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Permanent hair dye increases a black woman’s risk of breast cancer by 45% and the more they’re used, the greater the risk, as products believed to contain more dangerous chemicals
Priscilla Graves is a hairstylist with 15 years’ experience straightening and coloring black women’s hair. She has endured bouts of dizziness, nausea and difficulty breathing from applying potent chemical straighteners, and regularly deals with distraught clients suffering alopecia and painful blisters after using dyes and lotions specifically marketed to African Americans.
“I try to find out online what’s in the products, but the government should be doing more to keep us safe and keep dangerous chemicals out of cosmetics,” said Graves, 34, at a salon in Harlem. “There should be clear warnings on the labels, we need more information.”
Priscilla Graves at the Aicha’s African braiding salon in Harlem says: ‘The government should be doing more to keep us safe’ Photograph: Demetrius Freeman/The Guardian
The risks are very real. A new landmark study that tracked almost 47,000 American women over eight years has found that using permanent hair dye increases a black woman’s risk of breast cancer by 45%, compared to an increased risk of 7% in white women.
The more frequently women colored their hair, the greater the risk, rising to 60% for black women who used permanent dyes at least every five to eight weeks. Prior studies on the link between hair dye use and cancer had been inconsistent.
It’s not certain why, but several studies suggest that cosmetic products specifically designed for use by black women and children contain more chemicals that disrupt the endocrine or hormonal system than products aimed at white women. Disrupting the endocrine system – which regulates reproduction, metabolism, sleep, tissue function and growth and development – can cause cancerous tumors, birth defects, reproductive problems, developmental and neurological disorders. The way dye is applied and differences in hair texture and absorption could also play a role.
Hair products sold in the US contain more than 5,000 chemicals, including aromatic amines in dyes that can cause DNA mutations, parabens in hair lotions that are linked to reproductive and hormonal problems and known carcinogens such as formaldehyde, which are used in embalming fluids and some popular hair smoothing or straightening products.
But information about toxic chemicals is not easy to find. Manufacturers are not federally required to list ingredients on professional salon products.
In the EU, at least 1,300 chemicals are banned or restricted in cosmetics such as shampoos, soaps, dyes and nail polish, while the US has outlawed or curbed only 11.
The study, published in the International Journal of Cancer, is the first to analyze the link between chemical hair straighteners and breast cancer since the introduction of so-called Brazilian keratin treatments, which contain up to 11.5% formaldehyde, to the global market in the 2000s.
The researchers found that regardless of race, using hair straighteners at least every five to eight weeks increased the risk of breast cancer by 31%. About 74% of black women reported using chemical straighteners compared to only 3% of white women.
“Black women straighten their hair to assimilate,” said Amelia Govan, 31, a sales rep who as a teenager straightened her hair every month. “We have to fit in – you never see black women with braids working in corporate.”
Priscilla Graves mixes hair dying product at the Aicha’s African braiding salon in Harlem. Photograph: Demetrius Freeman/The Guardian
“It’s popular with African American women, who still associate curly hair with being ugly,” said Graves, whose current salon does not use Brazilian keratin treatments on safety grounds. “That stuff makes you sick, it made my eyes and throat burn. It should be banned.”
Graves’ mother has used chemical straighteners all her life and is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer; several other relatives have had the disease. “I need to know what’s in the products, as I’m already high-risk,” she said. “My clients are increasingly worried about the dangers.”
Breast cancer is an unequal disease. Almost one in three African American women diagnosed with breast cancer dies – a 40% higher mortality rate than white women, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
The reasons for the disparities are not fully understood, but black women are more likely to be diagnosed later, and with aggressive tumors. African Americans are also disproportionately exposed to high rates of carcinogens and other dangerous chemicals from polluting fossil fuel plants and factories – and toxic cosmetics.
The global beauty industry is huge: in 2017, the cosmetics products market was worth $532bn and is expected to grow 50% by 2023. Last year in the US, consumers could choose from 2,727,847 lines of cosmetic imports from 177 countries. African Americans spent $473m on haircare in 2017, accounting for almost 9% of sales.
But standards and regulations vary hugely across the world.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is not required to approve or review the safety of cosmetic products and ingredients, other than color additives. In fact, participation in many FDA regulatory mechanisms, such as product registration and recall, is completely voluntary for manufacturers.
In 2018, for instance, the FDA issued a warning about hair smoothing products containing formaldehyde, but was powerless to recall or ban them.
The beauty industry says the onus should be on consumers, not manufacturers.
“People have been told that these straighteners are not a good idea, industry should not be held responsible if they choose not to pay attention to recommendations,” said Ken Marenus, president of the industry group Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers and Distributors (ICMAD). He insists that most US manufacturers already follow international standards, but agrees that regulations needs to be updated.
The current standards are ineffective and inadequate, and it’s especially bad for black women
Priscilla Graves at the Aicha’s African braiding salon in Harlem. Photograph: Demetrius Freeman/The Guardian
“The current standards are ineffective and inadequate, and it’s especially bad for black women because products marketed to them are the most toxic,” said Janet Nudelman, director of Breast Cancer Prevention Partners’ campaign for safe cosmetics, which wants American consumers to be protected like those in Europe.
The congressional energy and commerce committee is currently considering legislation which would overhaul cosmetics regulation and could vastly expand FDA powers.
The most ambitious bill on the table is proposed by the Illinois congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, and includes provisions designed to protect “highly exposed and vulnerable populations” including salon workers and women of color.
The bill would immediately ban 12 toxic ingredients such as formaldehyde, parabens, lead compounds and coal tar dye, and includes federal money for research into chemicals linked to adverse health effects among women and girls of color and the marketing of those products, as well as support research to develop safer alternative ingredients.
In Harlem, consumers and stylists want more information, and better protection from toxins.
Hairstylist Astou Sow, 40, who is originally from Senegal but lived in France before moving to the US, said: “In Europe they care much more about quality, safety and good health. Here it’s mostly about business and money.”
(Source: The Guardian)


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According to foreign media reports, Geely Holding Group (hereinafter referred to as "Geely") has reached a cooperation with Waymo, an autonomous driving technology company under Alphabet, Google's parent company. Geely's high-end intelligent electric vehicle brand Zeekr will provide exclusive vehicles for the driverless fleet of Waymo One and put it into commercial operation in the United States.
According to Chezhi, this is the first model in the world that Waymo and OEMs officially announced for the service of "Robotaxis".
Regarding this cooperation, Geely said that the models provided for Waymo One this time are based on the vast vast M (SEA-M) architecture of the Krypton intelligent travel platform, designed and developed by the Krypton European Innovation Center (CEVT). According to the currently officially released concept map, the laser radar of the car will be placed on the roof, and there will be no steering wheel and pedal in the car. In addition, this model will be equipped with Waymo Driver driverless solution owned by Waymo after delivery.
Waymo plans to deploy this completely driverless taxi in the United States, but has not released a specific schedule.
Waymo, the "old driver" in the field of automatic driving
Waymo was originally just a autonomous vehicle project of Google X Lab (it was not called Waymo at that time). It is understood that in 2009, the unmanned vehicle team of Google X Lab began to develop automatic driving. It was not until December 2016 that it became independent from Google and became Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet.
From the perspective of development strategy, Waymo's current main business is mainly divided into four parts: automatic driving taxi, truck freight, logistics and distribution, and software authorization services. In order to promote the application of its automatic driving technology in the above main businesses, Waymo has reached cooperation with many enterprises in automobile manufacturing, express delivery, retail and other fields. These include Jaguar Land Rover, Fiat, Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance, UPS in the field of express delivery, and Wal Mart, a retail giant (Waymo delivers the last mile for them). Now, Geely has joined in.
From the perspective of automatic driving technology, since its establishment, it has been the goal of Waymo and other enterprises involved in the field of automatic driving to achieve "fully automatic driving". However, as far as the current situation is concerned, there are few enterprises that can completely get rid of the L4 level of "people". In this regard, Waymo has a certain leading edge. In January 2019, Waymo announced the establishment of the world's first factory 100% dedicated to producing L4 autonomous vehicle in Michigan, USA. In October 2020, Waymo announced that it would provide a completely driverless taxi service through Waymo One, a car hailing service software, and remove the safety officer, initially realizing fully automatic driving.
However, Waymo still faces many challenges at present, one is the encirclement and suppression from Tesla and other competitors, and the other is how its automatic driving technology can be more comprehensively implemented. Although Waymo has made some achievements in the field of fully automatic driving, it is only testing water in specific cities at present. Among them, the self driving taxi service has not been promoted on a large scale. On the one hand, there is strict management of driverless license plates, including safety officer testing, no safety officer testing, passenger carrying, toll collection, etc. On the other hand, there is no Robotaxi model designed for driverless driving. This is also one of the main purposes of the cooperation between Waymo and Geely.
Holding hands with Waymo, what is Geely's future in the United States?
When it comes to Geely, I believe everyone will be familiar with it. Geely was founded in 1986 and entered the automotive industry in 1997. At present, the Group owns Geely Automobile, Linker, Geekrypton, Geometry, Volvo, Geestar, Lutes, British Electric Vehicle, Remote New Energy Commercial Vehicle, Caocao Travel and other brands.
In terms of global layout, Geely has established modeling design and engineering R&D centers in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Gothenburg, Sweden, Coventry, Spain, Barcelona, California, Germany, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, etc. At the same time, the business layout has also expanded to nearly 20 countries including Russia, Egypt, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Peru, the Philippines and Myanmar. In addition, according to Geely Global, its overseas dealer network also covers North America and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
In the next step of overseas expansion planning, judging from Geely's recent measures, the United States is undoubtedly one of the key target markets. In addition to this cooperation with Waymo, it was also reported that Geely is negotiating with Renault to establish a new joint venture company, which will produce LinkedIn's models in South Korea in the future, and these new vehicles will be exported to the U.S. market.
Speaking of its layout in the United States, in addition to establishing a research and development center in California, Geely has "indirectly" set foot in the American market through Volvo and Condi. It is reported that after Geely acquired Volvo, the XC60 series SUVs sold by the latter in the United States came from China. Shanghai Huapu Guorun Automobile, the parent company of Condi, which launched electric vehicles in the United States, belongs to Geely.
In fact, Geely has long been expecting to enter the US market. As early as 2017, Geely announced that it would sell cars designed and manufactured by itself in the US market in 2020. However, due to the US policy and epidemic situation, the plan could not be realized in 2020.
It is not easy for Geely to gain a foothold in the US market. First of all, the United States is the market with the largest car ownership and the second largest new car sales market after China. In the past 20 years, due to the slow growth of demand for new cars, intensified market competition and increasingly strict regulations, the "dividend" of the American automobile market is decreasing.
Secondly, consumers from different regions in the US market also have different demands for car models and prices. According to the analysis of iSeeCars, a well-known American automobile media, consumers in big cities with high population density, such as New York and Chicago, prefer SUVs or small cars, while consumers in San Antonio and Dallas prefer pickups. In addition, in San Francisco, Los Angeles and other California regions, due to the impact of California's environmental protection culture and laws and regulations, people prefer small vehicles with low fuel consumption. Therefore, it is also very important to aim at the "appetite" of consumers in the target market.
Finally, "auto culture" seems to be a "short board" for some Chinese auto enterprises. In European and American countries, cars are not only a means of transportation, but also a symbol of "culture" and taste. Many well-known automobile brands have experiencedCountedThe development of ten years, even a hundred years, has its own growth story behind it, and the formation of car logo and appearance design style is also related to this. Therefore, for Chinese automobile manufacturers like Geely, if they want to win the European UnionBeautifulConsumers should also have the ability to "tell stories".
This cooperation with Waymo is an important step for Geely to enter the American market. For Waymo, Geely's support on vehicles will also complement its weaknesses. Whether the two sides can help each other in future development remains to be seen.
Wen | Deng Yunxi
Editor | Zhao Xiaochun
Figure | Waymo official website, Geely Global official website, Unsplash

domain: news


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Starting Monday, Facebook will begin rolling out OpenPGP functionality for members who use the social network’s e-mail functionality. The experimental new feature will allow users to add OpenPGP public keys to their profiles to establish end-to-end encryption for notification e-mails sent by Facebook to users' e-mail accounts.
People may also choose to share OpenPGP keys from their profiles, with or without enabling encrypted notifications, the company said in a statement. Users will be able to find their public keys in the Contact and Basic Info screen under the About menu heading.
Moving Toward Greater Privacy
The world’s largest social network has taken several steps in the last year to provide greater security and privacy functionality for its users. In October, Facebook announced the creation of a new URL for users who wanted to access the site directly using the Tor Onion browser. Connections to the Facebook page have been secured using HTTPS with HSTS by default since 2013. And more than 95 percent of Facebook’s notification e-mails are encrypted with both perfect forward secrecy and strict certificate validation.
But the company has also frequently run afoul of privacy advocates for many of its past actions, including the decision to prevent drag queens from accessing the site using their stage names, and using cookies to track the browsing habits of users even when they are not connected to the service.
“It's very important to us that the people who use Facebook feel safe and can trust that their connection to Facebook is secure,” the company said in its statement.
Open Privacy Standard
OpenPGP is one of the most popular available standards for protecting e-mail with public key encryption. The standard is based on the PGP (short for pretty good privacy) core technology that helps protect the content of e-mail messages, texts and files from being read by surveillance programs.
PGP, and by extension, OpenPGP, uses a double-key system to encrypt a user’s communications. Users have both private keys, which they keep to themselves and do not give out, and public keys, which they provide to anyone who wants to communicate with them. That way, a sender can encode a message using the recipient’s public key, and that message can only be decoded by the matching private key, which only the intended recipient can access.
When users enable the encrypted notification option on their profiles, Facebook will sign outbound messages using its own OpenPGP key, according to the company. That way, users will be able to verify that the messages do, in fact, come from Facebook.
The company said it has chosen to use GNU Privacy Guard (GPG), a widely used and free implementation of the OpenPGP standard, for its implementation. Facebook said its key consists of a long-term primary key and short-term subkeys so the company can frequently rotate its operational keys.
The version of GPG Facebook is using supports encryption with the RSA and ElGalam algorithms. The company said it is also investigating additional support for newer algorithms.
Image credit: Facebook ; iStock/Artist's concept.
Posted: 2015-06-03 @ 1:32pm PT
(1) Please disclose your relationship to ChiaraMail before promoting it.
(2) ChiaraMail's ECS is just a fancy label for something very simple that predates your patent: instead of sending an e-mail to a recipient, send a URL.
@Montello: you're 100% right. It will be interesting to see if Facebook's initiative will help PGP to a bit more popular. It has been around for more than 20 years and is still not sufficiently well known by the mainstream population.
Posted: 2015-06-02 @ 12:27am PT
ChiaraMail provides stronger security and there's no passcode to worry about forgetting. Check it out on Google Play.
Posted: 2015-06-01 @ 1:12pm PT
Greater security? Yes. But not necessarily the privacy you might expect. Facebook knows your identity; while it can't read the actual content, metadata can be just as private. If you're concerned about privacy, using Facebook seems to be an odd choice. Same with WhatsApp, btw. Messages are encrypted, but WhatsApp (i.e., Facebook) knows who's talking to whom. Opt for a service that can be used anonymously.


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The Department of Labor, which thrives on telling private industry how to fashion their business models, has just published a new final rule aimed at restaurants and waiters. The Wall St Journal reports that, “In April, the Labor Department amended the regulations in the Fair Labor Standards Act to state that restaurant owners now have to explain to each employee, in detail, the exact amount of tips that will be credited toward the minimum wage.”
Is compliance even possible (or feasible)? Can a restaurant owner, or anyone for that matter, know with precise detail the EXACT amount of tips to be credited toward the minimum wage (which is now $7.25/hr)? I’ve worked as a server before and tips can vary wildly. It’s impossible to know with any certainty how much cash a single server might rake in on any given night, much less a whole restaurant full of servers. Now, restaurant owners will divert attention from their business to hold daily “tip” meetings with servers explaining, in detail, that some portion of tips will be credited toward their min wage - information they probably knew anyway.
Failure to comply will cost owners up to $1,100 for each violation plus the potential for criminal penalties. This is craziness. The DOL has dreamt up a new rule, which carries the same effect as law that will only serve to hurt restaurant owners and ultimately servers. Let’s add the DOL to the list of federal departments that have outlived their purpose and need a trip to the scrap pile.


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Dec. 2, 2016
Management / Financial Result
Notice and Apology Regarding Possible Leakage of Consumer Information Due to Illegal Access to IPSA Official Online Shopping Website
IPSA Company, Limited (hereinafter IPSA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shiseido Company, Limited (hereinafter Shiseido), whose business focus is selling cosmetics products, has found that its official online shopping website has been illegally accessed by a third party and that, due to the vulnerability of the system, the following information has been possibly compromised: credit card information of the consumers who made online payments, as well as personal information of the registered members. The affected website is operated separately from other Shiseido Group online shopping websites so the Shiseido Group corporate and all other websites are not affected by this attack.
Shiseido and IPSA both tender the deepest apologies to consumers and all others affected for the concern and inconvenience this has caused and deeply regret not being able to prevent this incident despite fully understanding the importance of safe management of the acquired personal information. The companies will continue to offer sincere support to all the consumers who are possibly involved in this incident. Meanwhile, Shiseido Group is putting priority on improving its information security system, and will reinforce its internal control and strive to restore consumers’ trust.
On Friday November 4, 2016, IPSA received a report of possible leak of credit card information from its payment agent. IPSA immediately halted the operation of credit card settlements on the IPSA online shopping website and set up an in-house investigation team with members from related departments, while also requesting a third-party forensics expert to identify and to contain the attack. IPSA reported the issue to the Akasaka police station on Monday, November 7, and made a verbal report to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on the next day, Tuesday, November 8. By placing top priority on preventing the consumers from further inconveniences and taking prompt actions, Shiseido and IPSA have worked closely with the parties involved. Upon receiving a report from the third-party forensics expert on Friday, November 25, and after a discussion with the credit card companies and other related parties regarding appropriate actions, the companies have decided to make this announcement today.
2. Affected website
IPSA official online shopping website http://www.ipsa.co.jp/ec/
* The affected website is operated separately from other Shiseido Group online shopping websites, so neither the Shiseido Group corporate website nor other websites are affected.
3. Personal information possibly compromised
1) Credit card information
Target: Consumers who made online payments on the IPSA official online shopping website during the following period:
December 14, 2011 - November 4, 2016 (Maximum period based on the results of investigation conducted by the third-party forensics expert.)
Items: Credit card holder’s name, card number, billing address, and card expiry date
* Password and security code are not included.
Number of cases: Maximum 56,121 cases.
2) Personal information other than credit card information
Target: All consumers who registered membership on the IPSA official online shopping website.
(Including the consumers stated in (1) above.)
Items: Consumer’s name, gender, date of birth, age, occupation, telephone number, e-mail address, address, log-in password, purchase record.
Number of affected consumers: 421,313 (as of November 4, 2016)
4. Response to consumers
Today, on Friday, December 2, IPSA sent out e-mails with apology and notification to the affected consumers and posted the same on both the Shiseido Group corporate website and the IPSA official website. In addition, letters have been sent out to the affected consumers.
IPSA has already provided the related credit card companies with the information on credit cards possibly leaked, and these cards are being closely monitored for illegal transactions. Moreover, IPSA has already informed the consumers who used credit cards for payments on the IPSA official website that if any suspicious transactions were discovered on the credit card statement, they should immediately contact the credit card company stated on the back side of their credit card. Should a credit card be reissued due to this incident, IPSA will cover the reissuance fee.
IPSA has set up a hotline dedicated to this issue, operating since today.
e-Mail Hotline for IPSA customer inquiries:
5. Further measures
Shiseido and IPSA are continuing to investigate the issue with external experts in order to identify the cause and set up stronger security measures. By the end of January 2017, the companies plan to complete the investigation and send the investigation report to the affected consumers and post the same on the corporate websites.
Shiseido Group has been performing thorough examination on the current security system and as of today, the Group has not found any similar issues in other websites. However, the Group continues to make a concerted effort for further improvement of system security across the Group and also strives to enhance its internal control, going forward.
6. Outline of IPSA
Name: IPSA Company, Limited
Capital: Wholly-owned subsidiary of Shiseido Company, Limited
Address: 7-1-16 Akasaka Minato-ku Tokyo Japan
Representative: Masayuki Miyazawa, President, Representative Director
Founded: July 30, 1986
Business: Sales of cosmetic products
Capital stock: 100 million JPY
*The content of the release is correct as of the time of release, but please note that it may in some cases differ from the latest information.
Nov. 15, 2021
Abolition of Corporate Officer System and Complete Transition to Executive Officers Management System
Oct. 27, 2021
Shiseido to Attend Fourth China International Import Expo
Oct. 18, 2021
Shiseido’s Integrated Report Wins Category Gold at International ARC Awards, World’s Largest Annual Report Competition


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H1Z1: September Art Wrap-Up
H1Z1‘s art team offers an overview of their progress in September, including new effects and animations.
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- Wakfu's free-to-play version has been in beta testing on Steam, and is soon preparing for its final official launch on September 18.
- Elsword: Now Available ARC Client
- KOG Games and Perfect World Entertainment Inc., both leading publishers of widely-acclaimed free-to-play MMORPGs, announced today a partnershi...


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Online fraudsters outfoxed the digital advertising department of the New York Times and slipped in a malicious advert for some bogus antivirus software onto its website, the news company reported on Monday.
The news website has cautioned its readers of scam adverts after receiving several emails from concerned readers complaining about anomalies.
“Some NYTimes.com readers have seen a pop-up box warning them about a virus and directing them to a site that claims to offer antivirus software”, a post on the website of the New York Times reads.
Initially, the scammers masqueraded as internet phone provider Vonage, and placed what seemed to be authentic Vonage adverts on the website.
Subsequently, they replaced these adverts with aggressive pop-ups that attempted to trick users into thinking that their PCs were infested by some malware content.
When complaints about the reported ad started emerging, the newspaper first though that the ad had been unauthorised and removed all third party ads from the website.
But spokeswoman Diane McNulty on Monday confirmed that the malicious ad had been submitted directly to the newspaper’s online ad department.
The company said it is working on to prevent this problem from recurring, and warned its readers not to click onto the ad to avoid any awful consequences later.
Oh well, these problems can and do happen. The NYTimes needs to be more careful about how it rolls out advertising in the future as it could have been significantly worse. Not only the trust that viewers have in the publisher could have suffered a blow but the advertisers as well could be flummoxed.
(The New York Times)


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AGAWAM, Mass. (WWLP) – As Thanksgiving approaches, many food pantries are in dire need of donations to help feed hundreds of families in need in Western Massachusetts. With colder weather, some families must decide between paying to heat their home or spending it on food. This, while food prices are increasing.
But Sunday, cub scouts in Agawam hosted a food drive to help ease that burden for families. They stood for hours outside Geisslers Supermarket in Agawam, asking shoppers to consider buying something extra. The scouts handed out flyers and told shoppers they needed nonperishable items like canned goods, cereals and boxed pastas.
Scouts weren’t just collecting food donations: they were also collecting money donations. That will allow the pantry to buy any perishable items or other foods that are in highest demand.
When Rich Dean started shopping, the scouts hadn’t set up yet, but he still looked through his own groceries to find something to donate as he left. “I’m one less can of soup so I’m going to have to suffer during the week but that’s fine,” joked Dean. “You know what? It’s going to someone who needs it more than I do…I hope it goes a long way,” he added.
The donations will all benefit the Agawam Food Pantry located at Bethany Assembly of God.
“The motto for cub scout is to do your best and so we wanted to incorporate that in everything they do, so whether school or giving back to their community,” said Sandy MacDonald, the Cubmaster for Pack 82 of Agawam.
Through the scouts’ efforts, they hoped one more mouth would be fed, especially during the holidays.


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It has become increasingly difficult to engage in credible economic analysis, especially with respect to the U.S. economy. The problem: ever more limited sources of uncorrupted data, while the farcical “official statistics” have long since been totally divorced from the real world.
Fortunately we have been presented with some raw, uncorrupted data which demonstrates in conclusive terms that the U.S. economy is literally shriveling before our eyes: a 21st century economy with plummeting energy consumption, and even a declining use of electricity.
As I was sifting through all of Bloomberg’s propaganda on the latest U.S. trade numbers (and trying to latch onto a few facts), I came across one very peculiar passage:
…American companies also bought more consumer household items, automobiles and parts, and crude oil from overseas.
Exports increased 0.7 percent to $178.8 billion, boosted by record sales of petroleum to buyers overseas. That caused the trade gap excluding petroleum to widen even more than the deficit overall…
The great U.S. economy, the largest oil-glutton in the history of humanity (by several multiples) is now a “net energy exporter”. How can this be possible? The U.S. economy has contracted so severely (already) that the only way that U.S. refineries can sell all the petroleum products they produce is to sell them to the growing economies of “emerging market” nations.
Reflecting the broad-based collapse of the U.S. economy, these refineries are now exporting all categories of petroleum products: diesel, jet fuel, and even gasoline are now being exported in large quantities, month-after-month by U.S. refineries. Recall that it was only four, short years ago that many American politicians were alarmed by the crisis of the “lack of U.S. refining capacity”. No new refineries have been constructed in the U.S. in more than 30 years, and at that time those refineries were straining to meet the demand of solely the U.S. domestic market. With that domestic market collapsing, these refineries are now straining to find enough foreign buyers to unload all of their inventories.
Given these facts alone, it is utterly absurd for the U.S. government to pretend that the U.S. economy is growing. Note that the government claims that most of this growth is occurring in agriculture and manufacturing – both very energy-intensive industries. There’s no doubt that the energy-intensive agriculture sector is thriving, a result of a growing global “appetite” and Wall Street-induced shortages in most commodities. So with the large U.S. agriculture sector gobbling up more energy than ever, what does that say about the rest of the (decaying) U.S. economy?
Let us not forget that the U.S. population continues to grow. More people using much, much, less energy; and this is called a “growing economy”? Absurd. Even more absurd, this steadily growing population has been using much less electricity, going back to around 2007.
Mark Lundeen provided a very detailed analysis of the consumption of U.S. electricity in a recent commentary. It shows U.S. electrical consumption peaking in approximately 2006, and then beginning a distinct decline starting in 2007. Yes, power demand has “bounced back” somewhat from the worst of the collapse – but at levels still more than 3% lower than in 2007. Put another way, the supposed “U.S. economic recovery” has only resulted in roughly half of that lost demand being restored.
Read more: Proof of U.S. Greater Depression


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Written by Linc Bedrosian
McDonald's says it will be the first national restaurant chain to carry a label from a group that certifies sustainable fishing practices.
The blue "ecolabel" from the Marine Stewardship Council certifies that the Alaskan Pollock used in McDonald's Filet-O-Fish sandwiches come from suppliers with sustainable fishing practices.
Major retail chains including Wal-Mart and Whole Foods already use the council's label. The nonprofit group is paid a royalty fee from companies that use its label. For McDonald's, that means the fee would be based on sales of its fish offerings, such as the Filet-O-Fish and the Fish McBites that will be launched as a limited-time offer next month.
Read the full story at Anchorage Daily News>>
NOAA recently published a proposed rule that would implement a traceability plan to help combat IUU fishing. The program would seek to trace the origins of imported seafood by setting up reporting and filing procedures for products entering the U.S.
The traceability program would collect data on harvest, landing, and chain of custody of fish and fish products that have been identified as particularly vulnerable to IUU fishing and fraud.Read more...
The following was released by the Maine Department of Marine Resources on Jan. 22:
The Maine Department of Marine Resources announced an emergency regulation that will support the continued rebuilding effort in Maine’s scallop fishery. The rule, effective January 23, 2016, will close the Muscle Ridge Area near South Thomaston and the Western Penobscot Bay Area.Read more...


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ATLANTA -- Walmart broke ground on a new store in Southwest Atlanta Monday.
The groundbreaking comes after the company was able to resolve concerns residents had about the store opening in their community.
The new store is designed to meet neighborhood standards and will include trees and plants as part of the landscaping.
The store will be located on Cascade Drive. Officials say when the store opens, it will employ 300 full and part-time workers.


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ASUS Republic of Gamers Launches New Products, Hosts Activities, and Giveaway Campaigns During Gamescom 2023
Expect exciting new products, prize giveaways, and fan engagement activities to celebrate gaming
- ROG will hold a press event, multiple fan events, and online global Gamescom giveaways as it launches the latest range of cutting-edge ROG gaming hardware
- ROG Gamescom press event will be live-streamed from Germany on August 22 at 4.00 p.m. CEST (GMT+2)
- ROG Gamescom 2023 Giveaway from August 1–22 gives fans a chance to win EVA-02 products and a range of gaming peripherals
- Gamescom Watch2Win Challenge to run from August 22–September 22, with amazing prizes including new ROG motherboards and OLED gaming monitors
COLOGNE, Germany, August 16, 2023 — ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced that it will be live streaming a ROG Gamescom press event on August 22 at 4.00 p.m. CEST (GMT+2), where it will launch thrilling new products, an ROG Gamescom 2023 Giveaway, and other exciting fan-engagement activities that will be held during Gamescom 2023in Cologne, Germany, between August 22–24. ROG will be showing off its latest cutting-edge hardware, peripherals, and other innovations that take gaming to another level. Plus, prominent influencers and personalities from the gaming industry will be on hand at the ROG press event to share their insights on the newest additions to the ROG arsenal.
ROG Gamescom event schedule
August 22, 4:00 p.m. CEST (GMT+2) – ROG Gamescom press event
August 23 – ROG Talk and ROG Party (Party to start at 5:00 p.m. CEST (GMT+2) right after ROG Talk)
The Gamescom press event will be live-streamed from Cologne. It will include details of the latest ROG gaming gear including the next phase of the ROG x Evangelion collaboration and, following the event,top tech and gaming influencers will join us at ROG Talk to discuss the new lineup. The ROG Talk discussion will also be shared online via social media.
ROG Gamescom 2023 Giveaway
ROG will be kicking things off with the ROG Gamescom 2023 Giveaway, which starts on August 1 and runs through August 22. This giveaway will provide fans with a chance to win great products, including two ROG Strix GeForce RTX™4090 24GB GDDR6X OC EVA-02 Edition graphics cards, five ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition mice, and five ROG Azoth gaming keyboards. To join, fans should visit the ROG Gamescom microsite to sign up, and complete as many of the listed tasks as possible. Fans can earn even more chances to win by posting anything ROG or Evangelion-related on social media— for example, a picture of their EVA collection, wearing Asuka’s favorite RED apparel while visiting their local ROG shop, or even sharing the story of their very first ROG product. The post must tag the official @asusrogaccount and include the #roggamescom23 and #ROGxEVANGELION hashtags.
ROG Gamescom 2023 Giveaway — August 1–22 (ending 11.59 p.m.CST(GMT+8))
- ROG Strix GeForce RTX™ 4090 24GB GDDR6X OC EVA-02 Edition graphics card (2 winners)
- ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition mouse (5 winners)
- ROG Azoth 75% gaming keyboard (5 winners)
Gamescom Watch2Win Challenge
The Gamescom Watch2Win Challenge will provide fans present at the event and those who tuned in to the live stream another chance to win ROG products and merchandise. Fans will need to answer questions related to the ROG press event and ROG Talk for chances to win ROG motherboards, monitors, and other gaming accessories, so they will need to watch these events online if they were not present at the actual event. The Gamescom Watch2Win Challenge will run from August 22–September 22, 2023, ending at 11:59 p.m. CST (GMT+8) / 5.59 p.m. CEST (GMT+2).
The prizes are:
- New ROG Motherboard + Intel® Core™ Processor (1 winner)
- ROG Swift OLED PG42UQ gaming monitor (1 winner)
- ROG Swift OLED PG48UQgaming monitor (1 winner)
- ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM gaming monitor (1 winner)
- ROG Swift OLED PG49WCD gaming monitor (1 winner)
- ROG Rapture GT6 router (White) (1 winner)
- ROG Cetra True Wireless earbuds (White) (10 winners)
- ROG Gladius III Wireless AimPoint EVA-02 Edition gaming mouse (3 winners)
- ROG Strix Scope RX EVA-02 Edition gaming keyboard (3 winners)
| Kunal Gangar
Manager – PR & Corporate Marketing
Notes to Editors
ROG Facebook: https:facebook.com/asusrog
ROG X (Twitter): https://www.x.com/asus_rog
ASUS Pressroom: http://press.asus.com
ASUS Global Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asus
ASUS Global X (Twitter): https://www.x.com/asus
To become one of those who dare, learn more about it at http://rog.asus.com.


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Judging a bean by its cover: What coffee drinkers really want from their packaging
When you’re staring at a shelf full of options and trying to make a purchase decision, a product’s packaging is almost as important as the product itself. But when it comes to coffee, most roasters don’t put much thought into the bags their beans are bundled in. Here’s why that needs to change – and what coffee drinkers are really looking for when they stare at that shelf.
Joel Farrell is the Director of Coffee Bags Direct, a company that provides both stock and custom-made packaging solutions for leading coffee roasters and food producers across Australia and New Zealand. He’s also a proud member of The Coffee Commune, and on a recent episode of The Coffee Commune Podcast, he spoke about why packaging is more important than many roasters realise.
“A lot of people come to me and say, ‘I just need a bag for these beans’, or ‘I just want to get my beans on the shelf and sell them’,” Joel said. “They’ve got all these grand ideas for scaling up their product – they want to get into supermarkets, they want to go out to cafés and have 100 accounts – but they have zero excitement about the packaging. But half the time, that packaging is what we go for on the shelf.
“Yes, you know a coffee by one of the big roasters might be a nice, smooth coffee. But when you’re looking for something different, and you’re scanning the supermarket shelf, or you go to get a nice coffee at a café and you’re looking at the bags of beans there… what pushes the customer to buy that bag of beans is most likely going to be the packaging.”
Story comes first
In Joel’s experience, the first thing customers will respond to about a bag of beans is the story – the story of the brand, and of the product itself.
“The story behind the beans, that’s the big one,” he said. “And that isn’t just, ‘This is a Colombian coffee bean’. It should be something like, ‘This is a Colombian coffee bean, and we sponsor the farm, or we give back directly to the farm, and we know we’re helping to advance the farm’s utilities and the workers are being well paid’. If there’s an ethical side to the coffee, the Australian consumer likes to know that.”
A fresh approach
Joel said that consumers are increasingly looking for a unique, hand-crafted experience, as opposed to a more traditional brand.
“The industry is driving forward, and there’s been a big shift in relation to what your consumer wants,” Joel said. “Do they want coffee from that roaster who’s got 400 accounts across Australia, or do they want a ‘craft’ coffee? It’s like the craft beer industry. You’ve seen consumers shift from big gold tin drinkers into drinkers who want fruiter, more complex notes… that’s flowing into the coffee industry as well, and you’re seeing the bigger guys recognise that and act.
“You’re seeing the bigger guys go, ‘Hey, we either need to acquire a brand that has niche appeal for the younger, sweeter coffee drinkers on the Australian market, or we need to look at white labelling’. White labelling [coffee created by one company but packaged and sold under another brand] is quite big at the moment. You’ve got roasters who have a great facility, setting themselves up to be able to roast for other brands.”
Joel said that desire for ‘different’ is driving demand for custom packaging.
“We’ve had roasters come in that wanted to package their beans in test tubes,” he said. “We’ve had people that wanted to recreate the look of ancient scrolls… these are full bespoke packaging options. There’s a lot of movement in the coffee industry, because 99 per cent of coffee is bagged, and people want a point of difference.
“Onyx Coffee are doing [packaging] really well at the moment. They’re paying for it, but it’s that whole iPhone unboxing experience… somebody told me the other day that Apple spend a fortune ensuring that when you slide the phone out of the box, it takes the perfect amount of time between, ‘This is exciting, this is exciting, this is exciting’, and ‘This is becoming an issue, I’m over it’. They spent a fortune on getting that timing right, because the experience matters.”
Not only is it important that the product itself be ethically and sustainably sourced, but Joel said consumers expect the packaging itself to be environmentally friendly.
“There are huge pushes towards 100 per cent compostable cups, lids, bags, boxes and so on,” he said.
“You’ve got certain customers out there who want to pay 20 cents per bag, and they don’t care too much if that bag’s going into landfill. But then you have your growing craft market, who are doing 100 to 300 kilos a week, and they’re happy to spend 90 cents on a compostable bag. They work it into their margin, and that flows through to the customer – it becomes a way of marketing their brand/ethos.”
Of course, it’s one thing to say your packaging is compostable, and another thing for it to actually be true.
“I’m pretty passionate about this,” Joel said. “I see a lot of people say things are ‘compostable’, and then I do my research and I find they’re only biodegradable, which means they’re only compostable in an industrial facility. In my eyes, that’s not where we want to be, because unless you’re a big [business] who can afford to truck that packaging to a composting facility, it’s going to go to landfill, and there are not the conditions in landfill to break that product down. It could be thousands of years before that bioplastic breaks down.
“True compostability is… I can put this wrapper in my home compost bin, and within about 30 to 60 days, maybe even six months on the longer side, that wrapper will be eaten up by worms, converted to dirt, and I can use that, without any toxins, on my vegetable garden.
“So it’s a really tough one, because the packaging industry is a marketer’s delight. Compostable, compostable, compostable… you see it everywhere, but do your research and look to see if it meets Australian standards. If it doesn’t meet Australian standards, it might meet China’s standards, which are very different, and you need to be aware of that.
“At the same time, you’ve got to weigh it up, because coffee needs really strong barrier technology for resistance to oxygen. Do you want your coffee to go stale in two weeks? No? Okay, well, then we can’t look at compostable packaging for you. What we’ve got as a middle ground right now is a 100 per cent recyclable bag. We can do that in the coffee industry right now.
“There are guys out there that will let people come into their café or roastery and fill up a tub, and that’s probably the closest you’re going to get to a full-circle sustainable option right now. We’ve also seen, over the last five years, huge amounts of growth in the reusable 10kg drum. You’ll see roasters saying, ‘Okay, if you’re within 100km of us, our guys will come out, drop off your new drums, and take the old drums back to the roastery to be wiped down and re-used’. That’s a more economical and environmentally friendly option, but outside that 100km radius, it’s difficult, because Australia’s so vast and you’ve got freight charges to consider.
“I think, in the future, drones are going to be involved somehow… you won’t have to worry about getting the drums back because the drone will bring them back. You’ve seen Amazon doing it. They’re drone-dropping purchases now. So it will happen.”
Listen to this article on The Coffee Commune podcast. If you’re perplexed about your product’s packaging, Joel might be able to help you – and if you’re a Coffee Commune member, you’ll get an additional 5 per cent discount at Coffee Bags Direct. You can also follow them on Instagram.
IN YOUR WORDS
Sanremo Coffee Machines Australia


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Facebook updates flagship iOS app with cover photos, group messaging improvementsFacebook on Monday rolled out version 5.6 of its iOS app, bringing a few new features like the ability to change cover photos in-app and enhancements to group messaging.
The update to the ubiquitous social network's app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch comes less than one month after free voice-over-IP calling was added to the app in February, and continues in the merging of the company's various desktop and mobile clients.
Facebook for iOS v5.6 offers users the ability to change their page's cover photo while on the go by either taking a picture or selecting one from the Photos camera roll. This feature is limited to iPhones only.
Group messaging also received some work as it now takes fewer steps to start a session. According to Facebook, the new system makes it easer to name and find group conversations within the app.
Facebook for iOS v5.6 comes in at 25.2MB and is a free download from the App Store.
On Topic: App Store
- Entry into $34B console gaming market seen as largest opportunity for new Apple TV
- EU clears Apple and labels of colluding against free streaming music services, turns eye to App Store fees
- Apple's impressive App Store growth continues to be overlooked by Wall Street, Macquarie says
- Adidas buys fitness app maker Runtastic for $239 million
- The best virtual reality apps for iPhone, compatible with Google Cardboard


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Disgraced John Galliano Appointed Creative Director Of House Margiela
October 06 2014 12:12 PM EDT
British fashion designer John Galliano, fired from Christian Dior in 2011 for anti-Semitic rants, will head Maison Martin Margiela.
Chris Brown Responds To Video Of Him Shoving Girl
September 30 2014 10:25 AM EDT
Chris Brown called TMZ founder Harvey Levin the devil after he posted a video of Brown shoving a woman who tried to kiss him.
Keeping Up With Kendall: Kardashian Sister Dominates Fashion Week
September 12 2014 3:32 PM EDT
Kendall Jenner is keeping a firm grasp on the spotlight. Can the reality star transition to a runway sensation?
Apple Keynote Speaker 'Scarf Guy' Sweeps The Web
September 09 2014 4:07 PM EDT
The Web reacts to Apple keynote speaker "Scarf Guy."
President Obama's Tan Suit Ignites Twitter
August 28 2014 5:41 PM EDT
Obama's tan suit was the talk of Twitter Thursday.
Kate Middleton’s Style Icon Status Questioned After Vanity Fair Honor
August 13 2014 9:01 AM EDT
Some are questioning the Duchess of Cambridge's spot on Vanity Fair's best-dressed list.
Urban Outfitters Sued By Former Employee For Ignoring Her Sexual Harassment Claims
August 12 2014 2:03 PM EDT
Tatiana Swiderski says managers at the NYC Urban Outfitters ignored her complaints about customers sexually harassing her.
Julia Roberts On Halle Berry: 'I'm The Prettiest One'
August 10 2014 6:47 PM EDT
Julia Roberts joked she was prettier than Halle Berry but lamented the actress trumped her in the bikini department.
Kate Middleton Praised For Being An Outfit Repeater
August 08 2014 9:11 AM EDT
Kate Middleton has received praise from fashion designers, most recently Christian Louboutin, for recycling her high-fashion pieces.
Britney Spears to Launch Lingerie Line
July 23 2014 2:29 PM EDT
The singer announced via Twitter that her line, The Intimate Collection, will be launching 'very soon.'
Prince George's Most Fashionable Moments: Where To Buy Those Adorable Outfits
July 21 2014 1:30 PM EDT
What Prince George wore during his first, very fashionable, year --- and where you can buy it.
Kate Middleton Doesn't Like The Public Copying Her Style: Report
July 11 2014 9:24 AM EDT
Kate Middleton reportedly holds off on wearing designer pieces in order to hinder fans from copying her style.
Not Just Another Face In The Crowd: World Cup Fan Lands Modeling Gig
July 10 2014 12:48 PM EDT
After photos of Axelle Despiegelaere rooting on Belgium at the World Cup went viral, the 17-year-old received a modeling contract from L'Oreal.
‘DKNY Ramadan’ Collection Launched For Muslim Holy Month
July 02 2014 3:17 PM EDT
DKNY is making its Middle Eastern debut for the Muslim holy month of fasting with a collection for Ramadan.
What Selfies Say About The New ‘Normal’ In Plastic Surgery
July 02 2014 12:58 PM EDT
Plastic surgeons across the country are treating a younger clientele thanks to the growing demands of social media.
Ciara Wears Wedding Gown For 'Brides' Magazine
July 01 2014 9:25 AM EDT
Ciara is the latest cover girl for "Brides" magazine.
Joinery Blanket Attracts 2,000 Shoppers In Williamsburg
June 18 2014 11:09 AM EDT
This is the blanket, hand-made in Brazil, that hipsters want badly enough to be on a 2,000-person waiting list.
Check Out Kendall Jenner's Givenchy Campaign
June 18 2014 10:47 AM EDT
Kendall Jenner is now a part of Givenchy’s Fall/Winter 2014 ad campaign.
From Sweats To Dolce & Gabbana
June 11 2014 12:06 PM EDT
Team Italy arrived in Brazil in style wearing Dolce & Gabbana suits, a far cry from the USA national team that showed up in sweatpants.
Uniqlo To Raise Prices By 5% Before Fall Line Debuts
June 11 2014 10:59 AM EDT
Uniqlo, the Japanese causal clothing maker, will be raising its prices before the fall line hots stores. But before you panic, not all stores will see the 5 percent hike.


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Inadequate Drug Warnings: Two Classes of Consumers
In Pliva v. Mensing, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that patients injured or killed by dangerous generic drugs have no legal recourse in those situations where the manufacturer failed to warn consumers about dangerous side effects. This is in stark contrast to consumers injured or killed by name brand drugs with inadequate warnings, who still have the right to seek compensation in the courts. This New York Times article explains the case, and how the ruling essentially created two classes of consumers: those entitled to legal recourse through the court system and those who have none.
Defective Drugs and Devices: Legal Remedies Still Available
The Supreme Court’s ruling in Pliva (generic drugs) dealt with lawsuits that alleged manufacturers failed to provide adequate warnings about drugs. Patients injured by drugs, whether brand name or generic, that were defectively manufactured or produced still have the right to seek compensation in the courts because preemption does not apply to these types of cases. Also, in some situations a patient’s injury or death after taking a drug occurs not because the drug itself was defective, but because the decision to prescribe the drug was negligent; in those instances, patients have the right to seek compensation in courts in medical malpractice lawsuits.
Finally, there are also instances when patients are harmed not by drugs, but by defective medical devices such as implantable defibrillators, pain pumps, hip implants, and surgical mesh. In such cases, people can pursue compensation in the courts for defective medical devices, although there are some limitations to the kinds of medical device cases that can be pursued.
Potential Steps to Protect Consumers
Responding to this inadequate warning discrepancy, the consumer advocacy group, Public Citizen, filed a petition with the FDA calling for a regulation change that would force generic manufacturers to update their labels when new potential dangers become known. If passed, the rule change would provide a means to hold generic manufacturers accountable to consumers when they fail to warn about new dangers. Consumers would be able to seek justice in court. Filed in August 2011 after the Supreme Court’s ruling in Pliva v. Mensing, the petition is being considered by the FDA; however, whether a new regulation is adopted will ultimately be determined by the presidential election in November. The Obama Administration has done away with many federal regulatory roadblocks to recovery by injured consumers, and, if the Administration continues in office, it increases the likelihood of a pro-consumer reversal of the odd generic drug warning result in Pliva.
In another effort to address the discrepancy created by Pliva v. Mensing, Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) introduced the Patient Safety and Generic Labeling Improvement Act, a bill with the express purpose of giving victims of defective generics the same rights to compensation as those enjoyed by the victims of defective name brands. Describing the proposed legislation, Sen. Leahy stated it “will promote consumer safety by ensuring that generic drug companies can improve the warning information for their products in the same way that brand manufacturers can under existing law.” Introduced in April, the bill remains pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee with no action expected until after the election.
What It Means for Consumers
Given the status of the proposed rule change and legislation, the only way for patients to protect their right to recover for injury or death because of inadequate warnings on FDA approved drugs is to insist that physicians write prescriptions for name brand drugs only. While doing this may result in a patient’s health insurance company refusing to pay for a prescription, it is only by refusing to accept generics that patients can ensure that they will have any legal rights if they are injured by dangerous drugs with inadequate warnings.


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Are Smartphones Making Us Lazy Thinkers?
March 20, 2017
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On phones nowadays, people search up phone numbers, directions, and characters from TV shows. These are things everyone looks up on their phone. But, could smartphones be making us lazier when we mentally rely on our phones every day and don’t think for ourselves anymore? A study from the University of Waterloo in Canada says that there is a connection between needing smartphones and not thinking deeply about solving problems. It may be too early to tell, but it’s true that there is indeed a connection between the two. “The problem with relying on the Internet too much is that you can’t know you have the correct answer unless you think about it in an analytical or logical way,” says Gordon Pennycook, one of the study’s originators. According to Pennycook, highly intelligent people tend to analyze and work out problems logically, often second-guessing themselves. Pennycook and his study co-author did a test and those that did badly on the test reported looking the answers up on their smartphones. Smartphones are used so much that it’s hard to believe that the iPhone has only been around for less than a decade, the internet has only been around for 25 years and we rely on it so much.


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Fiat Chrysler Chief Executive Mike Manley will remain with the new group set to result from a planned merger with French rival PSA-Peugeot , Chairman John Elkann said on Wednesday. In a letter to Fiat Chrysler (FCA) employees on the day the two companies announced a binding agreement for a $50 billion tie-up to create the world's fourth-largest carmaker, Elkann said he was "delighted" that the combined group would be led by current PSA CEO Carlos Tavares. "And Mike Manley, w
Struggling brand wants to double global sales by 2022 with six new models.
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' new CEO is tired of being No. 3 in U.S. pickup truck sales. With a strategy of loading up its revamped Ram 1500 full-size trucks with new features — ranging from 12-inch touchscreens on the dashboard to large battery packs and 48-volt electric motors to help adjust speed and gears and conserve fuel — the automaker is banking o
'We have a clear line of sight to achieving our five-year ambitions'
Questions abound after the sudden passing of Sergio Marchionne.
New CEO Mike Manley delivers the bad news.
'It's a 2019 issue': He and Elkann had reportedly not agreed on an heir
New CEO Manley inherits the FCA game plan outlined last month.
Here's a brief summary of the new executives' history.
The new Wrangler will be lighter and more aerodynamic, but Mike Manley wants fans to know the iconic model will stay true to its mission.
JK Wranglers will be built for up to six months after it successor arrives in showrooms.
Jeep CEO Mike Manley would rather soft-pedal the seven-figure prognostication for now, but Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne won't have it, proclaiming in an interview that Jeep will sell one million units worldwide this year. Manley has called that come-hither number "a stretch," the history of recent gains perhaps reason for his caution: in 2011 the b


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A government crackdown on foreign investment has sent speculators fleeing, but one man is more bullish than ever
The company has about 145 items on its U.S. menu, making operations complicated
Angelenos have to look hard for distinctions between the two candidates, Eric Garcetti and Wendy Greuel
If you buy certain devices, which can include light bulbs and bracelets, IFTTT and some free websites can start connecting your home
Once mom and pop operations, some have billions in assets
Simple tablets manufactured by such "local brands" as Eben, Micromax, and Texet are expected to account of one-fourth of global sales this year
Stop-doubting-yourself advice, a PBS documentary on Mel Brooks, and new biz books in haiku
For some, Joel Peterson says, online courses or specialized one-year programs may be better choices than the MBA
Bitcoin crashed last month. That hasn't stopped venture capital firms from investing in Bitcoin companies
By Saleha Mohsin
Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter are the royal family of social networking sites in the U.S., but that doesn't mean they rule the virtual world overseas. To be sure, Facebook ranks No. 1 in some countries—Britain, France, and Spain are smitten, among others—but even there it faces healthy competition from other players, some local and some global.
Social networking sites sometimes migrate unexpectedly across borders: Pioneering U.S. site Friendster, for instance, has faded dramatically back home but has found receptive new markets in Asia, while Google's Orkut is a star in Brazil. Many of Facebook's fiercest rivals around the world are homegrown champions. With 200 million registered users, China's Qzone vies for the title of the world's largest social networking site, while VKontakte is far and away the largest player in Russia.
Click on to meet some of the up-and-coming social networking sites from around the world, ranked from largest to smallest.


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Violin Memory is a force to be reckoned within the storage world. The company, which sells high-end storage arrays loaded to the gills with flash memory, just closed a $50 million funding round. This is its fourth similarly sized round in two years putting the valuation of the company — slated to go public later this year– at about $800 million. If it follows through on those IPO plans, CEO Don Basile told me, the company will be valued in the billions.
It’s not just the industry shift toward solid-state drives replacing slower, less-efficient hard disk drives that’s driving Violin’s value through the roof, though, it’s also the company’s very strategic set of investors.
The latest investor to get on board is software giant SAP (s sap), whose mission-critical ERP and database products are deeply entrenched within large enterprises and could benefit greatly from the price-performance increases Violin’s systems offer over traditional HDD- and-DRAM-based systems. There’s also SAP’s new HANA in-memory analytic database, which is the focal point of SAP’s big data push. “To the extent that people view HANA as a big data technology,” Basile said, “it fits into our core thrust that we started last year [around big data].”
That “thrust” Basile mentioned is to build the “biggest, fastest, densest” big data systems in the world for technologies such as HANA, Hadoop and NoSQL databases. Violin has worked with various vendors to eliminate the I/O bottleneck in Hadoop that limits throughput into the processor to a few hundred megabytes per second. Using a Violin system, he said, “instead of needing 100 Hadoop servers, you might need 10.”
Violin also counts Juniper Networks (s jnpr) among its strategic investors, although flash-memory manufacturer Toshiba might well be the most important. While other enterprise flash-storage vendors must react to consumer demands that regularly change what flash fabricators produce (generally, smaller, less-reliable NAND memory products), Violin gets to plan ahead. Basile said Violin manufactures four generations out because it knows what Toshiba has coming down the pike. Being the company’s only U.S. investment and one of its only strategic tech investments in years, “if you do business with us, you’re also doing business with Toshiba,” Basile said.
Of course, Violin’s chances of a successful IPO aren’t hurt by the story of a Fusion-io (s fio), a somewhat competitive company that sells solid-state components that plug directly into servers and serve as high-performance caching layers. Fusion-io has been experiencing major revenue increases and, as of late February, was trading at 160 times earnings.
As Basile explained, everyone involved in the flash space is riding the wave of ever-lower flash memory prices and the entry of mega companies such as EMC (s emc), Oracle (e orcl) and HP (s hpq) into the space. “The argument [for flash adoption] becomes not if, only when,” Basile said. “And then, how much?”


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California-based airline Virgin America has launched flights to its first international destination. This is the first part of their plan to introduce five new routes throughout 2010.
Travellers eager to book the cheapest flights to Toronto from the USA may now be able to do so through Virgin America, which marked the special occasion with an inaugural trip from Los Angeles International Airport to Toronto Pearson International, via San Francisco.
Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson was joined by governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on the trip and, using Wi-Fi technology at 35,000 ft, the pair announced that Virgin America would also be serving Mexico in the near future. Good news for both American and Canadian travellers planning holidays in Mexico this year.
“Today is a great day for airline competition, for our team-mates and for travellers. When more airlines compete, consumers win with lower fares and better service,” said David Cush, Virgin America president and chief executive.
Meanwhile, another accolade recently claimed by the airline was given the title of most eco-friendly airline in May’s SmarterTravel Editors’ Choice Awards, which could be of interest to rainbow warriors seeking the cheapest flights to Toronto and elsewhere.


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Corporate accelerator RISE has expanded into Singapore while Thomson Reuters has rolled out its tech innovation programme for startups in the Asia Pacific.
Corporate Accelerator RISE expands into Singapore
Corporate accelerator RISE has expanded into Singapore with support from government agency Enterprise Singapore, The Straitstimes reported.
RISE will support Singaporean startups seeking to enter Thailand’s innovation ecosystem and collaborate with local partners to develop solutions that target market needs.
The accelerator connects Singaporean startups with a network of over 200 corporate and governmental agencies worldwide, to launch them into a wider international arena.
The first official collaboration of RISE and Enterprise Singapore is “RISE.AI”, Southeast Asia’s first corporate AI Accelerator program that will bring in 30 AI startups from all over the world to the region. Startups will work intensively with the top corporates in Southeast Asia for nine weeks.
RISE.AI will focus on delivering tangible business results to the corporates rather than incubating early-stage startups. For the Singapore leg, lasting three months from July to September, 10 startups will fly to the city-state to work on the pilot programme.
“The partnership will not only fuel our international growth into Singapore but also unite South-east Asia as the fastest Internet economy by attracting the best talents to come back and help push forward our region together,” said RISE CEO and founder Kid Parchariyanon.
Thomson Reuters rolls out tech programme for APAC startups
Global information provider Thomson Reuters has launched the technology innovation programme for startups in the legal and regulatory advisory industry across the Asia Pacific, the company said on its website.
The program, TR Ignite, is created in partnership with the Singapore Academy Law and TechLaw Fest, an annual startup event focusing on law and tech industry. TR Ignite is aimed to offer designated solutions to solve business and workflow that lawyers have been facing.
The selected startups can get access to Thomson’s partner resources, global customer footprint, Innovation Lab mentorship, and Thomson Reuters technology and data.
Qualified startups will also able to pitch their business at TechLaw Fest in September, and may stand to win $250,000 worth of investment. The winner will also join Singapore’s Academy of Law’s GLIDE, Asia’s first legal tech accelerator. TR Ignite’s submissions will be open until August 17.


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Newsletter Platform Substack is now accepting bitcoin on the lightning network
OpenNode, a Bitcoin payment processor, announced yesterday that Substack, an online publishing platform, will offer Bitcoin payments on their platform. OpenNode will now power the on-chain and Lightning Network Bitcoin payments.
Substack’s partnering with OpenNode will make it easy for publishers and writers to get paid in Bitcoin. They have started by making instant low-cost bitcoin payment options available to a select group of publishers. Readers will also be able to pay for their subscription through bitcoin. publications can retain their earnings in Bitcoin. Substack product designer has also hinted that the platform could later expand its crypto payment feature to other writers to give them “more flexibility and freedom.”
The product designer at Substack Nick Inzucchi said that "We're excited to be working with OpenNode to enable independent publishers on Substack to accept crypto payments. Having this option will give writers more flexibility and freedom, and we look forward to doing more in crypto to meet writers' needs."
The co-founder and CTO at OpenNode, João Almeida said "Our partnership will allow content creators across the Substack ecosystem to accept Bitcoin payments, and retain earnings in Bitcoin or convert to preferred currency. Writers and podcasters have flocked to Substack to regain creative and financial freedom, and Bitcoin is a natural fit."
OpenNode which was founded in 2018, provides secure and reliable payment acceptance solutions for businesses. On the other hand, Substack which was founded in 2017 has a community of readers who can subscribe directly to the writers of their choice and support them through paid subscruiptions. Substack has more than 500,000 paid subscribers on its platform. Substack allows its writers to send their work directly to readers and subscribers. A number of prominent publishers in the crypto space currently publish their work using Substack.
Substack is backed by top venture capital firms like Andreessen Horowitz, Fifty Years, and Y Combinator. The March round of funding led by Andreessen Horowitz has got the valuation of substack to roughly $650 million.
CBW - External Analyst


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Dubai now has a world-class, state-of-the-art fitness facility in GymNation. Located in Al Quoz, GymNation spans 45,000 sqft and is equipped with over 500 pieces of latest generation equipment by Matrix and offers over 200 Les Mills fitness classes, all accessible as part of the monthly membership.
But why another gym when Dubai has a flurry of fitness centres?
The answer is a gap in the local market for affordable gyms, which founders Loren Holland and Frank Afeaki spotted. They were both involved with leading low-cost gym operators in their home countries – the UK and New Zealand, respectively. With GymNation they sought to disrupt the local fitness market by offering best-in-class facilities and services but at an affordable and flexible price point.
“The UAE gym market is well developed with a lot of different operators, but most are very expensive and bind customers into inflexible contracts requiring 12-months payment upfront. We set up GymNation to bring both a world-class gym facility and affordable pricing under one roof,” says Holland.
The GymNation model focuses on the essentials, while cutting out the frills. The facility offers latest generation Matrix gym equipment; Dubai’s largest Group-X studio where over 200 classes are held in a month; spacious changing and shower facilities; and ample free parking. But expensive frills such as sauna and steam room or a towel service are not available.
“We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to get involved in a healthier lifestyle. The result of our concept is that you can sign up online at a very low price – starting from AED99 – with no-hidden costs, which is a fraction of what most traditional gyms are charging,” adds Afeaki. “And we felt 2018 is the perfect time to launch our brand as the importance of health and fitness among UAE residents is increasing rapidly. City-wide initiatives such as the recent Dubai 30-day challenge by the crown prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, encourage a more health conscious population.”
Formally launched to public this month, GymNation is also showing its keenness to collaborate with other local players promoting health and fitness. It has already partnered with Fuel Up by Kcal, a concept dedicated to promoting wellness through good, wholesome and healthy food. Fuel Up by Kcal is now GymNation’s official nutrition partner and will also operate its in-house café.
J Lindeberg was started by Johan Lindeberg in 1990s with the aimSeptember 2, 2022 | By RetailME Bureau
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Abu Dhabi based grocery retail chain Lulu Group has partnered with Amazon
UAE-government-led initiative Food Tech Valley – announced in 2021 by His Highness
Abu Dhabi-based supermarket chain Lulu Hypermarket is all set to open in
Plant-based meat brand Beyond Meat’s financial results for the third quarter of
UAE’s fresh produce brand Barakat has launched bio-degradable packaging across its entire
UAE-based agritech start-up Pure Harvest Smart Farms has signed a Memorandum of
Carrefour, owned and operated by Majid Al Futtaim – Retail in the
Grandiose Supermarket, part of Ghassan Aboud Group, has announced expansion plan in
The Valrhona journey began 100 years ago with a cocoa bean. Since
Deliveroo UAE has announced the expansion of its rapid grocery delivery service
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) revealed that the UAE
The Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) has unveiled an exciting line-up
UAE’s newest digital fitness and wellness platform GoWell is designed to empower
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For the third consecutive year Procter & Gamble (P&G) has partnered with
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UAE-based retail group Brands For Less Group (BFL) launched its first shopping
The UAE e-commerce market is expected to reach $9.2 billion in 2026,
As part of its expansion plan home-grown brand PINZA! opens two dine-in
Alison Rehill-Erguven the new CEO of Arabian Centres Company (ACC), owner, developer
Online luxury and fashion business NET-A-PORTER announced the winners of its inaugural
Healthcare provider under Aster DM Healthcare Group Medcare forays into beauty &


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Britain's biggest selling fishing weekly – Angling Times – is to sponsor the Northern Angling Show this December.
The huge, two-day extravaganza will be staged at EventCity, in the Trafford Centre, Manchester on Saturday and Sunday December 7 and 8 and has the full support of fishing’s biggest brands – Angling Times, Improve Your Coarse Fishing, and UKCarp magazine.
The Northern Angling Show launched in early 2013 with what has been described as ‘the best fishing show for years’ and this December the event will be bigger than ever.
Angling Times Editor Steve Fitzpatrick said: “I was very impressed with the inaugural Northern Angling Show and I’m delighted to be able to put our full strength behind this year’s event.
“With the power of Angling Times and our sister titles Improve Your Coarse Fishing and UKCarp, plus the passion of the Northern Angling Show organisers I’m positive this event will grow in popularity. I look forward to seeing you all there in December!”
And it’s not just new tackle which will be showcased - there will also be the chance to learn new skills with hands-on demonstrations from the country’s top anglers.
Northern Angling Show Director Jamie Clossick was delighted with the exciting partnership.
"We are very happy to have Angling Times on board to help us grow the show into all genres of angling.
“With the ever growing popularity of the carp scene I do worry that the young anglers coming into our sport are missing out on some of the fundamental skills of fishing. Float fishing, pole fishing, quiver-tipping, spinning and all the other methods are equally as important for people to learn but I fear it is a dying market unless we show the younger generation that there is a lot more to fishing than just carping."
Adding to the already impressive line up from event one, Northern Angling Show2 looks set to be a much bigger and busier show featuring brands including Fox International and Matrix, Garbolino, Century, Solar, CC Moore, Delkim plus many more new additions.
Show organisers, Lee Spence and Nick Maddix, commented: "We're really excited to be working alongside so many great brands from the first show as well as all of the new additions for the second one.
“With support from the likes of Angling Times plus other major angling titles and brands we will see this event grow incredibly quickly in the next few years and reach our goal of having the largest general angling show in Europe.”


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The Toy Industry’s Stocking Stuffer This Year
An effective strategy against counterfeiting
Amid the holidays, with the backdrop of a shifting economy, you might have found something hiding out among the listings on shopping sites such as eBay and Amazon Marketplace: goods that look like the real thing, but aren't.
Counterfeit listings have become more problematic for consumers and businesses alike. But for many organizations, messaging around it has been a challenge—in no small part because many consumers are willing to purchase knockoffs. But The Toy Association has found an increasingly effective messaging strategy to highlight the risks of knockoff toys: They are often unsafe, using problematic materials such as lead paint, and can present a major risk to consumers.
Steve Pasierb, president and CEO of The Toy Association, said that counterfeiting has become significant enough that it’s a major focus of the trade group these days.
Please select this link to read the complete article from Associations Now.


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Strides Pharma Science Ltd on Tuesday said it will immediately launch its generic Molnupiravir, indicated for high-risk adult patients with COVID-19, in India under the brand Stripiravir. The company has received Emergency Use Authorisation from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to launch Molnupiravir 200mg, an oral medication for COVID-19, in India.In a statement, Strides said it will “immediately launch Molnupiravir in India under its brand Stripiravir”.The company is commercialising the product with a group integrated supply chain for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and solid oral dosage from its large-scale WHO Pre-Qualified (PQ) manufacturing capacities, it added.
“We are delighted to receive the DCGI approval for launching Molnupiravir, which has shown promising results in several clinical studies. The product provides therapeutic benefit to the patients with mild-to-moderate COVID symptoms and can be administered at home,” Strides Pharma Science Ltd Managing Director and CEO R Ananthanarayanan said.
With the emergence of the new variants, he said, “we believe Molnupiravir will benefit the broad population, which could be at risk due to COVID-19. We remain committed in our fight against this global pandemic”.Indian authorities granted restricted emergency use approval to Molnupiravir for the treatment of adult patients with COVID-19 and who have a high risk of progression of the disease.
Strides said Molnupiravir has been granted approval by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) as a safe and effective medication for patients with mild to moderate cases of COVID-19. It also recently received the USFDA’s Emergency Use Authorisation
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- Govt panel recommends Serum’s Covovax dose for kids aged 12 and above - April 4, 2022


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Showing of 0 - 10 from 121 results
Google now - Total results - 121
Feb 13, 2017
New Google app update hints at Google Assistant on non-Pixel smartphonesGoogle revamped Google Now last year into the Google Assistant; it was announced alongside Android 7.1.1 Nougat. However it was said to be limited to the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones.
Jan 09, 2017
Nokia's 'Viki' digital assistant will take on Google Assistant, Siri and Alexa in the near futureIt certainly looks like the future of the smartphone is the digital assistant. The space is currently ruled by Google Now and Siri. Alexa and Cortana aren’t far behind either. Joining the fray, possibly, is Nokia’s own assistant and this one’s called Viki.
Dec 07, 2016
Google Now to be split up into 'Feed' and 'Upcoming' tabsGoogle Now is the feature in Google search which throws up informative cards even before you ask for them, based on your location, time of the day and other parameters. The feature is now set to get an update. It will be split up into two tabs, one focussing on the news stories and the other focussing on upcoming events.
Nov 01, 2016
Retail evolution: To stay relevant, offline players will have to be agile and be present digitally tooRetailers are currently competing with the platform approach that uses data as a currency, because everything retail, is going digital.
Oct 19, 2016
You can now ask Google Now to book an Ola or UberGoogle has teamed up with Ola and Uber to make cab booking even more hassle-free. So, you can now look for directions and then choose the taxi service directly within the Search app or mobile search browser.
Oct 04, 2016
Google Pixel, Home and Allo: Why is it such a big deal?While the invitations and marketing collateral focuses on just the Pixel smartphones, Google is going to take a big, bold stride and also make its second attempt to step into your home.
Sep 28, 2016
Apple is pushing for a world without touch, but what lies beyond that world?With the launch of the iPhone 7 and much-maligned AirPods, Apple is pushing us towards a world where physically interacting with our phones may be unnecessary. But what lies beyond that world?
Sep 16, 2016
Nova Launcher beta 5.0 update brings Pixel-style optionsNova Launcher, one of the most popular and widely used Android launchers has rolled out a new beta update for version 5.0.
Sep 06, 2016
Cyanogen Inc is launching Microsoft Cortana for OnePlus One in IndiaCyanogen took to its website to announce that it is rolling out Cortana for OnePlus One users in India.
Jul 31, 2016
Google Search's new feature will notify you whenever your name is mentioned on the webTechnology giant Google has rolled out a feature in Google Search that would notify you whenever your name is mentioned on the web -- anywhere in the world, a media report said.


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Fuji X-T3 Field Test Part I: A few days in NYC with Fujifilm’s new flagship X-series camera
posted Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 3:14 PM EST
Click here to read our Fuji X-T3 Field Test Pt. 1
Just last week Fujifilm announced the successor to their wildly-popular X-T2 camera, aptly-named the Fujifilm X-T3 -- no surprises there with the product naming. What is rather surprising is that while Fuji managed to keep the body design nearly identical, they were able to add new physical features and increase performance to where the X-T3 almost out-classes the higher-end X-H1 camera. For instance, there's now a headphone jack built into the main body, there's a more powerful AF system, 4Kp60 video recording is now available, and much more!
Oh yeah, and there's an all-new 26MP APS-C X-Trans sensor and a faster X Processor 4 image processing chip inside.
Our New York City-based colleague Eamon Hickey was on-hand at the X-T3 launch event put on by Fujifilm, and was able to not only spend time shooting at the launch event festivities but also hang onto the camera for a few days afterwards and gather a variety of other shots with the new APS-C mirrorless camera. He's come back now with a few insights and thoughts on his experience with the camera so far for an initial Field Test, so all interested parties will want to dive right in.
Thus far, the X-T3 is shaping up to be an excellent camera. It's AF system feels very fast and accurate (even in extemely unpleasant, dim lighting) and the camera's build quality is just as rugged, if not more so, than the X-T2's. Overall, Eamon reports a pleasing shooting experience so far, noting the camera's speed, performance and AF system.


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Big Bazaar goes for new logo,tag line on 10th yr of operations
After completing ten years of existence, India leading retail chain Big Bazaar is going for an image makeover with a new logo and a tag line that targets modern Indian consumers.Updated: Nov 17, 2011 18:56 IST
After completing ten years of existence, India leading retail chain Big Bazaar is going for an image makeover with a new logo and a tag line that targets modern Indian consumers.
"The logo and tag line will become a part of all our communication. With the new change we are moving on to a more emotional positioning," Future Group Strategy and customer director Vibha Rishi told PTI.
As part of the exercise, the retailer will have a tagline 'Naye India Ka Bazaar', replacing the earlier 'Isse Sasta Aur Accha Kahin Nahin'.
She said the new logo and tagline are contemporary and reflect changing India and ethos of shoppers here.
A television, print and social media communication initiative is also being launched to mark this change.
The new logo has been developed by Bangalore-based design house Idiom and the media campaign has been developed by Mudra Communication.
At present 151 Big Bazaar stores are operational in 90 cities across the country.
"Big Bazaar provides a platform for over 15,000 small, medium and large producers and manufacturers to sell their products to Indian consumers," a company statement added.
First Published: Nov 17, 2011 18:54 IST


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Just in time for the MLG Championship broadcast live from Anaheim, CA, from June 20-22, Major League Gaming has released their official MLG app for Xbox One. Similar to the existing Xbox 360 app, using this MLG app, Xbox One users can enjoy all of MLG.tv’s professionally-produced, premium, competitive gaming content on both consoles.
In addition to the action packed MLG Championship this weekend starting Friday, June 20 at 2:30pm PT, MLG’s popular programming includes the MLG news show “eSports Report,” the world’s best players, teams and leagues and premier competitions. Check out the MLG.tv programming schedule for more information.
The selection of MLG.tv programming available via the MLG app on Xbox One includes:
•MLG Championship – June 20-22 – broadcast live from Anaheim, CA, starting Friday, June 20 at 2:30pm PT and continuing through Sunday, June 22, the Championship features thousands of the best gamers playing “Call of Duty: Ghosts,” “StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm,” “Killer Instinct,” and more.
•MLG’s eSports Report: showcasing the latest news in competitive gaming.
•MLG “Call of Duty: Ghosts” Pro League – showcasing the top MLG Pro Circuit Call of Duty teams.
•MLG partner streams including international eSports leagues Gfinity and ACL Pro, top Call of Duty players Nadeshot and Scumpii, premier teams such as OpTic Gaming, EnVyUs, FaZe and Curse and YouTube sensations.
Read more at Xbox Wire.


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The consumer products giant wasted no time getting its Olympic ads out there and was airing its heartstring-tugging tribute to soccer and gymnastics moms by Mother's Day. That was bolstered with online profiles of Olympic parents including U.S. gymnast Shawn Johnson's mother and U.S. swimmer Ryan Lochte's mom. If you're wondering when they're going to start selling you product, just check out Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps' attempt to swim Americans clear of dandruff in the video above. Acer
You won't see Apple ( AAPL) and the iPad on the podium this Olympics, nor will you see Microsoft's ( MSFT) Surface anywhere near the medals ceremony. Nope, that kind of honor is reserved for a company best known for making netbooks. You know, like laptops but smaller? Yeah, nobody else got it either, which is why Acer will be plugging away for its A510 Olympic Games Edition Tablet as it supplies all of the computing equipment for this year's games. Will it get average consumers to stop using "iPad" as a genericized tablet trademark or critics to stop using it as the reference point for every new tablet that comes along? Let's just say the athletes aren't the only ones dreaming big at these games. Visa ( V)
Sepia-toned athletic drama? Thousands of screaming fans? Morgan Freeman narrating it all? Yep, that's about par for Visa, which has been an Olympic sponsor for a quarter-century and has some idea of how this game is played. Go big, go global and go remind everyone that your credit card is accepted in all sorts of exciting and dramatic places around the world.


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Victoria Beckham has confirmed that her first standalone store will be on London's Dover Street, opening this autumn. The shop, covering 7,000 square feet and will be three stories tall. The shop will be designed by architect Farshid Moussavi - whose projects include the 2012 London Olympic Park. The Fashion phenom released the following statement
"I think the time is now because I know my customer, It will be the first time that the people will really be able to see the brand through my eyes."
The space will house all of the collections under her brand, including Victoria Beckham, Victoria Victoria Beckham, denim, optical and accessories. Beckham also revealed that Britain is her strongest market, followed by America - where she is set to open an office, in New York's Chelsea, next month.
Image: Flickr (Creative Commons)


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Netflix has announced that the popular card game and novel Magic the Gathering will be getting an animated series the platform. The directors of the highly successful Avengers: Endgame Joe and Anthony Russo will be spearheading the project. In the past, there have been multiple attempts in order to bring Magic to the big screen but could never get things going. The Russo brothers will oversee the creation of the storyline that will expand the universe of the series.
When asked about the opportunity to work on the series the Russo brothers stated that “We have been huge fans and players of Magic: The Gathering for as long as it has been around, so being able to help bring these stories to life through animation is a true passion project for us.” However, the Russo brothers aren’t the only talent that Netflix has brought on. They’ve gathered a bunch of creative minds from series like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Batman: The Animated Series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Firefly, Agent Carter, Ultimate Spider-Man, and The Lego Movies.
HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT TIME: Netflix and Wizards of the Coast are teaming up with Joe and Anthony Russo to make a Magic: The Gathering anime series and this teaser of Chandra has me asking QUESTIONS. pic.twitter.com/vljlEtl0Mq
— Netflix Geeked (@NetflixGeeked) June 3, 2019
If you’re unfamiliar with the Magic lore here is a brief synopsis: “Magic: The Gathering’s compelling characters, fantastic worlds, and deep strategic gameplay have entertained and delighted fans for more than 25 years. Fans can experience Magic through the tabletop trading card game, the new digital game Magic: The Gathering Arena, a New York Times bestselling novel, critically acclaimed comic book series, and professional esports league. With over 38 million fans to date, Magic is a worldwide phenomenon published in eleven languages in over 70 countries.”
Let us know your thoughts on the announcement of Magic the Gathering animated series in the comment section below and are you excited for a chance to see Magic finally animated?
Source: Press Release


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ADVENTURE MODE WAS SUPER SMASH BROS. MELEE’S MOST UNDERRATED FEATURE and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has the opportunity to revive it.Super Smash Bros. Brawl’s ‘Subspace Emissary’ story mode
Nintendo sues to shut down two big ROM sites
One has already shuttered, another has pulled NES ROMs from its catalogNintendo has filed a lawsuit against the operator of two websites serving ROMs of old Nintendo console video games, calling them a “brazen and mass-scale infringement of Nintendo’s intellectual property rites.” Already, one site, LoveRetro.co, has been taken offline.
The other, LoveROMS, has taken all of its Nintendo files out of the directory, reports TorrentFreak. Both are, according to Nintendo’s complaint, operated by the same person.
“The LoveROMs and LoveRETRO websites are among the most open and notorious online hubs for pirated video games,” reads Nintendo’s suit, filed July 19 in U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. “Through the LoveROMs and LoveRETRO websites, Defendants reproduce, distribute, publicly perform and display a staggering number of unauthorized copies of Nintendo’s video games, all without Nintendo’s permission. This includes thousands of games developed for nearly every video game system Nintendo has ever produced.”
Bethesda hopes to continue Switch support “with whatever we’re making that will run and run well”
Japan: Square Enix Once Again Apologises For Octopath Traveler ShortagesIt looks as though Square Enix can not keep up with the demand for the well-received JRPG Octopath Traveler for the Nintendo Switch, at least in Japan. The company has issued another public apology on Twitter. The newly restock product sold out within three hours across all Yodabashi Camera outlets yesterday.


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Farmers are being warned to be aware of fraudsters as Basic Payments start to arrive in bank accounts.
Recipients should be alert for suspicious phone calls, texts and emails from fraudsters, said the Country Land and Business Association.
With the majority of these payments expected to be made before the end of December, and all by the close of January 2016, claimants are likely to be seen as attractive targets for phone scammers over the festive period, it said.
Fraudsters often call and claim that fraud has been detected on their victim’s business or personal bank accounts, and that immediate action is required to remedy the situation.
The victim is then tricked into handing over key financial information or transferring funds into a so-called “safe account”, which is controlled by the criminal.
According to data from Financial Fraud Action UK, the first half of 2015 saw a 6% increase in financial fraud losses.
CLA East regional Director Ben Underwood said: “A lot of information as to who receives BPS payments is publically available – which makes farmers and landowners increasingly vulnerable.
“Criminals can target specific individuals and sound very convincing because of the large amount of data they have at their fingertips. Therefore it’s vital that everyone involved in running rural businesses are on alert.
Farmers should be cautious of any call, text or email out of the blue about BPS payments, even if the caller stated there had been fraud on the account, said Mr Underwood.
“Remember that just because a caller knows a decent amount about your business, it is not confirmation that their message is authentic.
“If in doubt, put the phone down, wait five or 10 minutes to ensure the call has definitely ended, and then call the organisation the caller claimed to have been from, ensuring you use a number you have used previously and know is trustworthy.”
Those who believe they have been a victim of this type of fraud can contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit the Auction Fraud website.