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The consumer organisation foodwatch is accusing Coca-Cola of using irresponsible marketing and lobbying tactics. According to foodwatch, the global soft-drinks leader is spending millions of euros on online and television marketing campaigns targeted to children and teens. These revelations were made in foodwatch’s 108-page “Coca-Cola Report”, which was presented by the consumer organisation on Wednesday at a press conference in Berlin, right next to Coca-Cola’s German headquarters.
The report also points out that the company has been lobbying against the introduction of effective regulations, like advertising bans and special taxes, and has even paid scientists to cast doubt on the health risks of sugar-sweetened beverages. foodwatch claims that, through these actions, Coca-Cola is contributing significantly to the epidemic of diet-related diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. foodwatch is calling on Coca-Cola to stop marketing its products to children and teens, e.g. using young YouTube and Instagram stars as “influencers”. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sugar-sweetened beverages are a significant cause of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, foodwatch is also demanding that Germany’s new federal government introduce an industry levy on sugary drinks.
“Be it TV ads with football stars or promotional videos with popular influencers on YouTube: Coca-Cola, more than practically any other company, knows how to create a positive image for itself – even and especially among young people. The problem is that the sugary drinks marketed by Coca-Cola are liquid disease promoters.
It goes without saying that soft drinks are unhealthy, but few people are aware of how dangerous they truly are: even just a single can a day increases the risk of developing serious diseases like diabetes. Soft drinks companies, and particularly market leader Coca-Cola, do more than simply put their products on the supermarket shelves and allow consumers to make their own choices. Coca-Cola is actively thwarting health policy initiatives around the globe and, with the help of lobby groups, attempting to obscure the health effects of sugary beverages – adopting tactics once used by Big Tobacco,” said Oliver Huizinga, foodwatch’s director of research and campaigns and author of the “Coca-Cola Report”.
Even just one can a day increases the risk of obesity and diabetes
Strong evidence indicates that the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages contributes to the development of numerous diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and tooth decay. Sugary drinks provide nothing but “empty calories”, which offer no nutritional value and no sense of satiety, leading to overconsumption. Unlike sweets, which are considered safe in small quantities of up to “a handful”, sugar-sweetened beverages pose a risk to health in comparatively small amounts: one can a day increases the risk of developing overweight, obesity and diabetes. Children and adolescents in Germany – particularly males – drink significantly more than the recommended limit for sugary drinks. According to current data from the Robert Koch Institute, adolescent boys consume just under half a litre a day.
Clever marketing with YouTube stars targeting children
According to Coca-Cola’s “responsible marketing policy”, the company refrains from marketing directly to children under the age of 12. However, foodwatch’s “Coca-Cola-Report” reveals that the reality is quite different. Children have been directly targeted by advertisements with football stars and by special campaigns like the Coca-Cola advent calendar or the Coke Christmas Tour. The company has also been creating marketing campaigns with various YouTube stars, most of whom are particularly popular with young people: nine of the 20 most-subscribed YouTubers in Germany – some with more than three million subscribers – have already appeared on the company’s YouTube channel “CokeTV”. Most of its entertaining and amusing videos featuring these online celebrities as presenters are cleverly styled after the most successful youth channels – and the Coca-Cola brand is always shown in a positive light. The most popular video on the German Coca-Cola channel has clocked more than 2.3 million views.
“YouTubers are highly influential figures for their young fans, and YouTube is the most popular website among children and teens. Coke strategically enlists YouTube stars for its marketing campaigns – and all of its entertaining videos feature these role models casually drinking cola. In other words, the company is leveraging these top influencers to sell more sugary drinks to children and teens,” said Huizinga.
Coca-Cola financing sugar research
foodwatch’s comprehensive “Coca-Cola Report” also documents the soft drink giant’s efforts to influence public policy by casting doubt on the adverse health effects of sugary beverages and lobbying against regulations aimed at reducing their consumption. For example, in 2015 a New York Times article revealed that Coca-Cola had donated US$1.5 million to an ostensibly independent research group. These scientists publicly promoted the idea – in line with Coca-Cola’s stance – that a lack of exercise is to blame for the obesity epidemic, not poor eating habits.
Different study results according to principal
In the past, numerous studies have investigated the possible link between obesity and sugar-sweetened beverages. Particularly revealing is the fact that 80% of the studies found a strong link between the consumption of sugary drinks and the risk of obesity – while 80% of the studies funded by the food and beverages industry reached the opposite conclusion. In 2016 a leak of Coca-Cola’s internal emails revealed that the company is most afraid of public health policies involving the taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages. According to a leaked strategy paper, Coca-Cola’s campaign against such policies has been given top priority. Its clearly worded mission: “fight back”.
Sugar tax for germany!
foodwatch also believes that policymakers should stop shying away from conflicts with multinational corporations like Coca-Cola and the influential lobby and take concrete action to combat the epidemic of diet-related diseases – as has been recommended for many years by the World Health Organization and the German Alliance Against Non-Communicable Diseases (DANK), an association of 17 medical/scientific organisations. The consumer organisation is calling on the German federal government to require manufacturers of high-sugar beverages to pay a special tax. Numerous countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Belgium and Mexico, have introduced such taxes or levies. In the UK, leading beverage companies have already reduced the sugar content of their products in anticipation of the industry levy, which is set to take effect in April 2018.


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Wed, Oct 06, 2010 | 19:41 BST
Zipper Interactive releases dev diary showing how Move works with MAG
Zipper Interactive has released a developer diary, showing how MAG works with Move.
It’s rather interesting to watch, and you can do so below.
New trophies for the added content will be patched in with the next DLC pack.

domain: news


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Mountain View, California -- Barely a week ago Google acquired social search engine Aardvark, and today, the Mountain View-based company once again makes headlines with yet another acquisition. This time the global search leader has acquired e-mail startup “reMail,” which is responsible for developing a powerful email search application for the iPhone.The acquisition has been made official by none other than reMail founder and CEO Gabor Cselle on his official blog. Cselle stated that the reMail iPhone app is being discontinued, although he does not say what Google intends to do with his company's technology. One obvious assumption is that Google would use reMail to speed up Gmail e-mail search on the iPhone.
reMail, which created an iPhone app that Google will be discontinuing, provided comprehensive email search for email and IMAP accounts even in offline mode. Google currently does not offer a Gmail app on the iPhone platform, preferring its stylish HTML 5 web app experience.
Cselle spent time as the VP of Engineering at e-mail startup Xobni, and also worked with the Gmail team. He then created his own establishment last year. According to Cselle himself, he once again will be “joining Google in Mountain View as a Product Manager on the Gmail team.”
“Gmail is where my obsession with email started as an engineering intern back in 2004, and I'm thrilled to be coming back to a place with so many familiar faces. reMail's goal was re-establishing mobile email, and I'm proud we have built a product that so many users find useful. Still, I feel like we have only seen the beginning of what is possible. Google is the best place in the world to improve the status quo on how people communicate and share information. If you have what it takes to make these changes happen, I encourage you to reach out and come join me.”
No word on how much Google is paying for the company. The San Francisco based startup was developed by Y Combinator and raised funding from Paul Buchheit and Sanjeev Singh, who worked on Gmail and co-founded the newly-acquired FriendFeed. Cselle declined to comment further on the acquisition or its price.
Cselle said current reMail users can continue to use the app though support will be discontinued at the end of March. Taking out an existing iPhone app is particularly notable given Google has its own competing mobile platform, Android.
We can expect Google to incorporate all reMail's technologies into Gmail. Google has yet to publicly announced the acquisition.


text: MFA submitted a letter to the SEC in response to its request for comments on the alternative uptick rule. Our letter supplements our June 22, 2009 letter on the SEC’s proposed short sale restrictions. MFA opposes the proposed alternative uptick rule that would allow short selling only at a price above the current national best bid. We believe that such a test would operate as a near ban on short selling even in non-declining (neutral) markets, and further, that it would lead to unintended consequences and possible gaming. MFA urges the Commission to not adopt such a price test.


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U.S., France: Washington Takes an Aggressive Position Against France's Digital Tax Proposal
MIN READJul 11, 2019 | 19:01 GMT
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced July 10 that U.S. President Donald Trump had directed the agency to launch an investigation into France's proposed digital service tax bill under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The bill was passed by France's lower house last week and passed by its Senate on July 11. Once rolled out, the proposal would implement a 3 percent tax on revenue that global digital companies earn in France. To be eligible for the tax, a company must have global revenue of at least 750 million euros and French revenue of at least 25 million euros....


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Crowds swarmed grocery stores and other businesses late last week to prepare for a 14-day lockdown in the territory, sparking heated criticism and raising questions about the government’s unusual system of closing essential businesses during lockdowns to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Many jurisdictions have implemented curfews in recent weeks, but in order to avoid crowds most of them have allowed essential businesses to remain open, albeit with restricted access in many cases. Here, the government gave residents three days to stock up following a previous six-day lockdown that ended last Thursday morning.
Premier Andrew Fahie and other leaders have described the government’s strategy as bold action that could eliminate COVID-19 before it begins spreading in the territory. But others have expressed concern that the long-term closures mean that stores will continue to see dangerously large crowds on the few days that they are open.
Following widespread criticism from frustrated shoppers on social media last week, Governor Gus Jaspert acknowledged on Sunday that responding to the COVID-19 outbreak has been a “learning experience.”
“We have a unique opportunity to get the next 14 days right,” he added. “Four- teen days is the period identified medically to determine if the virus is prevalent. It is vital we all play our part in ensuring that we stick to this lockdown.”
Mr. Jaspert also promised this week to disclose the “science” behind the decisions being made, but he had made no further announcement on the topic as of press time yesterday afternoon.
Though Virgin Islands health officials have not responded to the Beacon’s messages in recent weeks — and government’s promised press conferences fell by the wayside after March 24 — public health experts abroad explained that the rush on stores over three days could have increased transmission of the virus.
“I would hope [the government is] thinking of better ways to open stores up again to minimise transmission,” said Dr. Tara Smith, an epidemiologist at Kent State University. “Most places are keeping essential places open with restricted hours.”
Here, on April 1, officials announced a system that would allow residents with surnames beginning with A-I to shop last Thursday, surnames J-R to shop Friday, and surnames S-Z to shop on Saturday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, and other essential services also opened their doors to senior citizens and essential workers between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. on those three days, and residents who were not seniors began filling the lines at stores in the early hours of morning.
Starting last Thursday, many shoppers took to social media to share their frustration, often reporting that they stood in line for several hours and that social distancing guidelines were not always enforced. Some offered ideas for improvement.
Beth Brown, a member of the Facebook group “BVI Community Board,” posted a message to the premier and governor that stated, “This is not working. … I would like to suggest that grocery stores be open seven days a week with the businesses having two shifts of workers (to avoid exhaustion and lowered immune systems).”
Though police officers and employees at some stores checked for identification during the three-day period as leaders promised, this enforcement was not consistent.
A change was announced last Thursday afternoon. After chairing a meeting with the National Security Council during the turmoil that day, the governor announced that shop- ping hours would be extended to 9 p.m. each day and that res- idents with surnames A-I could continue shopping on Friday if needed.
“I and ministers are aware there have been some challenges today accessing essential supplies and keeping safe social distances while shopping,” Mr. Jaspert said in a statement last Thursday. “This is an unprecedented time and the approach we are taking is something that we and shops have never had to take before. We are learning from the experience today.”
He promised that the rules would be better enforced the next day as officials tried to maintain order. The crowds continued the next morning, but thinned in the afternoon, and by late Saturday they had greatly diminished.
Mr. Fahie addressed the territory this week, commend- ing efforts that have been taken while noting that “we must congregate less and have the social distancing between us so that there is less opportunity of transmitting.”
He added, “No one has the playbook for dealing with this unprecedented health pandemic in this unprecedented time. So we are writing the playbook as we go along.”
The 14-day lockdown was initially slated to last from April 2-16, but with the three-day limited curfew, Cabinet extended it until April 19.
Dr. Maciej Boni, an associate professor of infectious dis- eases at Penn State University, said a full lockdown with closed stores might not be necessary, but it could be highly effective if managed well.
“When it comes to lock- down time, when you’re worried that cases might be coming or the disease might be spreading, it’s true that you do not need a total lockdown. Partials lockdowns do work partially,” Dr. Boni said. “The challenge with this three-day rush is you’re putting lots of people into a crowded situation within a few days, which is why the partial lockdown is a pretty good idea, because it keeps the grocery stores open continuously.”
Nevertheless, he also commended the VI for shutting borders and ordering a curfew at a time when the territory has confirmed only three cases, stating that lockdowns work well when they’re done early. If the territory finishes the two-week lockdown with no new confirmed cases, then the exercise would have proved effective and will look like the right decision, he added.
“It’s a painful, annoying two weeks, but look at what people are going through in New York City and Washington State and Italy and Spain,” he said. “It could be much, much worse.”
Moving forward, Dr. Boni suggested placing an extreme disinfection policy on food and supply shipments coming into the territory and testing as many people as possible.
“I would continue buying tests and test people on a weekly basis,” he said, urging health officials to devise a plan to administer a consistent number of tests each week. “It’s a prudent and cautious plan to show there’s zero infections on the island.”
He also advised keeping in place the ban on large gatherings.
Dr. Smith, the Kent State epidemiologist, suggested keeping essential stores open and offering kerbside pickups designed to limit the social contact that can transmit the virus.
Attempts to reach Mr. Malone and the Premier’s Office to learn more about the government’s long-term strategy were unsuccessful. BVI Health Services Authority CEO Dr. Ronald Georges directed all questions to Government Information Services, which did not respond.
Freeman Rogers contributed to this report.


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Alibaba to sell Zomato shares worth $200M on Nov 30: Report
The share sale is expected to bring down Alibaba's stake in Zomato to 10% from 13%.
, one of 's biggest shareholders, will reportedly sell shares worth $200 million in the food delivery firm on November 30. The stake sale is expected to take place through a block deal at a discount of 5-6%. Investment bank will be the broker of the deal.
The Chinese ecommerce company owns a 13% stake in Zomato through its two subsidiaries,and Alipay. The share sale will bring down Alibaba's stake to 10%, the CNBC Awaaz report stated.
Zomato declined to comment on queries sent by YourStory.
The development comes amid a whirlwind time for the food delivery giant, just days after it witnessed the third senior management exit in a month.
Co-founder Mohit Gupta stepped down last week after a four-year stint. He was followed by Rahul Ganjoo, who was the new initiatives head, and Siddharth Jhawar, former head of Intercity Legends service, who exited earlier this month. Gaurav Gupta, also previously a co-founder at Zomato, quit two months after the company went public.
, another major investor in Zomato, sold a part of its pre-IPO shares in Zomato in the open market in August this year, reducing its stake in the restaurant aggregator and food delivery platform to 4.4%.
, cab aggregator , and also sold their shares earlier.
Edited by Kanishk Singh


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Abhishek Bachchan was announced the winner of the 'Best Brand Ambassador of the Year' award at the NDTV Techlife Awards 2009 held on Friday.
Nominations were invited from all brands for various categories such as Mobile phone of the year, Gadget Eye candy award for the best style and design and Best Celebrity Endorsement - Brand Ambassador of the year, among others. The awards acknowledge lifestyle products, gadgets and best technologies that have made a difference in India today and change the world.
"It is a great honour to win the title of for the IDEA & Motorola campaigns. The IDEA campaign carries a socially relevant message in today's commercial environment and the brilliant concept of encouraging two way communications between the government and people has connected with millions across India, said Abhishek after winning the award.
He added: "I feel proud to be associated with the best brands in the gadgets and technology space".


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Sandwich chain Quiznos filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Friday, after reaching a deal to cut its debt by more than $400 million, or about two-thirds.
NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation sued 16 of the world's largest banks on Friday, accusing them of colluding to suppress interest rates.
Consumer confidence in the U.S. unexpectedly dropped in March to a four-month low, indicating household spending may be slow to pick up from a weather-related setback earlier this year.
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Growing tension between the West and Russia ahead of Ukraine's weekend referendum in Crimea pushed down stocks on major world markets on Friday and drove up buying of safe-haven gold and the yen.
A mild mannered accountant from Cincinnati, Ohio, is taking on Warren Buffett in a showdown over whether the veteran investor's company, Berkshire Hathaway, should finally start paying a dividend.


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Companies trying to decide what vendor to select for the subsidiary-level ERP in a two-tier manufacturing ERP deployment should first see if their current providers have software that might meet their needs, analyst Joshua Greenbaum said.
Having two ERP solutions that are made by the same maker can stave off a lot of problems in the long run, according to Greenbaum, principal at Enterprise Applications Consulting, based in Berkeley, Calif. “The ability to maintain that first tier relatively as is and make modifications to the second tier is going to be a lot cheaper and easier,” he said. “That’s definitely the first place I would look.”
In a typical two-tier ERP deployment, a parent company keeps its existing ERP system, while subsidiaries or other business units deploy a second one, whether on-premises or on-demand, for their specific needs.
Companies that don’t plan to use their headquarters-level ERP vendor for the second tier should make sure the new vendor has experience integrating with the corporate ERP, according to Greenbaum.
“[Companies] want a tier-two vendor with existing experience and a track record of working with the tier-one vendor,” he said. “I think that’s essential.”
In either case, the company should also make sure that the second-tier ERP has previously been implemented in the same geographic region and industry. Making sure the software, or the vendor itself, isn’t breaking new ground with the deployment can mean the difference between a smooth implementation and one that repeatedly hits snags, he said.
“You really want that tier-two vendor or one of their implementation partners to throw a switch and turn it on and have it work, without essentially having to build the integration from scratch.”
Two-tier ERP options
Companies have three vendor choices when it comes to two-tier ERP software selection, according to a report published by Stamford, Conn.-based Gartner Inc. titled Two-Tier ERP Strategy: Considering Your Options.
The first is using the same vendor but different products at both the headquarters and subsidiary levels.
In the second scenario, software from a different vendor is deployed in the second tier when the provider of the enterprise-level ERP doesn’t have a product that fits both tiers.
One example is the Wurth Group, a European manufacturer of fasteners, screws, dowels, tools and furniture and construction fittings. According to Gartner, Wurth uses a major vendor’s ERP suite at the corporate level but has deployed another prominent vendor’s smaller-scale ERP offering at the subsidiary and is adding functions to boost inventory control and business intelligence.
When it is difficult to impose one system on all of a company’s subsidiaries, the third option is for headquarters to have a short list of two or three vendors that subsidiaries can choose from, all of which are able to meet cost and corporate governance requirements, according to Gartner.
One manufacturer’s two-tier experience
Indian automobile company Tata Motors is in the process of deploying a two-tier ERP structure for its Jaguar Land Rover division, which it bought from Ford Motor Co. in 2008. Under the plan, Jaguar Land Rover will move off of its Ford legacy systems and onto a major vendor’s ERP suite, which will integrate with subsidiaries running a smaller-scale ERP offering from the same vendor, including its branch in Brazil.
In the arrangement, the cars and spare parts are made in the U.K. but shipped to Brazil, where they’re sold. To make that happen, the two sides share financial, production and distribution data, according to Luis Moreno, chief financial officer of Jaguar Land Rover Brazil.
“The flow of information [for] each car flows from manufacturing in the U.K.,” Moreno said.
While Jaguar Land Rover felt that the lower-tier ERP product met Brazil-specific requirements in most areas, it opted for a custom add-on from a Brazil-based company that addresses specific tax and regulatory challenges of doing business in that country.
SaaS vs. on-premises ERP
Other experts, like Paul Hamerman, an analyst with Forrester Research Inc., based in Cambridge, Mass., recommend going with a Software as a Service model when possible because of the advantages on-demand ERP systems offer, including routine upgrades and less overhead.
“I think there’s a real business opportunity for their smaller business units,” Hamerman said. “That strikes me as a real benefit, being able to centrally control and have a system that’s automatically updating as opposed to a locally installed system that has its own hardware that has to be upgraded.”


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|22 May 2011||Prius Goes Platinum
America's favorite hybrid has reached an epic milestone: one million Prius vehicles have been sold across the country.
|9 Dec 2008||Automaker Bailout Plan
The current automaker bailout plan saga is reminding me of this tongue-in-cheek joke I posted back in July. Even more on point today. A Japanese company (Toy...
|19 Oct 2007||Tell Toyota to Support Higher Fuel Standards
Toyota advertises itself as the greenest, most fuel-efficient car company in the industry. But now the maker of the best-selling Prius hybrid is opposing tou...
|30 Jul 2007||2008 Prius
If $1,225 is all that's been holding you back from buying a new Prius, August could be your month. Toyota announced today a new expanded line-up for the 2008...
|No match found. Try the same search on Google.|


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There are 2.3 billion social media users in the world today. With such an enormous audience, content marketing online is more essential than ever. As temperatures heat up during the summer months, your social media presence needs to be just as hot. Summer is the season to build relationships with your target audience and ensure your message is heard. Nearly 65 percent of brands plan to increase their influencer marketing budget this year. Don’t fall behind—push your brand further.
For Throwback Thursday, we’re looking back at seminal works in new media theory.
Convergence is not a new theory. It has been around for more than a decade. Henry Jenkins’ oft cited work Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide was published in 2006.
The outcry for authenticity arises from an ingrained and cultivated skepticism propagated in an environment rife with advertising and marketing messages. People today are aware of the tactics utilized by persuaders from all fields. While consumers are still susceptible to this type of messaging, no matter how adamantly individuals may claim the contrary, people are overwhelmingly more skeptical today than in previous generations.
The American Advertising Federation Tucson hosted its 35th Annual ADDY Awards® this past weekend and McFadden/Gavender was honored with two awards for work done in 2015. With more than 200 industry peers in attendance, the M/G team took home a Silver ADDY for the packaging campaign of SweetLeaf® Liquid Stevia Sweet Drops™ 50ml, as well as the Silver ADDY for Sweet Drops 50ml packaging as a single unit.
McFadden/Gavender is incredibly proud to be a part of another exciting product launch with our client Icelandic Glacial. This past weekend, at Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, Icelandic debuted their all-new still and sparkling waters, now in glass bottles for the first time and designed by the creative team at McFadden/Gavender. The new design, featuring a metal cap and the brand’s signature sculpted bottle neck, was well-received by Expo attendees who were wowed by the new look and function, along with the clean, crisp taste of the water.


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Android Headlines – According to MediaRadar, Amazon outspent just about all of their competitors in October and November, spending $135 million on TV spots, leading up to the busy holiday season. They outspent Walmart by about $16 million and were $32 million ahead of Target during the same time frame. This is something that is very new for Amazon. In past years, they did not advertise much on television, if at all. But that changed this year, and a big reason for that is due to their own hardware. They have been advertising their set-top boxes, tablets and even speakers during the holiday season. With their TV ads being big on Alexa, especially with the Echo Dot. It’s pretty clear as to why Amazon believed the Echo Dot would be their top seller, and that’s due to the price (normally $49, but was dropped to just $39 for the holiday season).
Another interesting number is that in 2011, Amazon spent $156 million on ads for the entire year. And that was not limited to just TV ads, that included ads you see on your favorite website, billboards and other forms of advertising. Their $135 million for October and November of this year was solely for TV ads. That’s a pretty big increase for Amazon. In fact, it’s a 76% increase from the same time in 2015. By contrast, Walmart’s numbers were down 10% and Target’s were up 54%.


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Dealers from across Canada continue to do what they do best: remain resilient in the face of difficult situations, and continue to give back to those in need.
January 12, 2023
By Perry Lefko for Canadian Auto Dealer
Consumers shopping for new or used cars will have a better understanding of the marketplace this year, said a dealer with more than 30 years in the business.
Paul Valentine, Dealer Principal of Valentine Volvo in Alberta, is projecting it will be a less disruptive retail year because consumers will have become accustomed to the “black swan” events coming from different directions in the marketplace.
“Nothing shocks anybody anymore,” said Valentine in an interview with Canadian auto dealer. “I think when there’s such a massive change in the buying environment, the shock sets in and it takes a while (to get adjusted). People are getting used to the new reality of interest rates and will figure out a way that makes sense for their family finances.”
He said there are always cycles in which some strong brands weaken and become strong again, segments that get hot and cold. There are also new segments emerging.
“I’ve seen lots of waves and troughs and good times and bad,” said Valentine. “They all flow up and down, and (as dealers) you make sure that when times are good all you should be focusing on is when times get bad because they will.”
He said dealers need to make sure they recession-proof their organization and that they do not overcommit or overspend. “You just make sure, when people come into your place, they get treated as well and as fairly when the market’s hot as they do when the market’s not so hot.”
Valentine said he didn’t gouge buyers by selling cars over the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.
“When times are tough I want them to come in and look me in the eye and buy a car and say, ‘yeah, you didn’t overcharge me when you were short of cars and now you’re giving me the same fair price when there’s over supply,’” he said. “I think everything you do in business — and maybe everything you do in life — should always be thought about for what’s the best thing to do for the long-term. . . .” He said there are two ways to do it: “the majority of very successful dealers and dealer groups look at the long term.”


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US lawmakers’ stance on cryptocurrencies is out-dated and bordering on negligent, affirms Nigel Green, founder and CEO of deVere Group, one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory organisations.
The comments from Green come after two days of congressional hearings this week to discuss Facebook’s planned digital currency, Libra. It also follows Bitcoin’s impressive 9% jump on Thursday.
Green commented, “Many of the lawmakers’ stance on cryptocurrencies – which are almost universally regarded as the future of money – is out-dated and blinkered.
“Some of their comments in the congressional hearings suggest that they think cryptocurrencies are a passing fad. That is delusional.
“The demand for digital, global, borderless currencies is only going to increase. This is inevitable as the digitalisation of our economies and our daily lives grows further and picks up pace further still.”
He continued, “And because demand is set to soar over the next few years as retail and institutional investors pile into crypto, lawmakers now need to embrace them and bring them fully into the mainstream financial system with proper and robust regulation.
“It is bordering on negligent not to do so for three key reasons.
“First, it would provide further protection for the growing number of people using and investing in cryptocurrencies.
“Second, unless the US leads the way in the digital currency revolution, other countries – with perhaps counter values to those of America – will control it and it would be hard to ever take back that control.
“And third, there are enormous potential opportunities for higher economic growth by embracing cryptocurrencies. Why are lawmakers not seizing these with both hands?”
In a similar vein, the deVere CEO slammed President Trump last week when he criticised Bitcoin, the world’s largest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation.
At the time he said. “Standing on the sidelines, or worse looking backwards, on the issue of cryptocurrencies – which are redefining and reshaping the financial system – is a baffling approach for the leader of the world’s largest economy to take.”
Green concluded, “Digital currencies are the biggest innovation in payment systems in many decades. Facebook’s jump into the sector is a clear indication of the direction of travel in this regard and lawmakers must not put their heads in the sand and/or attack – that is futile and counterproductive.
“Instead they must work alongside stakeholders to make the market stronger still as investors continue to dive into the likes of Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple’s XRP and Litecoin.”


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Google, Burger King, Dyson, Facebook, McKinsey, Amazon and Iceland are some of the 250 top brands that failed to disclose carbon-emissions performance data, according to the first annual survey of carbon performance of 600 of the UK’s biggest brands, reports Marketing Magazine. Data for the Brand Emissions study is based on the Carbon Disclosure Project.
Brand Emission leaders include T-Mobile, BMW, British Airways, Abbey, and Dell. These companies reduced their carbon emissions and reported carbon emissions in compliance with international standards, reports Marketing Magazine.
Supermarket brand leaders include Tesco, Asda, Marks & Spencer, the Co-op, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons, while top car makers included BMW, Volkswagen, General Motors and Renault, reports Brand Republic.
The study finds that about 400 brands are increasing their emissions, have lower emission reduction targets than the UK government or do not publish their emissions data, reports the Belfast Telegraph.
As an example, the report shows that McDonald’s, Harvey Nichols and Porsche do not have any public emission reduction targets, according to Marketing Magazine. Of those that reported their emissions, 122 (54 percent) including Barclays, Sky and Ebay increased their emissions in 2008.
Overall, only one in five of the UK’s top brands are cutting their emissions, and 121 brands have targets that meet the government’s goal of reducing greenhouse gases by 34 percent based on 1990 levels by 2020 or 1.7 percent annually, reports the Belfast Telegraph.
The study also reveals that companies in the pharmaceutical, publishing, food retail and telecommunications sectors performed the best, while the car rental, hotel and general retail sectors came in last, according to the Belfast Telegraph.


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The volume of industrial production in the US declined in May by 0.1% compared to April, when its growth was 0.9%, the Federal Reserve said. Experts had predicted an increase of 0.2%. In the processing industry, accounting for 75% of total industrial output, the indicator fell by 0.7% after rising by 0.6% in April. The output of cars and parts to them decreased by 5.5%, industrial equipment - by 1.1%. The electronics industry grew by 0.8%. The volume of production of consumer goods decreased by 1%. The output of building materials increased by 0.1%. The index in the defense and aerospace industries grew by 0.4%. The utilities industry increased the output by 1.1%, the mining sector - by 1.8%, the oil and gas production - by 11.6%.
Samsung Display to end all LCD production in South Korea and China by end 202030.03.2020
Thai Airways may reduce plane types permanently after landing jets27.03.2020
Chinese industrial firms report steepest decline in profits in a decade24.03.2020
Trump says he may cut down closures shortly regardless of deteriorating coronavirus outbreak


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Ever ordered duck in plum sauce with spring onions and pancakes from a Chinese restaurant? Chances are you've eaten Cherry Valley
duck then, and this week we're pleased to announce them as a new client
as we continue to rack up more account wins.
We've been appointed by the UK's largest duck manufacturer to reinforce their number one position in the Chinese restaurant and takeaway market and re-establish the brand in grocery retail.
We've extended our remit to the creation and delivery of a fully integrated campaign around their re-launch, which includes not only PR, but TV, press and their largest ever sales promotions. We've started activity already, kicking off with a successful media event in London last week.
There's a lot of great work going on at Cherry Valley this year, and in the category as a whole. Our job now is to tell people about it and drive the profile of the business forward during an exciting period of growth.
Anyone fancy a Chinese?
Back to news


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So apparently the Wii is still a difficult find at retail, or so says the line of forty individuals that were lined outside of Target on Sunday morning last weekend. It seems as though as fast as Nintendo can manufacture the little white boxes, they are bought up by customers eager to get their Wii on, a statement supported by [url=http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601204&sid=aeP6KYaQ4o_k&refer=technology]recent news[/url] from financial site Bloomberg, which noted that the Wii outsold both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in January with 436,000 units sold in the U.S.
According to the report, which based its finding on NPD data gathered by Credit Suisse analyst Heath Terry, The Wii outsold its competition by nearly a 2:1 margin, with Microsoft’s console sold 294,000 units while the PS3 followed close behind with 244,000 units sold. While the Wii’s sales figures have fallen a touch since the December craze, during which 604,000 units were reported sold, the same can be said of both the Xbox 360 and PS3 as well.
Sony’s console fell slightly, having registered 491,000 units sold in December, while demand for the Xbox 360 fell sharply from December’s 1.13 million units, though admittedly that number was a bit artificially inflated due the scarcity of the competition at retail.


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A mobile Internet survey conducted by Nielson for Tellabs shows that consumers consider it a necessity, and that almost three of four users expect to use the Internet from a mobile device daily. Obviously there are a lot of problems with this survey: 1) People routinely lie in them, and 2) Three out of four people don’t use mobile Internet, ever. Still, we believe that there is some sense in the dross here.
The Internet is an information tool that people rely on regularly, and that means they won’t give it up easily. We know seniors on fixed incomes of less than $15k per year who still have broadband service and profess to need it. There is little risk that there would be a major behavioral change and that broadband would be devalued in this downturn, but similarly we know younger and wealthier people who don’t use it at all.
In the mobile space, there is no question that the use of a smartphone for navigation, information, and just fact-finding, will become the norm. You don’t need surveys to figure that out. But just as there is resistance to longer-standing wireline Internet practices, there will be to mobile, and it’s just starting out. It would serve the industry better not to over-promote.


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This story has been corrected and updated. See below.
Tesla is experimenting with a new retail strategy by using the backdrop of department store Nordstrom to show off its all-electric Model X SUV.
The automaker plans to open a 400-square-foot showroom in the men’s department at Nordstrom The Grove in Los Angeles. The smaller-than-usual retail space, which will remain open through the end of the year, will feature a design studio where customers can tinker with interior and trim options. Visitors will also be able to take demonstration drives with Tesla employees.
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This is the only showroom of its kind for Tesla. And while automakers have long displayed cars in malls, Tesla is the only one setting up shop in Nordstrom. A Tesla spokeswoman said there is currently no other plans for future showrooms. To be clear, this is just a showroom for now. Tesla has applied for a sales license and will sell both Model X and Model S at the location, a company spokeswoman said. The Model X will remain as only the vehicle on display.
This is the first time Nordstrom has worked with an automaker, according to Nordstrom spokesman Dan Evans, who declined to provide specifics on the financial arrangements of the partnership.
“While we admire Tesla, it’s really not about the car, it’s about offering something new,” Evans said in an email. “We’re investing in lots of ways to make our stores more compelling and this is an example.”
This store will only sell the Model X—at least for now. Tesla began deliveries of the Model X in September, but production and deliveries were slow to ramp up. The vehicle has had its share of problems including a recall and complaints about the doors and windshield.
Production and deliveries of the Model X have improved in the past quarter. Earlier this year, Tesla created an online design studio for customers in Europe
and North America for choosing interior design details and the battery pack for the Model X. The company said in May that the Model X would be in all of its stores by the end of the year.
It’s an approach that other automakers and dealers oppose and have actively fought against. Some states, like Texas and Arizona, have banned the direct sales model. In those states, Tesla can build a showroom—or gallery as it calls it—where customers can learn about the vehicles.
U.S. state laws prevent automakers with existing franchisees from opening their own dealerships to compete with them. However, dealer associations in a number of states including Massachusetts, Missouri, North Carolina, and Washington have tried to expand the law to include manufacturers like Tesla that don’t have franchise dealers. Auto dealership associations, lawmakers, and even General Motors
have stepped up efforts to end—or at least cripple—Tesla’s direct sales business model
. Tesla’s has had mixed results fighting these attacks.
Tesla has a history of tinkering with its sales strategy. Last summer, Tesla set up mobile pop-up shops
in various vacation spots, including Santa Barbara, Calif., the Hamptons, and in Europe. Those mobile store was made up of two shipping containers with steel beams between and a canvas roof that fit on a flatbed truck. Once it reached its destination, it unfolded to double its size in a few hours.
Correction, June 15, 2016: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Tesla was selling cars in the Nordstrom department store. A Tesla spokeswoman said it is a showroom for now. Once its sales license is approved, Tesla will use the space to sell its Model S and Model X.


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COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa. (KMTV) — At three TS Bank locations in Council Bluffs, people could donate canned goods for Together Food Pantry and diapers for New Visions Homeless Services.
They started collections last week and are taking the deliveries out on Giving Tuesday.
"We chose canned goods and diapers because it's a simple way to start and an easy way to kind of start at the ground level," Kelsey Stupfell with TS Banking Group said.
Over the last 18 to 20 months, there's been a real need at Together Food Pantry.
"A lot of times, they need the fruits and vegetables. We saw a gap there so we wanted to fulfill that need," Stupfell said.
Heather Beekhuizen with New Visions Homeless Services is focusing on collecting diapers for a holiday event.
"We typically serve about 5000 people through this event, and so when folks come through, if they've got a family that needs diapers, we'll definitely add those diapers to their packages that we'll be loading into their cars that day," Beekhuizen said.
Beekhuizen has seen families go to desperate measures to make up for the lack of diapers.
"We've seen t-shirts or like a dishcloth that can be used, and obviously you know for sanitary reasons that's not the best situation for those kiddos," Beekhuizen said.
This Giving Tuesday can serve as a reminder to help families who are doing what they can to scrape by.
"Regardless if we were a bakery or shoe shop, banking is the vehicle we can help people do more and help them in their next stage of life. We really want to help everyone else in their story and wherever they're at in that chapter of life." Stupfell said.
People donated almost 2000 diapers and 453 canned goods.


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DSignage, a digital signage and experience innovation agency, announces the launch of DSignage as a Service (DSaaS), a monthly subscription service that gives US companies access to the latest digital technology to engage, inform and engage consumers without the hassle of marketing and training.
For a set monthly fee, large businesses will be able to use DSignage’s vast inventory of digital systems with the option of upgrading to newer technology with available capabilities. Subscribers will have access to the same LED, UHD, OLED, LCD and super amoled technologies that have fueled the growth of the industry worldwide.
DSasS users can also take advantage of DSignage’s creative agency, which provides videos and graphics for digital commercial displays, as well as design, installation, support and technical support.
“Digital display technology has been a capital investment, with companies spending thousands on hardware and software annually,” said Jose Diaz, president of DSignage. “With DSaaS, having the use of digital tools in the operational budget – and well placed in most companies.”
DSaaS is breaking the $18 billion global digital display market, giving companies more ability to display to customers and compete with the big brands. In the last 10 years, the development of digital display technology has made it the go-to for advertising. Technology has opened doors to new and innovative ways to improve products and enhance experiences for global brands such as Coca-Cola, Nike and Mercedes Benz.
High-resolution digital displays are popular in corporate campuses, health facilities, entertainment and sports venues, large shopping malls, car dealers, restaurant chains, retail stores and transportation companies. DSignage creates dynamic video systems for companies such as Novant Health, Siemens, Swiss Watch and Baptist Health South Florida.
DSaaS allows companies to keep their capital in their pockets and use the profits they see from digital marketing campaigns to dream bigger.
“Once customers see the impact digital display technology has on the bottom line, they want to use more sophisticated systems,” Diaz said. “With DSaaS, they can be as creative as their imagination allows without worrying about how to do it.”
DSignage’s signature service bridges huge digital divides, erasing the barriers many companies faced in the past with access to technologies;
• Commercial digital displays as well as related hardware and software are expensive and often require capital expenditures.
• Companies are afraid to integrate digital technologies, because they struggle to visualize how the technology will increase their income, unless money and communications are improved.
• Hardware and software often become obsolete within a few years.
SaaS ensures that no one is forced to invest in equipment, installation or operation.
“All business now is to play the press,” Diaz said.
Offering businesses an affordable digital display media technology is a gamechanger for thousands of retailers.
“I really like what” [DSignage] does it for retail. It makes stores come to life,” said John English, visual merchandise manager for Swiss Watches.
For more information, visit www.dsignage.net.
For Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami newspaper covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami San Francisco newspapers provide news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With a wide range of local news topics related to community affairs, The Miami Herald is the best source for staying up-to-date with the latest news and events in the area. Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, giving listeners an in-depth look into Miami culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news or community podcasts, Miami Community Newspapers has you covered.
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For the past few years, BPA has dominated the health news headlines. The chemical compound, also known as bisphenol-A, became public enemy #1 when consumers began to realize that the compound found in everything from baby bottles to grocery store receipts had also been linked to health issues ranging from reproductive disorders to ADHD to asthma. Consumers protested, boycotted, and made their voices heard until market forces took action and BPA-free products began popping up on every aisle. But now, a European Task Force has released a finding that BPA is perfectly safe for humans.
BPA belongs to a class of chemicals known as endocrine disrupters. Its ability to simulate certain hormones in the body led many to worry that exposure to the chemical could lead to potential health risks.
But according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), BPA exposure does not pose any health risk to humans of any age. "EFSA concludes that BPA poses no health risk to consumers because current exposure to the chemical is too low to cause harm," the EFSA noted in a statement. The agency concluded that for most people, the average exposure to BPA is three to five times lower than the "tolerable daily intake," (TDI) a number set by the European agency at four micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day.
Agency officials conceded that ingestion of BPA by humans is likely to occur through foods and drinks that have been packaged in BPA-lined cans and containers. They also noted that exposure to extremely high doses of BPA — around 100 times the TDI — could affect the liver, kidneys and mammary glands. But the agency asserted that the level of exposure for most people is too low to be considered harmful to health.
The U.S. banned BPA from baby bottles in 2012, but said there was not enough evidence for a wider ban of the chemical in other products.
What do you think about the EFSA's new ruling? Does it change your opinion?
Related on MNN:
- Which food companies don't use BPA-lined cans?
- BPA: Is plastic poisoning our food?
- How can I avoid BPA?


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Year-end volumes were 19% higher than 2020 levels, largely overcoming supply constraints
BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Commercial demand stayed strong for notebook PCs in Q4 2021 thanks to Windows 11 performance and growth of DaaS (Device as a Service) while SMBs and consumers grabbed huge holiday discounts to end the year strong. The industry prioritized notebook PC production in the face of supply constraints to keep up with hybrid working needs. According to a new report by Strategy Analytics, notebook shipments grew 19% over the previous highs reached in 2020 to reach 268 million units. As 2022 begins, the industry must be cautious about lingering supply issues and increased freight and manufacturing costs.
The full report from Strategy Analytics’ Connected Computing Devices (CCD) service, Preliminary Global Notebook PC Shipments and Market Share: Q4 2021 Results can be found here: https://www.strategyanalytics.com/access-services/devices/tablets-and-pcs/connected-computing-devices/market-data/report-detail/preliminary-global-notebook-pc-shipments-and-market-share-q4-2021-results
Chirag Upadhyay, Industry Analyst said, “This was another strong quarter for notebooks, capping an end to another strong year. The continued demand of hybrid work environment supported the developed market’s growth which was also driven by Window 11 and DaaS attractive price offerings. Emerging markets are driven by continued demand from small and medium businesses whilst consumers continue to shift towards mobility. Also, delayed orders from Q3 2021 due to component shortage and supply issues were fulfilled in the fourth quarter.”
Eric Smith, Director – Connected Computing added, “As we witnessed a slowdown in Chromebook demand in the second half of 2021, Windows demand took off in Q4 2021. Windows 11 enterprise upgrades gave Windows notebooks strong momentum during the quarter across all regions. Microsoft also attracted top PC vendors with the recently launched Window 11 SE for K-8 education, targeting the surge in Chrome market share during the pandemic. Windows also remained the popular choice for consumers as gaming notebook PC demand continued during holiday season.”
- Lenovo shipped (sell-in) 16.2 million units in Q4 2021 (calendar year), representing -9% growth decline and +6% growth compared to previous quarter
- HP maintained the second position as shipments reached 14.5 million in Q4 2021 at a -4% decline year-over-year
- Dell registered record notebook PC shipments of 13.2 million units, a 14% growth rate year-on-year and 8% growth compared to previous quarter
- Apple MacOS carried the momentum from September quarter and set an all-time record in the company’s history with shipping more than 6.6 million MacBooks during the holiday quarter, an 11% growth from Q4 2020
- Acer returned to the top 5 ranks by shipping 5.2 million units, a sequential 6% growth compared to the previous quarter which was negatively impacted by supply issues
Source: Strategy Analytics, Inc.
About Strategy Analytics
Strategy Analytics, Inc. is a global leader in supporting companies across their planning lifecycle through a range of customized market research solutions. Our multi-discipline capabilities include industry research advisory services, customer insights, user experience design and innovation expertise, mobile consumer on-device tracking and business-to-business consulting competencies. With domain expertise in smart devices, connected cars, intelligent home, service providers, IoT, strategic components and media, Strategy Analytics can develop a solution to meet your specific planning need. For more information, visit us at www.strategyanalytics.com
For more information about Strategy Analytics
Connected Computing Devices: Click here


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Years ago when we first started talking about electric cars, we all envisaged small bubble cars that could be plugged in at your front door. While we may not be able to plug in at the front door the engineering developments in electric cars have come a long way.
This year motor sport saw the introduction of the Formula E series which was watched by thousands and attracted the well recognised racing names of Prost, Senna, Andretti Piquet and Trulli.
Obviously you can’t compare it to F1; the sound, speeds and handling are very different but FE is only just beginning and who knows where it will be in 10 years?
Generally the look and feel of electric and hybrid cars is nothing like what was expected all those years ago. Yes, there are some vehicles that do resemble the original bubble type shape and are very small so not practical for families, but increasing numbers of manufacturers are recognising that they have to bring electric to their range. Many providers like Audi and Mercedes-Benz have introduced good looking hybrid cars to their ranges, removing the stigma that was originally associated with the look of an electric car and of course, making them family friendly.
A recent article by the BBC reported that Nissan has sold more than 2000 of their Leaf electric cars in the first half of this year. Government initiatives that reduce the cost of ownership go some way to explaining the increases in sales of electric cars.
The lack of availability of charging points is and will remain an issue for some time to come. If you live rurally then it’s unlikely you could manage with a completely electric car, but with most manufacturers now offering hybrids, this is an issue that is likely to reduce. However, charging time and battery life is still up for debate, especially for long journeys.
Developments in the last 12 months means that the charge time has reduced from 8 hours to 20 minutes and the network of charging stations is increasing. Ecotricity have installed around 170 superfast charging stations at motorway service stations over the past year and have seen in increase in their usage. Between October and December last year only 400o cars used the charging system, but this increased to 15,000 between April and June this year. With about 170 miles from a 30 minute superfast charge, this is going some way to resolving the long journey issues.
At the moment charging stations are free, so there must be some major fuel savings to be had. With electric cars sales increasing each year, it stands to reason that developments will continue to be made in this area.
Read the full BBC article here: Speedy charging driving a global boom in electric cars
What’s your view on electric cars? Do you own a hybrid? Let us know your experience and whether it’s resulted in major savings.
Image copyright:Copyright: packshot / 123RF Stock Photo
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Shortly after the Central African Republic (CAR) approved Bitcoin (BTC) as a fiat currency, local governments are moving to provide a digital currency infrastructure.
CAR Chairman Faustin-Archange Touadera tweeted on May 24th announcing the launch of the country’s first major crypto initiative dubbed “Sango”.
The creation of CAR’s crypto hub came shortly after the National Assembly unanimously adopted Bitcoin as a fiat currency, Tuadera notes.
After unanimous adoption by the National Assembly #BTC Legal tender status, we are excited to showcase our first concrete initiative! There is the possibility of reorganization beyond politics and administration. #car‘s financial system! #Bitcoinhttps://t.co/1oxLHOen6q
— Faustin-Archange Touadéra (@FA_Touadera) May 24, 2022
The President of CAR previously introduction The Sango project was registered as a legitimate cryptocurrency investment platform on the official government Facebook page on May 24th. The Sango platform is positioned as CAR’s “first crypto initiative” and is dubbed the second official language of CAR after French.
According to the official Sango website mentioned in the statement, the Sango platform is Initiate In the National Assembly, it is supported by the central government and the president.
“Building the first legal cryptocurrency hub in the heart of Africa will take Bitcoin adoption to the next level and enhance the cryptocurrency experience, potentially bringing the world’s most unique space,” the presidential statement said.
Touadera noted that the adoption of Bitcoin offers “unimaginable possibilities” for the development and change of the country, saying:
“Cryptocurrency Hub, Bitcoin […] And cryptocurrency is a tool that will redesign the future of our country. Sango can usher in a new economic era with enormous potential unimagined by Africa or the rest of the world.”
The president also said that it is his greatest desire for the Sango project to make cryptocurrency accessible to everyone, creating an international example of how cryptocurrency benefits can be a vector of national economic performance. President: “The official economy is no longer an option” famousNew platforms like Sango aim to solve bureaucracy problems and promote competition, he added.
RELATED: Crypto users in Africa will grow by 2,500% in 2021 report
CAR became the first country in Africa to adopt Bitcoin as a fiat currency and the second country in the world after El Salvador.
With crypto adoption growing on the continent, many countries in Africa are moving to adopt digital assets. In April, several African countries such as Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo and Republic of Congo announced plans to adopt TON blockchain as cryptocurrency and blockchain to drive future national economic development.


text: Getting a fresh name out in the industry has always proven to be difficult. Sony wasn't always as widely known as it is now, and certainly neither was Samsung. Even some companies as big as Lamborghini (who used to make farm tractors) and Coca Cola (which was marketed as stomach medicine) suffered in the very beginning. But in an ever-crowded market, comes a new company from HTC's old executives, called "Kazam". The big question is, how will it stack up?


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LAS VEGASThe main themes at the 2004 Consumer Electronics Show here focused on creating better high-definition video images and making it cheaper and easier for consumers to enjoy them. That means home video networking, along with higher-definition and cheaper sets. But it wasn't all about videoaudio advanced as well, with smaller and cheaper players, along with higher fidelity for less. Here's a look at the most important new products and technologies at this year's CES.
When it comes to HDTV, the question is no longer whether it'll happen, but when. Intel's entry into the LCoS market means better-than-40-inch sets will break the $2,000 barrierperhaps by fall. DLP continues to advance as well, with RCA showing a 61-inch set that's just 6-inch thick. That means DLP can now be hung on the wall, like plasma, instead of sitting on a stand.
LCD sets were everywhere at CES, as prices for screens based on the technology begin to fall below those of similar-sized plasma displays. We were most impressed with Sharp's latest, incorporating Wi-Fi networking, along with the company's 45-inch 1080p panel.
Speaking of 1080pa sort of super-HDTVit seems to be the wave of HDTV's future. TI pushed DLP technology into the new frontier with the new xHD3 chip and promised delivery by the end of 2004.
As for plasma? It's not dead yet, not by any means. Panasonic showed off its upgraded Viera line of sets, including digital TV tuners, HDMI support and memory card readers. And Samsung continues to push the size of plasmawowing attendees with its 70-inch Plasma TVat 1080p, an amazingly good-looking set.
Finally, we're beginning to see digital video recordersa k a TiVo-style devicesthat let users record HDTV content for later. TiVo clarified its plansa mostly underwhelming launch with DirecTV this springas did Motorola, Dish Network and Scientific Atlanta. Most of the exciting action here centered on smaller players. Paul Allen's Digeo announced a second cable customer for its innovative Moxi box, due in a month. HDTV satellite start-up VOOM rolled out its own HDTV receiver too. But we were most impressed with start-up Digital Deck, which promises multi-TV DVR functionality and HDTV, too.
But what about content? I spent some time with ESPN's HD team and came away impressed with the network's commitment to the formatSportsCenter in HD by spring sounds good to me. But the real news on HD content wasn't about what to watch but about new ways to move it around the house.


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Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi speaks at a product launch occasion in San Francisco, California on September 26, 2019.
Philip Pacheco | AFP through Getty Photographs
Uber is buying the remaining 47% curiosity in grocery supply start-up Cornershop in an all-stock transaction, the corporate stated Monday. The acquisition reveals how Uber is investing extra exterior its core ride-hailing enterprise, which has to date didn’t show worthwhile.
Shares of Uber have been down 2.47% Monday morning.
The deal comes almost two years after Uber purchased a majority stake in Cornershop for an undisclosed sum. Cornershop at the moment operates within the U.S., Peru, Brazil, Colombia and Canada.
“Uber already owns ~50% of Cornershop and we have seen how working collectively can ship nice outcomes, like our joint 2020 launch of Brazil, the place very quickly we grew to become a number one participant. However to actually unlock the total potential of this partnership, we have to function as one firm,” Oskar Hjertonsson, founder and CEO of Cornershop, stated in a tweet.
The deal is anticipated to shut in July.
Uber has targeted its acquisition efforts on its Eats phase through the coronavirus pandemic. Uber acquired Postmates final July after it failed to purchase meals supply service GrubHub. It additionally acquired alcohol-delivery service Drizly in February.
Uber has offloaded a few of its extra cost-eating transportation segments. The corporate final 12 months transferred its electrical bike and scooter enterprise, Leap, to Lime. Uber additionally offered its self-driving unit, Superior Applied sciences Group, to its start-up competitor Aurora Innovation. It additionally offloaded its flying taxi enterprise, Uber Elevate.


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Maryville City Manager announced at the December 9 Tourism Committee meeting that the city would be launching the tourism website.
The city has hired a Northwest Missouri State University student intern to help work on the website. There will be a press release with detailed instructions on how to use the “list my business” button for local business owners to get their information on the site.
Tourism committee member Stephanie Campbell suggested the site include a video to detail the steps to list the businesses.
Maryville business owner Holly Kay Cronk spoke about the Make It Maryville Facebook page which had received a $1,000 grant from the committee to promote the December 5 Shop Hop through Facebook advertising and local print advertising.
The site itself had 15,000 visits with 32,000 impressions according to Facebook. She reported her business, Ferluknat Farm and another business owner she had contacted had better sales this year than last. Campbell of Blue Willow reported traffic in the store was steady and sales similar to last year.
McDanel gave the committee an update on the upcoming South Main Street project. The bid process is ready to begin with 63 of the 66 easements obtained. Construction is projected to begin in March, with Evergy maybe doing work earlier to bury the utility lines which run along side the street. Fifteen to 18 months of construction is projected with the only complete street closure to be West South Avenue at Main Street.


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Indonesia’s PT Smartfren Telecom (Smartfren) has set out its stall to double its mobile subscriber base this year and promises to be more aggressive in optimising its 4G network to reach this goal. The firm’s deputy commercial CEO Djoko Tata Ibrahim told a media briefing in Jakarta that Smartfren closed out 2017 with twelve million mobile users, and now aims to double this to 24 million by ramping up its marketing strategies. The official also confirmed that the cellco is now using a full 4G LTE network using frequencies at 850MHz and 2300MHz and has finally switched off its legacy CDMA network as part of its migration plan. Smartfren closed out 2017 with 13,326 base stations on air and will deploy a further 10,000 new units in 2018, he said. Djoko also provided some details on Smartfren’s three-pronged subscriber acquisition strategy, noting that the firm is foregrounding: Open Market Handset (OMH) strategy, which targets the premium market by working with handset vendors such as Samsung, Lenovo, and HiSense to develop smartphone devices with products tailored to the cellco’s networks and services; Andromax bundling, which targets the lower-middle segment by offering them bundled services with an Andromax handset (a new model of which will launch in February) and which is based on what it terms an ‘affordable price with unlimited data concept’; and sales of starter packs for the lower-income demographic.
Smartfren booked losses of IDR2.822 trillion (USD211.5 million) in January-September 2017, but is confident that it is managing to grow its revenues, which stood at IDR3.318 trillion in the same period, up 28% from IDR2.592 trillion in 9M16.


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They have told RailAdvent that following the current lockdown restrictions and uncertainty regarding the lockdown, they have decided to cancel the December programme of tours.
Steam Dreams was set to run a range of Christmas dining services as well as a number of Santa Specials.
The locomotive for these tours was planned to be Ex-LNER B1 No. 61306 Mayflower.
David Buck, Owner of Steam Dreams, told RailAdvent: ‘We are seeing an appetite for travel in 2021 and have had a very positive response to our new programme which has recently been launched. Everyone is hopeful of better days ahead and I am delighted to give them something to look forward to with our fabulous selection of trips and holidays.’
Steam Dreams told RailAdvent “Following the current restrictions and the uncertainty in the proceeding weeks we have made the decision to cancel our programme of trips in December. Whilst it is regretful, the health and safety of our passengers, staff and volunteers are of paramount importance to us and always at the forefront of our minds. All passengers affected by this have all been contacted and offered alternative options.”
If you would like to see all the tours for 2021 as they are announced, please click here to the view the RailAdvent Mainline Steam Page.
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'All auction companies in this industry collect fees from both the buyer and seller,' Wise pointed out, before adding, 'We only collect from the buyer and the fee structure is lower than the national average.'
League City, TX (PRWEB) October 27, 2013
When it comes to buying, consumers want a good deal, and thanks to a new tiered transaction fee structure recently implemented by EHE Auctions, both buyers and sellers of used heavy construction and farm equipment, benefit.
“The new tiered system will ensure high sale through rates on lots regardless of the price,” said Milissa Wise, Director of Operations for Expert Heavy Equipment, the parent company of EHE Auctions.
EHE Auctions provides a service for individuals and companies that want to dispose of their used heavy construction or farm equipment.
“All auction companies in this industry collect fees from both the buyer and seller,” Wise pointed out, before adding, “We only collect from the buyer and the fee structure is lower than the national average. We are utilizing a Wal-Mart pricing strategy.”
Under the new tiered transaction structure, for example: The seller who has a piece of equipment that has a sale price of $100,000 will not have to pay any seller’s fees. The buyer will only have to pay 4 percent and half of this fee is paid to Proxibid.
Nationally, buyer's fees, according to Wise, typically range from 2 percent to 12 percent of the sale price. The buyer's fees for EHE Auctions range from 4 percent to 8 percent based on the sale price, high to low respectively.
Half of EHE’s fees go directly to Proxibid, which allows EHE Auctions to offer the largest base of global, qualified buyers.
“This ensures a high return on your equipment,” Wise stressed. “What’s even better is that with EHE Auctions, there’s no transportation costs and no negotiations.”
Wise went on to note that for sellers, the company’s new transaction fee structure provides them with zero risk, and 100 percent of advantages.
For buyers, the transaction fee structure provides competitive buyers fees, making it affordable to purchase through EHE’s auction.
In addition to the tiered transaction fee structure, Wise added that part of benefits that buyers have access to, are the benefits that come along with EHE Auction’s partnership with National Equipment Registry (NER).
NER, according to Wise, gives buyer a piece of mind when bidding on used equipment online.
“Our partnership with NER provides IRONcheck reports to ensure the machines being offered are not stolen and have no outstanding liens,” Wise said. “Because there is no titling process for heavy construction and farm equipment, this allows individuals and companies to avoid potentially huge problems by clearly establishing ownership rights,” Wise said. “IRONcheck reports eliminate any surprises for the buyer.”


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AHDB Potatoes' first provisional estimate of total production in Great Britain for the 2016 crop year is 5.22 million tonnes, down 5% from 2015. Average yields for GB are estimated at just under 45 tonnes/ha, down 8% on last year.
Farm Frites has announced the arrival of the Ultimate Chip in the United Kingdom. This French fry is launched as the Dutch manufacturer of frozen and chilled potato products celebrates 25 years of operating in the UK.
The new Haith Tri-Wash is a high-performance process washer for root vegetables, specifically designed for growers wanting increased efficiency where crops are lifted on soils with high stone contents.


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It’s in just three days! The Paige Denim Sample sale! It’s the brands first sample sale in four years and will feature amazing deals on the hottest Men’s and Women’s styles for a special one-time sale.
Prices will be up to 80% off and Paige have just confirmed that their famed flannels will be included as well! It’s being held at Siren Studios in Los Angeles, California on Saturday 21st – Sunday 22nd December. There are details in the flyer above as well on how to gain VIP early access so you wont miss out on the hot stuff!


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CINCINNATI -- Gearheads from around the country met in Ault Park on Sunday to show off their exotic and luxury cars and motorcycles for a good cause.
While the 41st Annual Concours d'Elegance is open to the general public, the featured vehicles are more exclusive.
"This is an invitation-only show," said Fred Jones, one of the staff members responsible for picking which cars are allowed into the show. "You can't just drive up and enter it."
Some of the cars, such as a 2015 Porsche 918, cost more than $1 million -- and that's on the cheap side compared to others. Jones said there were eight vehicles in the same class one year worth about a combined $80 million.
While the cars are the main attraction, the proceeds benefit the Juvenile Arthritis programs of the Arthritis Foundation.
"All the money stays local, here, in the Cincinnati area," said Sue Willis, the event's executive director. Willis said the money raised helps support "families with one or more children with arthritis."


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In September 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned about impurities in Zantac, a brand-name drug. These impurities could cause cancer in humans. The impurity is called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). Based on laboratory tests, NDMA has been identified as an environmental contaminant. It is a probable cause of cancer in humans.
Exposure to high levels of NDMA over a prolonged period of time may lead to cancer. Some foods, such as vegetables, meats, and dairy products, contain NDMA. People and their families who have been treated for heartburn with Zantac or generic Zantac as well as Nexium, Prilosec, Prilosec, and Prevacid may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the drug. To find out if you are eligible or not 'browse around here' to have words with lawyers for your case.
Image Source: Google
When a laboratory informed the FDA of very high levels of NDMA found in ranitidine products, the FDA announced its findings. Multiple medical studies from the 1980s have provided evidence of the drug's risk. Sanford University performed urine tests on 10 patients who had taken Zantac 150 mg tablets. The results showed that NDMA levels were higher than the FDA's daily limit.
A California lab, recently reported that NDMA was being produced by ranitidine, a drug. Researchers stated that prolonged heat exposure during shipping or Zantac being left in a vehicle in summer can result in NDMA.
FDA asked drug companies producing ranitidine to test their products for NDMA. If lab tests showed that the ranitidine medication had NDMA levels exceeding the daily intake limit, the FDA advised drug companies to remove the product from the market. Ranitidine medication has been recalled by many manufacturers.


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We've reached the iPhone solstice. The calendar is now closer to a new iPhone release than the last release.
As of yesterday America is trusting a man with it's national security secrets. That man does not trust Americans to see his tax returns.
Companies that go from concept to being publicly listed at $2.9B in 6 years are sooooooooo disappointing.
tldr analysis of f8: if you missed out on building a mobile OS, then build the meta OS.


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Oil prices extended losses Tuesday after weak US and Chinese data reinforced recession expectations, though equities won support from hopes the figures will allow central banks to temper their pace of interest rate hikes.
When it comes to buying baby gifts, it is often a decision between affordability, presentability and quality. Pineapple switches things up, making prime-quality customisable baby hampers that are not just delightfully beautiful but also highly accessible at inexpensive prices.SINGAPORE - Media OutReach - 15 August 2022 - Those looking to get the perfect baby gifts and gift hampers need no longer make a choice between affordability, presentability and quality. Pineapple, a newly launched business
The number of initial public offerings at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) will probably rise to a record this year, with a value of at least P150 billion ($2.7 billion), bourse President Ramon Monzon said.
That followed surprisingly weak Chinese activity data spanning industrial output, retail sales and fixed-asset investment as a nascent recovery from draconian COVID-19 lockdowns faltered. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is widely expected to raise rates by half a point again on Wednesday, with the focus on whether policymakers follow the Federal Reserve and Reserve Bank of Australia in shifting to a more data-driven approach. "The path of least resistance for NZD is lower until the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's policy meeting tomorrow."
HANOI, VIETNAM - Media OutReach - 15 August 2022 - On July 20nd, the Scientific Reports journal (the Nature) officially annouced a break-through research on using LiveSpo NAVAX probiotic spores in nasal spray form to support the treatment of acute respiratory infections in children infected with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)  Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of Acute Respiratory Tract Infections (ARTIs) in young children. The World Health Organization estimates that 48
No-frills and fuss-free concept offers memberships from only AUD18.95 per weekQUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA - Media OutReach - 15 August 2022 - Aussie gym goers and fitness enthusiasts can look forward to a smart new way to train as high value, low price (HVLP) brand Go2Fit makes its Australian debut in the suburb of Sunnybank, Brisbane this October. Guided by its brand values of Smart, Bold, and Invigorating, Go2Fit, which trades under the GoFit brand in other markets, is poised to change the way peopl
With the launch of their highest-grade Manuka Honey, MGO800+, and fresh honeycomb from New Zealand, Herbal Pharm has positioned itself as a market leader in supplements and premium lifestyle products. SINGAPORE - Media OutReach - 15 August 2022 - Having noticed the lack of authentic premium quality honey within the country, Singapore-based brand Herbal Pharm has introduced its premium range of Manuka Honey for the Singapore market, making it available at both retail stores and online. Aside from
The land transport giant is happy to reward investors after booking an exceptional gain. The post ComfortDelGro Declares a Special Dividend: 7 Things You Should Know About the Land Transport Giant’s Latest Earnings appeared first on The Smart Investor.
Food Expo and concurrent events attract more than 430,000 visitorsHONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 15 August 2022 - The HKTDC Food Expo, HKTDC Home Delights Expo, HKTDC Beauty & Wellness Expo and HKTDC Hong Kong International Tea Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), have all drawn to a successful close, along with the International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products (ICMCM), organised by the Modernized Chinese Medicine Internati
America's tech giants are taking a modern-day crash course in India's ancient caste system, with Apple emerging as an early leader in policies to rid Silicon Valley of a rigid hierarchy that's segregated Indians for generations. Apple, the world's biggest listed company, updated its general employee conduct policy about two years ago to explicitly prohibit discrimination on the basis of caste, which it added alongside existing categories such as race, religion, gender, age and ancestry. The inclusion of the new category, which hasn't been previously reported, goes beyond U.S. discrimination laws, which do not explicitly ban casteism.


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Certification for Bettcher Industries
Bettcher Industries has been approved by Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance (LRQA) under the ISO 9001: 2008 Quality Management System standard.
The certification covers new requirements established in November 2008 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) pertaining to the requirements for Quality Management Systems.
Bettcher Industries is one of the first companies to be certified by LRQA under the new ISO 9001: 2008 standard. The certification applies to the company’s design, manufacture and service of machinery for the food processing industry, including trimmers, air-powered shears, cutting blades, sharpening equipment and automated batter breading machines. Bettcher Industries has been certified under ISO 9001 standards since 1997.
The new certification of the company came after a 4-day audit conducted by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance at the company’s headquarters in Birmingham, Oh. Commenting on LRQA’s audit procedures, Mike Casteel, Bettcher Industries’ quality assurance manager, said, “The audits were comprehensive. They covered nearly all elements of the company and included as many as 25 auditees from various departments.”
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The Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC) has revealed its unique electric light commercial vehicle platform, codenamed WATT eCV1.
The firm is a pioneer in the design and engineering, as well as manufacturing, of low-to-medium volume electric vehicles.
It does this under its own brand and also for third parties but there’s now a unique chassis that could be the basis for the next generation of electric light commercial vehicles.
The platform is designed for the production of 5,000 vehicles every year and the flexible 3.5 tonne chassis unit will meet a wide range of commercial vehicle designs – and also help deliver bespoke requirements.
Platform will help fleet operators and specialist vehicle converters
The firm says that the new platform will help fleet operators and specialist vehicle converters alike as they look to transition to an all-electric future for their fleets.
It not only complies with ISO regulations, but the platform also exceeds stringent European safety rules.
The battery has been integrated into the structure so there’s no separate battery pack which will help minimise weight and payload – and improve stiffness.
The firm says that because it has delivered a clean sheet design, there are no compromises that most LCV electric van designs have to meet.
Central driving position that helps with kerbside access
One boost is a central driving position that helps with kerbside access, regardless of which side of the road the van is parked on.
The cabin can be configured with one, two or three seats and there’s excellent visibility with lots of glass.
The firm says the platform is also easier to drive and to manoeuvre and park.
The A-pillars have also been repositioned to reduce drag which will, in turn, boost the battery’s efficiencies.
Kerb weight of the chassis cab
The new architecture will see the kerb weight of the chassis cab starting at 1,750 kg and able to deliver payloads of between 3.5 tonnes and 4.25 tonnes.
The new platform is not only scalable and flexible, it’s also a cost-effective and lightweight creation using laser-cut pieces and bespoke aluminium extrusions.
These can be bonded ingeniously in a technical innovation that the firm calls FlexTech.
The founder and chief executive of Watt Electric Vehicles, Neil Yates, said: “As the electrification of the transport sector accelerates what we are seeing from customers is the need for a ready-to-go, sophisticated yet cost-effective electric commercial vehicle offering.
“With our first product, the eCV1, we have really re-thought what is possible, and over the coming months will reveal full details of the further unique features that make it a truly revolutionary light electric commercial vehicle.”


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Cazoo has signed a multi-year agreement with Alba Berlin to become the basketball Bundesliga team’s main partner and new shirt sponsor.
The online used car disruptor’s branding will be seen on the front of the shirts of the professional men’s team as well as the male youth academy teams during Bundesliga and EuroLeague home games.
It’ll also feature on the pro team bus, the club’s website and all media backdrops featured on televised basketball coverage.
Alba Berlin is the second sports sponsorship for Cazoo in Germany, after announcing a deal with SC Freiburg in April.
Cazoo launched in France and Germany last December, in Spain this month (May) and plans to launch in Italy later this year.
Founder and CEO Alex Chesterman said: ‘We are very excited to be partnering with Alba Berlin.
‘As one of the most successful German basketball clubs, the drive to succeed is inherent in Alba Berlin like it is in us.
‘We look forward to working with the club and the local community and to delivering the best car-buying experience to their fans and consumers across Germany.’
Marco Baldi, chief executive of Alba Berlin, said: ‘Being Germany’s biggest basketball club, we play in national and Europe-wide competitions.
‘Cazoo wants to conquer the European market with its innovative e-commerce concept and we’re excited to help them.
‘The fact that Cazoo will not only support our men’s pro team but also our youth academy teams expresses our new partner’s appreciation for our sustainable idea of grassroots work in sports education.’


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The Pokemon Company has announced a special promotional campaign for the holiday season in Europe.
The Pokemon Company has announced a new distribution event for Pokemon Sword And Shield in Europe.
It looks like Klonoa fans in the west will be able to own two of the series’ revived classics on their shelves!
Back in 2018, the German Consumer Protection Authority (VZBV) took Nintendo to court over its no-cancellation policy for pre-ordering games on the Switch eshop, stating that it was in violation of consumer’s rights to cancel and refund games that they had pre-ordered from the digital storefront.
Switch owners in Europe will soon be able to enjoy some massive digital deals!
Nintendo of Europe has informed French retailers the Day One launch shipments for Monster Hunter Rise Collector’s Edition and Nintendo Switch Fortnite Special Edition in France.
European retailer Bol has put up a listing for an Asterix & Obelix XXL Collection physical edition for Nintendo Switch.
Earlier this year, Eastasiasoft and Funbox Media revealed that Waifu Uncovered would be getting a European physical release. If you’re wondering what else the package will include, here’s a closer look!
The Pokemon Company has announced a special Dynamax Crystal Event for Pokemon Sword And Shield in Europe.


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The recent power move of Verizon acquiring AOL — one of a few major moves in the telecom industry — is now producing consequences for data privacy hawks and Verizon’s advertising coffers. And whether or not Verizon Wireless customers know it or like it, they’re all involved in the process.
The AOL Advertising Network, which collects information from traffic from its sites and other vendors using AOL’s services, is merging with Verizon’s ad services.
Here’s what Verizon and AOL are already gathering:
- postal address
- email address
- very specific parameters about your “mobile web browsing, app and feature usage and location of your device”
- other information about what Verizon products and services you use and how
- data from third-party providers (“gender, age range, and interests”)
The way Verizon tracks right now is with a supercookie tracker it attaches to all the internet interfaces you use, barring encrypted sites (like your online banking account).
That’s a ton of data from the most popular wireless carrier in the US. Data that, privacy advocate group Access asserts, is not encrypted when it’s being transmitted and can be very easily intercepted by parties not in Verizon and AOL’s ad network. Furthermore, it’s an opt-out program: that means Verizon subscribers are being tracked unless they say they don’t want to.
If you’re a Verizon customer and want to opt out, check your privacy settings on your MyVerizon page. A phone number is available for you to call at the Verizon link below.
Just a note that with this ad services merger comes a wider net for Verizon to cast and more unencrypted data that you may send — and possibly get stolen.
Full disclosure: Verizon — formerly AOL — is the parent company of Engadget


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Latest rumours say redesigned MacBook Pros will arrive between September and November
Apple fans can look forward to another packed fall season.
Mark Gurman, who covers Apple for Bloomberg, believes that Apple will unveil its highly-anticipated redesigned MacBook Pros sometime between September and November.
Apple was expected to show off these new notebooks at WWDC 2021 last month. But as we all know, the event came and went without the announcement of new hardware.
Following that, it's believed that worldwide chip shortages, as well as complications around their rumoured mini-LED displays, caused Apple to hold back on announcing these new notebooks.
Furthermore, given the already excellent performance of the M1 Macs like the 13-inch MacBook Pro and new 24-inch iMac, there's no real hurry for Apple to release these higher-end models.
Apple is also expected to announce its new iPhones during the September to November period.


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Walla Walla Valley Wineries Make Significant Contribution to Fundraiser for Seattle Children’s Hospital
As a follow-up to the recently completed Auction of Washington Wines 25th Anniversary celebration, which supports uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital, Auction organizers revealed that thirty-one (31) Walla Walla Valley wineries contributed over $237,000 in cash and funds generated from donations to the auction. This figure represents slightly more than the amount ($234,279) of uncompensated care that was provided for 203 patient visits provided by Seattle Children’s in the Walla Walla Valley. Auction monies were raised through a variety of live and silent auction items, along with special winemaker dinners.
According to Duane Wollmuth, executive director, Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance, “these figures continue to show the behind the scenes significant contributions made by our Valley’s winemaking community. For 2011, we estimated that the Valley’s wineries contributed a year’s total of over $1.9 million to charitable causes, and nearly $850,000 in the Walla Walla Valley alone.”
Wineries donate to charities in many different ways, including cash, wine, winemaker dinners, special tours, private tastings, art, merchandise, and other experiences. As Wollmuth states, “the contributions made to the Auction of Washington Wines illustrates both the camaraderie among our wineries and the values they share. Our wineries often join together to create auction packages that are unique and also garner top dollar donations.” To illustrate, as part of the Auction of Washington Wines event three of Walla Walla’s founding winery couples, Gary and Nancy Figgins of Leonetti Cellar, Rick and Darcey Small of Woodward Canyon, and Marty and Megan Clubb of L’Ecole No 41, joined together with Canlis Restaurant in Seattle to raise $29,600 from a special Walla Walla Founders Dinner.
Seattle Children’s Hospital is ranked as one of the best children’s hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report. Serving the largest landmass of any children’s hospital in the country (Washington, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho), Seattle Children’s continues its’ long legacy of benefitting children across all parts of Washington State.
The Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance is a non-profit wine industry membership organization whose primary mission is the marketing of the Walla Walla Valley’s American Viticultural Area (AVA). The Wine Alliance functions as the leading informational resource for consumers, media and trade interested in learning more about the Valley’s wine industry. More information about the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance can be found at www.wallawallawine.com.


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First Minister Arlene Foster has announced that face coverings/masks are to become mandatory in retail premises from Monday August 10th.
A statement from the Executive sets out the new guidelines for the indoor use of face masks.
“We have a collective duty and a personal responsibility to protect each other, and everyone who can wear a face covering should do so. It should not be viewed as an optional extra; it is a vital defence in our ongoing battle against Covid-19.
“Face coverings should be worn in shops and other enclosed spaces and no one should delay adopting this crucial measure. It will help to protect you and others.
“The Executive has this week launched a public information campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of face coverings. The ‘Wear one for Everyone’ campaign will be rolled out over the coming weeks and will help inform the public why they must wear a face covering to help stop the spread of Coronavirus and save lives.
“Most people carrying the virus don’t know they have it and can infect others unintentionally. Wearing a face covering can help to prevent this from happening. The campaign will urge people to think carefully about the risk they pose to loved ones and others by not doing so.
“We all must do everything possible to limit the transmission of Covid19. As well as wearing a face covering, everyone should continue to practise social distancing, wash your hands well and often, have good respiratory hygiene and avoid touching your face. We also urge as many people as possible to download the StopCOVID NI app.”
More information and guidance on the use of face coverings, including why they are needed; how to make one; and how they should be worn is available at: www.nidirect.gov.uk/face-coverings


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The Nintendo Switch's 33-month streak has been broken, the NPD Group confirms in its latest U.S. games market report.
NPD Group's latest market report for September 2021 shows that pandemic-levels of spending are continuing onward. Consumers spent $412 million on video games hardware in September 2021, up 49% over last year, driven by new consoles like the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. In fact, PS5 sales finally outstripped Switch sales through the month of September, breaking nearly 3 years of Switch dominance.
"PlayStation 5 was the best-selling hardware platform of September in both units and dollars. PlayStation 5 is the best-selling hardware platform of 2021 year-to-date in dollars, while Nintendo Switch leads in units," NPD Group's Mat Piscatella said.
"September 2021 snaps the remarkable 33 consecutive month streak that Nintendo Switch was the market's leading platform in hardware unit sales. November 2018 was the last month a platform other than Nintendo Switch led the market in unit sales (PlayStation 4)."
The PlayStation 5 has currently sold 10.1 million units (as of June 30, 2021) and the Switch is at 89.04 million. Bear in mind the Switch had a 4-year lead over the PS5.
The PlayStation 5's current September lead could be even higher if more PlayStation 5s were available for sale. The console is a big hit in Japan (as is the Switch) and other worldwide regions, and Sony has warned users that supply could remain constrained throughout 2022. As a result, Sony is elongating the PS4's lifecycle and multiple new titles like Gran Turismo 7, God of War Ragnarok, and Horizon Forbidden West are cross-gen releases across PS4 and PS5.
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