text:
- NIO stock gives back early gains reaped on deregulation of cross-border data.
- China’s Cybersecurity Administration has reduced scrutiny of non-personal data.
- Hang Seng index closes 2.5% higher on the news.
- US Core PCE data for August shows inflation slowing, boosts US stocks.
Nio (NIO) stock rose 1.2% early Friday, to $9.02 but then promtly gave back gains to trade lower at the time of writing. The early boost came as Chinese stocks made broad-based gains after a domestic regulatory body reduced regulations for cross-border digital data flows. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index closed 2.5% higher on the news.
Fellow Chinese corporations Alibaba (BABA), XPeng (XPEV) and Li Auto (LI) saw their American Depository Receipts (ADRs) rise in tandem on the news. The NASDAQ rose 1.3% on Friday after a bad start to the week on positive inflation data.
US stocks are marginally higher on Friday after lower than expected Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) data from August. This is the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) favorite inflation marker. The reading showed Core PCE coming in at 0.1% on a monthly basis, half the rate expected by analysts. This is the first time in two years that Core PCE has dropped below 4% on an annual basis. It registered 4.3% in July.
Nio stock news: Cyberspace administration proposes to reduce data burden
China’s Cyberspace Administration released a proposal on Friday that would mean marketing, international trade and global manufacturing data that does not include personal data would not require a security review. This would make it much easier for multinational Chinese corporations like Nio, who routinely gather user data to study their products and markets.
Chinese traders view the move as one that will boost the competitiveness of Chinese firms and reduce their barriers for entry into foreign markets.
The rally is much appreciated by shareholders as NIO stock has been trying to recover from the 22%+ sell-off two weeks ago that enfolded after the electric vehicle manufacturer sold $1 billion in senior convertible notes. Conversion of the notes would mean dilution of 5% to 6% for existing shareholders, but Nio said it would be able to reduce its nearly $4 billion in outstanding debt.
Shareholders have another reason for excitement as well. On Monday, NIO shares will likely react to September delivery data. Nio has beaten expectations for deliveries in each of the last two monthly announcements, and the September delivery hurdle is lower compared to previous months. Nio only needs to deliver between 15,200 and 17,200 vehicles to meet management’s forecast for 55,000 to 57,000 units in the third quarter. Nio delivered 19,329 vehicles in August.
Nio shares were already tracking higher on Thursday after rumors made it to Reuters that management was in talks with Mercedes-Benz to trade the German automaker technology in exchange for investment. Both companies vehemently denied there were any ongoing talks.
Nio is a designer and manufacturer of electric vehicles based in Shanghai, China. Formerly known as NextEV, the company changed its name to Nio in 2017. Nio trades under the NIO symbol on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and under the 9866 tag on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The company was incorporated in 2014 but went public on the NYSE in September 2020 with a $1.8 billion initial public offering. William (Bin) Li is the CEO of Nio, which he co-founded with President Lihong Qin, another Chinese business executive.
The main difference with other major EV brands like Tesla is that Nio offers battery swapping technology in addition to normal charging options. These swap stations allow drivers to switch out their batteries for fully-charged, identical batteries in less than five minutes, which allows owners to drive long distances without needing to stop for an hour to recharge like most other EVs. At the end of 2022, Nio had 1,305 battery swap locations and built its first swap station in Norway in May 2022. The goal for the customer is to reduce range anxiety.
Nio began its reign with the EP9 sport car back in 2016, and the vehicle is still being produced on a small scale. Since then, Nio has branched off into more mainstream fare. The ES8 was introduced in 2018. It is a full-size SUV with a range of 311 miles. The ES6 SUV dropped the following year and has a range of 379 miles. The smaller EC6 SUV arrived in 2020, and the ET5 and ET7 sedans were released in 2021 – the latter two with versions capable of achieving 621 miles of range. The ES7 and EC7 arrived in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
Yes. While the vast majority of Chinese automakers focus wholly on the Chinese market, Nio began its foray into Europe in late 2021. After beginning in Norway, Nio began entering the German, Danish, Dutch and Swedish markets in 2022 with plans to expand throughout the rest of the decade. Although they are not yet sold in the US, Nio vehicles are being tested in California under that state’s autonomous driving program.
Nio stock forecast
Nio stock is already trading above its 9-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) in Friday’s premarket. The next barrier is $9.50, which has roughly worked as both support and resistance in several instances over the past year. After that, the 21-day SMA at $9.72 comes into play. A break of the latter moving average will instill more confidence in bulls.
The rally makes sense as well since NIO stock was plumbing the depths of the neutral territory on the Relative Strength Index (RSI) over the past two weeks. A break above the 21-day SMA will offer exposure to the $10.15 to $11.30 resistance band.
NIO daily chart


text:
In the midst of a highly charged presidential election, where fact and fiction have frequently become confused, Google News has introduced a new fact check feature in search results for news stories.
Uber’s main British business paid only £411,000 in tax last year while the commission fees from thousands of drivers in the UK disappeared into a controversial tax structure in the Netherlands.
Online retailer eBay paid just £1.1m in tax in the UK last year, despite telling US investors that Britain was its second largest market, generating revenues of $1.4bn (£1.1bn).
No matter how much you prepare, there’s just no way to know what you don’t know when you launch a business.
If you want to work for Apple, you'd better be a determined idealist.
Google could face fines of up to 10 percent of the company's annual global revenue for formal charges from European regulators, The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.
Google has launched its latest mobile chat app, Allo, and with it Google Assistant – a chatbot that can be used in online conversations with friends.
Microsoft's Surface tablet, an important part of the software multinational's attempt to bring Windows into the portable computing age, is suffering from lacklustre sales, according to a report citing manufacturing sources.
Jonathan Beyman, Lehman Brothers' executive vice president and chief of operation and technology, will be leaving the US investment bank at the end of May.
Apple’s native web browser, Safari, is crashing for users around the world. Many angry iPhone and Mac users have taken to social media to report that typing into the address bar is causing the application to suddenly close.
The US intelligence chief has acknowledged for the first time that agencies might use a new generation of smart household devices to increase their surveillance capabilities.
A few women have snared top jobs in the tech industry's executive suite. A look at the companies doing their best to promote women in computing.
The founder of Mojang and creator of Minecraft has given his reasons for selling up and moving on.
Google has dismissed the European commission’s charges that it abuses the market dominance of its Android operating system to prevent rivals from competing with alternative software and services.
Amazon is to extend its Black Friday promotion to almost two weeks as retailers gear up for the biggest shopping day of the year. Billions of pounds is expected to be spent by shoppers over the Black Friday weekend, starting 25 November, and over the 12 days in the run-up to it.

domain: news


text:
Open opportunities to expand the use of contactless card payment with smart devices
Fujitsu Frontech Ltd. and Asia’s leading fintech company Soft Space Sdn. Bhd. have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that aims to jointly cooperate in order to significantly boost the usage of contactless card payment with smart devices in Japan.
Under the terms of the MOU, Fujitsu Frontech will work closely with Soft Space to comprehensively integrate its innovative payment software, known as Fasstap and FLite, into Fujitsu Frontech’s smart devices such as enterprise-grade, handheld computing devices.
Being the leader in mobile sales force management in retail, healthcare and logistics, the integrated payment solutions will enable both companies to reach enterprises with their contactless payment solutionsin segments that aren’t on board as yet. The partnership also gives Soft Space an opportunity to enter the Japanese market.
While Japan remains as a cash-centric country, there is potential for growth in contactless card payment. With the Japanese government aiming to increase the cashless transaction ratio, this collaboration would help accelerate the initiative.
“Japan is advancing in contactless card adoption, which is in line with the government’s aspiration. By having Soft Space’s payment software natively within our mobile handheld products, we will be able to further spur this adoption by providing enterprise customers with another avenue for them to transact, and thereby growing both our business together,” said Hiroki Kishimoto, General Manager of CPS Div., Fujitsu Frontech.
Commenting on the MOU, Chris Leong, Chief Strategy Officer of Soft Space said, “We are excited to partner with Fujitsu Frontech, a recognised industry leader that will help take our software payment solutions to the market by supporting and positioning us as a trusted contactless payment provider in Japan.”
Developed by Soft Space’s homegrown payment technology, Fasstap and FLite, are designed to support contactless card payment by leveraging the convenience of commercial off-the-shelf products such as smartphones.
Fasstap allows businesses to complete contactless payment also by tapping contactless cards swiftly on an NFC (near-field communication) Android-based smart devices.
Meanwhile, FLite enables a merchant’s smart device to act as the settlement terminal by pairing it with the FLite reader via Bluetooth. In August 2019, Soft Space’s FLite was the world’s first to receive Payment Card Industry’s (PCI) certification for its software-based PIN entry on commercial off-theshelf (SPOC) standard.


text:
Latest News Articles by Laura Chesters
Bonhams holds Chequers attic sale – the country house retreat of British Prime Ministers08 February 2023
An auction from the ‘attic’ of Chequers is coming to Bonhams in March.
Masterpiece founders launch new London summer fair07 February 2023
A new fair for the capital has been announced by two of the original founders of Masterpiece.
Criterion Auctioneers opens Gloucester saleroom with plans for new west London rooms by April06 February 2023
Criterion Auctioneers has opened a new saleroom in Gloucester while planning a move into west London in the spring.
Isaac and Marchant provide new input to BADA council06 February 2023
David Isaac of Isaac and Ede and Samuel Marchant of Asian art dealer Marchant have joined The British Antique Dealers’ Association’s council.
Collector interview: Lecturer's lessons in Islamic and Persian art06 February 2023
Dr Richard Piran McClary is a senior lecturer in Islamic art and architecture in the history of art department at The University of York.
Online marketplace 2Covet placed in liquidation02 February 2023
The company behind dealer marketplace 2Covet and the Chelsea Antiques Fair has been placed into voluntary liquidation.
A new MD at Dickinson gallery and hires across auction houses01 February 2023
The latest appointments and hires across the art and antiques sector.
Metal detecting trend boosts Treasure finds in the UK31 January 2023
Enthusiastic metal detectorists discovered 96% of archaeological and Treasure finds, according to the latest report.
Pick of the week: Dealer Philip Mould buys portrait of interracial ‘sisterhood'30 January 2023
A 19th century folk art painting of one black and one white child depicted together as equals has been purchased at auction by art dealer Philip Mould.
Previews: issue 257830 January 2023
A selection of 14 upcoming lots available at UK auctions.
English School double portrait and Gould watercolours are among the latest artworks to be saved by the nation26 January 2023
Six artworks are set to be saved for the nation according to the latest Exports of Objects of Cultural Interest report.
UK museum sought for Egyptian limestone relief depicting women musicians in pharaoh’s palace25 January 2023
A limestone relief depicting a group of female musicians in the palace of the Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten has been temporarily blocked from export.
Antiques Roadshow expert Henry Sandon to sell private collection at auction24 January 2023
Ceramics specialist Henry Sandon (b.1928) will offer his private collection at auction at Chorley’s in April.
Hidden in a forest, now Munch work emerges23 January 2023
An Edvard Munch (1863-1944) picture last on the market 89 years ago, which had been hidden from the Nazis during the Second World War, is to be offered at Sotheby’s with a £12m-20m estimate.
Garrard pendant worn by Princess Diana bought by Kim Kardashian21 January 2023
Reality TV star Kim Kardashian has bought a c.1920 pendant by Garrard at Sotheby’s Royal & Noble auction on January 18 for a hammer price of £130,000.
Plea to help find stolen silver from Sheffield Assay Office19 January 2023
More than £100,000 worth of silverware has been stolen from the Sheffield Assay Office after a group of burglars broke in using an angle grinder.
Edvard Munch painting hidden from Nazis in a Norwegian forest to be auctioned17 January 2023
An Edvard Munch (1863-1944) picture last on the market 89 years ago, which had been hidden from the Nazis during the war, is to be offered at Sotheby’s with a $15m-25m estimate.
Art dealers Bowman sell sculpture to French museum16 January 2023
The Camille Claudel Museum has unveiled its newly purchased Volubilis sculpture by Alfred Boucher.
Quinlan takes the reins at Hindman16 January 2023
US auction house Hindman has promoted Alyssa D Quinlan to the role of chief executive officer.
Art & Antiques Fair Olympia cancelled for summer 202312 January 2023
The summer edition of Art & Antiques Fair Olympia has been cancelled by its organiser Clarion Events.


text:
As Financial Times reports Syriza’s opposition to privatizations seems to have evaporated after the eurogroup decision of 20 February 2015. The government has committed not to reverse sales that have been completed, while ‘respecting the legal process’ in the case of tenders already launched. Developments in the port of Piraeus are subsequently of increased significance. In that regard, APM Terminals is COSCO’s Danish competitor, regarding a 67% stake of the Piraeus Port Authority.
But who is APM Terminals to begin with? With a Global Terminal Network of 20,600 professionals and over 160 port and inland services operations in 58 countries around the globe, the company designs, builds and operates ports and inland services. The company’s headquarters are in The Hague, and APM Terminals is an independent business unit within the Danish-based Maersk Group, with more than a century of shipping industry experience.
On the other hand, COSCO is one of the major multinational enterprises in the world, China’s largest and the world’s leading Group specializing in global shipping, modern logistics and ship building and repairing. Even though it was established only in 1961, it owns and controls over 800 modern merchant vessels with a total tonnage of 56 million DWTs and an annual carrying capacity of 400 million tons.COSCO has formed a global structure with Beijing as the center, 9 regional companies in Hong Kong, America, Europe, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Korea, West Asia and Africa as the radiation points. It owns more than 1,000 companies and branches in over 50 countries and regions and hires 130,000 employees in total, of which, 400 are personnel permanently stationed overseas and 4,000 are foreign employees.
Both companies want a piece of the Piraeus port, but it should not go unnoticed that lately, Greece’s ties with China are becoming even tighter. Ever since the new Greek government came to power, Greek and Chinese politicians and executives are meeting and stressing the importance of this relationship overcoming the initial misunderstanding of the beginning of February 2015. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras did recently publicly focus on China’s role in transforming the Piraeus port in an important gateway for Europe. This also was the argumentation of Finance Minister Varoufakis when he visited COSCO in Piraeus.


text:
The Rodon Group is pleased to announce “Made in the USA” movie release
"Made in the USA, The 30 Day Journey" movie was officially released on Tuesday, April 16th. The Rodon Group and K’NEX Brands have supported this effort and the work of Josh Miller, film director, since the project’s inception.
Josh began his journey after his father-in law lost his job in an aluminum factory in Ravenswood, West Virginia. Witnessing the downturn in the economy and more importantly manufacturing, Josh Miller and his production team set out on a coast to coast trek traversing the US in 30 days. They visited American Manufacturers throughout the country from stained glass artisans to clothing designers. The Rodon Group and K’NEX Brands, LLC were filmed on day 15 on their schedule. The crew was able to see firsthand how K’NEX construction toys are made at The Rodon Group,
Along the way, the Made in the USA crew attempted to use only American made products. This commitment made it impossible to watch TV. Even taking a shower became a challenge. Not many motels and hotels have “Made In America” bathroom fixtures.
Below is a trailer for the film. To purchase the movie, please visit this website.
The Rodon Group has been a supporter of Josh’s efforts and is an active member of several groups focused on promoting Made In America products. Our president Mike Araten is on the board of American Made Matters, a consortium of American manufacturers and resellers who work to help consumers locate US-made products and in doing so strengthen the American economy.
We are also sponsors of the Made In America Movement whose mandate is “To play a part in the restoration of the U.S. economy by connecting American manufactures with consumers, educating consumers on the importance of buying American made products, and partnering with American manufacturers and businesses to collaborate on maximizing their use and distribution of Made in USA products.”
Today a growing number of groups, retailers and websites have made a commitment to promote American made products and manufacturers. For a recent list compiled by The Rodon Group, please see our article entitled "The Craze for all things American-Made".


text:
Are Americans’ tastes for sweets changing? A University of North Carolina study has shown that between 2005 and 2012, consumption of pre-packaged grain-based desserts (cookies, cake, doughnuts, and pie) is down 24 percent, which is good news for the Sisyphean war on obesity. Nutritionists as a whole have warned us that these grain-based desserts, like most sweets, are full of empty calories and rack up our sugar and fat intake.
For this study, researchers obtained data from a sample dataset of 134,000 households, and compared their food consumption habits over a period of seven years, from 2005-2012. The results are heartening, but not quite complete: changes in package size were not taken into account, which could be a big variable for our Super-Size Me nation.
"The results from the product and purchase level analyses highlight an opportunity for both food manufacturers and public health officials to work together to develop strategies to shift consumer purchases towards products with lower energy, sugar, and saturated fat densities in addition to decreasing overall purchases of [these products]," said Dr. Kevin C. Mathias, a recent graduate of the Nutrition Department at the University of North Carolina, and a researcher in this study.
So how can we improve even more? Researchers suggest larger nutrition facts boxes that appear on the front instead of the back of your package of Oreos, could definitely be a start. While you’re at it, we suggest bypassing these 9 unhealthiest store-bought cookies.


text:
Co-investors who participated with SCP in the transaction included Tudor Group, Galleon Group, Consolidated Press Holdings, AIG SunAmerica, and Eli Broad.
The Company is the creator of the award-winning Magellan RoadMate series portable car navigation systems, the Magellan eXplorist outdoor handheld navigation devices, the Hertz NeverLost car navigation system and ProMark, the best-selling single frequency GPS survey product line on the market. The company is recognized worldwide through its Magellan brand and has experienced 200 percent consumer revenue growth over the past three years as GPS technology has proliferated across a range of consumer and commercial applications.
The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2006. The new Company will be named Magellan Navigation, Inc. and will be headquartered in San Dimas, California.
“We are excited to work with such an industry leader in the high-growth navigation market,” said Ajay Shah, managing partner of SCP. “Thales Navigation is well positioned with a number of core strengths, including leadership positions in both consumer and commercial markets, the strength of the Magellan brand, pervasive retail distribution, and a strong technology portfolio. We are looking forward to working with the management team to build on these successes and continue the growth of the business as demand for navigation technology continues to expand.”
“SCP is a great fit for Thales Navigation,” said Henry Gaillard, chief executive officer of Thales Navigation. “This is an exciting new phase for the company. We intend to execute aggressively on our strategy to increase our leadership in the consumer, survey, GIS and OEM markets worldwide, and SCP is both committed and uniquely qualified to help us achieve even greater success as a stand alone company.”
Ten latest articles from Navigation


text:
Rita’s, a national Italian ice and frozen custard chain, has leased retail space in the Lofts Downtown Nexton planned community.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rita’s as the latest addition to the Lofts Downtown Nexton,” said Sharbell Nexton LLC President Thomas Troy in a press release. “By introducing a beloved, renowned brand such as Rita’s, our retail space continues to expand and attract new retailers, providing residents with a diverse range of conveniences.”
The new Rita’s location occupies 1,716 square-feet and will be helmed by franchisees Kelly and Christopher Frevel, according to a Rita’s representative.
The first Rita’s opened in a Philadelphia suburb in 1984. Today, the Italian ice giant has locations in more than 30 states
The Lofts Downtown Nexton is scheduled to complete its next phases later this year, which will include a number of residential amenities. The mixed-use project is part of the larger Downtown Nexton development, situated on nearly 100 acres between Sigma Drive and Brighton Park Boulevard. Once complete, Downtown Nexton will provide retail, dining, hospitality, residential, service, office and commercial outlets.


text:
Market analysts said the fall in gold futures was mostly in tune with a weak trend overseas (Photo Credit: Image for representation)
Gold futures on Friday fell by 0.76 per cent to Rs 43,209 per 10 gram as participants trimmed their positions driven by weak global trend. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, gold prices for April delivery fell by Rs 333, or 0.76 per cent, to Rs 43,209 per 10 gram in a business turnover of 1,103 lots. The yellow metal for June delivery declined by Rs 382, or 0.88 per cent, to Rs 43,261 per 10 gram in 1,558 lots.
Market analysts said the fall in gold futures was mostly in tune with a weak trend overseas. Globally, gold was trading 0.30 per cent lower at USD 1,655.30 per ounce in New York.
Silver prices on Friday rose 0.20 per cent to Rs 41,403 per kg in futures trade as participants widened their bets amid a firm trend in precious metal overseas. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, silver contracts for May delivery gained Rs 81, or 0.20 per cent, to Rs 41,403 per kg in 2,487 lots.
Traders said fresh bets by participants in line with a firm trend in global markets mainly led to rise in silver futures. In the international market, silver was quoting 0.37 per cent higher at USD 14.73 an ounce in New York.


text:
Time Inc.’s flagship magazine, Time, is testing the notion of making formerly premium online content available free via an ad gateway.
Using technology from Ultramercial, Time.com site visitors have been able to access the renowned “Person of the Year” cover story, along with the magazine’s full archive of articles, free for 24 hours. But only after they view a multi-paged, full-screen interactive ad from sponsor Chrysler.
“This is their biggest franchise and this crosses over onto the print side, too, as far as the sponsorship deal,” Dana Jones, founder and president of Ultramercial, told ClickZ. “This is a very big undertaking for Time.”
If the venture shows promise, the publisher may make future cover stories, or other content currently only accessible to subscribers, available on an ad-supported basis. Currently, the cover story, which goes online the day before the magazine hits the newsstand, is for subscribers only.
“We’re evaluating the results of Ultramercial with an eye on using it again in the future,” said Ty Trippet, a spokesperson for Time Magazine.
The Ultramercial has been most widely used by venerable online publication Salon, which began letting non-subscribers access content via a “day pass” in early 2003.
A move to open archives and premium content to better generate revenue from online advertising would be consistent with other trends afoot in the industry. Last week, WashingtonPost.com said it would allow users free access to its articles for 60 days, up from 14. Previously, those articles had gone into a subscribers-only archive.
They're arguably the most annoying video ad formats in existence, but soon they'll be a thing of the past, at least on YouTube.
On Thursday, Twitter reported its earnings for Q4 2016, and the results have raised questions about the company's long-term future.
From its $1.5 billion air cargo hub to its growing network of contract last-mile delivery drivers, Amazon is increasingly looking like a logistics company; but shipping and logistics giant FedEx isn't sitting idly by.
Havas Group's Meaningful Brands report delivers sobering news for brands: consumers wouldn't care if 74% of the brands they use disappeared off the face of the earth.


text:
WASHINGTON, April 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Today, there are nearly 4-million Arab Americans residing in the United States according to data from the Arab American Institute (AAI). In a time where inclusivity has never been more relevant and necessary—celebrating Middle Eastern heritage is critical in combating post-9/11 anti-Arab sentiments and recognizing the social difficulties that Arab Americans face every day in their communities. For decades, the Arab America Foundation worked on state-level changes to make April the National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM), but a federal recognition was never accomplished, Arab-Americans are somehow always left out of the picture for racial justice. As a prominently Muslim region, Muslims roughly make 25% of the world population, yet they are barely represented in Western media, award shows, and literature work.
Pierre Subeh, a 22-year-old Syrian immigrant who made it his life’s work to fight for equality and representation of his heritage in Western society knew that a change can be done if technology and marketing is cultivated for positive social change. He made it his mission to fight for NAAHM and make it recognized on a federal level using his influence in the marketing industry. His team helped big brands reach millions of customers, and he wanted to examine what marketing would do to a cause. Pierre is an author, business expert, and award-winning executive producer; X Network, the marketing & research firm he founded has served clients like Apple, Starbucks, Pepsi, and Abbott Laboratories. He has been featured for his business expertise on Forbes, CNBC, and The New York Post.
During the month of April 2021, history was made as Pierre’s publicity campaign influenced the recognition of the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and even The White House under the Biden-Harris administration, the first recognition by a sitting president. Pierre orchestrated a self-funded social awareness campaign with over 250 billboards across the country showcasing the rich Middle-Eastern culture and requesting that the Federal government recognize the month of April as the National Arab American Heritage Month. His campaign was a success as president Biden congratulated them on the celebration of NAAHM in a public letter.
This campaign is the beginning of social change through the use of marketing and business resources. Pierre has pledged to continue to use his marketing firm for good moving forward. He is currently working on a new book to be released later this year.
+1 (305) 497 9485
SOURCE The NAAHM Committee


text:
On Wednesday T-Mobile USA said it will start selling an unlimited-data plan on Sept. 5. It stopped sales of its previous unlimited-data plans early last year.
T-Mobile USA is the country’s fourth-largest cellphone carrier, with 33.2 million subscribers.
On Tuesday No. 5 carrier MetroPCS Communications Inc. cut the price of its unlimited-data plan from $70 to $55 per month. It includes unlimited texting and calls.
No. 3 carrier Sprint Nextel Corp. already has an unlimited-data plan, and credits that with helping it attract customers for its smartphones.
More breaking news
- Regents pick Fla. superintendent as education commish
- Reading, Writing and Reality: Regents assail testing rhetoric
- Timing of tests under fire
- Empire National expands into NYC
- Hempstead green-lights Coliseum redevelopment plan
- Landmark Milleridge Inn sold to LI REIT
- A new clinic for AHRC Nassau
- Why Knot? NYC firefighter opens LI’s first Philly Pretzel Factory
- Business investment climbs as factories thaw from winter
- Olive Garden: At least 1 more breadstick creation on the way


text:
TheVerge brings to attention a new trend by women who sell NSFW content via Patreon. While the concept of selling nudes online is not new, Patreon has made the entire process — from seller to purchaser — remarkably easy, allowing some vendors to turn this into a full time job for some.
When she first launched the account about a year ago, she was hesitant. “I didn’t think anyone would be interested,” she says. “[But] in my first week I made over a thousand dollars.” Now, in a good month, with her current supporters, Michelle says she can make $5,000. Operating the Patreon account is her full-time job.
Michelle is just one of dozens of women who use Patreon to sell nude photos, videos, and other prizes to willing — and paying — fans. As a full-time Patreon creator, she’s on the more successful end of erotic content makers. Some of her contemporaries see Patreon as a side-hustle on the way to more lucrative gigs; others want to go full time, but haven’t quite figured out how. There’s no set career path here, but for these women, those paths all converge on Patreon.
|Sexual Chemistry Only Lasts Two Years|
|Sex In Outer Space|
|NSFW: Norwegian Public Television Has Nudity, Masturbation and Orgasms|
|Why Do Men Feel the Need to Document Their Crimes?|
|Thailand's Blowjob Bars|
|100 Things We Can Do Today to Stop Global Warming in the Next 30 Years|
|“If the facial data and related personal information is stolen and put on the internet, it will cause big problems.”|
|“Creating a shift from medical device to positive body image statement.”|
|How to Avoid Jury Duty|
|CaptchaTweet: Write Tweets in Captcha Form|
|Google Map Shows You the Most Photographed Areas of the World|
|"Hours after the fires in Santa Rosa I filmed this postal worker still delivering the mail."|
|"The scientific reality of artificial intelligence."|
|"Here is Home Depot's tape measure tutorial in all its glory."|
|Watson 2016 #thinkwatson|
|"It’s time for something so stupid it’s actually smart."|
|"It has a brain, but it's just about the minimum possible arrangement of neurons that could be considered as such."|


text:
Photo (Apple official): iPhone X
Just two years ago, market analyst firm International Data Corporation (IDC) said that its mobile phone and tablet trackers pointed to a positive picture for smart devices in Malaysia and that demand "will continue to be healthy in 2015 despite the implementation on 1 April 2015 of the Goods and Services Tax (GST)."
"In 2015, positive growth in the smart devices will be led by smartphones as the dominant smart device with a forecast growth of 27 percent while tablets will grow by 3 percent in Malaysia," said Jensen Ooi, senior market analyst for client devices at IDC Asia/Pacific had said during a group briefing in Kuala Lumpur (2 April 2015).
According to IDC Asia/Pacific's Mobile Phone Tracker back in 2014Q4, and IDC Asia/Pacific Tablet Tracker 2014Q4, almost 10 million units of smart devices were shipped into Malaysia with smartphones outnumbering tablets by a ratio of nearly four to one.
IDC surmised that consumers' usage patterns and hardware demand had "fuelled a strong growth of 40 percent year-over-year (YoY) for smartphones while tablets, which were at healthy levels in 2013 declined by 5.4 percent YoY."
Another C-level IDC briefing (May 2015) in Kuala Lumpur, based on Enterprise Mobility MaturityScape research, continued the optimistic tone as Malaysian enterprises were seen to be "still in early days of the mobile adoption curve."
[For Malaysia IT Industry insights from IDC, see - This is how Malaysia's ICT industry will transform in the next three years: IDC and Deep Dive into Malaysia's Digital Economy with MDEC CEO Dato' Yasmin Mahmood - Part 1 and of course this year's major IT industry roundup - What's really in store for Malaysia's IT industry in 2017? ]
"Smartphone penetration rate in Malaysia has reached a certain stage where accessibility and enhanced mobility allow for more effective business processes," said IDC's research manager, Telecommunications, Alfie Amir. "Enterprises today are prepared to advance to the next stage, have better strategic approaches of mobility deployment and recognise the importance of internal mobile applications. It is safe to say mobility solutions are critical for Malaysian businesses."
"There has been 'a slight progression' compared to last year with more enterprises implementing mobility solutions and focusing on improving internal processes," he said. "Enterprise mobility adoption in Malaysia showed signs of progress, but remained firmly in the early 'Opportunistic' phase, where the focus is still primarily on rolling out and supporting devices. The biggest movers were Hong Kong and to a lesser extent, China."
According to that study, enterprises had started focusing on "more advanced operation processes and many have launched horizontal business applications. Enterprises have also started looking more seriously at security threats and investment in IT implementation."
Sign up for Computerworld eNewsletters.


text:
Fashion law is a growing field in the United States. Fashion law is a unique type of intellectual property and differs greatly from entertainment law. Fashion law includes but isn’t limited to international trade, civil rights, business and finance, international trade, and intellectual property. Fashion lawyers work for designers, fashion houses, retail stores, manufacturers, and modelling agencies or even jewelry sites where you can find the best rings, such as randor.com. In 2015 Fordham University’s law school launched the first ever academic programs in fashion law.
Several interesting fashion lawsuits have risen over the past year. Following, fashion week celebrity stylist and handbag designer Sonique Saturday has filed a law suit against Gucci for stealing her idea. Sonique’s BellaDonna handbags have been worn by Amber Rose, Erykah Badu, and Mona Mi. Sonique’s handbags gained a lot of attention when Amber Rose was seen while feuding with the Kardashians, at LAX wearing the famous BellaDonna bags that say, “You Fake Like This Birkin.”
During Milan Fashion week Gucci debuted a handbag in its Fall/Winter collection that Sonique believes is idea theft. She said on her snapchat, “…On that note Gucci, the fashion house… the fashion brand that we love so much, y’all dead wrong for stealing my idea.” The bag sprayed painted by New York Graffiti artist Trouble Andrew also know as GhostGucci says, “Real Gucci” which Sonique believes is similar to the concept behind her bags that say, “Fake Hermes.” Check it the bags below and decide for yourself if Gucci has stolen Sonique Saturday’s idea.
(Photo by Venturelli/WireImage)
The following two tabs change content below.
Stephanie Ovadia is a practicing attorney, radio personality and mother of eight children. Stephanie's areas of practice include entertainment law and personal injury. She received her B.A. in political science from SUNY Binghamton and her J.D. from Southwestern University School of Law.


text:
Wed, May 18, 2022
Before going to press
7 days news
Chips + Components
Displays + Photonics
IT + CE
Mobile + Telecom
Battery + Green energy
Asia Supply Chain 100
Asia Supply Chain 100
Market Cap 100
Internet, Cloud, AI
Accelerators & incubators
Research on demand
Products & services
China smartphone AP
Special Report Databases
Commentary and analysis
Biz Focus home
CONNECT WITH US
FUSION IS TRANSPORTATION
NEWS TAGGED AV
Thursday 12 May 2022
Most vehicles today are not developed with cybersecurity in mind, says Cybellum
Electric vehicles (EVs) are at the center of the world's push toward a decarbonized future, and the importance of cybersecurity in the automotive domain is without question.
Wednesday 11 May 2022
New technologies considered for smart cockpit application
With future vehicles positioned to offer increasing levels of autonomy and connectivity, a growing number of new technologies are being considered for possible application.
Tuesday 10 May 2022
AI applications key to realizing autonomous driving
Autonomous driving and intelligent cockpit are two key application areas of artificial intelligence (AI), which can be used to transform camera and sensor data into actionable info...
Thursday 28 April 2022
Taiwan electronics makers keen to develop mmWave radars with NXP chips
Many Taiwan electronics makers are actively making inquiries with NXP Semiconductors to explore the possibility of jointly developing mmWave radar systems as part of their efforts...
Tuesday 29 March 2022
Key requirements for software-defined vehicles
Taiwan's "five shortages" have been thrust back into the spotlight recently due to power outages and climate change. The "five shortages" refer to shortage of water, electricity,...
Thursday 24 March 2022
Nvidia says Drive makes up US$11 billion in automotive ecosystem
Nividia has disclosed that a major electric vehicle (EV) vendor and startup firms in the car industry have joined its Drive platfform, which it says now makes uo an automtive pipilne...
Wednesday 23 March 2022
Tron Future secures LEO satellite and V2X opportunites
Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication is considered essential for building vehicle-to-everything (V2X) network. Taiwan-based Tron Future Tech is a precursor in the area with...
Tuesday 15 March 2022
Innolux subsidiary CarUX awarded car safety certificates
Innolux 's subsidiary CarUX Technology has won automotive safety certificates granted by Dekra Taiwan, according to the company.
Friday 11 March 2022
Automotive component orders picking up
Automotive component suppliers, such as cooling fan maker Yen Sun Technology, have seen customer orders pick up substantially, which may indicate an easing of chip shortages, according...
Tuesday 1 March 2022
Mobileye new chip becomes key for developing inexpensive autonomous system
Mobileye, an auto technology developer under Intel, is looking to build an autonomous driving system priced between US$5,000-10,000. Mobileye hopes to boost the penetration of the...
Thursday 17 February 2022
Nvidia and Jaguar Land Rover form partnership for autonomous cars
AI processor vendor Nvidia has formed a multi-year strategic partnership with Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) for developing autonomous driving cars, according to the companies.
Tuesday 8 February 2022
Smart cockpits highlight importance of human-machine collaboration
Seeing the business opportunities in the global smart cockpit market, Hon Hai Precision Industry (Foxconn) and Pegatron began expanding in the segment in 2021, as have panel makers...
Wednesday 26 January 2022
Toyota's market capitalization tops JPY 40 trillion for first time
Toyota's market capitalization exceeded JPY 40 trillion (US$351 billion) for the first time on January 18, though temporarily. The number is about 60% higher than its market capitalization...
Tuesday 18 January 2022
Enhanced and scalable LiDAR at CES 2022
LiDAR providers have devoted intensive efforts to making the technology essential, especially for autonomous driving (AD). At CES 2022, they introduced LiDAR products enabling better...
Thursday 13 January 2022
Panel makers to add sensors, IVI to in-car displays
More and more new vehicles are equipped with smart cockpits as e-mobility takes off. According to data from Sigmaintell, total shipments of in-car displays are expected to grow 22%...
May 18, 11:03
Advanced vision AI eliminates potential risks in cleanroom environments for semiconductor and panel manufacturers
Wednesday 11 May 2022
NeoGene unveils novel ultra-thin heat-pipe-array vapor chamber technology for ultra-high-density power battery pack application
Monday 9 May 2022
HOLTEK launches new 32-bit touch key MCUs – Provides professional technology services and solutions
Tuesday 3 May 2022
Chenbro wins 2022 iF Design Award for high-density storage server chassis
Notebook production in China unlikely to be fully restored until July
IC design houses under pressure to drop prices
Vedanta looking for chip customers in advance
Brand notebook vendors cut orders for 2022
YMTC sampling 192-layer 3D NAND chips
Apple car team reportedly in talks with Korean and Japanese suppliers
AMD, MediaTek reportedly in talks to form JV
TSMC to raise quotes for advanced, mature process technologies by 10-20%
BYD Semiconductor takes major stake in Energen
Is GF a good buy for Intel?
EV penetration to rise to 30% in 2025, says DIGITIMES Research
Non-foundry IC segments gaining weight in HPC era, says DIGITIMES Research
DIGITIMES Research worldwide notebook shipment update – February 2022
Sorry, the page you are trying to open is available only for our paid subscribers.
to read more
New users, please


text:
Skype and Logitech have teamed up to offer high-quality video calls over Skype's VoIP service. They promise an end to grainy video calls on a tiny screen and a new age that can rival professional video conferencing units.
It's a big ask. But with 640 x 480 pixel VGA resolution and offering 30 frames per second, High Quality Video on Skype looks like it'll be great for keeping in touch with friends and family.
Video calling is back
At a demo in London's Soho this afternoon, Logitech and Skype showed off the amazing quality of the VGA video chat. The autofocus on the Logitech camera automatically refocuses in a couple of seconds; it's powerful enough to zoom in on the text on a business card, for example.
The problem with video calling (and maybe the reason it just hasn't taken off) is that you have to smarten yourself up before making a call. It will also be more important to look into the camera, and control your body movements and facial expressions as they will be clearer.
There's a catch, of course. To enjoy higher quality video calls, the caller and the call-ee will need the latest version of Skype (v3.6), one of three High Quality Video-certified Logitech webcams, a PC with a dual-core processor, and a broadband connection rated at a speed of at least 384kbps.
1 in 4 Skype calls use video
"This is a major leap in the clarity and smoothness of free video calls over the internet," said Gareth O'Loughlin, Skype's general manager for mobile and hardware devices.
"One in four Skype calls already involve video, so we know our users love to show and not just tell. High Quality Video will take Skype conversations to a whole new level of realism. In the past, only big businesses could afford this kind of video quality. It's now time to take it to everyone else."
Compatible High Quality Video-certified Logitech webcams are the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 (£70), the Logitech QuickCam Pro for Notebooks (£70), and the Logitech QuickCam Orbit AF (£90). All are available now.
Skype 3.6 for Windows, currently in beta, will be available as a free download in November. You'll also need the Logitech QuickCam Software version 11.5, expected to be available as a free download at www.logitech.com/downloads in November.


text:
Unilever investors call for AGM vote to promote healthy eating goals By Reuters
© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: The Unilever logo is seen in this illustration taken January 17, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic
By Simon Jessop and Siddharth Cavale
LONDON (Reuters) – A group of investors in Unilever (LON:) said on Thursday it filed a new resolution urging the company to correct a “crucial blind spot” in its strategy and set ambitious goals to sell healthier foods.
The resolution from a group of 11 investors with $215 billion in assets, including Candriam, Actiam and the Greater Manchester Pension Fund, calls on Unilever to disclose the current proportion of sales tied to healthier products.
It also urges the company to set a goal to “significantly increase” that share by 2030 and publish an annual review of its progress.
While Unilever, owner of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, Hellmann’s mayonnaise and Pot noodle brands, is seen as a leader in sustainable trade by many funds, investors have said increasing health regulations meant that a lack of action could affect his finances.
Governments in many of the company’s major markets have introduced taxes on products high in sugar or calories as obesity levels rise.
“Unilever has long been a leader in sustainability. Some even criticize it for being too focused on ESG. Yet the health profile of the food and drink products it sells remains a blind spot,” said Ignacio Vazquez, senior executive at responsible investment NGO ShareAction, which coordinated the resolution.
UK fund manager Terry Smith, whose vehicle Fundsmith is one of Unilever’s top 10 investors, last week lambasted Unilever for being “obsessed” with promoting its sustainability credentials at the expense of the performance.
“By expressing their support for this resolution, Unilever investors can help drive change at the heart of one of the world’s largest food and beverage makers while protecting themselves from regulatory and reputational risk,” Vazquez said.
The move follows similar calls to action at last year’s AGM, which ShareAction said didn’t result in much progress.
While Unilever said that in 2020, 61% of its food and drink sales were for products with “high nutritional standards”, investors said they questioned its metrics.
“It is essential that a company with such a scale of leverage and capacity demonstrates efforts to set its targets and disclosures based on government-approved nutrient profiling models where it operates,” Sophie Deleuze , chief engagement and voting ESG analyst at Candriam, told Reuters.
Deleuze urged Unilever to establish and describe its risk profile in the countries where it operates, taking into account aspects such as existing and upcoming regulatory pressures, the health profile of customers and their product preferences such as reformulation basis.
The move comes at a turbulent time for the company, which effectively dropped a £50 billion ($68.11 billion) proposal on Wednesday night to buy GlaxoSmithKline’s consumer healthcare unit.
Promoting healthy food and drink has become a hot issue for investors. Late last year, investors managing $12.4 trillion in assets urged policymakers to use fiscal and regulatory measures to help address what they described as a “global nutrition crisis”.
($1 = 0.7341 pounds)


text:
Wynn Segall Quoted by Law360 on Secondary Iran Sanctions
Law360, for its article “Iran Sanctions Relief Creates Murky Compliance Landscape,” quoted Akin Gump international trade partner Wynn Segall on the United States’ move to install a firm distinction between subsidiaries and parents as it pertains to a general license for foreign subsidiaries.
According to the article, the general license allows entities that are owned or controlled by U.S. companies to fairly compete with other international companies, but requires a substantial firewall between parents and subsidiaries so as to protect the parent from exposure under the extant embargo for its subsidiary’s dealings in Iran.
Segall noted that this distinction creates challenges, adding, “It’s a practical business question of how feasible will it really be for foreign subsidiaries to engage in business with Iran if they have to truly be walled off from the parent’s organization.”
Recently, Segall discussed the United States’ lifting of Iran sanctions and its potential impact on businesses with CCTV. To read more, please click here.


text:
Cork and Cuisine expanding to take out, catering with C&C Too
The popular, upscale Cork and Cuisine in Prescott Valley is expanding and on March 1, will feature a take-out, bakery and catering service near its existing restaurant.
Owner Sherri Cook has leased the space formerly known as Gustava Bistro, within the Entertainment District-a short distance from the Cork and Cuisine.
The C&C Too will provide homemade morning pastries, coffee, salads, soups and other popular menu items.
"It's perfect for those who want to eat at the Cork for lunch, but don't have the time. We'll have a rotating soup and salad menu, desserts and during the holiday season, you can order pies. People can stop by after work and grab a quart of soup to heat up at home," she said.
The C&C Too will carry the Prescott Coffee Roaster brands and eventually offer a mobile basket service whereby local businesses may choose early morning pastries from the convenience of their offices. In addition, Cook continues refining a future iMenu option allowing patrons to place and pay for their to-go orders online.
"I think it's a good way to expand without changing the restaurant. We're just adding what people have been asking for," she said.
A few bistro seats will feature at C&C Too, but mainly the take-out eatery will provide fresh, pre-made, packaged meals, homemade breads to include gluten-free and salads including customer favorites such as the pear-quinoa, smoked salmon and spaghetti-squash salads.
"I'm pretty excited!" Cook said.
The C&C Too hours will be from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 2992 Park Avenue in Prescott Valley near Harkins Theatre.


text:
100 25 eu dating dating buddhist women in the world
Badoo invested in this new project — the new project became Bumble.” The company also stressed that the investment is from both sides, enabling Bumble to not simply fundraise, but to “strategically tap into the wealth of experience held by Badoo as a global market leader”.
But before we dig a little deeper into Badoo’s relationship with Bumble, here’s a quick recap of Bumble’s founding story, which goes something like this: After Wolfe controversially left Tinder, including filing a lawsuit against the company for sexual harassment and workplace discrimination, she begun thinking about a new startup idea, a social network for young girls, focused on positivity. The two met up in around August of 2014 and, after realising they both had a similar vision for where online dating could go next, a partnership was formed.
A recent company filing for Bumble Holding Limited — the U.
K.-registered entity behind Bumble — shows the exact equity breakdown of the company.
NRF has global engineering, testing and development facilities.
Large retailers of vehicle parts, radiator shops and specialists in more than 80 countries worldwide daily rely on NRF’s high quality products.


text:
The RSA Conference (RSAC) is always a major highlight in the IT security professional calendar and this year’s show was no exception. In this blog, NCP engineering reviews some of the standout enterprise machine-to-machine (M2M), mobile client and cloud security trends to emerge from RSAC 2017. The show is also a win-win for NCP. Our strong track record with US technology partners means that NCP is well-known to US-base customers and prospects. At the same time, our experience in fulfilling Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) or Industry 4.0 projects in Germany means we had a great deal of knowledge and insight to share with prospects in this security segment, one that is in its early stages in the United States.
Most IT devices have some form of remote access, whether via web browser or app. As long as devices are accessed by an authorized user from within an internal network, this isn’t a problem. Unfortunately, many devices, especially routers and smart home gateways are also accessible from the internet. And that’s where the problems begin. In fact, they have never stopped. Open remote access is among the greatest yet unfortunately inevitable threats of IT devices. Anybody who can access the management interface can control the device and usually the owner will not notice. Devices that are connected to the internet are constantly scanned and scrutinized for vulnerabilities. Open remote management interfaces should be treated as the digital equivalent of a loaded gun. It can be used but you need to know exactly what you are doing and take every possible precaution.
Energy plants and factories have always been prime targets for delivering a devastating setback and psychological blow against an enemy. Today, successful attacks against critical infrastructure can be launched in cyberspace. In 2015, a cyber-attack on a Ukrainian power station caused a loss of power affecting 225,000 customers and the world took note. In the U.S., the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has raised concerns over the growing number of cyber attacks on industrial control networks. In response, they recently published guidelines to “provide a strategic focus on security and enhance the trust framework that underpins the IoT ecosystem.” The document calls for a combined approach. Among the measures discussed are considered connectivity and defense in depth. Managed Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections and two-factor authentication can help secure critical connections to give IIoT data traffic the in-depth protection it needs.
The threat of cybercrime against retailers is ever present. According to the 2016 Global Threat Intelligence Report, retailers are the top targets and receive up to three times the number of attacks as second placed financial institutions. Around 70% of retailers in Europe admit to being targeted while 45% of the attacks are known to have been successful. In the past 12 months, the US retail sector has also seen repeated attacks on electronic point-of-sale (POS) systems as well as consistently high volumes of phishing emails aimed at tricking insiders into giving access to corporate networks. With online takings expected to account for 21% of overall sales in 2017, cybercriminals will continue to try and profit from any vulnerabilities they can find in retail systems. To counter this, retailers have a variety of mitigation techniques available to them including VPNs. The best security remains multi-layered since no single technology can nullify all threats at all times.
Internet of things products are small, networked and unfortunately have almost always little or no security. Sometimes this is down to a lack of willingness by the manufacturer but it is also partly due to the nature of the product – small and light also means that these devices have few resources for complex security features such as encryption and packet inspection. This leads to vulnerabilities, numerous attack vectors and ultimately to a bot device which can be abused by almost anyone. Following the latest large-scale attacks that primarily use IoT devices as a digital army there is a loud demand from those who want more legislation and governments to get involved. In a hearing before the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the US House of Representatives, the security guru Bruce Schneier stated that “catastrophic risks” would arise through the proliferation of insecure technology on the Internet.
In 2017, 69% of all applications will reside in the cloud according to Cisco. As we rely increasingly on benefits made possible by further advances in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and mobile devices, it’s a statistic that will continue to rise. The challenge for enterprises today is how to protect data as it streams constantly between physical mobile/IIoT devices to virtual repositories in the cloud and back again. Until corporate IT departments fully manage and stay on top of security, large breaches will continue to make the headlines. Statistics revealed in the Ponemon Institute 2016 Global Cloud Data Security Study show there is still much to do. The study found that nearly half (49%) of cloud services in the enterprise are outside corporate IT’s domain, while around 47% of corporate data stored in cloud environments are not managed by the IT department.


text:
Although subjected to the well-known saying ‘nothing is agreed until everything is agreed’, data protection reform is slowly taking shape and businesses should prepare themselves for what is coming, as activities which involve the processing of personal data will have to comply with the new data protections laws.
In June, the Council’s Justice and Home Affairs Committee reached an agreement on the rules concerning data transfers and on the territorial scope of the future new Regulation.
In the last meeting held in Luxembourg, earlier this month, Justice and Home Justice Ministers have reached a broader partial agreement regarding the wording of chapter IV of the draft General Data Protection Regulation, which includes new rules on personal data breach notifications that businesses operating in the European Union will have to comply with.
Therefore, in the light of the new approach, contractual freedom regarding the content of contracts will be restricted and the liability of processors regarding controllers over subcontracting activities will be further elaborated.
Addittionnally, pseudonymisation of personal data will be included as a technical and organisational measure to ensure an appropriate level of security.
In this context, businesses will have 72 hours to notify regulators as soon as they become aware that they have suffered a personal data breach that “may result in physical, material or moral damage” to individuals. This will include disparate situations such as loss of confidentiality of the data, damage to the data’s subject reputation and identity theft.
Moreover, although businesses will have to inform without undue delay data subjects in case of a data security breach which could affect severely their rights and freedoms, they will be exonerated of this obligation when appropriate technological protection measures have been implemented to protect its access, even if lost or stolen, namely through encryption.
Furthermore, the processing of personal data which is likely to represent a high risk for the rights and freedoms of individuals, such as health data or personal data which can be used for profiling, will have to carry out a data protection impact assessment.
If businesses based outside the European Union process personal data of citizens of the European Union, they will have to appoint a representative based in the European Union, except if the processing is occasional and unlikely to result in a risk for their rights and freedoms.
Of course, negotiations with the European Parliament and the European Commission in order to finalize the instrument will only begin once a consensus on the whole draft has been reached within the Council.
If slowly is the best way to go further, we will get there… eventually.
Leave a Reply


text:
Credit card firms say U.S. consumers are battling high inflation.
By The Exchange Team
American Express and Bank of America say U.S. consumers are willing to pay higher costs despite a slow economy that could enter a recession.
American Express posted higher-than-expected third-quarter earnings and sales on Friday, while also raising its full-year outlook.
Customer spending on goods, services, travel, and entertainment grew 21% year over year, the business claimed.
Americans are travelling more to make up for pandemic-delayed excursions. After pandemic lockdowns lifted, consumers splurged on food and leisure.
American Express' travel and leisure segment expenditure rose 57% from last year, with foreign volumes approaching pre-pandemic levels in the 3rd quarter.
American Express CEO Stephen Squeri said card member spending was near-record in the quarter.
As prices rose and the Fed hiked interest rates to slow the economy, consumers may have become more stingy.


text:
Industry experts explain why operators can’t ignore the power of local restaurant marketing.
Douwe Egberts' BeMoved machine combines user interaction with coffee brewing to create a “concept car” for the future of coffee.
A new Red Mango location is set to open in Bloomington, Indiana.
Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q announces its plans for the 2010 Freedom Week in support of North Carolina military, along with all U.S. troops.
NexCen Brands has commenced production of dry pretzel mix at an expanded manufacturing facility.
Villa Enterprises Management added two new restaurants, Mo' Burger and Far East, to its line of quick-serve brands.
McAlister's Deli introduces the Tea Town USA promotion beginning July 2, and Free Sweet Tea Day on July 29.
TW Garner Food Company recently named Ann Garner Riddle its new president and CEO.
Vitamix's new blender, The Quiet One, was recognized at Coffee Fest 2010 for its exclusive sound reduction technology.
Capriotti's is set to expand in the San Diego and Denver markets.
Today's the day that Starbucks turns on free WiFi at U.S. and Canadian company-operated stores.
National Restaurant Association’s comprehensive index of restaurant activity fell below 100 for the first time in three months.
Companies come together to enhance Texas Digital’s AccuVIEW order confirmation solution.
Clarabridge launches Clarabridge API, a framework of Web services and SOAP-based application program interfaces.
Four shops will open in 2010, while the remaining units will open next year.
Company partners with Fishbowl Marketing, provider of e-mail and online guest marketing solutions for restaurants.


text:
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. - The owner of a Woodstock store is recovering from burns after armed men robbed his game store and set it on fire.
Woodstock police have blocked off part of a Cherokee County shopping center as they continue to investigate an armed robbery and fire at a Play N Trade store on Eagle Drive.
The fire at the Play N Trade store on Eagle Drive happened just before noon Sunday. Witnesses sent photos of the heavy police and fire presence near the scene.
"I looked outside and saw several officers with assault rifles pointed at the building," said Paula Larson.
Investigators told Channel 2's Tom Regan the robbers held up the store and poured gasoline to start the fire.
"Upon our initial arrival, we didn't know exactly what was going on. We had an active structure fire," said Woodstock Police Sgt. Randy Milligan.
All the commotion alarmed brunch customers and workers at a diner in the building next door.
"I ran out as soon as I heard guns were drawn and there was nothing but a cloud of smoke coming out," said Antwain Jordan.
Jordan said the owner of Play N Trade came out of the
store with burns on his legs.
"We were all scared and worried about our own safety," added diner employee Brendan Carroll.
Two loyal customers of the video game store dropped by to check out what
"I couldnt' believe it. I mean, it's Woodstock. Nothing happens here," said Acrain Boucham.
three or four men staged the robbery and they're still on the loose.
The owner of Play N Trade, Troy Braselton, 42, is in stable condition at Grady Memorial Hospital. Employees said he yelled for everyone to get out of the building despite his own injures.
Anyone with information about this case is
asked to call 911.
Suspects sought in armed robbery, fire at Woodstock video game store
White House to share information about lobbyist waivers
Lawsuit: Arkansas man died after jail denied medical help
Utah senator, mayor among top candidates for Chaffetz's seat
Celtics star Isaiah Thomas unsure if he'll need hip surgery


text:
SpaceX’s satellite internet service Starlink is now available in 32 countries around the world, The company has announcedImpressively, Elon Musk’s space company said it would ship “immediately,” a reversal of previous issues that caused customers to wait months to receive their dishes.
Starlink shared a screenshot on Twitter showing the service’s availability map, which shows the service is “available” in most of Europe and North America, as well as parts of South America, Australia and New Zealand. Much of the rest of the world, including the entire African continent, is shown as “coming soon,” and is expected to launch at various points in 2023.
The 32 countries represented by Starlink are up from earlier this year, when SpaceX said it was only available at 25. But even more notable is the number of countries SpaceX claims can now ship its dishes to customers immediately — the service’s subreddit is filled with stories of customers having to wait months for orders to be filled. In April, Rest of the world Most Starlink users are reportedly based in North America, with most of the rest in Australia, New Zealand and Europe.
For our first-hand impressions of using the service in practice, check out our review from last May. After a price hike started in March, new Starlink orders now cost $599 upfront for the starter kit, with a monthly service fee of $110 to receive internet service.


text:
Supermarket chain Sainsbury's has updated its covid rules for staff and customers across Stoke-on-Trent and the wider UK.
From this Thursday it will no longer be necessary to wear a mask in enclosed spaces.
However, Sainsbury's has taken matters into its own hands and requested that staff and customers continue to wear a mask in its stores including at Newcastle, Leek, Biddulph and Stoke.
People in the UK will still be 'advised' to wear a mask in enclosed spaces, but it will no longer be a requirement.
Now, Sainsbury's has issued a statement to its customers and staff.
A spokesperson for the supermarket said: "Safety remains our highest priority. From Thursday, we’re asking our customers and colleagues in England to continue to wear a face covering in our stores if they are able to.
"In Scotland and Wales face coverings remain mandatory for those who can wear them in our stores, in line with the latest Government restrictions.
"We continue to have a range of safety measures in all of our stores, including screens and sanitising stations."
Downing Street confirmed that the guidance on working from home was scrapped last week as it prepares to move towards Plan A.
Boris Johnson recently told the Commons that cases were falling and the Omicron wave had likely peaked nationally, meaning rules could now be eased.
In the return to Plan A, pupils and staff in schools from this week on will no longer be advised to wear face masks in communal areas.


text:
CiCi’s Pizza has launched new TV and radio ads to entice cash-strapped consumers to try the fast-casual chain’s “five bucks and change” value menu.
Two radio spots break tomorrow. The first, called “Fat Cat,” has a no-nonsense male voice poking fun at Wall Street’s “suit and soft handshakes” types. “Well, I, for one, have had enough. Instead of fat cats, we need hungry cats . . . on the prowl for big value,” the voiceover says. The second radio segment says consumers need CiCi’s now more than ever. “Never has value been more important, and never has CiCi’s been more needed. We offer all the tasty, cheesy pizza, pasta, salad and dessert you want for only five bucks and change, and we offer it everyday, which is why we say, ‘if you’ve got five bucks and change, you’ve got to go to CiCi’s,'” the spot concludes. Deutsch, Los Angeles, handles.
A new TV spot also breaks this week, called “Alien.” It shows two men examining a dead alien inside a lab. “Wait, check the fanny pack,” one of the men says. His partner does and finds five bucks and change. He says: “You gotta go to CiCi’s,” as eerie music plays in the background.
Both the radio and the TV spots are a continuation of the chain’s campaign dubbed “You’ve got five bucks and change,” which began last month, and play off of the same theme. CiCi’s initially launched two TV spots: “Line Jumper,” which shows a male customer so overwhelmed by the smell of freshly baked pizza, he cuts in line in front of a woman and feels her rage; and “Game Show,” where a contestant wins five bucks for giving a wrong answer and the game show host consoles him by suggesting he get a decent meal at CiCi’s.
CiCi’s plans to extend the campaign with a radio spot advertising its $5 for 24 feet of buffet food value offer beginning on Nov. 19.
“We understand what it’s like out there. We understand that people are having to pinch pennies, and at CiCi’s, you can still go out and enjoy yourself with your family at an [affordable] price,” said CiCi’s marketing director Sara Hundley. Hundley said the campaign appeals to consumers in the 18-49 range, as this demographic is also trading down from casual to fast-casual dining.
In creating the ads, Deutsch president Mike Sheldon said the agency also took into account consumer tendency to turn to brands they trust in a down economy. That’s why the new TV and radio spots emphasize the brand name even more than the value offer: “In these trying times . . . it’s not enough to be a brand out there with a low price, we’ve got to be a brand that consumers feel they know well,” Sheldon said.
Darren Tristano, evp at market research firm Technomic, Chicago, said that while the quality of the message seems to work, CiCi’s call to action isn’t all that different from other price-driven promotions out there, including Subway’s $5 foot-long. Tristano added that each ad seems to take viewers out of the restaurant environment with the exception of “Line Jumper.” “It doesn’t drive home the important point of all-you-can-eat,” he said.
CiCi’s spent $23 million on U.S. advertising in 2007 and $18 million through August of this year (excluding online), per Nielsen Monitor-Plus.


text:
- Digitimes Research: Six 2-in-1 Chromebooks scheduled for 2015 to tackle non-education markets
- CSOT starts producing 55-inch Full HD TV panels at 2nd 8.5G factory
- TSMC to beat Samsung in 10nm race
- MediaTek to expand workforce in 2015
- TSMC to triple 16nm chip capacity by end-2016, says co-CEO
- Foxconn to build supply chain financial service system
- HTC to block media from attending shareholders meeting
- GIS expects 2Q15 revenues to fall 15-20% sequentially
- Demand for overclocking surges in the face of declining desktop market, says HWinsights
- Taiwan market: Sony Mobile launches new flagship Xperia Z3+, Xperia Z4 Tablet
- LCD monitor panel prices in May fall, says WitsView
- Taiwan becomes major revenue contributor to Google
- Taiwan solar cell makers under pressure of upgrading technology
- M31 teams up with Imagination
- Google BrandLab to set up branch office in Singapore in 2H16
- UMC holds technology forum in Japan
- Sharp to launch smartphones in Indonesia, says report
- Samsung eyeing QLED panels, say reports
- LED lighting peak to come in 2018: Q&A with MLS president Lawrence Lin
- Taiwan ODMs to snap up all orders for next generation iPhone, say sources
- Prices declining for 4-inch PSS
- Protests over Hydis factory shutdowns continue in Taiwan
- GCL insures PV modules
- Taiwan makers promoting PERC polycrystalline solar cells
- Seagate names new head for Taiwan office
Through intensified cooperation with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and MediaTek,...
The IC backend service industry was capped by a flurry of merger and acquisition (M&A) activities...
Macronix International, which ranks as the world's second-largest NOR flash supplier with a 19% share...
The move by Globalfoundries to acquire IBM's semiconductor business unit and to team up with Samsung...
- Taiwan DRAM module industry overview - Jun 2011
The year 2010 represented a peak in recent years for the DRAM module industry. Optimism surfaced in the second half of 2009 thanks to a return of demand on the...
- Taiwan DRAM-module industry overview - May 2010
Back to 2006 when total revenues for the third-party module market reached US$12.2 billion, Taiwan had over 15 vendors shipping DRAM modules under their own brand...
- Taiwan semiconductor equipment industry overview - Aug 2008
Worries about a global economic downturn have taken a toll on a number of industries, with the semiconductor industry being no exception. Players in the semiconductor...
- Foundry overview - Sep 2006
Taiwan's semiconductor industry has begun to out-run its global peers, once more, in 2006. This followed a trough in 2004, caused by over-inventory, plus volatility...


text:
Hasbro PulseCon 2021 is happening on an unannounced date later this Fall and Hasbro have announced two new Star Wars Black Series products and a Vintage Collection product.
Ahsoka and Darth Maul from their Clone Wars Season 7 showdown on Mandalore, were announced in January as part of Hasbro Pulse's Fan First Friday. This week they unveiled the impressive new cardbacks for both figures though.
Amazon just announced an exclusive 4-pack of Clone Trooper Vintage Collection Figures which includes Captain Rex (with Poncho), Ballast, Grey, and an Elite Squad Trooper, all on Bad Batch branded card backs!
Hasbro Pulse held their Fan Fest 2021 today over on Youtube and they revealed a bounty of new Star Wars figures which all go live for pre-order today at 5:00 PM Eastern. So, take a gander at the treats coming your way below and check back here for pre-order links when they go live!
Wal Mart is getting three exclusive Star Wars The Vintage Collection 3.75 inch figures for Endor Leia, AT-ST Driver, and Paploo featuring the new Lucasfilm 50th Anniversary packaging. Pre-orders are now live over at Walmart.com!
The hits keep coming as Hasbro reveals two new Star Wars The Vintage Collection figures from the Mandalorian for today's Mando Monday.
Yes, you read that correctly! To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Empire Strikes Back, Hasbro is bringing the Carbon-Freezing Chamber Playset to the 3.75" Vintage Collection line!
As a part of their Fan Celebration yesterday, Hasbro announced two new Vintage Collection 3.75" figures coming in 2020: Commander Wolffe and K-2SO!
Entertainment Earth's Cyber Week deals continue with today's doorbuster, selling the Skiff for 50% off retail or approximately $20
Entertainment Earth have been running Black Friday deals all week long. For those that missed yesterday's doorbuster $14.99 Dewback, the Deluxe Dewback and Sandtrooper set has been relisted over at Entertainment Earth for $21.99!


text:
Discount Tire, described as the largest independent tire and wheel retailer in the world, plans to open an Albany store.
A Seattle land-use planning and engineering firm has applied with the Albany Planning Division for approval of a site plan and consolidation of three lots.
The lots are at the southwest corner of Santiam Highway and Shortridge Street, across Santiam from the Les Schwab Tire Center.
Halle Properties LLC, of Scottsdale, AZ, bought the three lots last month for $1,570,000, according to an online report at the Linn County Assessor’s Office.
Halle Properties was formed by Bruce Halle, the founder of Discount Tire, who died on Jan. 4, 2018, at the age of 87, according to a story in the Phoenix Business Journal. The story said he was the richest person in Arizona.
Mr. Halle opened his first Discount Tire store in Michigan in 1960. At the time of the press account in early 2018, the chain had 975 stores in 34 states and more than 20,000 employees.
The site plan for the Albany store shows one rectangular building of 8,192 square feet separated from the street corner by landscaping and a concrete sidewalk. There is to be one driveway each on Santiam and Shortridge. The plan shows 43 parking slots between the building and neighboring properties to the east and south.
Albany planner Travis North is handling the application. The city has notified property owners within 300 feet and invited public comments on the request. The deadline for comments is April 5. (hh)


text:
Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) boss Elon Musk has fulfilled a promise made two years ago by launching a ‘Tesla Tequila’ liquor brand on the company’s website.
Musk previously teased the drink on April Fool’s day in 2018, branding it originally as ‘Teslaquila’. The firm’s website currently lists the drink, which is priced at US$250 per bottle, as out of stock but also says it will be made available in selected US states such as New York, California and Washington.
READ: Tesla higher as it posts fifth consecutive quarterly profit as record revenue beats analyst expectations
The billionaire attempted to trademark the ‘Teslaquila’ name in October in 2018, however, Mexico’s Tequila Regulatory Council argued that the name evoked the word Tequila, which is a protected term due to origin rules that stipulate Tequila must be made in the Mexican states of Guanajuato, Jalisco, Michoacan, Nayarit or Tamaulipas.
The spirit, which is marketed as a “premium 100% de agave tequila añejo aged in French oak barrels, featuring a dry fruit and light vanilla nose with a balanced cinnamon pepper finish”, is due to start deliveries in late 2020.
Shares in Tesla were down 2.4% at US$427.78 in pre-market trading in New York on Friday.


text:
One analyst thinks General Motors has an appetite for Tesla in 2014
As Tesla market capitalization currently sits at $18 billion (USD), some analysts are speculating a correction in stock prices for the EV maker could spark a purchase by one of the Big 3 in Detroit. One analyst, Yra Harris of Traxis Trading, believes General Motors would be the most likely suitor for the Silicon Valley based automaker, USA Today reports.
Reasons for a purchase would likely include access to Tesla’s technology and brand. If General Motors were to acquire the company built by Elon Musk, it would also put the former NUMMI facility in California back in the hands of the General.
But, many believe the company to be overvalued on the market. Shares are currently trading “at a hefty 100-plus times forward earnings,” says USA Today, and a correction in share prices would be needed in order for a full on purchase of the EV maker to be viable.
Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, has also stated in the past he would not be interested in selling the automaker in its entirely until third-generation models came to fruition.


text:
Coillte announced its annual results last week for the financial year 2021, which saw revenue increase to a record €422m.
This was helped by exceptional global demand for sawnwood and strong demand for timber-related products in Coillte’s own panelboard mill products and Irish sawmills.
The slowdown in forestry felling licences reduced sales for part of 2021.
The company received record high prices for logs sold to Irish sawmills during the year. As a result, operating profit rebounded to an impressive €124m, having plunged from €63m in 2019 to €29m in 2020. This allowed the company to recommend “an overall dividend payment to the exchequer of €30m,” said Bernie Gray, Coillte’s chair. It represents the highest dividend paid since the company began trading in 1989.
Pricing was also influenced strongly by a global supply and demand imbalance
“During 2021, end market prices for timber and panelboard products reached record levels, driven by high demand in the construction and home improvement sectors,” said Coillte’s CEO Imelda Hurley.
“Pricing was also influenced strongly by a global supply and demand imbalance which created a series of supply challenges in key markets. When taken together, these factors resulted in Coillte achieving a record financial performance in 2021.”
Hurley said earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) “increased significantly on the previous year to €159m and we recorded operating cash of €73m”.
A €45m upgrade of Smartply’s drying plant was significantly advanced, which necessitated borrowings.
The company has a net debt of €28m but, according to the results, it “enters 2022 on strong financial footing with net cash of €31m and available debt facilities of €180m”.
Coillte’s recent announcement of a 100,000ha afforestation programme by 2050 begins with the establishment of “a new not-for-profit ‘Nature Partners CLG’ in collaboration with Forestry Partners to create new native woodlands at scale across Ireland”.


text:
Sherri Shepherd appeared on ‘The View’ wearing a dress backward. Still, it wasn’t an obvious fashion faux pas and probably would have gone unnoticed if Whoopi Goldberg hadn’t called attention to it.
After Goldberg does so, Shepherd seems compelled to defend herself. “You can’t tell,” she said, pointing out that the dress looks the same from either direction.
“But it’s not fitting here,” she complained, gesturing to her chest, “because there’s not supposed to be anything here.”
(Source: TVSquad.com and ABC-TV)


text:
We’re thrilled to announce that the world’s most famous drummer—Ringo Starr—will be bringing his legendary talents and style to SKECHERS where he’s set to appear in the global marketing campaign for our SKECHERS Relaxed Fit footwear.
Ringo’s campaign will kick off with a new television spot that follows the humorous tone that has become a signature of our popular series of Relaxed Fit footwear commercials. Up until now, the series has focused on celebrities from the sports world including Joe Namath and Pete Rose, as well as Mariano Rivera in ads coming early next year. Now we’re shifting to the music world and we can’t wait for everyone to see how Ringo’s charm and cool charisma makes him the perfect ambassador for Relaxed Fit.
After more than a half century in the music industry, Ringo has released 17 solo albums and continues to tour the globe with his All Starr Band. Ringo is also known for his philanthropy and his involvement with the anti-violence #peacerocks campaign through the David Lynch Foundation being one recent example that led to his winning at the GQ Men of the Year Awards for his humanitarian work.
You’ll have to wait until Spring to see Ringo’s SKECHERS campaign, but stay tuned for more details in the months ahead!


text:
A world without gasoline emissions, the weekly ritual at the pump, and a dependence on an exhaustible commodity: This is the promise of the electric vehicle.
Read This Article
Mitsubishi Motors in conjunction with its Mitsubishi Electric sister company has created a prototype for an EV motor that measures just half the size of the one currently used in the 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV.
It was only a matter of time until Mitsubishi was bound to find its first retail customer for its all-electric 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV.
For early adopters, electric cars are still at a price premium.


text:
Shreveport businesses struggling to find workers as 4.3M Americans quit their jobs in August
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - As businesses try to recover from the pandemic, some are struggling to hire and keep workers.
Before the pandemic, manager Linda Jones said Ki’Mexico ran smoothly. Now, she said the restaurant is taking it day-by-day.
“We’ve lost several employees, whether they’ve moved away or they just wanted a different opportunity. The problem is when you lose multiple people like that, you have to hire so many more people and then the time that it takes to train them. It’s a lot right now,” said Jones.
It’s a struggle Tony Pagni, owner of Southfield Grill restaurants, knows all to well.
“The two stores that I have left, I started with four stores, and staffing contributed significantly to my decisions to closing those two stores,” he said.
Pagni has a sign on the grill’s front door that says it is cutting operation hours due to staffing shortages.
“Now I’m running, closing evenings at Southfield Road location, which has always been open 7 days a week,” he said.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 4.3 million workers quit their jobs in August of 2021. 157,000 of those workers were in the food service industry.
“It could be that they’re moving away, a lot of them are to bigger cities. It’s a struggle to deal with as many people,” said Jones.
Some businesses say they are using job websites and Facebook ads to try and attract potential employees to fill the vacant spots.
Copyright 2021 KSLA. All rights reserved.


text:
New York City — Modell’s Sporting Goods has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey. The fourth-generation, family-owned retailer will close all of its 153 stores throughout New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
The New York City-based sporting goods, athletic footwear, active apparel and fan gear retailer was founded in 1889. The company will begin liquidation sales Friday, March 13 and plans to continue operating its online platform.
Modell’s lenders, which include Wells Fargo and JP Morgan Chase, will provide the company with the financial flexibility to operate the business in the near term, including paying employee wages and benefits. According to the New York Post, Modell’s employs 3,623 workers.
With the rising competition and plethora of online options to shop for athletic gear, CEO Mitchell Modell cites an “extremely challenging environment for retailers” as a reason for the bankruptcy.
“Over the past year, we evaluated several options to restructure our business to allow us to maintain our current operations,” says Modell. “While we achieved some success, in partnership with our landlords and vendors, it was not enough to avoid a bankruptcy filing amid an extremely challenging environment for retailers.”
Modell has partnered with Tiger Capital to liquidate the stores. Modell’s has been engaged in discussions with its financial creditors and has been exploring a recapitalization of the business through a potential sale of some or all of its assets or an equity investment. Modell’s will continue to pursue these discussions.
Robert Duffy of Berkeley Research Group (BRG) has been named chief restructuring officer of Modell’s. BRG is also acting as Modell’s restructuring adviser. RBC Capital Markets is acting as investment banker for Modell’s. Cole Schotz is the company’s legal counsel and A&G Realty Partners is marketing the store leases.
— Alex Tostado


text:
But when hemp contains more than the legal limit of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that gets people high, the plants can test “hot.” State and federal regulations classify hemp as containing 0.3% or less THC; when plants exceed that amount, farmers can lose their entire crop.
Many websites and news articles have claimed that environmental or biological stresses – such as flooding or disease – cause an increase in THC production. But very little research exists to show that’s true.
Now, a new Cornell study – published July 28 in the journal Global Change Biology-Bioenergy – finds no evidence that stress on hemp plants increases THC concentrations or ratios of CBD to THC.
“One of our goals in our research and in fulfilling our extension mission is to reduce the risks to growers as much as possible,” said Larry Smart, senior author of the study and professor in the horticulture section of the School of Integrative Plant Science in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “With this research, growers should feel some comfort that stresses do not seem to have a strong effect on changing the ratio of CBD to THC.”
The study further proves that genetics, rather than environment, determine the THC content and CBD to THC ratios in hemp, Smart said.
In the study, lead author Jacob Toth, a graduate student in Smart’s lab, created a series of plots in Geneva, New York, that included control plots and five stress treatments applied to three genetically unrelated high-CBD hemp cultivars. Stress treatments included flood conditions; exposure to a plant growth regulator called ethephon, used to promote fruit ripening; powdery mildew; herbicide; and physical wounding. They then tested THC and CBD content over a four-week period when the flowers matured.
One issue for farmers is that CBD and THC levels are linked, and both rise in the flowers at harvest time, creating a precarious calculation to reap the highest possible CBD levels and value of the crop, without losing everything by surpassing THC thresholds.
“What we found over the weeks that we were sampling, the amounts of CBD and THC went up proportionately in all of these different cultivars for all of these different stresses,” Toth said.
By week four, at harvest time, they found that nearly every plant (except those treated with herbicide, which were nearly dead) produced the expected ratio of CBD to THC, with high levels of CBD corresponding to levels of THC above the 0.3% THC threshold.
In previous work, Toth had developed a molecular marker to identify genes that produce CBD in hemp and THC in cannabis. He was able to show that some hemp varieties included plants with different genetic arrangements; some with genes for mainly CBD production, others producing mainly THC , or some with a combination of both. In this study, all the plants used were predominately CBD producers.
More research and breeding is needed to select appropriate genetics that lead to high CBD but low THC, and regulatory testing may be needed earlier, before harvest and before plants reach high THC levels, Toth said. Also, growers should make sure they get high-quality CBD-producing seeds, and not varieties tainted with THC producing genes, Smart said.
The research from Smart’s lab has assisted the U.S. Department of Agriculture in developing hemp regulations that focus more on genetics rather than environmental stress leading to noncompliant THC levels.
The lab’s research indicates that the USDA decision to raise the THC limit for what is considered a “negligent crop,” from 0.5% to 1% THC in January will dramatically lower the legal risks for growers. Too many negligent violations can ban a grower from producing hemp for five years.
Co-authors include postdoctoral researcher Craig Carlson and doctoral student George Stack, from Smart’s lab; Christine Smart, professor of plant pathology and plant-microbe biology; Jocelyn K.C. Rose, professor of plant biology; and Glenn Philippe, a postdoctoral researcher in Rose’s lab.
The study was funded by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, through a grant from Empire State Development Corporation.
Header image: Larry Smart, professor in the Horticulture Section of the School of Integrative Plant Science, checks industrial hemp plants in a greenhouse. Photo by Justin Muir/Cornell University
We openly share valuable knowledge.
Sign up for more insights, discoveries and solutions.


text:
A warm and welcoming smell of coffee being roasted mixed with freshly baked gourmet doughnuts greets the thousands who walk through Halifax’s Historic Properties every day.
While the comforting atmosphere at the Grounded Coffee Bar may be associated with a well-deserved caffeine break for many, it also shows the potential for P.E.I. entrepreneurs in the busy city.
The Murphy Hospitality Group’s (MHG) coffee bar opened in June to positive feedback and has only seen its customer base grow after the completion of a floating boardwalk in the area earlier this month, says operating partner Mike Roberts.
“People are loving the doughnuts,” said Roberts. “We have talented bakers… and everyone loves coffee so it just kind of made sense.”
The opportunity came when the previous tenants vacated earlier this spring.
The location was seemingly perfect, being next to the Gahan House on the Halifax waterfront, which Roberts manages.
The P.E.I.-based craft brewery has staked its claim in an exploding industry.
“We’re one of the few (breweries) to have the restaurant side of it, too,” said Roberts, noting that the area’s breweries have grown from two 15 years ago to now about 40.
Operating partner Mike Roberts showcases some of the gourmet flavoured doughnuts offered at Murphy Hospitality Group’s new Grounded Coffee Bar in Halifax, which gets its beans from Charlottetown’s Receiver Coffee Co. Roberts is also general manager of the neighbouring Gahan House brewery and restaurant on the Halifax waterfront. (MITCH MACDONALD The Guardian)
However, the brewery has another special quality.
“It’s got one of the best views in (Halifax),” said regular patron Derek Simon, while chatting with friends on the waterfront patio. “Good view, good people and good beer.”
MHG’s expansion into Halifax in recent years has not only grown the company but also provided an opportunity for young entrepreneurs like Roberts.
It’s MHG president Kevin Murphy’s way of handing the torch to a new generation after entering the business world himself when he was only 23 years old.
“Nowadays, it’s tough for a person to get in business when you’re 23,” said Murphy. “We’ve already built our businesses and have all the support; we can say ‘OK guys, lets have some fun here.”
A combination of growth, entrepreneurship and mentorship forms the basis of MHG’s partnership program, which enables managers in the company to become an operating partner with an ownership stake.
By offering MHG’s already existing resources for things like accounting and payroll, Murphy said it allows the operating partners to focus on the guest experience and front line matters.
“It really means a lot,” said Roberts, who noted that starting his own business without Murphy’s support would be difficult.
Murphy said he views entrepreneurship as an opportunity to grow and sees the model as key to the company’s future.
“We wouldn’t be growing if we didn’t have this program and I don’t really need it. I look at it now as you can help young people get into business and give back a little bit,” said Murphy. “They’re still awfully young… their best years are still ahead of them.”
In total, MHG has six operating partners, with Roberts and Jason Morais being the two newest.
Morais left his previous career as a lawyer in P.E.I. to join the company.
Gahan House on the Halifax waterfront. (MITCH MACDONALD The Guardian)
He hit the ground running when he opened the Two Men and a Truck moving franchise in Halifax this June, the busiest month for the industry.
“It’s a new adventure and a new path, but I’m really excited with the opportunity and I’m hoping to grow it from here,” said Morais. “(Halifax) is a happening city right now, too, which is exciting… everywhere you go, the streets are packed.”
The expansions are also offering a number of Islanders an opportunity to work in a more bustling city close to home.
MHG’s Halifax locations collectively employ about 175 people in the summer season, with many having previously worked for MHG in P.E.I.
The company also is looking to expand into New Brunswick, with Gahan breweries planned for Saint John and Moncton.
Penny Walsh McGuire, executive director of the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce, praised P.E.I. business owners who are able to expand into Halifax, noting that it’s a signal they’re already doing well in their home market.
“It’s certainly encouraging, both that the opportunity is there, but also that the next generation of entrepreneurs want to take on the challenge,” said Walsh McGuire, adding that the expansions also help boost awareness and create a new distribution channel for other Island products.
“We’re supportive of these types of expansions, it’s great for the Island and for our partners.”
The potential for expansion in Halifax seems only to be growing, with Roberts expecting that all the area’s shops and restaurants will receive a boost with a new convention centre opens later this year.
He also has high hopes for himself.
“I hope to have more opportunities with Kevin down the road. Having him back me up is incredible. I’ve worked for him for eight years and have a tremendous amount of respect for him,” said Roberts. “(Right now) we’re focused on Grounded and the Gahan, but it’s extremely exciting to see where we’re going.”
Murphy Hospitality Group
Started in 1981 with a single Charlottetown restaurant and has grown to multiple locations in P.E.I. and Nova Scotia, with plans to soon expand into New Brunswick
-Practices a model of enabling growth by mentoring young entrepreneurs. The company develops its key senior employees through a partnership program that enables management staff to become operating partners.
-The program began in 1997 with the hiring of Trent Hayes at The Lone Star Brewery, which is now The Gahan Brewery on Sydney Street. Hayes is head brewer and operating partner.
-Other operating partners include Craig MacMillan (SIMS Steakhouse and Oyster Bar), Jeff Squires (P.E.I. Brewing Company) Mike Roberts (Grounded Coffee Bar) Ben Tsang (planned Gahan House in Saint John this September) and Jason Morais (Two Men and a Truck Atlantic Canada franchise)
-President Kevin Murphy credits his operating partners as well as his three sons Ben (COO of the Restaurant Group), Sam (of Barrington Steakhouse and Oyster Bar) and Isaac (of Bar 1911 in Charlottetown) as well as the rest of the senior team for the company’s current growth and success