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Children’s books proved to be one of the most recession-resistant segments of the book business this holiday season, with the Twilight series and the latest from J.K. Rowling leading the pack. Stephenie Meyer’s vampire books had the added distinction of being the hardest to keep in stock. At BookPeople in Austin, Tex., where getting enough copies of New Moon caused the biggest headache, “Meyer sales alone were actually 5% of our kids’ sales, which is staggering,” noted children’s book buyer Meghan Dietsche Goel in a posting on the ABC listserv. Other movie tie-ins sold briskly, especially Kate DiCamillo’s The Tale of Despereaux and the children’s edition of John Grogan’s bestseller, Marley and Me.
At $12.99, Rowling’s The Tales of Beedle the Bard was one of the season’s least expensive hardcover stocking stuffers. Its popularity, which was above what many booksellers and distributors anticipated, speaks to just how sensitive many shoppers were to price. “Beedle the Bard sold slightly better than I had originally expected, mainly due to the poor economy,” said Bookazine children’s buyer Heather Doss. “It made a great gift book and was less of a sticker shock than the collector’s edition from Amazon for $100. The average price of a book on my top 100 was under $10 this year, meaning customers were looking for more paperbacks and less hardcovers.”
Which is not to say that higher-priced hardcovers didn’t sell. At Watermark Books & Cafe in Wichita, Kans., children’s books sold well across the board, according to co-owner Sarah Bagby. Overall her holiday sales rose nearly 5%, thanks in part to children’s hardcovers like Greg Kincaid’s Midwest Connections selection, A Dog Named Christmas; the gift edition of The Tale of Despereaux; The Bill Martin Jr.Big Book of Poetry; and a new edition of Michael Bond’s A Bear Called Paddington.
Jilleen Moore, buyer at Square Books Jr. in Oxford, Miss., was one of the few booksellers to have a “great” Christmas, but then her town was one of the few places to host a presidential debate. “People came here to shop who might not otherwise. I also know that my customers were doubly loyal to us over the holidays, despite our shortcomings and inability to get things as fast to them sometimes as the online stores,” said Moore. Square Books Jr. sold a lot of copies of Kate DiCamillo’s picture book Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken, illustrated by Harry Bliss,and Berkeley Breathed’s Pete & Pickles. In YA, said Moore, her top handsells were Jay Asher’s Thirteen Reasons Why and Laurie Halse Anderson’s Chains. But the book-and-CD package Moore dubbed her “favorite find of the year” was a reissue from the 1950s of Jim Copp, Will You Tell Me a Story? by Jim Copp, illustrated by Lindsay duPont.
At the Children’s Book Shop in Brookline, Mass., sales were up in December, but not enough to make up for what owner Terri Schmitz described as “the worst November in 22 years.” Her sales were off by 3% for the year. “People weren’t buying things they perceived wouldn’t be of value like impulse items and plush,” she said. “We were way down on Christmas, Chanukah and pop-up books.” Other stores fared better with holiday titles, particularly those with a local twist. Kenny Brechner, owner of Devaney, Doak and Garrett Booksellers in Farmington, Me., reported that his bestselling title was a reprint of Maine illustrator Dahlov Ipcar’s My Wonderful Christmas Tree (Islandport Press). He also used his store’s display space to focus on series his customers might not have read yet, like Brandon Mull’s Fablehaven and Hilari Bell’s The Shield, Sword, and Crown.
Series helped boost children’s sales at 25-year-old Katy Budget Books in Houston, Tex., which had a flat Christmas overall, according to children’s book buyer Alicia Dupree. “Kids were a big percentage of our sales, especially because of the series that people were buying up in whole sets,” she said. In addition to Twilight, the store did well with Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Joseph Delaney’s The Last Apprentice and Erin Hunter’s Warriors. Other strong sellers involved motion—Elle J. McGuiness’s Bee and Me, illustrated by Heather Brown, and Rufus Seder Brown’s Swing!— as well as Ellen Hopkins’s verse books: Identical, Impulse and Glass.
“I was concerned about sales going into the holidays,” Brechner said. “The ABA was running Webinars on surviving. But lots of customers were talking about shopping local and wanting to support us. It made a difference.” Shopping local was also cited by Colette Morgan, owner of the Wild Rumpus in Minneapolis, for contributing to “fantastic” holiday sales, up close to 10% from last year. For her, “the interesting thing was that people brought up [the subject of shopping local] in conversation.” Among the books that sold best at Morgan’s store were Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games, Berkeley Breathed’s Pete & Pickles, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid titles.
“Our community really supported us more than every before, and we’re deeply grateful for that,” said Ann Seaton, general manager of Hicklebee’s in San Jose, Calif. “We had customers thanking us for being here.” Fortunately for Seaton, they weren’t paying only lip service; sales were up between 8 and 10% over December last year. Known for its staff picks, the store sold over 200 copies of its Pick of the Year, the picture book One by local author Kathryn Otoshi. Strong-selling novels included Graceling by Kristin Cashore, The Hunger Games, Impossible by Nancy Werlin and The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman.
While Wild Rumpus in Minneapolis managed to draw customers despite bitter cold days in the week before Christmas, other stores didn’t fare as well. “We got hit harder by the weather than the economy,” said Claire Benedict, co-owner of Bear Pond Books in Montpelier, Vt., who had to cope with four snowstorms in the two weeks leading up to Christmas. Late-season snows also interfered with sales at Eagle Harbor Book Company on Bainbridge Island, Wash., which were down overall. “We had more snow than we’ve had since 1960,” commented buyer Jan Healy. Even so, children’s did better than general books. “People will always find the money to buy gifts for kids,” said Healy. This year those gifts included The Hunger Games, John Green’s PaperTowns, Trenton Lee Stewart’s The Mysterious Benedict Society, and Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s Science Fair.
Similarly, at Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena, Calif., where buyer Marie DuVaure anticipates that sales will be down when final accounting is completed, children’s books were a bright spot. Swing! was a store bestseller, as were Marion Bataille’s ABC3D and the 39 Clues series. “When it comes to kids, people don’t cut back on gift-buying,” DuVaure said. Nor on sidelines, as the Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley, Mass., discovered this season. While children’s books were even with last year, sidelines did very well, according to co-owner Joan Grenier, who noted that the children’s department and the store as a whole were up for the year.
The two strongest sidelines, said children’s department manager Rebecca Fabian were educational toys from Melissa & Doug and magnetic figures from Galison/Mudpuppy. She attributed much of the success to store renovations in fall 2007, which gave the children’s department room for an activities corner. “I see the children’s department more browsed,” said Fabian, who did well with a mix of books including Chris Riddell’s Ottoline and the Yellow Cat, Lesley M.M. Blume’s Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters, Mo Willems’s Elephant & Piggie title Are You Ready to Play Outside?, and “anything” by Laurie Halse Anderson.
Despite the surprising strength of this year’s holiday season, many booksellers expressed concern about the year ahead. “I just hope all our customers come back in January,” said Seaton at Hicklebee’s. A more optimistic Brechner at DD&G Booksellers predicted, “Things will be difficult, but they will be fine in the end. The difficulties will make people pull together and reflect on the importance of community, on supporting the institutions, and businesses who really care about books and the unique role of literature in the community at large.”


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Tag - HP
HP is targeting Mac power users by allowing them to tap into its high-end Z Workstations remotely using its new Remote Graphics Software for OS X. Previously only available for PC and Linux users, the new version 7.1 has been ported to the Mac platform. The host HP Z workstation uses a "sender" plugin that connects with Receiver for OS X on a Mac, allowing both machines to share screen and apps. The announcement has been timed to coincide with the launch of the new third-gen HP Z workstations, including a new AIO model, that can feature up to 44 CPU cores and Nvidia's latest high-end Quadro GPUs.
As much as the tech journalism scene likes to think otherwise, there are certain classes of products that don't review well in a week. Sure, you can get a handle on an iPhone case, or Bluetooth speaker in a very short period of time, but laser printers defy quick reviews. Earlier this year, HP released a new family of laser printers, including the M277dw wireless all-in-one color laser printer. We'll just get this out of the way -- this is the first laser printer that I'd consider printing photos on, but its not perfect -- read our full review to see what we thought.
HP has unveiled a new portfolio of printers aimed at businesses, in both the OfficeJet and LaserJet ranges. The new batch of OfficeJet Pro printers are said to include professional color reproduction and high performance in a compact form for small businesses, while the HP LaserJet additions include printers that also boast high quality color prints, as well as providing what HP believes is the "best value" for black-and-white printing.
Hewlett-Packard has split up into two separate companies, dividing itself into firms aimed at two different markets, just as it advised last year. One, HP Inc, will be a consumer-focused company offering PCs, printers, and other devices for home use, while the other half will become Hewlett-Packard Enterprise (HPE) will deal with business customers, with the change aiming to make the two companies smaller and more nimble, and in theory more competitive.
From rumor to fact in 48 hours. The big PC powerhouses Microsoft, Dell, Intel, Lenovo, and HP have launched a new program, reminding web surfers and cable watchers about all the things that computers can do. We have two difficulties about criticizing the new "PC Does What" ad campaign: where to begin and how long have you got? There is not one single chance that you saw this and didn't wonder how in the world it ever came into anyone's head, let alone the world.
In an unprecedented technology company collaboration, computing magnates Dell, HP, Intel, Lenovo, and Microsoft are teaming up in an advertising campaign to boost the flagging PC industry. The slogan for the advertising effort, said to be "PC Does What" could be announced as early as Thursday, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Nest has made a few minor updates to its Learning Thermostat, following earlier changes to the Protect and Cam. The third-generation Thermostat is thinner than earlier models, and uses a larger 2.08-inch diameter 480x480-resolution display. New features included in this version are Farsight, where the device lights up and shows the temperature or time when someone walks into the room, and a Furnace Heads-Up warning on the display and smartphone at the start of a heating or cooling session if it notices potential problem with the furnace. On sale today, the third-generation Nest Learning Thermostat is priced at $250.
Silicon Valley powerhouses are giving opinions on the ongoing Apple-versus-Samsung court battles. In an amicus curae filing, Dell, Ebay, Facebook, Google, and HP are asking the US Federal Circuit Court of Appeals that Samsung turning over full profits of some phones found in violation of Apple patents would set a dangerous trend, and threaten the entire industry with waves of patent-infringement lawsuits which would stifle innovation, and limit choices for consumers.
On Friday, Apple updated its drivers for HP and Epson printer, scanner and all-in-one (AIO) products for Macs running OS X 10.7 (Lion), Mountain Lion (10.8), Mavericks (10.9) and Yosemite (10.10). The updates are likely to already be included in the forthcoming 10.10.4 update set for later this month (currently in beta testing), and updates every currently-available driver alongside adding new support for new models.
HP is lining up another set of notebooks in its Pavilion and Envy lines, a few months after the previous launches in the same product ranges. The HP Pavilion x2 is a detachable PC with a tablet display combined with a tablet dock, while the HP Envy updates to the 14, 15.6, and 17.3-inch models include a modern design with an elevated hinge, battery life improvements, and an upgraded selection of components to customize each system.

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Canada Post is selling its IT and logistics services, a move business experts see as a critical first step to saving a losing Crown corporation more than half a billion dollars in 2022.
“Canada Post is disappearing before our eyes,” said Ian Lee, a business professor at Carleton University in Ottawa who has studied the decline of Canada Post.
“They’re starting to restructure because they’re finally starting to face this reality.”
Last week, Canada Post announced it will sell its internal IT business, Innovapost, to Deloitte Canada. As part of the outsourcing agreement, Canada Post will maintain an IT management team while most Innovapost employees workforce of 750 people is absorbed by Deloitte.
“It was determined that the current shared service model did not provide the speed and agility needed to compete today and in the future,” a Canada Post statement said.
This announcement came a week after Canada Post announced it would sell its 3,000-person logistics company.
Canada Post declined multiple interview requests from CBC and instead provided a written statement.
“Over the past two years, Canada Post has implemented a comprehensive transformation plan focused on meeting the evolving needs of Canadians and Canadian businesses,” wrote Canada Post spokesperson Janick Cormier.
“The plan positions the company for growth in the Canadian e-commerce market while fulfilling its core mandate of providing reliable delivery of mail, parcels and packages to every Canadian address.”
The lucrative “last mile”
Lee said selling or outsourcing parts of Canada Post’s operations won’t be enough to save it. In the third quarter of 2023, the the company lost a whopping $290 million.
“The future of Canada Post is not about pretending it can deliver mail when the number of items is collapsing 6 to 8 percent per year,” Lee said.
Canada Post needs to move aggressively and quickly into e-commerce, Lee said. Sales of products purchased online and delivered to your home are exploding.
“That future is about reinventing ourselves as a partner to e-commerce companies and trying to reclaim the business that they abandoned and lost to the Amazons of the world,” he said.
Lee said Canada Post could follow the lead of the U.S. Postal Service and work with large logistics companies to cover “the last mile” — the final part of a package’s journey, which accounts for more than half of shipping costs. delivery.
“The U.S. Postal Service partners with some of these big logistics companies that bring in millions of packages. They basically sort them by the local zip code of the local post office,” he said.
“The only area where Canada Post has a competitive advantage is in the last mile. It serves 16 million addresses. It’s the last mile.”
But Canada Post would have to cut costs for such a plan to work, Lee added.
“They’re going to have to work with (the union) because their cost structure is not even closely competitive with independent contractors or even with…FedEx,” he said.
Develop services to survive, says union
The Postal Workers Union (CUPW), which represents 60,000 Canada Post workers, did not grant an interview to CBC News. (CUPW does not represent any employees working in the businesses sold.)
In a previous statement, CUPW said it would like to see Canada Post offer more services.
“CUPW is advocating for a comprehensive plan to ensure the future financial viability of Canada Post by expanding services,” spokesperson Siân Griffiths wrote in an email.
The union suggests that Canada Post could provide more postal banking servicesor start performing check-in services for seniors.
“This would not only generate new sources of revenue, but maintain and create jobs while meeting the growing needs of citizens across the country,” Griffiths wrote.
E-commerce ambitions may come too late
But Nita Chhinzer, a downsizing human resources expert and professor at the University of Guelph, says Canada Post needs to focus on its core services.
Attempts to explore logistics and IT have not improved the company’s bottom line, she said.
“While this increased revenue, it also increased costs in a way that did not increase profitability,” she said.
Canada Post tried to do too many things at once, she said.
“You cannot be a unionized company that treats its employees well, that has a broad geographic reach, that has a social responsibility as a crown corporation to ensure accessibility for all, and that is also the company who will offer the lowest prices.” she says.
Chhinzer said she also questions Canada Post’s chances of breaking into the crowded e-commerce space. In September, the company opened a new processing facility in the Greater Toronto Area that it says will be able to process one million packages per day.
“Canada Post…was the last to really enter the parcel market. It launched its initiatives well after its competitors had consolidated, Chhinzer said.
While the e-commerce sector grew by 3.5 percent last year, Canada Post saw no growth in this area.
“There are currently significant critical flaws in the operation of Canada Post,” Chhinzer said.


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FREDERICKSBURG, Va., May 4, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) has been awarded a prestigious 2015 Communicator Award, Award of Distinction
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- The horn of a unicorn considered as a medical or pharmacological ingredient.
- A winged horse with a single horn on its head; a winged unicorn.


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New Delhi: Kishore Biyani, founder and CEO of Future Group, may merge his furniture retail chain HomeTown with FabFurnish to create a separate company that will target revenues of Rs 1,000 crore by FY-17. The group acquired furniture e-tailer for ... Times of India, 3 weeks ago
Merger complete, Biyani named Bharti Retail MD - Times of India, 3 weeks ago
Future Group set to buy FabFurnish com - Franchise India, 1 month ago
3 images for "future group founder and ceo kishore biyani"
Future Group CEO Kishore Biyani , who has always vouched for same level-playing field for online and offline retailers, once again hit out at online marketplaces and this time it is Bigbasket . After the Centre, in new guidelines for online ...Business Insider India, 1 month ago How the new DIPP guidelines will affect online shopping Forbes India, 1 month ago Future Group CEO Kishore Biyani smells consolidation in ecommerce space Economic Times, 2 months ago
New Delhi, April 6 (ANI): Future Group has announced the approved of acquisition of online home furnishings and decor business brand FabFurnish from Bluerock eServices for Rs. 4.86 per share. In an interview with a media channel, Founder and CEO ...Yahoo! India, 1 month ago
Future Group is considering hiving off its furniture business under HomeTown as a listed entity after merging it with its newly acquired online retailer FabFurnish. Currently, HomeTown as a format exists under its listed flagship company Future ...Hindu Business Line, 2 weeks ago
Email this Print Hari Menon, co-founder and ceo of BigBasket, the online grocery store on Thursday welcomed the government's new norms for foreign direct investment in online marketplaces and said his business was compliant with the law of land ...Smart Investor, 1 month ago
FabFurnish is a leading online furniture retailer with a listing of more than 80,000 products from over 600 local and international brands Indian retail conglomerate Future Group has agreed to acquire Rocket Internet -backed Indian online furniture ...Yahoo! Singapore, 1 month ago
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Global Fashion Group (GFG), the parent company of the loss-making online retailer Jabong, has secured funding of 300 million euros from Rocket Internet and Investment AB Kinnevik, according to a press release from the company. How much of this ...Yahoo! India, 3 weeks ago Jabong parent GFG gets 300-mn euro funding from Rocket Internet Financial Express, 3 weeks ago
Titan Co Ltd, Tata Group's watch and jewellery retailing firm, has struck a deal to buy a majority stake in India's largest jewellery e-tailer Caratlane.com in what marks another offline retail firm snapping up an e-commerce platform in its own ...VC Circle, 3 weeks ago Titan to buy majority stake in jewellery e-tailer Caratlane Techcircle.in, 3 weeks ago
Grocermax co-founders Gaurav Juneja & K Radhakrishnan Few will disagree that India's online grocery market offers vast opportunities. Few will agree, however, on how to tap into those opportunities. The recent shutdown of VC-funded online ...Techcircle.in, 3 weeks ago
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Less Than Truckload carrier will fully guarantee all Customer Service Indicators
Duluth, GA - May 22, 2005 - Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) industry leader Saia, a wholly owned subsidiary of SCS Transportation, Inc., (NASDAQ: SCST), has announced the June 13 launch of the Xtreme Guarantee. The product will guarantee all six of the company's proprietary Customer Service Indicators with a full money-back pledge.
The new Xtreme Guarantee will utilize Saia's Customer Service Indicators to guarantee that shipments will:
-Be picked up on the day Saia commits
-Be delivered by 5:00 p.m. based on scheduled transit times
-Be delivered claims free
-Receive accurate invoices
-Receive Proof of Deliveries, if requested, within 5 minutes
-Have all approved customer claims settled within 30 days
-The Xtreme Guarantee provides a guarantee of the total customer satisfaction experience by guaranteeing the Customer Service Indicator measurements for -customers who are on Saia's current 5700 rate base and the Saia 170 rules tariff. A failure of any of the criteria will result in a refund of the entire invoice.
"The Customer Service Indicators keep us focused on what is important to the customer," said Saia President & CEO Rick O'Dell. "We asked our customers what is important to them and they determined the criteria we measure.
O'Dell continued: "Through our CSI implementation and growth, Saia has achieved a level of operational excellence that has allowed us the opportunity to offer new products and services, like the new Xtreme Guarantee, to our customers."
Saia was the first company in the industry to offer an automatic delivery guarantee for no additional charge, through the IGO, Intrastate Guarantee Offer, product that was introduced in 2001. IGO automatically guaranteed all intrastate deliveries for field level customers.
"With our Xtreme Guarantee, Saia continues on its path of providing customers with all they need in an LTL shipping partner," said O'Dell. "Our desire to build our company totally around customer needs and priorities allows us to raise the bar on what a guarantee can truly be."
The Saia Xtreme Guarantee allows our customers the peace of mind of knowing that freight delivered with Saia is supported by a guarantee like no other, O'Dell added.
"We expect to generate growth and enhance customer loyalty from this new product offering," O'Dell said.


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Devolver Announces E3 2021 Showcase Date, June 12
It appears Devolver will host its trademark off-the-rails show on June 12, the first day of E3.
Devolver Digital, the boutique games publisher behind Genital Jousting and Hotline Miami, will have a presence during the week of E3 2021, and now the company has revealed when its showcase may be. The publisher said on Twitter that it's "probably" scheduled for June 12. The "probably" is likely in keeping with Devolver's trademark humor and tone, as opposed to any real uncertainty over when the show takes place (we think).
June 12 is the first day of E3 2021's digital show. Devolver is not involved with E3 2021 in an official capacity, but the company is seemingly kicking off its own show to make the most of the elevated interest in games that week as the company was known to do in pre-pandemic years.
Devolver and E3's organizer, the ESA, have clashed before. Devolver was known to host its own event across the street from the Los Angeles Convention Center where it would promote its games and work with journalists and influencers who attended E3 proper. Devolver said in 2017 that it lost $100,000 due to its spat with the ESA.
Probably June 12.— Devolver Digital (@devolverdigital) May 11, 2021
Devolver's E3-week digital showcases are known for being completely over-the-top and absurd. Devolver normally works with actress Mahria Zook for the show, and she plays the character of a fictional gaming executive known as Nina Struthers. Here's to hoping 2021's Devolver E3 show is zany and off-the-rails again this year.
Devolver didn't share any teases for what it might showcase during its E3 briefing, but keep checking back with GameSpot for the latest from Devolver and other companies leading up to the event. Some of Devolver's upcoming games include Weird West and Shadow Warrior 3, among others.
GameSpot's Play For All charity event also returns this June as we celebrate video games and lend support to important causes. We'll have more details about what we've got planned soon.
The products discussed here were independently chosen by our editors. GameSpot may get a share of the revenue if you buy anything featured on our site.


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Scarcity can be a sign of exclusivity. A three-year waiting list is common for Bugatti buyers. Now Japanese automaker Toyota is asking some customers to be just as patient. Would-be buyers of its new Land Cruiser may have to wait as long as four years.
Part of the explanation lies in burgeoning demand. Japan’s pandemic-led camping boom has sharply increased demand for sport utility vehicles such as the Land Cruiser.
But Toyota also faces supply-chain disruptions. Chip shortages have already resulted in steep production cuts. A new wave of coronavirus infections is making matters worse. Production at many of its Japanese plants has been suspended for several days. Suppliers exposed to lockdowns in south-east Asia over the past year are running short on components. Expected February output is now a fifth lower than the guidance it gave last month.
Toyota is also made more vulnerable to disruptions by what was once its biggest strength and edge over global rivals: lean manufacturing. Toyota pioneered “just-in-time” production decades ago, having started inventory controls in the 1970s.
The strategy, which has helped it cut costs and improve efficiency, is based on having as little inventory as possible and relying on frequent, small deliveries of exactly the amount of components required for production.
The persistent disruptions in the global supply chain and rising inflation will now require automakers to do the opposite: stockpile parts to manage costs. Typically for automakers the size of Toyota, a day of lost production can cost up to $10m. Savings from just-in-time manufacturing, like warehouse costs for example, would not offset those losses.
Toyota shares are down 5 per cent this week, reflecting looming disruptions. Even so, at 10 times forward earnings, that represents a nearly two-thirds premium to peer Volkswagen. The longer its plants are halted, the faster that gap should close.
Our popular newsletter for premium subscribers is published twice weekly. On Wednesday we analyse a hot topic from a world financial centre. On Friday we dissect the week’s big themes. Please sign up here.


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According to the story, state regulators said it is "by design" that they made sure large businesses received smaller increases in increased energy rates than homeowners. Two members of the three-person Public Service Commission (PSC) are Walker appointees.
JS Online Excerpt:
In rate cases finalized last month involving utilities in Milwaukee, Madison and Eau Claire, large manufacturers received smaller percentage increases than homeowners and other businesses. For example, We Energies was granted an overall electricity rate increase of 4.2% for 2013, but large companies got only a 3% boost while homeowners and small businesses got rate increases of at least 5%.
By the end of this year, those companies benefitting from all state imposed rate caps and political discounts will have their profits padded by at least $68 million.
The bottom line is, Scott Walker is picking winners and losers by using government power to intervene and discriminate free market prices between different customers. Small businesses and homeowners are being punished by paying more, not because we're getting more but so big business, many of them heavily vested paying capital dividends to investors - can pay less for the same goods and services. This in turn also gives big business added cost advantages against their smaller competitors. So, if you find yourself with a little less money in your pockets to pay the bills - no worry, Walker has made sure whatever we lost has gone to a good home.


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The Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has charged telecoms industry in Africa to play a greater role in the economic development of the African continent.
The President said that though the sector currently contributes over 10% to Nigerian’s GDP, he expects more from the industry as an enabler of economic growth and development not only in Nigeria but also across the continent.
President Buhari who gave the charge during the second edition of the Conference of African Telecommunications Regulators on Consumer Affairs (CATCO), 2019 in Abuja Nigeria, said, “We are in an era where advancement in Information and Communication, Technologies (ICTs) is fast changing the dynamics of economies globally.
Represented by the Chief of Staff to the Secretary to the Government of the Federal (SGF), Polycarp Shambo, the president said, “I wish to charge telecoms regulators in Africa that, as you focus on deepening access to digital services in your respective countries, attention must also be paid to how consumers are empowered to be protected from the antics of abusers of these technologies. This, therefore, underscores the relevance of this forum in our digital ecosystem”.
He therefore implored participants at the conference to come up with proposals and policies for governments in African on how to enhance telecom consumers’ quality of experience across Africa as well as increase accessibility, affordability and safety for all users of digital services.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Dambatta, who was represented by the Director Public Affairs, NCC, Dr. Henry Nkemadu, in his welcome address, reiterated the need to improve telecom services on the African continent and the challenges faced by regulators.
“Let me reiterate the fact that improving telecom service in our respective telecoms industry, through effective regulations, has become essential not only to businesses but also to the entire national economy.
“In fact, regulators are now faced with the huge and daunting challenges of matching their regulatory policies with the various stakeholders’ interests within the context of the advancement being witnessed every minute in the digital space. We have commenced aggressive enforcement of compulsory compliance with the NCC’s Code of Corporate Governance for Telecommunications Industry 2016.
“We are also ensuring that telecoms service delivery is improved through continuously monitoring of activities of our licensees in order to treat consumer right and offer them value for their money,” Prof Danbatta noted
The Secretary General of the African Telecommunications Union-ATU, Mr. John Omo commended Nigeria for achieving 67% Consumer Satisfaction Index through its various consumer centric initiatives and taking the lead in reforming the telecom sector in the continent.
Mr. Omo noted that “there is a need to create a strong Digital Economy for sustainable economic development in the region not only to improve the lives of citizens but to earn their trust. And will continue to work with our governments we can ensure that our eco systems are secure and stable.
“I want to implore our member countries to ensure that we develop a comprehensive digital transformation strategy that will drive common and coordinated response in order to reap the benefits of ICT.” He added
The 2019 edition of CATCO with the theme “Empowering the Telecom Consumer in an Era of Technological Evolution” is expected to critically examine, analyse and identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to how telecoms regulators can empower the consumers in this era of technological evolution.


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PLANS to make Cork city centre a safer environment for members of the public and for businesses after Covid-19 restrictions begin to ease are being worked on by Cork City Council along with various stakeholders in the city centre.
New measures are expected to be introduced to ensure that social distancing can be adhered to efficiently by those coming into the city centre when restrictions begin to lift.
The plans will see some streets pedestrianised and one-way systems exercised on footpaths. Sections of bike lanes and car park spaces may also be sacrificed in order to allow businesses to spill out onto the streets in an effort to increase capacity and cater for more customers.
City officials have been surveying the city street by street in order to put plans in place on what needs to be done to ensure a safe space for people to navigate and business to operate in.
A meeting of the CORE group of stakeholders, including Cork Chamber, Cork Business Association (CBA), An Garda Síochána, Bus Éireann, as well as representatives from the city’s retail and hospitality sector is due to take place today where plans will be further discussed and decided upon.
The CBA is calling on the council to help businesses get back on their feet with some “key asks”.
President Eoin O’Sullivan said that the CBA would like to see commercial rates and water charges abolished until 2021 and a reduction on VAT rates down to 0%.
He said that the idea of expanding businesses’ seating space is “extremely positive” and something that he thinks people will be excited about.
He said that the city council has been “very proactive” in figuring out how to get this plan over the line but said that the cost of reopening businesses needs to be considered.
“There is going to be additional costs and you’ll have your same rent, and at the moment you’re still expected to pay commercial rates and expected to pay VAT so we need extra support to help these businesses get back on their feet.
“If we can work hand in hand with the city council and come up with a positive strategy to move things forward in a safe way to protect the general public as well as protecting businesses, there’s a common good there to get Cork back to business,” he said.
Businesses in the city centre have welcomed the plans and said that the measures could improve city centre trade but that support is needed from city council when businesses reopen their doors to the public.
Owners of Idaho Café on Caroline Street, Richard and Mairéad Jacob were operating on an already pedestrianised street between the hours of 11am to 5pm before the virus forced the café to temporarily close. Mr Jacob said that this created “a lovely calm, quiet and safe, child-friendly shopping environment” on both Caroline Street and Maylor Street.
He said that although the city council already licence outdoor seating, it is “very restrictive in what is allowed”.
Mr Jacob said there is a charge of €125 per outdoor table annually plus a €110 admin charge.
He said that businesses with outdoor seating areas must also indemnify the council by insuring the area themselves to cover claims of up to €13 million.
“When we reopen, we will have 60% less seating inside due to social distancing. The only way that our business will be viable is by replacing those lost seats outside.
“Outside our café is a 25-metre wide road, currently the council only allows us to use one metre of this width.
“I see no reason why we should not be able to emulate continental cafés and fill the space with tables, leaving clear space for pedestrians and emergency vehicles.” He said that all charges should be abolished until social distancing is relaxed and that city council should waive fees.
Idaho Café has been closed since mid-March and Mr Jacob hopes to reopen with six indoor tables and a further 10 outdoor tables when the sun shines.
Asian street food restaurant Koto opened on Carey’s Lane in 2017. Managing director of the restaurant, Jeffrey Safar Hamidi, said business on the pedestrian street had been “very good” before the virus forced it to temporarily close.
Mr Hamidi said that he welcomes the idea of outdoor seating as part of the city’s wider plans but said that businesses will have to be responsible and “play their part in the upkeep and maintenance of such areas.”
He said that the city council needs to support the hospitality sector in its requirement to operate differently after Covid-19.
“City Council must support this through any means necessary and with direct consultation with business owners if we want Cork city to be a vibrant place of business in the future.
“We are very lucky in Cork city that we have such a wonderful base of people supporting local business. Cork has so many wonderful family-owned and operated companies and it is so important to support them.”
He said the strong sense of comradery among businesses in the city needs to be harnessed and sustained going forward.
Publican and owner of Kinsale Gin, Ernest Cantillon owns a popular pub in Cork city that would normally attract people in search of a relaxed outdoor atmosphere.
The owner of Electric on South Mall, situated by the River Lee, said that allowing businesses to operate outdoors is something the city has been edging toward. He said that the outdoor seating area at Electric has proved successful for business and attracts a “respectable and relaxed” crowd.
He said that he is always conscious that crowds spill out onto the green next to Electric which is a public park but said that in 10 years of business he has never had any trouble due to the nature of the socialising that occurs.
“There isn’t any hassle, probably because people are spaced out, they have their own space as opposed to being on top of each other in a very busy bar which is maybe more of an intense environment.”
He said that the most challenging time for businesses will be when they first reopen as it will be difficult not to lose money for a period of time while social distancing measures remain in place. “I just don’t see a restaurant with five tables being viable so the shorter that period is the better because businesses can run out of money very easily,” he said.


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Estonia is a country where blockchain technology has become all the more important in recent months. This is also part of the reason why the country will host an upcoming Bitcoin and blockchain conference. In doing so, Estonia will attempt to position itself as a future European Bitcoin and blockchain hub.
Blockchain & Bitcoin Conference Comes To Estonia
It is always positive to see European countries attempt to bring positive attention to Bitcoin and blockchain. As of right now, Europe seems to be a bit behind the curve compared to other countries for some unknown reason. The UK and France are home to several Bitcoin and blockchain startups, but that is about it for now.
Estonia wants to change that by hosting the first blockchain & Bitcoin conference in Tallinn on March 9, 2017. As part of this event, industry experts, IT company representatives, entrepreneurs, and investors will come together to discuss their favorite topics. Events like these are excellent marketing opportunities as well.
But unlike other conferences, this particular event will focus on both Etonian and foreign projects implementing blockchain technology. Additionally, cryptocurrencies are becoming more common in Estonia as well. It will be kind of interesting to see what this conference can do for the local Bitcoin and blockchain ecosystem.
It is worth noting this particular Bitcoin and blockchain conference is not only coming to Tallinn either. Several other events are planned in Moscow, Kiev, and Prague. Eastern Europe certainly seems to be warming up to Bitcoin and blockchain technology, which is a positive development.
Unfortunately, no speakers have been announced for this event at the time of writing, which is quite worrisome. It is possible speakers will be added at a later date, so your best bet is to keep an eye on the website for updates.
[UPDATE 21-12-2016] Jon Matonis has been confirmed as the first official speaker for this event.
It is good to see the agenda slowly being put together. There are a lot of prominent people in the world of Bitcoin and blockchain. Novice users who have an interest in these concepts are always looking to find out more. With a few more speakers on the list, this could become an event to mark on your calendars.
Header image courtesy of Shutterstock


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An museum is opening in Vienna promising everything needed to take the perfect selfie.
Nofilter_museum has ball pits, floral walls, glitter confetti and loads of other materials designed for creative selfies.
There's a room filled with fake food like cupcakes and macaroons to help visitors take the ultimate shot.
Quirky museums are nothing new but the people in charge of this one hope it will encourage more young people to visit museums.
"The number of young people going to a museum has fallen, so we are trying to combat that with social media," said Petra Scharinger, co-creator of nofilter_museum.
"They prefer to live online instead of interacting with the real world."
"I think it's the future of museums," she says. "The main point is that it's not only about selfies, but also about having a good time, being able to interact while experiencing art.
What do you think?
Would you go to a selfie museum? Or do you think museums and galleries should be only for art and important objects?
Let us know in comments below.


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The U.S. agriculture act of 2018 legalizes marijuana by removing cannabis and its derivatives from the definition of cannabis under the controlled substances act (CSA) and providing a detailed framework for marijuana cultivation. The agriculture act of 2018 gives the U.S. Department of agriculture (USDA) federal oversight of marijuana cultivation. States have the right to maintain primary oversight of crops grown in their states by submitting a plan to the USDA.
This federal state interaction has led to many legislative and regulatory changes at the state level. In fact, most states have introduced bills authorizing the commercial production of marijuana in their states. More and more states are also regulating the sale of cannabis products.
Today, we introduce Delaware marijuana regulations.
In 2014, Delaware passed the industrial cannabis Research Act, which allows Delaware's higher education institutions to grow industrial marijuana for agricultural or academic research purposes. However, about a year ago, the state legislature enacted Senate Act No. 266, which makes some important additions to the industrial cannabis Research Act, allowing industrial marijuana to be used for a wider range of purposes, not just agricultural or research purposes. The pilot cannabis program requires operators to cooperate with Delaware State University.
Crucially, 266 has not yet allowed marijuana to be commercially grown. Commercial cultivation of marijuana was not allowed until the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued regulations to review marijuana production plans.
The U.S. Department of agriculture's ban means that Delaware will not be able to commercialize marijuana production by 2019. Growers can only legally produce marijuana under the authority of higher education institutions or the State Department of agriculture.
Nevertheless, the state stated in its application for the cannabis research program that the program empowers growers to cooperate with permitted institutions of higher education to ensure the legitimacy of marijuana in terms of cultivation, harvesting, processing, marketing, etc., and to obtain knowledge about marijuana for agricultural, industrial or commercial uses. Although general commercial sale of marijuana is not allowed, USDA believes that commercial sales for research purposes may be allowed.
To this end, the U.S. Department of Agriculture published the application procedures for marijuana processing on its website, which pointed out that the processing of marijuana in Delaware needs to be carried out according to the relevant procedures. Processing is the commercial sale of marijuana in its natural state. The app also states that the Delaware Department of agriculture cannot inform any hemp processor of a viable market for their crops. The Delaware Department of agriculture is not responsible for the market for marijuana or marijuana products and for any damage that may be caused by the processor.
The hemp research program application materials of the industrial hemp research act clearly indicate that it intends to use marijuana for commercial cultivation with the permission of the United States Department of agriculture.


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Todd Hale, Senior Vice President, Consumer & Shopper Insights
Stuart Taylor, VP, Custom Analytics
A recent Wall Street Journal article suggested that the trend of U.S. consumers making more frequent shopping trips, but buying less each trip was new, a result of the continuing tough economic conditions and a desire by consumers “to keep cash on hand.” What’s more, the article noted that food and consumer packaged goods companies as well as retailers have been introducing smaller package sizes and changing displays to attract shoppers interested in smaller sizes. Nielsen’s research supports findings in the article and we’ve taken a deeper dive into the issues to identify trends for small and large trips within specific retail channels and consumer segments.
We can confirm that the biggest increases in small trips to the big-box supercenters and club retail channels have increased and Nielsen’s research shows that those increases are driven by affluent consumers. On the flip side, while smaller trips are of greater importance to the grocery, drug, convenience/gas and dollar channels, larger trips are gaining ground. Here too there are differences across income classification, providing opportunities for retailer/store-specific and consumer segment trip-type solutions.
Looking at differences in trip capture across retail channels and retailers, Nielsen’s long-standing research reveals insights that quantifies the categories that are strong drivers of certain trip types and identifies the categories that are likely to be included in those shopping trips.
In this current work, shopping trips are segmented into four types:
- Immediate: low-value, instant -need driven baskets with an average basket ring of $15 per trip
- Fill-In: slightly higher value baskets averaging $51 per trip
- Routine: weekly, high-value shopping trips averaging $98 per trip
- Stock-up: large trips averaging $242 per trip
It’s All About the Size of the Basket
Looking at how Americans shop, the vast majority (82%) of trips are smaller – either immediate need or fill-in trips.
Larger basket trips are more important for the affluent, but smaller trips are important to all income groups. That said, smaller immediate trips declined slightly in importance from 2008 to 2010, losing one percent, while the other three categories rose, led by fill-in trips, which went up 0.7 percent.
As might be expected given differences in product and service offerings, consumer trip patterns vary greatly by retail channel. Convenience-oriented channels such as c-stores, drug and dollar stores are more reliant on immediate trips. Meanwhile, supercenters and warehouse club stores are the go-to points for those seeking to stock-up. In the middle are the mass merchandisers and grocery stores, which capture a fair number of immediate, fill-in and routine trips.
Who’s Buying What Where?
To get a better sense of what exactly is happening in the marketplace, it is useful to look at the trends by retail channel and across demographic segments such as household income:
- Grocery – Immediate trips fell in importance by almost one percent as the channel saw minor gains in fill-in, routine and stock-up trips.
- Supercenters – Immediate and fill-in trips have gained in importance over the past two years, while routine and stock-up trips declined.
- Mass merchandisers (excluding supercenters) – Fill-in trips showed slight gains, while all other trip types posted minor declines.
- Drug – Fill-in and routine trips were up, while immediate trips declined.
- Warehouse Club – There was an up-tick in immediate trips, but the staple of club stores – routine and stock-up trips declined.
- Convenience/gas – Immediate trips – the hallmark of this channel – have declined by more than two percent, most likely due to rising gas prices.
- Dollar – Basket size increased, but the immediate trip type continued to dominate.
By Household Income
- Affluent ($100k+) – Increased the percentage of smaller trips within supercenters and club stores, and drove more frequent and larger trips in smaller formats such as drug, convenience and dollar stores.
- $70k – $99.9k – This group reduced larger trips across most channels, but increased smaller trips within supercenters and club stores. Stock-up trips were generally off among these households.
- $50k – $69.9k – Middle income households shopped less frequently overall while increasing their trips to value-centric supercenters and dollar stores.
- $40k – $49.9k – Trips declined across most channels, but these households increased their immediate, fill-in and routine trips to club stores, with smaller and stock-up trips to dollar stores also up.
- $30k – $39.9k – Small trip growth within supercenters, while stock-up trips declined by 10% in that channel and in all measured channels. All but the very large dollar store trips grew among these households.
- $20k – $29.9k – Smaller supercenter and club trips grew slightly, while stock-up trips declined by 10% in all measured channels. Dollar stores are performing well among this income group that retailers are targeting.
- Less than $20k – Drastic cutbacks on small grocery trips, while increasing larger grocery and club trips. This may be indicative of pay period buying behavior. This income group shows big drops in larger supercenter trips and softness in dollar store trips.
In addition to assessing trends in basket size purchasing, Nielsen identified the types of shopping trips U.S. consumers are making to not only demonstrate the importance of the immediate or quick trips, but to also identify the types of shopper missions consumers are making based on the composition of their shopping baskets. Food-dominant missions, while driving fewer trips, account for the largest percentage of dollar sales.
Smaller immediate trips continue to capture the greatest share of Americans’ shopping trips. The interesting trend, though, is how the smaller trip is gaining in importance at the larger formats such as supercenters (which have seen an erosion in larger trips over the past two years), while formats such as grocery are seeing increases in larger trips. There are differences across income groups, with more affluent consumers hitting the big-box retailers for more immediate needs and trip compression among lower income consumers.
From beer or milk runs to large stock-up food trips, Nielsen’s findings isolate opportunities for retailers and manufacturers to collaborate on the right store layout, assortment and promotional support to attract consumers who are in need of solutions to fulfill their unique shopper missions.


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Why was the dairy food group omitted from the new Canada’s Food Guide?
Research on health and nutrition is evolving continually, and major discoveries are prompting authorities to take a new look at people’s lifestyles. As a result, Health Canada undertook a major review of Canada’s Food Guide and issued new recommendations in January 2019; the dairy food group, included in the Guide since 1942, was omitted. While, in its previous iteration, the Guide recommended consuming two to four servings of dairy products a day to maintain good health, these foods have now been relegated to the protein category alongside many other food items. The new version of the Guide suggests that cow’s milk may not be essential to the maintenance of health in adults or children, contrary to long-held dictates.
Focus on science rather than on industry
Most families in the Western world have consumed cow’s milk (and its many derivatives) in large quantities. Not too long ago still (and even today), a majority of children were literally “fattened” with milk, which was widely considered to be a significant source of calcium. So, if drinking milk was so prevalent and seemed so healthy, what were Health Canada’s reasons for pulling the plug on a food item that was a source of great national pride?
Health Canada’s main reason for doing so was simple. Made up of health and nutrition experts, this department chose to base its recommendations on reliable scientific data rather than studies funded by the agri-food industry. “We developed our recommendations based on solid scientific evidence and nothing else,” said Dr. Hasan Hutchinson, Director General, Office of Nutrition Policy and Promotion at Health Canada. “We committed not to meet with representatives of the industry. We decided to maintain this distance to prevent conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest. When the 2007 Food Guide was published, there was a lot of criticism about industry influence. We were strict in this regard because we wanted to maintain the trust of Canadians and health professionals,” he said.
Informed choices to promote good health
While this news has raised a fair share of dissatisfaction, particularly from the dairy industry, it also marks the beginning of a new era for discerning consumers. More and more studies show that milk and dairy products can have a negative impact on the health of some people and cases of bovine protein intolerances or allergies are on the rise, especially in infants. Fortunately, alternatives to the iconic cow’s milk exist, including The Latte Co. products. Finally, let’s not forget that high-quality water should remain the drink of choice in every household.


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As a major international manufacturer, Samsung has recently revealed that a mid-range 5G phone is about to be released. According to foreign media reports, a new Samsung phone appeared on the GeekBench running sub-platform recently, and it may be the previously exposed Samsung Galaxy A52 5G. With the maturity of 5G technology and related facilities, the sales of mid-range 5G phones are getting better and better.
From the information page of GeekBench, Samsung’s mobile phone has a single-core performance of 523 and a multi-core score of 1859. It is likely that it is the Snapdragon 750G processor that has not yet officially unveiled. It is reported that this mid-range 5G chip is reported to use 8nm process technology, built-in Kryo 570 CPU and Adreno 619 GPU, graphics rendering performance increased by 10%.
A rendering of the Galaxy A52 5G has been exposed on the Internet before, and it also uses a hole-digging full-screen design. The back of the fuselage adopts a two-stage style, and the texture is good. It is speculated that the size of the screen should be about 6 inches, with a combination of four lenses on the back, and the camera quality should be nice.


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Click For Photo: https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/unnamed-3.jpg?w=533
Pete Curley and Garret Heaton, who previously co-founded team chat app HipChat and sold it to Atlassian, are officially launching their new product Swoot today. The app makes it easy for users to recommend podcasts and see what their friends are listening to.
This might seem like a big leap from selling enterprise software — and indeed, Curley said the company was initially focused to creating another set of team collaboration tools.
HipChat - Consumer - Product - Company - Employees
What they realized, however, was that HipChat is “actually a consumer product that the company just happens to pay for because the employees demand it” — and he said they weren’t terribly interested in trying to build a business around a more traditional “top-down sales process.”
Meanwhile, Curley said he’d injured his back while lowering one of his children into a crib, which meant that for months, his only form of exercise was walking. He recalled walking around for hours each day and, for the first time, listening to podcasts.
Way - Times - Everyone - Web - Content
“I was actually way behind the times,” he said. “I didn’t know this, that everyone else was listening to them … This is like the dark web of content.”
The startup has already raised a $3 million seed funding round led by True Ventures .
Pete - Garret - Product - Experience - Businesses
“Pete and Garret both have incredible product and entrepreneurial experience, plus they have built successful businesses together in the past,” said True Ventures co-founder Jon Callaghan in a statement. “Their focus of solving the disjointed podcast listening experience through Swoot’s elegant design fills a clear gap in media discovery.”
Discovery — namely, finding new podcasts beyond the handful that you already subscribe to — is one of the biggest issues in podcasting right now. It’s something a number of companies are trying to solve, but in Curley’s view, the key is to make the listening experience more social.
He noted that...
Wake Up To Breaking News!
The only change you ever get from the goverment is what's in your pocket, and worth less every day.


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It might actually be happening folks. After a report earlier this month revealed that the OnePlus 6T might work on The Big Red, a follow-up report has revealed the certification has gone through. OnePlus 6T Verizon compatibility might actually work at launch.
Stepping back to last week, a report claimed that network sources were confirming that the OnePlus 6T was in testing for use on Verizon Wireless’ LTE network. However, because the certification process doesn’t always work, we had to take even the hope that the report was true with a big grain of salt.
Today, though, PCMag is back with sources claiming that the OnePlus 6T has passed Verizon’s certification process. If true, that means this new device will work on the nation’s largest carrier out of the box, no updates required. Of course, this certification isn’t completely needed as long as the right hardware is in place, but as we’ve noted recently with the Razer Phone 2, getting certified clears up some headaches.
It’s a green light for Big Red at OnePlus. Sources told us today that the upcoming OnePlus 6T phone has passed Verizon’s certification labs, meaning that the unlocked model of the new cult smartphone will be the first OnePlus phone to run on the US’s largest wireless carrier.
Further, PCMag reiterates previous reports that OnePlus is planning a launch on T-Mobile for the OnePlus 6T. That combined with OnePlus 6T Verizon compatibility is apparently part of a “two-pronged expansion plan” for the company in the US market.
The OnePlus 6T is set to debut on October 29th at an NYC event.
More on OnePlus 6T:
- OnePlus 6T Rumor Roundup: Pricing, fingerprint sensor, specs, and everything we know so far
- OnePlus schedules new OnePlus 6T launch after being upstaged by Apple
- OnePlus 6T may be the company’s first device compatible with Verizon
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.


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Another new feature is the Bliss Ultra Lounge Night Club (which will house the bowling alley).
Other changes basically include a revision of the ship's layout. In this case, the shopping area will be located just beyond the forward staircase and the Crystal Atrium and Java Cafe will have a new configuration.
The deluxe owner's suite -- a 1,195-square-ft. cabin featuring living room, dining room, private courtyard with pool, hot tub and sundeck that was introduced on Pride of Hawaii -- will continue on here but Pearl will get two of them.
The ship, taking shape in a covered building hall at Meyer Werft Shipyard, is slated for launch in November and will initially operate five- and nine-night cruises from Miami.


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Keeping Up With the Kardashians star Kourtney Kardashian is known for following a strict keto diet. She doesn’t allow her children to have anything with dairy or gluten in it. She also tries to avoid sugar in their diets. But, when their aunt, Kim Kardashian West, babysat them, they got to indulge in a treat. Kim posted a selfie with her nephew, Mason, on June 17 while the two were enjoying some snacks.
Kourtney’s kids have been on a diet for years
Kourtney used to have a blog, on which she shared that she and her kids avoid dairy and gluten. She said that they all had testing done to find food sensitivities. It turned out that they had gluten and dairy sensitivities. After she got the test results, she decided to find gluten- and dairy-free alternatives to the foods they normally eat.
Kourtney said that it wasn’t difficult to find replacements for their favorite foods. She even came across gluten-free waffles and dairy-free cheese. Now, her three kids, Mason, Penelope, and Reign all follow a mostly gluten- and dairy-free diet.
Aside from special occasions – and apparently hanging out with Aunt Kim Kardashian – Kourtney and her family are pretty strict with this diet. She explained that after avoiding gluten, even small amounts can disrupt the body’s systems. So, the family sticks to their diet as much as possible.
Kourtney even found ways to bring gluten- and dairy-free snacks on vacations. However, she makes sure to give her kids options and encourage them to choose healthier foods. She also admitted that there are times when they don’t follow their dieting rules at all. She told Health, “When we go to Disneyland, we eat whatever; we’re not bringing our own snacks!” While she tries to prioritize health, she understands the importance of a flexible lifestyle.
Aunt Kim Kardashian lets the kids break the rules
In Kim’s Instagram post, it appears that she and her nephew, Mason, ditched the diet for a night. She munched on a chocolate dessert while sitting on the couch with Mason, who was eating a snack out of a bowl. Kim captioned the post, “When I baby sit…” She then reposted the selfie on Twitter.
Kourtney didn’t reply to either post. However, fans on Twitter pointed out that Kourtney wouldn’t approve of what Kim Kardashian fed the kids. One user said, “I hope all of that is gluten and sugar free. Kourtney about to beat on you if it isn’t,” with a laughing emoji. Another joked, “im telling kourtney…” Hopefully, Kim’s sister will still let her babysit in the future.
How do you think Kourtney will react to her sister giving the kids sugary treats? Let us know in the comments.
- Does ‘My 600-Lb. Life’ Brianne Dias Health Scare Derail Her Progress? - April 30, 2021
- ‘My 600-lb Life’ Update on Dottie Perkins: Where is She Now? - April 30, 2021
- ’90 Day Fiance’: Sumit & Jenny Test Positive for COVID - April 27, 2021


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Buoyed by strong sales numbers from many of its high-profit Jeep models, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced Thursday its overall 2017 profit nearly doubled from the previous year.
FCA said its net profit jumped to $4.35 billion in 2017 thanks to intense interest in high-margin vehicles like Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, Compass and Cherokee, even though overall sales dropped 8 percent.
The company statement also said its U.S. hourly workers would receive profit-sharing checks averaging $5,500 because of FCA’s growth. This is in addition to the recent $2,000 bonus the automaker is handing each of its hourly employees thanks to tax breaks gained from recent legislation.
FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne said Thursday during a conference call that he was pleased with the company’s 2017 performance.
“This is the fourth year in a five-year plan that we launched back in ’14,” he said. “As a management team, I think we feel relatively good about the fact that we haven’t missed a year since the plan was launched. Overall we feel pretty good about what we’ve been able to achieve for the first four years of the plan.”
The company’s 2017 North American revenue fell just about 4 percent to $81.9 billion on sales of just over two million units. However, much of that decline can be attributed to the company’s decision to virtually end fleet unit sales, as well as a discontinuation of several sedans.
FCA announced back in January 2016 plans to de-focus on that car market in order to strictly target sales of higher margin truck and SUVs. It has also sought to reduce those lower-margin fleet sales in order to drive up brand value. The automaker ended 2017 with its lowest retail-to-fleet (88-12) sales percentage since emerging from bankruptcy back in 2009.
Another company focus in 2017 was to eliminate much of its existing debt load and Marchionne said Thursday that FCA’s debt levels were down $7.54 billion from 2016.
“We’re looking forward to finally walking into this meeting in Q2 and telling you that we no longer have debts,” he said. “It’s going to be a big day here when we get there.”
While FCA is currently sporting a 16-month sales decline, new and revamped models like its 2018 Jeep JL Wrangler, Compass and Cherokee, as well as an all new Dodge Ram built in the U.S., have been well-received and are expected to lead the company back into positive sales for 2018.
“The new Ram 1500 and Jeep Wrangler are both getting positive initial reviews, so if FCA can nail the launches of their bread-and-butter products, it will give the company a needed bright spot in 2018,” said Edmunds Executive Director of Industry Analysis Jessica Caldwell to The Detroit News.
It may not happen right away as forecasters expect FCA sales to drop about 15.2 percent in January, however that streak should end soon as more new Wranglers and Compass units reach the market, and the Grand Cherokee continues to perform.
"It’s typical to see a slowdown at dealerships in January following the high-selling holiday months,” Caldwell said. “This isn’t necessarily a solid indicator of the direction that the year is headed in terms of overall sales.”
About 40,000 U.S FCA hourly employees will receive their $5,500 profit-sharing checks later in February, which also marks a jump from last year’s $5,000 amount.
With this payment, FCA U.S. hourly employees have received, on average, more than $23,000 in profit sharing since 2009.
This perk is negotiated into the 2015 FCA-United Auto Workers Collective Bargaining Agreement, and is based off FCA’s 2017 North American adjusted earnings before interest or tax.
The redesigned 2018 Compass reached dealerships this past August and has shown sales growth throughout the latter half of 2017. Jeep's new Wrangler JL is currently reaching showrooms, while a refreshed 2019 Cherokee is expected later this year.
For more info on the Jeep Wrangler JL, check out our JL Showcase Page.


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HIGH winds caused structural damage at several stores in Charlton’s retail park yesterday, forcing three of them to close.
A spokeswoman for Greenwich Shopping Park confirmed three shops had shut due to apparent storm damage.
She said: “Building surveyors were called to inspect the buildings and advised Outfit and WHSmith to remain closed until further inspection today. The River Island store was allowed to reopen today.
“We are working closely with the surveyors to ensure the safety of our staff and shoppers before reopening the stores.
"We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused.”
One customer told News Shopper that Outfit “had a huge piece of display fall off the wall and smash”.
An Outfit spokesman said: “I can confirm that due to the adverse weather yesterday the Outfit store on the Greenwich Shopping Park was forced to cease trading as strong gale force winds caused damage to the roof.
“Surveyors are on site today and Outfit is not open for trade.
“We apologise to those affected for the inconvenience, but would stress our number one priority is to the safety of our staff and customers. As soon as the building is deemed safe, we will resume trading.”


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BAYAN Business, the corporate and business solutions arm of Bayan Telecommunications Inc., in cooperation with inContact, showcased its services and solution offerings for business enterprises at Fort Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig. Among those present at the product presentation were executives from B&M Global Services Manila, Development Finance International Inc., Cormant Technologies, Ericsson, Digital Media Exchange, Fujitsu, FPD Asia, Sony Phils. Inc., GN Solutions, Wrigley Philippines, Deutsche Knowledge Services, Jones Lang LaSalle and the Call Center Association of the Philippines. Jon Arayata, Bayan Business head, said Bayan is committed to providing the most reliable data services and connectivity for businesses and potential locators in Fort Bonifacio.
“High availability and reliability is our commitment to the quality of service from Bayan that our customers need and expect for their businessgrade services requirements,” Arayata said.
The Net Group, the largest office owner and developer in BGC, represented by executive vice president Raymond Rufino, hailed Bayan’s entry into the area. “…We are proud to be one of your strategic partners in this exciting business district and look forward to working with you in our future projects,” Rufino said. Bayan Business is one of the telecommunication companies that services BGC’s E-square district, which is recognized as a Philippine Economic Zone Authority information technology park. The telco provider has started installing fiber facilities to service call centers and international companies in the area.


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Small Business Majority wrote to the California Assembly Appropriations Committee today in support of AB 3205 (Salas), which creates the Regions Rise Grant Program in the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), a significant tool to promote sustainable and equitable economic rebuilding of regional economies, and with it, our small businesses.
Small Business Majority submitted a letter to Assembly Member Lorena Gonzalez in support of AB 2149, which will protect small restaurant owners and their customers at a time when small business owners are most vulnerable.
Today, Small Business Majority shared a letter with Senators Rubio, Cardin, Shaheen and Collins on recommendations for changes for S, 4321, the Continuing Small Business Recovery and Paycheck Protection Program Act. S, 4321 is a starting point in addressing the lack of flexibility that small business owners who participated in PPP are facing. However, the legislation requires critical changes to provide enough comprehensive changes that entrepreneurs need to sustain their businesses.
Today, Small Business Majority submitted a letter to Congressional leadership urging them to include S. 4117, the Paycheck Protection Small Business Forgiveness Act, in the next relief package. This bill would provide automatic forgiveness for all Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans under $150,000, while also ensuring fraud protections are in place. Loans under $150,000 represent only 26% of the PPP funds disbursed, and the overwhelming majority of these loans likely went to the most vulnerable, COVID-19 impacted businesses.
Small Business Majority submitted written testimony for the record for the House Committee on Financial Service's Subcommittee on Diversity and Inclusion's, "Access Denied: Challenges for Women- and Minority-Owned Businesses Accessing Capital and Financial Services" hearing. The contributions of entrepreneurs of color and women to our local and national economies cannot be overlooked.
Small Business Majority submitted a letter to Senators Cramer, Menendez, Tillis and Sinema in support of the S. 4117, which would forgive all Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans under $150,000, ensuring small business businesses don't incur more debt during this economic crisis.
Georgia Outreach Manager Rachel Shanklin submits a letter to Lieutenant Governor Duncan and Speaker Ralston in support of Medicaid expansion in the state of Georgia. This legislation would help lower costs for Georgia’s struggling small businesses and provide an important boost to the economy and rural communities.
On June 18, Small Business Majority called on U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Small Business Administrator Jovita Carranza to develop an oversight mechanism of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). In a letter sent to the Administration, Small Business Majority proposed a straightforward approach to collecting relevant borrower information, while making publicly available only the full data of the highest 15% of borrowers.
Colorado Outreach Manager Lindsey Vigoda testifed in support of the Colorado Secure Savings Program, which would ensure that Colorado's entrepreneurs and small business employees are able to access retirement benefits and secure their future.
Small Business Majority filed an amicus brief today with the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Texas v. U.S., which has challenged the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The brief urges the Supreme Court to fully uphold the Affordable Care Act and outlines how the law has benefited small businesses, self-employed entrepreneurs and small business employees who previously struggled to access quality, affordable health coverage.


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Basis SVP of Digital Media Operations, Zach Moore, shares strategies for navigating measurement and attribution without third-party cookies.
Centro’s Director of Product Marketing breaks down our response to Google’s recent announcement.
The topic of identity is changing by the minute. The amount of information and updates on privacy and third-party cookies can feel overwhelming to marketers looking to stay ahead of the game. Our teams at Centro and Basis are tracking these updates and helping marketers understand their impact. Are you confused by the changes? Reach out! We’re here to help.
Today, news broke that Google has delayed the release of cookie-blocking in Chrome until late 2023, a significant delay in a lightning-fast conversation. At Centro, we believe this is a healthy move for our industry. This pause will ideally create a solution that is a win for all parties.
Google’s Chrome browser has a 67% market share, but accounts for approximately 76% of webpage views, according to Centro's internal data. This represents a massive and motivating number of impressions.
With that volume on the line and a short window, many companies sprinted toward solutions—some good and some lacking—when Google first announced cookie blocking. Others adopted a wait-and-see strategy. Basis has taken an active role by developing cookieless conversions (currently in beta), building an identity testing framework (also in beta), releasing a contextual insights report, and integrating LiveRamp’s IdentityLink.
The initial deadline, while aggressive, kickstarted solutions and brought a lot of needed attention to this issue. What the industry needs now is time. Ad tech providers need time to refine identity solutions. Advertisers need time to prepare their targeting and analytics strategies. Publishers need time to adjust their revenue models.
As we’ve previously published in an open letter from Centro’s founder and CEO, the privacy discussion is an opportunity to address the real problem of consumer privacy, and become better as an industry. Many of the privacy solutions being developed are simply exploiting loopholes and circumventing the legislation, instead of targeting the real issue. Any success with these loophole-solutions will be short-lived, since they are not respecting the rising concern for data privacy.
Chrome’s new target date does not change the mission to create a solution that satisfies all parties and, most importantly, respects users. Chrome has significant market share, so this delay provides a little breathing room and a small sense of relief.
However, the truth is that privacy regulation is in various stages across different avenues. We have been experiencing cookie loss from Safari, Firefox, Apple’s iOS, and others for a while now. Basis has proactively adapted, and is prepared for continuing privacy changes. Our software and services teams are filled with strategic leaders, digital media domain experts, and technical authorities, all well-versed in identity.
Does this delay change how marketers should prepare for cookie loss? Not really—we just have some extra time to thoughtfully prepare. There should still be a sense of urgency.
Here are our recommendations on preparing for privacy changes:
Looking for more guidance on how to prepare for a privacy-first future? Check out our write-up of three groups working toward innovative identity solutions.


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Amazon Prime, the Amazon membership program that costs $99 a year, comes with a lot of perks... ..
Asian equities got off to a sluggish start on Wednesday as concerns about corporate earnings hobbled Wall Street while investors counted down to the European Central Bank' ..
Ferrari, controlled by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (FCA) (FCHA.MI), pulled out all the stops to market itself to some of its cars' owners as well as Wall Street, and als ..
The deal with Google, a unit of Alphabet Inc (GOOGL.O), builds on an existing search partnership Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) under which Yahoo gets a percentage of revenue from ad ..
China's official data show economic growth slowing but skeptics say the downturn is much deeper than Beijing admits. The latest data Tuesday showed growth in the world ..
Jim Cramer goes off the charts with the help of Bruce Kamich to spot a bottom in IBM's stock. And it looks like the bottom could be very far away. ..
The trustee recovering money lost by investors with imprisoned financier Bernard Madoff reported a new milestone Tuesday, saying a new distribution will mean allowable claims ..
Owners of vehicles with advanced fuel-saving technology and digital multimedia systems, including the Tesla (TSLA.O) Model S sedan, are hurting reliability, Consumer Reports s ..
Consumer Reports said it would no longer recommend Tesla's Model S sedan due to reliability concerns, in a blow to the luxury electric-powered car initially awarded the h ..
U.S. stocks ended slightly lower on Tuesday as a decline in healthcare and biotech stocks offset gains in United Technologies and Verizon. A 5.7 percent drop to $140.64 in IBM ..


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Simonton Windows said today it has recalled 110 employees to two manufacturing facilities, mainly as part of its traditional spring sales revival but also because recent tax credits appear to be spurring more interest in energy-efficient windows.
The Parkersburg, W.Va.-based company hired back 80 employees at its facilities in Ritchie County, W.Va., and another 30 workers at its Paris, Ill., facility. That's about half the number of people who were laid off late last year and earlier this year as part of the traditional winter slowdown in production, a Simonton spokesperson said.
"In the winter months we traditionally see a seasonal drop in business," Mark Wherry, vice president of manufacturing for Simonton Windows, said in a statement."With the arrival of spring, we're now seeing an upturn in product demand, which allows us to hire back employees.
"In addition to the traditional increase in business that occurs each spring, we're also seeing greater interest from homeowners in window replacement projects based on the newly-introduced tax credit for adding energy-efficient windows to the home," Wherry added. The credit--part of the recently enacted economic stimulus bill--allows homeowners to gain a tax credit of 30% of the cost of qualifying energy-efficient upgrades to a maximum of $1,500 per household for 2009 and 2010.


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Microsoft today provided an update on the on-going procedures to acquire Nokia’s devices and services division. Microsoft expects to close the deal in April 2014. Find the full press release below.
We wanted to provide a brief update on the status of the regulatory process for approval of Microsoft’s acquisition of the Nokia Devices and Services business. We are nearing the final stages of our global regulatory approval process – to date we have received approvals from regulatory authorities in 15 markets on five continents. Currently, we are awaiting approval confirmation in the final markets. This work has been progressing, and we expect to close next month, in April 2014.
The completion of this acquisition will mark the first step to bring Microsoft and the Nokia Devices and Services business together. Our acquisition will accelerate our mobile-first, cloud-first imperatives. We’re looking forward to accelerating innovation and market adoption for Windows Phones and introducing the next billion customers to Microsoft services via Nokia mobile phones.
In the interim, our top priority continues to be maintaining a great experience for consumers and business continuity for our partners.
We remain as excited as ever to welcome the Nokia Devices and Services business officially as part of the Microsoft family.
Read Nokia’s update after the break.
Espoo, Finland – Nokia today announced that it now expects the transaction whereby the company will sell substantially all of its Devices & Services business and license its patents to Microsoft to close in April 2014. This compares with Nokia’s previous expectation on the transaction closing in the first quarter of 2014, which Nokia communicated when the company first announced the transaction on September 3, 2013. Nokia and Microsoft remain committed to the transaction.
As previously communicated, the closing of the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Nokia and Microsoft have already received most of the required regulatory approvals, including approvals from the European Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice. Furthermore, Nokia and Microsoft continue to make good progress related to the closing conditions and integration planning. However, the transaction is pending approvals from certain antitrust authorities in Asia which are still conducting their reviews.
Nokia and Microsoft continue to be confident that the transaction will close, resulting in the sale of substantially all of Nokia’s Devices & Services business to Microsoft, and both companies are working diligently to close the transaction as expeditiously as possible.
Nokia reiterates that ongoing tax proceedings in India have no bearing on the timing of the closing or the material deal terms of the anticipated transaction between Nokia and Microsoft.


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ANGLESEY golf clubs have benefited from a share of £500,000 from golfing visitors to North Wales over the last three years following the success of an online booking service.
A decision by Tourism Partnership North Wales to concentrate its marketing on the internet has proved to be a hole in one.
Due to the new service, 6,687 bookings have been placed at golf clubs across North Wales bringing an extra 19,426 golfers to enjoy the challenge of playing links and parkland golf in the area
Customers can not only book online by clicking on www.golf-northwales.co.uk but also see images of the different golf courses as well as details about special offers and nearby accommodation.
Holyhead Golf Club’s director of golf, Steve Elliott, said he thought the website had been a bonus for the club.
“The website does really well for us.
“They put a lot of business our way with people using passes to play rounds at several Anglesey clubs.”
However some golfers on the island believe that members are losing out because there is more emphasis on visitors.
One said: “You look forward all week to playing on the weekend and then find that you can’t play at your usual time because there’s a bunch of visitors clogging up the place, and if you have a wife and family you don’t have all day to play.
“I understand the economics but when you’re paying £400 plus each year to be a member you don’t expect restrictions on when you can play.
“I know one or two who have given up golf completely just because they were finding it harder and harder to have time to play on a Saturday and balance family commitments.”
Mr Elliott believes that clubs have to find the middle ground to satisfy both visitors and members.
He said: “It’s a balancing act for many clubs.
“You do get members who complain if they are stuck behind visitors on a Saturday. Some want the course to themselves, but that would mean memberships rising to £1,000 a year and there aren't many who can afford that.
“It’s not just the green fee but the meal and drinks that visitors also buy.
“These days you can’t live without the money visitors bring to a club and members perhaps need to adjust to it.”
Tourism Partnership marketing executive Carole Startin is delighted the online booking service is proving such a success.
She said: “The majority of golfers coming to North Wales are from around the Midlands and North West of England which is our key target area.
“Encouragingly, the Ryder Cup has generated a great deal of interest from across the pond in the United States of America.
“Our decision to concentrate our efforts online has been extremely important.
“The system enables people to book up to six courses at a time, so you can organise a whole week of golfing in one fell swoop.”


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The last ATX West trade show (USA) in Anaheim, California, was the place to be to see the latest assembly platform developed by Mikron Corporation Denver. The new solution received a lot of attention and positive feedback from visitors.
The new Mikron platform is based on standard building blocks from Mikron’s proven platform library. It is part of a range of modular solutions which includes automatic and semi-automatic solutions with rotary, servo or robotic units. The new Mikron solution is perfect for assembling new devices for laboratory trials or for low-volume production.
This successful launch turned into a real story. The first project based on this platform has been ordered by a new US customer operating in the Pharma / Medtech industry.
General Manager of Mikron Corporation Denver said Mike Gunner said: “This initial success shows that by increasing our product portfolio, we are meeting the needs of customers for more agility, flexibility and reusable solutions”.


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Etisalat, Nigeria’s most innovative and fastest growing telecommunications company, in partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of the Pan African University, with support from the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the Ministry of Trade and Investment have flagged-off this year’s edition of Market Access Nigeria; a series of business networking sessions organized for small and medium scale businesses to interact with big and more established businesses.
This year, the quarterly event made its debut in Calabar and marked the fourth in the series since it started last year; having toured the cities of Port-Harcourt, Abuja and Lagos. With the theme, ‘Facilitating Market Access to Small and Growing Businesses’, the event saw owners of various small to medium scale businesses converge at the Transcorp Metropolitan Hotel to discuss the challenges faced in their businesses and explore opportunities for partnership with large businesses.
Head, High Value Events and Sponsorships, Etisalat Nigeria, Ebi Atawodi while addressing participants at the session, said Etisalat decided to extend the reach of the forum to Calabar to cater to the needs of small and growing businesses in the state. “SMEs are an important part of any economy’s growth, especially for a developing country like Nigeria. Last year, we held productive and interactive Market Access sessions hosting over one thousand SMEs in Abuja, Port-Harcourt and Lagos”, she said.
“We at Etisalat are passionate about the growth of these young companies and entrepreneurs and we are committed to providing them with all the necessary support they need to thrive in their various industries,” she said. She further added that innovation is at the core of the company’s operations and that led to the development of EasyBusiness, a package that caters specifically to the communication needs of SMEs by giving them access to reduced call rates.
On Etisalat’s partnership with the EDC, Atawodi said both organizations share a vision which has seen them collaborate on a number of projects including Market Access. Some of these projects include Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), a weeklong celebration of entrepreneurs and innovators who launch start up businesses around the world and SME Toolkit, an international online resource where SMEs are able to access training tools and resources for their businesses.
Director General of SMEDAN, Alhaji Mohammed Umar, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Strategic Planning, Policy and Coordination, Mr. Monday Ewans said the event is a platform designed to start relationships between small and growing businesses and bigger ones that will create mutual benefits and growth productivity. He pointed out that the major challenge faced by these small businesses is access to competitive markets, pointing out that with the Market Access, more of such businesses are able to find business solutions that will enable their productivity and growth. He commended Etisalat for continuing with the vision, saying that the success of the SME sector will go a long way in boosting the overall development of Nigeria’s economy.


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The actress made some quieter versions of her three kids!
Stone the crows!
Jennifer Garner has some serious Halloween game and the actress took to Instagram on Monday to show off her spooky skills.
While many celebs were posting photos of their kids in costume, Garner went one step further and made scarecrow versions of her three children -- Violet, Seraphina and Samuel.
It appeared the Miracles from Heaven star then used the youngsters’ actual clothes -- pants, cute sweaters and a Batman shirt -- to dress her creations.
EXCLUSIVE: Inside Jennifer Garner's 'Ugly Mother' Transformation for 'The Tribes of Palos Verdes'
“TO THE CROWS: BOO! #quieterthanthehumanversions #familytradition #ohpleaseyesihadhelp,” Garner captioned a photo showing her posing with the scarecrow trio.
Garner’s Halloween prep also involved heading to the pumpkin patch and baking pumpkin maple muffins.
“Some see jack-o-lanterns, I see muffins,” she captioned a post showing her wearing a Super Woman shirt while lugging a wheelbarrow of pumpkins and other ingredients for her baking session.
See more on Garner and her latest role in the video below.


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..userbase. What? What did you think it was going to say? Oh, you filthy minded gamer you!
NPD data supplied to Gamasutra shows that Blizzard’s MMO has sold 8.6 million copies to date in the US alone. That number includes all SKUs that have hit the shelves since the title’s 2004 launch which include the standard edition, Collectors Edition, the Battle Chest that contains the base SKU and The Burning Crusade expansion pack, and the two expansions, The Burning Crusade and Wrath of The Lich King, as stand-alone units.
According to GS’ math, World of Warcraft has brought in $258 million worth of revenue from from US retailers alone. On top of that, if the 11.5 million worldwide subscribers Blizzard reported last December is accurate and each of those is players coughs up the ~$15 monthly fee, the game currently brings in ~$170 million each and every month. Which is.. something every other MMO out there dreams of.


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MINNEAPOLIS, March 03, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SPS Commerce, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPSC), a leader in retail cloud services, announced that Dan Juckniess has joined the company’s executive team as Chief Sales Officer. In this new position, he will manage the sales strategy for all SPS Commerce products across the full spectrum of customers in the SPS Retail Network. Dan brings deep, varied experience in enterprise cloud sales at high-growth organizations.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f8927cbe-392f-4212-9e84-5e97eadd969f
“Dan is the latest addition to our senior management team and will serve in a new role overseeing the company’s sales organizations,” said Archie Black, president and CEO of SPS Commerce. “Working with our sales executives and their teams, he will be instrumental to expanding our sales success. Dan is highly regarded for his leadership and brings a proven ability to drive growth. We are thrilled to welcome Dan to SPS Commerce.”
Dan joins SPS Commerce with more than 20 years of experience in executive and sales leadership roles spanning enterprise cloud services, educational technology and business information solutions. He has led transformative sales, customer service and marketing organizations that achieved substantial revenue growth for market leaders including Edmentum and Thomson Reuters.
About SPS Commerce
SPS Commerce perfects the power of trading partner relationships with the industry’s most broadly adopted, retail cloud services platform. As a leader in cloud-based supply chain management solutions, we provide proven integrations and comprehensive retail performance analytics to thousands of customers worldwide. SPS Commerce has achieved 60 consecutive quarters of revenue growth and is headquartered in Minneapolis. For additional information, please contact SPS Commerce at 866-245-8100 or visit www.spscommerce.com.
SPS COMMERCE, SPS, and RETAIL UNIVERSE are marks of SPS Commerce, Inc. and Registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. 1=INFINITY logo, AS THE NETWORK GROWS, SO DOES YOUR OPPORTUNITY, INFINITE RETAIL POWER, RETAIL UNIVERSE, RSX, SPS logo, and others are further marks of SPS Commerce, Inc. These marks may be registered or otherwise protected in other countries.


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Chances are if you are a college student you not only know what a JUUL is, but you might be a habitual user or have taken a hit off of a friends at a party. The JUUL was originally created to help smokers find an alternative to cigarettes, according to their website. However, JUUL found another market in high schoolers and college students.
According to Truth Initiative the JUUL is a new e-cigarette, “JUUL devices heat up a cartridge containing oils to create vapor, which quickly dissolves into the air. The device is small enough to fit in a closed fist and has a sleek, tech-inspired design that resembles a USB flash drive.”
Resident Assistant Frank Sandavol said “it was not an issue before but now that more generations like millennials are getting used to it, it’s more of an issue.” –
Sandavol says there are policies in place that prohibit JUULing inside the University’s residence halls. During the 2017-2018 academic year, students’ vape pens set off the fire alarm in the New Living Center.
Personally Sandavol does not JUUL and was told by his father growing up not to use tobacco products. For him, the JUUL fell into the same category.
“Even though it might be vapor, it still has nicotine and products that get you hooked,” Sandavol said.
JUULs do contain nicotine and according to the product website, “One JUULpod is intended to last ~200 puffs. However, individual smoking and vaping patterns may vary.”
This is equivalent to one pack of cigarettes, if the JUULpod has a 5 percent nicotine concentration.
A student, who asked that her name be witheld, said that she typically JUULs in social settings, with friends. She does not consider herself a habitual user of the product and started JUULing last semester.
Before she started JUULing, the student did not use any tobacco or nicotine products. She said she has mixed reviews of the product and has bought three different JUULs because they are easy to misplace due to their small size and sleek design.
“They are easy to lose and they are also really expensive. It sucks all the money out of your bank account if you are really dedicated to it,” she said.
Freshman Robert Huebert said he thinks that JUULs should not be allowed on campus. When asked what he thought when he sees other students JUULing after class Huebert said, “wow, that is pretty stupid.”