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large flame-fusion synthetic rubies are being disguised as naturals by intentionally cracking them and healing the fractures using flux. a gia news release says these gems are being offered as “heat-treated natural rubies.” “basically, it’s the same material that we used to see a lot more of a number of years ago, maybe 15 years ago, or more,” says shane mcclure, d…
September 1, 2005
in an effort to meet industry requests for accessible information regarding the new american gem society cut grade system, ags laboratories has launched a “trade only” secure section on its web site, featuring the cutting-chart guidelines for the system and a presentation explaining the methodology behind it.
b&n jewelry/alisa unger designs has relocated to 4994 lower roswell road, marietta, ga 30068. b&n is the parent company to alisa unger designs and britannia bridal. for information, call (800) 358-6223
jewelers’ circular keystone senior editor rob bates won a first-place liddicoat award for journalism in the trade reporting category from the american gem society. his winning article, “getting real about synthetic diamonds,” appeared in the june 2004 issue of jck. other winners included: “know the basics before you ring in the holidays with an engagement surprise,”…
sandra goodkind, who designs jewelry inspired by the victorian, edwardian, and art deco periods, has launched a web site. the site includes looks from goodkind’s three collections, rita, beatrice, and isabel. goodkind’s new web site is located at www.sandragoodkind.com.
this year, jck is taking a different approach to our annual state of the industry report. instead of interviewing individuals and then writing an article based on notes from the interviews, we asked some key industry leaders to speak for themselves. we identified critical issues in various sectors and posed a question or two to each leader.
ajm magazine, the flagship publication of manufacturing jewelers and suppliers of america, has received an award of distinction in the 2005 communicator awards print media competition. this is the third consecutive year ajm has earned this honor. the communicator awards is an international awards competition recognizing work that exceeds a high standard of excellence and serves as a benchmark f…
the new russian style/international jewellery moscow exhibition, held may 18-21 in moscow, russia, attracted 8,829 visitors. this figure represents a 23% increase over the 2004 fair’s attendance. along with 135 russian jewelry manufacturers, international participation included pavilions from italy, germany, and france, as well as individual exhibitors from china, hong kong, india, jordan, leb…
just 18 percent of women would choose a diamond over great sex, according to results of a recent jewelry.com survey called “what women want” conducted among 3,800 women. the survey reports that fine jewelry paled in comparison to the excitement offered by other categories as well, namely massage, cited by 63.
shreve, crump & low has announced that its flagship store in boston will move from 330 boylston st. to the corner of boylston and berkeley streets in boston’s back bay. the move is scheduled to take place in october. shreve, crump & low was founded in 1796. its flagship store has been at the 330 boylston st.
in july, dateline nbc tackled the subject of inflated diamond appraisals, warning viewers that buyers who rely on retail appraisals “may be in for a rude awakening.” the show went to several stores and bought diamonds. at all, clerks pointed to appraisals as evidence we were getting a bargain,” reporter victoria corderi noted.
a lifelong passion for gemology and a desire to train and educate others on the beauty and finer points of gemstones have driven debbie hiss’s multifaceted career. hiss, the director of training for new york–based lazare kaplan international, has served the industry in various capacities for nearly 30 years.
rahaminov, caressa, a. link, and shah diamonds are among manufacturers who recently unveiled new lines of opera-length diamond necklaces. even oscar heyman & bros. recently showed off a $1 million model to editors at a jewelry information center luncheon with the hopes of securing a spot in upcoming fashion photo shoots.
the gemological institute of america has announced two promotions. vivian wang was promoted to director of the institute’s taiwan branch. wang, who has served as manager of the location for the past 12 years, will continue to oversee all operations. stella lee, hong kong branch manager, was promoted to director of the branch.
working with jewelers of america, the american watch association has won an important victory in california, where proponents of a ban on mercury in daily products wanted watch sellers to set up a battery-collection program to recycle mercury-added button cells. specifically, watch retailers would have been a primary target of bill ab 1125, now being considered in the california general assem…
shari elder, sales representative for elder jewelry, lincoln, neb., was the grand-prize winner in dillon gage metals’ pirate sweepstakes, part of the supplier’s pirate-themed presentation at the jck show ~ las vegas 2005. to carry out the theme, dillon gage inserted a treasure map in the jck show daily and posted an x-marks-the-spot sign in their booth.
diamond-jewelry manufacturer ses creations is offering a free honeymoon giveaway to every store that sells the vendor’s jewelry. the first annual “win a free honeymoon” sweepstakes begins this month, and every participating store can give away one honeymoon trip—a five-day, four-night carnival cruise and round-trip airline tickets for two.
bernie robbins fine jewelry hosted designer leslie greene for a two-day trunk-show event in may at the newtown, pa., and marlton, n.j., stores that raised more than $4,000 for the mommy’s light lives on fund. the fund helps children and teens keep alive traditions and they shared with their mothers.
tanzanite is one of the most popular gems of the last 20 years. in its finer qualities, tanzanite resembles blue sapphire. and at the height of production in the early 1990s, a wide range of qualities and sizes was available. the stone gained acceptance in its own right as dealers no longer saw it merely as a less-expensive alternative to fine blue sapphire.
the gemological institute of america’s famed lab will add its first-ever cut grade to its reports jan. 1, 2006. the system will have five overall cut grades: excellent, very good, good, fair, and poor. it will apply to round brilliants only, not fancy shapes, fancy-colored stones, or rounds modified with different facet arrangements—though gia is researching those stones.
as some of you know, prior to joining jck, i was with reed business’s entertainment-industry trade magazine, variety. a perk of the job was visiting family and friends through the year and regaling them with stories of chatting with renée, shaking tom’s hand, standing right next to nicole, and bumping into elton.
some people, after conceding a debate or argument, are thrilled to see their predictions of doom come true. after all, what better validation is there for the rightness of one’s position than to be able to say, “see? i told you so!” last september, jck’s cover story focused on the controversy of jvc’s j-bar appraisal program, and this column, titled “clear as mud” (see j…
this year’s swiss watch fairs gave new meaning to the term “good sports” as brands fielded stylish watches, some for specific sports and others just sporty. time to dive in citizen’s aqualand eco-drive is the first light-powered diver watch with a depth meter, plus a four-motor, four-hand independent movement.
franck muller usa, the american branch of the swiss luxury-watch brand, is seeking $60 million in damages, penalties, and other costs from seven companies it claims are gray-market vendors of its luxury watches. muller filed suit june 1 in new york federal court against the seven new york city companies—six jewelers and a wholesaler—for allegedly selling gray-market franck muller w…
building on the success of its inaugural italian gold week held in july 2004, west chester, pa.–based qvc television shopping network announced that sales of its second italian gold week, held in may, exceeded its goal by 22 percent. qvc dedicated 23 hours to italian gold programming during the week of may 16–21, and premiered two new shows featuring high-end designs from top itali…
cartier has appointed frédéric de narp, a longtime employee, as president and chief executive officer of cartier north america. he will replace stanislas de quercize, who left to head van cleef & arpels international in paris. de narp has been with cartier since 1991. he has held various retail positions there and most recently was ceo of cartier italy.
platinum guild international usa has launched its first comprehensive dvd sales training program. titled “delivering the platinum experience,” the program combines platinum education with selling techniques. the dvd consists of an introduction and four modules, based on the four steps of a sales pitch.
singer-songwriter and grammy nominee jewel gave an outstanding performance at the u.s. launch of gold expressions: the language of italian design 2005 collection, an all-new collection of gold jewelry. the event was held thursday, june 2, at the wynn las vegas, during the signature salons jewelry show.
a recent report from johnson matthey reveals demand and pricing for two popular jewelry metals: platinum and palladium. demand for the latter rose 22 percent in 2004, with more than half of this growth coming from the jewelry sector; the rapid development of palladium-jewelry manufacturing in china led the way.
every sales-driven organization should have a strategic turnover plan. always turn a sale over to another salesperson in a strategic, rather than a pushy or aggressive, way. five reasons to turn sales over: 1 personality or prejudice issues 2 product knowledge or technical reasons 3 bad vibes or sales indicators: the customer isn’t reacting to your presentation 4 can’t close 5 second voice: to…
a high-level delegation of the diamond industry, headed by alexander nichiporuk, the newly appointed president of russian diamond producer alrosa, recently visited the diamond dealers club. nichiporuk said he is eager to work with and get to know the new york industry. he noted that, with alrosa’s selling less to de beers by order of the european union, the company will sell its stones th…
the international gemological institute has launched an online e-store for industry professionals to purchase gemstone and jewelry-related products. retailers can view items for sale on the e-store web site, including retail-support products such as igi’s educational video “how to buy a diamond,” cut-grade brochures, and diamond flip charts.
under pressure to increase the diamond industry’s benefits to africa, the continent is very much on the trade’s mind these days, as evidenced by a string of moves from de beers and the african governments it deals with:
it is hard to imagine a more dramatic about-face than de beers’ 2005 selection process for its diamond trading company sightholders. the first, in 2003, was a “bloodbath”—32 sightholders were let go, close to one-fifth of the list at that time. this time the company was equally unpredictable: after an arduous application process, it announced that, not only would it not cut any sightholde…
alexander hasenfeld, founder of diamond manufacturer and supplier hasenfeld-stein in new york, has made a generous contribution to the gemological institute of america in support of the institute’s nonprofit education and research mission. hasenfeld, a longtime gia supporter, will be inducted into the institute’s league of honor sept.
market in brief: august 4, 2005 … the new york ja show experienced better-than-expected sales. dealers report that diamond jewelry and high-end colored-stone jewelry continue to lead demand. a notable trend reported by many dealers was that a larger percentage of buyers seemed to be buying for stock.
anthony hirsh, founder and managing director of hirsh london, has given a $100,000 gift to the gemological institute of america to support student scholarships at the institute’s london branch. this marks the first major financial contribution made to support prospective students who want to attend gia classes in london.
business management expert and author jason jennings will be the opening keynote speaker at the second annual couture diamond leadership conference, slated for the new york palace hotel on sept. 20 and 21. the theme of the conference is “the bottom line—increasing diamond profit margins.” jennings spent 20 years leading successful businesses and consulting for other companies.
last week i received an e-mail from an industry colleague concerning the recent decision of the diamond trading company to grant sightholder status to two firms that were not diamond manufacturers—which represents another watershed decision from the dtc. the point of my colleague’s message to me was that, contrary to decreasing control over the diamond market, the decision actually was p…
the industry may think it’s turned the page on conflict diamonds, but the popular media are maintaining their interest. leonardo dicaprio has reportedly agreed to star in the blood diamond, set to open in 2007. dicaprio will portray a sierra leone diamond smuggler during the country’s civil war in the late 1990s.
in an effort to give better service to its jewelry-manufacturing investors, the southeastern state of yucatán in mexico is opening an office in new york. the office, located at 14 e. 60th st., suite 609, will be managed by claudia arjona. for information, call (212) 459-2350.
on may 18, 2005, jewelry information center, the nonprofit public-relations arm of the fine jewelry and watch industry, in conjunction with the american gem trade association, perles de tahiti, and world gold council, hosted the annual luncheon and jewelry preview at aquavit restaurant in new york. the event welcomed over 75 consumer and trade magazine editors, newspaper reporters, and stylists.
the full list of the crjp’s draft principles is available at the organization’s web site, www.responsiblejewellery.com. among them: business ethics social performance environmental performance
doris payne, 74, the “grandmother jewel thief” who has been suspected in literally hundreds of jewelry thefts around the world for more than 40 years, has been arrested in conjunction with yet another jewel robbery. police in palo alto, calif., accuse payne of stealing a $31,000 ring from a neiman marcus store there after allegedly distracting a salesperson by asking to see multipl…
from simple medallions to layered chains to sautoir-inspired looks, the seductive drop silhouette has moved from earrings to necklines. long necklaces of every style are a key to celebrity styling this season.
technology continues to transform the jewelry industry. industries as diverse as medicine, aeronautics, automobiles, and printing have contributed to the most recent spate of technological advancements in the design and manufacture of jewelry. these advancements are fueling the continued growth and acceptance of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing in the jewelry industry.
identifying a broken pearl, like the tahitian shown here, is usually easy, since 99 percent of all tahitian bead nuclei are composed of shell, which is recognized by its straight growth layers. but the broken bead of this pearl has a random, gritty structure, casting doubt on its origin. another indication that the pearl might be imitation is the lack of a conchiolin layer, the organic layer be…
my customers don’t want their mothers’ classic look,” said eve alfillé, an award-winning designer and the owner of eve alfillé gallery & studio in evanston, ill. alfillé, participating in a panel discussion about the pearl market held during the jck show ~ las vegas, said her customers want unique designs, including multicolor black tahitians, south sea gold…
savvy retailers—from fashion to furniture—know that the best way to grow business is to understand the end user of the merchandise. many retail jewelers, however, are completely missing a strong and growing segment of jewelry buyers by ignoring the hip-hop culture that places a powerful emphasis on fine jewelry, especially diamonds.
christopher dimeo, charged with his girlfriend in three murders and a string of jewelry-store robberies in new york and connecticut, has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and robbery in conjunction with the killing of thomas renison, 48, owner of j & j jewels of glen cove, n.y. he will likely be sentenced to life in prison without parole, press accounts said.
what started as a booth of jewelry in a flea market in albuquerque, n.m., 27 years ago has grown into a $10.8 million business for kathleen and john avila, managing partners of avila retail development & management. the couple own 14 western and native american gift stores in three airports in the west, and 37 percent of the company’s annual revenues come from jewelry sales.
the american heritage dictionary defines jewelry as “ornaments, such as bracelets, necklaces, or rings, made of precious metals set with gems or imitation gems.” that last part may need some tweaking, especially lately—as the list of jewelry materials grows to include a wider variety of nontraditional items.
i.w. marks jewelers, houston, received the better business bureau education foundation’s winner of distinction in recognition of its excellence and quality in the workplace at the 13th annual bbb awards for excellence luncheon. the jeweler also received the award in 1994, 1996, 1999, 2001, and 2003.
tecno display has moved into a new facility located at 2277 national ave., hayward, ca 94545. they can be reached at (510) 782-5600 or (800) 255-3536.
members of the italian luxury group celebrated the founding of their new trade consortium in june in las vegas. the founding members of the trade group, funded by the government of piemonte in italy to help promote fine jewelry made in the valenza region, include: bigibi, luca carati, giorgio visconti, piero milano, picchiotti, staurino fratelli, and vendorafa.
zale and tiffany are two of the top 100 retailers in the country, according to a recently released annual survey. zale is ranked 91 and tiffany 95 in the 2005 triversity top 100 retailers. the annual list, which ranks companies by revenue, is published in stores magazine, the monthly publication of the national retail federation.
during a goof-off session one slow day at airport plaza jewelers in cheektowaga, n.y., store owner and president don hoffman ripped the arms and legs from a child’s doll, waved them about, and proclaimed: “airport plaza jewelers—where a really great diamond doesn’t cost an arm and a leg!” six months later, the store’s first “arm and leg” ad—in which hoffman h…
the market for car-related watches gets bigger each year as more upscale watchmakers—seeking additional affluent customers—form licensing pacts with fine-car companies or look to the racing world and car design, including interiors and accessories, for inspiration for their own timepieces.
alan revere’s 101 bench tips for jewelers, published by mjsa/ajm press, a subsidiary of manufacturing jewelers and suppliers of america, has won a gold award in the 2005 snap excel awards competition. based on the monthly column in ajm magazine, the illustrated book presents revere’s most valuable bench tips and tricks and covers all aspects of bench work, from soldering to stone setting, pie…
tiffany & co. has announced plans to open a store in atlantic city, n.j., in 2006. the approximately 3,000-square-foot store will be situated in the pier at caesars, a new retail and entertainment center developed by gordon group holding llc and located adjacent to caesars atlantic city, on the city’s historic boardwalk.
jewelers’ security alliance statistics of armed robberies of retail jewelry stores in the united states during the first six months of 2005 show that florida and texas had the most of any of the 31 states where such a crime occurred. jsa’s data lists 116 retail-jewelry-store robberies between jan. 1, 2005, and june 30, 2005.
the 3rd manila jazz festival opened to a packed house at the expo exchange in makati city, philippines. the event is sponsored in part by jewelmer international, a leading producer of philippine south sea pearls. the event featured performances by five jazz bands: the jewelmer jazz band, subconcept, johnny alegre affinity, satya, and the jamie oehlers quartet.
the association of image consultants international has honored jewelry designer cynthia sliwa with its rising star award for 2005. sliwa received the award may 15 at aici’s gala awards banquet in atlanta. more than 200 image consultants from around the world were in attendance. sliwa, a former corporate attorney who had dabbled in vintage costume jewelry as a hobby, took classes at the gemologi…
kevin main of kevin main jewelry in san luis obispo, calif., won an all-expense-paid vacation getaway for two to the cayman islands. the vacation package, courtesy of platinum guild international, is valued at more than $5,000. main’s winning entry was drawn by b.j. williams of johnson-matthey at pgi’s booth at the jck show ~ las vegas.
france has awarded its highest civilian award, the legion of honor, to severin wunderman, owner of corum, known for its innovative swiss luxury watches (with u.s. offices in irvine, calif.). the honor recognizes wunderman’s numerous cultural and philanthropic acts, according to a dec. 31, 2004, decree by jacques chirac, president of the french republic.
the las vegas antique jewelry and watch show, held june 2–5 at the rio suite hotel and casino, continued to draw crowds. opening one day before the nearby jck show, this year’s show saw a 5 percent jump in attendance as buyers took advantage of the timing. show officials declined to provide attendance numbers.
yakubov brothers ltd., a diamond manufacturing company with factories in israel, bulgaria, and russia, has launched an interactive web site that displays its inventory from each office. inventory is linked directly to the site, allowing information on the site to be displayed in real time. the web site also provides the option of directly printing out a certificate.
jewelers vigilance committee has released a new publication called the “manufacturer’s legal handbook,” which jvc describes as “a concise guide to legal compliance [that] covers many of the areas of the law which jewelry manufacturers, suppliers, wholesalers, and designers address on a daily basis.” jvc developed the handbook to educate jewelry manufacturers on ways to avoid problems that may l…
jewelers vigilance committee (jvc) has responded to specific questions about anti-money-laundering (aml) issued by financial crimes enforcement network (fincen). the questions were included in the usa patriot act aml regulations that fincen finalized on june 9, 2005. jvc’s responses represented fine jewelry retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and others.
some might call it the perfect match. bill bash, the owner of bash jewelers in downtown lancaster, pa., was in his mid-60s. he has owned the jewelry boutique for more than 40 years, and he was ready to spend more time on the golf links and less time behind the counter. his daughters and sons-in-law were not interested in taking over the operation.
the federation of the swiss watch industry fh expects 2005 to be another record-breaking year. the total value of swiss watch exports worldwide in 2004 topped 11 billion swiss francs (about $8.5 billion), an all-time record, the federation was told by fh president jean-daniel pasche at its annual meeting june 30, in soleure, switzerland.
the fifth biannual jewelry executives conference will be held at the doubletree hotel in overland park, kan., april 1–2, 2006. the conference includes displays by 50 premier suppliers, six hours of seminars with topics for store owners and managers, and five meals. the cost is $125. the conference theme is “polishing the facets of success.
the gemological institute of america has created a free, interactive online gemstone tutorial for the general public. “how to buy a gemstone in 7 simplified steps” introduces the public to gems in a format designed to be educational and entertaining. users learn about the factors that affect gemstone values along with history, lore, and care of 20 popular gemstones.
maui divers jewelry has opened a 500-square-foot store in san diego. the new store, the company’s 49th, is located inside the hilo hattie store at 301 fifth ave. maui divers, established in 1959, now has store-within-a-store concessions at 11 hilo hatties throughout hawaii and the u.s. mainland.
steven j. pully has been named the chairman of the board of whitehall jewelers, replacing daniel levy, who remains a director. pully has served as president of newcastle capital management lp since january 2003. levy had served as interim chairman of the chicago-based specialty jeweler since march 30, following the death of hugh m.
the industry has given birth to yet another association: the council for responsible jewellery practices (crjp), a pipeline-spanning international group that will focus on “ethical, social, and environmental challenges.” the council, backed by heavyweights including the diamond trading company, zale corp.
that anthony camargo’s entrée into jewelry-making came in 1993 while he was checking out the offerings at a yard sale in miami? he bought some fruit shape glass beads and combined them with old lamp chain and gold wire, making his first neckace.
new york city–based primak has announced that the company has changed its name to sasha primak. the name change is in honor of the company’s founder. a new logo began appearing on company products in summer 2005. the company also is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. sasha primak, new york, (212) 398-0287.
the board of directors of the aaron group has agreed to buy selective assets of andel jewelry. andel’s product is focused on diamond, precious, semiprecious, and opaque rings, pendants, necklaces, and earrings. andel’s designs will be incorporated into the aaron group’s library of more than 20,000 designs and are expected to give the aaron group a wider product assortment.
the soulmate collection from sightholder jb diamonds group, los angeles, features an extra element of romance: all the jewelry uses pairs of diamonds cut from the same piece of rough. once identified as suitable to yield a pair, the piece of rough is marked, split by a master craftsman, and the resulting stones are kept together throughout the cutting and polishing process.
a u.s. court has awarded merit diamond corp. a preliminary injunction prohibiting frederick goldman and retailers bj’s wholesale club and kohl’s from manufacturing and selling an item merit claims infringes on its copyrighted three stones pendant. the court also ordered a recall of existing stocks of the pendant.


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A month after earning a bachelor’s degree in English, I launched my career at the Indiana Chamber. It seems like yesterday. But … it wasn’t. I celebrated my 15-year anniversary last week.
An interesting article on CNN.com reveals the top employers for new graduates based on a survey of business students at colleges around the world.
Among the coveted employers:
The Coca-Cola Company
Is there a more recognizable, more iconic American brand than Coca-Cola? That’s what draws young people to work for the company – the chance to work on products that they’ve been around, enjoyed and seen millions of advertisements for their whole lives.
It’s no wonder that working for one of the world’s biggest beauty brands is attractive to young workers. With Kiehls, Maybelline, Urban Decay and Clarisonic under its umbrella, employees can have many different jobs with various brands while still staying within the company.
Plus, there are some great benefits, like flexible work options, paternity leave, adoption assistance and 13 weeks of paid maternity leave, among others. And yes, employees receive discounts on products.
Sure, getting to work for a company responsible for some of the most famous chocolate brands sounds delicious. Even more appealing for young workers is the company’s policy of promoting people from within. In fact, 80% of positions within Nestle are filled by current employees, according to the company.

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Coronavirus: Boris Johnson confirms pubs and restaurants to reopen from 4 July
Boris Johnson on Tuesday confirmed that pubs and other leisure businesses can re-open from 4 July, as the UK prime minister relaxed social distancing rules from two metres to one metre.
In a statement to Parliament on Tuesday, the Prime Minister said pubs and restaurants would be allowed to reopen with new health and safety restrictions from next month. Hairdressers and nail bars will also be allowed to reopen.
“All hospitality indoors will be limited to table service and our guidance will encourage minimal contact between staff and customers,” Johnson said.
Shares in Wagamama owner The Restaurant Group (RTN.L) climbed by 7% and movie theatre chain Cineworld (CINE.L) rose 7.5%.
Pubs stocks were already rising ahead of the official announcement, which was leaked to the press overnight. Marston’s (MARS.L) was up 5%, JD Wetherspoon (JDW.L) rose 5.4%, All Bar One-owner Mitchells & Butlers (MAB.L) was up 6% and Young & Co’s Brewing (YNGN.L) jumped 9.8%.
Read more: Pub-goers will have to give up personal details to get a pint
Pubs are likely to look very different when they do reopen. Health secretary Matt Hancock said over the weekend that government was “looking at” requiring publicans to take the details of all pub-goers as part of contact tracing measures. The chief executive of pub group Marston’s said the proposals were “bonkers”.
Johnson made no mention of check-in systems for pubs but said the government was publishing new advice to businesses on safely reopening. It includes avoiding face-to-face seating, improving ventilation, erecting protective screens, providing hand sanitiser, and changing shift patterns to limit the number of staff that overlap,
The Prime Minister said that “where it is possible to keep two metres apart, people should”, but said extra safety measures should mean staying one metre or more apart would carry a “broadly equivalent” risk to the two metre rule.
Relaxing social distancing rules is a huge boost for many businesses. Retailers, restaurants, theatres and more had warned that forcing people to stay two metres apart at all times would make their businesses unviable. Johnson said he was aware the rule made business “effectively impossible” for many companies.
“Reducing the two metre rule will undoubtedly bring relief to many businesses,” Edwin Morgan, director of policy at the Institute of Directors said.
"A quarter of our members have said that under current social distancing rules they are likely to operate at less than half capacity. For many, this simply isn't sustainable, particularly with the furlough scheme set to wind down.”
Dr Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chamber of Commerce, said the new rules would be “cautiously welcomed” but said the UK was “still a long way from business as usual.”
“A comprehensive test and trace system, including a mass testing regime, must be in place to realise the benefits that the easing of restrictions could bring to firms across the UK, many of whom are relying on the swift return of consumer confidence,” Marshall said.
“Businesses also need a clear roadmap to recovery, including fresh support for the worst-affected sectors and geographic areas, and broader fiscal measures to get the economy moving again.”
Read more: Boris Johnson announces '1m plus' social distancing rule
USDAW, the shop workers union, expressed concern about the relaxation of social distancing rules.
“COVID-19 is still a killer disease that is at large in our communities,” Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary, said in a statement ahead of the prime minister’s announcement.
“Retail has adapted well to the new circumstances, it is not necessary to change the two metre rule and it certainly shouldn’t be done without full discussion and agreement.”


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Just a few months after the seventh edition of the world’s leading trade fair for industrial coating technologies closed – which achieved new record-breaking numbers with regard to exhibitors, visitors and internationalism – firm bookings for booth floor space at PaintExpo 2020 have already been submitted by 304 companies from 19 countries. At a current level of 124,000 square feet (11,536 square meters), net exhibition floor space already amounts to more than 74 percent of the level reached at the last event. This is a strong indication that the upcoming PaintExpo will once again be larger than ever before. For the eighth time, PaintExpo will showcase innovations, applications, future technologies and trends covering all aspects of coating from the 21st through the 24th of April, 2020. It presents the full spectrum of international product and service offerings in the field of industrial coating technology throughout the entire value creation chain. This internationally unique concentration of companies from industrial coating technology is the basis for the event’s strong ability to attract users from job-shop coaters and companies with in-house painting operations from around the globe. 11,790 expert visitors from 88 countries travelled to Karlsruhe in 2018 (representing a 12 percent increase). More than one third of the visitors came from countries other than Germany. Most of the visitors brought concrete tasks and projects along with them.
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PaintExpo 2020 ultima modifica: 2019-01-24T16:07:38+00:00 da


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If Facebook buy Groupon, then Facebook can make Groupon growing at a fastest page with over 900 million users all around the world. Groupon will be a giant competing with Amazon and Priceline. With 900 million users from Facebook, Groupon can cut off all of its sale people, and turn it to profit for the company.
I think there was a reason that Google offered $6 Billion bid last year when Groupon making only $300 million in Revenue, now it's revenue jump to $1.6 Billion. So Groupon valuation should be around $12-$15 Billion, imo. Priceline.com could jump in to outbid Facebook.
In the future, when Groupon has enough customer base, then it will cut off marketing cost and create an auto pilot to add customer base.
Groupon is a cashcow now. Therefore Groupon stock will not be affected by the lockup expiration.


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March 3, 2016
Payment technology provider Comdata is adding payment capabilities to Cat Scale transactions within the Weigh My Truck mobile app.
January 21, 2016
J.J. Keller & Associates has expanded the number of Hours of Service rule sets in its mobile logging app to help fleets maintain compliance under the electronic logging device mandate.
November 30, 2015
Ryder System has launched the Ryder Fuel Receipt mobile app allowing commercial rental customers in to record non-Ryder fuel receipts to stay compliant with interstate fuel tax reporting.
May 21, 2015
TQL has released Carrier Dashboard 4.1, a mobile app for truckers with speak-and-search technology designed to help drivers save time in finding freight on the road.
March 17, 2015
Comdata launched the FleetAdvance Mobile app to help drivers find the lowest fuel prices in the area or along a route.
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The expert, Steve Carlson from Xantrex, will answer your questions
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AllFit Roller Bearings Made for Steer, Drive and Trailer Axles
Optronics Offers New Line of LED Directional Warning Lights
Dual Shield Protects Power Sources on Trucks
Truckers Post Available Capacity for Shippers on HaulHound


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Locks and Security News: your weekly locks and security industry newsletter
21st February 2024 Issue no. 693
Your industry news - first
We strongly recommend viewing Locks and Security News full size in your web browser. Click our masthead above to visit our website version.
Abloy showcases new access control solutions at MLA Expo 2021
Abloy demonstrated a wide range of digital access solutions and new products on the stand, including Incedoä Business, Aperio, SMARTair and eCLIQ.
Abloy also be showcased new products including PULSE - an intelligent, self-charging, future-proof locking solution that doesn’t need batteries or cables.
In addition, the SMARTair i-gate was also featured, a wireless electronic IP68 padlock that is operated using RFID credentials and mobile keys, delivering trusted security and real-time access control even in the harshest conditions.
Pat Jefferies, Commercial Director at Abloy UK, explains:
“Compliance is a vital issue as it helps to protect lives which is why we offer compliant electric lock packages and the Escape Door System, but locksmiths must also look to the future and explore compliant digital access solutions as part of their service offering. Abloy now offer integratable solutions to fulfil all these requirements.
“Not only will this expand their potential customer base, but also future-proof their business, as we are now seeing many customers demanding digital integration within their access control system.
“Abloy is renowned for its robust security products, but we are also experts in standards and compliance when it comes to both mechanical and digital solutions and we’re pleased to provide training on this and other topics at our Academy, to help make sure the right products are fitted in the right applications. So visit stand H2.56 to chat with our team, and see how we can help you grow your business.”
The MLA Expo 2021 is taking place at the International Centre, Telford, between 22nd – 24th October 2021.
For further information on products and services available from Abloy, visit https://bit.ly/3Bxdl9q call 01902 364 500, or email [email protected]
20th October 2021


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Cambodia’s first evaporation-method salt farm for the export market opened in Kampot province on Saturday, aiming for an initial 20,000 tonnes a year to be exported to South Korea, with plans for future expansion.
In a $2.9 million investment, the 120-hectare farm incorporates modern salt production technology and was developed by InfraCo Asia Development Pte Ltd and EEE Korea Co Ltd through Asia Salt (Cambodia), which started in October last year.
Asia Salt (Cambodia) is a wholly owned subsidiary of joint venture company Asia Salt, which started in June.
“We hope this project will . . . sustain and strengthen the local economy. It should also demonstrate new farm design and techniques to improve quality and yields,” Peter Bird, director of InfraCo Asia, said.
In contrast to Cambodian salt farms in the area that use mud to form the banks of the evaporation ponds, or salterns, the new technique includes the use of black plastic sheets that lay on the bottom of the harvesting ponds to “help keep the salt clean and to increase the yield of the salt production”, Seraphina Ho, development manager at InfraCo Asia, said.
Co-executive director of the Salt Producer Community of Kampot and Kep, Bun Bariang, said the project was an “impressive achievement” and welcomed the “modern technology”.
According to Yoo Gi Sang, chairman of Asia Salt (Cambodia), Cambodia’s cheap labour and climate were among the reasons to set up in the Kingdom.
“Workers are cheap,” he said through his translator. In Korea, he added, they can only harvest for 120 days a year, but in Cambodia the weather conditions allow for 150 or 160 days of harvest a year. The quality of salt here is also better than that in Korea because there are fewer factories polluting the air, he said.
He also said Korea does not currently produce enough salt. The Korean government imports a lot of salt from China, “but the salt in China becomes worse and worse. It’s not good quality, so the Korean government cuts down on the amount of imports from China”, he said. The Korean government is looking for other places with good environmental conditions, he added.
According to Kenneth Baxter, chairman of InfraCo Asia, the project aims to encourage local salt farmers to adopt modern practices and has the potential to create a $100 million a year export sector.
The new farm will employ 350 workers, and there are plans to expand to 400 hectares in the future, which could produce 100,000 tonnes of salt a year, Yoo Gi Sang said.
Seraphina Ho said more land will be leased through the Salt Producer Community of Kampot and Kep from owners of the surrounding 4,000 hectares of salt producing fields. She said an expansion could possibly allow for exports to Japan and the EU in the future. The salt produced will not, however, be sold domestically.
Last week the Post reported the Kep-Kampot Salt Producers Community as saying that salt production fell nearly 50 per cent below forecasts because of early rainfall, which is assumed to end salt harvesting for the year. Salt output reached only 41,000 tonnes this year, compared with an expected 80,000 tonnes, it reported.


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Maropost is ecstatic to announce the launch of Maropost Ventures, an early-to-growth venture fund. It aims to provide support for businesses all over the world by helping its founders align with their principles and mission — all while bringing value via added capital, experience, talent management, guidance, and so on.
The CEO of Maropost, Ross Andrew Paquette, founded Maropost Ventures and will be acting as its Managing Director onward. The firm will also be led by Maropost’s Director of Finance Gagan Sandhu and CTO Jagdeep Singh.
It should be noted that, soon after the announcement of its much-anticipated launch, Maropost Ventures proactively began to fill out its portfolio with successive investments in four diverse companies.
The firm targeted a spectrum of established industries and early-to-growth companies all over the world — including Lyre’s Spirit Co, based in London, UK; Pressa, based in Sveavägen, Stockholm; Compono, based in Brisbane, Australia; and SpaceX, based in Hawthorne, USA.
The first of Maropost Ventures’ investments went to consumer brand, Lyre’s Sprit Co — which, after its founding only a year ago, has already taken an industry leadership position, and has even been lauded as having the world’s most awarded non-alcoholic spirits.
When asked about how they felt about their new relationship with Maropost Ventures, Mark Livings, Founder, and CEO of Lyre’s Spirit Co sent out the following statement, “We are delighted to welcome Maropost into the business. We believe that Maropost’s founding team’s experience in mobilizing rapid growth, existing, comprehensive global networks, and their wholehearted devotion to their vision and customer-centricity aligns with our own, and will bring tremendous value as we continue to scale and fulfill our own mission of changing the way the world drinks.”
About Maropost Ventures
Maropost Ventures is an early-to-growth stage venture capital fund that is set on mobilizing the global community at large to contribute to the social, wellness and environmental causes that will power the world and its people forward into the future.
Maropost is one of the fastest-growing marketing automation service providers in North America, according to the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 rankings. The company brings value to its clients by simplifying customer engagement and enabling and supporting their growth through technology and symbiotic relationships. At this moment in time, Maropost’s client portfolio includes B2C brands and retailers like Mercedes-Benz, Haymarket Media, Rolling Stone publisher Wenner Media LLC, News Corp, etc.


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Digital weighs heavily on the 2022 marketing campaign
The 2022 marketing plan approved earlier this week by the Hot Springs Advertising and Promotion Commission continues a strategy developed during the pandemic that relies primarily on digital advertising, instead of more traditional advertising that involved placing TV ads. in the main food markets.
Traditionally, these markets have been based on travel times to Hot Springs from areas such as Dallas, Shreveport, Louisiana, Springfield, Mo., and state markets such as Northwest Arkansas. A few years ago, Visit Hot Springs, the convention and visitors bureau managed by the commission, began to branch out, internally, to “expand its network,” according to Bill Solleder, chief marketing officer.
âSo the net is just further away,â Solleder said in an interview at The Sentinel-Record offices after the committee meeting. âAgain, you know, I’m going to say it a million timesâ¦ we can turn New Orleans on or off whenever we want. We can turn Nashville on or off when we want.â
Video not playing? Click here https://www.youtube.com/embed/PzQuBkDrhuU
The commission-operated visitor center, which keeps track of which states visitors say they are from, also noted a change. âOf course, almost everything is from Texas. But we’re seeing more and more people coming from further afield,â Solleder said.
“And I think it works. Austin just did a really good article on their TV channelâ¦ on Hot Springs, you know, maybe it’s because we’re starting to get the message a little bit deeper,” did he declare.
âTelevision production is at its peak. Again, we can do something for the expensive television; it’s expensive. And thenâ¦ we don’t know what the message will be. So now we’ve made this spot and we might not be able to use it. “
CJRW, the Little Rock agency with which the commission contracts to place its advertising, will have a budget of $ 468,918 in 2022, which includes a new website that represents $ 85,000 of the budget; approximately $ 20,000 of this amount has already been paid.
Some of the other items in CJRW’s budget include notice boards, radio, and an annual vacation guide.
âAgain, you’ll watch the only item aired on there’s no dollar, because it’s free through the state,â he said as part of a co-op program of Arkansas tourism.
In contrast, the internal marketing budget is $ 153,000. These costs include the production of videos and blogs, YouTube advertising, and an influencer campaign.
The âextra advertising programs,â which total $ 277,100, include special events like the St. Patrick’s Day Parade at $ 65,000, the Bass Fishing League Tournament at $ 100,000, and The Weekend of Hot Springs baseball at $ 50,000.
âEvents, for us, are advertising,â Solleder said.
“It’s a lot less, I mean, a lot less but so much more. Because we do it every day, there’s content coming out every day.”
Solleder, when asked about the perception that the ad was taken out because less money is spent on it, replied, âI’m saying we can spend our money wisely. “
âI believe the combination of all of these things is winning. We are winning; it is happening. But I do believe that this room here, the internal budget, which is lower, includes so much more – I mean, so much more. content every day where we work there, we talk to people every day … every day, and then just general ads that show up, you know, digitally or on TV or whatever, âSolleder said.
âYou know the big question on TV is who’s watching? Where can we advertise? Hulu? You know, we did a little bit of Hulu. Perhaps the only place I see real value in broadcast TV advertising is in the news. … I don’t have a television. I have streaming services, and none of them advertise. So where can I reach people? “
The proof of this success, according to Solleder, lies in the numbers for last year and the current year.
In 2021, visits to the Commission’s websites totaled 1,191,864, an increase of 77%.
The $ 664,993 the commission reported in September on collections of the 3% sales tax it levies on prepared meals and accommodation in the city – seen as the key tourism metric in the spa town – topped the previous September by 14.30%, or $ 83,196, the newspaper reported last month.
The $ 6,224,718 of sales tax collected in the first three quarters is over 2020 by 34.62%, or $ 1,600,717.
The first nine months of collection exceeded the first three quarters of the 2019 pre-pandemic period by 14.44%, or $ 785,484, and the first three quarters of 2018 by 24.38%, or $ 1,220,208.
âIt’s basically the same formula, although we gave a little more money to the internal budget, we actually, with the websites included, we gave more money to CJRW this year than we did. did last year. So we’re not really cutting the budget, it’s actually more than last year as we move forward and try to navigate whatever lies ahead, âhe said .
âAgain, we can change in the blink of an eye. We can add and take away.â
Key to the 2022 program will be its ability to pivot, and pivot quickly, especially if a variant of the virus emerges that changes the landscape again, according to Solleder.
âWe can keep messaging internally and we can just keep changing it, you know, andâ¦ it’s not as expensive as if we were going to the agency or a big production team. so what’s going on. Yeah, that’s crazy, “he said.
A key part of the 2022 plan is a reimagining of the hotsprings.org website operated by the commission. In addition to the information available on meetings and conventions, attractions, restaurants and accommodation, the website will offer in 2022 organized itineraries, according to their individual interests.
âLate 2019, early 2020, we had an issue with hotsprings.org (website). Basically the bones of it are out of date. We have a security issue with it, so we had to quickly like CJRW had for come in, do a little bit of work just for a bit like Band-Aid together to make sure it was secure. And at that point, they were like “You need a new new new website. It’s been a while. It’s just an old platform, âhe said.
âWe’re really excited about this one. So we show them organized routes and give them the opportunity to create their own routes. “
For example, someone coming for a day trip might click on a choice menu ranging from Oaklawn to mountain biking or just dining.
âThen we suggest routes that they can consult. Ditto for weekend trips andâ¦ across the board for seasonal trips. It’s something they can print or download and keep and add to their phones while they plan their vacation, âhe said.
âI think giving the user a chance to enjoy seeing what there is to do, and we have a lot to do. I think it’s appealing. I think it will help attract people.”
Visitors can also customize their itinerary.
âWhat kind of traveler am I? Well, I can come in with my girlfriend, so I’m a love bird, we’re going out to eat, so I’m a foodie. And I’m a naturalist. This will be important. because it’s going to be about being outside. So they click on those three things. The website then gives them a route that they can go to and it will suggest things for them to do, “Solleder mentioned.
âWhat you can do is a lot like a social network, is you can like things all over the website. you go along. Really cool, interactive piece on the website, âhe said.


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Venture capital and private equity firms’ growing interest in D2C e-commerce companies have opened funding opportunities for brands seeking to scale their business and expand into new channels. Q3 of 2020 alone saw $2.6 billion in venture capital funds come into the U.S. e-commerce sector.
Demand for online shopping continues to grow as more of total retail sales occur through digital channels. As a result, investors believe strong brands have the chance to grab a strong foothold in the consistently growing market.
Recently, Insight Partners led a $200 million equity investment in HBC to establish the Saks OFF 5th e-commerce business as an independent entity. Another recent acquisition saw Walker Edison, a leading e-commerce furniture supplier, receive significant minimum investment from Blackstone.
In this post, we’ll review insights from partners at successful investment firms then analyze some of the important factors e-commerce investors look for when deciding to invest in an online brand.
Here’s some advice one of our investors has for direct-to-consumer brands that want to make a name for themselves in e-commerce and attract the interest of fellow investors:
Robert Kaplan, SoftBank Investment Advisers:
“When looking at D2C e-commerce companies, many investors are interested in revenue growth, growth margin, and customer lifetime value versus customer acquisition cost. But more than that, they tend to look for a sustainable advantage given how easy it is for other companies to replicate products a retailer is selling. Investors will typically try to see how a D2C company has a sustained advantage versus competition. This generally will fall on the spectrum between convenience and experience.
“Given Amazon and other large retailers’ expertise, we believe that some of the most exciting D2C companies focus on brand and customer experience. This is often a combination of world-class products, great brand positioning (including knowing who their customer is), and great technology infrastructure that leaves the consumer feeling like they had a world-class customer experience. For many of these companies, it is incredibly important that the full customer journey reflects the brand ethos, as that will be reflected in the customer lifetime value.”
Before investing in a company, an e-commerce investor must examine a brand’s essential business and e-commerce metrics to understand its current health better. This includes:
To assess the brand’s future growth potential, investors must dive into the details of what the brand offers and its position in the market. Here are some of the key factors investors will evaluate.
E-commerce investors will look for brands that have a unique competitive advantage. That could be a specific product feature, a loyal brand following, or a world-class customer experience. If its advantage is difficult to copy, the brand has positioned itself better for sustained success.
Insight Partners saw these qualities in Saks OFF 5th, believing that the company’s superior merchandise offering will allow the company to grab more digital market share among luxury off-price retailers.
E-commerce investors will look to ensure that a brand has adequate operational processes to enable future growth. Brands must create a great end-to-end user experience through strong order management and streamlined logistics.
Such features are especially important for brands looking to expand their product line or begin distribution through new channels.
E-commerce investors understand how technology builds a brand online. As a result, e-commerce technology vendors are seeing an increase in funding similar to brands.
When deciding to invest in Walker Edison, Blackstone noted the company’s combination of scale and technology as a key factor in capitalizing on the growth of the online furniture market.
Today’s online brands are allocating a significant portion of their investment capital to e-commerce technology. Much of this amount is going to third-party service providers. A survey of leading e-commerce brands reveals that top companies plan to spend an average of $1.1 million on third-party software.
The main objective of the heavy investment in third-party software is to improve the online shopping experience. The three main focus areas are:
An e-commerce system built with a modular approach is the key to giving brands the agility, scalability, and flexibility to thrive in today’s omnichannel world. With robust third-party solutions like fabric, brands can create unique commerce experiences while supporting complex business requirements.


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- As the pandemic moved holiday shopping online, Walmart's U.S. comp sales growth beat expectations at 8.6%, and e-commerce sales grew 69% year over year in the fourth quarter. Comps at Sam's Club also grew 10.8%.
- Walmart's revenue rose 7.3% year over year to $152.1 billion from $141.7 billion, according to a Thursday press release. For the fiscal year, the retailer's revenue rose 6.7% to $559.2 billion, with U.S. comps up 8.6%, e-commerce up 79% and Sam's Club comps up 11.8%.
- The retailer is also raising wages for 425,000 associates working frontline roles to an average of above $15 per hour, per the release.
Walmart's results continue to be shaped by a rising number of COVID cases during the end of 2020, capping off a robust year with a Q4 that rode on e-commerce and holiday shopping demand. During the pandemic, Walmart has leaned on its scale, existing e-commerce assets and status as a one-stop-shop to cater to consumers' evolving needs.
In Walmart's earnings presentation, the company said the stimulus money late in the quarter helped boost sales performance in categories related to home, electronics, sporting goods, outdoor living and toys.
Its grocery category reflected broad-based strength across most of the retailer's categories. The category also reaped the benefits of expanded store hours, store pickup and delivery.
The retailer was one of the companies that benefited the most from stimulus checks that households began receiving in late December, said Neil Saunders, Managing Director of GlobalData, in emailed comments. "Walmart is one of the main beneficiaries of such payments both because it is a retailer with a huge customer base, but also because its core customers are more likely than average to spend their checks on products — and many of them do so at Walmart."
The retailer's operating income also increased by 3.1% to $5.5 billion, with U.S. operating income up 17.4% to $5.2 billion. However, its international operating income was down 12.8% to $1 billion.
Walmart, which currently employs nearly 1.5 million associates nationwide, said it incurred about $1.1 billion in Q4 due to COVID-related costs — most come from employee bonuses and benefits.
"Our associates responded unbelievably to serve customers in one of the most challenging times we've faced. We have tremendous momentum having just completed a year with record sales and operating cash flow," said Walmart CFO Brett Biggs in a statement.
For the 2022 fiscal year, the company expects net sales to grow in low-single digits. Even so, the company said it intends to continue investing in automation and build supply chain capacity to bolster sales and earnings growth.
"We acknowledge the company's tempered guidance for FYE 2022, with some COVID-19 impact, however it is our continued view that the investments Walmart continues to make will, like the past cycle, generate increasing traction on all fronts, and are therefore prudent and sensible," said Moody's Vice President Charlie O'Shea.


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Learning English - Words in the News
01 April, 2005 - Published 11:33 GMT
Japan and Mexico free trade agreement
After years of negotiations, a free trade agreement between Japan and Mexico comes into effect today. Japan has in the past been reluctant to sign trade pacts. The agreement affects a range of products, including pork. This report from Jonathan Head:
From today, Japan's nine thousand pig farmers will experience something entirely new - competition. Under the terms of a landmark free trade agreement with Mexico, pork will be subject to much lower tariffs along with a range of other products. In fact, more than ninety percent of Mexican products will have their tariffs cut altogether. This is the first time Japan has made such an agreement with a major trading partner. The only other free trade pact it has is with Singapore which produces none of the sensitive agricultural commodities Japan has always protected in the past.
At the moment, Japan exports far more to Mexico than it imports. Mexican officials believe trade will be far more balanced now that the agreement is in place. It took more than two years of difficult negotiations to conclude. Many politicians in the governing liberal democratic party have their power base in rural areas and their reluctance to lift the tariffs protecting Japanese pig farmers nearly killed the deal. But the government believes it has no choice but to start opening Japan's agricultural sector to foreign competition. China has proved far more open to reaching free trade agreements helping it rival or even eclipse Japan's influence in the Asia Pacific region.
Jonathan Head, Tokyo
comes into effect
free trade agreement
sensitive agricultural commodities
killed the deal


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OPPO has opened the pre-order for its new generation of “Fashionable Image Master” Reno3 in Kenya. Part of OPPO’s flagship model category, Reno series. The OPPO Reno3 is set to empower users to capture clear images under any life scenario. Packed with a revolutionary camera, the versatile OPPO Reno3 marks another milestone of OPPO’s consistent pursuit of bringing the latest technology to its users.
The phone is now available in Kenya for Pre-orders up to 12th April at KSH 39,999 ahead of its official launch on April 15th. The pre-order package includes a pair of OPPO headphones and an in-vehicle phone charger.
The phone houses a 48MP, 20x Digital Zoom Camera; a first-of-it’s kind 44MP Front Camera with Ultra Night Selfie Mode and Ultra Steady Video 2.0. Along with OPPO’s latest ColorOS 7 based on Android 10. Including many cutting-edge imaging technologies and design techniques. Perfectly fitted into the Reno3, making it a highly competitive and trendy photography smartphone.
According to Muthoni Wachira, OPPO Kenya PR & Corporate Communications Manager said, “We are confident that Reno3 will carry on the Reno legacy by providing its users with a holistic experience, further strengthening our regional market presence, and redefining the way trend-setting elites leverage new-age technology on their smartphones.”
lastly, Following the directive by the Government on the importance of social distancing. To mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the country. Customers can make their pre-orders for the OPPO Reno3 via the OPPO Kenya Facebook Page.


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Northvolt celebrated the commissioning of its Northvolt Ett gigafactory on Tuesday with the assembly of its first European Li-ion battery cell.
“The cell is the first to have been fully designed, developed and assembled at a gigafactory by a homegrown European battery company,” said the company in a press release issued today.
The manufacturer has already secured $30 billion worth of contracts from customers including BMW, Fluence, Scania, Volkswagen, and Volvo Cars, and aims to begin commercial deliveries in the coming year.
European gigafactory ramp up: A timeline
Keen to avoid the perceived mistakes of the solar cell and module industry, Europe has ambitious plans to establish a prominent domestic battery manufacturing presence.
Indeed, in 2018, the EU Battery Alliance, which was created a year earlier, called on industry to take advantage of the expected 2025 €250 billion battery market by building between 10 and 20 European giga factories for batteries.
According to Delta-EE this July, European Li-ion cell production capacity should increase tenfold by 2025, with 25 gigafactories planned for that year, and a further five already announced for 2030. This is said to translate into a total annual production capacity of around 591GWh by 2025.
“We have identified six gigafactories currently operational in the EU, equivalent to a total production capacity of Li-ion cells of 62GWh. By 2025, this is expected to increase to 25 plants and a production capacity of around 591GWh, and reaching 664GWh by 2030,” wrote Delta-EE analyst João Coelho in the July edition of pv magazine.
He added that Germany has both the highest number of planned gigafactory plants by 2030 (nine projects) and a planned capacity almost three times larger than Hungary, the next largest. “Tesla, Northvolt and LG Chem are expected to grasp 32% of the total share of European Li-ion cell capacity by 2030, with further potential for Northvolt involvement in future projects for Skoda.”
On the ground
Northvolt also appears to be a central part of Europe’s battery manufacturing plans. The company, established in 2016 by Swedish entrepreneur Peter Carlsson, aims to secure 25% of Europe’s battery market by 2030 – with an estimated 150GWh of annual manufacturing capacity.
In Sept. 2017, it announced that Switzerland’s ABB had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to supply and support a new lithium-ion battery factory being built in Sweden by Northvolt. At that time, production was expected to begin in 2020.
The following year then saw a flurry of financing announcements by Northvolt. They started in Jan. with the news that Scania, a truck manufacturer owned by Germany’s Volkswagen, pledged €10 million in the factory. In February, it then received a further around €15 million from the Swedish Energy Agency (Energimyndigheten). The same month, the company was approved for a European Investment Bank (EIB) loan of up to €52.5 million to support Northvolt’s pilot demonstration plant in Västerås.
In October 2018, Northvolt then announced plans for a manufacturing plant in Gdansk, Poland. The company said it would have an initial capacity of 10,000 battery modules per year and would begin production in 2019.
A year later, in June 2019, it secured $1 billion in equity funding for the construction of its Swedish venture, taking total funding to €3 billion. At that time, the Northvolt Ett fab, located in Skellefteå, Sweden, had the goal of producing 40GWh of batteries by 2020.
On the same day, it also announced the formation of a 50-50 joint venture fab with Volkswagen in Germany, named The Northvolt Zwei Factory, which would manufacture 20GWh of batteries per year.
Not one to be left behind, in November 2019, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the company would build its fourth global gigafactory in Berlin Brandenburg, Germany. The factory was scheduled to open in the summer of 2021; however, no news has been reported on the project since 2020, when Musk published a rendering of the planned facility.
News was quiet for a while, until July 2020, when Northvolt again attracted another impressive financial boost, this time from an assortment of public finance institutions, commercial banks and pension funds which allocated $1.6 billion in debt financing for its Swedish and German factory plans.
Following on from this, in August 2020, French start-up Verkor – with the help of EU-funded sustainable energy research body EIT InnoEnergy, energy and automation digital solutions company Schneider Electric and Paris based engineer IDEC Group – said it intended to set up a battery fab, with production to start in 2023 with an initial annual manufacturing capacity of 16GWh which could rise to 50GWh, depending on demand.
The 200ha factory would cost an initial €1.6 billion and would create more than 2,000 jobs while supporting thousands more in its supply chain, according to Verkor.
Entering a new year, in February 2021, Verkor then announced that French industry consultant Capgemini had joined the project to improve the manufacturing process and that the fab would be located in Rodez, about 150km northeast of Toulouse, in the Occitanie department of Aveyron.
Italian start-up Italvolt also announced in Feb. that it wants to build a €4 billion EV battery manufacturing facility in Italy. The site for the project is currently being identified, and the factory’s initial capacity should reach 45GWh. The project's first phase is expected to be finalized by the end of 2024.
Not to be outdone, Northvolt stepped up its game once again, announcing the same month that it would invest another $200 million in its Polish production facility. The start of production is planned for 2022 with an initial output of 5GWh and, at a later stage, the capacity could be raised to 12GWh, it said at the time, adding that a new research and development center would also be set up in conjunction with the expansion plan.
The following month, the Spanish Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Reyes Maroto, announced that the government intended to create a public-private consortium led by car manufacturer SEAT-Volkswagen and Spanish energy company Iberdrola to set up the first EV battery factory in Spain. No time frame nor specific investment figures for the project were provided, but the minister said it would be “the first battery factory in Spain” and located close to the SEAT factory in Martorell, near Barcelona, in the region of Catalonia.
Also in March, Volkswagen announced a strategic alliance with Iberdrola to expand electrification in Spain, in addition to tie-ups with Italian utility Enel and UK energy group BP in Europe, as well as other partners such as Ionity and Aral. In addition to the main goal of supplying renewable energy for the electric-vehicle value chain, the companies said they aim to develop a public charging infrastructure network and build up to six gigafactories in Europe, with a total production capacity of 240GWh. The first two factories are expected to operate in the Swedish city of Skellefteå and in Salzgitter, Germany (namely the Northvolt factories).
In June 2021, Northvolt came along with the announcement that it was planning to raise $2.75 billion through a private placement to expand the capacity of its Swedish manufacturing site from 40GWh to 60GWh.
Finally, last month, the manufacturer announced that its recycling program, Revolt, had produced the first lithium-ion battery cell featuring a nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) cathode produced with metals recovered through the recycling of battery waste.
“The recycling process can recover up to 95% of the metals in a battery to a level of purity on par with fresh virgin material. What we need now is to scale-up recycling capacities in anticipation of future volumes of batteries requiring recycling,” said Emma Nehrenheim, Northvolt’s Chief Environmental Officer and head of Revolt, at the time.
Via Revolt Ett, Northvolt is also working on a giga-scale recycling plant located adjacent to the Northvolt Ett gigafactory.
“With construction beginning in Q1 2022 and operations in 2023, the recycling plant will receive incoming material for recycling from two sources: end-of-life batteries from electric vehicles and production scrap from Northvolt Ett,” read the press release.
It says that recovered materials from Revolt Ett will supply the neighboring factory with recycled metals sufficient for 30GWh of battery production annually.
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Newcastle’s bar The Hustle offers free champagne and canapes before the opening
A brand new bar is opening in Newcastle city center this week ahead of its full launch party.
A sister venue to the recently launched “super club” The Lofts, The Hustle, on Newgate Street, is announcing a “soft launch” Friday and Saturday with free drinks for its very first guests.
The new location is described as: “[A] a dazzling new venue in the heart of downtown, perfect for drinks, light snacks or even a late night nightclub, with luxe interiors curated by House of Dakota. “
Go here for the latest news live from Newcastle city center
From next week, it’s slated to open from 12 noon to midnight and feature live DJs, a wide selection of drinks, and a cocktail menu.
In the meantime, a “New York style tapas menu” will be available from October 29.
The bar’s full launch party takes place on Friday, October 22, but it will open this weekend from 5 p.m., Friday through Sunday.
Champagne, canapes and slices of pizza will be offered to everyone from 5 p.m. on Friday October 15 and Saturday October 16.
Co-owner Rob Seaman said: “It’s a place for everyone, it’s a place of good humor.
“It sounds amazing, great cocktails – we have a new cocktail menu – great food.
“The idea is to make New York tapas, so we have an amazing pizza oven, an amazing chef comes to make a lot of different tapas for us.”
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FAANG stocks could soar 50% this year thanks to long-term demand for tech goods and no new competition, Fundstrat's Tom Lee says
"You can't really say that you're going to have diminished demand for these products," Fundstrat's Tom Lee said of FAANG companies.
US stocks drop as First Republic revives bank worries and investors await big tech earnings
US equities fell the most in a month on Tuesday as concerns over the banking sector's health cropped up again.
Mass layoff exit packages at Meta, Amazon, Microsoft and Alphabet will collectively cost the tech giants up to $4.7 billion
Google parent company Alphabet will have the highest severance cost — ranging from $1.9bn to $2.3bn — while Meta's severance costs are $975 million.
Amazon's AWS just notched its slowest growth in years. It expects customers to tighten their belts even more.
Amazon execs say the slowdown is due to customers slowing their own spending as they look to reduce all kinds of costs amid the economic downturn.
Big Tech earnings are shaping up to be so weak the S&P 500 would be better off without them, a top Credit Suisse strategist says
"Tech is the thing that's dragging down the entire outlook," Credit Suisse strategist Jonathan Golub said on earnings as Amazon and Google make layoffs.
US stocks trade mixed as hotly anticipated mega-cap tech earnings get off to a weak start
The wave of Big Tech earnings expected this week was off to a weak start. The Nasdaq opened lower to snap a streak of winning sessions.
Nasdaq futures drop after disappointing Amazon and Apple earnings, while Asia techs soar
Investors assessed warnings from Apple that supply problems in the wake of China's COVID-19 shutdowns could lower sales by up to $8 billion.
Facebook parent Meta soars 16% after Q1 results show user growth recovery, and Mark Zuckerberg reins in metaverse spending
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said he's slowing the pace of the Facebook parent's investment in new projects, including the metaverse, after revenue missed estimates.
Nasdaq futures jump 2% as Meta earnings brighten investors' mood
Stocks have fallen dramatically in April but were attempting a comeback on Thursday after a slew of tech earnings beat expectations.
Nasdaq sinks 4% to lowest since Dec. 2020 ahead of key tech earnings and as investors weigh threat of a global economic slowdown
The Nasdaq led the stock market rout Tuesday as tech stocks dragged ahead of key earnings from Alphabet and Microsoft.
US futures fall after Facebook parent Meta slides 20% in premarket trade and Spotify tumbles on weak user projections
If Meta's 20% drop in premarket trading carries on into regular market hours, it stands to lose about $200 billion in market value.
Google parent Alphabet soars 8% after its blowout Q4 earnings beat and plans 20-for-1 stock split
Small investors, who sometimes flinch over the high share prices for mega-cap techs, are likely to cheer the move that will make shares more affordable.
Google parent Alphabet is splitting its stock 20-for-1. Here's why, and what it means for investors.
Alphabet's 20-for-1 stock split could boost the appeal of shares and help the company enter the Dow Jones.
US stock futures tip lower after Apple and Amazon earnings miss estimates, while ether hits a record high
Both mega-cap tech companies cited supply-chain troubles as the issue, raising fears about related impact in the next quarter.
Nasdaq, S&P 500 hit record highs as earnings optimism outweighs mixed economic data
A strong earnings season helped neutralize concerns of investors on US economic growth, which was less than expected in the third quarter.
Dow, S&P 500 hit fresh records ahead of mega-cap tech earnings
US equity investors looked past inflation concerns and rising interest rates and instead shifted their focus on mega-cap tech earnings this week.
US stocks slip from records as investors prep for Fed meeting and mega-cap tech earnings
"Any hot readings of incoming economic data and inflationary signals are tempered by the macro risks posed by the Delta variant," Fundstrat's Tom Lee said.
US stocks climb as investors cheer stellar tech earnings
Shares of Snap and Twitter soared in early morning trading after both tech companies crushed earnings estimates.
S&P 500 hits new record as investors weigh strong GDP data and mega-cap tech earnings
In addition to strong economic data, US stocks were also lifted by blockbuster earnings from tech giants Apple and Facebook.
Snap falls 3% on uncertain advertising growth outlook amid Apple's new privacy rules
Snap faces an uncertain growth outlook as it grapples with a slowdown in advertising on top of Apple's privacy update set for this spring.


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“I believe in a world where digital technology is an enabler of a better life. Kenya is at the cusp of innovation and we aim to harness it in ensuring better outcomes, high quality healthcare products delivered safely, conveniently and affordably. MYDAWA is truly a first of it’s kind, and a Kenyan solution to a global need”, said Mr. Neil O’Leary
MYDAWA is a technology based service that enables consumers to purchase authentic high quality medicines, health and wellness products. The service, a first of it’s kind, assures quality and gives consumers value for their money for medicine purchased.
The service, a first of its kind globally, has been developed in Nairobi in collaboration with a diverse array of healthcare practitioners. MYDAWA aims to bridge the gaps between healthcare providers and patients thus improving quality and cost of care.
MYDAWA features a unique track and trace mechanism that consumers can use to verify authenticity of products from source, while offering convenience and privacy to the consumer. It also offers value for money as it does not charge any service fees, transaction or delivery costs.
On why he chose Kenya Mr O’Leary added “We chose Kenya for this because the environment is right. Kenyans are not afraid to tackle problems and adopt to solutions that fit their needs. Look at the example of the mPesa, a world leading innovation that is ever relevant even 10 years after it’s inception.”
MYDAWA will officially be launched on March 28th 2017 in Nairobi before it’s rolled out in other counties later this year.
Nairobian’s can now access and sign up for free on www.mydawa.com or download the MYDAWA app from the Google Play Store0


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[PICTURE] B2ST releases album jackets of Hyunseung, Yoseob & Kikwang
- MBLAQ Displays Their Chic and Charismatic Masculinity for Arena Homme+
- Comedian works to stop investing
- IU reveals the cover of 3rd repackaged album
Having released quite a number of teasers as well as pre-releasing their first track “Midnight”, B2ST is back with more goodies and unveiled the second batch of album jacket photos for upcoming mini album, ‘Midnight Sun’.
After releasing photos of Dongwoon, Doojoon and Junhyung, B2ST released new photos of members Hyunseung, Yoseob and Kikwang. Giving off a fresh and new concept, the boys bring out a playful image, fitting for the summer.
B2ST will release their new title track “Beautiful Night” along with mini album ‘Midnight Sun’ on July 22nd.
hyunseung & kikwang, hyunseung midnight sun
BOM&HI Releases Carol Album One Day Earlier than Planned
YG Entertainment's unit group, BOM&HI, released their carol song online on December 19. On December 18, they released teaser images stating that their new digital album would release on December 20. However, they decided to release it one day earlier. Like Us on Facebook YG stated that they had originally planned for it to release online on December 20, but due to the numerous requests from fans, they decided to release it a day earlier. This Christmas song is a jazz ballad rendition of Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You" and shows off the two members vocals...
HISTORY releases practice video for 'What Am I To You?"
Rookie group HISTORY unveil the practice video of "What Am I To You".The members of History showcase their amazing dancing ability in the practice video.Check out their dance performance below, are you impressed?...
YG Entertainment Releases Park Bom and Lee Hi's Single and Jacket Image One Day EarlyTags : B2ST, Joo, Picture, teaser the beast manhwa b2st read online the beast comic b2st read online english the beast comic b2st read online goo hara kara dan yong joon hyung b2st dongwoon b2st plastic surgery beast plastic surgery b2st b2st yoseob b2st wallpaper midnight sun b2st wallpaper 2012 b2st wallpaper
YG Entertainment recently announced through their official blog that they will be releasing Park Bom and Lee Hi’s cover of the famous Christmas hit single, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” one day early! The newly formed subunit released their digital single and jacket image on December 19 at noontime. According to the representatives at YG Entertainment, “Due to the number of requests from fans curious to hear a song from these two singers, we decided to release the digital single earlier than originally planned...


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Fossil Group will be pushing forward with wearable technology in a big way at Baselworld with eight of its brands launching tech-enabled product in 2016.
Michael Kors, Emporio Armani, Fossil, Skagen, Diesel, Misfit, Kate Spade New York and Chaps brands will all release wearables in 40 countries and 20 languages in 2016. Many will be revealed at Baselworld, which opens on Thursday.
In total more than 100 wearable products will be released by the end of the year including pieces with displays, display-free designs and fitness trackers.
Fossil Group will support the wearables with unique and branded apps across all brands, three product categories, and two operating systems.
Greg McKelvey, chief strategy and digital officer of Fossil Group, said: “One of the distinct advantages of a fashion company over traditional consumer electronics manufacturers is our product cycle. We demonstrate remarkable speed to market, from development to launch, in order to meet the retail industry’s seasonal new product deadlines.
“The industry has been slow to adapt to growing consumer desires for new styles and options for wearables. With the diversity of major fashion brands we offer, customers will be delighted with the sheer volume of styles and options available when shopping for a wearable that fits their personal style.”
Fossil Group acquired wearable specialist Misfit in November last year which has boosted Fossil Group’s development and production of wearables.


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BBC shows such as Eastenders, Holby City and Casualty will be screened on board P&O Cruises and Cunard ships as part of a new deal with the BBC.
The programmes will appear on cabin TVs via a dedicated channel for cruise ships created by BBC Worldwide, the broadcaster’s commercial arm.
The sister UK lines will be the first to offer the service to passengers, with content ranging from drama, comedy and factual entertainment to natural history and documentaries.
The soap operas will air on the new BBC HD entertainment for cruise companies close to their UK broadcast date.
BBC HD complements BBC World News, which was launched in 2010 and is available on cruise ships throughout the world.
P&O Cruises senior vice president Paul Ludlow, said: “We are delighted that our guests will be able to travel the world but still keep up with their favourite television shows for that touch of home.
“BBC HD will be a superb addition to our in cabin entertainment and I am sure will be welcomed by our guests on both P&O Cruises and Cunard.”
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cyber spying News
Americans may block Chinese hackers from entering the U.S.
Washington - The U.S. is considering using visa restrictions to block Chinese nationals form attending two popular hacking conferences in August in the U.S. according to a senior U.S. official.
China, US to discuss cyber-security at forum
China's government will meet with US officials next week to discuss strengthening cyber-security. The two sides will meet at a "high-level" forum and Chinese officials have called on Washington to help settle territorial disputes in East Asia.
Microsoft has change of heart about CISPA — drops support
Microsoft has decided not to back CISPA citing consumer privacy concerns. One of the major corporate supporters of the draconian bill backs down.
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Capcom held a 10th Anniversary event today for the popular Ace Attorney franchise today, confirming the next installment in the series.
Eager fans have anticipated news on a new game and the publisher delivered an official stamp on Ace Attorney 5, confirming the existence of a new game with a nifty logo. Unfortunately platforms, characters and platforms were not mention, but one would expect at least a Nintendo 3DS edition in the mix.
Also in Ace Attorney news was an update promised for the iOS/iPhone application - bringing the three original games in the series to the platform, complete with updated 'HD' sprite work.
What do you hope for in the next entry? A return for Phoenix Wright, a new Apollo Justice arc or a completely different cast entirely?


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California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 257 into law on September 5 to ensure better protections for fast food workers throughout the state. The bill gained approval from the California State Assembly at the beginning of 2022 and the California Senate also passed the bill at the beginning of September. Numerous outlets have covered the comprehensive legislation, but the Mercury News points out that the bill “promises to give more than a half-million fast food workers more power and protections.”
The bill, which was opposed by restaurant owners who alleged it could result in price hikes for themselves and customers, creates a Fast Food Council composed of fast food workers; employers’ representatives; and state officials. The council will set “minimum standards for wages, hours and working conditions” and could increase the minimum wage, though no higher than $22 an hour. The bill was approved 21-12 in Sacramento, and hours later the bill passed to the governor. Newsom says the bill will shore up California’s economic health. “Today’s action gives hardworking fast-food workers a stronger voice and seat at the table to set fair wages and critical health and safety standards across the industry,” Newsom said in a statement Monday.
The Giants just hired a master sommelier
Evan Goldstein, a master sommelier who, at 26 years old, was the youngest to pass the test at the time, is a lifelong San Francisco Giants fan. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Goldstein will lead a massive expansion of the wine at Oracle Park — for both players and customers. The Giants also claim to be the first baseball team to serve wine at a ballpark, namely Candlestick Park in 1977.
Coffee pop-up returns to 24th Street
Sunset Roasters’ owners Philip and Sara Roliz opened La Ventana in the actual window of Donaji for just a few weeks at the beginning of August. Now they’ve announced on Instagram they’ll be back for good as of September 14, Wednesdays through Saturdays.
90-year-old Redding Chinese restaurant closes out of the blue
Jeannie Lim, who co-owned her family’s restaurant, Lim’s Cafe, alongside her brother and two sisters, told SFGATE the last day of service will be September 6. She said selling the restaurant to local restaurateurs Jeff Garrett and Lon Tatom, who own Jeff’s California Cattle Company and Lumberjacks, was not an easy choice. The new owners have not confirmed plans for the location.
Berkeley’s Raising Cane outpost canceled
A spokesperson for super popular chicken finger chain Raising Cane confirmed to SFGATE that the 2580 Bancroft Way in Berkeley location is no longer being built. The company says the location wasn’t the right fit, but the plan remains to open in Berkeley as soon as possible — just in a different location.


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MIAMI, Feb. 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Azamara — the no cruise, boutique cruise line — is thrilled to announce its ten-year anniversary of its award-wining Destination Immersion® programming. Set to take place on October 8, 2020, for one night only, Azamara will enhance its unmatched AzAmazing Evenings — the brand's signature nighttime events designed to connect guests to the local culture of a destination — and create an incomparable experience, the "Ten-Years Further Event." Guest and crew on separate voyages aboard Azamara's three sister ships — Azamara Quest, Azamara Journey, and Azamara Pursuit — will all meet in Koper, Slovenia to enjoy the celebratory event. Separately, Azamara is offering an exclusive post-voyage AzAmazing Journey for Le Club Voyage (LCV) members — their exclusive membership club celebrating the loyalty of Azamara's guests.
"The Three Sisters will come together for the first time in Azamara history to celebrate our brand's special milestone, ten-years of Destination Immersion® experiences," said Larry Pimentel, President & CEO of Azamara. "We couldn't think of a better way to show Azamara's commitment to having guests fully explore different locales through immersive land experiences than with a Grand AzAmazing Evening in one of Europe's most charming cities."
Azamara will organize an unprecedented Grand AzAmazing Evening at Ukmar Square in Koper, Slovenia, which will be transformed into an enchanting private venue. Here, guests from all three ships can indulge in regional cuisine, a special wine formally blended for this event by Azamara President & CEO, Larry Pimentel, and revel in live music starring Perpetuum Jazzile, an a cappella ensemble dedicated to preserving Slovenian vocal traditions.
To celebrate the brand's promise to further immerse travelers into the heart of a destination as well as its loyalty to past guests, Azamara's Le Club Voyage (LCV) members have the exclusive opportunity to purchase an AzAmazing Journey only available for these specific ten-year anniversary sailings. This three-night Milan and Lake Como post-voyage journey will take guests beyond Venice and provide an Italian-immersive tour of Milan and Lake Como, which includes three nights in Bellagio at Hotel Villa Sebelloni. This AzAmazing Journey includes exclusive activities that are only offered on these ten-year anniversary sailings, including a cooking class at the Bellagio and a four-course dinner at the hotel, among other activities such as a food-focused walking tour in Varenna led by local connoisseurs and a boat cruise on Lake Como.
For more information on Azamara's Ten-Year Anniversary of Destination Immersion®, please click here. To book one of the three voyages, please see the below:
Azamara® is an upmarket cruise line and the leader in Destination Immersion®, with three mid-sized ships sailing to all seven continents of the world. The boutique-style ships allow them to reach marquee ports around the world and dock in smaller less-visited hidden gems. Azamara's commitment to creating immersive experiences for travelers to connect with local cultures, allows guests to travel deeper with longer stays, more overnights, and night touring. Most recently, Azamara debuted the largest selection of pre-and-post-voyage land programs in the cruising industry, reinforcing its commitment to Destination Immersion® beyond cruising. Guests can experience a boutique hotel at sea with inclusive amenities such as gratuities, beverages, AzAmazing Evenings® – an exclusive, bespoke event designed specifically for Azamara guests to immerse themselves in their destination and more. Azamara holds prestigious awards, further exemplifying the line's commitment to Destination Immersion®, including 2019 USA Today Readers' Choice for "Best Boutique Cruise Line" and 2018 Cruise Critic Editor's Picks Awards for "Best Shore Excursions." In 2020, Azamara will take guests to 294 ports in 76 countries, including 279 late nights and 162 overnights. Additional information can be found on www.azamara.com.


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The New York State Division of Wellness has announced new findings in their ongoing investigation into the current surge of vaping-connected pulmonary (lung-connected) illnesses that have been reported across the state.
Reported symptoms from the illness consist of cough, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, and weight loss.
The Division issued a wellness advisory on August 15 notifying wellness care providers of the circumstance and which symptoms to appear for in sufferers.
As of September five, the Division had received 34 reports from New York physicians of patents ranging from 15 to 46 years of age who created serious pulmonary illness just after lately employing vaping goods.
“The situations of pulmonary illnesses related with vaping are continuing to rise across New York State and the nation,” mentioned Wellness Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. “We urge the public to be vigilant about any vaping goods that they or any loved ones members could be employing and to instantly get in touch with their wellness care provider if they create any uncommon symptoms. In basic, vaping of unknown substances is risky, and we continue to discover all solutions to combat this public wellness challenge.”
But the Division could have a lead.
Higher levels of vitamin E acetate had been present in almost all of the cannabis-containing samples analyzed at the Department’s Wadsworth Center laboratory.
Vitamin E acetate is not an authorized additive for goods in the New York State Healthcare Marijuana Plan and the Division is now investigating the substance as a prospective trigger of pulmonary illness.
Vitamin E acetate is a widespread nutritional supplement that is normally recognized as secure when it is ingested or applied to the skin, even though the Division is investigating its prospective wellness effects when inhaled as its oil-like properties could be connected to the reported symptoms.
All through the investigation, the Wadsworth Center lab is testing for a variety of substances which includes organic cannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids, nicotine, opioids, and pesticides in each cannabis and nicotine vaping goods.


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The ARTwalk began in 2003 as a way to lift up and celebrate the creativity of young people through a public, curated art exhibition during the Flint Hills Family Festival. This year, we are excited to announce that the ARTwalk is going virtual, with the theme of “Making Connections!” Students, submit your art online for a chance to have your work featured in the front windows of the theater.
Submissions for ARTwalk 2021 have closed.
Thank you to all who participated in the 2021 Virtual ARTwalk! Contest submissions are now closed and winners will be notified soon. While entry to the contest is closed, you can still submit your student's artwork to be displayed on the 2021 Virtual ARTwalk website.


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Nearly 1,500 companies have implemented SAP S/4HANA according to SAP, with 19 percent of customers actively using it. Since 2015, adoption of the SAP S/4HANA idea has been growing as more companies see the benefits of implementing the newest version of..
New Release: What’s New in LiveCompare 3.9?
With each new software release, our engineers work hard to make our tools more efficient in order to support the cost-to-market constraints associated with releasing frequent changes. We are especially..
Last week, we hosted a live webinar, “How to Apply Smart DevOps to SAP Applications in 2019.” Today on the blog, we give you a brief overview on what was discussed in the webinar in case you missed it.