been due out next year, and is not providing a new launch date.
PC Components - News
An early engineering sample of Intel's upcoming Core i9 chip has been spotted on eBay, way ahead of the processors' scheduled 2010 release date.
Intel unveiled an experimental CPU (central processing unit) cramming 48 processing cores into a single, stamp-sized piece of silicon. There are obvious implications in terms processing capabilities taking a quantum leap from what we use today, but w...
Intel Corp. is honing its sights on many-core chips that are far more powerful than today's dual and quad-core processors.
The recent legal settlement between Intel and Advanced Micro Devices will bring new business to AMD and major benefit for its customers, the chip maker said Wednesday.
A team of researchers has developed a squeezable mouse-like input device that gives three-dimensional control to its users.
The U.S. Air Force has submitted a procurement request for 2,200 new PS3 units to supplement the 336 that are already employed at the Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome, NY.
Japanese computer peripheral maker Buffalo revealed Thursday a new Blu-ray burner, capable of reaching impressive 12x write speeds when used with USB 3.0.
An Intel Corp. investor, frustrated that the chip maker has been hit with $2.7 billion in fines and settlement payments, has filed suit in U.S. District Court in Delaware against the company and its top executives.
Supercomputing technology, according to Al Gore, will help the human race reverse climate change, both by aiding the expansion of renewable energy use and by creating models that help people understand the severity of global warming.
Processor makers ARM and MIPS Technologies are both aiming to simplify and accelerate the use of netbooks, MIDs (mobile Internet devices), set-top boxes and picture frames that run on Google's Android software platform.
By the year 2020, you won't need a keyboard and mouse to control your computer, say Intel Corp. researchers. Instead, users will open documents and surf the Web using nothing more than their brain waves.
Dubbed by AMD as the "world's fastest," the ATI Radeon HD 5970 joins the ranks of DirectX 11 capable graphics cards, and includes ATI's Eyefinity multi-display technology.
The antitrust battle between Intel and Advanced Micro Devices isn't necessarily over, despite a settlement agreement announced by the microprocessor companies.
Intel Capital, the venture capital arm of the world's largest chip maker, Tuesday detailed seven new investments worth around US$25 million in total, in addition to an investment in U.S. WiMax operator Clearwire.
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The Tobacco Retailers Alliance (TRA) has submitted its response to the government’s consultation on the plain or standardised packaging of tobacco products which closes today (Friday).
Debbie Corris, the national spokeswoman for the Tobacco Retailers Alliance, said: “Plain packaging would lead to a rise in tobacco smuggling with criminals able to copy the almost identical looking products so much more easily.
“It’s worth remembering that smugglers don’t ask the age of the people they are selling to, unlike us retailers, and so young people – the very people the government is trying to protect – would have greater access to tobacco than ever before.”
A recent poll found that 86% of serving police officers said plain packaging would increase tobacco smuggling across the UK.
Corris said: “Plain packaging would also have a detrimental effect on retailers who would see an increase in transaction and stock-taking times and an increase in the time they have their eye off the shop while they search for the right product.
“It would also increase the amount of red tape that retailers have to deal with when the newest restriction, the display ban, isn’t even introduced in our stores yet, let alone its effects evaluated. As everyone knows, young people start smoking not because of the packaging but because of peer pressure or because a family member smokes.”
Source: The Tobacco Retailers Alliance (TRA)


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Giallozafferano, Italy’s leading food media brand, is building up a strong international profile. Little more than a year after its launch abroad, it has been winning record numbers, with 25 million followers for its English-language versions, and growing its international social profiles to more than 1.2 million new fans a month.
These results, added to the 20 million people who follow the Italian version, have made Giallozafferano the world’s fourth most popular cooking brand on social media.
This outstanding success is driven by competitive positioning and continuous expansion, leading Giallozafferano to reach a total fanbase of 45 million people and become a go-to brand for a global public of food-lovers keen to learn about and try Italian dishes and ingredients.
A key factor in the Mondadori Group brand’s extraordinary international results are its TikTok accounts: @giallozafferano_en and, above all, @gzfoodqood, a profile with more than 17 million followers, which has established itself as the world’s third most followed cookery account on TikTok.
Significant success has also been achieved by the @GialloZafferanoLovesItaly Facebook profile, which has more than 4.4 million fans, and on YouTube, where the English version has beaten the 1 million subscribers threshold, winning the “Golden Creator Award”.
These impressive results are joined by yet another record: more than 2 billion video views in the last 90 days on the international Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok channels.
A winning offer that combines exclusive content and original-language versions to engage an ever wider public and become a cookery benchmark, even for the younger generations. Giallozafferano‘s recipes and suggestions involve some of the top talents in the food creator team, which increasingly has become the heart of the brand’s success formula. They include Daniele Rossi with his gourmet cuisine, the little Cooker Girl from the region of Piedmont and Italo-American Nonna Pia.
Extraordinary numbers, which the Giallozafferano international channels have achieved with an offer that has also been successfully developed on the English-language website Giallozafferano.com. The most viewed content includes some of the most famous Italian recipes in the world, from tiramisù to carbonara and amatriciana.


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WOA 50th ANNIVERSARY -- Web's Balancing Act
Printing clearly continues to be a consolidating industry, Frick agrees, but he sees it as part of a broader business trend. Companies are streamlining the way they do business and buying more products and services from fewer providers, he points out.
"We are doing the same thing. We've gone from having more than 20 paper suppliers down to six," the Lehigh exec reveals. "We are seeking partnerships. That is one of the most overused terms in the business lexicon, but it is a real concept and is critical to success. It means identifying the irreducible number of core providers in a given category—equipment, supplies, etc.—and building stronger relationships with a commitment to sharing information," he says.
"The commercial printing industry in general, and web offset in particular, remains a sunrise and not a sunset industry," Frick adds. "The success drivers for printers in the future will be customization, specialization and differentiation."
Sandy Alexander's Stillo see navigating the new market realities as the biggest challenge for industry members going forward. The current business conditions include a poor economy, rapidly changing technology, unskilled workers and overcapacity, he says.
"In response, we need to assess every segment of our businesses and make sure we operate with minimum or no waste and implement the changes necessary to run a tight ship," Stillo advocates.
"The web printers that survive will have more opportunities in the future," he continues. "This recession has forced us to learn how to manage our business better. I also hope it has taught a lesson to the equipment manufacturers that act negligently by giving equipment away—with creative financing—to companies that are 'very high risk,' thereby disrupting the competitive equilibrium in local markets."
To keep Sandy Alexander competitive, Stillo says management will continue to focus on ways to reduce labor costs and will invest in equipment or technologies that help achieve its goals. "We also are investing in employee training," he adds.


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MTV Games and Apple Corps are collaborating on a rhythm game exploring the career and "visual imagery" of legendary group The Beatles.
The title will be developed by Harmonix, the MTV-owned company behind Rock Band and Guitar Hero, and distributed by Electronic Arts. Platforms are yet to be announced, but the release date is expected to be during the 2009 holiday season.
Harmonix co-founder Alex Rigopoulos refuted previous reports that the game would be a Rock Band title. "Let me make this clear. This game is not just a Rock Band expansion pack," he said. "It's a full, new music game built from the ground up."
Rigopoulos added that the game would support Rock Band instruments as well as "instruments from other games".


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If you can believe it, 15 years have passed since the garage rock outfit The Deathray Davies have shared any new material. That changes today with the forthcoming release of a brand new album, Time Well Wasted. The record will be out February 12th via State Fair/We Know Better Records.
To celebrate its release Good Records has a limited variant on Astroturf Pink which is limited to 100 copies. You also get a numbered 12″x12″ chip board print of John Dufilho art which was silkscreened in Dallas, TX by Jonathon Kimbrell of Seri Tone Press.
We Know Better Records also has a limited white vinyl that is limited to 100 copies, signed, and numbered by the band HERE.


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[email protected] Debuts Hortensia Collection In Beijing #GaoYuanyuan
recently launched its Hortensia Collection in Beijing, China, at the France Ambassador to China, Sylvie Bermann’s residence. The Ambassade de France à Pékin, hosted an imaginary garden of subtly mastered architecture punctuated with botanical embroidery in celebration of one flower…the hydrangea. The event was attended by Chaumet’s President and CEO Thierry Fritsch, Creative Director Claire Deve-Rakoff, France Ambassador to China Sylvie Bermann. Celebrity guests included Chinese actresses Gao Yuanyuan, Mei Ting, Ran Chen, Song Jia, celebrated pianist Chen Jie, supermodel Liu Wen and model Liu Chang.


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Cloud Imperium Games has announced that it is to drop DirectX 12 support from its long-in-development crowd-funded spacefaring title Star Citizen, in favour of the cross-platform Vulkan application programming interface (API) - and has teased at potential support for Linux to boot.
Revealed back in 2012
by Chris Roberts as a spiritual successor to his Wing Commander franchise, Star Citizen quickly set about breaking every possible crowdfunding record. By July 2013 Roberts' company had raised $14 million
, and just one year later had hit $35 million
. In August 2014, only a few months before the company had promised to release the finished version of the game, the company announced it had raised $51 million
and would be using the money to considerably widen the scope of the title - hence the original launch date whizzing past and, today, only a small subset of game features being made available in alpha and beta status builds. Since then, and despite additional delays, the money has continued to pour in: the company's latest stats
show a whopping $145 million in income, largely from fans paying for 'exclusive' virtual ships.
Anyone hoping for a rapid release, however, is likely to be disappointed by the news that developer Cloud Imperium Games is making yet another engine shift, this time moving its target from Microsoft's DirectX 12 API to the Khronos Group's cross-platform Vulkan. 'Years ago we stated our intention to support DX12, but since the introduction of Vulkan which has the same feature set and performance advantages this seemed a much more logical rendering API to use as it doesn't force our users to upgrade to Windows 10 and opens the door for a single graphics API that could be used on all Windows 7, 8, 10 & Linux,
' explained director of graphics programming Alistair Brown in a forum post
explaining the shift, hinting too at an eventual end to the game's Windows exclusivity.
'As a result our current intention is to only support Vulkan and eventually drop support for DX11 as this shouldn't effect any of our backers. DX12 would only be considered if we found it gave us a specific and substantial advantage over Vulkan. The API's really aren't that different though, 95% of the work for these APIs is to change the paradigm of the rendering pipeline, which is the same for both APIs.
While Brown has assured backers that the work required to shift away from DirectX 12 and the current DirectX 11 builds to a version running on Vulkan is relatively minimal, neither he nor his company have commented on how long the shift will add to the already overrun development schedule.


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Posted by Sheila Shayon on March 12, 2013 03:38 PM
Danone, Unilever and Nestlé top the list in the first edition of the global Access to Nutrition Index as the three best global brands offering products that address obesity and poor nutrition.
The report reviews 25 of the world's major food and beverage manufacturers across corporate nutrition-related policies, formulation of healthier, affordable products, informative nutrition labeling and responsible marketing.
"Obesity and undernutrition affect billions of people and threaten a global health catastrophe,” said Inge Kauer, Executive Director of ATNI. “The Access to Nutrition Index is an urgent call to action for food and beverage manufacturers to integrate improved nutrition into their business strategies.”
The Index, developed by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, a non-profit with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Wellcome Trust, ranked the top 10:Continue reading...
Posted by Abe Sauer on March 8, 2013 12:38 PM
China is the second largest economy in the world and every significant brand's future is impacted by its growth (or collapse)—but who's got the time?! Here's 10 reads that will make you look like a keen China observer in case you find yourself immersed in a cultural conversation.
This week: Baby Formula is the new smuggled white powder... Nike... Luxury Cars... Yale... Japanese Putters... Ghost Malls... McDonald's goes to the mountaintop, and more.Continue reading...
Posted by Dale Buss on March 8, 2013 09:03 AM
JCPenney cuts an additional 2,200 jobs and delays stocking Martha Stewart products as judge suggests mediation with Macy's.
McDonald's U.S. sales slip, but less than anticipated.
Disney welcomes new movie-studio chief and big plans for Star Wars franchise.
Adidas is hot on heels of Nike in sportswear in China.
Amazon logs rising revenue from servicing cloud's server needs.
Arby's targets "modern day traditionalists."
Cablevision claims coercion led to deal with Viacom.
Caribou Coffee launches new branding campaign.
Citi passes stress tests.Continue reading...
Posted by Dale Buss on March 7, 2013 09:18 AM
Facebook plans to announce facelift of its News Feed.
Taco Bell officially releases its Cool Ranch Doritos Locos Tacos today.
Time Warner to spin off Time Inc. as CEO Laura Lang exits.
Adidas posts weaker earnings on Reebok.
Baskin-Robbins plans to triple franchise size in Australia with new partnership.
Birds Eye commended for healthy eating campaign.
Boeing needs to provide more answers on Dreamliner firest to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
Costco backs minimum-wage increase.
Cracker Barrel adds lower-calorie items.
Dell sees buyout deal threatened by activist investor Carl Icahn.
DirecTV bemoans rising program costs.
Google expands Street View in Europe.
Jamba Juice looks to fresh juice to boost sales.
Lego eyes tie-up with "The Simpsons" on Fox.
Moe's Southwest Grill readies first national ad campaign. Continue reading...
Posted by Dale Buss on February 25, 2013 09:07 AM
"Argo" wins Oscar for Best Picture as 85th Academy Awards widely distribute recognition among films, actors and others, while The Onion runs into critical barrage over tweet about young actress.
KFC launches campaign in China after an antibiotics scandal damaged the brand.
IKEA withdraws Swedish meatballs from store restaurants in 14 European countries on horsemeat scare.
Barnes & Noble chairman mulls buyout that could split it in two and put B&N's Nook e-reader up for sale.
BP may be closing in on a settlement as spill trial nears.
BYD targets electric-vehicle sales.
Darden warns of sales declines at its restaurant brands including Olive Garden.Continue reading...
Posted by Dale Buss on February 19, 2013 08:53 AM
Boeing faces looming strike vote following Dreamliner tumult.
GE seeks inventions via social campaign.
Burberry lauded for London Fashion Week digital experience.
Amazon acts on controversy over German TV show about its workers.
Audi blocks use of GQ3 vehicle name by Qoros of China.
BP faces next bout of Gulf spill liability.
Cracker Barrel can't shake off activist shareholder.
Danone cuts 900 jobs in Europe.
Ferrari plans to price new supercar starting at 1 million euros.Continue reading...
Posted by Shirley Brady on February 18, 2013 05:31 PM
Nike and Oakley drop paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorious following steroid allegations during girlfriend's murder investigation.
Costco CEO addresses Tiffany suit for alleged trademark infringement in all-company email (exclusive).
Starbucks expands India footprint to seven stores as company tests video chat drive-through ordering and expands Starbucks Evenings concept to Washington's Dulles airport.
Carnival cruiseship fire blamed on fuel line leak.
China vows to crack down on "malicious" trademark registrations.
Disney's Hong Kong Disneyland theme park finally turns a profit thanks to Toy Story attraction.
Amway quietly builds brands and racks up sales.
BP prepares to go to court over Gulf spill.Continue reading...
Posted by Dale Buss on February 15, 2013 09:00 AM
BlackBerry shows new signs of life as co-founder sells stake.
Apple challenges iPhone trademark loss in Brazil.
Carnival tries to cruise away from brand disaster as passengers mull legal options.
ABC, NFL and Call of Duty get top marks for consumer engagement.
Airbus drops lithium-ion batteries from latest jet.
Applebee's expands test of Express Lunch service.
Best Western focuses on its people, not perks, in new campaign.Continue reading...


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Avnet Technology Solutions sales director Denise Bryant will up sticks and leave the biz next month. Bryant was UK boss at distie Magirus until it was acquired by Avnet last year. She joined her new employer as one of four sales directors, focusing on the EMC, VCE and NetApp vendor franchises. It seems the corporate world of …
Bound to happen...odds on really.
- EMC/Dell deal Dell buys out EMC in mega-super-duper $67 BEEELLLION deal
- EMC/Dell deal Hewlett Packard Enterprise CEO Whitman slams EMC/Dell deal
- EMC/Dell deal VMware sees BILLION-DOLLAR upside in Dell buy
- EMC-Dell deal EMC chief Joe Tucci to score monster pay-day in Dell deal – analysts
- UK.gov suspends broadband connection voucher scheme


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805 Ag Kids is excited to announce the 2021 805 Ag Kids Invitational Junior Livestock Show & Auction this August!
The 805 Ag Kids Invitational will include in-person markets show and online auction in August. The in-person market shows will take place August 5 & 6, 2021 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. The online auction will take place August 11-13, 2021. Market Show schedule and auction details will be available soon.


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Motor Transport readers can make use of a 20% discount offer for this year’s Everywoman Academy. The one day academy is perfect for women within the road transport sector seeking career advice or motivation. Those speaking at the event include Marianne Culver, managing director at TNT UK, and Lieutenant Commander Elaine Boyd, a logistics officer at the Royal Navy (and winner at this year’s awards). They will each share insights about their careers and experiences of making it to the […]
Pall-Ex Group has strengthened its board with the appointment of a new UK finance director.
Scania (Great Britain) has appointed Paul Smith as marketing director with a brief to bring on board “fresh thinking and ideas” in the face of “rapid and radical change” in the automotive industry.
Wolfgang Theissen is to take on the role of MD of Mercedes Benz Trucks UK in August.


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I’m going to sound really old here, but my first memories of food co-ops go waaaay back to the ‘70s and ‘80s. The upside was healthy, nutritious (and, for us, exotic) foods like dried papaya and carob chips. The downside was pen-and-paper ordering, tallying and record-keeping. Those poor volunteers, including my mom, really toiled over their calculators at delivery time.
Nowadays, ordering is online and you don’t even have to break out a pen – unless you need to jot a reminder note about your pick-up date and time. The foods are still healthy and nutritious, but the focus has shifted to locally produced wares.
I walked through the sign-up process at Community Helpings Coop a few days ago, and it was so easy that I asked one of the organizers, Tracy Gruener, if I had missed something.
“Overall it is pretty simple,” she answered via e-mail. “You order online, pick up on set date and jump in to help where you might see your group needing some help.”
The co-op offers more than two dozen neighborhood groups across the metro area, from St. Louis City to Mascoutah, Ill., or Imperial, Mo. Gruener said at least 2,000 families shop the co-op each month, buying thousands of pounds of produce and grocery items. “Everyone wants to help their families eat healthier without going broke,” she said. “I also love that I serve my family healthy food but we are also able to try new things that never would have made it to our dinner table if I was shopping straight from the grocery store.”
The most popular item is the $23 basket filled with 12 to 18 kinds of fresh fruits and veggies. Right now it includes offerings from local farms – and you can get in on it for the next pickups, happening during the week of Sept. 13 or Sept. 20, depending on the location. You can even buy extra cases of produce for canning or freezing.
But fall is just around the corner … what then? “We don't stop eating healthy once the cold weather hits,” Gruener said. “Obviously there is not going to be a local supply of fresh fruits and vegetables in the Midwest during the winter months. During this time, just like the grocery stores, our produce will have to come from other areas. We take great pride in trying to get our groups the best possible produce year round.”
If eating local is high on your agenda, Gruener had some tips: Check out the pizza crusts, Amish fruit butters, tortilla chips and whole wheat tortillas. “This is a great way to support a local business and still get a great deal,” she said.
The two-year-old co-op’s community spirit comes through in its philanthropy, too. “I do think it is a shame that there are families out there that are not able to have a refrigerator full of fresh produce on a regular basis,” Gruener said. “Many of the coop groups work together to help others in the community. Some of them donate to local food pantries, others donate extras to families in need or adopt a families at Christmas time.”
There is no long-term commitment, but volunteers keep the groups running, so Gruener encouraged families who sign up to think about alternatives that fit into their schedules. “Sure, volunteers are always needed to help sort the produce, but there are other ways to help the co-ops,” she pointed out. “It may be helping to recycle boxes after the delivery, spreading the word about the co-ops or helping another co-op member load up their car with the produce.”
Community Helpings is just one of many food co-ops in operation around St. Louis. They come in different sizes and require different time commitments, but they all share the philosophy that by banding together, families can eat better and more cheaply.
By Amy De La Hunt, Health Blogger for SmartParenting
Amy De La Hunt is a journalist and editor who lives in the St. Louis metro area and works across the country as a writer, copy editor, project manager and editorial consultant on everything from fiction books to monthly magazines to blog posts. When she's not chauffeuring her teenage sons to activities, Amy is an enthusiastic amateur cook, landscaper, Latin dancer and traveler. Follow Amy on Instagram @amy_in_words
The Saint Louis Chess Club is offering free group chess instruction to kids and teens at various branches of the St. Louis County Library.
Bring your little ones to Toddler Tinker Time at The Magic House for special experiences designed especially for preschoolers. Weekday mornings, Tuesday through Friday, families will enjoy hands-on activities in the Art Studio, plus private playtime featuring limited capacity in Wonder Works and Wonder Why.
The Magic House now offers a virtual art experience for children – multi-sensory Virtual Petite Picasso classes. Classes are taught live from the Art Studio at The Magic House, and a different art activity is featured each week!


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Americans discard about two million tons of carpet each year. Despite a voluntary carpet industry agreement in 2002 that committed to increase recycling, only 5% of carpet is recycled nationwide.
To this day, it is nearly impossible for most homeowners and businesses to recycle old carpet in a convenient or cost effective way. Recycling has only gotten more expensive as carpet manufacturers have switched from nylon fibers to polyester, decreasing the value of scrap carpet. So, this bulky waste takes up considerable landfill space and is costly for local governments to manage.
Additionally, carpet often releases hazardous substances through typical use. Phthalates, perfluorinated compounds (PFAS), flame retardants, and toxic heavy metals released from carpets are known for carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity, and endocrine disruption. Children are particularly vulnerable to these chemicals.
Disposing carpet not only squanders valuable resources and energy, but also represents a missed opportunity to create recycling jobs, make and sell new recycled-content products, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Voluntary industry programs to collect and recycle carpet, like the Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE), do not provide sustainable funding and have failed to increase carpet recycling beyond 5% despite a 20-year effort. To increase the recycling rate for carpet, we need a better solution.
That’s why PSI advocates for “extended producer responsibility” (EPR) laws. Carpet EPR laws require carpet companies to set up and operate carpet recycling programs. These laws make it easy for homeowners and businesses to recycle carpet, incentivize manufacturers to create less toxic carpet, and relieve governments from the burden of managing unwieldy carpet waste.
However, the carpet industry has staunchly opposed regulatory initiatives to increase carpet recycling for two decades. The Carpet and Rug Institute not only boycotted a PSI-facilitated meeting in Connecticut – they even paid carpet recyclers not to support PSI or EPR.
California (currently the only state with a carpet EPR law), has a carpet recycling rate triple the national average. The law was amended in 2017 to set an even higher recycling performance target.
How We’re Leading the Way
PSI is working closely with carpet recyclers, the Illinois Product Stewardship Council and New York Product Stewardship Council, and Minnesota governments to promote effective EPR bills for carpet in their states and lead coalitions to support their passage. We are providing model bill language, technical assistance, educational resources, and lobbying support.
Our How-To Guide for Advancing Carpet Stewardship helps governments, organizations, and others to start and promote carpet stewardship programs. We conduct research on carpet production, composition, disposal, recycling, and environmental impacts to tailor the resources available to our network.


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Consumers increasingly want to patronize the types of companies that demonstrate an alignment with their personal values. This marketplace shift can be largely attributed to consumers of Millennial age, who are now the nation’s largest living generation and make up a quarter of the entire U.S. population. Shaping the economy with an influential $200 billion in annual buying power, Millennials demand a degree of “like-mindedness” from their preferred manufacturers and major brands, namely around things like corporate social and environmental responsibility.
But how is the consumer informed of those values? When it comes to communicating an alignment with personal values, it doesn’t get more personal than social media. Today, two-thirds of Millennials, the most technologically inclined generation in history, currently use social media to engage around CSR issues. For major purpose-driven brands and organizations, social media is an invaluable tool for reaching conscious consumers (including the more than nine-in-10 Millennials reporting a willingness to switch brands to one associated with a cause) with targeted, effective social campaigns.
REI, for example, inspired over 6 million consumers to #OptOutside this past Black Friday (up from 1.4 million last year) with its second annual hashtag-driven campaign calling upon consumers to go outside instead of shopping. The company kicked off 2015’s inaugural campaign by closing all of its locations (and going offline) on Black Friday and giving consumers access to REI’s Explore the Outdoors platform — a search tool with BatchGeo-like functionality allowing consumers to find outdoor activities near them. Simple and powerful, this campaign “walks the walk” to reach conscious consumers who will not only buy products from REI, but who align with their social values, growing beyond the brand into sort of a social media movement all its own.At my company, TerraCycle, we too have continually seen the value social media can bring to our partners’, and our own, sustainability and eco-activism efforts. This past spring, TerraCycle and Open Farm celebrated Earth Month with the #RecycleWithOpenFarm social media contest. The contest engaged customers on the recyclability of Open Farm packaging by calling upon pet owners to snap a pic of their pups recycling and entering the photo using the #RecycleWithOpenFarm hashtag on Instagram for a chance to win a three-month supply of Open Farm pet food. The series of entries were so overwhelming, we rolled out a second phase to the contest, #RescueWithOpenFarm. This time, the prize was a donation of pet food to the animal shelter of the winner’s choice, also highlighting the brand’s commitment to animal welfare.
This kind of engagement is invaluable for companies seeking to raise awareness to their eco-conscious and cause-driven missions in a competitive marketplace where social responsibility has become the baseline, rather than an aspect that automatically adds value. It is a testament to the power and effectiveness of eco-activism on social media, and that consumers are receptive when their favorite socially responsible brands engage with them in educative, informative ways.
Creating transparency and relating purpose to consumers, social media is a powerful tool in its ability to tell a brand’s story in real-time, allowing consumers to have open conversations about the social responsibility records of those brands, and other salient subjects in sustainability.


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Company News for March 22, 2022
- Shares of The Boeing Company BA fell 3.6% following reports from Chinese state media that a 737-800 passenger plane, not the 737 Max, crashed with 132 passengers aboard. edge.
- Anaplan, Inc.’s PLAN shares jumped 27.7% following reports that the company reached an agreement with private equity firm Thoma Bravo LP for a $10.7 billion buyout. $66 per share in cash.
- Shares of Nielsen Holdings plc NLSN fell 6.9% after the company rejected a $9.13 billion takeover bid from a private equity consortium valued at $25.40 per share.
- Y shares of Alleghany Corporation soared 24.8% after Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.B) said it would buy the insurance company for $11.6 billion in an all-cash deal, or $848.02 per share.
More stock news: It’s bigger than the iPhone!
It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple has only sold a billion iPhones in 10 years, but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 77 billion devices by 2025, creating a $1.3 trillion market.
Zacks has just released a special report that sheds light on this rapidly emerging phenomenon and 4 tickers to take advantage of it. If you don’t buy now, you risk kicking yourself into 2022.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.


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Nintendo was the last company to do their E3 presentation. This year, they eschewed from using their Nintendo Direct presentation format and instead did a Nintendo Treehouse let’s stream type of format. The change in format seems to be a result of Nintendo not having too much to show at the moment apart from new Legend of Zelda and Pokemon games.
Legend of Zelda
E3 2015: Nintendo Trailer Roundup
As we have come to expect from Nintendo, their E3 presentation focused largely on first-party titles and franchises. While a number of the announced games for the Wii U were previously announced, the 3DS got all of the big surprises and reveals. Nintendo’s handheld got some new entries in a number of Nintendo’s legendary franchises including The Legend of Zeldo, Mario, Metroid and Animal Crossing. While Nintendo might have been lacking the overall punch on console that Sony and Microsoft had, fans should still be happy with what they saw.
E3 2014: Nintendo May Have Won E3 Without Even Showing Up
For the second straight year, Nintendo forewent the big press event and instead kicked off the first official day of E3 with a special Nintendo Direct video conference. While it might scream of a company bleeding cash, it may not have been a bad idea this year. With neither Sony nor Microsoft setting the world on fire with their media briefings, the door was open for the white brand to make a big impression.
Not only did they have a big opportunity, they took it and got people excited about Nintendo for the first time in a few years.
2011 Spike Video Game Awards Nominations And Predictions
Tomorrow night is Spike TV’s annual Video Game Awards show. Since 2003, Spike has given the public the ability to vote for top their video games of the year. While it is often the target of criticism as it’s a glorified popularity contest, it is the starting point of the video game awards season. So let’s take a look at 2011 crop of VGA nominees and take a stab at who should win the awards and who we thing will win the awards. Continue reading


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H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB takes the first step into Latin America by opening a store at the best business location in the shopping mall Centro Santa Fé in Mexico City, Mexico.The flagship store will be a full concept store in the shopping mall Centro Santa Fé, Mexico City. The store is planned to open in the autumn of 2012.
“We look very much forward to opening the first H&M flagship store in Mexico. It will be the perfect first step for H&M into this fashion conscious region. We are excited to be able to offer fashion and quality at the best price to our customers in Mexico City starting autumn 2012,” says Karl-Johan Persson, CEO at H&M.


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This weekend, be on the lookout for In Sanity, AZ from Michael Drace Fountain, Lance Sawyer, James Ninness, Mike Temple, Marcel Losada, Brian Soriano, Jorege Sevilla and more.
On Wednesday, December 5th, creative collaborators SHANNON FORREY, MICHAEL DRACE FOUNTAIN, BENJAMIN GLIBERT, SCOTT IRWIN, MARCEL LOSADA, JAMES NINNESS, and JOE PEZZULA will be releasing their new book, RUE.
Keyleaf Comics sent Major Spoilers a sneak peek of The Heaven’s #4 that arrives in stores this week (October 03, 2012).
Keyleaf Comics has announced it is collecting issues zero through six of the Dust: Withered Earth series and offering it as a trade arriving in stores on November 07, 2012.
Keyleaf Comics sent Major Spoilers a sneak peek of Dust #5 by James Ninness and John Narcomey.
KEYLEAF COMICS is excited to announce the release date for our first trade paperback under the Keyleaf Comics banner: THE UNDERGROUNDS, VOL. 2. This book will collect the second and final season of The Undergrounds webcomic, previously released weekly, for free, by Semantink Publishing. The Undergrounds was created by James Ninness, the second season was illustrated by Daniel Touchet, and written by Ryan Darrow, Shannon Forrey, Michael Drace Fountain, Eric Jennings, Marcel Losada, James Ninness and Joe Pezzula.
Keyleaf Comics sent Major Spoilers a sneak peek of Mythoi #9, that arrives digitally on July 11, 2012.


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CVS Health Corp.
said Walmart Inc.
has decided to leave the CVS Caremark pharmacy benefit management (PBM) commercial and Managed Medicaid networks. "At a time when everyone is working hard to find ways to reduce health care costs, Walmart's requested rates would ultimately result in higher costs for our clients and consumers," said CVS Caremark President Derica Rice. ""While we have enjoyed a long relationship with
Walmart as a low cost provider in our broad national networks, based on our commitment to helping our clients and consumers manage rising pharmacy costs, we simply could not agree to their recent demands for an increase in reimbursement." CVS Caremark has requested Walmart to continue to fill prescriptions as an in-network participating pharmacy through April 30, 2019. CVS said Walmart will continue to participate in the CVS Caremark Medicare Part D pharmacy network, and Walmart's Sam's Club remains in the CVS Caremark pharmacy networks. CVS does not expect Walmart leaving its PBM networks to have a material impact on 2019 financial results. CVS shares slipped 0.5% in premarket trade while Walmart's stock was inactive. Over the past three months, CVS's stock has shed 10.6%, Walmart shares have gained 1.2% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average
has shed 5.3%.


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By Robert Kravitz, The Ashkin Group, for GreenAhead
Although Day Cleaning has been discussed for more than a decade with only limited implementation, Stephen Ashkin, well known as the professional cleaning industry’s “father of Green Cleaning,” believes its time has come.
“In virtually all situations, the cost savings [of Day Cleaning] can no longer be denied,” says Ashkin. “With companies looking for more ways to reduce operating expenses and become more sustainable, Day Cleaning becomes a viable option.”
As an example, Adobe Systems of San Jose, California, is saving about $25,000 a year as a result of energy savings due to Day Cleaning.
Similarly, Fluor Corporation of Irving, Texas, reports saving approximately $70,000 in energy charges just for lighting as a result of Day Cleaning.
But how would Day Cleaning spur more facilities to select environmentally preferable cleaning products?
A key reason, says Ashkin, is because many facilities adopt Day Cleaning practices not only to save money but to become more sustainable.
Environmentally preferable cleaning products are typically made from renewable sources, making them far more sustainable than conventional cleaning products.
However, Ashkin believes the interaction between cleaning professionals and building users will also become one of the fundamental reasons for the transfer to Green Cleaning.
“With night cleaning, [custodians] and the products they use are often ‘out of site/out of mind,’” he says.
“But with Day Cleaning, building users interact with the people cleaning their facilities and learn about the products being used. They become more concerned that those products are effective as well as healthy, which will encourage the transfer to Green Cleaning products.”
He adds that contrary to earlier beliefs that the struggling economy would put the brakes on Green Cleaning, “this is one more example where just the opposite is true.”


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Automobiles powered by inner combustion engines will quickly belong in museums, Elon Musk says.
The billionaire Tesla CEO tweeted Friday that the normal car energy sources are merely a “passing fad” that can quickly “look cool in a museum.”
Because the founder and chief govt of an electric-car firm, Musk has lengthy been outspoken to the advantages of electrical automobiles in comparison with carbon-spewing fossil-fuel guzzling ones which make up a majority of the world’s street transportation.
Adoption charges for electrical vehicles proceed to climb, although, with some 2.2 million registered in 2018. There at the moment are roughly 5.6 million electric vehicles on the world’s roads, in response to the German nonprofit Centre for Photo voltaic Power and Hydrogen Analysis Baden-Württemberg (ZSW). Tesla vehicles, notably, make up a majority of newly registered electrical automobiles..
Nonetheless, a lot of the world’s power produced to cost electrical automobiles nonetheless depends closely on conventional steam turbine engines. In the USA, solely about 17% of electrical energy is generated by renewable sources, according to government statistics, with 63.5% coming from fossil fuels, most of which generate electrical energy by turning water into steam.
Air pollution from energy era has fallen in recent times, nonetheless, with transportation now making up a better share of carbon emissions in the USA, according to research from the University of Chicago.


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You'll soon have the option to pay more than $5 a-month for your Twitch subscription, according to the company.
Twitch has confirmed that $10 and $25 channel subscription options are coming soon. The new tiers will be rolled out in an opt-in beta for Partnered channels. New channels will be added weekly.
"Our new subscription options let Partners reward and interact with their most passionate fans in new ways," according to a Twitch blog post. "As we build this program, our goal is to provide Partnered streamers with a better way to earn a steady income and to give viewers more options to support streamers on Twitch.
"This includes long-requested features like the ability for a user to gift a channel subscription to another non-subbed user, which will be coming to Twitch later this year. We’re already working on it, and expect to start testing this within the next few months."
There's more information the Twitch blog, and you can read up on it here.
Twitch is reportedly rolling out two new subscription tiers very soon. The new tiers, at $10 and $25, will begin appearing on a limited number of channels, so long as the partnered creator opts into the beta.
The details come from an email Twitch sent to patterned streamers earlier this week (via NeoGAF). In the email, the Amazon-owned service detailed a number of benefits streamers will be offer to subscribers who choose one of the new tiers.
Some of these benefits include faster access to emotes, as part of a revamped subscriber requirements for emotes. Going forward, streamers will have 50 tiers of growth to go through instead of 14. Emotes unlock as the streamer's community grows, and the new subscription packages are worth a lot more in that regard.
A $10 subscription is worth two subscriber counts, whereas a $25 one is worth six. For streamers, the number of unlocked emote slots will be available permanently, once a channel has reached a new tier.
By the same token, streamers will now be able to offer exclusive emotes for higher subscription tiers.
For the unfamiliar, a Twitch subscriber does not see ads site-wide. The effect of a Prime subscription is the same regardless of which streamer got you to subscribe.
When you subscribe through the button on your favourite streamer's page, a portion of this subscription goes to the streamer, which in turn grants you exclusive emotes and so on.


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REVELLERS ARE HUFFING and puffing that the sold out event Puff of Colour (POC) has attracted scalpers reselling tickets for exorbitant prices.
And Chelsea Boyzz, the group behind the seven-year-old event, said their hands are tied.
Speaking to NATION ONLINE today, one of the organisers said it was brought to their attention that tickets were being resold for almost triple the price.
“Tickets went on sale on Saturday, April 30 and were sold out by Thursday. This is the first time that has happened. Last year they sold out two weeks before the event.
“What is happening now, happened last year but it wasn’t so over the top.”
He said that he realised that scalpers were also offering VIP service.
“POC doesn’t do VIP. When we came up with the concept as a J’ouvert alternative we wanted a theme were people would party with each other irrespective of colour or race. So there never will be a VIP at POC.”
The organiser said ticket sales went online for the first time this year with Ticket Nation and that proved a decisive factor.
“Last year we had a reservation setup where you would pay after. Our overseas patrons complained that they were at a disadvantage. So this year with Ticket Nation coming onboard as an online element it allowed tickets to be easily accessible.”
He stated that ten to 15 per cent of their patrons came from overseas.
The organiser said they won’t be printing anymore tickets.
“I want to apologise to our regular patrons who didn’t get tickets. We are looking at 2017 to see how we can curb this behaviour. What we realise is that individuals bought like ten and 15 tickets each. We cannot say they didn’t buy them legitimately for themselves and their friends.
“This issue has left a bad taste in our mouths. We have capped the limit at the amount of tickets we put up for sale. We don’t want to overcrowd the venue. We still want patrons to party with a degree of comfort.”
Unofficial reports are that the tickets sold run in the thousands. (NS)


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You now have an easier online to way to manage your Home Delivery subscription for The Oklahoman. Go to our secure server to update account information, make a payment, set up vacation no-delivery times, change your delivery address, or report delivery concerns.
Joe Elem Carrel, a World War II U.S. Navy veteran and U.S. Air Force retiree, poses with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and Senior Master Sgt. Bob Gaspar at a holiday party Friday at the Norman Veterans Center, thrown by the 507th Air Refueling Wing at Tinker Air Force Base. PHOTOS BY STEVE SISNEY, THE OKLAHOMAN