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McDisaster: Fast Food Is Dying – Make a Killing From It…
Excuse me sir, would you like to super-size that crash?
McDonalds stock is getting crushed right now. Shares have been in a tailspin since June. But it’s not just Mickey Dee’s. Coca Cola shares are in freefall, too.
Bad news for them. But if you want to rake in a pile of easy money, it could be great news for you. Here’s why…
See, Americans just aren’t choking down this junk like they used to. The fast food burger, fries and a Coke are just down payments on an early coronary – and Type II diabetes. And everyone’s finally gotten the message. In a recent Consumer Reports survey, McDonalds ranked dead last in food quality, value, and service. Consumers are looking for healthier alternatives, and there’s a growing demand for “green” organic and hormone-free foods.
Just look at shares of McDonalds Corp. (NYSE:MCD). It’s down nearly 4% on the year. Only yesterday, the fast food giant reported 30% drop in its third-quarter earnings. Management cites challenges in the biz that are “more formidable than expected.”
Gee, I wonder if the captain of the Titanic used that phrase to describe the threat of icebergs after he slammed into one…
Whatever McDonald’s excuses are for laying an egg this earnings season, one fact is undeniable: Unhealthy, traditional food offerings are on their way out the door. And anyone owning shares of the junk-peddlers will suffer in the long-term. The stock is already breaking down to new lows on the year. It’s only a matter of time before shares find themselves locked in an even nastier downtrend.
Still don’t believe me? Check out Coca Cola Co. (NYSE:KO). The Big Mac’s best friend is coming off its sugar high and spiraling lower. After posting disappointing earnings and a cruddy full-year outlook, Coke shares took their worst one-day hit since October 2008.
Both McDonalds and Coca Cola are in big trouble. And these are Dow stocks we’re talking about! Investors are looking to these names for safety. But they’re getting nothing but losses.
Here’s the truth that many investors can’t admit: There’s no growth in junk food anymore. Consumers’ habits are changing. They’re gluten free, low-carb, no-carb, organic and environmentally aware. I really don’t care if you think these are the attitudes of tree-huggers and hippies —I’m just telling you what’s happening in the market.
Companies are realizing they need to shift focus to healthier options — or lose market share.
So put that burger down and sell these bloated “junk” stocks now.
for The Daily Reckoning
P.S. Looking for an alternative to the fast food stocks? Sign up for the Rude Awakening for FREE today to see how you can trade this trend for huge gains…


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The Interactive Advertising Bureau is expected to roll out the next phase of its self-regulatory privacy initiative on Monday, when it will launch a program to certify that online companies are in compliance with self-regulatory guidelines, Online Media Daily has learned.
The IAB, along with the other trade groups participating in the self-regulatory initiative, also is expected to announce that the National Advertising Review Council has tapped the start-up Better Advertising to help monitor compliance with privacy principles. Those principles -- which grew out of a task force of the American Association of Advertising Agencies, the Association of National Advertisers, the Direct Marketing Association, the Interactive Advertising Bureau and the Council of Better Business Bureaus -- generally require companies to notify consumers about targeting, and in many cases, allow them to opt out; in some situations, the principles call for opt-in consent.
In addition, the "power i" icon, consisting of a lowercase 'i' inside an open circle -- which was supposed to indicate when online ads were being served based on users' Web activity -- appears likely to get a makeover. Industry insiders say that some ad organizations were concerned that the symbol was too similar to other logos to be licensed. The slightly renovated version is likely to consist of an 'i' inside a triangle pointing toward the right, like a 'play' button.
The icon, initially developed by the think tank Future of Privacy Forum and WPP units Group M, Kantar Group and Ogilvy, is part of the online ad industry's attempt to curb the threat of privacy legislation by showing that online companies can effectively notify people about ad targeting and allow them to opt out. People who click on the icons can learn more about ad targeting as well as how to opt out of receiving ads based on their Web activity.
Web companies were expected to start using the icon earlier this year, but the initiative stalled after concerns were raised about whether courts would back the trade groups' ability to use the symbol. The current plan calls for the four trade associations to allow Web companies that are in compliance with self-regulatory principles to license the icon and place it on their Web ads.
For at least 10 years, many companies have used privacy policies to notify people about tracking and behavioral targeting, but those policies are often criticized as being too lengthy and dense to be effective. The Federal Trade Commission said last year that it supports industry self-regulation for now, but that companies need to improve their efforts to inform consumers about online tracking and how to opt out.
The icon created by the Future of Privacy Forum and WPP isn't the only logo that's being used to indicate online behavioral advertising is occurring. Truste also is testing its own separate icon.

domain: news


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Expected slump in broadband spend fails to materialise in 2021, says Dell’Oro
- Report sees 3% CAGR in global spend on broadband kit by 2025
- Q2 results from vendors signal positive trend
- 5G FWA set to benefit from home-working boom
The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on broadband network usage has been pretty well documented over the past 17 months or so. Indeed, enforced home working and copious consumption of TV streaming services has only served to reinforce the central role that high-speed home broadband networks play in our lives today.
After last year’s increase in subscriber numbers and data traffic, a slowdown might have been expected in 2021, in turn affecting what telecoms operators spend on broadband access and customer premises equipment (CPE). Not so, concedes Dell’Oro, which indicated that it had originally predicted such a scenario. The research company said operators the world over have continued to maintain spending on equipment because of the sustained demand for services.
As summarised by Dell’Oro: “The spending slump we had expected to see in 2021 after the increased investment levels of 2020 is not going to materialise. In fact, spending will continue to grow this year as operators deal with continued subscribers additions, as well as competitors increasing their investments in fibre, HFC [hybrid fibre coaxial] and fixed wireless networks.”
Recent quarterly results from equipment vendors also support this revised stance — a result of growing investments by operators. Nokia, for example, reported second quarter revenues of €5.3 billion – up by 4% year-on-year in reported numbers but up by 9% once currency exchange rate fluctuations are stripped out. The Finnish supplier also raised its sales and profit margin guidance for the full year on the back of improving business trends.
Adtran reported strong demand for fibre access equipment, meanwhile. And Charlie Vogt, president and CEO at of DZS, the broadband access and mobile transport vendor formerly known as Dasan Zhone Solutions, said mobile and broadband connectivity demand “led to record first-half orders of $245 million and a record backlog of $160 million” as of the end of June. The vendor also reported strong revenue growth for the quarter.
According to Dell’Oro, global spending on broadband access equipment and CPE is expected to have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3% from 2020-2025, “which is a solid increase from a 0% CAGR in our January 2021 five-year forecast edition”, the analysts said.
“The combination of continued residential subscriber growth and increased capacity utilization rates noted by global broadband providers will more than offset the negative impacts of component shortages and labour limitations,” Dell’Oro commented.
“Even if subscriber growth does slow later this year, broadband penetration rates and the total addressable market for broadband service providers have expanded significantly over the last year. Subscriber growth has also resulted in improved revenue and gross margins for service providers. As a result, providers are pulling forward some of their upgrade projects, including those involving the transition from copper to fibre,” the company said.
Dell’Oro has also raised its five-year CAGR for passive optical network (PON) equipment to 5% from 3% and expects to see an increase in cable spending, in part as operators begin the process of preparing their networks for DOCSIS 4.0 upgrades.
Also worth noting here is a recent report from ABI Research on the 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) market. According to the research firm, 5G FWA will be the fastest-growing residential broadband segment, increasing at a CAGR of 71% and exceeding 58 million subscribers in 2026. “The need for high-capacity residential broadband will remain strong, even after the pandemic recovery,” ABI points out.
5G FWA services “are a cost-effective alternative when the deployment of a high-speed fixed broadband network is not economically feasible,” ABI said. “5G FWA services are expected to represent 4% of residential broadband services in 2026, growing from less than 1% in 2020.”
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Patrick Cottle does most of his work in a small shop in Norwalk, but he stays on call 24 hours a day. After all, he never knows when somebody is going to need a drum.
Cottle, the owner of BoneYard Drums, has had bands call him at 10 p.m. en route to a gig, needing a small part for their drum kit.
He’s had producers phone him at odd hours from the recording studio. Sometimes, drummers land at the airport and call him to provide an entire set for their upcoming show.
For nearly three years, Cottle has made a living finding old and beat-up drums, outfitting them with new parts and selling them back to the music industry. He finds his raw materials everywhere from garage sales to the Goodwill, and after sanding the wood, replacing the skin and putting new fasteners on them, he turns out a product that looks brand new.
“Somebody told me the other day that my drums already have a rich sound in them, because so many people have been playing them,” Cottle said.
Cottle, who also rents amplifiers and other equipment, will be among the vendors Sunday at the second Musician’s Swap Meet at Old World Village in Huntington Beach. The event, which took place for the first time in August, brings together merchants who sell records, books, equipment, instruments and even insurance for musicians.
Co-organizer Stan Velicky, who runs the swap meet with his father, plans to host a similar event every two or three months in Orange and Los Angeles counties. By Velicky’s estimate, there are about 500,000 musicians in the area, which made it a natural home for his enterprise.
“These two counties are basically the cream of the crop as far as the musicians market,” he said.
The swap meet will take place in the Festival Hall and the adjoining outdoor Old World Beer Garden.
Old World Village will provide a full bar and food, including bratwurst and hamburgers, during the event. Cyndie Kasko, the shopping center’s marketing director, said about 250 people attended last year’s event.
“Anything to do with music, you can find here,” she said.
Cottle isn’t the only vendor planning to sell products made out of recycled parts. Clifford Latshaw, the owner of Nitewalkerpreamp, manufacturers bass guitar preamplifiers by combining standard equipment with capacitors used by the military. Latshaw said he gets many of his parts from Russian military surplus equipment, which he buys on EBay.
Latshaw, who lives in Nevada, created his products to equal the sound of the bass he played as a teenager in the 1960s. After that, he said, technology changed, and the preamplifiers he had tried ever since didn’t render the same dynamic sound.
“It really does make a big difference,” he said. “It brings back a sound like the bass guitar is supposed to sound.”
If You Go
What: Musician’s Swap Meet
Where: Old World Village, 7561 Center Ave., Huntington Beach
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Admission: $4 for adults, $2 for seniors, free for children 12 and younger


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There's long been speculation that there's a Facebook phone in the offing. The current rumours swirl around three points in particular. That there are rumours that Facebook might bid for Opera, so giving it a browser. That Facebook has hired several phone developers away from Apple recently. But most importantly, the well known problems that Facebook is having in mobile. Quite simply, as more people are accessing the site from their mobiles or smartphones, the revenue that Facebook gets from each of them is falling.
Thus the idea that Facebook must do something so why not design and distribute their own hardware?
The Facebook hardware rumour mill is in full spin again this week after reports suggest the social network is preparing its own smartphone for 2013.
While there have already been numerous whispers that the company is planning to jointly develop handsets with HTC, the latest word on the matter suggests Facebook will go it alone.
Employees, recruited engineers and other people close to the company have all expressed knowledge on Facebook's smartphone plans, the New York Times reports.
The firm has even recruited a handful of former Apple software and hardware engineers, including a number of folk who worked on the iPhone and one who had his hand in the iPad's development.
There are only three little problems with this idea. The first is whether there truly is a phone development project or not. The second is whether, if there is, they will be able to actually bring it to fruition. The third is, even if they can, is this a sensible thing to be doing?
Mark Zuckerberg is working on putting a Facebook phone into the hands of the 350 million users who access the social network via their mobiles each month.
Days after its $16bn (£10.2bn) roller-coaster share sale, Facebook is preparing to take on Google and Apple by creating its own handset and the software to operate it, according to a string of reports from Silicon Valley to Taiwan.
Given the fog of unclearly seen information (and misinformation) that we're all working in the answers to these questions obviously come down to personal
My own are that the cost of making dedicated hardware is simply too high for the company to do this on their own. Further, they've no known skills or advantages in hardware at all and no, these are not things that can just be hired in. So I think a Facebook designed and distributed phone is most unlikely: and a very bad idea if it is done or attempted.
Which leaves some form of software integration of Facebook into the OS of a phone and then either licensed or contract manufacturing with one of the extant companies. This is discussed here at The Register and there are reasons to think that this might work and others to think that it might not. There are even suggestions that Facebook should buy either Nokia or RIM in order to gain that necessary hardware expertise.
Then there are all sorts of interesting if odd ideas. Facebook might generate another fork in Android, leaving out the services that Google has to be paid for (Mail, Maps and so on) and bringing them in from some other source.
The likely success or failure of any of these is a matter for your own opinions, not mine.
My own suggestion is very different: it comes from looking at what Facebook currently already does well rather than where they want to get to. Thus the answer to me is that Facebook should integrate a Skype like VOIP service into both its basic service and a new mobile app and gain the desired position in mobiles that way.
For what Facebook really is good at is in getting people to communicate with each other. That's actually what the company does. Adding VOIP capabilities would not be beyond the wit of man. Further, adding such VOIP to a mobile is not difficult: most phones can now run a version of Skype for example.


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“Encore by Oscar de la Renta” is the new resale platform that will give customers the chance to shop vintage ODLR items or to even sell their own pieces.
The selection is curated from the archives of clients, collectors, and other vintage sellers and it includes a mix of both newer and vintage items, including dresses, jewelry, and more. According to the brand the garments are authenticated by their archivists and also reconditioned by hand in their atelier.
“Encore by Oscar de la Renta provides a sustainable alternative, extending the life and utility of exceptional heritage pieces,” the brand explained in a statement.
De la Renta believes it is important for Encore to exist not only as a sustainable endeavor, but also as a cause for good in the communities. That’s why, in addition, those interested in selling their own items can choose to donate 80% of the proceeds of the sale to one of the brand’s charitable partners: Habitat for Humanity, Dress for Success, World Central Kitchen, and The Colleagues of Los Angeles.
The platform is powered by Archive, a full-service resale partner for brands that helps them take ownership of their secondhand market in a way that’s authentic to their brand and customers.
The resale market for luxury brands has had an accentuated growth and some brands have echoed from this, not failing to start taking this business into their own hands. They’ve been able to recognize the advantages of embracing this division, such as building on the brand’s heritage and giving new, younger audiences the chance to get closer to the firm when they pursue trends that re-emerge.
Actually, Gen Z is leading the trends on purchases and consignment of second-hand clothes according to The RealReal 2021 Resale report. This is noticeably fueled by enthusiasts on social media, creators that help communicate and spread lessons of fashion history, resulting in new found love (and coveting) for specific vintage items.
Other than the new customers and new streams of revenue there’s the eco-friendly component, as more and more brands turn to focus on sustainability and ‘circular’ business models. Meanwhile, the secondhand market is forecast to reach $77 billion by 2025, that’s doubling in five years.
Despite the rise of platforms such as The RealReal, Vestiaire Collective or Depop, luxury brands are just starting to venture into resale. Even so, some fashion and athleisure brands such as Lululemon, Patagonia, COS, and most recently Jean Paul Gaultier, have launched official pre-owned resale platforms.
Other brands chose to partner with the third-party platforms already mentioned. Burberry and Stella McCartney consolidated partnerships with The RealReal back in 2017 and 2019 respectively. This way, they endorsed the second-hand market, expecting customers to be more inclined to buy new goods after having a first approach to the brand through pre-owned items.
Will more brands join this booming business?


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Boston Mayor Martin Walsh and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department will kick off the city's 16th annual neighborhood coffee hours series in Charlestown this month.
The coffee hour, sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts, will be held rain or shine on Monday, May 12 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Charlestown's Doherty Park, 349 Bunker Hill St., according to an announcement from Boston City Hall on Friday.
The series is meant to provide residents an opportunity to speak directly with the mayor about open space and other neighborhood-related needs and issues. Those who attend the one-on-one chats will receive coffee and breakfast, courtesy of Dunkin' Donuts, as well as fresh fruit from Whole Foods Market.
Moreover, each family who attends the series will receive a flowering plant grown in Boston's greenhouses as a gift from the mayor, and residents will be eligible to win a raffle prize package that includes a Dunkin' Donuts gift basket, according to the announcement.


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Center on Colfax hosts transgender clothing drive
âBeing able to have clothes that really help you empower yourself is super super important,â said the organizer.
DENVER – The Center on Colfax is hosting a clothing drive for the transgender community in hopes of helping individuals find items that best define who they are.
The reader is hosted by Sable Shultz, director of transgender services at the center.
âA lot of times we’re pushed into styles that don’t accurately reflect who we are and our identities as human beings, and so something like that is an opportunity for people to pick up certain things and hopefully. to try them out and connect, âShultz said. .
âIt’s also very important to recognize that like trying to create a whole new wardrobe, it is expensive,â she said.
RELATED: After 2 Valor Christian Coaches Asked About Their Homosexuality, Students Protest School Policy
This is the third year that the LGBTQ community center has organized the campaign. Schultz said they typically see 50 to 60 people come in and pick up clothes. The reader offers all types of clothing, from formal wear to casual wear, shoes and socks.
Schultz hopes those who participate will walk away with a few outfits that are more like them.
âI think it’s super critical,â she said. “Being able to take these clothes and try them on and see yourself good and think wow, that’s who I am. To be able to have clothes that really help you empower yourself, that’s super super important.”
The fundraising, as well as the clothing drive, will take place until Thursday, September 30. Individuals can stop and check clothes and drop off donations during the centre’s opening hours from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
RELATED: Denver Broncos Charities Grants $ 151,000 to Area Organizations and Nonprofits
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Sony has yet to officially confirm when the PlayStation 5 release date will be. However, there are ambitious theories on what specs the platform will introduce. Check out some of the specs that the next gen PS may show off.
One of the biggest speculations surrounding the PlayStation 5 release date is the wireless charging feature. It is widely speculated that Sony will integrate this feature to the console. Wireless charging has become ever so popular these days. Some experts suggest that it's time Sony will bend to the trend.
Another thing that fans are expecting from the PlayStation 5 release is Steam integration. According to Value Walk, Sony may decide to integrate the platform into the next-gen PlayStation to provide fans with more flexibility. Steam is popular among many gamers and it could be good for the company's sales.
As for the games that could be added into the roster, many believe AAA VR games will be a hit. Some suggest that "The Last of Us Part 2" may be added into the official games list within the PlayStation 5. Sony has yet to officially confirm the rumors.
Meanwhile, a lot of gaming enthusiasts strongly believe that the PlayStation 5 release date won't be happening this year. Microsoft is already pushing for a 2017 release for the Xbox Project Scorpio but Sony remains silent. However, it is speculated that the console developer is delaying the console's unveiling to ensure that they will deliver a behemoth to fans.
Mirror notes that there is a small chance Sony will unveil the PlayStation 5 in June. As gaming fans around the world know, June will kick off E3 2017. Nintendo is expected to make big announcements during the event. Microsoft may also unleash Project Scorpio.
It remains to be seen if the PlayStation 5 release date will be announced sometime later this year. For now, fans can rely on the popular PlayStation 4 for an amazing gaming experience.© 2019 Mstars News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.


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Jack Mallers, CEO of Strike, says Coinbase and other providers are overcharging customers to promote “shitcoins”
As of today, US customers of the payment startup Strike can buy and sell Bitcoin almost free of charge, the company said.
Strike, which recently revealed plans to help El Salvador adopt Bitcoin, aims to bring the platform to the “cheapest” Place in the world to buy BTC.
In a blog post published on July 1, the company said its new “Bitcoin tab“Will allow customers to buy BTC” with no out-of-market fee “. Strike only calculates 0.3% as a trade “Execution costs“, But will soon drop below 0.1% as more and more users take advantage of stack sats.
The startup hopes to be able to offer the service on a waiting list before it is made available to the general public in the next few weeks.
Strike targets Coinbase, Square and PayPal with “Grenade”
While Strike works to make getting Bitcoin as easy and cheap as it should be, it has challenged some of the biggest players in the industry to follow suit. According to founder and CEO Jack Mallers, Coinbase, Square and PayPal are overwhelming users.
Coinbase charges up to 3.99% fees, while Squares Cash App requires 2.2% and PayPal up to 3.49% to process transactions.
Mallers says these costs are high, and targets the biggest criticism of Coinbase’s “silly” fees, which he believes are the reason for the NASDAQ-listed company’s massive profit in the first quarter of 2021.
Coinbase had sales of over $ 1.8 billion and profits of $ 771 million in the first quarter of 2021. 94% of the profit came from fees.
“Since trading fees make up almost all of their business revenue, they use their expensive prices to subsidize the rest of their efforts, such as buying and selling. B. “Earning Crypto”. he fired.
“Make no mistake when you buy Bitcoin on Coinbase, support shitcoins”
According to Mallers, Strike has “thrown a grenade“Into the crowd and they have no choice but to compete and try to” really free “the market.
Although the Bitcoin tab will initially allow customers to purchase BTC, the plan is to expand its functionality so that users can pay with Bitcoin, receive BTC rewards, and save.


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The launching of the world's cheapest car, the Nano by Tata Motors in March (See: Ratan Tata launches Tata Nano) has prompted other car manufacturers to rush into making low cost cars for emerging markets with South Korean carmaker Hyundai Motors planning to bring out a 800cc low-cost car for the Indian and other emerging markets.
The Japanese business daily Nikkei reported today that the world's fourth largest automaker in terms of units sold, Hyundai Motor plans to manufacture an 800cc new model car in India through its Indian subsidiary Hyundai Motor India Ltd.
In an interview the Japanese newspaper, Lheem Heung-soo, chief executive of Hyundai Motor India Ltd, said that the new car would be manufactured at its Chennai factory.
He added that although the car's roll out was still years away, abd the retail price would be in the region of $5,000-$6,000 (Rs2,42 lakh – Rs3 lakh), twice that of the Nano.
But, in March, the Korean car maker had announced that it plans to come out with a small car for India and China priced at around $3,500 (Rs1.77 lakh). (See: How will rivals react to the Nano?)
Although the base model of Nano cost Rs125, 151 and the luxury model Rs185,498, it shows how difficult it will be for Tata Motors rivals to compete as far as pricing of low cost cars are concerned.


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The tech giants finally relinquish their hold on the highly-coveted technology rights, possibly marking the end of a patent fight between Android phone manufacturers and competitors.
Check out this guide to network activity in the Windows Resource Manager, and how to look up processes you don't recognize that are using bandwidth.
The absence of those channels marks the third major blackout for Dish subscribers in recent months.
D-Link's Network Cam functions as a cheap option for checking in on your home, but without consistent or useful alerts, it's a poor choice for smart-home security.
The MVNO plans to support unlocked GSM handsets from an unnamed partner in February, but we've deduced that it's T-Mobile.
The blackout affects Dish subscribers in at least 14 markets, including New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, and includes NFL games and "NCIS," the No. 1 TV program last week.
The online services for Microsoft's and Sony's game consoles have been up and down for hours. A hacking group has taken credit.
The Actiontec gets the job done for those who want to quickly extend their home network without much concern about performance.
CNET editor Dong Ngo picks a handful of networking and storage products of 2014 he finds most interesting.
A security audit earlier this year showed gaps in the way the movie studio monitored its computer systems, according to a Recode report.


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iPhone 8 To Feature a Redesigned Fingerprint Sensor
The latest rumour claims for the iPhone 8, from a Chinese website, state that the upcoming iPhone 8 will not feature the Synaptics’ Natural ID or Qualcomm’s Sense ID fingerprint technology. Instead, Apple will most likely use its own AuthenTec Algorithm, which will be teamed up with privaris-glass identification technology with the aim of redesigning its fingerprint sensor.
The report also suggests that Apple’s new fingerprint technology for the iPhone 8 will be developed at TSMC’s 12-inch wafer line along with 65nm process technology. The upcoming iPhone’s production is expected to be delayed due to the redesign of its fingerprint tech and will probably begin in September. The iPhone, which was first launched in 2007, will celebrate its 10th Anniversary this year. Apple is expected to launch a significant redesign of the iPhone in 2017. Earlier Speculations also suggest that the iPhone 8 will no longer have a physical home button and is expected to have an edge-to-edge OLED display, a first for the iPhone. The fingerprint sensor on the iPhone 8 will most likely be embedded in the display and it is also expected to be equipped with biometric authentication systems such as an iris scanner or facial recognition tech.
While some previous reports suggested that the iPhone 8 may have a USB-C port, fresh reports claim otherwise. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI securities has claimed that Apple will retain the Lightning port, but enable a newer fast charging protocol which is expected to use the “USB-C type power delivery”.
Previous leaks have revealed that the iPhone 8 will feature a 5.8-inch display with about 5.15-inches of display area, on the same footprint as the iPhone 7. Though the iPhone 8 is likely to be the flagship smartphone from Apple this year, two other Apple phones also might launch, tentatively in July, 2017.
While leaks have rendered an array of details about the iPhone 8, the actual features can only be confirmed after its official launch.


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American Express’ launch of a new experience for card members using Twitter may be a sign of what is in store for the future of hashtag marketing. Up until now, hashtag marketing was nothing more than lame incentives to get people to tweet hashtags. This new development by American Express may change the world of deals and offers as we know it.
American Express is letting card members sync their cards with Twitter at http://sync.americanexpress.com/twitter, and when they tweet using special-offer hashtags, savings are loaded directly to their cards. It looks like this could be quite the craze, with retailers such as 1-800-Flowers, Best Buy, Century 21 Department Store, The Cheesecake Factory, Dell, FedEx Office, FTD, Gulf, H&M, McDonald’s, Seamless.com, Sports Authority, Ticketmaster, Virgin America, Whole Foods Market and Zappos.com already on board. This new experience is facilitated by American Express’ Smart Offer APIs, which make it possible for retailers to get detailed reporting about the online and offline spending behavior of their customers. All of the current offers can be viewed at https://twitter.com/#!/AmericanExpress/favorites.
“No more coupons,” said Elizabeth Rutledge, evp of global network marketing and information at American Express. “No more showing your phone to a cashier to receive a discount. No more wondering if that offer your business served up in a digital application actually delivered increased business. It’s the equivalent of embedding a coupon in your card. In digital, and especially in mobile, the simplicity and non-clunkiness of the user experience is key.”
This might make the old knock on social marketing lacking ROI a thing of the past. The downside: Do Twitter users really want to be bombarded by people clamoring for discounts?
“This is a smart play, since Twitter needs to monetize itself, while American Express certainly wants to encourage more credit card sales at their retailer accounts that provide their commissions,” said Wilson Kerr, vp of business development at Unbound Commerce. “But what about the potential for a campaign-damaging downside if Twitter streams are sullied via overtly commercial chatter that does more long-term harm than good?”
The effort resembles one American Express did with Foursquare that gave refunds for checking in at participating businesses and using an AmEx card.
Although the other credit card giants have not rolled out services like the one American Express has launched with Twitter, the financial giants seem to be focusing their efforts on bringing cardholders extra savings. For example, in Nov. 2011, Gap partnered with Visa to give consumers personalized, real-time SMS offers at Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy stores. Consumers have to opt-in to the service to get discounts when transactions are made via their Visa credit cards.
More in Marketing
TikTok has officially launched its new e-commerce platform, TikTok Shop, earlier this month on August 1. Using the new e-commerce platform, brands and creators can sell products directly on the platform, potentially creating new revenue streams, and tap into the short-form video platform’s growing popularity.
‘The influencer industry can be really vile’: Confessions of an influencer marketer on the industry’s unfair hiring practices
While the influencer industry might sound exciting and like it’s full of opportunities, one marketer can vouch for the horrific scenarios that still take place behind the scenes.
After a tumultuous 12 months, marketers are getting a clear picture of how they really did during a time of true uncertainty. And, as it turns out, it wasn’t all that bad.
Ad position: web_bfu


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Chipotle Is Giving Away Free Burritos to Teachers
There's no doubt about it, teachers work hard. Beyond the responsibility of educating the next generation, they're also in charge of wrangling 20 to 30 of those future members of society for about seven hours each day. And while an apple on a teacher's desk became the de facto, stereotypical offering to show one's appreciation for everything educators do for us, a burrito would be even better. That's why Chipotle is once again showing teachers some appreciation with its annual Teacher Appreciation Day deal of a free burrito on May 8, 2018. Here's what teachers need to know to take part:
Firstly, be sure to bring your faculty identification card. The offer is valid for anyone presenting valid staff ID from a preschool, elementary school, middle school, high school, community college, or university (so that includes non-teaching staff, as well).
Secondly, the deal is a buy-one-get-one offer, meaning the free burrito is all yours assuming you purchase an entree item of equal or greater value (so, standard BOGO rules). So teachers, take a cue from your field trip playbook and use the buddy system to score—what will ostensibly be—half-price burritos.
Thirdly, the BOGO deal is available from 3 p.m. until close at participating locations. That means this is really more of a free dinner than a free lunch situation. Of course, if you consider an entire burrito to be an after-school snack, then we're not judging. And if you're buying both burritos for yourself, we actually applaud the effort. This is your day, after all.
Another caveat is that the offer is only good on in-store orders. Yes, despite the recent announcement that Chipotle is offering delivery from over 1,500 locations via DoorDash and already has the ability to skip the line by placing a mobile order, this deal is only good if you show up.


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Daily MarTech Roundup: Latest Marketing and Sales Technology News, Product Announcements and Insights
Today’s Daily MarTech Round-up covers the latest in Cloud, Marketing Analytics, Automation, Customer experience, AI and ML announcements from maaiiconnect (Customer Experience), GumGum (Video), 141Live (Influencer Marketing), ArvzApp (Mobile), and John McAfee (Unified Communication).
Happy customers drive sales. Recent research finds that customers are willing to pay more for a better customer experience (CX). As customers are no longer only comparing products and prices, CX is the key differentiator that businesses are competing on. But investing in the right software to improve CX isn’t easy when people take into account customer interactions across various channels and touchpoints. 96% of people think businesses need to improve communication. Many brands are failing or falling behind due to poor touch point experiences, and it’s clear that a lot of desperate situations could have been avoided with better CX and communication tools.
GumGum, a leader in machine learning contextual solutions for media, and IRIS.TV, a global video intelligence platform, announced a partnership that brings new image analysis capabilities to video content segmentation. The partnership – uniting two companies dedicated to advancing a data privacy-first future for digital advertising – allows marketers to use Verity, GumGum’s unique content-level contextual intelligence engine, to target and anti-target inventory across thousands of IRIS-enabled publishers.
Japanese startup 141Live (pronounced as ‘One For One Live’) is launching a video based social media platform, a platform that will make you do both live streaming and video calling in a completely new way. The uniqueness about the platform doesn’t end with the combining of two great features of video calling and live streaming; but it’s also going to help influencers from around the world to make money using the platform’s special video streaming features. Thousands of social media influencers from Japan are already using the beta platform and the company is announcing their plans to launch their service to Europe and America this month.
ArvzApp was created to enhance mobile business engagement. The mobile app enables businesses to keep in touch with their customers through the current rapidly changing times. Customers and travelers can be informed of guidelines, procedures, and hours. Proprietors control and upload high-quality photos and video clips with options for live streaming. QR codes are generated for businesses to enable hands free menus and customized options. With a custom QR code feature, ArvzApp is the alternative to a paperless solution.
Technology legend and two-time presidential candidate John McAfee has announced The Ghost Cell Phone Data Service, the first 4G data service to make connections to the network untraceable. McAfee is looking for members of the media interested in beta-testing the service, which is slated for global launch in September.
To participate, please write to us at email@example.com


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The ear on the bunny sippy cup can poke a child in the eye area while using the cup for drinking, posing an injury hazard.
For additional information, contact Target at (800) 440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.target.com
The recall involves two styles of Target Home Bunny Sippy Cups. The cups come with handles on both sides in pink and blue, female and male. Each contains a corresponding white bunny head screw-on lid and one bent ear and one straight ear. The cups can be identified by imprints on the bottom: "TARGET 200020683" for pink and "TARGET 200020884" for the blue.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled sippy cups and return them to any Target store for a full refund.
Target has received six reports of incidents where the plastic ear poked children during routine use of the product. Cuts and bruises were reported in three of these reports.
Target Corporation; Minneapolis, Minn.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50 years.
Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.


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The "fiscal cliff" is still two months off, but the scheduled blast of tax hikes and spending cuts is already reverberating through the U.S. economy, hampering growth and, according to a new study, wiping out nearly 1 million jobs this year alone.
The report, scheduled for release today by the National Association of Manufacturers, predicts that the economic damage would deepen considerably if Congress failed to avert the cliff, destroying nearly 6 million jobs through 2014 and sending the unemployment rate soaring to near 12 percent.
Across the nation, companies are bracing for the fallout by laying off workers, letting jobs go vacant and postponing major purchases. Department of Commerce data released yesterday show business investment stalled in September as orders for core capital goods such as machinery and equipment plateaued at $60.3 billion. "The general consensus is things are going to get a lot worse as people expect this fiscal cliff to be on us," said Thomas Riordan, chief executive of Neenah Enterprises in Appleton, Wis., which makes cast-iron products such as truck axles and manhole covers.
The company has eliminated about 150 jobs over the past few months, and four of its six plants have begun operating on short workweeks. Like other business owners, Riordan expressed frustration with Washington's failure to deal with the looming crisis, leaving momentous decisions about the economy until after the Nov. 6 election. "Everyone is blaming everyone else as the country grinds to a halt," he said. "I don't think the political leadership in this country has an understanding of how long it could take to turn this boat around."
The term "fiscal cliff" is Washington shorthand for an array of policies set to take effect in January, sucking more than $500 billion out of the economy next year. That includes about $100 billion in automatic cuts to the military and federal agencies, adopted by Congress last year as part of a plan to reduce record budget deficits. It also includes about $400 billion in tax hikes, caused primarily by the expiration of a temporary payroll tax cut and other tax breaks adopted during the George W. Bush administration.
All told, the cliff amounts to the largest spurt of deficit reduction in more than 40 years. But it also is likely to push the fragile economy back into recession, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. The CBO predicts that a recession would be significant but brief, with unemployment peaking around 9 percent and economic growth recovering during the second half of 2013.
The projections in the NAM report — prepared by Jeff Werling, executive director of the Interindustry Forecasting Project at the University of Maryland — offer a substantially darker view of the consequences of inaction.
NAM is an advocacy organization and commissioned its report to persuade lawmakers to take action to avoid the cliff. Judging from the experience of NAM members and other data, Werling argues that anxiety about the cliff is already having an effect.
"We've probably already lost 0.5 percent of GDP growth in 2012 just from the fiscal cliff hovering over our heads," Werling said. "People are taking precautionary measures. Even if you think there's not much of a chance of this happening, businesses and consumers are still worried."


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Agritech group says it is launching the first purpose-built industry cloud for agriculture as it aims to advance how technology can solve critical challenges
Cropin has announced the launch of Cropin Cloud, which it says is the world’s first purpose-built industry cloud for agriculture.
It is described by the company as a ”multi-tenant, secure, scalable, flexible, intelligent cloud platform”, enabling agri-businesses, development agencies, governments, and allied industries to accelerate digital transformation across their business value chain.
”Cropin Cloud is an integrated platform of applications for digitisation, clean and contextual data pipelines for enhanced decision-making based on data analytics, and globally proven crop-specific, crop and geography-agnostic machine learning models,” the group outlined.
”It aims to advance technology adoption to solve real-world agricultural problems and deliver value to every stakeholder in the food value chain, from the farmer and agribusinesses to the consumer.”
Cropin said the product service will help agri-food and allied businesses manage the complexity of converging multiple-point technology solutions, while enjoying the flexibility of choosing the right solutions based on where they are in their digital transformation journey.
”Today, the global agriculture ecosystem is facing large disruptions triggered by climate change, geo-political tensions, food supply-chain challenges, and an ever-increasing global population,” explained Krishna Kumar, founder and CEO of Cropin.
”Solving these challenges demands a technology platform that enables the ecosystem players to transform their business operations,” he continued. ”Cropin Cloud leverages the advancements in cloud computing, earth observation, remote sensing, data and machine learning algorithms to help the agriculture sector unlock new possibilities.
”For Cropin, this is an important milestone as we double down on our core purpose to maximise per acre value for every stakeholder in the global agriculture ecosystem.”
According to the company, Cropin Cloud could help to solve agri-ecosystem challenges such as traceability, yield unpredictability, supply chain disruptions, and other agri-food ecosystem challenges through its platform layers Cropin Apps, Cropin Data Hub, and Cropin Intelligence.
“Cropin Cloud is the world’s very first intelligent cloud platform for agriculture,” noted Vijay Nelson, chief product officer at Cropin.
”Agriculture technology is complex and needs specialised expertise in multiple areas like GIS, agri-science, AI/ML models, weather data, and IoT, among others,” he pointed out. ”Crops are copiously diversified, and the digital solutions required to monitor them need hyper-tuning.
”Cropin Cloud combines the power of a diverse set of advanced technologies, agronomy knowledge, data science and artificial intelligence. The platform offers a complete set of agriculture-specific capabilities to accelerate business growth and bring about rapid and far-reaching digital transformation in the agri-ecosystem.”


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Finally! Clear spyshots have emerged on the internet revealing the all-new KTM RC 390 motorcycle which will be launched in India in 2020. This bike, as usual, will be made here by Bajaj Auto and exported worldwide. Spyshots reveal that this is a complete makeover for the RC 390 sportsbike and will rival the likes of Yamaha YZF-R3, Kawasaki Ninja 300, etc. Of course, pricing will be bumped up as this 2020 KTM RC 390 will also be BS-VI compliant.
From these new set of spyshots, one can make out that the 2020 KTM RC 390 will get an all-new fairing design, new bubble shaped front windscreen which has a clear lens, new single projector headlamp, turn indicators mounted on the fairing, sharp and edgy mirror stalks, multiple aero ducts on the side fairing for heat dissipation, new & improved Trellis chassis, full size exhaust, new tail section with split seats, new rear subframe, new LED tail lamp, LED turn indicators, new fuel tank design, new engine casing, new rear fender and more… Of course, you will get a new full digital speedometer cluster with bluetooth connectivity on the 2020 KTM RC 390.
The 2020 KTM RC 390 is expected to retain its sharp handling characteristics on the track, but will also have a riding stance more easy for the city runs. However, it will not become a boring street tourer like its competition. KTM is expected to reveal the all-new 2020 RC 390 model at the EICMA show in Milan in November 2019 with the bikes reaching Indian showrooms by early next year.
Currently the KTM RC 390 is powered by a 373.2cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, 4-stroke motor producing 43 HP of power. This engine is BS-IV compliant now and will be updated to BS-VI with this new version. All the KTM 390 siblings will get the revised engine meeting the upcoming emission norms including the KTM 390 Adventure.
KTM will surely find more buyers with this more mature supersport styling on the 2020 RC 390. Also, expect KTM to launch the RC 125, RC 200 and RC 250 as well in sync with this new design language in due course of time.


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It’s official — Hearst Corp., a US-based magazine publisher, has bought French publisher Lagardere’s international magazines. The final transaction will take place in months to follow, but the purchase agreement has been signed for a cool $917.7 million US.
Hearst has acquired 102 titles in 15 countries — including Elle outside of France and Red in Britain and the Netherlands — from Lagardere. But Lagardere will keep the Elle trademark and receive yearly royalties from sales. The deal also includes digital operations compromising 50 websites and several mobile and tablet applications.
This merger will make Hearst the second largest US magazine publisher by circulation and the largest publisher in the world by number of editions, reports The Wall Street Journal. Although this purchase is encouraging for the print industry, it is rumoured that there may be work force downsizing of 30 percent or more.
Frank Bennack, Hearst Corp. chief executive, told TheWall Street Journal last month, “We think ink-on-paper magazines will be with us for a very long time and we want to strengthen our hand.” As the deal inches closer to completion, Hearst has named Simon Horne as CFO and general manager for Heart Magazines International.


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Few Canadian stocks are truly worth buying and holding for many decades, especially in an era where disruptors threaten to steal away economic profits from incumbent players in any given market.
Undoubtedly, Charlie Munger’s old-school buy-and-hold method has become less popular over the years, thanks to the advent of low (or no) commission on trades and all the apps that “gamify” investing. But long-term investing could still make one rich over the long run while minimizing risks. The longer your time horizon, the less risky a stock, especially one with a distinct tech-savvy edge, will be.
Couche-Tard: A TSX stock I’d be fine holding forever
If I had to pick one Canadian stock that I could buy and not touch for decades at a time, it’d have to be Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSX:ATD.B), an underrated global convenience store giant that still has plenty of fuel left in the tank!
Indeed, many know the firm for its gas stations and convenience stores. As electric vehicles (EVs) continue replacing fuel-consuming vehicles, Couche-Tard has a peculiar shift on its hands. Undoubtedly, the firm will still need to cater to the old-school gas-powered cars, even as more EVs hit the roads in need of charging stations.
The question on the minds of investors and the likely reason for the discount on the stock is whether Couche-Tard’s managers are ready for the profound shift on the type of vehicles that’ll dominate the roads over the next decade. I think they are. Why? Their Norwegian business is doing just fine. I like to view that market as the U.S. or Canadian market in a few years down the road. With greater EV adoption comes the need to shift the business around. That means more charging stations and a better in-store experience for those waiting a several minutes to get their vehicles fully charged.
Sure, you could argue that one could charge their cars at home. But let’s remember that the cost of energy is not free, and the convenience factor could pay in big-time for people who do not want to run a risk of running out of energy before returning home. Indeed, Couche-Tard has an opportunity to beckon in consumers who are likely to spend more time in their stores.
The rise of EVs: Headwind or tailwind?
That means Couche has an opportunity to really bolster its average revenue per customer. With a tacked-on restaurant, fresh-food grocery items, a cannabis shop adjacent (think Fire & Flower) and other high-margin private-label merchandise on display, the opportunity to take operating margins to the next level is there. If the company can execute and take friction out of the checkout process, the rise of EVs and the new age of convenience stores, I believe, is a tailwind — not a headwind, as many think. Of course, there’s risk as to how management will react to this new age. I think they’ll do a magnificent job. They’re some of the most brilliant managers in Canada. And they’ve enriched many shareholders over the years.


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Latest Pricing Stories
Northeast Asian prices dropped 2.1% from previous month as UK NBP seen providing support SINGAPORE, March 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Prices of spot liquefied natural gas (LNG) for April
Amerinet’s price auditing and resolution service helped members manage costs at their facilities by identifying pricing errors and improving billing efficiency St.
The benchmark price for cable and satellite TV services has risen on the back of growing demand for extended programming service plans and a rise in the number of commercial business subscriptions.
Prices have grown over the past three years due to surging demand driven by the growing private sector and the exploding popularity of internet-enabled mobile devices.
HELSINKI, March 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital Foodie, the creator of the award winning Foodie.fm platform, expands its product suite with a new product, Foodie Loyalty.
Rewarding customers builds loyalty and enhances the overall customer experience.
Wiser adds new product to help retailers increase sales and reduce abandoned carts San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) March 10, 2015 Today
1-year after its turnkey digital rewards platform launch, Ifeelgoods has delivered 20 million+ rewards and powered promotions and programs across industries worldwide. Palo
ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 10, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Rising gas prices are taking a toll on consumer optimism about the economy, with optimism falling to its lowest level since August
Although rising prices and the low availability of substitutes for marine insurance have limited buyer power in the past three years, buyers have benefited from the market's low concentration,
- A young chicken: also used as a pet name for children.


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Dawn Richard drops two new ones for our ears to enjoy. The singer-songwriter released her unreleased record, “Love Me,” as a part of her #MusicMonday series. The former Danity Kane singer also dropped a new single, “Northern Lights,” an uptempo featuring rapper Eve.
Check out both tracks down below. Goldenheart is in stores now!


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Kigali, May 13th, 2014 – The tourism sector in Rwanda has continued to record impressive growth over the last 5 Years. Rwanda achieved growth of 12%, far above the global average of 3% to 5%. In order to accelerate this growth, a new strategy for the sector focusing on the area of meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) has been developed and is being implemented.
Speaking at an event to introduce the MICE strategy and the Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB), the RDB’s Head of Department for Tourism and Conservation Ambassador Yamina Karitanyi said that; “the economic potential of the MICE sector for Rwanda is immense. Total revenues based on MICE tourism in 2013 were US$49m. This is projected to triple to US$ 150m in 2015, which is 16% of all national export earnings and 34% of the overall tourism receipts.”
While leisure tourism remains a vital part of the national tourism strategy, business tourists have been shown to spend up to three times more than leisure visitors. Rwanda’s share in the international meetings, incentives, conferences and events industry is presently minimal. International Conference and Congress Association’s (ICCA) latest research ranks Rwanda as 21st in Africa. The Rwanda Convention Bureau is a destination marketing arm whose sales and marketing plan is destined to see Rwanda enter Africa’s top 10 by the year 2016. With this growth in MICE tourism , Tour Operators, Hotels, Restaurants, Professional Conference Organisers (PCO’s) and Event Managers, - who form part of the nationwide tourism value chain, will be required to create enhance their product offering to service delegate demands.
Tremendous efforts have been exerted on availing infrastructure and investment in new international meeting, conferencing and accommodation products, the iconic Kigali Convention Centre and the development of transport links through Kigali International Airport. In addition, Bugesera International Airport, a new World Class airport is planned which will provide extra capacity for passenger transport and cargo freight.
In addition, Rwanda offers soft infrastructure such as biodiversity, city management, peace building and reconciliation as well as gender and health making it a role model for the respective themes.
The National MICE strategy is in line with diversifying the current tourism product offering while complimenting existing gorilla tourism, eco-tourism, cultural and community based tourism that are the mainstays of Rwanda’s economy. The Rwanda Convention Bureau has a stand and will be introduced to the global meetings and incentives marketplace at next week’s IMEX International Meetings Exhibition tradeshow in Frankfurt as Africa’s newest Convention Bureau.


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EA Sports Announces NHL 13 Cover Athlete
Can you think of a better way for Electronic Arts (EA) and NHL.com to have announced the EA Sports NHL 13 cover athlete than during the 2012 NHL awards? I can’t either. In arguably one of the closest, down to the wire voting events, Philadelphia Flyers forward Claude Giroux beat out Nashville Predators goalie Pekke Rinne. With nearly 26 million voting fans, the Blackberry sponsored event came down to less than a one percent margin.
“The support fans have given me throughout the campaign has been unbelievable,” said Flyers forward Claude Giroux. “I am very excited to be on the cover of NHL 13 and I want to thank everyone who campaigned and voted for me – especially my teammates, the Flyers organization, and of course all the NHL fans who voted and tweeted.”
“The level of passion that the fans, players, and NHL teams have displayed throughout the first ever EA SPORTS NHL Cover Vote campaign has been overwhelming,” said Dean Richards, General Manager, NHL, EA SPORTS. “The EA SPORTS NHL Franchise has had a rich tradition of outstanding cover athletes and quality games, and we feel privileged to introduce Claude Giroux as the face of NHL 13 as selected by the fans. With Giroux on the cover and our revolutionary new True Performance Skating engine, we feel great about delivering our most innovative title yet with NHL 13.”
EA Sports NHL 13 Cover
The success of the voting campaign beat everyone’s expectation. For the first time (and most likely not the last), fans, teams, and players were able to choose the next face for the cover. With that locked in, EA is redirecting the attention back to gameplay. The introduction of “True Performance Skating” and a new A.I. has brought a long list of improvements which make the “Skill Stick” system from back in NHL ’07 look almost obsolete. EA Sports NHL 13 will be available for Xbox 360, PlayStation, and PC on September 11th, 2012 in North America (September 14th in Europe).
EA Sports NHL 13 – Cover Announcement


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Tiffany & Co. to sponsor DEF’s Las Vegas gala
Tiffany & Co. has signed on as a premier patron sponsor of the Diamond Empowerment Fund’s gala in Las Vegas, the proceeds of which will benefit the organization’s educational initiatives.
Federal judge dismisses EEOC case vs. Sterling
A New York federal judge has thrown out the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s claim that Sterling Jewelers Inc. engaged in a nationwide practice of paying its female employees less and passing them over for promotions.
Pandora board chairman resigning
Due to “other professional commitments,” Pandora’s Chairman of the Board Marcello Bottoli will step down as soon as a successor is found, the jewelry company announced Monday.
Tech tidbits: MJSA, Omi Privé, more
Web site upgrades for MJSA, colored gemstone company Omi Privé and insurance company Jewelers Unblocked are among the industry players to debut new websites recently.
Q4 sales climb for ShopHQ on lower prices
Fourth quarter sales were up 17 percent for ShopHQ as the multimedia retailer enticed customers to buy by offering more merchandise at lower price points.
Buffett to again don sales hat at Borsheims
Once again, investing magnate and Berkshire Hathaway Chairman Warren Buffett will step behind the Borsheims counter to sell jewelry to shareholders of his company.
Who in jewelry is a billionaire?
The Oppenheimer family and diamantaire Laurence Graff still rank among the world’s richest while the founder of Firestar Diamond is a “new billionaire,” according to Forbes’ annual list of the world’s wealthiest people, which was released this week.


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Palram Americas, which manufactures polycarbonate and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheets for the sign industry, celebrated the opening of an additional production line with a two-day event on April 30 and May 1. The new ‘Line 44’ adds the ability to produce polycarbonate sheets and coils up to 2.6 m (104 in.) wide, untrimmed. It will…
Victoria-based Signs of the Times Enterprises, a sign design and fabrication company founded in 1989, has expanded its showroom and manufacturing facility to more than 706 m2 (7,600 sf), for increased efficiency, and implemented safety standards beyond those set by the industry and British Columbia’s provincial government.
After a period of beta testing, Fujifilm North America installed Inca Digital’s newest press, the Onset S40 wide-format ultraviolet-curing (UV-curing) six-colour inkjet printer, at its demonstration centre in Kansas City, Kan.
During the recent inauguration of an additional building for the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA), locally based outdoor advertising agency Astral Out-of-Home unveiled a ‘digital column’ prototype, which will promote the museum’s programs.


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This new dealership is part of company strategy to expand operation in western region in both the passenger and commercial vehicle segment while reaching out to all small towns and districts in the area. The opening of this new dealership takes total dealerships in the state to 22 showing that Gujarat is indeed an important market for the company.
Mahindra’s new dealership in Dahod, Gujarat, Amber Automobile, is spread over an area of 50,000 sq ft. The dealership will cater to sales, service and the supply of spares for Mahindra’s entire range of vehicles that come under personal and commercial segments. The new Dahod dealership will comprise of a dedicated, efficient and well trained team of sales, service and spares personnel catering to demands and meeting the satisfaction of customers.
Besides the dealership in Dahod, Gujarat, M&M, India’s leading SUV makers have expanded their dealership and service networks across the length and breadth of the country reaching 70% of districts in India. It is the only automotive company to have expanded their reach to the remotest of areas to include Kargil, Port Blair, reckon Peo in Himachal Pradesh, Barmer and Jaisalmer.


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According to the official statement of Xiaomi, only for half of the month, the manufacturer was able to implement in China, 1 million smartphones Redmi Note 7.
Recall that the sale of Redmi Note 7 was launched on 15 January of the current year. Thus, the manufacturer took just six months to achieve this result. For comparison, Apple for all of 2018 in the territory of India has sold only 1.6 million iPhones.
Redmi Note 7 — the first smartphone independent brand Redmi. The machine enjoys great popularity in the domestic market. In total, all the Chinese sites have already received about 7 million applications for the new gadget.
Read more •••


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Did you miss a session from GamesBeat Summit Next 2022? All sessions are now available for viewing in our on-demand library. Click here to start watching.
Mobile game companies have been seeing their revenues sink as the pandemic excitement has worn off and Apple’s push into privacy over targeted ads has taken hold.
But for the first nine months of 2022, Gameloft‘s revenues were $223 million (€215 million), up by 17.0% compared to the same period in 2021 in a sharply declining video game market that was down 9% in the same timeframe. How did that happen?
A lot of the success is due to Disney Dreamlight Valley, which is Gameloft’s first major title to debut on the PC and all the major console platforms. Alexandre Schweizer, chief financial officer at Gameloft in Paris, said in an interview with GamesBeat that the company’s strategic shift toward console-PC-mobile multiplatform games has been a success.
For the third quarter of 2022, Gameloft’s revenues reached an all-time high of $98.6 million (€95 million), up by 48.1% compared to the same period in 2021. Disney Dreamlight Valley debuted on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X/S, Steam, Epic and Microsoft Store.
The game debuted in September in early access, and in its first ten days, Disney Dreamlight Valley hit a million installs and was the No. 1 game on Steam, Game Pass, and Nintendo Switch. Additional multi-platform games from Gameloft studios and positioned as GaaS (games as a service) will be launched in the coming years.
Disney Dreamlight Valley, Asphalt 9: Legends, Disney Magic Kingdoms, Dragon Mania Legends, and March of Empires accounted for 49% of Gameloft’s total revenues for the first nine months and were the five bestsellers of the period. Of course, that means mobile games are still a big part of Gameloft, which was started in 1999 by Ubisoft cofounder Michel Guillemot and thenwas acquiredy by media conglomerate Vivendi in 2016. Gameloft now has more than 3,500 employees.
“Three years ago, in January 2019, we decided to shift the strategy of the company,” Schweizer said. “We presented this shift in strategy to our shareholder, Vivendi, and decided to pivot some of our best teams towards PC and console games. And what you’re seeing right now is really the result of this shift in strategy.”
Thanks to the immediate success of Disney Dreamlight Valley, Gameloft’s off-mobile diversification is accelerating: console and PC revenues represented 26% of Gameloft’s total revenues for the first nine months of 2022. Gameloft has another Disney title, a racing game called Disney Speedstorm, in the works for the Nintendo Switch.
Other games are coming from different studios for the consoles and the PC.
“We have four or five games we are talking about,” Schweizer said. “We’re super excited and very happy with the fact that our first launch is a major success. In fact, it’s the biggest success we’ve ever had in terms of revenues, in the first 30 days of launch of a game.”
The transition wasn’t hard in one way. Schweizer pointed out that high-end iPhones are more powerful than Nintendo Switch systems, and so the mobile focus did not mean that the teams would have trouble hitting the quality requirements of the PC and console.
At the time of the pivot, Gameloft saw that the high end market on mobile was not as dynamic and profitable as it had been.
“We had clearly positioned on the high end segment of mobile gaming. And from 2017 to 2019, the hypercasual market made a significant impact on the market,” Schweizer said. “This triggered a discussion about our future. Do we go after this market? Do we change our DNA? Do we ask our developers to start working on hypercasual games? Or do we double down on our DNA and on our strength?”
The employees wanted to work on the most ambitious titles possible.
“Rather than to change the DNA of the company, we made the difficult decision,” Schweizer said.
That decision turned out to be a good one as hypercasual games started faltering during Apple’s privacy push in the past year and a half.
But Gameloft isn’t focusing on huge budgets. Rather, it is focusing on quality and games-as-a-service. And it will continue to launch mobile games, which are still 59% of its revenue. Disney Speedstorm is being built with the company’s in-house game engine and the company’s Asphalt studio in Barcelona.
“There are some games we where we feel it’s better to do it with our own engines,” Schweizer said.
Headcount has grown somewhat.
“We’ve been very fortunate to have our new strategy working well for us in terms of products and positioning,” he said. “We’re clearly overperforming. This is the due to the success that our games are having on Apple arcade, on PC and console platforms.”
But catalog sales of mobile games are slowing down, in part due to the downturn.
Of course, Schweizer said the company is aware of the risks for gaming from the macroeconomic downturn, with inflation, slower growth, and other problems in the world economy.
Schweizer said the company isn’t focused on virtual reality or augmented reality. But it is exploring blockchain, machine learning, and AI. The company doesn’t have anything planned for sure yet in blockchain or machine learning in the near future.
“We are still looking at this,” he said. “We’ve done a lot of R&D on this.”
The company has become a long-term partner with Disney and has been for more than 10 years.
“We really want to continue to work with them because we have a very strong relationships. But at the end of the day, we have our own franchises. I just want to be very clear on the fact that Disney Dreamlight Valley is not a one-off. It’s really the beginning of a new era for Gameloft where are we have a more balanced portfolio and revenue stream between mobile and PC and console. So you should look out for for the news flow coming out from Gameloft because I think we’re going to have pretty cool products coming out.”


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Remember back in 2000 when Jennifer Lopez wore a Versace dress to the Grammy Awards and the world lost its mind? So much so that former Google CEO Eric Schmidt revealed there were so many searches for photos of the dress it inspired the creation of Google Images?
Well, she’s done it again, walking a tribute of the dress down the runway to close out Versace’s Spring 2020 show at Milan Fashion Week, paying homage to the tech giant.
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At the end of the show, in what has become one of the most talked-about moments from fashion week, Donatella Versace’s voice filled the room asking Google’s Alexa to show her the green dress from J-Lo’s 2000 Grammy appearance. Then, Donatella asked to see the real thing. Cue J-Lo storming the runway to a standing ovation in a modern version of the gown that helped launch her to superstardom.
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For the Spring-Summer 2020 Collection, Versace honors an iconic moment when fashion and culture became a catalyst for technological progress. Passionate for constant innovation, Chief Creative Officer, @donatella_versace uses the latest technology – the Google Assistant – to call for @jlo wearing the Jungle dress on the runway, creating yet another unforgettable, Google-worthy Versace moment. #MFW #VersaceSS20
Footage of J-Lo strutting has been viewed more than two million times on social media.
As they say, classics always make a comeback.
10 Best Dressed from the 2022 BAFTAs
The BAFTAs returned to London’s Royal Albert Hall on 13 March, attracting a slew of major stars ranging from Hollywood actresses to British supermodels — and there was no shortage of drama when it came to the coveted best-dressed category.
Daisy Edgar-Jones’ fringed, sparkly Gucci number caught our eye, while Lady Gaga oozed elegance in a green satin fishtail dress by Ralph Lauren, Naomi Campbell’s sleek black velvet Burberry gown was perhaps our favorite we’ve ever seen her in, and Lady Gaga’s green satin fishtail dress by Ralph Lauren oozed elegance.
Peep the 10 best looks in this video from Harper’s Bazaar.
Visionary Designer Virgil Abloh Dies Aged 41
Virgil Abloh, the visionary founder and CEO of Off-White and menswear designer for Louis Vuitton, died Sunday of cancer, according to a post from his verified Instagram account.
“We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend. He is survived by his loving wife Shannon Abloh, his children Lowe Abloh and Grey Abloh, his sister Edwina Abloh, his parents Nee and Eunice Abloh, and numerous dear friends and colleagues. For over two years, Virgil valiantly battled a rare, aggressive form of cancer, cardiac angiosarcoma. He chose to endure his battle privately since his diagnosis in 2019, undergoing numerous challenging treatments, all while helming several significant institutions that span fashion, art, and culture. Through it all, his work ethic, infinite curiosity, and optimism never wavered,” the Instagram caption read. “Virgil was driven by his dedication to his craft and to his mission to open doors for others and create pathways for greater equality in art and design. He often said, “Everything I do is for the 17-year-old version of myself,” believing deeply in the power of art to inspire future generations.”
In a statement, Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy CEO Bernard Arnault said, “We are all shocked by this terrible news. Virgil was not only a genius designer and a visionary, he was also a man with a beautiful soul and great wisdom. The LVMH family joins me in this moment of great sorrow and we are all thinking of his loved ones on the passing of their husband, father, brother, son and friend.”
The 2021 Met Gala Red Carpet: Weird, Wonderful & Political
The Met Gala Red Carpet was rolled out on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art after a year off due to Covid-19. There were multiple show-stopping outfits from Lil Nas X while Kim Kardashian and her estranged husband Kanye West turned heads by dressing entirely in black, even their faces.
Amid the glamour, some guests highlighted social issues. The Democratic congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez had ‘tax the rich’ written in red across the back of her white gown and the sports star Megan Rapinoe carried a clutch bag with the words ‘in gay we trust’.


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Vancouver, BC – October 5th, 2016 – MediaValet Inc. (TSX-V:MVP), a leading provider of cloud-based digital asset management (DAM) software, is happy to announce that A&W Food Services of Canada Inc. (A&W), home of Canada’s “best-tasting burger”, has chosen MediaValet to manage their extensive library of marketing assets, to maintain brand consistency across all marketing and sales channels, and to make their assets easily accessible by their 863 franchisees.
A&W has been serving customers quality hamburgers since their first drive-in-style restaurant opened in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1956. Today, with 863 franchise locations across Canada, ensuring all franchisees consistently use the latest approved versions of marketing collateral and brand assets has become a significant challenge. With the help of their advertising agency of record, Rethink Communications, A&W started a comprehensive search earlier this year for a solution that would address their immediate and long-term digital asset management needs.
“Over the years we have created so much great content with A&W. Our archive is extensive and daunting," commented Chelsea Stoelting, Group Account Director at Rethink Canada. “We looked at a variety of different systems to address A&W’s DAM challenges and selected MediaValet because of their cutting edge technology platform and security, their glowing customer references, and the MediaValet team itself. In all aspects, we feel MediaValet will be the best DAM partner for both A&W and Rethink.”
A&W will use MediaValet as a central media library for its marketing collateral and brand assets, over time, the company intends to centralize corporate media assets from all departments into MediaValet. This industry leading approach will create a single source of truth for A&W’s media assets, ensuring all systems and stakeholders have quick and easy access to the latest approved assets at all times.
“Thanks to MediaValet, in a single step we’re now able to effectively manage and protect our high value media assets across our entire organization and franchise ecosystem” commented Tom Newitt, Senior Director of Marketing, A&W Food Services of Canada Inc. “MediaValet delivers an unprecedented service at every level: security, scalability, ease of use, customer support – and overall user experience. We’re incredibly excited to work with the team at MediaValet.”
Earlier this year, Microsoft announced two new Canadian data centers as part of Microsoft’s recent $15 billion (USD) investment in global data center infrastructure. Microsoft’s continual investments in the latest cloud infrastructure and technologies has made it a leader in cloud security, scalability, redundancy and performance. Built exclusively on Microsoft Azure, all of MediaValet’s clients, from fast food chains to highly-secure governmental agencies, benefit from Microsoft’s commitment to driving all aspects of cloud innovation. Today, thanks to Microsoft, MediaValet works with organizations all over the world, including those in countries where data residency is critical, such as Canada, Germany and China.”
“We’re incredibly excited to be working with a brand that’s such a memorable part of our childhoods,” commented David MacLaren, founder and CEO of MediaValet. “We look forward to helping A&W improve operational efficiencies and leverage the Cloud and new Microsoft technologies across their entire organization.”
About A&W Food Services of Canada Inc.
A&W Food Services, home of Canada’s best-tasting burger, is 100 per cent Canadian owned and is one of the strongest brand names in the Canadian foodservice industry. A&W is the nation's second largest hamburger restaurant company with 861 locations across the country. A&W Restaurants feature famous trade-marked menu items such as The Burger Family®, Chubby Chicken® and A&W Root Beer®.
For more information, please visit aw.ca.
About MediaValet Inc.
MediaValet stands at the forefront of the cloud-based digital asset management industry. Built exclusively on Microsoft Azure and available on 26 highly secure and hyper-scalable data centers around the world, MediaValet is uniquely equipped to meet the digital asset management needs of any organization, no matter its size, its industry or its location. Cutting-edge technology, exceptional product design, and unlimited friendly customer service are at the core of MediaValet’s DNA – ensuring exceptional customer and user experiences are delivered at all times. www.mediavalet.com
Follow MediaValet: Blog, Twitter and LinkedIn
For further information, please contact:
David MacLaren, CEO | [email protected] | Tel: (604) 688-2321
Babak Pedram, Investor Relations | [email protected] | Tel: (416) 644-5081
“Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.”


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FORT MYERS - Flying has almost never been a fully comfortable experience, but now it will become even harder to get comfy.
People are already paying extra for extra luggage and other airline amenities. But soon, US Airways passengers won't find free pillows and blankets in the overhead bin.
The company is following the lead of JetBlue Airways, which announced a similar policy last summer.
The airline's new, personal travel pillow and blanket kit — the US Airways Power-Nap Sack, will be available to passengers starting on Feb. 16, according to US Airways officials.
Customers will be able to purchase the take-home travel kits onboard domestic US Airways flights for $7.
"It is to generate additional revenue as part of our a la carte business model," airline spokeswoman Valerie Wunder said.
Each Power-Nap Sack includes a 34-inch x 60-inch fleece blanket, an inflatable neck pillow, eye shades and foam ear plugs packaged inside a navy-blue fleece drawstring bag embroidered with the US Airways logo. Similar kits retail for approximately $20, according to a prepared statement from the airline. The Power-Nap Sack also includes a coupon for $10 off a purchase of any SkyMall items.
"It's definitely outragous," said Sheryn MacMunn, 41, a mother of two.
With the restrictions on carry-on luggage, MacMunn, of Connecticut, opts to travel by vehicle for family vacations. ManMunn said she has friends with children who ship their clothes instead of taking it with them on the plane.
On Wednesday, MacMunn was in Southwest Florida International Airport, traveling back home on US Airways from a business trip in Fort Myers.
When traveling, Barbara McDarby, 66, brings her own items, such as a blanket and snacks, so she doesn't have to buy any while flying.
The Cape Coral resident also tries not to bring extra baggage. Yet, on her recent trip to visit her grandchildren in Virginia, she had to pay $15 for a check-in bag at US Airways at the Fort Myers airport. She carried on another bag full of Valentine treats, including chocolate chip cookies.
"It's whatever. What are you going to do?" she asked rhetorically.
McDarby said customers have to pay more to travel by air now because airlines have to make a business.
"Everybody is having a bad time," she said.
Airlines started charging some passengers $15 or more earlier last year to check their bags, blaming soaring fuel costs.
Non-alcoholic drinks cost $2 and snacks cost $5 each.
US Airways patrons are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item.
US Airways charges a $15 fee for the first checked bag and $25 for additional checked bags.
The checked bag policies apply to all flights to and from Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as flights within the U.S., according to the airline's Web site.
Airports that offer curbside check-in, such as Southwest Florida International, will assess a $2 check-in fee in addition to all checked baggage fees.
US Airlines is one of the carriers that charges the most at the Fort Myers airport.
The least is Southwest Airlines.
"We don't have any plans of introducing any fees for those types of service," Southwest spokesman Paul Flaningan said.
Currently, Southwest Airlines serves complimentary beverages, snacks, two free check-in bags and also two carry-ons. The third piece of luggage is $25.
Need Help? Call us at 1-888-878-6842.
Monday-Friday: 6am-6pm / Saturday: 7am-3pm / Sunday: 7am-2pm


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Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, a federal subject of Russia located in Western Siberia, has partnered with Russian blockchain protocol Universa to help the region join the digital economy via blockchain technology.
According to a blog post from Universa, the technology partnership includes the creation of a pilot area for digital technologies and services. The pilot area will then act as a technology hub that aims to make the region a more appealing destination for tourism and direct foreign investment.
Unversa will be using its blockchain platform as an investment project management service to provide complete control over the spending of budget funds.
“Tagging the money using distributed ledger technology will protect government grants and investments against misuse,” reads the statement.
“The platform will instantly track current spending and balance of funds under the project and generate automatic reports, ensuring investment transparency, which will make the region more attractive for investors.”
A digital ecosystem for tourism
The company will also be developing a multi-language communication platform that will act as a singular digital ecosystem for the region’s tourism industry.
Everyone from tourism service providers and tourist transportation companies to hotels, investors, and even tourists themselves will contribute to an information database that will be used to spot possible bottlenecks and expansion opportunities within the industry.
“The platform is aimed at designing and promoting tourist routes, hospitality and tourism facility in the region, monitoring the activities of tourist companies and accumulating a “pool of data” that will help identify problem spots and ways to expand tourist flows,” reads the statement.
The technology agreement was signed on June 7th by Alexander Borodich, CEO of Universa, and Roman Genkel, General Director Ugra Development Foundation, during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Commitment includes recruiting and empowering 1000 aspiring entrepreneurs in Georgia
ATLANTA, GA– (September 30, 2021) – Greater Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce (GGBCC) is honored to announce its partnership with Operation HOPE’s national One Million Black Business Initiative (1MBB). This organizational alliance is made in furtherance of the mission to create 1 million Black-owned businesses by 2030. The Greater Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce will contribute to the 1MBB initiative by dedicating its communications, consultative and networking resources to make the state of Georgia the leader in the number of Black-owned businesses created. Through the 1MBB partnership, GGBCC will engage and empower at least 1,000 aspiring entrepreneurs.
As the only Black chamber of commerce in Georgia with active connections and a service presence in all 159 counties, the GGBCC is uniquely positioned to drive enrollment in the 1MBB and establish a model that can be used across the country. The ability to engage the urban and rural communities with equal efficacy is a key to reaching the goal of creating an unprecedented number of Black-owned businesses in under a decade.
“When I established the GGBCC, the vision and values were all about building bridges and connecting people that could help grow strong and sustaining Black businesses. Partnering with Operation HOPE on the 1MBB initiative is a special opportunity for us to advance that vision even further and serve a purpose even greater than I imagined,” said Melinda Sylvester, President and CEO of the GGBCC. “Our executive leadership team is excited about helping to pave the way for national, foundational change, and having it start right here.”
1MBB launched in February 2021 and is largely funded through Shopify, the world’s second largest e-commerce platform. The movement is part of Operation HOPE’s broader mission to promote financial inclusion and dignity, aimed at empowering the underserved of America.
“Here at Operation HOPE, we know and understand the complexities of managing and sustaining a successful business,” said Operation HOPE Founder and CEO John Hope Bryant. “That’s why we have partnered with organizations like the Greater Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce to make sure the Black business owners we are serving have access to all of the resources they need to be successful. We are helping to build Black businesses that will last and spark generational change.”
About The Greater Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 2015, the Greater Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce serves and supports Black businesses in all 159 counties of Georgia. The GGBCC has established constructive partnerships within the state and local government in its advocacy for the interests of its members. GGBCC members cross every major industry in the state and the chamber is an active presence in developing opportunities for Black entrepreneurs in emerging industries as well. Visit www.GGBCC.com.
Launched in October 2020 with founding partner Shopify, 1MBB aims to remove traditional hurdles to Black entrepreneurship and encourage more aspiring Black business owners to start – and scale – by providing them with the tools, resources, and education needed to succeed. To level the playing field, 1MBB will focus on critical tools for business growth such as technology and resources, educational programs, and the opportunity to access capital. Through this program, Black business owners can sign up for Operation HOPE’s award-winning model of community uplift, financial literacy and education, with access to tailored tools and resources upon graduation. To learn more about 1MBB or to get your business started, visit HOPE1mbb.org.
About Operation HOPE, Inc.
Since 1992, Operation HOPE has been moving America from civil rights to “silver rights” with the mission of making free enterprise and capitalism work for the underserved—disrupting poverty for millions of low and moderate-income youth and adults across the nation. Through its community uplift model, HOPE Inside, which received the 2016 Innovator of the Year recognition by American Banker magazine, Operation HOPE has served more than 4 million individuals and directed more than $3.2 billion in economic activity into disenfranchised communities—turning check-cashing customers into banking customers, renters into homeowners, small business dreamers into small business owners, minimum wage workers into living wage consumers, and uncertain disaster victims into financially empowered disaster survivors. For more information: www.OperationHOPE.org. Follow the HOPE conversation onTwitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Lalohni Campbell, Operation HOPE
David Harris, Greater Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce


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Autocar claims that the streetgoing version has been confirmed to it for the upcoming show, but so far, Ford isn't saying. If unveiled, the Escort is likely to be produced locally for the Chinese market with a domestic partner. Powertrain details remain a secret, but it seems highly likely that any production model would use a small three- or four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. Sales in other major world markets like ours are unlikely, but a test car was recently spotted in Europe.
Autoblog contacted Ford for confirmation, but the automaker demurred, with a spokesperson saying only, "At the moment, we are not confirming any vehicles planned for the show." It looks like we will have to wait to know for sure.


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It's the afternoon, and you deserve a break. Sit back, pour yourself a glass, and enjoy these food stories from around the Internet.
The Links Triumph, that crude dog puppet with the cigar, paid a visit to the Great American Beer Festival in Colorado and made merciless fun of its attendees and the brewers, all of whom allegedly attend to "see what it's like to not drink alone." [YouTube]
We've been trying to get our readers to love anchovies forever (seriously, they're delicious) and now The New York Times has joined Team Anchovy. Their first order of business? A fun primer with writer Melissa Clark. Try them! [New York Times]
Sometimes, companies' slogans aren't as straightforward as they should be—especially for a lot of chain restaurants and food products. Luckily, Honest Slogans has reimagined some of them to be a little more, uh, transparent. The truest of the true? Waffle House (It's 2 am and you're drunk), Ben & Jerry's (Eat Away Your Feelings), and Nature Valley Granola Bars (Crumbs EVERYWHERE). [Huffington Post]
HOW MUCH REDDI WHIP IS IN THE REDDI WHIP CAN? It's an important thing to know, especially with Thanksgiving coming up. YouTube personality Beth in Show uses an entire can on a pumpkin pie to find out. [YouTube]
With hot cocoa season coming up, it's really imperative that you know just how much is in that Reddi Whip can.


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Pineland Farms Creamery of New Gloucester has signed a contract to sell its cheese through Kroger, the country's largest grocery store chain.
With an initial order "north of $150,000," according to Pineland Vice President of Sales Neal Kolterman, the agreement with the Cincinnati-based grocer will allow the Maine creamery to expand its presence nationwide, including the Pacific Northwest, California and Southeast states.
"This is very significant for its effects not only on Pineland but also the surrounding agricultural community," which provides feed and other supplies for the six-year-old creamery, Kolterman told Mainebiz. He added he expects to gauge the financial impact from the contract after three months or so.
The contract placed Pineland's cheddar cheese products in 500 Kroger grocery stores and they will be featured at the chain's Kroger Specialty Cheese shops and Murray's Cheese counters, according to the Portland Press Herald.
The 5,000-acre Pineland Farms also sells its products through the Hannaford chain in Maine and New Hampshire, as well as select Food Lion stores across seven states.
Kroger is the country's second largest general retailer behind Walmart.


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C.A.T.S.: Crash Arena Turbo Stars presents a new trailer ahead of its April 20 release.
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Shopping for duck eggs, raw-milk cream and summer sausage on the foodie black market
By Sarah Elton
The customers arrived one by one on a rainy Saturday morning at the secret meeting spot, a parking lot tucked behind a video store in a suburb of Toronto. There were 30 families in all: the mother of six, wearing a hijab, who made the three-hour round trip in her minivan to collect 30 litres of milk ($60 plus $20 for delivery), the middle-aged man in a red Nissan Versa, a couple of young urbanites who rose at 7:30 to get there in time. They’d made the trek, as they do every other week, for the big glass jars of raw milk—and whatever other illegal treats their supplier might have for them that day.
The farmer selling the contraband, a woman in her 30s wearing purple nail polish and a jean jacket with rhinestones, brings the milk in the bed of her pickup truck, along with small jars of raw-milk cream, unpasteurized cheese curdled in her kitchen and un-graded eggs she sells on a neighbour’s behalf.
The Saturday morning transactions are just one scene from a thriving black market in Canada for borderline illegal, locally produced foods. A desire to buy directly from growers and connect more with what we eat has foodies searching for hard-to-find delectables—even if, or perhaps especially if, they haven’t been inspected by the authorities and are technically illegal. The right social network is indispensable and, for some, may be part of the thrill. Those with friends in the right places can buy unpasteurized milk on Vancouver Island. There is at least one hidden on-farm store in Ontario that people in the know can access. And some vendors at farmers’ markets will sell you more than just fresh carrots and lettuce; an Ontario market manager has seen eggs, sausages and even raw sheep’s milk change hands under the table. Especially prized are eggs straight from the coop—that is, not transported en masse to a provincially-run facility where they are washed, inspected and graded before being trucked to the store.
Read the full article, and comments, at Macleans.ca.