text:
Thing promised, thing due! – The vice president of PayPal had announced it during the World Economic Forum on May 23, 2022. The payment giant was then on the verge of including new crypto services on its platform. Well, it’s now done!
<< Looking for a crypto platform with a payment card? Sign up on Binance (affiliate link) <<
PayPal’s new crypto features
On June 7, 2022, payment company PayPal announced the rollout of new features for crypto app users. Now users can transfer cryptocurrency between their PayPal wallet and other wallets.
Thus users can send the cryptocurrencies supported by PayPal to external addresses, such as those linked to exchange accounts. In addition, the supported cryptocurrencies are as follows: bitcoin (BTC), ether (ETH), bitcoin cash (BCH) and Litecoin (LTC).
“Adding the ability to transfer, send and receive cryptocurrencies is another step in our journey towards building a more inclusive and efficient financial system. We’re excited to connect PayPal customers to other wallets, exchanges, and apps, and we’ll continue to roll out additional crypto features, products, and services in the coming months. »
Jose Fernandez da Ponte, Senior Vice President of Cryptocurrencies at PayPal
In addition, PayPal obtained the conversion of its conditional license BitLicensein full license. These licenses are therefore granted by the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS). You should know that to date only one twenty licenses have been issued. In addition, this license is essential to offer crypto services for US residents. On the other hand, what is harmful is the cost of this license which is estimated at $100,000. This amount is undeniably an obstacle to obtaining it by crypto start-ups.
One of PayPal’s next goals may be to design its own stablecoin. This is indeed the statement made by the payment giant last January.
Will you support the cryptocurrency revolution? It’s up to you to get on the crypto train! To do this, begin to familiarize yourself with this exciting world, do not wait for you creater an account on Binance, the benchmark Bitcoin and crypto exchange (affiliate link).
The article Cryptocurrency: PayPal releases Bitcoin and Ether first appeared on Journal du Coin.


text:
A recent study has discovered a new link between warming ocean conditions and a dangerous neurotoxin, known as domoic acid, which can accumulate in species like Dungeness crab, clams, mussels and anchovy. This spells trouble for fisherman, whose livelihood may be on the line, as well as seafood lovers who could soon see a long-term threat to their seafood dinner options.
Domoic acid is a toxin produced by Pseudo-nitzschia, a micro algae that can be harmful to both humans and wildlife, including sea lions and birds. In mild cases, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps and in severe cases it leads to trouble breathing, memory loss, coma or death.
Seafood lovers got a glimpse of this in 2015, when record high ocean temperatures and lingering toxic algae blooms raised the domoic acid in shellfish to unsafe levels, shutting down the West Coast Dungeness crab fishery from Alaska to Southern California for several months. Though less dramatic, the problem emerged again this season, when harvesting was again delayed for portions of the coasts.
A recent article explains that in the case of Dungeness crabs, the food chain looks like this: The phytoplankton Pseudo-nitzschia produces the toxin domoic acid during an algae bloom. Zooplankton and filter feeders, like clams and mussels, then eat that phytoplankton. (Interestingly, not all shellfish react the same way. Mussels, for example, are able to rid themselves of the toxin within a few weeks, while domoic acid may linger in clams for several months, even up to a year.) Those delicious Dungeness crabs we like so much have a taste for clams, which is where domoic acid can be passed up the food chain to us humans.
Food safety officials are able to test for unsafe levels, keeping tainted seafood out of restaurants and away from seafood counters, but scientists haven’t been able to predict when natural algae blooms may take a toxic turn — until now.
“The record of domoic acid is now 20 years long, allowing us to look at it from a different perspective than anyone has previously,” Morgaine McKibben, the lead author of the new study said in the article.
The researchers looked at long-term data collected from Oregon razor clams, copepods (zooplankton that drift with the currents and are studied to predict salmon runs), and recurring climate patterns known as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and El Nino Southern Oscillation. And they were able to establish that domoic acid events, like those that have been impacting the West Coast Dungeness crab fishery, are strongly related to warm phases in the ocean.
“The most important takeaway from the study is that it’s telling us about changes in the food web based on long-term observations of changes in the oceans. It’s a very zoomed out view of how the food web responds to natural changes to ocean conditions. That’s very important when you talk about resource management,” McKibben said. These types of long-term records are somewhat rare in oceanography, she continued, because “it’s hard to find funding to keep consistent observations like this going.”
And a future with more frequent domoic acid events seems likely, Bill Peterson, a NOAA senior scientist and co-author of the study said in the article. “We’re having more and more of these warm ocean events and we’re going to have more domoic acid blooms each year. It might become a chronic problem,” he added.
That paints a troubling picture for crab fishermen like Bob Eder of Newport, Oregon, who said he worries about how future domoic acid events could impact exports — critically important to boosting the overall price of whole crabs. While Americans typically eat only the meat from the crab, Chinese consumers also eat what’s known as the “butter” (or guts) of the crab, where domoic acid tends to be more concentrated.
While officials from the California Department of Public Health say they test year-round for toxic phytoplankton at more than 100 sampling sites along the entire California coastline, Peterson thinks states vulnerable to domoic acid events should be doing even more testing.
“They should sample more often and over a wider … area,” says Peterson. “Crab harvests are a huge money maker on the West Coast. You can’t have people think they’re going to get sick from eating crabs. Pretty soon [states] are going to have to sample more often and more places to keep better tabs on what’s going on in the ocean.”
For more information, click here.
Neogen markets and develops the greatest variety of simple, on-site, rapid, easy-to-use seafood and shellfish tests. For more information, click here.

domain: news


text:
John Dingell and General Motors CEO Mary Barra at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Thursday. (David Coates/The Detroit News) )
It’s Mary’s team now.
Her mentor, retired Chairman Dan Akerson, this week is leaving behind a General Motors Co. free of U.S. government ownership and the restrictions that go with it. There’s a reinstated dividend, $37.3 billion in cash and credit lines, product momentum, a strategic revision under way in Asia, and a European turnaround beginning to gain traction after 15 years of spinning its proverbial wheels.
Nowhere will it be more important for new CEO Mary Barra to call the right plays early on than in Germany, where the retirement of Akerson and the looming departure of Vice Chairman Steven Girsky will be keenly felt because they produced something in Rüsselsheim their predecessors could not: credibility.
Akerson and Girsky didn’t just make decisions. They committed to invest nearly $5 billion; negotiated a responsible closing of GM’s plant in Bochum, never an easy undertaking in Germany; brought GM directors to Adam Opel AG for the first time in 25 years; wooed a new CEO to Opel from rival Volkswagen AG, and rebuilt the management team.
They detailed three key GM executives — including Barra and then-CFO Dan Ammann — to Opel’s governing supervisory board. They mustered the discipline to sell their position in PSA Peugeot once it become clear the stake would likely prove more trouble than it’s worth. They stopped a 14-year market share slide in 2013.
They moved to pull Chevrolet from Europe to focus GM’s line-up, distribution and marketing on Opel and Vauxhall, its twin sister sold in the United Kingdom. And Girsky used the same no-nonsense style he developed managing relationships within the United Auto Workers to earn the trust of key union leaders in Germany.
Among his gestures: lifting high a Golden Steering Wheel award and thanking the employees — in public and in German — for earning it. After years of strategic shifts, a revolving door in the Opel executive suite and recurring attention deficit disorder in Detroit, it’s hard to overstate the recuperative power of their collective actions.
The challenge for Barra? Don’t squander the progress, the first meaningful steps forward for GM’s operations across Europe since the heady days of the 1990s. Heed the lesson that doing what you say, demanding accountability and respecting the locals through actions, not just words, can pay enormous dividends over time.
Akerson and Girsky “delivered on what they promised — the German plan,” a ranking company source said during the North American International Auto Show. “It will need hard work from new management to fill the void that will undeniably be there in the mind of Opel.”
Girsky, especially, began to exemplify a new ethos that practiced respect instead of a dismissiveness bordering on indifference. He and Akerson fought to keep Opel because of its strategic value instead of sell it to a Russo-Canadian consortium. They underscored its importance with product, investment and jawboning on Wall Street.
GM’s European operations are one of the most prominent open questions Akerson is bequeathing to Barra. This week, he touted the end of a 14-year market share slide; this year is expected to mark a transition (read: tougher numbers) as GM pays the bills for the Bochum closing and the Chevy pullout.
Lots of people who matter will be watching, starting with the Germans and GM employees across Europe ready for steady leadership committed to execution. No doubt, Barra’s personal style will be a marked difference from the plain-spoken Akerson and the gruff Girsky.
Her bias to be a “uniter, not a scatterer,” as one colleague described her this week at the auto show, should help maintain a building momentum in Germany that will prove critical to delivering the promise of break-even results by mid-decade (only a year away).
Preliminary signs are encouraging, but one-time expenses this year and the likelihood of a leveling sales gains from the past few years could make for some tough quarters to come. The art will not just be managing expectations on Wall Street, now relatively inured to GM’s endless European saga.
It will be demonstrating that playing as a team, a riff Barra already has appropriated from the departed Akerson, is a game that truly includes the people doing GM’s work in the heart of the European car business.
Daniel Howes’ column runs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday.


text:
The USA has lengthy been one of many world’s most necessary economies, having a large affect on the general international economic system and infrequently helps to form financial coverage everywhere in the world. It’s no shock that the the nation dominates the Bitcoin and general crypto market just like the way it does different monetary markets.
A brand new report on the worldwide distribution of crypto merchants primarily based on trade site visitors exhibits that not solely america because the dominant nation in all of crypto buying and selling, it has extra crypto merchants than the following 5 ranked international locations behind it mixed.
Bitcoin Merchants Throughout the Globe: United States Leads the Crypto Cost
In a brand new revealed report by cryptocurrency and blockchain analytics agency Datalight, the corporate has revealed the outcomes of an in depth evaluation on the worldwide distribution of Bitcoin and altcoin merchants by nation. The analysis checked out web site site visitors from “the 100 hottest crypto exchanges” to find out the rankings.
The report reveals, “as anticipated” america leads crypto buying and selling “by a protracted distance.” Bitcoin and different altcoin merchants within the nation account for over 22 million visits per 30 days.
Associated Studying | Promote in Could and Go Away? A Look At Historic Bitcoin Value Efficiency in Could
Following behind the US is one other one of many world’s most necessary economies, with Japan being house to over 6 million month-to-month crypto merchants. Japan has additionally been house to plenty of hacks over the course of the final couple years, and the abundance of crypto merchants within the nation could also be a part of the explanation.
In third is Korea, house of Samsung and different tech-forward corporations which have not too long ago warmed as much as the crypto house. Korea can also be house to many cryptocurrency initiatives, comparable to ICON (ICX).
The UK follows in 4th place, with just below four million month-to-month crypto merchants. Russian and Brazil ranked fifth and sixth respectively, with each garnering simply three.1 million month-to-month crypto merchants every.
The USA and its 22.26 million month-to-month crypto merchants quantities to extra energetic merchants every month than Japan, Korea, the UK, Russia, and Brazil mixed, exhibiting what a dominant economic system america is.
Associated Studying | Visualized: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and the Remainder of Crypto Battle for the High Ten
China is giant lacking from the checklist, regardless of being an financial superpower and having a large inhabitants. China tightly controls the best way its residents work together with the web, and hasn’t been welcoming to the brand new monetary expertise and asset class, which may very well be why the nation is absent from the info.
The rest of the highest 20 international locations by month-to-month crypto merchants all have roughly 1-2 million month-to-month customers.
The quantity of crypto merchants in america means that roughly 6.7% of the nation’s inhabitants is actively buying and selling cryptocurrencies, in keeping with the info.
Featured picture from Shutterstock


text:
Our new survey reveals strong interest in having gadgets repaired
A couple of weeks ago, President Biden signed an executive order for the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to draft new regulation that will allow consumers to repair their own devices — or use a technician of their choice. The new rules for technology manufacturers are part of a sweeping order aimed at a wide range of industries, including banking, technology, labour markets, Internet service providers and airlines. The goal is to increase competition across the US economy.
The US government wants brands such as Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, John Deere, General Electric and Tesla to make repair manuals, tools, components and parts available, as well as proprietary software for components to work smoothly. This could also encourage manufacturers to rethink how their products are made so they’re more durable and easily repairable.
We expect owners of connected devices to welcome such a move. Our newly launched Connected Consumer Radar reveals strong interest in having connected devices repaired outside of their warranty period at a reasonable cost. Almost three in four people in our recent survey declared that they’d be interested in using this service with at least one device they own. More than 50% of laptop and desktop PC owners would like to have this option, as would 44% of mobile phone owners and 46% of virtual reality headset owners. To learn more about the main findings of our new survey see Tuning into the Connected Consumer Radar.
Interestingly, repairs are of interest to more than one in three owners of smart home gadgets like smart thermostats and smart security cameras. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, as our study shows that about two in three owners of connected devices plan to use their gadgets for as long as they work rather than replace them early with new models.
In May 2021, the FTC wrote a report for US Congress that highlighted people’s “right to repair”. The report addressed the lengths that manufacturers go to, to prevent consumers from repairing items — from mobile phones to home appliances and cars. The executive order shows that companies’ restrictions on the distribution of parts, diagnostics and repair tools make repairs more expensive and time-consuming for customers.
The Biden administration views restrictions by tech companies as “anticompetitive” and urges the FTC to force companies to allow customers to use independent repair shops to fix the devices they own or repair them themselves. Manufacturers have an incentive to control the repair process, given the potential revenue from service contracts and services. Repairs also are a way for manufacturers to build a direct relationship with their customers.
The executive order is considered a significant win for right-to-repair advocate groups such as the US Public Interest Research Group and iFixit. These groups have said for years that tech consumers and large equipment buyers should have better options for repairing their devices. But it’s too early for them to celebrate. This year alone, as many as 25 US states have considered right-to-repair legislation, but this doesn’t mean the bills will be signed into law.
A few states have repair-related laws including California, Rhode Island and Indiana. Notably, Massachusetts is the only state with an official right-to-repair law for automobiles, which won the vote by a large margin in 2012 and again in 2020, despite vocal opposition from a coalition of big automakers. In 2021, the New York State Senate passed a landmark right-to-repair bill in June, and Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware are actively considering such rules.
In reality, it could take a significant amount of time for the FTC to implement these new rules, given the nature of federal bureaucracy. But third-party firms have already established themselves by taking care of some basic device repairs, and this initiative shows the Biden administration’s eagerness to curb the power of large companies.
Subscribe to our blog
Make sure you don't miss out on our fresh insights on topical news in the connected world
"*" indicates required fields


text:
An inspirational teenager from Lincolnshire is preparing to wear a dress for the first time at their prom which will mark the "final moment in their journey." Kadey Hall, 16, from Saxilby, said that wearing a dress will mean they will be able to fully express their "authentic" self at their prom on Wednesday, June 29 at Lincoln Castle Academy.
Kadey, whose gender pronouns are they/them, said they have experimented with clothes from a young age and were "in awe" watching their mum get ready. They enjoy doing drag and makeup and hope that wearing a dress to prom will encourage others who are in a similar position.
Kadey said: "I think that it's going to be an exciting time for me and the final moment in the journey I've been going through. I'm so excited to share it with people my age and people who are older and
We are sharing news for link source - Lincolnshire Echo
All images and copyright remains with news source


text:
Investors in the UAE are among the world's most optimistic when it comes to their local economy.
That’s according to a survey by the Swiss Bank UBS, which found that over 80 per cent of wealthy individuals and business owners in the Emirates are upbeat about the economy and regional stocks.
However, they seem reluctant to put money in the market, with the majority of them holding a good chunk of their assets in cash.
The study also found cybersecurity to be one of the top concerns for UAE investors.
Meanwhile, the US-China trade war and local politics were some of the major concerns for global respondents.
The quarterly Investor Sentiment survey polled more than 3,800 wealthy investors and entrepreneurs in 17 countries.


text:
NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 9 – Convergence of media platforms is the future for Africa, as innovations in mobile technology and improvements in Internet access begin to shape news consumption across the continent.
Google Director of Communication for Southern, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa Scott Rubin said as more users look for a more interactive experience when sourcing for news and information, finding new ways to engage them online will be crucial for African media.
“It’s a matter of thinking of different ways to tell the story. So if the radio presence is the primary medium, the broadcast remains the broadcast. The website provides something more, where you can have a social experience and add information that simply can’t make it on to the radio,” he said.
Rubin, who was speaking during a media roundtable on Thursday, added that with social media beginning to take off in the continent more news media networks need to take advantage of the interactions in that space to grow their audience.
“There’s a real strong potential by using social media to raise awareness. So much of what’s happening on the web in the social space is that people are counting on each other to figure out what’s cool, what’s interesting,” he said.
In the fourth quarter of 2011 Kenya was the second most active African country on Twitter with 2,476,800 tweets posted on the social network site.
Rubin added that Africa’s media fraternity would have to embrace the idea of ‘rich media,’ which simply is the use of interactive multimedia to engage users often in the form of streaming video live or an interactive ad on the website.
Such methods can help raise revenue, Rubin said, highlighting the fact that Google generates 90 percent of its revenue from online ads.
Taking the aspect of rich media to mobile devices he explained is another way to generate funds especially with over 90 percent of traffic to the internet in Kenya over mobile phones.
“Mobile usage in Kenya has just shot up. We have mobile ads products so people can use revenue enhancing models where they can monetize their mobile presence by using our mobile ads,” he said.
In 2010, the total number of mobile connections in Africa surpassed both Western Europe and Eastern Europe, while as of September 2011; Africa had overtaken Latin America, making it the second largest mobile market in the world after Asia Pacific, according to a GSMA report.
Between 2007 and 2011, the number of connections in Africa had more than doubled from 283 million to 620 million, representing a 22 percent Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the four year period.
Google Communications Manager for East and Francophone Africa Dorothy Ooko said Google has already taken steps to get more local content to users via mobile devices by assisting local developers create applications to facilitate more interaction.
“You can have a Capital FM app on an android phone and enable this continual engagement there because online sometimes is a bit hard or people cannot afford it, but if the app is updated you are continually engaging. So developers are helping us get the local content that is relevant,” she said.
Other tools such as Google + Hangout that offers a virtual space for online interaction through video, Ooko adds is one way Google is maximizing on new forms of communication.


text:
Timeshare/vacation ownership technology provider SPI Software announced VP of Sales Matt Brosious will participate in an educational session during the 2015 Shared Ownership Investment Conference in Hollywood, Florida, on October 1st.
Brosious will be sharing his experience gathered from a decade advising timeshare companies – from large-scale resort developers, to small entrepreneurial companies – about the importance of using efficient, advanced technology.
“I’m looking forward to addressing the topic, ‘High Tech Sales,’” says Brosious. “We’ll be taking a look at how vital the use of leading edge technology is to making a sale in today’s environment. From the use of technology to segment and communicate with prospective clients on their own terms and in their language (which may not be English, by the way), to how a resort handles social media, online reservations, check-in and how the guest’s comfort is seen to throughout their stay, it’s key to avoid the temptation of relying on outdated tools. Today’s producers must adapt to the special demands involved in handling a younger consumer base accustomed to 21st Century methodology.”
About SPI Software
SPI Software provides resort developers and operators of timeshare, vacation clubs and mixed use properties with Web-based and Microsoft.NET-based software solutions. SPI’s flagship software product, Orange, includes modules for marketing, sales, property management (PMS), finance, maintenance fee and receivables servicing, centralized reservations(CRS), owner services, advanced reporting and website applications.
Founded in 1978 and based in Miami, FL, SPI may be reached at 305-858-9505, or firstname.lastname@example.org.


text:
Beyoncé Spared No Expense for Jay-Z’s 41st Birthday With a $2 Million Gift
Beyoncé and Jay-Z are one of the most powerful couples in the entertainment business. Ever since they got married, their fame and fortune have only been on the rise. Like many celebrities, they love each other so much that they’ll spend lots of money on gifts for one another. Exotic cars are some of the most popular ways that a celebrity will gift their significant other, and that’s exactly what Beyoncé did for her husband. Here’s a look at the $2 million Bugatti Veyron that Beyoncé bought for Jay-Z.
A look at Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s family
The musical power couple has been in a relationship for a while now, as they first started dating in 2002. In 2008, they got married. And they’ve stayed married since then, despite Jay-Z’s infamous infidelity. In any case, their success has given them a lot of money. It’s estimated that they have a combined net worth of about $1.4 billion.
About 10 years ago, though, their net worth wasn’t as high. That didn’t stop Beyoncé from giving Jay-Z a lavish birthday present for his 41st birthday.
Beyoncé buys a Bugatti Veyron for Jay-Z
According to Motor Authority, she bought him a Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport. The Veyron Grand Sport was the version of the Veyron that could come as a convertible. In terms of power, the Veyron Grand Sport had the same engine as the regular Veyron did. And as a result, it could hit the same speeds that the regular Veyron could.
The regular Veyron could hit a top speed of 253 mph, which was, at the time, record-breaking. But depending on the type of roof that you picked for the Veyron Grand Sport, it could only hit either 80 mph or 230 mph. Despite this issue with the roof, it was still a rare car. Like other Bugattis, very few Veyron Grand Sports were produced. With this gift, Beyoncé made Jay-Z one of 150 people to own the Veyron Grand Sport.
Other examples of Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s lavish gift-giving
While a $2 million Italian supercar that can hit 253 mph seems good, Beyoncé wasn’t done yet. According to South China Morning Post, she upped the ante and dropped $40 million on a private jet to celebrate the birth of their first kid, Blue Ivy. This private jet was a Bombardier Challenger 850. And it definitely could go faster than a Veyron Grand Sport.
That was the most expensive gift she had bought. But she’s dropped plenty more money on gifts. For example, she’s also given Jay-Z a $500,000 ring, as well as a holiday on a yacht that cost them $900,000 a day.
This isn’t a one-sided deal. Jay-Z has given his wife some lavish gifts, too. For instance, Comedy wrote that because Beyoncé is such a big fan of Game of Thrones, Jay-Z bought one of Queen Daenerys’ dragon eggs for Queen B herself. It’s not clear how much those dragon eggs are worth. But it seems they are quite rare to say the least.


text:
- Subscribe NowLimited Time Offer
HondaJet expects to fly wing-to-wing with its competition
- Katie Arcieri, Staff writer
Greensboro-based Honda Aircraft Co. has long touted its $4.5 million lightweight jet as a breakthrough in business aviation.
But will the company’s fuel-efficient HondaJet have what it takes to be successful in the cutthroat private jet market that is already full of established competitors?
Industry analysts say if any company can do it, it’s Honda. But the company must first overcome several challenges to gain market share from well-known names such as the Cessna Citation Mustang, Embraer’s Phenom 100 and the Beechcraft Premier 1A.
And Honda will be competing against those brands in an industry that has yet to recover from the recession.
According to the Washington, D.C.-based General Aviation Manufacturers Association, the total number of business jet deliveries worldwide dropped to 261 during the first half of this year, a 26.5 percent drop from 355 during that time period a year ago.
Analysts said the light business-jet market has been hit even harder by the economic downturn because typical customers like business owners are having difficulty accessing the capital markets.
Honda is competing in the “very light jet” category of planes that appeal to small business owners and corporations with executives who may want to fly to two or three locations in one day without worrying about traditional airline travel.
“Those are the most financially challenged buyers in the market,” said Daniel Jennings, president of The Private Jet Co., a private jet broker in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. “No one is writing a check for these jets.”
In the Triad, a lot is riding on Honda’s success. The company’s decision to locate its headquarters and production facilities here a few years ago has been a bright spot for a region eager to diversify its economy, in part by encouraging the growth of its aviation cluster, already represented by the likes of TIMCO and North State Aviation. Honda hopes to be producing 70 to 100 jets per year by 2014.
Reach Katie Arcieri at (336) 370-2913 or firstname.lastname@example.org.
- Most popular
- Triad company, management indicted
- Two Triad lawyers disbarred
- Founder of local Italian restaurant dies
- Local bistro closing in May
- Jewelry store to close after decades in business
- Triad businessman ordered to pay $5.5M in securities fraud case
- List shows the richest person in each state, including N.C.
- Triad city named to top 10 powerful major economies in the South
- 'Coffee shop version of a brew pub' coming to Triad
- Local woman charged with embezzling from PTA


text:
The Mate 20 Pro comes with both 3D facial recognition technology and an in-display fingerprint sensor, which is undoubtedly cool but also a little rough around the edges. Luckily for owners of this Kirin 980 powerhouse, Huawei seems to think software optimizations will help improve the somewhat unpolished biometric hardware.
While it would obviously be awesome to see new high-end smartphones like the Huawei Mate 20 Pro released with silky smooth software requiring nothing more than the occasional security patch for months on end, that’s not always possible.
A fresh software update is rolling out as we speak in unspecified markets, primarily aiming to enhance Face Unlock performance in “certain scenarios” and deliver faster unlock speed for the in-screen fingerprint reader.
That’s definitely great to hear, considering our own in-depth review revealed a number of fingerprint sensor weaknesses. Nothing major, of course, just an inherent sluggishness when compared with “conventional” solutions.
This one includes another batch of photo quality improvements and camera performance optimizations in addition to face unlock and fingerprint unlock refinements, as well as optimized navigation performance, a fix for a specific display issue, and last but not least, Google’s November security patches. No December love yet, unfortunately.


text:
By Scott Carlson
Molly Breen and Alicia Lacy have found their Niche, literally and figuratively.
The two women in late March officially debuted Niche, their retail women’s apparel shop, at 2506 W. University Ave. in south St. Anthony Park (just east of Highway 280). Their shop is an ethical women’s boutique, only selling apparel and accessories produced by vendors who provide employees safe working conditions and treat and pay them fairly.
Breen and Lacy began Niche three years ago, running it as a summer seasonal concept out of Nisswa, a Minnesota resort town near Brainerd. They also staged “pop up” versions of Niche in the Twin Cities. The inspiration for Niche came after the two women took a trip to Palm Springs, California and saw a plethora of independent and vintage shops along one of the town’s major shopping thoroughfare.
Lacy and Breen liked the idea of independent shops and also saw a role for women to take that model and help build community and honor ethical business practices. Consumer response to their fledgling stagings of Niche were so strong that Breen and Lacy decided to open a permanent brick-and-mortar shop.
The two women said that besides carrying out an ethically-inspired business, they are endeavoring to keep their apparel affordable, with most pieces averaging $50 per item and the upper limit topping out at about $125, Alicia said. As their shop evolves, the women also want to ensure that their apparel business is adhering to sustainable, environmentally-friendly practices.
“One of our values is to be heart driven,” Molly said. “That comes before money. We need to be value driven.” While neither woman has any formal retail training, they both love clothing and are entrepreneurs at heart. Molly is the director of the St. Anthony Park Nursery School and Alicia is a professional blog writer. The women met when Lacy had her children enrolled in Breen’s preschool.
In choosing to locate their shop along University Avenue, Breen and Lacy saw an opportunity to be part of the area’s transformation, which has been spurred the light rail’s Green Line, new housing and the revitalization of the nearby Midway district.
“This part of University Avenue feels quirky,” Lacy said, explaining that an eclectic mix of businesses are springing up along their section of the major thoroughfare. “Change is coming to University Avenue and we expect to be a part of this transformation. We are excited to be a part of that energy.”


text:
Martial Raysse hadn’t had a solo U.S. show for more than four decades when the 78-year-old French artist’s Pop paintings of neon-faced beauties went on view at Luxembourg & Dayan gallery in New York last May.
A case of 1999 Chateau Latour, a first-growth wine estate in Bordeaux’s Pauillac district, sold for 3,457 pounds ($5,750) on Liv-ex this week, its lowest level for more than three years amid weakening Bordeaux demand.
French billionaire Francois Pinault, owner of Bordeaux first-growth wine estate Chateau Latour on the left bank of the Gironde estuary, is buying a stake in three vineyards on the right bank, Sud Ouest said.
Francois Pinault’s Artemis SA holding company, through which he controls PPR and its luxury goods brands including Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, went back on trial in a $4 billion California junk-bond case.
Bloomberg Markets’ inaugural list of the world’s richest people showcases the billionaires who pull the levers on the global economy. Their net worth totals $2.7 trillion, about the size of the gross domestic product of France, the fifth-biggest economy on the planet.
French billionaire Francois Pinault’s holding company Artemis SA agreed to pay American International Group Inc.’s SunAmerica unit $62.5 million to settle a lawsuit over an investment in a California insurer.


text:
Europe-based research company believes that the introduction of digital currencies could disrupt the financial system, and at least three countries
Recent European Union News
Crypto commerce in Ireland is about to become a lot more regulated, with lawmakers in the country ready to introduce
Cryptocurrency service company Bitcoin Suisse has raised $48 million in a Series A funding round led by former Head of
The Bank of Lithuania has launched its collectors' coin utilizing the blockchain network of NEM. Although it's aimed for collectors'
A popular artist recreated a very famous Renaissance painting, adding a contemporary financial and Bitcoin twist to it.
According to a recent report, Lithuania may be the first nation to launch a central bank-backed digital coin in the
Wirecard, a company whose subsidiary issues Crypto.com’s MCO Visa card and TenX’s Visa Debit Card, has filed for insolvency. This
De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), the central bank of the Netherlands, wants to play an essential role in the development and
New regulations for cryptocurrencies are in the making in the EU. Lawmakers are considering creating a new regulatory body after
As the country officially left the European Union (EU) on January 31st, 2020, the UK has also taken steps to


text:
BANGKOK, Sept. 25, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Amidst all the focus on the countdown towards general elections in Thailand, one piece of positive news that has gone somewhat under the radar are the strong economic figures coming out of the country.
Official statistics recently released by the Ministry of Finance of Thailand indicate that the Thai economy performed substantially better during the first quarter of 2018, compared with the corresponding period 4 years ago in 2014.
GDP growth in the first quarter of this year reached 4.8 percent, which is the highest in 5 years. This has in part been fueled by a strong 6 percent rise in the export of goods and services as well as an increase in both private sector and public sector investment, registering 3.1 percent and 4 percent respectively. The Ministry of Commerce also announced that Thai exports during the first 6 months of 2018 grew by 11 percent, which is the highest rate in 7 years.
Various international institutions share the same positive outlook on Thailand. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that the kingdom's strong growth is expected to continue throughout 2018 and well into 2019. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently revised upwards its projected growth estimates for Thailand, the only country in Southeast Asia to receive this distinction.
One barometer of how efficiently an economy is running and the factors of production are being used is the so-called "production capacity utilization rate". In 2018, this important index increased from around 63 percent in the first quarter of 2014 to some 72.4 percent in the first quarter of 2018. Again, this was the country's highest rate for the past 5 years.
Thailand's booming tourist industry has played a key role in the country's economic success, with the number of foreign tourists increasing virtually every year -- from 25 million in 2014 to 35 million last year -- a remarkable 40 percent increase in the space of only four years. Such tourists travel to all regions of the country but it should be noted that, for two years in a row, Bangkok has been named the "most popular city for international tourists" by MasterCard.
The overall strength of the economy and the prevailing sense of confidence is underscored by Thailand's stock market index, which has registered a number of record highs during the past four years, rising from 1,376 points in the first quarter of 2014 to 1,776 points in the first quarter of 2018.
The country's strong economic fundamentals are reflected in a few other key economic indices. Thailand's current account enjoyed a surplus of 17.1 billion US dollars in the first quarter of 2018, compared to 6.7 billion US dollars in the first quarter of 2014. Over the same period, the country's international reserves, which once stood at 167 billion US dollars four years ago, have now grown to over 211 billion US dollars at present.
The favourable current account surplus and high foreign reserves, combined with the country's continually low unemployment and inflation rates have placed Thailand in a very enviable economic position. These figures are the main reason why Thailand has been named the "happiest economy in the world" for four years in a row, according to the Bloomberg Misery Index.
Other international publications have also ranked Thailand's economy highly, particularly U.S. News and World Report, which has named Thailand No. 1 in the world for two straight years (2016 and 2017) in the category of "best country to start a business". In addition, Thailand was ranked No. 8 for "best country to invest in", which speaks volumes for the international community's confidence in the Thai economy.
All of the above reflects the earnest efforts of the present government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha over the past 4 years to reform the Thai economy and bring about a better standard of living for the entire population. With other major schemes in the pipeline, such as the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), the future is looking increasingly bright for Thailand and her people.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Tel: +662-203-5000 ext. 22050
SOURCE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand


text:
New restaurant bringing Mediterranean flavors to Conewago Township
The Hanover area is about to taste some different flavors.
"This is something you don’t see around," said owner Sam Bahou of his new restaurant, Firepit Rotisserie & Grill.
"You have to go to probably Harrisburg or further, Baltimore, to get some of the food that I have."
At 4 p.m. on Feb. 1, the Firepit Rotisserie & Grill in Conewago Township will open for its soft opening, serving Mediterranean cuisine, rotisserie chicken and other American favorites.
After owning his own restaurant for 18 years, Bahou worked 21 years for a national food distributor and is now ready to fulfill a dream of his and open another restaurant.
Bahou, being Greek and Lebanese, is excited to serve affordable food that also might be something that the customers have never tasted before.
"I am excited to be a part of the town and be an employer, buying local foods from local distributors," Bahou said of Conewago Township. "We are very excited to the point where I couldn’t sleep because I am thinking of all the things, the moving parts."
Bahou owns the business with his wife, Grace Bahou, and his daughters Gabrielle, Alexa and Danielle Bahou.
The restaurant is currently not BYOB, but the owners are looking into that for the future.
After the soft open, The Firepit Rotisserie & Grill will be open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday at 1154 West Elm Ave., Conewago Township.
The restaurant is looking to hire an experienced pizza maker and server positions.
Sophie Kaplan is a reporter at The Evening Sun. Follow her on Twitter @yofisofi.


text:
Quick wins, culture and technology behind Telstra's digital strategy
- 19 June, 2014 17:43
Telstra Digital executive director, Gerd Shenkel
Organisations trying to embrace digital disruption must combine quick, visible wins as well as significant technology investments and cultural change if they hope to achieve long-term and transformation gains, Telstra’s digital chief claims.
Speaking at the press launch of Deloitte’s new Harnessing the ‘bang’: Stories from the digital frontline, Telstra Digital executive director, Gerd Schenkel, shared how the telco giant has made digital core to its operational approach in order to drive better experiences with its customers.
Telstra’s digital transformation is one of four case study examples Deloitte is using in the new report to showcase how industries significantly impacted by digital disruption can successfully adapt to the change it represents.
The insights report is a follow-up to Deloitte’s <i> Digital Disruption - Short fuse, big bang</i> research, which was released last year and seeks to identify the extent of digital’s impact on the 18 key industries driving Australia’s economy in the five years to 2017.
Telstra is currently at the end of a three-year digital agenda that started with the creation of a dedicated digital channel group alongside retail and contact centres. Over the next three years, the telco plans to expand out its digital capabilities across the wider business.
While agreeing that there is no right way of embracing digital, Schenkel said Telstra had to change its core operational approach to become more digitally aligned. To do this, digital activities needed to be part of the core operational framework.
“We started with good support for the digital agenda… but it needs much more than just the CEO or executives to be supportive,” he said. “In an organisation like Telstra, which has many layers of management, and where people’s careers are vested in the old ways of doing things, support has to be more than just funding or resourcing. You have to convince these people that they have to change the way they work and that there’s a future for those on the digital journey with us.”
Schenkel said having equal footing with his retail and contact centre peers allows teams to work more closely together and execute digital in a more coordinated fashion.
“We operate at such a scale and our operations are so visible, we can’t just disrupt these areas, we have to go on a journey together,” he said. “My targets, challenges and product sets are the same as my colleagues. I can’t win if my colleagues aren’t successful.”
Expectation management was also vital if the digital transformation was to stick at Telstra, Schenkel continued. He explained Telstra Digital’s portfolio has three tiers: Quick and visible wins; core commercial activities that require meaningful investment but deliver significant payback; and pure infrastructure investments.
An example of a quick win was servicing customers through social channels, while significant technology infrastructure investments included replacing the identity layer at Telstra, a project worth millions of dollars.
“You can only afford a small number of large things and if one goes off, then financially the agenda is derailed. But if you don’t do any of them, you haven’t moved forward,” Schenkel commented.
“In the middle of all this are the medium-term commercial opportunities. For Telstra, a big one was migrating customer transactions online. It costs about $1 to send a paper bill to customers; we now have 3 million customers doing online billing, which saves us $3 million a month. That’s pretty attractive and that then pays for some of the heavy lifting, where it isn’t as measurable or is harder to explain.”
Innovating through digital is another link in Telstra’s transformation, and Schenkel highlighted its 24/7 mobile app, livechat contact centre capabilities, and CrowdSupport customer service platform and forum as major successes.
Failure is just as important as success, and Schenkel cited an example earlier this year where Telstra experimented with Facebook apps using the same information as it provided with its successful 24/7 mobile app. Although it was well received on the mobile app, Facebook didn’t take off.
“The insight we learnt is that when users are on Facebook, they’re not interested in doing administrative tasks like managing bills – they’re in a socialising space, like they would be at a pub,” he said. “But it is a space where people feel comfortable complaining or expressing dissatisfaction.
“As long as you learn from your failure, then it’s market research.”
To make it all happen, Telstra Digital team initially brought together people across the business running websites, but Schenkel said the majority of staff have since come from outside the organisation.
“With this kind of story and support, and having our CEO, David Thodey, out there talking about digital, helps in hiring people who want a digital career and would not have joined a corporate necessarily beforehand,” Schenkel said.
“We also partner a lot. This is incredibly important as no one has all the answers, and everyone is learning. Speeding up your learning is an important mechanism and this has come through partnering.”
Three years on, digital now accounts for more than 40 per cent of Telstra’s total payment transactions, and customer interactions online have grown from 50 million per annum to more than 250 million. Key metrics Telstra is using to measure its digital success include the digital share of sales volume and transactions, Net Promoter Scores for specific activities as well as the wider company’s objectives, and monthly employee engagement scores.
Schenkel said the next phase will see Telstra Digital applying digital methods and technology into other eight parts of the business. One is bringing digital innovation to its technicians network to improve customer engagement as well as the efficiency of staff on-the-road.
“We know the field force would be far more effective servicing those customers if they were connected to the digital ecosystem in many different ways,” he said.
“When you compare the experience you get in the Uber taxi space, why wouldn’t customers be given more control of when the technician arrives at your house or how to book an appointment? Or a technician finishes a job earlier around the corner, why couldn’t they just come around then? There are these situations happening every day but we don’t know about them and the customers don’t know about them, so we can’t match them.”
Schenkel admitted making this kind of digital transformation requires Telstra to provide value both to its customers, as well as employees.
“There has to be a value exchange for everybody, not just Telstra,” he commented. “You can’t force people to use certain technology if it’s not helping them with their core activities.”


text:
For the third year in a row, NJBIZ has selected Micro Strategies to be on its prestigious Top 100 Privately-Held Companies list. Jumping from #99 to #89 and now to #79, Micro Strategies was included in this 25 year tradition again this year which originally selected 25 of the state’s fastest growing companies and today selects the top for-profit businesses headquartered in New Jersey. The companies selected must be in business for the past three years, privately owned, and with revenues of $500,000 or more.
In The News
Micro Strategies, Inc. has been named one of New Jersey’s 2014 50 Fastest Growing Companies. The award program produced by NJBIZ, New Jersey’s premiere business news publication, is presented by ParenteBeard, LLC and sponsored by Comcast Business, Mass Mutual, United Healthcare, Citi and Archer & Greiner.


text:
How much would you spend to get over an ex?
Not as much as socialite Paris Hilton! It would appear, a tub of ice cream would do the trick for Midweek Herald readers.
HOW much would you spend to get over an ex?
American socialite Paris Hilton is reported to have spent thousands of pounds on Champage alone after a recent break-up.
In Honiton, women are more likely to treat themselves to a tub of ice cream, you have told us.
But, according to research conducted by an online pawnbroker, 47 per cent of people in the South West spend up to �5,000 to mend a broken heart.
The survey, by borro.com, found that 88 per cent of people in the UK would spend this sum of money on nights out, holidays and cars.
Men were found to spend more, while women tended to opt for the cheaper ‘pick me ups’, with up to �100 going towards a new look or pampering.
- 1 Hobby cannabis grower from Axminster busted after he 'got greedy'
- 2 Candidates lining up to replace Neil Parish in Tiverton and Honiton
- 3 Explained: What the cost of living support package means for you
- 4 Honiton's oldest paper-boy retires
- 5 Seaton gets set to celebrate The Queen
- 6 Honiton camera club hold snap meeting
- 7 Landlord jailed for 'groping barmaids' trying to stuff wages down their tops
- 8 Honiton Lions run mole mapping day
- 9 Axminster Queens Jubilee events
- 10 Farmers' naked calendar is a smash hit for charity
The Midweek Herald took to the streets of Honiton to find if people really do splash the cash to get over an ex.
Jackie Raphael, from Higher Tale, near Honiton, said: “I would hope I would never need to, because I have been so happily married for 33 years.
“In some cases, I suppose people could spend more - to try to console themselves - but not as much as �5,000.
“I would talk to friends and hope they would be helpful.”
Sharon Holloway, 35, from Honiton said: “That seems a lot of money, compared to the wages down here.
“I wouldn’t. I might get a new hair cut.
“Men would, maybe, spend it on cars or motorbikes.”
George Morgan, 62, from Honiton said: “I doubt it – I wouldn’t spend that sort of money.
“I can’t see the point, really. People must spend different amounts.”
Tanya Marriott, 15, said: “I can’t imagine spending that much on trying to get over someone. It is very surprising.
“I think some ice cream would do me.”
Her friend Luanne Hoare, 15 said: “I can’t imagine someone spending �5,000 either to get over someone. I personally wouldn’t.”


text:
Suzuki is demanding Volkswagen retract published statements, implying that the Japanese automaker breached contracts with Volkswagen by sourcing diesel engines from Fiat. Suzuki has even given Volkswagen a deadline of September 30, claiming that its global reputation has been significantly damaged by Volkswagen’s announcement.
The two automakers view Suzuki’s actions in a different light: while VW says that sourcing engines from Fiat violated the terms of the agreement between Suzuki and Volkswagen, Suzuki claims that they had received prior consent from VW to approach Fiat. Suzuki further claims that VW’s diesel engines did not meet Suzuki’s expectations, giving them no alternative but to look for other partners.
While Suzuki chairman Osamu Suzuki is pushing hard for an end to the relationship (actually referring to it as a “ball and chain”), Volkswagen seems indifferent to the drama. In fact, VW has refused to sell their stake in Suzuki, despite repeated offers from Osamu Suzuki to repurchase the shares.
As Automotive News (subscription required) reports, Suzuki is adamant that any working relationship between the two companies is over. Volkswagen, who has yet to comment on Suzuki’s demand, doesn’t appear to have an interest in terminating its relationship with Suzuki.
Just as in a civil divorce, expect this drama to play out in a courtroom before it’s ultimately resolved.


text:
Woolworths, a name synonymous with UK high streets, holds a special place in the heart of British retail history. For over a century, Woolworths was not just a store; it was a cultural icon, representing affordable shopping and variety. Its unexpected closure in 2009, amidst financial turmoil, marked the end of an era. However, recent developments have sparked excitement and nostalgia: Woolworths might be making a grand return to the UK, over a decade since its departure.
This news comes as a surprise, stirring memories and anticipation among those who grew up browsing its aisles. Woolworths’ potential comeback is spearheaded by Roman Heini, the German CEO who revitalized Woolworth Germany. His vision includes expanding the brand across Europe, with the UK being a prime target. The return of Woolworths is more than just a revival of a retail store; it represents a resurgence of a beloved brand and a nod to the ever-evolving nature of the UK’s retail landscape.
In this article, we’ll explore Woolworths’ journey in the UK, from its inception to its unfortunate closure, and discuss the potential implications of its return. We’ll dive into the changes in the UK high streets over the years, the revival of Woolworths in Europe under Heini’s leadership, and what the future may hold for this historic brand in the UK retail sector.
The Rise and Fall of Woolworths in the UK
Woolworths, affectionately known as ‘Woolies’ by generations of Brits, began its journey in the UK in 1909. It was a trailblazer in retail, introducing the concept of a variety store where customers could find almost anything under one roof. From household goods to clothing, Woolworths was a one-stop shop, epitomizing convenience and affordability. Its most iconic offering, the pick ‘n’ mix sweets section, became a quintessential part of British childhood memories.
The brand thrived for decades, becoming a staple on high streets and in shopping precincts across the country. However, the turn of the millennium brought challenges. The rise of e-commerce, changes in consumer behavior, and intense competition from both discount and specialized retailers began to erode Woolworths’ market position. The company struggled to adapt to the rapidly evolving retail landscape, with its once-successful business model becoming increasingly outdated.
The final blow came with the 2007-08 financial crisis. Already weakened by declining sales and mounting debts, Woolworths could not withstand the economic downturn. In late 2008, Woolworths Group plc went into administration, leading to the closure of over 800 stores by early 2009. This not only marked the end of a retail era but also resulted in significant job losses, impacting communities and the overall UK retail sector.
Woolworths UK: A Timeline
- 1909: The first UK Woolworths store opens in Liverpool, introducing the American ‘five-and-dime’ concept to British shoppers.
- 1930s-1940s: Woolworths expands rapidly, becoming a familiar sight in towns and cities across the UK.
- 1950s-1970s: The brand enjoys its heyday, with stores becoming community hubs offering a wide range of products.
- 1980s-1990s: Woolworths begins to face increased competition from emerging supermarket chains and specialty stores.
- 2000s: The rise of online shopping and changing consumer habits start to challenge Woolworths’ traditional business model.
- 2008: Woolworths Group plc enters administration, struggling under the weight of financial difficulties.
- 2009: The closure of over 800 Woolworths stores, marking the end of an era on UK high streets.
The Evolution of UK High Streets
Over the past decade, the UK high streets have undergone significant transformation. The rise of online shopping, led by giants like Amazon, has changed how consumers shop. High street stores have faced the challenge of adapting to this new reality, with many failing to survive the digital revolution. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the shift towards online shopping, as lockdowns and social distancing measures made physical shopping difficult.
Despite these challenges, the high street continues to hold a special place in the British retail landscape. There is a growing trend towards experiential retail – creating unique, engaging in-store experiences that cannot be replicated online. This includes personalized service, in-store events, and the integration of technology to enhance the shopping experience.
The potential return of Woolworths could signify a renewed interest in physical retail spaces, especially as consumers increasingly value local, accessible shopping experiences post-pandemic. This return also presents an opportunity for Woolworths to reinvent itself, blending its rich heritage with modern retail practices.
Woolworths’ Revival in Europe
In Germany, Woolworths, known simply as Woolworth, underwent a significant revival. Under the leadership of Roman Heini, the brand has successfully adapted to the contemporary retail environment. The German version of Woolworths focuses on physical stores, eschewing the online sales model. It has expanded its presence beyond Germany, entering markets in Austria and Poland.
Heini’s success with Woolworth in Europe is attributed to a strategy that emphasizes store-based retail, offering a range of own-brand household goods and clothing. This model, combined with an understanding of local consumer preferences, has allowed Woolworth to thrive in a challenging retail environment.
The success in Europe provides a blueprint for what a revitalized Woolworths could look like in the UK. With a focus on adapting to modern retail trends while preserving the essence of what made Woolworths popular, there is potential for the brand to once again become a significant player in the UK retail sector.
Looking Ahead: Woolworths and the Future of UK Retail
The prospect of Woolworths’ return to UK high streets is more than just a trip down memory lane; it represents a broader trend in the retail world. The future of retail in the UK, much like elsewhere, is likely to be a blend of online and offline experiences. Physical stores are not just places to purchase goods; they are becoming destinations for experiences, community engagement, and personal service.
For Woolworths, this potential comeback is an opportunity to reinvent itself for the modern age. By combining its rich heritage with innovative retail practices, Woolworths can offer something unique to British consumers. The brand’s strong recognition and nostalgic appeal give it a significant advantage in a crowded market.
Woolworths’ return to the UK could be a significant moment in the evolving story of British retail. It symbolizes the enduring appeal of physical stores and the potential for legacy brands to adapt and thrive in a new retail era. Only time will tell if Woolworths will indeed make its comeback, but the mere possibility has already ignited excitement and speculation about what the future of retail might hold.


text:
Modern times give us more and more ways to reach out to others. For some, it’s as easy as making a call on a cellphone. To a group of dedicated students and staff at UAA, when it comes to helping others, it’s as easy as giving them the shirt off your back.
Last week, in the small conference room at the University Lake building, a group of around twenty people from UAA gathered. In attendance was a mix of students, instructors and even Chancellor Ulmer. A brief video was screened, telling of the damaging effects that traditional clothing manufacturing has on the environment. The group is partially comprised of members of campus organizations, such as the Recycling and Sociology clubs, was about to participate in the first annual “One Shirt National Collegiate Clothing Drive.”
The drive was headed by SustainU, an American clothing company which produces goods through domestic labor and recycled textiles for the collegiate communities nationwide. UAA, and in effect Alaska, was one of the 35 states which signed on to participate this year, with 3000 volunteers across the country giving time and effort to make it possible. The scope of the drive had these workers doling out informative door-hangers which told of the poverty plight and current status of clothing production domestically and world-wide, including the grim facts involving child labor and outsourced production facilities in foreign countries. The door hangers asked people to donate bags of gently-used clothing in bags on their doorstep for collection last Wednesday morning.
Locally the UAA group was responsible for hanging the door posts and collecting the donations, which will ultimately be given to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Anchorage to process. Kent Spiers is a student at UAA and the Administrative Assistant in the Office of Sustainability. He helped head the campus-push for involvement in the drive and spoke on how UAA became involved.
“Paula Williams, the director of Sustainability forwarded an email from Chancellor Ulmer saying would we be interested in this. So Paula asked me if it would be something that we would be interested in participating in and if we could do it. So I looked on their website and saw what their goals and mission were, I thought this is definitely something that UAA should participate in. When I reached out to SustainU, the major sponsor of the event, they said Alaska would be the farthest reaching campus participating, so that was pretty cool,” Spiers said.
A wide array of students and groups were represented at the Monday meeting, including the entire executive panel for the Sociology Club. The club’s President Sarah Schroeder explained why they were there to chip in.
“Kent Spiers is putting on the project and he’s a really good friend of mine. He asked us as the Sociology club to come help out with the project because it’s something that has a huge sociological impact. Like he explained during the meeting that it’s not just environment impacts, but also child labor, resource consumption and a wide array of other sociological aspects. So I felt that it was an important cause for the club,” Schroeder said.
A small contingent from the ever-present UAA recycling club was in attendance, and one of its members Alex Strobel helped tally the donations.
“Kent Spiers brought the whole sustainability group together and talked about this ONE shirt campaign and he had a little presentation which alerted us to the fact that recycling clothing is definitely helpful,” Strobel said. “What I just did was stood on a scale and weighed the clothing, it came out to around 860 something, that’s definitely achieving a lot.”
The first annual ONEshirt collegiate clothing drive was a success, at least locally. Overall, 860 pounds of donated clothing, packed in over 35 garbage bags were yielded. While there is no feedback available on the nationwide effort, UAA’s participants were met with promising results and plan to attempt the drive again next year.


text:
Indonesian game developer Extra Life Entertainment has released the demo for their latest game StellaGate: The trials of Faith. The demo has been released on Tuesday (16/2) and is currently available for the PC platform on itch.io, which can be accessed here. The full game release date and price has not been announced yet. However, the developer mentions on their Twitter that the steam page will be available “soon”.
Demo for StellaGale The Trials Of Faith is now out on itch io! for those of you who haven't tried you can download it now for free 🥳!!
Itch io: https://t.co/vRjZAZbsbE
— Extra Life Entertainment (@ExtraLifeEnter) February 16, 2021
StellaGate: The trials of Faith is a 2D side-scrolling battle game about two siblings who were separated from their parent when they were little. One day, the new Prince began a competition where the winner will get any wish granted. The elder sister, Stella, joins the competition and uses the winning prize to reunite with her parents. In this game, the player can choose any four types of weapon with their own unique fighting style.
Extra Life Entertainment started the StellaGate: The Trials of Faith game project in 2020. After one year in development, including a chance to showcase the game in Indonesia Game Prime, the first trailer finally released on February 8, 2021. According to their latest development blog, the development of the game is currently stalled because of the budget issue and the current focus of the developer is finding a publisher who can continue the development. Extra Life Entertainment currently accepts donation on Trakteer platform.
The Indonesian Anime Times


text:
A new feature that allows Apple Pay users to make payments simply by sending a text could be on its way.
Although the feature is not confirmed yet, Apple has filed a patent for it, which also includes other forms of payment. If the patent does become a reality, iPhone users will be able to send money via text, iMessage, phone call, email and even calendar invites, reports independent.co.uk. Apple would achieve this by adding a ‘make payment’ button to the text messages, which would appear at the top of the screen next to the sender’s name.
The texting option in particular could come in handy, as the Apple Pay button would appear alongside the message once it has been opened. According to the patent, the person making the payment will select how much they want to send and could choose to pay multiple people at the same time.
There’s no reason why this feature couldn’t work effectively for retailers too. Companies could send out marketing messages asking if someone who had just made a purchase online would like to upgrade their delivery option for a small fee in order to get their products faster, for example.
While several other companies, such as Facebook, currently offer a similar service through their messaging services, none so far have enabled users to send money via text message. It is likely the payment system will be built into the iPhone rather than be implemented through a separate application.
Apple, just like many other companies, files patents all the time, and not all of them become a reality. However, since Apple is looking to broaden Apple Pay, this one is far more likely than most to come to fruition. At the moment, the service allows people to pay at the checkout with their iPhone and make online payments, but little more beyond this.
Other reports seem to suggest that Apple has already been speaking with the banks needed to make text payments work – it has also been hiring for roles related to a similar project for some time (since November 2014).
Text marketing could be forever changed if this new service was built into the next iPhone, as it would make it incredibly easy to upsell customers or get them to make an order in advance. For example if a customer wanted to go out for a coffee or pick up a pizza, they could make and pay for their order via text before they leave the house. When they arrive, their food or drink would be waiting for them – now that’s service.


text:
Astudy released last week found that more than half of Americans would pay at least $500 to skip winter, and I have a hunch that after last week, Bostonians would happily empty their 401(k) accounts to avoid further arctic conditions. The study, conducted by the website Travelzoo , also found that 75 percent of Americans said that winter hurts them physically, mentally, and emotionally. I can’t make winter go away, but I can point you to some newly-opened and top-ranked Caribbean hotels and resorts where you can defrost for a few days.
It was more than 30 years ago that Malliouhana opened and put Anguilla on the jet-set circuit. After an 18-month renovation, the resort shed its 1980s trappings and reopened with new decor, amenities, and food options. malliouhana.aubergeresorts.com
It’s a resort made up entirely of suites, and some even have private pools. If the pool isn’t to your liking, the hotel is situated on the spectacular Grand Anse Beach. Such luxury is not cheap (rooms start at $1,300), but can you really put a price on warm sand? www.spiceislandbeachresort.com
The words “sustainable” and “resort” usually don’t appear in the same sentence, but the newly opened, $600 million Kittitian Hill promises to bring locals and visitors together on its 400 acre property with food stalls and arts festivals. The resort takes farm-to-table to new extremes with signs letting visitors know when they can pick fruit from trees. kittitianhill.com
The ultramodern architecture of El Blok is a stark, modern contrast to the sleepy island’s humble homes. The hotel’s curved, perforated exterior walls were designed to resemble a coral reef and the effect creates ever-changing light patterns inside the hotel. More importantly, it’s close to a gorgeous beach. www.elblok.com
The newly opened Capella may lack direct access to the beach (a ferry shuttles guests to a nearby shore), but the trade-off is that the resort has a rum cave (yes, please), along with three chic pools. The property faces a marina, but if you don’t have a yacht to dock, JetBlue offers seasonal direct flights. www.capellahotels.com/stlucia


text:
The following is a list of Super Bowl broadcasters, that is, all of the national American television ... 1.1 Notes; 1.2 See also. 2 Radio .... CBS is the only other network to televise two Super Bowls (I and II) in a row. It is also of ...... Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.
May 4, 2017 ... CBS broadcast Super Bowl 50 and an additional NFL game in the first quarter of 2016. ... You will not see an adverse effect to the bottom line.
May 3, 2016 ... CBS Corp. said first-quarter net income and revenue rose owing to a revenue surge from advertising related to the Super Bowl.
CBS, Fox and NBC share the rights to the Super Bowl, and the three networks rely on the ... Super Bowls have generated a total $1.7 billion in advertising revenue.
The rights to the Super Bowl are part of a larger deal that is reportedly worth $1.08 billion per ... How much profit does the hosting team of the Super Bowl earn? ... The other Super Bowls covered in the 9-year contract will be split with NBC & FOX, rotating year to ... What would happen if the Super Bowl became pay per view?
Aug 6, 2015 ... Super Bowl ads get even more expensive Thursday, 6 Aug 2015 | 11:00 AM ET ... the media conglomerate that will broadcast next year's Super Bowl—the ... that CBS would profit from the Super Bowl, despite the rising cost of ...
Feb 6, 2017 ... ... managed to get worse with the Patriots winning Super Bowl LI on Sunday night . ... According to the folks at William Hill US, a popular Las Vegas ... Line, and their comeback was very profitable for the majority of bettors. ... Most of the public money heading into Super Bowl LI was firmly on the Patriots.
Feb 8, 2016 ... The best Super Bowl ads you had to watch the game to see ... CBS set a new Super Bowl streaming record with an average of 1.4 million ...
Aug 6, 2015 ... The cost of a 30-second ad during the Super Bowl has soared to $5 million. ... You are going to see it in revenue and in profit in 2016, and we love having it ... can assume that CBS is applauding it, because we are going to get ...
Feb 10, 2017 ... The NFL has selected future Super Bowl sites through 2021, none of which are in Texas. ... under Senate Bill 6, all Texas teams will be able to set their own policies at the stadiums ... and half of the tourism revenue each year comes from outside visitors. ... Reclusive Millionaire Warns Americans: "Get Out Of ...


text:
Heineken's tequila-based lager brand, Desperados, has launched a fundraising app to accompany a special series of eight club nights streamed to people at home.
The Rave to Save app gives clubbers the chance to rack up donations to the host venues through their movement during the events.
Every 1,000 steps, equal to about 10 minutes of dancing, will produce a €1 donation from the brand to support the clubs, which have had to shut their doors amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Eight nights, designed in collaboration with Elrow, will be hosted in clubs located in Germany, UK and Spain.
The first will be streamed from Berlin's Prince Charles club on 27 March, with headliner Purple Disco Machine supported by Nakadia. The event will be livestreamed on Beatport's Facebook and YouTube channels from 6pm GMT (7pm CET).
App users can also make a direct donation to the hosting clubs, which will be matched by Desperados, up to €30,000 per event.
Rutger van der Stegen, head of marketing, global, at Desperados, said: "With nightclubs and music venues forced to keep their doors shut for months, Europe's nightlife sector has taken a big hit from the pandemic.
"At Desperados, we believe we have a responsibility to support an industry that is so deeply entrenched in our DNA. That's why we're thrilled to unite partygoers from around the world through our Rave to Save app. By dancing together, we can all support the venues we love so they're ready to re-open their doors and welcome us all back when it's safe to do so."
This project is part of the brand's new creative positioning, Go Desperados, announced last month. It is designed to capture the essence of the brand as a beer that goes beyond the obvious.
The campaign was created by Amsterdam-based We Are Pi. Beatport, Elrow and Jack Morton will be delivering the events. App production was undertaken by Robot Kittens.
The app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.


text:
Travelers Losing Confidence in Coronavirus Information Sources
According to the most recent Longwoods International tracking study of American travelers, the ever-shifting threat of the pandemic has taken its toll on consumer confidence in official information sources. The percentage of travelers relying on information on the safety of U.S. travel from the CDC or other federal health agencies has dropped from 57% on April 22nd to 45% on July 29th. Confidence in information from the White House Coronavirus Task Force also declined, from 24% in April to 17% in July. Reliance on information from state health officials has slipped from 36% in April to 27% in July.
“The mixed messages and results in response to the pandemic appear to be weakening public trust in official information sources at all levels,” said Amir Eylon, President and CEO of Longwoods International. “Growing distrust in official information will only make a coordinated response to COVID-19 more difficult.”
According to the survey, the percentage of American travelers who now feel safe traveling outside their community is 43%. About a third of travelers support opening their local communities to visitors, and approximately 40% would feel safe eating in local restaurants and shopping in local stores.
The survey, supported by Miles Partnership, was fielded July 29, 2020 using a national sample randomly drawn from a consumer panel of 1,000 adults, ages 18 and over. Quotas were used to match Census targets for age, gender, and region to make the survey representative of the U. S. population.


text:
A breakthrough is finally provided starting with iOS 13.6. The upcoming software update will allow you to continue Apple News articles from where you left off. This way you don’t need to waste anymore time with scrolling and struggling to find the paragraph you were last reading. Read on to find out how this works.
How To Save Apple News Reading Position
There are two requirements to get your reading progress tracked and saved by Apple News:
1. Update To iOS 13.6 First make sure that your iPhone or iPad are updated to iOS 13.6 (not released yet), respectively iPadOS 13.6 (beta testing stage). Once the new feature is updated, you only need to fulfill step 2.
2. The 30 Seconds Buffer Apple News is configured to automatically save your reading progress every 30 seconds. This means that you have to read an article for at least 30 seconds to get a reading position saved!
Fact: The new Apple News reading position feature isn’t the only change included in iOS 13.6. Beta tests have surfaced an Apple News+ Audio icon in the code of the upcoming software update. A precious hint that exposes Apple’s plans to provide audio versions of select Apple News stories. It’s not clear though if this new feature will catch the iOS 13.6 release, which is expected in the upcoming days.
Are you an Apple News reader? Have you tried the 30-day Apple News+ subscription trial? Let us know in the comments section available below.


text:
Drinking coffee may add years to life, from the Harvard Health Letter
Drinking a cup of coffee can do more than perk you up in the morning. It just might help you live a longer, healthier life. Researchers have found a strong association between coffee consumption and a lower risk of dying from diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, and other conditions, reports the September 2012 Harvard Health Letter.
A study of more than 400,000 older men and women found that drinking two or more cups of coffee each day equated to a 10% reduction in deaths from all causes for men and a 15% reduction for women, when compared to people who didn't drink coffee. It's possible that certain compounds in coffee may have multiple health benefits. For example, the compound chlorogenic acid functions as an antioxidant, which helps fight against cell injury.


text:
T.T. O’Brien’s take on Tim Cook’s Apple:
Apple, as a hardware company, has hit a wall. iPhone gets all the resources it needs to succeed while iPad and Mac get leftover crumbs from the company’s table of plenty. Apple’s major products are on a plateau of sorts. Unit sales are mostly stalled or dropped or both.
Is anything growing?
Services. Think of it as kind of a catchall of non-hardware items, now worth more to Apple than iPad and Mac combined, but remember the math– as a hardware company, Services only works if Apple sells more hardware, otherwise, Apple is just selling accessories and services to an existing customer base.
You would think Apple would want more customers but that does not seem to be the case.


text:
Apple, Samsung and Huawei have long been mainstays on the global smartphone leaderboard, but in recent years there’s been a string of new players. Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo might sound unfamiliar to most Americans, outside a tech-savvy bubble, but they’re right up there with the world’s top brands.
While Samsung wears the crown as the world’s largest smartphone company and Apple still pulls in the most profit, Chinese phone makers have ascended rapidly worldwide and are displaying resilience amid the coronavirus pandemic. Huawei surpassed Apple to become the world’s second largest seller of smartphones last year, achieving this coveted milestone without selling any phones in the US, and briefly eclipsed Samsung in April. A Shenzhen-based phone company, Transsion, meanwhile, has overtaken Samsung as the No. 1 phone supplier in Africa since its launch there in 2018.
“Chinese smartphone makers have captured around 40% of the global market share, showing that Chinese firms are increasingly capable of building consumer products with global appeal.” said Dan Wang, technology analyst at Gavekal Dragonomics, a research firm.
In addition to enticing shoppers around the world to buy their handsets, Chinese vendors have worked hard to shed the reputation that they’re merely cheap copycats — they’re starting to drive innovations such as foldable designs or pop-up cameras, which offer a window into the future of smartphone technology. Royole, a Shenzhen-based company, unveiled the world’s first flexible smartphone, beating Samsung to the punch, although the South Korean electronics giant is often mistakenly credited for it. Nevermind that it was a spectacular failure. Xiaomi, meanwhile, unveiled the first trifold foldable phone that much of the world had ever laid eyes on. Vivo and Meizu both made waves when they released phones without a single physical button and almost no ports.
Along with these innovative designs, Chinese phone brands are increasingly churning out high-end phones and pushing price boundaries, aiming to transcend their budget phone image and compete with the likes of Samsung and Apple after focusing on the budget or entry level market for years. Critics say they still have a long way to go.
“These competitive pressures drive changes in pricing, innovation and marketing, but I’m not convinced that Chinese vendors, aside from Huawei previously, pose a significant threat to Apple’s brand,” said Tuong Huy Nguyen, senior principal analyst at Gartner. “Apple is a high-end brand and an ecosystem-driven experience.”
To be fair, China’s smartphone industry has witnessed its fair share of failures along with the meteoric rise of companies like Huawei and Xiaomi as the smartphone market consolidates. Gionee, a Shenzhen-based manufacturer that was among the first Chinese firms to break into the lucrative Indian market, went bust last year. There was also Vsun, a Chinese contract manufacturer that laid off all its employees on the same day it filed for bankruptcy in May last year. Small players have been squeezed even tighter amid the coronavirus pandemic, which has resulted in Chinese phone makers refocusing their efforts back to their home market, according to industry analysts.
But the rapid emergence of China’s phone makers on the global stage underscores the country’s rising technological prowess. It comes as Beijing seeks to catch up and eventually overtake the US as the global technological leader across 10 high-tech sectors including robotics, semiconductors and even electric vehicles, as part of Chinese President Xi Jin Ping’s ambitious master plan known as Made in China 2025. It’s this very plan that fueled the costly trade war between Washington and Beijing. In May, Beijing unveiled a follow-up plan that details China’s involvement in setting the standards for key tech like 5G.
Still, some Chinese phone makers are poised to gain market share from Apple and Samsung in the second quarter despite the coronavirus pandemic, which has ravaged the global economy and disrupted supply chains, according to a TrendForce report published in April.
But who are the key players? The following is a breakdown of all of the Chinese phone makers you should know, according to how recognizable they are in the US………..Read More>>


text:
Now, you can afford street brands, designers too
With leading designers creating prêt ranges and signing high-street deals, there’s never been a better time to go big-brand shopping.fashion and trends Updated: May 28, 2014 16:08 IST
These days, it’s not entirely unrealistic to go budget shopping and return with a Wendell Rodricks dress and Manish Arora jewellery to match. With an increasing number of designers collaborating with high street brands and designing low-cost ranges, the masses are in for a treat.
Dresses and shirts on the website Stylista.com are selling like hot cakes. Their USP? They’re all designed by the likes of Rodricks, Priyadarshini Rao, Nishka Lulla and other designers, but priced at a maximum of Rs5,000.
"I was initially apprehensive about e-retail, but the website’s team convinced me. I’ve wanted to do prêt for some time now," says Rodricks, adding, "I can now offer styles that suit the general market. I wouldn’t otherwise have the technology to do a beach print, but the website does. For me, this is an audience I’d love to get to know."
Apart from the multi-designer website, Rao also designs an affordable range under the brand name Mineral. Same is the case with Ritu Kumar, whose regular creations are a lot more expensive than her prêt line, Label. Rohit Bal, whose ensembles sell at premium rates, has received a good response to his reasonable collection for Biba, which has seen an increase in sales since it was launched on Jabong.com.
At Westside, Krishna Mehta’s low-cost range has been doing steady business for a few years. And salwar-kameez sets by Vikram Phadnis for Kashish have found fans at Shoppers Stop.
Best known for his high-end couture, Arora, too, is glad to have found a great way of being accessible, without compromising on style and quality. "Our basic midi rings are priced around Rs700. The rest of the range begins from Rs2,000," he says of his wildly successful collaboration with jewellery maker, Amrapali.
The designer is already working on his next range, which is inspired by desserts such as cupcakes, candy canes and sundaes. Arguably the biggest success story is of Anita Dongre, whose labels, AND and Global Desi have been doing solid business. "I started them at a time when most Indian designers were just doing bridal wear or couture. Offering designer outfits to consumers who don’t have access to high-end designer wear makes commercial sense too," she says.


text:
It’s all about mobile. Mobile dominates the e-commerce news, your company’s strategic goals and your developers’ collective time. It’s your own go-to device, whether you’re on the go or on the couch. Santa may very well have dropped smartphones in stockings at your house yesterday. Yes, it’s all about mobile. Unless it’s not.
Mobile gets the attention. It’s pretty. It’s sparkly. It’s ubiquitous. But, by and large, conversions are still overwhelmingly occurring on desktop devices. It’s Datacember, so let’s go to the data to prove the point.
First, here is the breakdown of visits by device from Veterans Day through Christmas Eve.
Mobile is the real deal when it comes to traffic and even surpasses desktop on weekends and a few holidays like Thanksgiving. Lump in tablets and you can see why desktop is the forgotten device, relegated to the land of forgotten toys.
But now let’s look at products viewed by device, which we can think of as a proxy for engagement. More product views mean a shopper is getting deeper into the site.
OK, now desktop is earning its keep. Desktop is pulling in an average of 56.7 percent over the holiday shopping period, compared with 31.8 percent for mobile and a scant 11.5 percent for tablets. So, while visits are more mobile, engagement on the site is still leaning significantly towards desktop.
Now for the graph you’ve all been waiting for…conversions.
That’s pretty clear. Desktop is still the device of choice, garnering 68.2 percent of all conversions on average for the holiday period. Mobile and tablet pulled in 19.2 percent and 12.6 percent respectively.
I still think there are some caveats to consider. First, smartphone influence on sales — in-store and on other devices — is significant. So, it’s not as if any retailer worth their salt would deprioritize mobile. Which leads me to my second point, mobile conversions may be inevitable for retailers who focus on mobile experiences and use cases. I think BOPIS (buy-online-pickup-in-store) is a year or two away from being a big contributor. And I’d also posit to guess that we as consumers are getting more and more comfortable purchasing on mobile. As that gets even easier (and more trusted), we’ll see mobile’s share of conversions inching up over time. In fact, I’ve seen data for some sites whose mobile share has nearly doubled in the last year.
So yeah, mobile is a big part of our (Christmas) future. But desktop is the forgotten hero of this holiday season.


text:
The pullback is possibly a reaction to increased fears over U.S.-China tensions according to NRF.
Executives discuss the testing strategy for mainline product at Target and why they think they are reaching a younger customer | Read more…
Details from the National Retail Federation’s prediction for the holiday season both for stores and online.
The company says the majority of its problems stem from its international business, and it plans to close most of | Read more…
The 4,900-square-foot store is in the Wicker Park neighborhood.
Roark has several new store locations on the way. CEO Ryan Hitzel tells us about the stores, how they are | Read more…
However, new tariffs present ‘downside risks.’
The new members are from California, Colorado, Georgia, Texas, and Virginia.
New 15 percent tariffs took effect this month and are set to be expanded on Dec. 15.
Details about how industry customer Journeys performed in Q2 and the start of Q3.


text:
Hello, your email is unverified. Please confirm for access to all your SPH accounts. RESEND
COVID-19 test kit maker Biolidics said late on Thursday that it anticipates it will take up to nine months to incorporate technology it recently licensed from the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star) into a new serology test kit.
It was responding to...
Get our introductory offer at only
*$0.99/month for first 3 months
$29.90/month for the next 9 months
CALL +65 6388 3838 EMAIL firstname.lastname@example.org
OPERATING HOURS (+8 GMT) MON-FRI: 8:30AM-5:30PM
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
Stories you might have missed
HEALTHCARE player Thomson Medical Group (TMG) has set up a new unit, Thomson X, to partner healthtech startups and...
PRECISION-components specialist CDW Holding has submitted, for peer review, the findings from a joint antibody...
GLOVE-MAKER UG Healthcare will carry out Covid-19 testing on its employees in its upstream manufacturing...
[HONG KONG] Hong Kong's retail sales fell 8.8 per cent in October, the first single-digit fall since June last year...


text:
Goa government had constituted a two-member panel to look into the financial misappropriation and irregularities in GCA, following complaints by local clubs.
Chetan Desai, former GCA secretary, who heads the panel, yesterday ordered the association not to have any financial transactions till they submit the report.
“The formal inquiry into the affairs of GCA would start on May 7,” Desai told PTI.
Photos: Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt at an awards show
Photos: Big B, Iulia Vantur at Himesh Reshammiya's album launch
Photos: Aamir Khan with 'Dangal' actresses at fashion show
Spotted: Twinkle Khanna, Shriya Saran at an event in Mumbai
Andrew Flintoff's birthday: 10 players who entered different sports


text:
Vaccine maker AstraZeneca, consumer goods group Unilever and British supermarket chain Sainsbury’s were among the few companies given top marks in a ranking of environmental leadership.
Although 272 companies received an A grade on tackling climate change, they made up only a fraction of the 12,000 businesses questioned by experts.
Only 14 attained top marks across a suite of three categories, with forests and water security considered as well as climate change.
The scores published by the Carbon Disclosure Project, a charity, are designed to help investors steer their money towards sustainable goals.
Pouring private money into green investments was one of the major promises to emerge from last month’s Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow.
Diverting funds away from fossil fuels is regarded as critical to limiting global warming to 1.5°C, the agreed global goal.
But 17,000 companies worth a combined $21 trillion have not even taken the first step by properly reporting environmental data, said CDP's global director Dexter Galvin.
“These companies are not only putting the planet at risk, but themselves. If they continue with business as usual, they will end up on the wrong side of public opinion, regulation and investor sentiment,” he said.
“Cop26 highlighted the necessary role corporates play in driving the real economy changes to tackle the climate and ecological emergency, and keep us within 1.5°C.”
Businesses were sent questionnaires asking if they had considered climate risks, planned emissions cuts or rewarded staff for reaching environmental targets.
The A-graded businesses in the climate change category included hygiene company Colgate Palmolive, drinks maker PepsiCo and broadband provider BT.
Unilever, computer giant HP and cosmetics brand L’Oreal were among the elite group given top marks in all three categories.
By contrast, energy providers Chevron and Exxon Mobil were among those described as lacking data.
But 509 companies were credited with making progress by moving from merely disclosing their climate impact to trying to address it.
Analysts praised Unilever for setting out plans to reach net zero emissions by 2039, including by expanding its plant-based product range.
“Business can only thrive on a healthy planet,” said the company’s chief executive Alan Jope. “It’s great to see so many other companies on the list, indicating a real step change in ambition.”
AstraZeneca was given top marks for its climate and water policies, but a lower score on forests, despite a promise to plant 50 million trees by 2025.
Sainsbury’s said it had reached its interim emissions targets early and would aim for net zero by 2040.
The rankings will be expanded in future to take companies' impact on waste, oceans and biodiversity into account.


text:
Since it launched in June last year, Apple Music has offered two pricing plans: a $9.99-per-month standard subscription, and a $14.99-per-month family plan for up to six people.
The latter enjoys a clear pricing advantage over Spotify, whose equivalent family promotion enables subscribers to gift loved ones premium accounts at a 50% discount.
(A standard family plan for six people on Spotify in the US, for example, would cost $34.99 per month. The same deal on Apple Music would cost less than half that amount.)
Now, Apple Music has added a third pricing option for subscribers (or ‘members’, as the Cupertino company insists on calling them).
And once again, it’s an offer that mounts a stiff challenge to Spotify’s menu of prices.
Apple Music’s Student Membership is launching in seven countries today, offering individual subscribers a 50% price discount.
It has just kicked off in Australia and New Zealand, and will arrive in the US, UK, Germany, Ireland and Denmark in the coming hours.
The nuts and bolts of the promotion is being handled by UNiDAYS, a student verification tech provider.
Those enrolled in an eligible university can either sign up to Apple Music for half-price (and get an additional three-month free trial as standard), or switch their current Apple Music sub to save $5 a month.
Spotify also lays on a 50%-off deal for student subscribers, in three territories – the US, Germany and the UK. (The latter two are also provided by UNiDAYS.)
Yet, just like with its Family Plan, Apple has managed to go one better.
Spotify’s 50% off student deal lasts for a maximum of 12 months, after which time subscribers revert to a standard $9.99-a-month plan.
[UPDATE: Spotify has pointed out that students can get more than 12 months of half-price music on its service – so long as they re-verify every year.]
Apple’s student deal? That lasts for up to four years – so long as users can verify they’re studying throughout.
Four years of paying a half-price subscription for (almost) all the music in the world.
The hope, evidently enough, is that this is too good an offer for millions of students to resist.
Yes, even baby-faced YouTube addicts.
Combine this news with whispers that Apple Music is set for a design revamp and a huge marketing blitz in the coming months, and you have to guess its already-impressive subscriber growth is set for a significant shot in the arm.
The seven countries in which Apple’s student deal has just launched (and their respective per-month cost) is below:
- Australia – AUD $5.99
- Denmark – DKK49.00
- Germany – € 4.99
- Ireland – € 4.99
- New Zealand – NZD $6.49
- UK – £4.99
- US – USD $4.99
Music Business Worldwide