text:
Flames in Mumbai's GST constructing
Terrible hearth on eighth ground of GST constructing
15-20 hearth engines current on the scene
Level 4 (grotesque) hearth in GST constructing
Trend on twitter after hearth incident GST Bhavan
Raj Express Recently, a horrible hearth has come to gentle on the GST constructing in Mazgaon, Mumbai. According to reviews, a fierce hearth broke out on the eighth ground of GST constructing on Monday afternoon, which has been stirring for the reason that incident. On Twitter because of hearth incident 'GST Bhavan' Seemed to be trending. <! –
Firearm autos reached the spot:
As quickly as the hearth was reported, about 15-20 autos rushed to the spot instantly and the hearth was managed after extinguishing the hearth. According to the hearth brigade, they have been reported to have caught hearth at round 12.48 pm. Only then 15 water tankers And 5 hearth engines Has been dispatched to.
The shadow of black smoke within the sky:
On seeing the horrific hearth within the GST constructing, there was a cloud of black smoke within the sky. However, there is no such thing as a report of any lack of life or casualty because of this hearth incident. Along with this, efforts are being made to take out the individuals current within the constructing. At the identical time, based on the hearth division, this level-4 (horrific) hearth is being reported.
What is the explanation for the hearth?
How the hearth broke out within the GST constructing isn’t but identified, however it’s also being advised that the incident was brought on by a brief circuit.
on Twitter GST Bhavan Some movies have additionally come out of the hearth, which you’ll be able to see here-
– Arvind Kukreti (@arvindkukreti) February 17, 2020
How come Govt buildings catch hearth Mantralaya, GST bhavan, Andheri hospital, mtnl and essential recordsdata vanish within the hearth, why hearth brigade by no means put in a report and no one is made accountable or arrested, however swift motion is taken of arrests in case of personal bldgs, is Govt GOD pic.twitter.com/STd98V3Awx
– Jaydeep Thosar (@jaydeep_thosar) February 17, 2020
1000 individuals current within the constructing:
It is being advised that the ground of the GST constructing on which the hearth broke out, there was a server room of the GST workplace and at the moment contained in the constructing 1000 People have been current. Meanwhile, individuals trapped within the hearth have been taken out with the assistance of close by individuals current there.


text:
Payments Innovation at Groupe Auchan, One of the World's Largest Retailers
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Posted by Paul Thomalla
France-based Groupe Auchan is the world’s eleventh largest food retailer, with more than 3,000 stores, spanning 15 countries across Europe and Asia. The retail giant is embarking on a major payments initiative that will not only benefit the organization, but its hundreds of thousands of customers as well—a new SEPA-compliant European card payments platform, the first of its kind in Europe.
We sat down with Arnaud Crouzet, Head of Group Global Payments Development at Auchan. Arnaud provides insight into the rationale behind this move and what it means to Auchan’s technology-savvy customer base.
1. Why did you decide to embark on this major initiative—implementing a Pan-European centralized card payments platform? How is this different/unique?
The payment market is evolving and consumer buying habits and expectations are changing. Delivering an optimal customer experience—not just today, but every day—is crucial.
In Europe, each country has its own regulations, industry associations, standards and protocols; every time a new payment solution is introduced in a country, it needs to adhere to that country’s specifications and protocols. Depending on the country, some protocols do not allow some functionality, which hampers innovation. And innovation is key.
We are constantly testing, innovating and improving the customer experience, offering quick, simple and secure ways to shop and purchase, which now include mobile and biometric payments. And we’re doing this with a new centralized card payments platform, managing all electronic transactions, through all channels (in-store, online and mobile) across Europe. This centralized platform allows us to manage and customize our deployment for new payments capabilities in regard to our strategy throughout Europe. In other words, adopting a single approach leads to better overall management, no matter the country.
2. What benefit(s) will this platform bring to Auchan and what benefit(s) will it bring to consumers?
Our new platform allows us to quickly and easily bring new services and innovations to all of our stores—from the aforementioned mobile and biometrics capabilities to additional layers of security. We want to ensure our customers enjoy the best shopping (and payments) experience, one that is both convenient and secure.
We employ a large and talented innovation group that’s finding new ways to further improve the shopping experience.
Related Blog Posts
An Executive’s Guide to the Top Five Fraud KPIs
Key performance indicators (KPIs) are a commonly used term across many industries. For KPIs to be a valuable way to measure success, they need to be properly defined, capable of being adjusted and connected to one another. When it comes to use of KPIs in fraud management, this is particularly important. With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at the different fraud KPIs, along with how they should ideally interact.
Real-Time Payments: A Mix of Simple, Smart and Secure Will Be Crucial for Further Adoption
In our global payments report, we predicted that 2020 would be Prime Time for Real-Time. And that was before the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of real-time and digital payments around the world, which quickly became a necessity in keeping citizens safe and businesses afloat. During the recent ACI Edge Virtual event for banks and intermediaries, we discussed the challenges of real-time adoption with some of the industry’s leading experts. I caught up after the event with Lisa Neary, head of payments at Co-op Bank UK, Ian Gausden, head of real-time payments at Mastercard, Vincent Brennan, head of group payments and business continuity management at Bank of Ireland and Enrico Albertelli, head of payments and digital banking solutions at Nexi.
Merchants Don’t Need a Payments Gateway, They Need a Payments Hub
The term “payments gateway” over-simplifies what it takes to process a payment. The terminology comes from the early days of online payment processing, but has now entered the vernacular for all aspects of merchant payments, including online, mobile and in-store.
How to Recession-Proof Your Retail Business in 2021
2020 has been a challenging year for retailers, many of which who were — understandably — unprepared to deal with the pandemic. With millions of people in the U.K. in lockdown, consumers and businesses have had to change the way they work and live, and the way they shop and pay.
What Will the World of Post-Pandemic Payments Look Like? [Dave Birch Q&A]
Dave Birch is a leading global authority on payments and digital identity, who is no stranger to predicting what the future of financial services has in store. After delivering the keynote presentation at our recent ACI Edge Virtual: Banks & Intermediaries, we gathered some insights from Dave on what the world of payments could look like, post pandemic.
12 Ways Americans Changed How They Pay in 2020
ACI experts recently shared their predictions and industry expectations for billing and payments in 2021 and beyond. As we close out 2020, let us look back at just how much billing and payments have changed this year:
Comment DXC Technology et ACI Worldwide adressent-ils les enjeux règlementaires en Europe?
En Juillet dernier, Le conseil de gouvernance de l’ECB a pris une décision importante concernant le futur des paiements en Europe. En demandant aux PSP participants au système TARGET2 de se connecter à TIPS avant Novembre 2021. Dans le même temps les ACH domestiques devront effectuer le transfert de leurs comptes techniques vers TIPS.
Adding Fuel to the Fraud Fire
Payments fraud is a widespread and difficult issue in the fuel segment. Fuel dispensers are a common target for certain types of fraud – and fuel merchants often lack visibility into the level and impact of that fraud.
EBAday 2020: Reaping the Full Potential of Real-Time Payments
Real-time payments are growing rapidly worldwide. In fact, according to ACI’s Prime Time for Real-Time report, more than half a trillion real-time payments transactions will be processed over the next five years. ACI’s Dean Wallace, director solution leadership, Real-Time and Digital, recently took part in an EBAday panel to discuss what businesses need from banks to reap the full potential of real-time payments, how fintechs can assist and how collaboration can be advanced on a global scale. I caught up with Dean to discuss the latest insights.
The Role of Regulation, Collaboration and Competition in Pushing Forward Payments Modernization
While geographic regions have taken their own approaches to payments modernization, they all face some common challenges – a principal one being adoption of real-time payments, which is central to successful payments modernization projects. I spoke to some of the top minds tackling real-time payments adoption in key markets, including the U.S., Canada and the U.K.

domain: news


text:
Tata Sky’s mobile app has been updated with two new features. The DTH operator has added the option to restart live TV shows and has integrated Google voice search in the latest update. Users will be able to restart live TV shows with just one click, and Google voice search will help them discover content without typing. Also Read - Tata Sky Binge+ 4K सेट-टॉप बॉक्स के लॉन्च से पहले कीमत का हुआ खुलासा
The latest Tata Sky Mobile app update was pushed on December 17 on the Google Play. The app version 9.11 changelog notes (first reported by DreamDTH) that ‘now you can restart your favorite Live TV shows anytime’ and ‘introducing voice search’. Reportedly, the new feature went live on the web version on December 27. Also Read - Tata Sky Binge+ 4K set-top-box alleged pricing leaked ahead of launch
The Tata Sky Mobile app is essentially a free add-on service from the DTH operator which lets you watch live TV, on-demand movies and shows alongside managing your Tata Sky account. Not just that, the app also allows you to pair Tata Sky set-top-box and you can then use your phone as remote for HD+ set-top-boxes. Also Read - Tata Sky सेट टॉप बॉक्स की कीमतों में इजाफा, अब 1,399 रुपये में खरीदें
Meanwhile, the DTH operator seems to be gearing up to launch an Android 9 Pie-based 4K hybrid set-top-box in India soon. It is reported to be called Tata Sky Binge+, and a lot has been already leaked about the box. The launch was expected around December 18, but there is still no official word about it.
Watch Video: Tata Sky Channel Packs
Recently, the alleged leaked pricing of the hybrid set-top-box surfaced on the internet. It’s been said that new users will be able to buy the Tata Sky Binge+ set-top-box for Rs 4,999. Existing subscribers, on the other hand, will get it for Rs 2,999.


text:
1. Brazil: With a population of over 200 million people, Brazil has the potential to become one of the largest gambling markets in the world. The government has recently passed legislation to legalize sports betting, and there are discussions to further expand into other forms of gambling.
2. Japan: Known for its love of technology, Japan recently legalized casino gambling in select locations. This has attracted the attention of major gaming companies looking to enter the market and capitalize on the country’s tourism industry.
3. India: Gambling laws in India are complex, and the market is largely unregulated. However, there have been discussions to legalize and regulate certain forms of gambling, which could create a massive new market for both domestic and international operators.
4. Vietnam: Vietnam’s gambling market has been growing rapidly in recent years, thanks to relaxed regulations and increased foreign investment. The government is also considering further expansion of the gaming industry, which makes it an attractive market to watch.
5. Mexico: Mexico has a well-established gambling industry, primarily focused on land-based casinos. However, there has been a push for online gambling regulation in recent years, which could open up new opportunities for operators in this market.
6. Nigeria: With a population of over 200 million people and a growing middle class, Nigeria has emerged as a potential hotbed for gambling. The government has taken steps to regulate the industry, and many international operators have shown interest in entering this market.
7. Argentina: Argentina has a long history of gambling, with a significant number of land-based casinos. However, the government has recently begun discussions to regulate online gambling, which could lead to further growth in this market.
8. South Korea: While South Korea already has a well-developed gambling industry, there are plans to further expand and diversify the market. This includes the development of integrated resorts, attracting major global gaming companies.
9. Colombia: Colombia has seen significant growth in its online gambling market since it was regulated in 2016. The country has a well-established regulatory framework and a growing interest in online gaming, making it an attractive market for operators.
10. Kenya: Kenya has a vibrant sports betting industry, driven by a high smartphone penetration rate and a young population. The government has implemented stricter regulations in recent years, but the market still holds potential for growth and development.


text:
WELCOME TO The channel REPORT
Feature market insights and perspectives from top C-Level executives, elite technology influencers and thought leaders from your company here. This signature initiative has garnered immense support...
Multi Channel Marketing
DestinFlorida.com | May 11, 2022
DestinFlorida.com, a robust business directory for the local Destin, FL area, has announced a marketing partnership with Five Channels, a done-for-you digtial marketing agency offering SEO, social media marketing, paid traffic campaigns, and so much more.
“The new partnership is going to bring the local Destin businesses the experience and expertise of a professional marketing agency. Paired with the leverage offered by the massive marketing footprint o...
ZINFI | May 06, 2020
ZINFI’s Industry-Leading Unified Channel Management Platform Will Now Also Be Available on Microsoft Azure, Further Enhancing Platform Security, Scalability and Availability.
ZINFI will continue to offer potential cust...
Thrive | November 08, 2023
The 2023 Channel Futures MSP 501 list recognizes leading global MSPs for their achievements in growth and innovation within a volatile business environment.
The accolade was conferred upon Thrive during the MSP 501 Awards Gala on November 1 at Fontainebleau Miami Beach in Florida.
The award recognizes Thrive's commitment to delivering advanced global cybersecuri...
Facebook | March 10, 2020
Following the announcement made by Facebook to ban facemask ads and Twitter (along with all other major tech companies) asking its employees to work from home to avoid exposure Instagram has also stepped in to share accurate details and updates regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The coronavirus is a contagious respiratory illness that spreads via secretions from coughing, sneezing, and even touching infected objects. Initiated in the Wuhan district of China, the disease has spread ra...
Keep me plugged in with the best
Join thousands of your peers and receive our weekly newsletter with the latest news, industry events, customer insights, and market intelligence.
Put your news, events, company, and promotional content in front of thousands of your peers and potential customers.
Not a member yet? Not a problem, Sign Up
Sign up to contribute and publish your news, events, brand, and content with the community for FREE


text:
If you’re a Microsoft Surface Pro 2 owner and you’re having problems after the latest round of firmware updates you are apparently not alone. Microsoft released a number of updates for the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 on December 10, the latest Patch Tuesday release date. Since then a number of users were reporting issues including reduced battery life for those who managed to install it. For some the update failed to install.
They may be the lucky ones because Microsoft is pulling the update and telling users they will have to wait for a new update until after the holiday season. Here’s the quote from Microsoft:
To ensure the best experience for our customers during the holiday season, we have taken steps to remove the update for Surface Pro 2 that was previously published through Windows Update on December 10th, 2013. We are working to release an alternative update package after the holidays.
As of this post Microsoft isn’t offering a workaround or troubleshooting advice, so we’re not sure if users who successfully installed the update and were bitten by the problems will be having such a “best experience” during the holidays.
The latest firmware update was promoted to improve improve interaction with the Surface Cover that included power-saving functionality. Here’s a list of what was included in the December update:
December 2013 update
- Improved system stability, including when minimizing full screen games.
- Updated Wi-Fi driver for improved wireless display and connectivity with wireless access points.
- Improved Surface Cover interaction including power-saving sleep functionality.
- Color fidelity improvements for all applications.
- Optimized two-finger trackpad use.
- Enhanced audio experience when connected to a Display Port 1.2 device.
The issues only affect the Surface Pro 2 and not the Surface 2.


text:
- ticket title
- Kavalan Announces its Second ‘STR Whisky’
- Qi Card تتيح لعملائها تصميم بطاقاتهم من خلال بطاقة “اختياري”
- Hyundai Motor Announces IONIQ Brand Dedicated to EVs, Opening New Chapter for Customer-Centric EV Experiences
- أوبو تطلق حملة اكتشف اللامحدودبالشراكة مع ثلاثة مواهب إماراتية بارزة
- تكريم شركة Gulf Business Machines كواحدة من أفضل شركات التوظيف في البحرين عن عام 2020
Reference Date: 11-November-2014
FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT
Below-average 2014 cereal production expected to be offset by strong growth in root and tuber production
Harvesting of coarse grains is underway in the northern part of the country which has only one rainy season. In the South, harvesting of the 2014 second season maize crop is about to start. Erratic precipitation in parts of the country has affected crop yields, leading to a reduced 2014 cereal harvest. The National Agricultural Statistics Service has forecasted a below‑average 2014 cereal harvest of about 1.3 million tonnes. Production of maize, the main staple cereal, is forecast to decline by 4 percent compared to last year’s below-average level of 1.058 million tonnes. By contrast, a good production of roots and tuber crops is expected, with cassava output forecast to expand by nearly 40 percent over last year’s level.
In 2013, cereal output was estimated at about 1.4 million tonnes, 8 percent lower than the previous year’s good crop. This level of production was similar to the average of the previous five years.
Coarse grains prices declined in recent months
Prices of maize, the main staple food, were mostly stable in recent months, and remained significantly lower than a year earlier reflecting adequate supplies as well as generally favourable prospects for the 2014 cropping season across the subregion. The beginning of the 2014 first harvesting season in August has put downward pressure on prices in most markets across the country. Maize prices declined by up to 35 percent between July and September 2014. Prices of imported rice, mainly consumed in urban centres, remained stable across the country, in line with trends in international markets.


text:
A recent spate of documentaries and media reports has made McDonald's bashing a popular sport. Indeed, there's a tendency in the press to portray the company as a heartless, international conglomerate that just makes people obese. Until this week in Germany, however, McDonald's has probably never been accused of causing starvation.
The western European hedgehog, a nocturnal, insect-loving mammal common across northern Europe, has apparently acquired a taste for the McFlurry, a popular ice cream treat sold by the American fast-food behemoth. And dozens, if not more, have perished as a result. The problem is that the furry creatures are getting their heads caught in the dessert's convex plastic lid, much as ducks and fish once got trapped in the plastic packaging that holds together a six-pack of beer cans.
Friends of the Earth Germany (BUND), the nation's largest environmental group, says that it has received reports of between 50 and 100 cases of hedgehogs getting trapped in McFlurry packaging during the last two years alone. The group then lobbied McDonald's to develop a hedgehog-safe lid.
"There hasn't been a scientific study on the matter, but anyone who has driven down the autobahn and seen all the litter can understand why these discarded McFlurry cups would be a hazard for Hedgehogs," Rolf Bahrens, who works for BUND in the German state of North-Rhine Westphalia, told SPIEGEL ONLINE. "People have called us, reporting many cases where they found a hedgehog that had crawled into one of these cups and died of starvation."
A spokesman for McDonald's in Germany said in a phone interview with SPIEGEL ONLINE that company executives started working on the problem soon after BUND approached them two years ago, but that it took time to develop an alternative lid.
"Tests have been conducted considering the average size of hedgehogs -- we needed to find an opening that was big enough for a spoon but small enough that a hedgehog could not get inside," said Alexander Schramm, a McDonald's spokesman.
Schramm explained that the company considered several different lid sizes and even a cover with flaps that would allow hedgehogs to crawl in and out. In the end, it settled on a design already in use in the United Kingdom, where McDonald's confronted the exact same problem in 2006 after complaints from the British Hedgehog Society.
Schramm was unsure whether McDonald's had confronted the hedgehog conundrum in other countries, but pointed out that the McFlurry is not available in every country. Hedgehogs are native to Africa, Asia and Europe, while the Golden Arches can be found on every continent except Antarctica.
McDonald's began introducing the new small-mouthed lids earlier this month and they should be available in all stores in Germany within weeks. The rollout may come just in time -- German wire service DPA reported Monday that mild winter weather in Germany was drawing hedgehogs out of hibernation weeks earlier than usual.


text:
Bernhardt Names Summer Thornton as New Designer in Residence
Bernhardt recently announced that it has tapped Summer Thornton as their Designer in Residence. Known for her modern maximalist viewpoint, Summer Thornton (summerthorntondesign.com) will take her turn interpreting the iconic company’s design legacy.Bernhardt’s Designer in Residence will be celebrated in conjunction with the Hearst Luxury Design Collection (Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Town & Country, and Veranda). For this Market’s iteration, Veranda and its editor Steele Marcoux will be serving as the exclusive media partner.“We were excited to see the response to our first Designer in Residence tribute to design in October,” says Alex Bernhardt Jr., President and CEO of Bernhardt. “Designer Nick Olsen set a high bar with his creative vision last fall. After that amazing and inspiring celebration, we can’t wait to see what Summer Thornton creates for us this April. Our Designer in Residence series is truly honoring the art of creating stunning interiors, and we continue to be inspired here at Bernhardt by these talented interior designers.”“The only guideline for Bernhardt’s Designer in Residence is that there are no guidelines. This is a space where imagination and creation are celebrated and revered.” says Gregory Heller, Vice President of Merchandising for Residential Casegoods. “Thornton has a fearless use of color, pattern and texture, and an ability to bring a fresh point of view to traditional design.”Chicago-based Summer Thornton is a rising interior design star who has been included on such prestigious lists as the 1stdibs 50, Luxe Gold List, Traditional Home’s 10 New Trads, and Sotheby’s 20 Designers to Watch. With an irreverent spin on traditional design and her bold use of color, Summer has created stunning interiors nationwide, including dramatic beach homes in Naples, a Tuxedo road estate in Atlanta, a Telluride ski lodge, and a plethora of projects in Chicago’s most exclusive buildings. Her work has consistently been featured in major shelter publications, including five recent covers.About Bernhardt: Bernhardt Furniture Company, Inc. headquartered in Lenoir NC, has been crafting fine furniture since 1889. Still privately owned by the founding family, this heritage brand produces a wide range of luxury indoor and outdoor furniture that’s fashionable, well-made, and designed for modern living. Please visit Bernhardt.com for more information. About Veranda: VERANDA (www.veranda.com) is one of the world’s most exquisitely produced interior design magazines, reaching an audience of 1.6 million (MPA April 2015). It is the unparalleled source for luxury living, featuring the finest in home decoration, style, jewelry, travel, culture and more. Every issue celebrates the art of living well by giving its readers entrée to the most fascinating people, places and things in style today. VERANDA is published by Hearst Magazines, a unit of Hearst, a leading global, diversified media, information and services company. Hearst attracts more readers of monthly magazines than any other publisher. Hearst Magazines’ print and digital assets reach 155 million readers and site visitors each month—two-thirds of all millennials, and over 80% of Gen Z and millennial women in the country (source: 2019 comScore/MRI 11-18/S18). With more than 25 brands in the U.S., the company publishes over 300 editions and 245 websites around the world.
Furniture Industry News and in depth magazine articles for the furniture retail, furniture manufacturers, and furniture distributors.
Read other articles by Nic Ledoux


text:
Norwalk's Waypointe project showing signs of life
Along West Avenue: Excavation starts on first phase
Updated 4:17 pm, Thursday, March 7, 2013
Construction of a long-awaited mixed-use project that has been a decade in the waiting has begun in Norwalk with the prospect of attracting 2,000 residents, as well as retailers to fill more than 90,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space.
Paxton Kinol and Brandon E. Lacoff, principals in Greenwich-based developer Belpointe Real Estate, sitting in a conference room in their office at Loehmann's Plaza on West Avenue, shared renderings of the Waypointe project, which includes 774 apartments and more than 90,000 square feet in the first two phases on the east side of West Avenue.
The city also has approved a third phase on east side of the thoroughfare for 60 apartments and 60,000 square feet of medical office and retail space.
Excavation has started on the 10-acre site, which will include two parking garages with 1,025 spaces. Part of the project includes converting the Bigelow Tea warehouse into a three-level parking garage and building 98 apartments around it.
The timing is right, Kinol said, commenting that funding sources are finally starting to loosen their purse strings after the recession.
"We got financing from Carmel Partners (a San Francisco real estate investment firm). We have a similar philosophy in multi-family apartments," Kinol said. "This is the most challenging (financial) environment I've worked in."
The first phase of the $250 million project will offer 444 apartments and 60,000 square feet of street-level retail and restaurant space in two buildings and should be completed in 24 months, said Kinol, who has been a prime mover in construction of residential complexes in Stamford, including Adams Mill, Eastside Commons, Glenview House, Mill River House, River House and The Metropolitan.
Originally planned by Norwalk developer Stanley Seligson, the majority of project was acquired by Belpointe in 2011. Seligson, chairman and chief executive officer of Stanley M. Seligson Properties, remains a participant in the development.
Located at Orchard Street and West Avenue, the two-building first phase will feature a pedestrian walkway under a 45-foot-wide arch facing Orchard Street and leading to a large courtyard lined with shops and restaurants with apartments above.
"There's more retail (and restaurant) space in this development than all of South Norwalk combined," said Kinol, adding that facades of the two buildings have been designed to provide a unique and varied appearance. "We're trying to pick up more of a New England accent."
Several restaurants, which will offer courtyard seating, are ready to sign leases, he said, touting the easy access of development from throughout the region, making it attractive to retailers and restaurateurs and their customers, as well as tenants, who can expect to pay $2,400 a month for a two-bedroom apartment.
"Norwalk is really the center of Fairfield County when you look at it from the retail perspective. You've got the confluence of highways leading you here, and we're sitting right in the middle of some of the wealthiest towns in the United States," Kinol said, crediting Seligson for laying the groundwork. "We're providing an outside shopping experience with really convenient parking. Norwalk is going through a change and becoming a city. We think Waypointe will be a center of life in Fairfield County. You'll see the entire neighborhood be drastically improved."
Estimating that the annual household income for the tenants will be at least $200,000, he said surrounding businesses will benefit.
Waypointe will offer a family-oriented atmosphere, Lacoff said, citing its amenities.
"Norwalk has been waiting 20 years for this," he said.
For Seligson, the sight of excavation equipment in action after years of waiting is evidence that he will finally see his plans come to fruition.
Seligson purchased 30 properties, patiently assembling them to make the project possible, only to be disappointed when managers of a property development fund pulled its financing six years ago when the recession hit. He later agreed to partner with Belpointe in an effort to line up new financing and start the project.
"I feel great. It's a project that will change Norwalk both physically and psychologically," Seligson said, commenting that Carmel, with its strong financial footing, and the solid reputations of his business and Belpointe, form a strong team.
Commenting that the second phase could start as early as this spring, Seligson said he anticipates developing the third phase on his own, and that some stages of all three phases could be going on concurrently. He expects Norwalk's Planning and Zoning Commission to review plans for phase two this month.
Tad Diesel, Norwalk's director of marketing and business development, said the city threw its support behind Seligson's plans, knowing he had chosen a good location. But seeking financing for the project as the nation was entering a recession made it impossible to proceed.
"It's easy to get to," Diesel said. There's public transportation. This fulfills a part of the plan for Norwalk's future. This plan has been studied for more than a decade," he said, commenting that it adds another level of retail possibilities that Norwalk has been lacking. "This is an indication that the design is right, and the economy is ready."
Newmark Grubb Knight Frank has the task of marketing the retail and restaurant aspects of the development, and it already has sparked interest from some major chains, said Rika Lisslo, a director of the national real estate firm.
"This is truly a regional draw," said Lisslo. "It's appealing to national retailers that want to be in Fairfield County. Everyone around the country is aware of this project. What's attractive to retailers is that here you can create critical mass."
Mixed-use projects like Waypointe have been growing in popularity across the country because they provide convenience for apartment dwellers and a nearby source of patrons for merchants and restaurateurs, said Jesse Tron, a spokesman for the International Council of Shopping Centers.
"It's a nice fit on both ends," Tron said. "For retailers, it gives you a built-in customer base, and for people living there it's quite convenient.
Construction of mixed-use developments in recent years reverses a retail strategy begun more than 50 years ago that clustered stores in shopping centers and malls on the outskirts of a community where available land was plentiful and inexpensive, said Ed McMahon, the Charles E. Fraser chair on sustainable development at the Washington, D.C.-based Urban Land Institute.
The institute has issued a report on emerging trends in real estate and best practices for the past 25 years, said McMahon, a senior resident fellow at the ULI, and mixed-use development in metropolitan areas is now a key strategy.
"You had to drive everywhere for everything," McMahon said. "We're going back to the model of mixing things. The future is leading to Main Street, town centers and mixed-use development. Strip development is for the last century. We completely over-built those retail strips. Retailers are re-discovering our cities and towns."


text:
Needless to say, the big console hub-bub that started seven years ago is now flourishing on Xbox Live. In 2007, the state of Xbox Live is thriving with millions of Xbox subscribers. But much to the chagrin of hardcore Xbox fans, the state of offline co-op games isn't. And one has to wonder if the two aren't related.
So why does it feel like offline gaming is getting the shaft?
Perhaps the lack of offline co-op modes in Splinter Cell: Double Agent exemplifies the issue best. Or the missing eight-player option in Madden NFL 07. Maybe the missing offline co-op mode in Crackdown hurts too. Or maybe it's just the inconsistent implementation of offline game modes in general that makes one wonder what the hell is going on.
Again, the growth of Xbox Live is great for Microsoft, Xbox gamers, and console online gaming in general. And in a way, gamers with Live accounts have more people to play with than ever before. I know when I turn on my Xbox, there is always someone with whom to chat or play. But why does it feel like developers are skipping out on the old-school stuff?
The honest truth is that Xbox Live online gaming is a priority for most Xbox 360 developers. Based on the first Xbox's games, mostly action, sports, and shooters, Xbox 360 is seen as a hardcore system with the distinguishing factor of great online support. It is perceived as the "online console." Publishers have told IGN time and time again that the previous model of Xbox games has forged at least some, if not all, of their perception of the Xbox 360's strengths and market alike.
This inconsistent support isn't coming from Microsoft. Microsoft supports all co-op gaming online and offline. And, according to Microsoft representatives, there is no written mandate that specifically necessitates online gaming over offline play. It's up to the developers themselves.
Either that, or split-screen gaming will go the way of the Dodo. But seriously, is that a real consideration? Publishers and developers should support both co-op and multiplayer gaming online and offline. It's that simple. I mean, what's better than sitting on your couch at home playing games with your friends?
If you buy something through this post, IGN may get a share of the sale. For more, learn more.


text:
French company Nicox S.A. (Euronext: COX) has announced that affiliate companies of itself and Sequenom Inc (Nicox Inc. and Sequenom Laboratories) have entered into an exclusive agreement that grants North American promotional rights to Nicox for the Sequenom Laboratories “RetnaGen AMD” test designed for the evaluation of a patient’s risk of AMD disease progression. The company announced that the test will be promoted by the same Nicox U.S. sales force which recently launched an advanced diagnostic panel for the early detection of Sjogren’s Syndrome, a chronic autoimmune disease. Marketing of the AMD test in the US is expected in the first half of 2014.
French company, Nicox S.A. (Euronext: COX) announce grant of exclusive North American rights to Sequenom’s RetnaGene AMD test.
- by swdadmin


text:
When will the 2021 tax holiday be?
Multiple states will be having tax free weekends in July and August - find out when yours is.
What states are included?
What items are included in the sales?
While they vary state to state, most of the items included in the tax reduction are school based, such as stationery and folders. However, some states include some expensive products in their qualifying items such as computers and software:
Learn more about the new Child Tax Credit and how it can affect you:
Why do the tax-free weekends exist?
For many states on this list the reasons are for back to school preparation. With the new school year approaching, the tax-free weekends give parents and students some support in acquiring school items.
That is not to say they are the only ones who can utilise the weekends. These discounts apply to all shoppers.
However, some states have multiple tax-free holidays a year but for different reasons.
For example, Florida has two more tax-free weekends. These are in place so people can prepare for natural disasters. those were back in May and June. Other states which experience disasters such as Texas and Alabama have extra breaks as well.


text:
Thorofare, N.J. -- Checkpoint Systems announced that Family Dollar Stores has entered into a multi-year agreement that includes the deployment of Checkpoint's electronic article surveillance solutions in all of its existing and future stores.
The rollout in the chain's existing 7,900 stores is expected to be completed by December 2014.
For the past three years, Family Dollar and Checkpoint have been analyzing results in test stores across the nation. Based on the results, Family Dollar is installing Checkpoint's Evolve P10 ECO solution, which is designed to reduce shrink and lower energy costs. (Evolve reduces energy consumption up to 75% over alternatives, according to Checkpoint.)
"We are encouraged by the success we have already experienced in our test stores, and I am confident that installing Checkpoint's system in all our locations will deliver an immediate impact on our profitability by reducing our shrink and increasing sales," said Chris Nielsen, VP-loss prevention, Family Dollar.


text:
New research published by Nutrition Journal suggests that diets heavy on meat consumption are linked to asthma and hay fever.
The study followed the diets of nearly 160,000 Australian men and women and found that as participants' meat consumption increased, so did their risk of lifetime asthma and hay fever.
Researchers found that lifetime asthma and lifetime hay fever were generally associated with "diets marked by greater intakes of meats, poultry, and seafood."
As scientific research continues to show the dangers of eating meat, undercover investigations continue to expose the horrific abuses farmed animals endure before they reach consumers' plates. Fortunately, preventing cruelty to animals and human aliments such as asthma and hay fever is easy with a plant-based diet.
Visit ChooseVeg.com for cooking tips, instructional videos, and hundreds of delicious plant-based recipes.
With fall air biting at our noses and winter not far on the horizon, plenty of folks across the country are already planning holiday vacations. What better way to spend a holiday than on the road with nothing but a map and a few close companions? Maintaining a cruelty-free diet on the road can be a fun and exciting adventure, and with these simple tips it's easy to tour the continental US vegan style.
Bring snacks. Portable, non-perishable food will come in handy for long stretches of road. Nutrient-packed snack bars like Clif Bars, Luna Bars, and Lara Bars all offer a wide selection of vegan options. Good Health Natural has many travel-friendly snacks such as their popular Veggie Stix Veggie Chips, but they're hard to put down, so be sure to pack a few bags!
Know your gas station foods. Many roadside stops contain well-equipped mini markets that offer fruit and nuts. You can find many veg-friendly snacks lining the shelves, including Snyder's of Hanover Pretzels, a wide array of Frito-Lay Chips and other chip brands, and original Chex Mix. Many varieties of trail mix are free of animal ingredients, just be sure to check the label! To satisfy your sweet tooth, grab some Skittles for the road. Some 7-Eleven's also offer prepackaged vegan meals in their refrigerated sections.
Plan your meals ahead of time. Before setting out, make a list of veg-friendly establishments to stop at along the way, or make them the destinations! Whether your route entails big cities or small towns, research local vegan hotspots, and keep an eye out for veg-friendly fast-food locations. Taco Bell, Subway, Au Bon Pain, Chipotle, and Denny's are just a handful of the dozens of chain restaurants that are eager to cater to hungry veggie travelers.
Your mobile device is your friend.VegGuide.org can be accessed from your phone and will point you in the direction of any nearby vegan and vegetarian cuisine. Animal-Free, another mobile app, offers a comprehensive list of animal and non-animal ingredients to come to the rescue in any dire "Is it vegan?" situation you may find yourself in along your journeys.
Wherever your trip takes you, be sure to check out ChooseVeg.com for delicious holiday recipes and tips on cruelty-free living.
Mercy For Animals is ratcheting up our national campaign against the world's largest retailer this week, as we unveil a feast for Walmart President and CEO Mike Duke's eyes: a traffic-stopping mobile billboard outside Walmart's headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas.
The billboard, which includes images from a shocking MFA investigation into a Walmart pork supplier, boldly declares on one side, "Walmart: Stop Torturing Pigs" and on the other, "Walmart: Stop Supporting Animal Abuse." The 20-foot-long traveling ad calls on Walmart execs to "Ditch Cruel Gestation Crates" and features heartbreaking pictures of sows locked inside narrow gestation crates.
The eye-opening billboard is the latest volley in MFA's national campaign, aimed at moving the retailer to require its pork suppliers to phase out restrictive crates for breeding sows. From coast to coast, in more than 70 cities, consumers have protested outside Walmart stores demanding the company eliminate cruel crates from its supply chain. Over 75,000 people have signed MFA's petition to Walmart, and A-list celebrities, including Ryan Gosling, Kristen Bell, Zooey Deschanel, Emily Deschanel, Tom Morello, Kim Basinger, and David Boreanaz, co-signed a letter to Walmart's CEO Mike Duke that states: "As the largest retailer in the world, Walmart has the power--and the ethical responsibility--to ensure that the pork sold in its stores is not the product of egregious animal abuse."
Shocking hidden-camera video of animal abuse recorded at a Walmart pork supplier revealed pregnant pigs confined for nearly their entire lives in crates barely larger than their own bodies, pigs suffering from bloody open wounds and infections, and conscious piglets being slammed headfirst into the ground and having their testicles ripped out and tails cut off without painkillers.
Banned in nine US states and the entire European Union, gestation crates have been widely condemned by animal welfare experts as one of the cruelest factory farming practices in the world. Major food providers, including McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and Chipotle, and grocery chains, such as Safeway, Kroger, Target, and Whole Foods, have all started eliminating crates from their supply chains.
Join MFA in urging Walmart executives to adopt a new animal welfare policy prohibiting its pork suppliers from confining pigs in gestation crates so small they cannot even turn around, walk, or lie down comfortably.
A recent article in the Chicago Tribune by registered dietitian Sharon Palmer touts the benefits plant-based eating can have on good prostate health. Palmer points to recent scientific studies that show the best prevention for prostate cancer lies in consuming plant-based foods.
The article cites Karen Collins, a nutrition advisor for the American Institute for Cancer Research, who promotes a healthy diet of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains as a fundamental for prostate cancer prevention. Lycopene-rich tomatoes, in particular, have been associated with lower incidences of prostate cancer. Collins says, "Lycopene does seem to offer benefit, both as antioxidant and through direct impact on cancer cell growth and development." Moreover, Collins underscores how eating healthily contributes to maintaining an optimal weight, in turn contributing to preventative prostate health.
Doctors have also found cancer-fighting properties in cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale, and bok choy.
As scientific research continues to show the benefits of plant-based eating, scientist are also finding serious health risks linked to consuming meat, dairy, and eggs. Thankfully, it's never been easier to adopt a healthy and humane plant-based lifestyle.
Yesterday Target announced that it would work with its vendors to eliminate gestation crates from its pork supply chain by 2022. As
the fourth-largest retailer in the United States, and the second-largest
discount retailer in the nation after Walmart, Target's commitment sends a
clear message that the use of gestation crates is no longer acceptable in the
As Walmart's biggest competitor, we hope Target's announcement
will make it obvious to Walmart that it must also commit to phasing out
gestation crates. More than 30 other major food providers, including Costco,
Kmart, Safeway, Kroger, Harris Teeter, and McDonald's, have all started
demanding their suppliers do away with these cruel crates. Yet Walmart
continues to support animal abuse--buying pork from suppliers that condemn
intelligent and social animals to a lifetime of misery and deprivation inside
tiny gestation crates.
MFA is calling on Walmart to quickly follow Target's
lead in taking a stance against inherently cruel gestation crates. Mercy For
Animals' national Walmart Cruelty campaign is aimed at pressuring Walmart
executives to adopt a new policy requiring the company's pork suppliers to
phase out gestation crates.
While retailers have incredible power to end some of the
most egregious factory farming practices, consumers can also help prevent
cruelty and promote compassion each time they sit down to eat by adopting a
Thousands of vegans, vegetarians, and veg-curious Texans descended upon scenic Reverchon Park in Dallas this past weekend for the third annual Texas State Veggie Fair. Cosponsored by MFA and hosted by DallasVegan.com, the Texas-sized celebration illustrated the growing popularity of compassionate, plant-based eating.
The Veggie Fair featured dozens of spirited exhibitors, live musical performances, games, and vegan face painting, but like any state fair, the big focus was on carnival foods.
Vegan cooking demos by "Blissful Chef," Christy Morgan, and internet sensation the Vegan Black Metal Chef awed fair-goers, but the highly acclaimed vegan fried food contest took center stage. The competition featured fried delights ranging from fried seitan "chicken" nuggets to fried PB&J to fried Reuben fritters. Judges James Johnston of Spiral Diner, University of North Texas dining director Ken Botts, and Rachael Abrams of CultureMap Dallas awarded fried Frito chili pie the "Most Creative" award and fried tiramisu cheesecake the "Best Tasting."
Attendees also got a chance to listen to inspiring speakers in the animal rights community, including Amber McDonald of The Kindness Collective and Erica Meier of Compassion Over Killing, who shared the stage with MFA's Texas campaign coordinator Nora Kramer on a panel discussion about ways we can all get active to help farmed animals.
Missed us at the Texas State Veggie Fair? Be sure to join us at these upcoming events:
A recent article in Science Daily extols the latest research suggesting that a plant-based diet can cure and prevent chronic diseases.
The article quotes Toni Tarver of Food Technology magazine, who details the latest studies in nutritional genomics that seek to explain ways in which the "bioactive compounds--vitamins, antioxidants, and other phytochemicals" in plant foods interact with the body's cells, enzymes, hormones, and DNA to prevent chronic diseases.
Tarver points out that consuming foods such as green tea, soybeans, and green vegetables positively affects how the body manages oxygen radicals. Researchers at McGill University and McMaster University "indicated that people with the highest daily intake of vegetables and fruits were 30% less likely to experience a heart attack or stroke."
Additionally, bioactive phytochemical compounds inherent in plant foods have been found to be effective regulators of angiogenesis, the process by which cancer cells proliferate through blood vessel growth. William Li, president and medical director of the Angiogenesis Foundation, states, "We can't possibly treat everyone with the latest and most expensive drugs. But food is a medicine that we take three times a day. Mother Nature has already laced into many different foods naturally occurring chemicals that are natural inhibitors of angiogenesis." Li and his researchers have found that abnormal angiogenesis is the underlying factor to a host of other diseases like Alzheimer's, obesity, and neuropathy.
As scientific research continues to show the vast benefits of plant-based eating, undercover investigations continue to expose the horrific abuses farmed animals endure before they reach consumers' plates. Fortunately, preventing cruelty, heart disease, and cancer is easy with a plant-based diet. Visit ChooseVeg.com for cooking tips, instructional videos, and hundreds of delicious plant-based recipes.
Ever wonder what it's like to travel cross-country advocating for farmed animals? We caught up with Nick Wallerstedt, who's currently on the road with our national campaign coordinator, Phil Letten, on MFA's Walmart Cruelty Tour.
Nick's decision to go vegan came after learning of the plight farmed animals face in the meat, dairy, and egg industries. His veganism soon propelled him into grassroots activism, eventually leading him to advocate for farmed animals full-time. When Nick's not on the road, he enjoys a career as a vegan tattoo artist in Boise, Idaho.
What first inspired you to become a vegan?
I became vegan because I love animals and I hate to see them suffer. When I saw undercover footage from a factory farm and learned about the terrible abuse that animals endure to produce the food I was eating, I was sickened and vowed to never eat animal products again.
Why did you choose to intern with MFA?
After becoming vegan I felt that I had done my part to eliminate the animal suffering caused by my lifestyle, but I felt compelled to do more. I wanted to get involved with the most effective animal advocacy organization around so I applied for an internship with MFA.
Can you tell us about what you do as a national campaign intern?
As a national campaign intern, I travel with Phil Letten, the national campaign coordinator, across the country to advocate for the protection of farmed animals. We travel to five cities every week and set up eye-catching demonstrations to raise awareness about how animals are treated on factory farms, to promote a compassionate vegan diet, and to spread our message through media coverage. So far, the tour has taken me to 59 American cities, including quaint towns like Beaumont, TX, and Columbia, SC, and major metropolises like New York City and Los Angeles. It's my job to help plan events, set up demonstrations, coordinate volunteers, manage social media, and assist in any other way that comes up while we're on the road.
What do you like most about interning with MFA?
Touring for MFA has been one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of my life. Not only have I had the opportunity to travel across the entire country, but I've been able to do it while also doing what I care the most about.
What do you hope to gain from your experiences interning with MFA?
Before my first internship with MFA I was very inexperienced in animal advocacy and had almost no idea how to go about helping animals. Through my internships I have become exponentially more effective as an activist and my desire to dedicate time to helping farmed animals has been strongly reinforced.
What is the key to your success as an activist?
It's easy to get overwhelmed, upset, and angry about the horrific way that animals are treated on factory farms, but by acting on these emotions we often end up doing more harm than good. I do my best to make sure that no matter how I feel on the inside, I act in ways that make helping animals look easy, fun, and rewarding.
Inspired? Click here to learn about MFA's internship program and apply today for an exciting internship in one of our campaigns offices.
Recently, Yahoo! exposed the inherent cruelties in animal agriculture to mainstream readers, shedding a light on the 8 cruelest foods people eat. The article, accompanied by an item-by-item photo gallery, goes into detail about the cruelties involved in producing animal-based foods. 1. Lobsters: Lobsters are capable of learning and have an awareness of their surroundings. Because they have central nervous systems, lobsters also feel stress and pain when kept in storage facilities for several months before being sold.
2. Shark fins: Served as a "delicacy" in Asia and the United States, shark fins are violently chopped off of fully conscious sharks before the sharks are tossed back into the ocean, no longer able to swim.
3. Veal: In the dairy industry, baby male calves are taken away from their mothers at birth to be confined in barren crates, where they are unable to move around freely for their entire lives before being slaughtered mercilessly for veal.
4. Foie gras: Ducks or geese are restrained and force-fed pounds of corn with a metal tube each day for a full month in order to fatten their livers to produce foie gras.
5. Eggs: For their entire egg-producing lives, hens are crammed into filthy battery cages where they are unable to spread their wings and are denied anything that comes naturally to them. MFA's undercover investigation into one of the largest egg factory farms in the country documented unconscionable cruelty and violence, including baby male chicks - useless to the egg industry- being ground up alive.
6. Balut: Embryos of almost fully developed ducks are soft-boiled in their shells to be eaten as a cruel snack in Southeast Asia.
7. Beef: Cattle raised for beef are subjected to numerous painful procedures during their miserable lives on the feedlot, including the repeated infliction of third-degree burns, having their testicles ripped out, and the removal of their horns without any painkillers.
8. Pork: In the pork industry, mother pigs spend their short miserable lives confined to filthy metal gestation crates, where they're unable to turn around, lie down comfortably, or engage in any natural behaviors.
Every time we sit down to eat we can choose to support needless suffering and violence or to promote kindness toward animals. For cruelty-free alternatives to your favorite foods and hundreds of recipe ideas, visit ChooseVeg.com.
House of Raeford, one of the largest poultry processors in the country, was fined this week by the United States Department of Labor for illegally employing underage workers at its chicken slaughter plant in Duplin County, NC - its second violation in the past four years. The slaughterhouse also made national headlines when it was exposed by an MFA investigation in 2007 that revealed horrific cruelty to chickens and turkeys.
Federal officials previously fined the company when a 2008 immigration raid uncovered more than 300 undocumented workers and six underage employees, including a 15-year-old girl, working 10-hour shifts slaughtering chickens. The Charlotte Observerreported that over 20 former and current House of Raeford employees told them that the company frequently hired underage workers to "secure cheap, compliant labor." Because slaughterhouses are among the most dangerous workplaces in the country, federal and state labor laws prohibit anyone under 18 from working on a poultry process line.
House of Raeford has a long record of illegal activity. In 2009, the company settled criminal charges by paying a $1.5 million fine for deliberately hiring undocumented workers, and just two months ago, House of Raeford was convicted on 10 counts of violating the Clean Water Act.
Mercy For Animals' 2007 investigation at House of Raeford Farms revealed that in addition to flouting child labor and environmental laws, the poultry processor has allowed a culture of cruelty and violence to flourish. Workers were filmed violently punching turkeys for "fun," forcefully shoving their hands into the vaginal cavities of live chickens, ripping the heads off live turkeys, and slitting turkeys' throats while they were still fully conscious. Animal welfare authority Dr. Temple Grandin declared upon witnessing the footage: "This is a sloppy poorly managed plant where employees are allowed to abuse animals. ...There are some management people that need to get fired."
Each of us can take a stand against animal abuse, disregard for human safety, and environmental degradation by boycotting animal agribusiness and transitioning toward a vegan diet. Visit ChooseVeg.com for hundreds of delicious recipes and instructional cooking videos. Click here to order your free Vegetarian Starter Kit.
A recent study by the Loma Linda University School of Public Health reveals that a vegetarian diet could lead to a longer and healthier life. The Adventist Health Study (AHS-2) is the second in a series of epidemiologic studies to examine the relationship between food and health.
The long-term comprehensive study of 96,000 Seventh-Day Adventists from 50 states and Canada found that vegetarians had lower cholesterol levels, body mass indexes (BMIs), and risk of developing diabetes or high blood pressure than meat eaters. Vegans were found to have the lowest BMIs, indicating the diet's significant potential to protect against obesity, an epidemic threatening the lives of millions of Americans.
Key results from the first study (AHS-1) found that vegetarians had a lower risk of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and death from all causes included in the study.
For tips on transitioning to a healthy and humane vegan lifestyle, visit ChooseVeg.com. Click here to order your free Vegetarian Starter Kit.
Dairy industry experts are predicting the closure of over 100 dairy farms in California, the largest dairy state in the country, due to bankruptcies, foreclosures, and slower sales stemming from the increased cost of feed.
This year's drought throughout the Midwest caused feed costs to more than double, which has led many farms to start slaughtering dairy cows at a younger age and for less money.
Although the California Department of Food and Agriculture adjusted milk prices through tax subsidies earlier in the year, it has said it will not do so again, likely resulting in increased milk prices for consumers beginning in November.
Apart from depleting our resources, the dairy industry treats cows as mere commodities to be used for profit, resulting in the rampant and horrific mistreatment of these intelligent animals on factory farms across the country. MFA's recent investigation at Bettencourt Dairies, one of the largest dairies in the nation, revealed workers shocking and beating cows, violently twisting their tails to deliberately inflict pain, and dragging a downed cow by her neck using a chain attached to a tractor. Previous investigations at the E6 Cattle Company, Conklin Dairy Farms, and Willet Dairy revealed similar callous treatment of dairy cows.
We can contribute to a more sustainable and humane food system every time we eat by choosing plant-based options. Visit ChooseVeg.com for a wide array of delicious non-dairy recipes and meal ideas.
Adopting a vegan diet and cutting out the expensive animal products can be a great way to stretch any food budget! Enjoy these tips for following a healthy vegan diet on a budget.
1. Make Food at Home
Relying on pre-packaged foods and eating at expensive restaurants is a sure fast way to break the bank. If you're new to cooking, don't fret--there are tons of resources out there to help you get started! Find discounted cookbooks online or check websites like ChooseVeg.com for delicious meal ideas. Or simply run a Google search to veganize just about any recipe you can think of. Now's your chance to get your creative juices flowing. Having the right tools in the kitchen can also save you money, as having the ability to make a variety of lip-smacking vegan dishes at home curbs the temptation to eat out. We recommend investing in kitchen basics like an iron skillet, a stock pot, slow cooker, food processor, and a blender, which are all affordable and easy to use.
2. Keep It Simple
Beans, grains, and produce are low-cost and should be the base of any healthy vegan diet. Even canned beans are affordable and require zero preparation. Full of protein and fiber, beans should be used often. Rice, pasta, and other grains like millet and quinoa are very easy to prepare and have a variety of uses. Local farmers' markets are wonderful for providing inexpensive local fruits and veggies, which in turn supports your local economy.
3. Cook in Large Batches
We live in a fast-paced world and are always on the go, right? We get it. If finding time to cook each day is challenging, schedule one or two kitchen days each week and cook in large batches. You can easily take leftovers for lunch or reheat them for an easy and quick dinner.
5. Plan a Potluck
If you are watching your budget, chances are your friends are too. Planning a potluck where everyone brings a vegan dish is a great way to enjoy a yummy meal, while only investing the time and money for the one dish you prepared.
For more delicious vegan recipes and tips on cruelty-free eating, visit ChooseVeg.com.
On Friday, CNN's Headline News Network's Jane Velez-Mitchell interviewed MFA's executive director Nathan Runkle about the recent undercover investigation showing workers at a Burger King dairy supplier criminally beating, shocking and dragging helpless cows.
During this powerful interview, Velez-Mitchell encourages consumers to bear witness to the animal abuse that runs rampant on factory farms and calls on her fellow journalists to step up their coverage of these important issues - especially in light of ag-gag legislation in certain states that seeks to keep animal abuse and other problems at factory farms hidden from public view.
Watch the full interview here:
MFA is urging Burger King to immediately adopt meaningful animal welfare guidelines to help prevent some of the worst forms of animal abuse on dairy factory farms. Please go to BurgerKingCruelty.com to sign the petition urging Burger King to require its cheese suppliers to implement meaningful animal welfare standards.
Of course, the most powerful way concerned consumers can help prevent needless violence and cruelty to animals is by ditching dairy in favor of healthy and humane plant-based alternatives to milk, cheese, and ice cream. Visit ChooseVeg.com to learn more.
Mark Middleton, the creative mind behind a series of clever animal-themed infographics at AnimalVisuals.org, is at it again--this time with a virtual gestation crate designed to give people a glimpse into the tragic world of pigs raised for Walmart's pork. This new interactive online feature gives players an opportunity to briefly experience the tedious lives of pigs confined to filthy, metal gestation crates, unable to even turn around for nearly their entire lives.
Although intentionally not fun, the compelling online "game" is based in part on undercover investigations by MFA and other groups exposing the lives of misery and deprivation endured by pigs at Walmart pork suppliers, including Iowa Select Farms and Christensen Farms. More importantly, the feature prompts viewers to take action to help pigs by linking to MFA's WalmartCruelty.com website and urging people to sign the petition calling on Walmart to phase out cruel gestation crates.
While standard for Walmart pork producers, the practice of confining sensitive, intelligent, and social pigs into tiny gestation crates has been widely condemned by veterinarians and animal welfare experts, including Dr. Temple Grandin, who is considered the leading farmed animal welfare expert in the country.
Recognizing their inherent cruelty, major food providers, including McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and Chipotle, and major grocery retailers, including Safeway, Kroger, and Whole Foods, have all started demanding their suppliers do away with these cruel crates.
Yet Walmart continues to support animal abuse by buying pork from suppliers that confine thousands of pregnant pigs to these real-life torture boxes. Please help spread the word about this important issue and encourage Walmart to do the right thing by sharing this Virtual Gestation Crate experience on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media outlets.
MFA is partnering with student animal rights groups around the country, setting up "Paid-Per-View" booths, and challenging students to watch a 4-minute segment of Farm to Fridge, MFA's hard-hitting documentary about the cruelty inherent in raising and killing animals for food.
Paid-Per-View screenings are a great way to reach people with a message of compassion for farmed animals. After watching only a few minutes of Farm to Fridge, many people walk away swearing never to eat animals again.
Inspired to host a Paid-Per-View event at your college campus? With MFA offices in New York, Ohio, Illinois, Texas, and California, it's easier than you might think! Invite our Paid-Per-View campaign to your campus by contacting your nearest Mercy For Animals advocacy center.
Don't live near an MFA office? Check out our helpful step-by-step instructions on how to set up a Paid-Per-View event, receive funding, and obtain copies of Farm to Fridge and MFA's Vegetarian Starter Kits.
This week, poultry giant Perdue and a Maryland factory chicken farm face charges for violating the federal Clean Water Act due to alleged manure runoffs at their plant polluting a nearby stream that flows into the Chesapeake Bay. Water samples collected near Hudson Farm, which supplies Perdue and confines about 80,000 birds at any given time, revealed harmful levels of E. coli and fecal coliform that exceed state limits. Environmental organization Waterkeeper Alliance, which works to protect the Chesapeake Bay from pollution, brought the civil case.
This case is seen as potentially precedent-setting, as it could spur an onslaught of civil lawsuits against other factory farms in the region for engaging in similar environmental offenses. In turn this could have grave implications for other large corporations like Perdue regarding accountability and the illegal acts of their food suppliers.
Local Maryland environmental organization Assateague Coastal Trust stated, "Perdue has a responsibility for pollution coming from the farms of its contract growers. Perdue, like most large poultry companies, controls nearly every aspect of the business when growing a bird, but leaves the work and the risks of managing manure to the farmer."
Ever wonder what it would be like to intern with Mercy For Animals? We interviewed Heather Schloss, who recently completed a three-month internship at our New York office, and asked her to give us the scoop.
A recent college graduate, Heather led the animal rights group at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, which aimed to prevent cruelty towards animals of all kinds. She also worked with campus dining services to promote Meatless Mondays and increase the quantity and quality of vegan options for students. When not advocating for animal rights, Heather can be found cooking, baking, reading, hiking, and spending time with her family's four cats and dog.
What first inspired you to become a vegan?
From a young age, I felt that something was not quite right with the way that we treated animals. I have vivid memories of when I began to make the connection between the meat on my plate and the sentient animals that I loved, including the memory of a slaughterhouse-bound truck filled with bleating lambs leaving the "bucolic farm" family vacation spot at which we spent a week each summer. By age 10, I started transitioning to a vegetarian diet. After 9 years of eschewing meat, I became vegan upon watching the incredibly powerful and well-done documentary Earthlings, and I resolved to remain vegan after a visit to a stockyard where I had the opportunity to pet and commune with baby calves of dairy cows that were just hours away from being slaughtered for veal.
What is your favorite vegan/animal rights resource?
I love ChooseVeg.com for its recipes, tips on transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, and wealth of information about the many forms of abuse inflicted on farmed animals, including video footage from undercover investigations. Writer and psychologist Dr. Melanie Joy's website, Carnism.com, is also an amazing guide to understanding the psychology behind eating animals, learning why eating animals is an important social justice issue, and most importantly, what we can do to effectively change the world we live in for animals.
Why did you choose to intern with MFA?
I knew that I wanted to spend my time after college working with a non-profit animal rights organization and learning how to best interact with others regarding veganism. MFA offered me the opportunity to push myself outside of my comfort zone to advocate for animals. Because Mercy For Animals is such a respected and effective organization, I jumped at the opportunity to work with them.
What did you like most about interning with MFA?
I found one-on-one interactions with people during leafleting, tabling, and Paid-Per-View events to be most fulfilling because I was able to witness firsthand how people's minds and hearts were changed after being exposed to information about the way farmed animals are treated before they end up on their dinner plates. I also enjoyed opportunities to travel to different vegetarian festivals and participate in the inner workings of MFA.
What is the key to your success as an activist?
I think perseverance is one of the most important qualities of an effective activist, and I strive to embody this quality. Whenever I start to feel bogged down by the enormity of the cruel animal agriculture industry, I think back to where I was a few years ago and think that if a cheese-lover like me could make the change to (what turned out to be a delicious) vegan diet, anyone can.
Can you offer any insight for others interested in becoming involved with animal rights activism?
Get involved with a grassroots team or an advocacy group such as MFA and start volunteering! It can be hard at first to put yourself out there and show people the grim realities of factory farming, but it can also be an extremely rewarding experience, and connecting with other animal advocates through volunteering, vegetarian food festivals, or Meetup.com only makes it easier and more fun!
Inspired? Click here to learn about MFA's internship program and apply today for an exciting internship in one of our campaigns offices.
MFA's undercover investigation at Bettencourt Dairies, the largest dairy factory farm in Idaho, has prompted Kraft Foods to announce a new policy requiring all its dairy suppliers to phase out the cruel practice of tail docking cattle, among other important animal welfare policies. The announcement marks the first of its kind by a major food provider, and will hopefully inspire others to quickly follow suit.
Tail docking is an outdated practice that involves cutting through the sensitive skin, nerves, and bones of calves' tails without any painkillers. Despite condemnation by animal welfare experts of this practice as purposeless and cruel, the majority of calves born in the US dairy industry are still subjected to this painful mutilation.
As the largest food company in the United States, Kraft's announcement to ban the tail docking of cattle in its supply chain is sure to send shockwaves throughout the dairy industry and could finally put an end to this practice, which has been decried by the American Veterinary Medical Association and outlawed in California, Ohio, and Rhode Island.
Watch the undercover video that led Kraft to agree to improve its animal welfare standards here:
Unfortunately, while Kraft has taken a step to help end many of the shocking abuses caught on tape at this dairy factory farm, Burger King - another major food retailer linked to Bettencourt Dairies - has yet to require its cheese suppliers to make any meaningful animal welfare improvements. No socially responsible corporation should support dairy operations that beat, kick, mutilate, confine, and neglect animals.
MFA is urging Burger King to immediately adopt meaningful animal welfare guidelines, including:
committing to ending its supplier relationship with dairy facilities caught punching, kicking, dragging, electrically shocking, or otherwise abusing animals
requiring dairy suppliers to provide a clean and sanitary environment for cattle
requiring dairy suppliers to provide proper care and transportation for sick, injured, and downed animals
requiring dairy suppliers to eliminate painful mutilations without anesthesia, including the cruel practice of tail docking cattle
Go to BurgerKingCruelty.com to sign the petition urging Burger King to require its cheese suppliers to implement meaningful animal welfare standards.
While Burger King has the power and the ethical responsibility to help end some of the worst forms of animal abuse in the dairy industry, concerned consumers can help prevent needless violence and cruelty to animals by ditching dairy in favor of healthy and humane plant-based alternatives to milk, cheese, and ice cream. Visit ChooseVeg.com to learn more.
As fall creeps up on us, children and adults alike are preparing for a night of spooky fun this October 31st. Whether your plan is to watch a horror movie marathon, host a monster bash, or hand out candy to trick-or-treaters, chances are you've got sweets on your mind. Here are some cruelty-free treats that will satisfy any sweet tooth:
If you happen to crave chocolaty classics, Go Max Go Foods and Enjoy Life Foods offer rice milk chocolate bars, with specialty bars that rival the chocolate bars commonly found in trick-or-treat bags.
For the vamps and villains with more sophisticated taste buds, Allison's Gourmet and Sweet & Sara both offer gourmet vegan candies and specialty treats such as toffees, caramels, and marshmallows.
Annie's makes gummies reminiscent of those we grew up getting stuck in our teeth, without the unwholesome gelatin to worry about. For one-stop candy shopping, check out NaturalCandyStore.com's vegan section.
In recognition of World Farm Animals Day, Mercy For Animals exposed hundreds of college students from coast to coast to the plight of animals on factory farms and the impact of their food choices. Celebrated every year on October 2nd in honor of Gandhi's birthday, World Farm Animals Day memorializes and advocates for the billions of animals raised and killed for food every year.
MFA staff and volunteers held various outreach events that reached over 2,000 people with pro-vegetarian leaflets and hundreds more at our Paid-Per-View stations, where we paid people $1 to watch 4 minutes of Farm to Fridge--our hard-hitting documentary revealing the inherent suffering and violence animals face on modern day farms. Most viewers reported that they were shocked and horrified by what they saw and wanted to know what they could do to help. Each participant received a copy of MFA's free Vegetarian Starter Kit, packed with loads of vegan tips and recipes.
If you are interested in planning a Paid-Per-View event in your area, check out our step-by-step instructions for how to do it.
For more information about how you can help make every day World Farm Animals Day, visit ChooseVeg.com for tips on adopting a healthy and compassionate vegan diet.
Last weekend, nearly 4,000 festival-goers from Chicagoland and beyond gathered for the fourth annual Chicago VeganMania, celebrating the Windy City's veggie commerce, community, couture, cuisine, and culture.
VeganMania also featured booths spotlighting loads of vendors and non-profit organizations, including the Mercy For Animals' educational exhibit, where staff and volunteers talked to the thousands of attendees and distributed pro-vegan literature detailing the benefits of a plant-based diet.
Missed us this weekend? Visit MFA at these upcoming vegetarian food festivals:
A recent article in the Washington Post reveals the dangers of overfishing as exposed in a study released by the California Environmental Associates. The study estimates that "over 40 percent of fisheries have crashed or are overfished"--a much higher number than previously reported. These new figures include estimates from unmonitored fish stocks, with those numbers accounting for 80% of the global fish population.
The article points out that it's the lack of government oversight that's endangering the world's aquatic life and our ecosystem.
Apart from destroying the environment and endangering the world's fish population, the fishing industry contributes to some of the most horrific animal abuse in agribusiness. Industrialized fishing victimizes not only fish, but also countless unintended victims, including dolphins, lobsters, and turtles. Sea animals captured in huge trawling nets undergo excruciatingly painful decompression as they are raised from the ocean depths. The intense internal pressure ruptures fishes' swim bladders, pops out their eyes, and pushes their stomachs through their mouths.
An MFA undercover investigation at a Texas fish slaughter facility revealed shocking cruelty, including workers cutting, slicing, skinning, suffocating, and dismembering live and fully conscious catfish--a brutal practice harshly condemned by veterinarians.
Thankfully, knowledgeable consumers can easily help prevent needless cruelty to animals by transitioning to a sustainable plant-based diet.
Last weekend, Oscar-nominated actress Anne Hathaway made headlines by wedding actor and jewelry designer Adam Shulman in a traditional Jewish ceremony, followed by an all-vegan reception.
The now newlywed couple worked with Natalie Portman's wedding planner, Yifat Oren, to create a delicious spread of plant-based goodies, including veggie burgers, cupcakes, and truffle macaroni and cheese.
According to the Daily Mail, former James Bond actor Sir Roger Moore is asking consumers to boycott one of Britain's most famous department stores following an undercover investigation exposing horrific cruelty to animals at its foie gras suppliers. The shocking video shows geese confined to barren pens panicking and struggling as workers shove a metal pipe down their throats and pump their stomachs full of grain.
This cruel process is repeated three to four times a day--every day. The geese's distended livers, which can swell to up to 10 times their natural size, press against the birds' lungs, causing them to pant constantly. Some of the birds can no longer stand because their legs can't support the weight of their livers, possibly also resulting in leg fractures. The birds' livers become engorged and diseased, and result in horrific emotional and physical suffering for these unfortunate animals.
Watch the hidden-camera video here:
Foie gras is so cruel that its production has been banned in numerous countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Argentina, and Israel. On July 1, 2012, California became the first US state to ban the production and sale of foie gras produced by cruel force-feeding techniques.
Best known for producing films like Titanic and Avatar, Cameron states: "It's not a requirement to eat animals, we just choose to do it, so it becomes a moral choice and one that is having a huge impact on the planet, using up resources and destroying the biosphere."
Earlier this year, Los Angeles illegal slaughter operator Roberto Celedon was convicted of felony animal cruelty based on hidden-camera footage obtained by Mercy For Animals. Last Friday, Celedon was ordered to pay over $20,000 to the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care & Control as restitution for the department's costs in raiding his facility and seizing dozens of sick, injured, and emaciated animals.
Celedon was previously sentenced to serve ninety days in jail and five years probation, as well as to pay nearly $4,000 in fines and penalties. In addition, Celedon was ordered to complete 48 animal cruelty classes and is prohibited from owning, caring for, or selling animals for five years.
The undercover footage leading to Celedon's conviction shows animals being violently pinned down, having their throats crudely sawed open, and slowly bleeding to death. Upon raiding his illegal slaughterhouse, LA County animal control officers seized dozens of animals who were in extremely poor health and are now being rehabilitated at The Gentle Barn.
Watch the undercover footage here:
This horrifying footage clearly depicts the staggering cruelty that farmed animals routinely suffer in California and across the country. While MFA works to expose and end cruelty to farmed animals, compassionate individuals can do their part to prevent the needless suffering of animals at the hands of the meat, egg, and dairy industries by adopting a healthy and humane vegetarian diet.
On October 1, the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) filed a class action lawsuit alleging that two California egg producers, Judy's Family Farm Organic Eggs and Petaluma Egg Farm, have been lying to consumers about the treatment of egg-laying hens on their factory farms. In stark contrast to the idyllic barnyard scenes depicted on their egg packaging, hens at these so-called "free-range" facilities are crowded by the thousands into dark sheds for nearly their entire lives.
According to ALDF, these major egg producers have misled concerned consumers into paying more money for some of the same abuses one might expect from a factory egg farm. As a result of the lawsuit, these companies could pay millions of dollars to defrauded consumers for violating California's unfair competition laws.
After learning about the cruelty involved in factory-farmed products, some people think "free-range," "cage-free," or "organic" meat, egg, and dairy products are the solution. But animal agriculture by its very nature exploits animals. While free-range systems typically require some access to the outdoors--and in that way, are an improvement on conventional battery-cage systems whereby hens are crammed into cages so small they can't even spread their wings--treating animals as commodities to be consumed inevitably subjects these animals to needless suffering.
Free-range hens endure much of the same misery as battery-caged hens, including overcrowded living conditions, denial of veterinary care, abusive handling, painful mutilations without anesthesia, and violent slaughter.
Don't believe the egg industry's hype. With the numerous egg alternatives available today for all types of cooking and baking, consumers should drop eggs from their diets in favor of a cruelty-free vegan lifestyle.


text:
Port Brewing and The Lost Abbey have signed with distributor Wilson-McGinley to cover the Pittsburgh market. The brewery will hit the ground in the steel city in November, 2014.
“We certainly did our homework and due diligence to find the right wholesaler partner to represent our brands in the Western PA region” Said Brian Sauls, National Sales Manager for Port Brewing and The Lost Abbey. “We feel Wilson-McGinley represents the same core values as Lost Abbey / Port Brewing and that contagious passion and enthusiasm for great craft beer, shared with our current amazing group of distributors, makes this a partnership we are looking forward to”
The market will get a the full Port Brewing/Lost Abbey core and seasonals.
Fires threaten Stone Brewing Co. in Escondido, California. The brewery announced on Twitter they would be evacuating their home base ahead of the threat.
The AP reports at least nine blazes in the San Diego area, that have destroyed more than 10,000 acres and forced out 125,000 residents. The cause of the fires has not yet been determined.
Lost Abbey (San Marcos, CA) has closed the tap room to tastings, but have not announced evacuating their brewery.
Obviously, there are more breweries, and more importantly, peoples lives and homes in the way the fire.
All the best to everyone in the path. Hopefully everyone can get back to beer brewing and beer drinking too.
Pic via Stone Brewing Co.
The Lost Abbey (San Marcos, CA) will release a new round of Carnevale on February 22nd, 2014. The saison ale is brewed in celebration of Lent and Easter.
….Carnevale is light bodied Saison, using Brettanomyces along with Amirillo and Simcoe hops to generate flavor and depth. Carnevale’s complexity grows with time. The citrus notes tend to wane and the wild yeast rears its wonderfully tasting head.
In true Lost Abbey fashion, the brewery will host a masked ball on release day. Admission is free if you wear a mask.
Availability: 750ml Bottles, Corked & Caged. Spring seasonal.
Seasonal Return: February 22, 2014
Meet Lemongrass Saison, Maui Brewing’s collaboration with Lost Abbey using 150 lbs of 100% local Maui raised lemongrass. Around 500 barrels were produced and all of Maui’s distribution area should be seeing it in cans and maybe even on draft. According to Maui, the beer pairs well with “chilling outdoors with friends,” which of course is the best pairing of all.
Style: Saison (w/Lemongrass)
Availability: 12 oz cans, Draft
Arrival: Coming Soon
In celebration of the Papal Vacancy The Lost Abbey has a new creation to launch. Sede Vacante Ale (Latin for vacant seat) is a blend of barleywine aged in cognac barrels and Angel’s Share aged in brandy barrels. The creation of the beer is veiled in complete secrecy with the recipe being burned upon completion.
“It’s not very often we get to fete the arrival of a new Pontiff. We felt this was an exceptional event worthy of a new release from our Lost Abbey Barrel Program.”
This will be an extremely rare release with an estimated 100 cases available. Starting March 23rd at 10am bottles will be available at the brewery on a first-come-first-served basis at $35 per 750 mL bottle.
“Each year, the biggest breweries in the world spend ungodly amounts of money to convince consumers their brand is the best. Our brewers spend their time and money concerning themselves with producing incredibly flavorful beers that really don’t pair with Nachos and Chicken Wings.”
You gotta love beer drinking nuns.
Get to know the jerky eating team behind The Lost Abbey (San Marcos, CA).


text:
Adidas has cut ties with rapper and fashion designer Kanye West and condemned his anti-Semitic remarks, in a move that is expected to halve the sportswear maker’s profit this year.
The German company said it did not “tolerate anti-Semitism and any other sort of hate speech”, adding that it would end the partnership “immediately”.
The decision comes after West, now known as Ye, said in a recent interview that he could “say anti-Semitic things and Adidas can’t drop me”.
“Ye’s recent comments and actions have been unacceptable, hateful and dangerous, and they violate the company’s values of diversity and inclusion, mutual respect and fairness,” Adidas added.
The world’s second-largest sportswear maker expects to take an up to €250mn hit to net profits this year, with shares trading down almost 4 per cent on Tuesday. Last week, it sounded the alarm on profit for the second time in three months.
The company, which developed and sold sneakers under the Adidas Yeezy brand with West for almost a decade, said it would “end production of Yeezy branded products and stop all payments to Ye and his companies”.
Adidas’s move follows that of Kering’s Balenciaga, which ditched West earlier this month after the rapper made controversial statements.
The decision comes as the brand searches for a successor to chief executive Kasper Rørsted, who announced his early departure this summer after a row with the supervisory board and large shareholders.
Adidas’s Yeezy line of sneakers has turned into a significant source of sales and profit for the group. While Adidas does not disclose the figures, analysts estimate it accounts for 8 per cent of Adidas total sales.
Adidas put its longstanding tie-up with West under review earlier this month after “repeated efforts to privately resolve the situation”, the company said in a statement.
Back in 2016, it said its work with Ye was the “most significant partnership created between a non-athlete and a sports brand”. The group said on Tuesday it was “the sole owner of all design rights to existing products as well as previous and new colorways under the partnership”.
Ahead of the decision, the Central Council of Jews in Germany had lambasted the group. “I know sneakers are a big business but on an issue of anti-Semitism, this is cannot be an obstacle for doing the right thing,” the council’s president Josef Schuster told the Financial Times, calling the issue “a litmus test for the company”.
Schuster also pointed to Adidas’s historic responsibility as the German company had been “enmeshed with the Nazi regime and benefited from it”.


text:
Enterprises Realizing Power Of Autonomous Cloud, Says Oracle's Steve Daheb
Companies are increasingly looking at business productivity, cost efficiency and innovation with Oracle Autonomous Database, believes Steve Daheb, SVP of Oracle Cloud.
Oracle To Showcase Its SaaS Innovation With AI In India
Prasad Rai, Vice President, Applications, Oracle India informed CXOToday that the purpose of the event is to showcase how organizations can be future-ready and make an impact for their business by moving to the cloud.
Adidas India Redefines Customer Experience with Oracle Cloud
By switching to Oracle Cloud, Adidas India is able to ensure a faster, smoother checkout process for its in-store customers.
Verizon Expands Secure Cloud Interconnect Footprint In India
Category : Press Releases
This expansion would enable customers to have the ability to connect to two of the biggest global cloud service providers in India.
IaaS Helps Indian Cos Boost, Performance, Innovation
Category : Interviews
Subash Nambiar, VP-Cloud Platform, Oracle India sheds light on the IaaS market in India with a special focus on the report that shows Indian businesses are rapidly embracing cloud infrastructure (IaaS) to boost performance and innovation levels.
Cloud Boosts Collaboration between HR, Finance
People are at the heart of any company’s success and this is why finance and HR executives lead cloud transformation initiatives, says a new study.
Oracle Bets On India To Grow Cloud Business
James Stanbridge, VP for IaaS Product Management EMEA and APAC, discusses Oracle's cloud strategy with a focus on India market.
Oracle Cloud Set To Give Tough Fight To Amazon
Oracle unveiled its second generation of cloud infrastructure for third-party developers to run their applications in Oracle data centers.
What Oracle Gains From NetSuite Deal?
The deal holds benefits for Oracle and NetSuite to attain rapid surge in the Cloud business
Decoding PaaS Model Of Cloud Computing
Category : Interviews
In a candid interaction with CXO Today, Mitesh Agarwal, Vice President - Sales Consulting, CTO, Oracle India decodes PaaS for the better understanding of CIOs and also highlights Oracle’s roadmap in this space.


text:
Products infused with cannabidiol (CBD) are popping up everywhere from coffee shops to corner markets, promising to ease anxiety, soothe eczema, and even treat diabetes. But how many of these claims are grounded in evidence, and how many are pure hype?
Here's what researchers and experts say about the promise, and the potential pitfalls, of the CBD boom.
About the CBD boom
CBD is the second most abundant component of the cannabis plant after tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Unlike THC, CBD does not get users high, but there's some limited evidence suggesting that it may have anti-anxiety, anticonvulsant, and anti-inflammatory effects.
That early-stage evidence—combined with the recent popularity anti-anxiety products and the growing movement to legalize marijuana—has given rise to a big CBD industry, Vox reports.
In fact, CBD products raked in $350 million last year. Among the products and services on offer are a $700 CBD couples massage in Philadelphia, a range of topical creams and oils in beauty and convenience stores, and CBD-infused snacks such as cookies and ice cream, Vox reports.
Why experts are skeptical
But experts warn that these products are unregulated, and very little is known about CBD's medicinal effects or potential hazards.
According to Vox, CBD research has been restricted because—at least for now—the Drug Enforcement Administration classifies it as an illegal substance, and researchers in the United States are required to have a license to possess and study the compound.
Orrin Devinsky, director of the NYU Langone Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, said, "Does [CBD] help people with eczema, rheumatoid arthritis or ulcerative colitis? We don't know. There is a good theoretical basis, but the studies have not been done."
What we do (and don't) know about CBD
So what do we actually know about the health effects of CBD?
To date, FDA has approved one drug containing a highly purified form of CBD, Epidiolex, based on clinical trials that showed the drug reduced seizures in children with two rare forms of epilepsy. From that clinical trial, researchers also know CBD can trigger adverse side effects, such as diarrhea and fatigue, the New York Times reports. Patients who participated in the trials had higher rates of infection, sleep problems, and depressed appetite, according to the New York Times.
Beyond that, it's generally accepted that CBD is not habit-forming, and it doesn't produce the same high one gets from marijuana with THC. Further, animal studies have found that CBD might have anti-inflammatory effects that can treat chronic pain or inflammatory diseases in animals—but "whether that translates into improving human health is unknown," Devinsky said.
There's also limited research that indicates CBD can help treat psychological disorders. Just last year, research performed by European scientists found that patients with schizophrenia who took 1,000 milligrams of CBD with their other antipsychotic medications had fewer hallucinations than patients who did not take CBD. However, the results of a similar study did not reveal similar benefits.
Michael Van Ameringen, director of an anxiety research center in Ontario, said while some companies indicate that CBD can treat some mental health conditions like anxiety disorders, "there actually really is very, very little scientific evidence to support its use as a treatment for anxiety at this point."
What about the risks?
For its part, FDA considers CBD a drug, and it has issued warning letters to companies marketing the compound as a dietary supplement or selling it in foods or drinks.
There is also a significant risk that CBD could interfere with other medications patients might be taking, according to Sumner Burstein, a professor emeritus of biochemistry and molecular pharmacology at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
Further, experts note that most of the CBD products available on the market are not regulated by FDA. Dustin Lee, an assistant professor in psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins University, said, "It might be available at the local 7-11 in Pennsylvania, but any product you get on the market is not federally regulated by the FDA, so the purity and safety and quality are questionable.
Another issue is how CBD is ingested. Some of the most popular CBD products on the market, such as CBD oil, can be added to food or beverages, but experts say it would need to be consumed at a very high dose to have any effect because CBD oil has high fat solubility.
What's next for CBD research?
Much more may be known about CBD soon, in part because research restrictions are expected to be eased after the 2018 farm bill legalized industrial hemp nationwide.
Numerous studies are underway to determine the effectiveness of CBD in curb substance misuse and help with tobacco cessation, enhance cancer treatment, or manage the inflammatory symptoms of disorders like Crohn's disease, according to the New York Times.
Yasmin Hurd, a professor at the Icahn School of Medicine and the director of the Addiction Institute at Mount Sinai, said scientists and consumers need to "do the research" before trusting CBD.
"It's crazy that this substance is being consumed by everybody, yet we still don't know the mechanism of action," she said. "People are making it out to be a nirvana kind of drug, and that's a problem. One compound cannot cure everything" (Rabin, New York Times, 2/25; Nosowitz, Vox, 1/17).
Cheat sheet series: Evidence-based medicine 101
Been awhile since your last statistics class? It can be difficult to judge the quality of studies, the significance of data, or the importance of new findings when you don't know the basics.
Download our cheat sheets to get a quick, one-page refresher on some of the foundational components of evidence-based medicine.
- Evidence-based practice (EBP)
- Observational studies
- Randomized control trials (RCT's)
- Systematic reviews
- Statistical significance