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SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) - It has been nine months since the revamping of Internet auction giant eBay Inc. began, and investors need to give it a hard look.
The company's third quarter earnings report Wednesday showed a year-over-year drop in gross merchandise value (GMV), a closely-watched barometer of the value of all goods sold on the site. This decline of 1% was a sharp change from previous quarters; GMV grew 14% in last year's third quarter, but the metric has been on a downhill slope for the last couple of years as eBay's
Chief Executive John Donahoe and his team have been working hard, since taking the helm from former CEO Meg Whitman, to get the core business growing again. And business changes often take time to fully implement. But it seems at least odd that - after nine months - an Internet company like eBay has little to show for its efforts.
The company's approach Wednesday was to tout other metrics, like the growing number of sellers with high customer ratings. EBay's restructuring was designed to improve the buying and selling experience, in part by cleaning out lower-rated sellers who were considered to risky for customers. The efforts also included the clean-up of older listings and more items on a fixed-price basis to better compete with Amazon.com Inc.
"We see clear evidence that -- the site today is safer and easier to use than it was six months ago," Donahoe told investors on a conference call Wednesday.
But Donahoe also admitted that the changes "have not yet translated in to buyers increasing their overall purchases on eBay." He seems content to wait out the economy, but investors may not have the patience.
- Therese Poletti


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Royal Caribbean has no plans to cancel visits to Russia, despite acknowledging that visiting the country is increasingly uncertain in a statement posted online. The same is valid for Celebrity Cruises which issued the same message.
For Royal Caribbean International, Voyager of the Seas is scheduled to operate cruises in the Baltic, including visits to St. Petersburg; Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Silhouette are scheduled to visit the popular Russian port for Celebrity Cruises.
Royal Caribbean Intends to Visit Russia
Despite the political ramifications and widespread sanctions that the EU, US, and the UK have implemented against Russia, Royal Caribbean says it still intends to include port calls to St. Petersburg at this time. The company has cruises scheduled this summer for both Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises.
In a letter sent to guests booked onboard one of the cruises to Russia, the company says it is closely monitoring the situation as it develops, but, as of now, intends to sail to St. Petersburg:
“With the recent events, it is increasingly uncertain if we can visit St. Petersburg, Russia, as scheduled. For your peace of mind, we want to share our plans.”
“At this time, our intention is to sail to St. Petersburg; however, we have secured alternate ports, should we feel that changing our itinerary is the best path forward. You and your travel advisor will be the first to know should we decide to formally change our itinerary.”
As of now, the cruise line remains undecided whether sailing to Russia is the smart option. Royal Caribbean has Voyager of the Seas scheduled to sail to St. Petersburg on fifteen cruises between May 1 and August 21.
Celebrity Cruises has scheduled seven departures that include calls to St. Petersburg, departing on May 14, 26, and 30; July 8 and July 20; and August 13 and August 20, onboard Celebrity Silhouette and Celebrity Apex.
What Options Do Guests Have?
Although the events unfolding in Ukraine are thousands of miles from St. Petersburg, and there will likely not be any direct danger to guests, the sanctions that are being implemented worldwide, coupled with public opinion of contributing to the Russian economy, could mean that Royal Caribbean will cancel cruises to Russia either way.
Therefore, Royal Caribbean is offering guests on both Celebrity and Royal Caribbean International several options:
“We’re continuously monitoring events taking place around the world, including the situation in Ukraine. With the recent events, it is increasingly uncertain if we can visit St. Petersburg. We understand that the developments in the region may make you hesitant to sail to Russia, so here are some options to ensure you have the best time with us.”
The options for guests are to keep their current booking, with the knowledge that the cruise company has been working on alternatives. Guests can also use their Cruise With Confidence policy to opt-in for a Future Cruise Credit to be used on another sailing.
Guests can also opt to cancel their voyage and book a different cruise; guests can do this free of charge. Should Royal Caribbean opt to change the itinerary, guests will have the opportunity to cancel for a full refund.
Russia Travel Advice
Several cruise lines reacted to the events in Eastern Europe in the last 48-hours. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has been one of the first to cancel all cruises to Russia for its cruise lines. In the coming days, it is for than likely more cruise lines will follow.
The US State Department has issued a higher travel warning for Russia, putting the country at level 4: “Do not travel to Russia due to ongoing tension along the border with Ukraine, the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens, the embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia, COVID-19 and related entry restrictions, terrorism, harassment by Russian government security officials, and the arbitrary enforcement of local law.”
The travel advice from the State Department will be a guideline for the cruise lines on whether or not to visit St. Petersburg. If it does stay at level 4, it is increasingly unlikely cruises will be sailing to Russia.

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ISLAMABAD: The All Pakistan Flour Mills Association (APFMA) has withdrew countrywide strike call after the elimination of 17 percent Sales Tax (GST) by Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on various products of wheat.
The notification of 17 percent GST elimination on the wheat brain has been issued by FBR in this regard.
The decision was taken after successful talks of the flour mills owners with the Chairman FBR in Islamabad.
Earlier APFMA has announced to observe countrywide strike on July 17 (Wednesday) against the imposition of 17 percent sales tax (ST) on various products of wheat.
“The Millers association will halt the supply of flour to all mills on Wednesday,” said Chairman All Pakistan Flour Mills Association.
Flour mills chairman said that government has imposed |Sales Tax on the wheat brain due which the price of per bag flour will go up by Rs40.
“The GST on the wheat brain will make our businesses unviable that’s why we have decided to go on strike against all these steps taken by the government in the budget for 2019-20,” he added.


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Vodafone India has slashed mobile internet charges by a massive 80 per cent for its users across India, effective 1 November.
The reduction is for both pre- and post-paid customers on 2G on a 'Pay as you Go' basis.
Post the successful pilot launch in three circles - Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh (West) and Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh, in mid-June, this is the lowest pan-India mobile internet charge roll out, the company said in a statement.
The rate cut from 10 paise per 10 KB to 2 paise per 10 KB will make the internet more affordable for customers who use mobile internet in a limited way.
These new PAYG rates, which are the same for both 2G and 3G, are the lowest in market, making them extremely attractive for all customers across the country.
Additionally, when a customer roams anywhere in India on Vodafone, the company would levy charges home rates for mobile internet.
''This 80 per cent reduction in mobile internet charges for customers using 2G is an important step in our strategy to drive mobile internet and we are confident that this move will facilitate in faster adoption and better usage,'' said Vivek Mathur, chief commercial officer at Vodafone India.
As part of its strategy to democratise data, Vodafone has been hand holding customers to use mobile internet and educating current and potential users about how internet can add significant value to them, it said.
The company is also building content partnerships, simplifying pricing, educating retailers and offering choice to customer basis their interests and consumption patterns.


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• Why ANLCA is kicking, by council
Should the Practitioners Operating Fees (POF) collected at the ports by the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) be shared among its five affiliated associations?
The proposed sharing of the cash is said to have pitched the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) against the other four groups.
The others are National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Association of Registered Freight Forwarders Nigeria (AREFFN), National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA) and the National Association of Air Freight Forwarders and Consolidators (NAFFAC).
CRFFN, it was gathered, may rake in over N2 billion yearly at the ports and land borders from POF.
The approved charges are, N1.50 per kilometre for air cargo, N1,000 per 20-foot container, N2,000 per 40-foot container, N500 per car/suv, N1,000 per truck or 20-foot equivalent, N2,000 per truck or 40-foot equivalent, N3.50 per tonnes for general cargo and N1.00 per tonnes for dry bulk cargo.
To ANLCA President, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, the money should go to the Presidency instead of being shared by the ports associations.
The money, he said, should be used by the government to develop port infrastructure and boost the economy.
“ANLCA is the umbrella body of the Customs agents and we cannot pay money to the CRFFN that would be shared by the freight forwarders that contributed nothing to the purse.
“Government should look for ways of collecting the money through the CRFFN without sharing with associations so that the money will go straight to the government and not to individuals and that is the position of ANLCA.
“Some of the associations the CRFFN proposed to share the money with are going to contribute little or nothing to the fund because of their population,” he said.
ANLCA, Shittu said, had written to Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi on the need for talks over the matter.
But a senior official of CRFFN, who pleaded not to be named said that the council is empowered to collect POF nationwide and to take 60 per cent of the collection.
“The problem over the collection started when ANLCA National President Prince Olayiwola Shittu resigned from the council, following the approval granted CRFFN by the Federal Government to collect transaction fees at seaports, airports, and land borders.
“The crisis generated by the approval forced the former Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, to rescind his decision and directed the council to stop the collection of the fees from port operators.
“But our position is that after collecting the 60 per cent, the council is to give 35 per cent of the amount collected to ANLCA, NAGAFF, NCMDLCA, AREFF and NAFFAC. The remaining five per cent would be shared among registered freight forwarders.
“The reason ANLCA is kicking is because they don’t want the money to be shared equally. In the Animal Farm, ANLCA claimed, some are more equal than the other.
“They want the money to be shared based on the contribution of each association to the fund. If association A contributed 20 per cent to the fund and association B contributed five per cent, let A take 20 per cent in the sharing formula and association B take five per cent. To them, you cannot reap where you don’t sow and that is the position the group wants the CRFFN to follow,” the official said.
Also, a senior Customs officer who does not want his name in print kicked against the collection of the fees.
“The service is of the opinion that the charges will no doubt cause delays in the clearance of goods at the port, thereby, leading to port congestion. Its implementation will also increase the cost of doing business with its attendant implication on the cost of goods and services,” he said.


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Despite the country’s ban on cryptocurrencies, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) stated on Tuesday in a news conference that the nation accounted for more than 84 percent of the world’s blockchain patent applications.
The MIIT did not, however, cite the source of its information on worldwide blockchain patent applications.
According to Wang Jianwei, deputy head of MIIT’s IT Development Department, blockchain is currently quickly integrating with business and politics.
Despite the fact that China has outlawed cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology is used by businesses and the government. According to the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, a university supported by MIIT, as of March this year, China has more than 1,300 blockchain enterprises.
According to a report by the patent think tank PatSnap in February, China ranked first globally in the number of blockchain patent filings in 2021 with about 33,000 applications, accounting for 63.2% of the global application. The U.S. and South Korea were second and third, respectively.
However, PatSnap noted that just 10.5% of the patents are cited more than 11 times, compared to the U.S. at 21.5%, suggesting that the quality of blockchain patents in China may be low. Additionally, only 0.1% of blockchain patents in China have more than 100 citations, as opposed to 1.3% in the US.
The cost of submitting a patent in China is quite low, but the benefits of having one—or even just submitting one—can significantly raise a company’s prestige.
And even if many of the submitted applications don’t seem very cutting-edge or novel, businesses nevertheless want to submit them to give the impression that they are.


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CBD Day-to-day Founder Provides Understanding Of CBD Farm Bill Passing
Kevin Wachs, the founder of CBD constant, talked with Beauty Independent concerning the Farm Bill proposing hemp legalization which Congress recently passed.
If the President signs the bill, CBD items produced from cbd pure.com hemp plants will not be categorized as being a managed substance but as agricultural commodities nationwide that is federally permissible. The Farm Bill is anticipated to pass through week that is next.
Farm Bill passesKevin Wachs launched Earthly Body, a hemp-focused individual care business, in 1996. Wachs has since created many other brands, including CBD constant.
Inside the Food And Drug Administration, concern might continue on the security of ingesting CBD oil. Some industry professionals think the concern comes from confusion concerning the psychoactivity of CBD.
It originates from lack of clarity claims Kevin Wachs, founder of normal skincare and haircare business Earthly Body. When anyone are educated towards the proven fact that hemp CBDs, whether ingested or applied externally, have zero quantities of THC and, consequently, cannot allow you to get high, the grey area becomes really black and white. I think we will have this modification just take impact for ingestible CBD with time, since it has for topical CBD items.
The Farm Bill, from top-to-bottom, offers benefits when it comes to almost billion buck CBD industry. The following year should be a major 12 months for CBD in general even as we are simply just starting to begin to see the prospect of how all over the industry can get. Our company is extremely pleased to be seen as a frontrunner in the market and stay showcased in quality news outlets and publications.


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Home Depot reported its 2015 fourth quarter and full year fiscal results on Tuesday for the period ended Jan. 31, posting more big gains for the consumer home improvement retailer.
The Alanta-based company reported Q4 sales of $21.0 billion, up 9.5 percent from the same period a year earlier. Home Depot said comparable store sales in Q4 gained 7.1 percent, and comparable sales for U.S. stores gained 8.9 percent.
Home Depot, which acquired Interline Brands last July for $1.63 billion, posted a Q4 profit of $1.47 billion, up from $1.38 billion a year earlier.
For the full year 2015, sales of $88.5 billion were up 6.4 percent from 2014. The company said comparable store sales in 2015 gained 5.6 percent, and comparable sales for U.S. stores gained 7.1 percent.
Profit for 2015 of $7.0 billion was a 10.5 percent increase over 2014.
"Our focus on improving the interconnected customer experience, along with solid execution and continued recovery in the U.S. housing market, resulted in record sales and net earnings for 2015," said Craig Menear, Home Depot chairman, CEO, and president.
The company said it expects full year 2016 sales to grow 5.1 to 6.0 percent, with comparable store sales growth of 3.7 to 4.5 percent


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With so little inventory and a seemingly increased number of deep-pocketed home-hunters in Manhattan, the market conditions are ripe for new luxury condominiums. According to the New York Times, that’s rewarding developers who displayed patience during the downturn. But those eagerly awaiting the relaunch of HFZ and Related Companies’ One Madison Park will also have to show patience.
In a story about stalled condo projects, Related told the Times that it is now planning on bringing the units to the market in early 2013. In April, sources told The Real Deal the developers planned to put the units online later this year.
It’s just the latest in a long history of trouble for a project that spent more than a year-and-a-half in bankruptcy. And the timing could make a difference, according to new development sales statistics relayed by the Times. Contract signings at new developments are up 26 percent over the last two years even as development inventory has shrunk by 58 percent over that period. But there’s only a limited time to take advantage of these market conditions. Citing Corcoran Sunshine data, the Times said some 1,500 new development units will be introduced in each of the next three years. [NYT]


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Google’s Good to Know campaign aims to help people stay safe on the Internet and manage the information they share online.
Sunday Times reports that Google is partnering with Sri Lanka’s Information Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) and the Ministry of Child Development and Women’s Affairs to launch the campaign on 29th November at the Mount Lavinia Hotel. A trilingual website is to be launched to commemorate the commencement of this campaign.
Around 150 representatives from student leaders, government officials, media, teachers, NGOs’ and other stakeholders have been invited for the event, according to a media statement issued by Rohan Jayaweera, Google Sri Lanka’s Country Consultant.
“One of Google’s top priorities is ensuring that users have a positive and meaningful experience when they use the Internet. Every day thousands of Sri Lankans, primarily students and users under the age of 18, go online for the first time, hence we all have a responsibility to make sure that Sri Lankan users know how to stay safe online,” he said.
The statement added that Sri Lanka’s youth often are more familiar with the Internet than their parents or teachers. “We hope that these tools/information/access to knowledge will be especially useful to Sri Lankan parents and teachers so they can make sure their children and students are staying safe online,” it said.
You can access to Google get to know information from their web site: http://www.google.lk/goodtoknow/
Stay safe online - Choosing strong passwords and avoiding malware and advice on keeping your family safe online.
Your data on the web - Learn how cookies work and how your IP address helps websites guess your location.
Your data on Google - Learn what’s stored in Google search logs, and how they use data to show you relevant results and even predict disease
Manage your data - Show you how to manage your cookies, browsing in private, and moving your data in and out of Google products


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Latest News on Chat App
Showing of 0 - 10 from 18 results
Chat App - Total results - 18
Feb 10, 2018
WhatsApp Web's login page is getting a redesign as voice calls get confirmed in upcoming iPad appOther features recently spotted on the WhatsApp Beta includes adding up to three users in a group call.
Jan 15, 2018
WhatsApp working on a new feature to block those annoying spam messagesWhatsApp is working on a feature in its app which will empower its users to prevent spam messages in the next update version 2.17.430.
Jan 13, 2018
WhatsApp becomes 'obsolete' for many users in India; Facebook pins blame on third-party app distribution mechanismSeveral users have taken to Twitter to complain about the issues with WhatsApp, which is refusing to open until a non-existent update is installed.
Jan 08, 2018
WhatsApp beta update suggest Facebook stickers, group calling option and moreWhatsApp had earlier confirmed about the group voice calls. The new beta update too hints of group video and voice call in the app.
Jan 02, 2018
WhatsApp suffers global outage for an hour on new year's eveThe cause of the WhatsApp outage on new year's eve was not immediately known.
Jun 21, 2017
WhatsApp extends support for Windows, Nokia and BlackBerry devices till at least the end of 2017WhatsApp has launched its new beta version and will extend support for Nokia S 40 and BlackBerry devices.
Jun 11, 2017
WeChat launches a new feature to fight fake newsThe new feature of WeChat will notify users if a piece of news that they have received is deemed fake by Chinese censors, police or official media outlets, reports Efe news.
Jul 16, 2016
Japanese chat app Line soars in New York-Tokyo dual listingJapan's Line Corp saw its shares rocket on their Tokyo debut on Friday, extending a strong start in New York the day before, and taking the value of the messaging app firm to $8.6 billion in the year's biggest tech IPO.


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OnePlust finally launched its new OnePlus 7T Pro at its global launch event in London, the Chinese manufacturer also unveiled the McLaren edition of the device. The new series of launches come after the OnePlus 7T and OnePlus TV were unveiled last month.
OnePlus 7T Pro, OnePlus 7T Pro McLaren Edition price
Talking about the pricing the OnePlus 7T Pro will come with a price tag of Rs 53,999 for its single storage variant with 8GB+256GB, while the McLaren edition of the phone will cost Rs 58,999 for 12GB+256GB variant.
The phone will be available on Amazon and OnePlus authorised stores in India.
The company has launched the device with launch offers that include an instant discount of Rs 3000 on purchase through HDFC Abnk cards. For the purchases made on Amazon, users can get Rs 1750 discount trough ICICI Bank
OnePlus 7T Pro specifications
The OnePlus 7T Pro is very similar to its predecessor in, the OnePlus 7Pro, in terms of specifications with new features that include the latest Android 10, upgraded portrait mode and a macro mode.
The device comes with a 6.67-inch QHD+ 90 Hz AMOLED display with a pop-up selfie camera and 19.5:9 aspect ration. On the inside, it gets powered with Snapdragon 855+ SoC with Adreno 640 GPU paired with 8GB RAM and 256 GB storage.
It gets a triple camera setup with a 48-megapixel primary lens assisted by an 8-megapixel telephoto lens and a 16-megapixel super wide-angle lens. On the front, OnePlus 7T Pro gets a 16-megapixel selfie camera. The phone also features the latest 30W dash charger that was introduced with the One Plus 7 Pro and gets packed with a 4085 mAH battery.


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Michael G. Kozak is the Acting Assistant Secretary for the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs. As the most senior US public servant responsible for trade with Cuba you would expect him to know exactly the value of US medicines and medical equipment exported to Cuba. After all, he has to sign specific permits for each product exported. He recently tweeted that the United States had authorized the export of “billions of dollars” of medicine and medical equipment to Cuba since 1992. Washington’s charge d’affaires in Cuba, Mara Tekach, repeated this claim in a video broadcast on social media on 07 April 2020.
These US claims are demonstrably false. In an analysis of published US government export figures undertaken by Cuba Support Group Ireland, the value of all exports to Cuba between 2002 and 2006, a period of relatively stable trade, was found to be $6.4billion USD. Of this, less than 3% was for non-food products. Applying this representative 3% share to the total value of all authorised US exports to Cuba between 1992 and 2020, the total value of exports for non-food products over that time period amounts to considerably less than $200million USD.
According to US press reports for the period, most of this €200million was for construction-related products purchased to aid in the recovery from a series of devastating hurricanes which struck Cuba in that period.
Clearly, $200million does not come close to the “billions of dollars” the State Department claims, even if roof sheeting is counted as medical equipment.
The Cuban view
Calling out the State Department’s attempted deception, Doctor Lázaro Silva, vice president of Cuba’s Medicuba organisation denied the US statements and challenged the Assistant Secretary to back up his statement, saying:
“I invite you to publish the evidence that the U.S. has been selling medicines to MediCuba, as MediCuba is the sole importer of medicines [into Cuba]”
At time of writing, the US State Department had failed to respond to the Medicuba vice president’s challenge.
Documented history of blockade impacts
The US State Department should have better briefed the acting Assistant Secretary before he made his embarrassing public statement. They will have been aware of a 1997 report produced by the American Association for World Health which confirms an entirely different reality.
Entitled, “Denial of Food and Medicine – The Impact of the U.S. Embargo on health and nutrition in Cuba” the AAWH report found that:
“… the embargo contributed particularly to […] lack of access to medicines and medical supplies, and limited the exchange of medical and scientific information due to travel restrictions and currency regulations.”
The AAWH report also found that:
“.. a humanitarian catastrophe has been averted only because the Cuban government has maintained a high level of budgetary support for a health care system designed to deliver primary and preventive health care to all of its citizens… Even so, the U.S. embargo of food and the de facto embargo on medical supplies has wreaked havoc with the island’s model primary health care system.”
U.S. Exporters and the Embargo Laws
The American Association for World Health specifically investigated the issue of authorised exports of medicines and medical equipment and found that despite the fact that sales of medicines and medical equipment to Cuba may be authorized by the U.S. government,
“We find that major medical manufacturers in the USA do not in fact export their products to Cuba. Indeed, they report various “chill factors” that keep them from taking advantage of this possibility. Among these are the labyrinth of changing U.S. regulations and their interpretation, licensing requirements and the complex application process, time lags, the uncertainty of final authorization, often based on active discouragement by government offices, and stiffened penalties for embargo violations.”
The Association also found:
“… considerable confusion among United States manufacturers in the medical supply field about current U.S. legislation, and a unanimous reluctance to engage Cuban import firms in conversation, much less contracts.”
The AAWH undertook a survey of 12 pharmaceutical and medical equipment manufacturers based in the United States for their study and found that:
“… none sells or had recently sold products directly to Cuba and that none had ever applied for a license to do so. In the vast majority of cases respondents stated that it was their understanding that the U.S. embargo either prevented or discouraged sale to Cuba. In fact, representatives of six of these companies had the mistaken understanding that the U.S. embargo prohibits all medical sales to Cuba.
The 2000 Trade Sanctions Act
Under the Clinton administration, the US Congress passed the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act (TSRA), which started to relax the enforcement of the economic and trade embargo and allowed the sale of agricultural goods and medicine to Cuba for humanitarian reasons. Since 2002, the USA has been an important supplier of food and agricultural products to Cuba.
However, under the TSRA, exports of food and agricultural products to Cuba remain regulated by the Department of Commerce and require an export licence. Although the TSRA contemplates the export of medicine, every export of medicine required that:
“… the President of the USA certify, through on-site inspections approved by the President, that all components of a shipment of medical products to Cuba were used for the purpose intended.”
The USA maintains a small staff in their embassy in Havana and there is no evidence of it having ever assigned them such certification duties, certainly not on the scale that would be required to certify “billions of dollars of medicines and medical equipment”.
Indeed, in a 2008 review of the embargo, the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations reported as much to the UN Secretary-General:
“Goods, services or technologies produced by the United States or covered by United States patents or containing any element produced or patented by the United States are not available to Cuba. This includes medicines, medical equipment and other products under the category of humanitarian assistance, even when such products are purchased through multilateral cooperation.”
What is the world to take from the fact that the US government’s main policy maker on Cuba is so embarrassed at his government’s blockade policy that he attempts an easily disproved, ham-fisted distraction from the genocidal truth?
Three conclusions are clear:
- Incompetence runs deep throughout the entire Trump administration.
- Covid19 has revealed the barbaric nature of the US sanctions policy to the whole world.
- Sanctions are a threadbare diplomatic disguise for a policy that amounts to illegal warfare against a civilian population.
Under the global spotlight of pandemic, it will take a lot more than sheep’s clothing to hide the naked evil that drives US policy on Cuba.
- Cuba Support Group Ireland: US exports to Cuba 1992-2020
- AAWH report: https://bit.ly/34CG2Cj
- Zinc roof sheeting, lumber, tools and wire to the value of $6.3 million approved in 2005 http://www.disasterdiplomacy.org/cubausa.html


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The advertising and marketing efforts tap sponsorships, promotions, television, print and online--not only to educate consumers on Sharp's role in LCD TVs, but solar energy systems, too. Sharp has developed solar panels for farms, homes and satellites for more than 45 years.
"When consumers go to their dealer for solar panels, we want them to think about the same Sharp Aquos TVs they have in their home," says Neal Lattner, senior marketing director for the Sharp marketing and communications group.
The campaign designed by Lowe Worldwide, an Interpublic Group company, took four months to build. The message speaks to adults ages 25 to 54 who earn more than $75,000 annually. These well-educated homeowners are curious, and want the best technologies developed by innovative brands.
The first phase of the print, broadcast and online advertising campaign focuses on Sharp's Aquos line of LCD TVs, relying on the company's sponsorship with Major League Baseball (MLB). It ads call the Aquos the "ultimate ticket," because for baseball fans, it's the best seat in the house to watch games.
The campaign tagline, "Change your TV, change your Life," tells consumers they can improve their lives by improving the television experience. The first of three 30-second TV spots began airing in May on national broadcast and cable networks.
It's also Sharp's first major U.S. advertising campaign featuring solar technology. The print ads communicate Sharp's vision of a solar-powered world. The TV ad--tagged "Change your power, change your planet"--began airing this week, highlighting an expertise in solar-powered installations worldwide. The commercial features Pepperdine University math and physics professor Gerard Fasel. The same message in a third TV ad highlights Sharp's history in LCDs.
Not all agree the association between LCD televisions and solar panels will work to strengthen a leadership role for Sharp in alternative energy sources. Marketing guru and author Al Reis says "consumers think LCD TV sets are expensive electronic devices, and you don't want them to visualize what it would cost to put dozens on their roof," especially because solar panels are viewed as more affordable per square foot.
Sharp is missing an opportunity to own the market, Reis says. "It's a classic example of when a company should launch a second brand," he says. "Even if they must launch a brand no one has heard of, long term it would establish them as a leader in the solar panel market."
The TV ads will air multiple times during today's MLB's All Star Game broadcast. During the game, Sharp plans to launch a nationwide sweepstakes to giveaway more than 1,000 prizes such as trips, Aquos LCD TVs and chances to meet MLB players.
They will continue to run on sports stations through September and then on educational cable channels History, Discovery A&E and Fox, among others, through the end of the year. Sharp has scheduled more than 10 print ads that focus on Sharp's LCD TVs and solar technology to rotate through Time, Newsweek, Sports Illustrated, Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Los Angeles Times and The New York Times. Aside from TV commercials and print advertisements, Sharp introduced the micro-Web site, lifechangingbox.com, to educate consumers about Sharp's products. A Facebook application and supporting online advertising campaign, gives consumers a change to win TVs. One lucky person wins a trip to Japan.
The Facebook application resembles the classic game Hot Potato, only in reverse. Facebook users who install the game can take possession of a box from another player, which is passed around to other friends who have installed the Life Changing Box application. Winning the prize means having possession of the box when it opens.


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Today, at the annual MacWorld conference in San Francisco, Apple Inc. senior vice president of worldwide product marketing, Phil Shiller, announced that by the end of this quarter, the iTunes Store’s entire catalog of digital music will be sold without Digital Rights Management (DRM). As of today, 8 million of the 10 million songs sold by the iTunes Store are available sans DRM, with the remaining 2 million to follow suit during the coming months. This announcement has been a long time coming from Apple; the company’s CEO, Steve Jobs, penned an open letter to the music industry in February of 2007, calling for an end to DRM mandates for online music retailers, though only one of the “Big Four” record labels, EMI, answered his call in the weeks that followed. This time around, it seems that Apple was forced to make a concession in order to cast off the record industry’s DRM requirements. As followers of Apple’s negotiations with the recording industry will note, variable pricing for songs–an item that has long topped record executive’s wish lists–was also announced today at MacWorld and will be implemented in April. Though it remains to be seen whether labels will seek to fully exploit this new variable pricing model, Apple’s DRM announcement marks a turning point in the battle against DRM. But the war is far from over.
As far as online music sales go (subscription services exempted), Apple’s iTunes Store is essentially the final and largest domino to fall. Its competitors have been selling DRM-free MP3s for months–Amazon.com, for example, launched a DRM-free music store in September 2007 and now offers more than 5 million songs in an unprotected MP3 format. Apple’s announcement is still significant, however, for two reasons. First, Apple is far and away the world’s largest online music retailer–the company has sold more than 5 billion songs online and currently stands as the second largest music retailer in the U.S. behind Wal-Mart. Second, Apple is also the producer of the most popular line of digital media players on the market and until recently, used this market power to restrict consumer choice. FairPlay, the DRM used by Apple, is a proprietary technology and Apple has refused to license it to other companies. What this means for the consumer is that FairPlay-encoded songs purchased from the iTunes Store will only play on Apple iPods. If you’ve built up a collection of music by purchasing tracks from the iTunes Store and decide that you’d like to switch to another brand of digital media player, too bad–those files will only play on an iPod or iPhone.
Thankfully, with this announcement, Apple has offered consumers a way out of its closed ecosystem. Starting today, users will be able to “upgrade” most of the songs in their music libraries to DRM-free tracks for the nominal fee of $0.30 per song (users could previously do this with tracks offered by EMI and a handful of indie labels). While that’s not ideal, it offers a far better alternative to the two previous options: repurchasing that song or downloading it illegally.
While Apple and the Big Four should be applauded for bringing DRM-free music to the masses (it’s worth noting that indie labels of all sizes have long offered DRM-free downloads as a matter of course), there’s still much work to be done by the anti-DRM crusade. As Cory Doctorow notes over at Boing Boing, Apple still sells DRM-encoded movies, TV shows and audiobooks. While this is, likely, more the fault of the content owners than Apple, one would hope that other sectors of the entertainment industry will get the message soon enough. As we have seen, DRM isn’t just an inconvenience; it can cause a whole host of complications, ranging from interoperability to accessibility issues. On the music side, users have roundly rejected DRM and the major labels have had no choice but to respond. One can only imagine that the same will happen with other media formats, in due time.


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California's 2006 almond crop a bin buster
Elizabeth LarsonCapital Press Staff Writer
Almond production in California has hit an all-time high, the Almond Board of California reported today.The board's 2007 Position report states that California almond production through Jan. 31 of the 2006-07 crop year jumped 22 percent over the previous year, resulting in a record high 1.092 billion pounds.California leads the nation and the world in almond production, said Marsha Venable, the board's communications coordinator. Eighty percent of the world's almond production is located in California, said Venable. California in turn exports 70 percent of its crop, she said.The growth in production didn't come from increased acreage, Venable said, most of which hasn't come into production yet."It really was just a good year for the sets on the trees," she said.That, together with good weather conditions, resulted in this record-breaking crop, said Venable.Along with the record production, the board is reporting increased demand in domestic and foreign markets.January crop year-to-date shipments increased 27 percent versus the same time period last year, the board reported, resulting in record-breaking numbers for domestic and export markets.Domestic shipments are up 23 percent overall, with record monthly shipments in each of the last five months, the board reported. In addition, export shipments were up 29 percent from last year.The Almond Board reported that the top five export markets this crop year are Germany, Spain, India, Japan and China, representing 50 percent of all California almond exports.Increasing knowledge about the health benefits of almonds is one factor in the growing demand, Venable said."People have become aware of the nutritional value of almonds," she said, adding that the "heart healthy" message about almonds has gotten out.The Almond Board also has been marketing the nuts globally, she said, which includes working to expand the role of almonds in peoples' diets beyond desserts, pastries and confections.The production count is expected to go on for the next five months, Venable said, but more than 98 percent has already been recorded.


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Congratulations, thanks to the Wells Fargo Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce loans, we are elated to help these three businesses. The 3 businesses represented are On The Move Transport…
About THE BCBCC
Developing connections among Multi-Cultural businesses within our community
Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce, a 501©3 organization, is a membership organization dedicated to offering products, services and educational programming for multi-cultural business-owners and professionals within the Beaufort and neighboring communities. Our mission is dedicated to the economic empowerment of African American communities and small businesses in Beaufort County.
We are the BCbCC: discover our story
Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce: ‘Working Together, We Can Make A Difference’
The Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce has come a long way since its founding in 1999. Starting from an idea, about $5,000 and a handful of members, the chamber has grown into a multi-million dollar organization that takes its mission seriously and is – literally – changing the face of Beaufort County. As we look back at the inception of The Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce (BCBCC), we are reminded that in the past, days before BCCC was scheduled to open, it was vandalized with the N-word in red spray paint, the hate didn’t stop there, the property soon to be home to BCCC was also set on fire. Yet Larry Holman stood true to his vision of planting a chamber in Beaufort to support Beaufort’s Black business owners.
Principles of our work
Providing programs and workshops that deliver practical and useful education to strengthen and grow minorities and women in business.
Understanding the importance of culture by helping bridge the economic and societal gaps through outreach, diversity and inclusion.
Preserving and celebrating the Gullah Geechee Heritage of the Coastal Carolina’s. BCBCC is founder and publisher of Gullah Geechee Heritage and visitors and tourism guide.
MOVING THE NEEDLE ON EMPOWERMENT
The ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones that do.
The Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce looks to enhance educational, cultural, and social experiences for young professionals.


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American Airlines will no longer accept payments in the Argentinian peso, CNN Money reported yesterday. In a statement, American Airlines said they do not have inventory available for purchase in the fiat currency because of “repatriation issues.”
As CNN Money pointed out, this means the company has issues converting pesos into dollars. This comes after American Airlines’ policy change in September, which restricted tickets bought with pesos to flights scheduled within 90 days. For those in Argentina, American Airlines is still accepting purchases made with foreign credit cards.
CNN Money explains there are two problems for American Airlines when dealing with the South American nation. The recent reduction of money foreign companies can take back to the United States, which is a sign of economic instability. Mauricio Macri was also just elected as Argentina’s new president. He promised to revive the nation’s economy through major economic reforms, including putting an end to the government’s control on currency.
Cryptocurrency news site the Merkle explains the American Airlines policy change is an opportunity for bitcoin. If American Airlines allowed bitcoin payments, all Argentinians could potentially still buy tickets, and not just those with access to foreign credit. The Merkle explains that obtaining foreign credit is difficult, and includes strong verification requirements. American Airlines could be seen as a pioneer, the Merkle argues, if it were to accept bitcoin payments.
This would be a huge step regarding a wider bitcoin acceptance, especially from a mainstream perspective. While events like Bitcoin Black Friday expose the general public to an environment (online retailers) where digital currencies are accepted, there still remains an unfavorable stigma toward bitcoin.
Considering that Argentina is the only nation that’s been affected by a recent change in the airline’s policy, it’s unlikely any steps toward accepting bitcoin will be made. It does, nonetheless, point to the potential of bitcoin, and the issues that arise when dealing with fiat currencies.
Image credit – Daniel Piotrowski (source)


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27 min ago | AutoWeek
When the sixth installment of "Gran Turismo" hits store shelves this holiday season for the PlayStation 3, it will include 1,200 cars, 33 tracks in 71 layouts, a new track editor with 10 square kilometers of scenery, and more ways to connect with friends and rivals.
4 hrs ago | Science Blog
Levels of physical inactivity and obesity are very high in children, with fewer than 50% of primary school-aged boys and fewer than 28% of girls meeting the minimum levels of physical activity required to maintain health.
4 hrs ago | BroadwayWorld.com
The Guthrie Theater today announced that Vincent Kartheiser , known to worldwide audiences as advertising executive Pete Campbell in the ongoing Golden Globe, Emmy and SAG Award-winning series "Mad Men", will be featured in the iconic role of Mr.
8 hrs ago | GamesIndustry.biz
With no support from Electronic Arts, the Wii U just experienced its Dreamcast moment.
9 hrs ago | NBC Dallas
Lots of video games on the market are advertised as a fun way to get fit. Consumer Reports checked out five: Nike Plus Kinect Training, Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2013, Just Dance 4, U-F-C Trainer, and Zumba Core.
14 hrs ago | CTV
Sega says it will exclusively release the next three games starring the popular blue critter on Nintendo platforms.
16 hrs ago | BBC News
The news comes as a blow to Nintendo on the day that it is due to unveil a fresh marketing strategy to boost interest in the Wii U. EA revealed in an interview with tech news site Kotaku that it had halted work on Wii U games.
20 hrs ago | KREX
If your kids are couch potatoes, an upcoming study in The Journal of Pediatrics recommends using "excer-gaming" to improve their health.
22 hrs ago | YouBentMyWookie
The May solicitations are out from Gentle Giant and the newest products are the Walking Dead Sophia Stalker Walker Zombie Mini Bust and The Star Wars Zuckuss Kenner Jumbo Figure.
The Justice League helped a fighting game battle its way to the top. Also continuing signs that consumers are waiting for new video game systems on the way Superhero fighting game 'Injustice: Gods Among Us' became the first fighting game to top The NPD Group's monthly sales chart in two years.
Ever since the major video game platforms added motion-controlled gaming, players have been jumping off the couch and moving more than their trigger fingers.
IGN TO PREMIERE YOUNG BEAUTIFUL IN A HURRY VIDEO 'DON'T STOP ME NOW' - DIRECTED BY 'THE WALKING DEAD' COMPOSER BEAR MCCREARY Website: http://www.youngbeautifulinahurry.com Rock band Young Beautiful in a Hurry releases their music video 'Don't Stop Me Now' on IGN -Drawing from the glory days of glam, and the classic games that inspired a generation, ... (more)
The new video game releases for June 2013 are shaping up quite nicely. Not only are we getting the Legendary Edition of Skyrim, but we're also seeing the release of two insanely anticipated games.
Sony Pictures announced Wednesday that the studio's acquired rights for the animated film, which will be developed, financed and produced by Rovio Entertainment, the creator of the addictive "Angry Birds" game.
Apocalyptic, catastrophic, devastating: All words used to describe chytrid fungus infections that are wiping out amphibians around the world, including hundreds of frog and salamander species.
Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi made the announcement today at a Silverstone event held to celebrate 15 years of the series.
O.J. Simpson , the former football star famously acquitted of murder in 1995, took the witness stand in a Las Vegas courtroom on Wednesday seeking a new trial in an armed-robbery case that sent him to prison five years ago.


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MediaTek one of the well-known brand for the manufacturer of chipset is now gearing up to launch its new Dimensity 9200 chip on the market soon. As per the sources, it will get launched on November 8 at an event. It will be a successor to its previously launched dimensity 9000 which features a high-end SoC with an integrated 5G modem. So, in this article, we will discuss everything we know about Media Dimensity 9200 specifications and features in detail.
Features of MediaTek Dimensity 9200 ( Rumored)
Previously its specifications were revealed by the benchmark which suggests to us that it will have a massive increase in overall performance than its predecessor Dimensity 9000. On the test, it scored over 1.26 million points in Antutu, which shows an improvement of over 26% over the dimensity 9000.
Furthermore, this new chip will feature a Cortex-X3 prime CPU core which means it will bring a 25% increase in overall raw performance. Whereas, on the GPU side, it is believed to get Immortalis-G715 with hardware support. Whereas, it has also been said that it will be more powerful than the Apple A16 Bionic chip.
To recall, its predecessor has a Cortex-X2 core with up to 3 GHz, three more A710 cores with up to 2.85 GHz, and four power-efficiency cores (Cortex-A510) with up to 1.8 GHz.
- Also read
Launching details :
As per our recent tracing, the dimensity 9200 will launch on November 8. The smartphones that are expected to use this chipset will be Vivo and Oppo. However, other devices may also use this chipset. Let’s see what the company plans in the company days. . Till then stay connected to us. We will keep updating you if any hot news arrives on the market.
So, what are your thoughts on the upcoming Dimensity 9200 with cortex X3 specifications? Let us know down below in the comment section.


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The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) March 7 established an interim two-tier capacity pricing system for AEP-Ohio, a unit of American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP). The interim capacity charges take effect immediately and will remain in place through May 31, 2012.
Capacity charges are costs billed by AEP to competing electric suppliers that sell power to customers using AEP’s infrastructure. Competitive suppliers pay capacity charges to ensure that there is enough electricity on the grid to meet demand.
Under the two-tier pricing system, suppliers will pay a market-priced capacity charge of $110 per MW-day up to the first 21 percent of customers in each customer class. All government aggregations will receive unlimited tier-one market-priced capacity. The second-tier capacity pricing of $255 per MW-day will be applied beyond the first 21 percent of customers in each class. The Commission will hold a hearing no later than April 17, 2012 to begin determining long-term capacity charges.
“Today’s decision by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) provides an appropriate short-term solution that fairly balances the interests of electric consumers with the need to protect the financial health of AEP Ohio,” said Nicholas Akins, president and chief executive officer of AEP. “We recognize, however, that this is the first step in a longer process of addressing the transition to a fully competitive market that is structured equitably for all market participants and provides benefits for consumers. The transition must be done in a manner that doesn’t unduly harm or unfairly enrich any individual utility or retail energy provider.”
AEP Ohio filed a motion for relief and request for an expedited ruling with PUCO on Feb. 27 to determine an interim capacity charge. AEP Ohio also requested that the commission conduct an expedited proceeding to consider the revised Electric Security Plan (ESP) proposal once filed. The company is asking PUCO to adopt a procedural schedule that would provide a decision within 60 days so new rates would become effective June 1.
The Commission also approved the merger of AEP-Ohio operating companies Columbus Southern Power and Ohio Power. The Commission previously approved the merger on Dec. 14, 2011 as a part of the consolidated AEP ESP agreement. The merger became final at the end of 2011.
Read more business regulation news


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CARSON CITY, Nev.
The tale of a mysterious Nevada recluse's gold reached a new chapter Tuesday when a portion of the trove raked in more than $3.5 million at auction.
It was the allure of mystery that pulled some bidders to the courtroom, but for others, it was the sheer value of a collection unknown to the public before Walter Samaszko Jr. was found dead in his modest ranch-style home last year.
Regardless of motivation, those who converged on the auction could sense the immense value of the treasure upon arriving.
There were numerous guards at the entrance, then more in the hallway outside the courtroom, and finally several with bullet proof vests and others with helmets inside the room holding the gold.
Five bidders diligently inspected the 11 lots of gold displayed in plastic sleeves, tubes and felt jewelry display boxes heavily guarded room before the bidding wars began.
By the time all sales were final, however, one bidder had secured nine of the 11 lots for sale.
Carson City's Alan Rowe of Northern Nevada Coin spent $617,000 from his own company, and another $2 million on behalf of the Illinois-based Rare Coin Company of America Inc. It was the uniqueness of the gold that drove his bidding, he said.
"Every one of us has a little hoarder nature in our culture and we all like to have things, but to this degree is quite a story," Rowe told reporters after the auction, adding that the metal value "is not as exciting as the story itself, there's actually value to the story."
He added that some of the coins will be available in the store or online for locals hoping to snag a piece of history. Others, he said, will be marketed nationally and likely on television.
This auction was only for the bullion coins - items that are not necessarily rare, just expensive because they are made of gold. There will likely be a second auction for the larger portion of the collection which is comprised of the rare coins, said Alan Glover, the public administrator for Samaszko's estate.
"They're buying and bidding on an ounce of gold, pure gold by the weight," Glover said.
In total, about 150 pounds of gold was sold at Tuesday's auction. About $800,000 will pay various fees and estate taxes, and the rest of the profits go to a substitute teacher in San Rafael, Calif., who is the first cousin and sole heir to the trove of Walter Samaszko Jr.
Because of the other coins' rarity, that sale is expected to net higher profits.
James Mitchell of Reno's Silver State Coin and a California-based group named Spectrum Group International Inc. grabbed the two lots not purchased by Rowe or his partners.
Mitchell landed the lot of 4,600 Mexican dos pesos, the largest number of coins in a single lot. He said the story posed no additional value to him.
"It had the most potential for profit," Mitchell said of his purchase. "There was one lot I wanted more, but this one will have to do."


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For a second week in a row, the United States Mint reduced its weekly allocation of American Eagle silver bullion coins. The agency has limited sales of the one-ounce, 99.9% pure silver coins since their return after temporarily selling out in July.
This week’s allocation fell to 750,000 coins, marking a 7.4% reduction. Last week’s allocation dropped 19.1% to 809,500 coins from the prior week’s supply of 1 million coins. The opening week of September also saw a rationing level of 1 million coins.
These weekly inventories have disappeared quickly. Last week and the week before that, the Mint’s authorized purchasers ordered all available Silver Eagles within two days.
American Silver Eagle sales at 34,304,500 for the year continue to run at a record pace, up 14.8% through the same time last year. In 2014 when Silver Eagle sales ended at a record 44,006,000, the coins through Sept. 21, 2014 posted sales of 29,871,000. The Mint also allocated sales last year but not during the summer months.
The U.S. Mint does not sell bullion American Silver Eagles directly to the public but through a network of authorized purchasers who buy them in bulk at melt value, plus a premium of $2 per coin. AP’s consist of major coin and precious metals dealers, brokerage companies, and other participating financial intermediaries.


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BS-VI Mercedes-Benz S-Class unveiled by Mr. Nitin Gadkari
Words: Chinmay Chaudhary
Mercedes-Benz has surprised the nation by unveiling first ever BS-VI vehicle in India. The German luxury carmaker has managed to do it a whopping two years ahead of the Government mandate of making all vehicles BS-VI compliant by 2020. Even though the new S-Class is BS-VI compliant, it is equally compatible to BS-IV fuel up to 50ppm available today.
As per the statistics, the particulate matter (PM) limit and NOx emission of BS-VI engines is 82 per cent and 68 per cent lower respectively than the BS-IV counterpart. The S350 has undergone tail pipe emission test in laboratory, engine power test, on board diagnostics test and real driving emission test conducted by ARAI Pune to get certified as the first ever BS-VI compliant vehicle. To become BS-VI compliant, the new S350d makes use of various emission technologies like exhaust gas re-circulation (EGR), diesel particulate filter (DPF), silicon controlled rectifier (SCR), etc. Mercedes-Benz also claims that even though the power output has gone up, the new car consumes up to six per cent less fuel.
Commenting on the introduction of the first BS-VI car in the country, Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport Highways & Shipping said, “To mitigate the rising pollution in Delhi and adjoining areas, the Government is trying to advance BS-VI grade fuel availability in Delhi NCT by April 2018 and shift to BS VI norms by April 2020. This will drastically reduce pollution and help us advance to better technologies used globally. I want to congratulate Mercedes-Benz for their efforts towards not only making safe vehicles but also for a greener vehicle by introducing BS VI vehicle in India much ahead of the regulations.”
Rashmi Urdhwareshe, director of ARAI said, “It is our endeavor to support the Government and the auto industry in terms of developing and testing the vehicles and promote cleaner technology. In line with this, we are happy to present the Certificate of Compliance to CMVR, to Mercedes-Benz India for both their BS-VI compliant petrol and diesel vehicles. We conducted stringent and extensive tests on both the vehicles, which includes particulate numbers, engine power test, on board diagnosis test and real world driving emission (RDE) data collection. The results of the tests are in compliance to prescribed CMVR rules followed by ARAI. BS VI test protocol and facilities are significantly different than BS IV and ARAI is fully equipped to handle upcoming development and certification work for all vehicle models and engines.”
Speaking on the occasion, Roland Folger, managing director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India said, “We are glad to fulfill our commitment to customers and to the Government’s vision of ‘Make in India, for India’ BS VI compliant vehicles. Mercedes-Benz vehicles are world class products and they comply with the most stringent emission standards and the ARAI certified new BS VI vehicles reiterate this high benchmark. The introduction of India’s first BS VI vehicles is a significant milestone and we strongly believe that this will pave the way for other manufacturers to introduce their BS VI vehicles in India.”


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IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 23, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- TensorIoT, Making Things Intelligent, announced Friday, that it has achieved Amazon Web Services (AWS) Industrial Software Competency status, their third competency achievement of 2019.
Coming shortly after the announcement of attaining the Amazon Web Services Retail Competency at re:Invent, TensorIoT has announced the achievement of their fourth competency with AWS. Industrial Software Competency partners have demonstrated technical proficiency and proven customer success across numerous innovative solution areas in the industrial software space.
The AWS Industrial Software Competency Partners have demonstrated success in offering end-to-end solutions that support the core value generation processes in Discrete/Process Manufacturing, Electricity, Gas & Water Supply, and Construction. TensorIoT offers production level applications that allow customers to increase profits, reduce operational costs, shorten sales cycles, and drive customer value and growth.
AWS Industrial Software Competency Partners undergo rigorous validation by AWS to ensure alignment to AWS best practices for building the most secure, high-performing, resilient, and efficient cloud infrastructure for industry applications — to give customers increased confidence when making decisions.
Achieving the AWS Industrial Software Competency differentiates TensorIoT as an AWS Partner Network (APN) member that delivers highly specialized technical proficiency. To receive the AWS Competency designation, APN Partners must possess deep AWS expertise and deliver solutions seamlessly on AWS. The fact that TensorIoT has achieved three competencies in one year speaks volumes to their effort and core values.
"TensorIoT is proud to achieve AWS Industrial Software Competency status," said Ravikumar Raghunathan, CEO, "We are even more elated to announce the attainment of our fourth competency. None of this would be made possible without our incredible team and the work they put forward. TensorIoT is excited to continue to validate our excellence through APN Programs."
AWS is enabling scalable, flexible, and cost-effective solutions from startups to global enterprises. To support the seamless integration and deployment of these solutions, AWS established the AWS Competency Program to help customers identify Consulting and Technology APN Partners with deep industry experience and expertise.
About TensorIoT — TensorIoT was founded to develop and improve the ever-increasing growth of computing tasks done on the "edge." The company's founders, who helped build world-class IoT and AI platforms at AWS and Google, now create solutions to simplify the way enterprises incorporate intelligent edge computing devices and their data into their daily operations.
Media Contact: Destinee Alderete, 909-342-2459, [email protected]


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Rihanna is making fashion history as Dior’s first black female ambassador. The Barbadian beauty is set to appear in the fourth episode of Dior’s “Secret Garden” video series, which is slated for release this spring. No idea what the series is about? Check out the video below:
In addition to appearing in the video, RiRi will also be appearing the print campaign for the fashion brand. Both the video and images will be shot by Steven Klein
In addition, RiRi will appear in a print campaign. Both the video and images will be shot by renowned photographer Steven Klein. A certified fashion darling, the Grammy Award-winning has already graced a campaign for Balmain and was recently named a creative director at Puma.
Congrats, Bad Gal!
via Huffington Post


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Lithuania. Year of the Snake
07 Feb., 2013, press releaseAt 9 February 2013 post treatment of Lithuania for the first time in its history, will release a stamp for Chinese New Year "Year of the snake".
Circulation is 80 000 pc (20 000sheetl/4st)
Limited part of the edition stamps will go on sale in souvenir booklets .
Preliminary orders by e-mail email@example.com


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Another inflation surprise in the United States.
Consumer prices last month rose by the most since the financial crisis 13 years ago.
Economists had forecast a rise of 4.7 percent, but it came in at five percent.
Experts say there are many resons for that, including a low inflation number a year earlier, but also supply chain issues, stimulus money and pent-up demand.
Lee Seung-jae reports.
The latest Consumer Price Index released by the U.S. Labor Department on Thursday showed a five percent increase in May from a year prior marking the fastest annual uptick since May 2008.
The figure is higher than the increase of 4.7 that economists had expected.
The price index rose point-six percent from April to May compared with forecasts for a point-five gain.
At the same time an index excluding volatile food and energy costs rose 3.8 percent on-year, the fastest pace since June 1992.
Experts say prices are rising across a range of goods and services from airfares to used cars, due to data quirks, supply bottlenecks and strong consumer demand.
However they expect it's likely to slow down over time, as the U.S. economy gets past the reopening bounce after a year of lockdown, and supply catches up to demand.
Getting a boost from the base effect figures from last year were largely depressed by shutdowns making current figures look large by comparison.
Other than the base effect the recent rise may be due to some households having extra cash to spend after multiple stimulus checks and months in lockdown prompting a rise in demand.
Other economists warn that inflation will damage people's purchasing power if wages don't keep up.
While a short term rise would unlikely cause lasting damage lingering inflation could force the Federal Reserve to cut its support for the economy potentially causing a fresh recession.
They added the Fed is likely to start tapering discussion as a way of "safeguarding inflation expectations" against higher price readings.
Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.


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'Brand has become familiar to many people'
Triet Tran & Dong Ban/Nguoi Viet
HENDERSON, Nevada (NV) - Lee’s Sandwiches’ second location in Nevada has just opened in the city of Henderson, neighboring the entertainment capital of Las Vegas, on Sunday morning, February 19.
Pictured here: City officials from Henderson, Nevada; company representatives from Lee's Sandwiches and Vietnamese-American singers and entertainers inaugurated a second Lee’s Sandwiches in Nevada. (Image: Triet Tran / Nguoi Viet)
Many elected representatives of Henderson and a throng of Vietnamese-American singers and entertainers from California attended the opening ceremony.
"This is the second store we opened in Nevada, and our fourth store altogether," franchisee Duc Nguyen said to Nguoi Viet.
Lee's Sandwiches’ Henderson shop spans 2,400 square feet "to serve the residents of the city, which includes ethnic groups such as the Vietnamese, Mexican, and Filipino."
Nguyen’s first Nevada store was opened in Las Vegas, on Spring Mountain Road, which is in the heart of Chinatown. According to Nguyen, it was aimed toward tourists, is open 24/7 and has been "very successful.”
From the early morning hours on Sunday, February 19, hundreds of people lined up to buy sandwiches and coffee and attended the Lee's Sandwiches grand opening in Henderson.
Among these patrons was Chang Nguyen’s family, residents of California. They came to Las Vegas to visit relatives. Nguyen said to Nguoi Viet, “I used to eat Lee's Sandwiches’ sandwiches from their first store that opened on Bolsa Ave. [in Westminster, California]. I like their customer service. Their staff is trained very well. Although the store is crowded, customers do not have to wait long."
Meanwhile, Lee Tran, a Las Vegas resident, commented that Lee's Sandwiches’ sandwiches "are of good quality and are affordable" and the restaurant is "spacious and clean."
Tran said, "I like the pork roll sandwiches and Vietnamese latte here."
Speaker of the Nevada Assembly John Oceguera was present very early during the opening. "I’m very happy to see more businesses opening in the state of Nevada,” he said.
The scene inside Lee's Sandwiches in Henderson early on grand opening day, February 19. (Image: Triet Tran / Nguoi Viet)
He expressed, "The economy is still difficult, so creating more jobs is a great thing. Our state always creates favorable conditions to support new businesses. "
This was reaffirmed by corporate attorney Hung Tran. He told Nguoi Viet that the operating permit for Lee's Sandwiches was obtained quite easily. One of the reasons was because “Lee's Sandwiches’ brand is easily recognizable within this city."
A popular musician in the Vietnamese-American community agreed. Singer Nhu Quynh said that Lee's Sandwiches is a brand that is not only known in the Vietnamese community, but also in other ethnic communities as well. She suggested that Vietnamese people should support Lee's Sandwiches in Las Vegas and Henderson when visiting Las Vegas.
Chieu Le, chief executive officer of Lee's Sandwiches, thanked customers who have been supporting his company for years.
Lee's Sandwiches currently has 45 stores in five states: California, Oklahoma, Nevada, Texas and Arizona.
The decision to open more branches in Las Vegas was the result of a plan that was carefully implemented. According to franchisee Nguyen, the market research data showed that the majority of residents in Henderson are middle-class, with average incomes between $45,000-$80,000 per year.
"This is our fourth store, and our family is working to open a fifth one in Nevada,” Nguyen revealed.
Vietnamese iced lattes and sandwiches appear to be the two "specialties" of Lee's Sandwiches. Many customers present during the grand opening day said that they like the sandwiches and Vietnamese iced latte.
Recently returning to the United States after a long flight from Seoul, singer Don Ho attended the Henderson grand opening. He said that his American friends like Lee's Sandwiches more than Subway. "They like it because it’s good and the prices are affordable,” Ho said.
There are some "addicts" present at the store, but not many people as devoted as Melissa Tran. She said, "Yesterday I worked for 12 hours and then drove to the store immediately after work. My house is a 35-minute driving distance from here, but I believe I will be a customer of this store five days a week.” Chen used to be resident of San Jose, but now lives in Las Vegas.
Among the first customers on the grand opening day were Edward Lobrada, his wife Cathy and 3 sons (ages 3, 11, 13). "We are very glad that you have this Lee’s Sandwiches store near our house." (Image: Triet Tran/Nguoi Viet)
Edward Lobrada, his wife Cathy, and three sons (ages 3, 11 and 13) were among the first customers on the grand opening day. While his wife "loves” the sandwiches, Edward prefers the Vietnamese iced lattes. They said excitedly, "We are very glad that you have this Lee’s Sandwiches store near our house.”
Among the attendees at the grand opening ceremony, there was one very special guest - "Thi Cát Cáºu Út,"- a very famous face in the feng shui world. Cáºu Út said that both Lee's Sandwiches stores in Nevada have very good feng shui. The Henderson store particularly possesses good directions and the five basic elements. “All will be working in harmony as a friendly team” Cáºu Út concluded.
Lee's Sandwiches’ Henderson store is located in a spacious commercial area with well-known U.S. stores. The store currently has 20 employees and will extend its opening hours after a trial period.
The continued presence of this store in Nevada reaffirmed what Nguyen and many customers commented: "Lee's Sandwiches is no longer the private brand of the Vietnamese community; it is now well recognized among many ethnic groups in the United States.”
Click here to read the article from Nguoi Viet Online


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As American consumers begin to embrace tap-and-pay smartphone apps, relegating plastic to a deep recess in the pocketbook or wallet, more than half of U.S. small business owners continue to live in the past—forget mobile apps, they don't take American Express, or anything other than cash.
For nearly 10 years Joe Coffee, a small chain of artisan coffee shops in New York City, accepted only cash. Not only was it a more profitable scheme—Joe's average sale was $2.75 and credit card processing would eat up about 3 percent of each transaction plus add a laundry list of fees—but being cash-only was part of the company's ethos…
…"As everyone becomes a lot more familiar with doing things on their phones, if the next store over offering the same set of products accepts electronic payments, then you'll be losing business," said Bhaskar Chakravorti, senior associate dean for international business and finance at Tufts' Fletcher School and co-author of a recent study, "The Cost of Cash in the United States."
Read the full piece


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What is the slogan for Loreal?
Because I’m Worth It
The “Because I’m Worth It” tagline originated in 1971 when L’Oreal needed to convince consumers to spend more on their products than then-competitor Clairol. Today, the slogan has been translated into 40 languages, and still represents the brand’s image across the world.
Who is the actress in the new L Oreal commercial?
Eva Longoria is the latest celebrity spokesperson to dig a little deeper into L’Oréal’s long-running “Because you’re worth it” slogan in the beauty brand’s latest film by McCann Paris.
Who is in the new L Oreal Advert 2021?
The new face of L’Oréal Paris opens up about body image and aging in Hollywood. Fresh off her hit HBO show, Mare of Easttown, actress Kate Winslet has just been named the new face of iconic beauty brand L’Oréal Paris, joining the likes of Viola Davis, Eva Longoria, and Gemma Chan.
What company says because you’re worth it?
L’Oréal Paris’ signature slogan “Because you’re worth it” has become synonymous with the brand and its female-first approach to beauty and cosmetics; as far as iconic catchphrases go, it is nearly unrivalled.
What is the cover girl slogan?
I Am What I Make Up
CoverGirl cosmetics has announced the end of an era, shuttering the 60-year iconic slogan, “Easy, Breezy, Beautiful” and replacing with a brand new tagline: “I Am What I Make Up.” “Introducing our new COVERGIRLS and a new #COVERGIRL.
Who is the black lady that does the L Oreal commercial?
The name Viola Davis is synonymous with incomparable talent, wisdom that can’t be measured, and of course, great skin. So it’s only right that the star is the latest face of beauty brand powerhouse, L’Oréal, joining its long list of celebrity ambassadors that are declaring “you’re worth it.”
Who is in the Revitalift commercial?
For Eva Longoria, some of the wrinkles on her face began to deepen after she reached the age of 40. If you’re looking to combat this change in your own skin, L’Oreal Paris invites you to hear the good news about the company’s Revitalift Pressed Night Cream.
Who advertises Loreal Age Perfect?
Helen Mirren stars in L’Oréal Paris’ Age Perfect campaign | Daily Mail Online.
Who advertises Loreal Preference?
“Kate Winslet is a true icon—in film and as a strong woman—an empowering voice in our mission at L’Oréal Paris: believe in yourself so the next generation doesn’t doubt it for a moment,” Delphine Viguier-Hovasse, global brand president L’Oréal Paris, said in a statement.
What is Garnier slogan?
Share: Garnier is continuing its transition into a more sustainable beauty brand with a new tagline and a plastic recycling pledge. The beauty giant has unveiled its new slogan, ‘By Garnier, Naturally’, to highlight its commitment to doubling down on environmental issues.
Why did KFC drop finger licking good?
Global fast food giant KFC says it is halting its “Finger Lickin’ Good” slogan given the current hygiene advice because of the coronavirus pandemic. “We find ourselves in a unique situation – having an iconic slogan that doesn’t quite fit in the current environment,” the company said.
Where can I buy L’Oréal revitalift?
L’Oréal REVITALIFT is sold on the brand’s website, as well as multiple third party sellers online and in numerous physical locations around the world. What is the L’Oréal return policy?
Why is L’Oréal Paris called “because you’re worth it?
“Because You’re Worth It” has given encouragement and reassurance to communities that have been historically ignored by the beauty industry. L’Oréal Paris has commissioned a diverse group of women to represent their brand and this slogan in the hopes of empowering women all over the world to recognize their value.
What is L’Oréal known for?
The guiding principles of his company, which eventually became L’Oréal, were research and innovation in the field of beauty. Over the years, the brand expanded from hair care products to perfumes, cosmetics, and skin care products. Today, L’Oréal is the world’s largest manufacturer of high-quality cosmetics and perfumes.
What is hyaluronic acid in revitalift products?
L’Oreal uses hyaluronic acid in several REVITALIFT products, including a concentrated form of hyaluronic acid in the REVITALIFT Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum. Hyaluronic acid is a type of glycosaminoglycan (sugar molecule) that attracts moisture from the environment and draws that moisture into the skin’s upper layers.


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Jamie and Jools Oliver in clover: How the pair shared £1.2million in dividends last year from business empire
They have created a business empire spanning books, TV programmes, restaurants and clothing, so Jamie and Jools Oliver probably feel they have earned every penny of their latest bumper payout.
Accounts filed for the celebrity chef’s company Jamie Oliver Holdings reveal that the pair received £1.2 million in dividends between them last year, with Jamie getting £730,000 and Jools receiving £480,000 – up from the £500,000 they shared last year.
As the highest-paid director, Jamie Oliver took home a further £546,400 in pay and pension package.
Bonanza: Jools and Jamie Oliver shared £1.2million in dividends last year - up from £500,000
Turnover for the group dipped slightly from £35.3 million to £30.3million in the year to December 31, 2013, while pre-tax profits dropped from £9.8million to £3.4million, due in part to an one-off exceptional item of £2.8million relating to the Jamie Magazine company.
Directors for the group said there had been a slowdown in income from the TV production company Fresh One and lower income from book sales compared to a highly successful 2012.
Meanwhile, Oliver’s Italian business saw sales rise by 8.5 per cent to £101.8million.
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Right now who do not know Instagram, a photo sharing application. If you include people who have an account Intagram, here’s how to play smart application.
Not a photographic aesthetic interest to many people but that enshrined [...]
Samsung claims to have sold three million units since the smartphone Galaxy Note II or smart mobile phone was introduced in late September. Giant technology, from South Korean said sales of Galaxy Note II, which are sold in 100 countries, is rising faster [...]
The talk on social networking Twitter.
A photo cards appalling universe of cyberspace, especially on social networks. From the photo clearly visible a business card Apple Canada to that of a man named Sam Sung.
A business card is interesting when related [...]
Grand Theft Auto V is a radical re-creation of the GTA series.
Rockstar Games announced that the latest release of the Grand Theft Auto series of games will be on the market early next year.
Grand Theft Auto V alone in sieve-sieve by leading games publisher [...]
Team University of Bangor, Wales, successfully developed a system of internet at speeds up to 20 Gbps, and can be increased up to 40 Gbps.
Some time ago, Google released a statement that surprised many observers and internet users around the world today [...]
Microsoft also released membership on Xbox live has increased by 15% during the third quarter of 2012.
Based on data obtained from a number of media releases Microsoft, stated that the number of sales of the Xbox 360 console has sold over 70 million [...]
Jakarta – Samsung Galaxy S4 comes with its smartphone technological innovation is likely to soon be your handheld.
Because, Samsung Electronics has started pre-orders or reservations for the Galaxy S4 in Indonesia.
Pre-order Samsung Galaxy S4 already [...]
Apacer has been officially recognized as “Famous Trademark”, again awarded the Taiwan Excellence Awards 21.
Taiwan Excellence Awards event-21 which was attended by more than 483 manufacturers with 1221 products give awards to Apacer for 2 [...]
You look forward to welcoming the Microsoft Office applications on Android and iOS seems to be more patient.
Because, the latest news says that Microsoft is delaying its release until 2014.
Quoted from ZDNet, Thursday (11/4), the largest software producer [...]
Sony seems keen to use Firefox operating system that was released recently.
Quoted from Ubergizmo, Friday (3/1), one of the latest series of Xperia, Xperia E, used as the test material to adopt the OS.
“At Sony Mobile, we continue to evaluate [...]
The Samsung has confirmed that they will continue cooperation with Apple.
After emergence page report quoted the Korea Times on Monday, (10/22), about the possibility of termination of their partnership with the Apple.
Today, the Samsung has confirmed [...]


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The Teamfight Tactics Set Five Reckoning midset will introduce a new mechanic, champions, and traits, according to TFT product lead Green Teej.
The second half of Set Five Reckoning, also known as the midset, is scheduled to be released on July 21 via Patch 11.15. The midset will include a new, unspecified mechanic at time of writing. Similar to how the TFT team added Lucky Lanterns in Set 4.5, the new mechanic was designed to create more gameplay variance, according to Teej in today’s Set Five update video.
Players can expect new champions and traits, along with some possible reworks for existing Reckoning units, in the midset launch. It’s possible new items can be added as well, along with reworks, depending on the types of changes taking place within Set 5.5.
Players can look forward to additional changes, such as the launch of Observer, a spectator mode that’s on track to release prior to the Reckoning World Championship this fall. Hyperroll will continue through the midset launch, with a new mode likely being introduced with the release of Set Six. Set 5.5 may include another event as well, similar to the Skyglass event.
Prior to the release of Set 5.5, players can celebrate the two-year anniversary of TFT by earning a Birthday Cakespirit Little Legend. Midset updates should be uploaded to the PBE server via Patch 11.4 or around July 8. The Set 5.5 midset for Reckoning will launch on July 21 via Patch 11.15.


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The company is working to expand its market share in targeted, global printwear markets. Here are five reasons to consider this major apparel industry player for your portfolio.
1. Brands and product range
Gildan is a supplier of branded basic family apparel. This includes T-shirts, fleece, sport shirts, underwear, socks, hosiery, and shapewear. Brands that it owns include Gildan, Gold Toe, and Anvil, along with brand extensions. Gildan produced double-digit growth in all product categories in its Q3 2014. The company is continuing to place less emphasis on private label programs. It has new programs for international lifestyle brands in activewear and socks.
2. New yarn investments for high-quality innovative products
Gildan is working on getting high-end products to market. It’s made new yarn investments and has high-quality products now in its Gold Toe brand as well as its Platinum brand. For its printwear in the United States, Gildan is continuing to look to add better quality fabrics. It is looking at ways to upgrade its existing product lines. The company is leveraging its technology to build sales of printwear.
3. Investments in manufacturing facilities
The company is working on three new yarn-spinning facilities. Its Salisbury, North Carolina, ring-spun yarn facility started operations in Q2 and is moving ahead on schedule. Gildan is allocating capital to its textile and sock manufacturing operations in Honduras and a new distribution centre in the country. It is also allocating funds for the initial investment to purchase land, and initial project planning and preparation for its new Costa Rican textile facility. Gildan is looking to double underwear manufacturing capacity in fiscal 2015.
4. Analyst opinions
In a recent research note, analysts at Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce raised their price target on shares of Gildan Activewear from $62.00 to $67.00. Furthermore, analysts at National Bank of Canada recently raised their price target on the company’s shares from $70.00 to $72.00, with an ‘outperform’ stock rating. Thirteen investment analysts have issued a ‘buy’ rating on Gildan’s stock. Three gave a ‘strong buy’ rating. Gildan has a consensus price target of $68.31.
5. Dividend payments
Gildan pays a quarterly dividend. Its board recently declared a quarterly cash dividend of US$0.108 per share. The company has a modest dividend yield of 0.750% and its dividend rate is $0.43. Gildan’s three-year average dividend growth rate is 46.67%. The company announced a 20% increase in its quarterly dividend on November 21, 2013.
Gildan Activewear continues to implement strategies for growth. It recently acquired Doris Inc., North America’s third-largest branded ladies legwear marketer. Moreover, consolidated sales revenues increased by roughly 13% in its Q3 2014, versus Q3 2013. Consider this often overlooked industry and company for your income portfolio.


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CubaNews / October 2002
By Larry Luxner
HAVANA -- The Golden Arches haven’t yet sprouted up on every Havana street corner, and Pizza Hut is still nowhere to be seen.
But Pain de Paris — a franchised bakery chain specializing in French bread and pastries — is rapidly becoming a household name here among tourists and habaneros lucky enough to have access to dollars.
At last count, Pain de Paris had 12 outlets throughout metropolitan Havana.
The restaurants, distinguished by their bright yellow awnings and cheerful, air-conditioned interiors, can now be found at several key intersections such as 25 and O in Vedado and the corner of Avenida 51 and Calle 106 in Marianao. The chain’s biggest eatery is in front of the Cine Acapulco in Nuevo Vedado.
Pain de Paris is the brainchild of Michel Villand, a 63-year-old real-estate developer from Port Grimaud along the French Riviera. Villand owns the Pain de Paris trademark, as well as Cofeco de Caribe S.A., which has a 49% stake in the joint venture, known as FranCuba S.A. The Cuban government, through Cuba-nacán, owns the other 51%, while state entity Palmares operates the stores themselves.
“We were the first French joint venture of any type in Cuba,” said the businessman. “That's why they call me a pioneer.”
Villand’s interest in Cuba was sparked in 1994, when the French Embassy in Havana invited nine French firms to explore business opportunities in Cuba's food sector. Meetings and negotiations ensued, culminating two and a half years later with the establishment of FranCuba S.A. The venture was capitalized at $3 million, with half coming from Villand’s company and half from Cubanacán.
On April 17, 1997, FranCuba inaugurated a 3,000-sq-foot industrial bakery in a ceremony attended by Fidel Castro. A framed copy of Castro’s quickly scribbled note of congratulations occupies an honored place on the wall of Villand’s office.
“We've been making products for the last five years,” he said proudly. “We have 17 types of French bread and 77 types of pastries.”
Villand spoke to CubaNews late last month over coffee and croissants at a Pain de Paris restaurant in Havana’s Flores neighborhood.
This outlet, located at the corner of Quinta Avenida and Calle 182, sits adjacent to the processing plant. Half his clients are foreigners; the other half are Cubans with dollars.
“You have to know that the Cuban people are the largest consumers of bread in the Caribbean,” said Villand, noting that his Hav-ana factory is the No. 1 producer of French breads and pastries in the region —including the French-speaking islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique.
A second, much smaller factory serves hotels in Cayo Coco, where the hotels cater to Canadian tourists who already have a cultural preference for French bread.
“We’re in negotiations to expand to other cities in Cuba, starting with Varadero. We are also trying to export frozen products to other countries” such as the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands and the Dominican Republic, he said, “because in the rest of the Caribbean, they don't have our quality.”
Villand says the Pain de Paris outlets — which are open 24 hours — offer hungry patrons an assortment of French bread, Vienna rolls, baguettes, buns and seven-grain bread.
When it comes to pastries, the choices are even more tempting: bûchettes, millefeuilles, almond slices, réligieuses, tropéziennes, éclairs, tarts, strawberry turnovers, marquesitas and, of course, the traditional croissant.
There’s also a selection of wedding and birthday cakes prepared by personnel trained in French baking methods.
“The Cuban people deserve French quality,” Villand says with unabashed pride. “We import everything from France and the European Union — the grain, the butter, the creams and the fruits. All we buy locally are salt, sugar and eggs.”
On Saturdays, the chain sells 30,000 loaves of bread, 5,000 croissants and between 8,000 and 10,000 other types of pastries. Around Christmas time, sales volume doubles.
But here’s the irony: Villand isn’t allowed to sell products directly to the public, only to the stores, which are run by Palmares.
“The trademark is mine and the recipes are mine, but the sales belong to the state,” he explained. “In Cuba, foreigners don’t have the right to sell to the public. If I could, my sales would double.”
That’s because the same 400-gram loaf of French bread Villand sells to the government for 63 cents is then offered to the public for $1.35 — a markup of over 210%. Likewise, the government buys baguettes at 36 cents each and sells them for 80 cents each; a longja de almendra (almond slice) that Palmares pays 58 cents for is sold to customers for $1.25.
Even so, Villand isn’t doing too badly. Last year, his revenues came to between $3 million and $4 million; profits were around 15% of that. About half his sales are to the stores, and the other half to 40 restaurants and luxury hotels like the Nacional and the Meliá Cohiba.
“The factory is making money, but the biggest sales are done by the stores,” he ex-plained. The joint venture now has 300 people on the payroll, including 72 factory workers. Villand’s sales are limited, of course, to foreigners and the relative minority of cubanos who have access to dollars.
Most of the island’s inhabitants get their bread either through their government-issued ration cards — which guarantee a daily bread ration of 40 grams per person at only six Cuban centavos each (about 1/5th of one cent)— or from the parallel markets, where a 400-gram loaf costs 10 pesos (about 40 cents).
The entrepreneur says he could reduce his costs by buying some ingredients from U.S. instead of European suppliers, and in fact has spoken with Sun-Maid Growers of California about importing limited quantities of raisins.
“I have the right to import, but I won’t if the quality of the products isn’t up to standards,” he said. “To compete with the big multinationals, my only hope is to maintain quality.”
And what will happen when the U.S. embargo is lifted some day? Will Pain de París be able to survive next to giants such as Burger King, McDonald’s and KFC?
Absolutely, says Villand.
“Last year, 15 million Americans visited France and ate French food and and drank French wine,” he boasts. “We have no fear, because we will maintain our quality and the whole world will buy our products. It’s like French perfume. We have no competition.”


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Children’s Wear Makers to Remove Potentially Hazardous Drawstrings With PM-Drawstring
Children’s Wear Makers to Remove Potentially Hazardous Drawstrings With PM-Drawstring Hazard-List
WASHINGTON (AP) _ Drawstrings, which have been blamed for a dozen child strangulations since 1985, will be removed from the hoods and necks of children’s clothing beginning this fall.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday that 21 makers of children’s clothing have agreed to begin replacing the strings with buttons, snaps, Velcro and zippers starting this fall, or by the fall of 1995.
″Drawstrings are a deadly hazard,″ commission Chairman Ann Brown said at a news conference.
The companies, which include Nike Inc. of Oregon, Oshkosh B’Gosh Inc. of Wisconsin, L.L. Bean of Maine and Levi Strauss & Co. of California, make 20 million pieces of children’s wear annually, she said.
The children’s clothing industry does not keep track of the number of garments manufactured with neck and hood drawstrings, Brown said. Also unavailable was the portion of the market the 21 companies represent.
Brown also urged parents who recently bought clothing with drawstrings for their children or who already own such items to immediately pull the strings out. She also suggested sewing them onto the garment so that they can’t be pulled or cutting the strings as short as possible.
Thelma Sibley, the mother of a 5-year-old girl who died in January after the string of her coat got caught on a slide at a school playground in Ann Arbor, Mich., described the announcement as bittersweet.
″The bitter side is a great remorse because I do wish that Ann (Brown) was here a year ago,″ said Sibley, who wore a pin with a picture of her daughter, Nancy, on her lapel. ″But my goal has been achieved. Parents will now know nationwide.″
Sibley, who had also launched a campaign to alert other parents to the danger, still wants the commission to require manufacturers to remove the drawstrings from all children’s clothing.
The commission, meanwhile, also plans to send fliers to schools and children’s organizations this fall to warn of the hazard.
Brown, who assumed the chairmanship in March, said she became interested in the issue after learning that England banned them in 1976 after the strangulation deaths of three children.
She said the safety agency sought cooperation from the industry instead of an outright ban because ″we were looking to move as quickly as possible.″ But that doesn’t mean a mandatory regulation won’t happen.
The commission’s staff is preparing recommendations for the three-member panel and is likely to suggest some kind of regulation, a spokeswoman said, adding that the recommendations should be ready in about a month.


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Lincolnshire butchers and bakers are being urged to enter the biennial Poacher competition, highlighting the ‘best of the best’ food in the county.
The competition will take place at the Epic Centre at the Lincolnshire Showground on October 13, when panels of expert and consumer judges will each discuss the products on display.
Gold, silver and bronze awards will be given for classic local delicacies such as Lincolnshire sausage, stuffed chine, haslet, pork pies and plum bread.
Other awards will go to national dishes including: meat and non-meat pies, speciality sausages, gluten free sausages, sausage rolls, burgers, bacon and vegetarian dishes.
A champion product will be selected by the judges of each of the 14 categories, and a trophy suitable to display in the shop will be presented to them at a ceremony later in the year.
The winning items will also go on display at the Food and Drink Fair to be held in the Epic Centre on the Lincolnshire Showground in November.
The 2014 winners include:
- Lincolnshire Co-operative Ltd, Lincoln
- H E Wilkinson & Son, Cherry Willingham
- Welbourne Bakery Ltd, Navenby
- A W Curtis Bakers & Butchers Ltd, Lincoln
- Odling Brothers, Navenby
- Hickson Quality Food Ltd, Bassingham
- Elite Meats, Lincoln
Butcher of the Year 2014:
- Simpson’s Butchers, Heckington
Geoffrey Grantham, Patron of Lincolnshire County Foods, who organise the competition, said: “We know that Lincolnshire is one of the great food counties of Britain.
“We also know that our butchers and bakers are very proud of our traditions, as well as being keen to introduce new products and innovative ideas, and we would urge everyone to encourage their local supplier to take part in this important competition.”
Enteries close October 6. For more information and to enter, visit the website.