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Ken Johnson and his wife Linda are survivors.
Over 42 years of marriage, they've gone from the San Francisco Bay Area, to Medford, to Tigard, and now Yamhill.
Now, in the midst of trying times, the Johnsons are again evolving, adapting their print business to survive the economic minefield of COVID-19.
Specialty Screen Printing, which specializes in the latest innovations in screen printing, is the Johnsons' second iteration of what has been two businesses and nearly three decades of printing experience.
Ken Johnson, who met Linda while working in the restaurant business in the late 1970s, got his start in the tech industry printing circuit boards for a manufacturer that supplied test boards for a couple of rapidly growing semiconductor companies, Intel and AMD, while Linda worked in quality control for a manufacturer that printed circuit boards for the first Apple MacIntosh computer. After nearly a decade, the couple — tiring of the city — moved north to Medford, where Silk Screen Images was born.
The Johnsons' newest venture combined the experience and knowledge both had gained in the tech world, and applied it to new and more colorful screen printing applications for both marketing and industrial clients. That combination proved valuable as Silk Screen Images built a clientele including local customers looking for posters and decals, to some of the country's biggest tobacco companies — which built quite a sturdy foundation.
But the heyday of tobacco advertising was nearing its end. And when the climate shifted regarding tobacco and its marketing strategies, Silk Screen Images was left without the work that at the time made them tick.
"When all those tobacco lawsuits came down the pike, all that work went away," Ken Johnson said. "That forced us to have to go work for our competitors for a couple years, then we decided to move."
That was 2004, and after relocating to Tigard, Ken found a job working as part of the in-house screen printing department with a local company. Not long after, he and Linda started thinking about a new business, which would eventually become Specialty Screen Printing.
Since then, the Johnsons have spent the better part of 16 years developing a successful business that offers custom fabrication screen printing on nearly any surface imaginable — although they don't do clothing — for both commercial and marketing agency clients.
"We provide screen printing services on everything from stickers to decals, yard signs, overlay-like labels, and more," Ken Johnson said.
In what one might call a "sign of the times," more recently, Specialty Screen's work has transitioned a bit from more traditional signage, product displays, labels and direct mail campaigns to things like personalized graduation banners and protest signs.
Ken Johnson said the pandemic has slightly altered the couple's business plan, but for the most part, they've been able to navigate the change in climate pretty well.
One of their latest projects is working to regrade labels for old Sega standup arcade games. Johnson said the company only made somewhere between 15,000 and 20,000 original machines, so finding parts to refurbish them is difficult.
"Most of the stuff they want and need just isn't available anymore," Johnson said. "People are having a lot of problems finding parts. So we can make decals and overlay labels to put on the front of the machine."
Johnson said it's that type of specialization that helps his company differentiate themselves from much of the competition.
"I don't know that a lot of the shops out there are able to do everything we do in regards to the materials, designs, as well as all the printing," he said.
While business was good, Ken and Linda Johnson were both looking to get further from the hustle and bustle of town, and back to a quieter existence. With that in mind, they found a home in Yamhill, a few miles south of Gaston and Forest Grove. Since moving in 2013, they have thrived.
Despite distancing themselves from town, they were able to stay near enough to existing and new businesses in the Portland and Salem areas to keep clients there.
"We just got tired of the rat race," Johnson said. "It just takes a little more legwork, but when you consider traffic or what time of day it is, it's really not much different. It's a nice quiet spot."
That has been good for the couple, who have two grown kids living in the Portland area.
"We've worked together since I was a cook and she was a waitress back in 1978, so obviously it works," Ken Johnson said of his wife with a chuckle. "But certainly, we have our moments."
Johnson said he hopes to continue to grow the business and maybe expand with a yet-to-be-determined product.
"I'd like to come up with a product, but I haven't come up with anything yet, just focusing on the service," he said. "We're pretty diverse in what we can do. We can print everything from anti-static bags to overlay labels, so I always say if anybody has something in mind, we'll take a look at it."
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Ross-Simons Reports Breach in Security
By George Anderson
Ross-Simons, a multi-channel retailer of jewelry, tabletop, gifts and collectibles, has reported an external breach in its security that may have given unauthorized parties access to consumers’ personal and financial information.
The company discovered the breach and notified commercial partners and authorities on April 4. It is now in the process of notifying all customers that may be affected.
“Customers who applied for a Ross-Simons private label credit card prior to April 4, 2006 are being notified about the security breach. The company will work with them to address any concerns or questions they have,” said Dante Bellini, Jr., spokesperson for Ross-Simons in a released statement.
The Providence, Rhode Island-based retailer, which mails over 60 million catalogs annually along with operating a web site and 15 stores, is no longer storing consumer applications for its private label credit cards.
The company also said it has “engaged an independent third party to conduct an immediate external audit of its security procedures.”
Customers of Ross-Simons with additional questions can call 1-888-838-0815 or go to http://www.ross-simons.com/content/rspa_customer_faq.htm.
Moderator’s Comment: Will Ross-Simons’ sales be hurt by the announcement consumers’ personal information may have
been accessed by unauthorized outside parties? How should Ross-Simons and other retailers faced with bad news of this type deal with it internally and publicly? –
George Anderson – Moderator
- Ross-Simons Reports Unauthorized Access to Customer Data – Ross-Simons/PRNewswire/Yahoo
says security breach exposes customers – Reuters

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April 11, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Over the last few weeks, Laptop Mag has organised a netbook faceoff featuring sixteen netbooks. Two netbooks have competed against each other vying for public votes to ensure it gets through to the next round. The netbook that has now emerged victorious is the Asus Eee PC 1000HE against the runner-up, the Samsung NC10. There wasn’t that much in it, with just over 13,000 votes cast, the 1000HE took 54 percent of the vote compared to 46 percent to the NC10.
This is probably not surprising given that the Asus 1000HE costs a similar amount to the Samsung NC10 whilst having a longer battery life. However, it would be interesting to see how the 1000HE compares against Samsung’s upcoming N110 which Samsung claims will last for 9.5 hours. Click through for a full chart of the final result.


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How Restaurants Are Reopening After States Lift Coronavirus Restrictions
In March restaurants across the U.S. were forced to close their dining rooms in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Now, with the government attempting to reopen the economy, some states are allowing restaurants to once again open their doors - but with some restrictions in place.
For the most part, the restrictions apply to almost any business. Workers need to be screened for any sign of illness, and those who display any signs of being sick are not permitted to work...
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Surviving winter in Ashland
Some 450,000 tourists visit Ashland each year, but few can be found on Main Street sidewalks this time of year. Downtown parking spaces that send summer drivers in circles are easily found on a cold day in February. In the winter, downtown Ashland's booming economy hangs by a thread.
"We survive the winter by saving because the summer months are so fantastic," says Judi Honor&
233;, an owner of Shakespeare Company Books Antiques. "Everyone puts aside money in the summer for the winter."
After Christmas and before the Angus Bowmer Theatre opens, downtown merchants depend on creativity to lure shoppers.
"We're having a mocha party this month," says Marya Hecht, owner of Nectar Eco Boutique, which opened six months ago. "We're sending e-mails and offering 20 percent off on our clothing to the locals."
At Ashland Drug, pharmacist Sandy Allen says it's the longtime employees that keep customers coming through the door in the slow months.
"Our staff has been committed over the years and they get to know the customers," Allen says. "They remember the names of their kids and their dogs and they ask about them."
The lone pharmacy in a downtown that once boasted four, Ashland Drug's success is partly due to its willingness to accommodate changing demographics.
"We carry walkers now for the aging population and we don't carry toys anymore because the price of housing has driven young families away from Ashland," Allen says.
Some downtown merchants deal with the winter doldrums by closing for the month of January or closing one day of the week. But Paddington Station stays open seven days a week.
"Some days we have few customers but the doors stay open because the owners are so committed to their employees and they want to keep them working," says floor manager Joe Collins, one of 12 employees at Paddington Station.
With the Elizabethan Stage a block away, theater hours dictate store hours in the summer, says owner Don Hammond, who has owned the shop at 125 East Main for the past 14 of its 35 years.
"Of course we don't close for the winter," Hammond says. "Who's going to come down to the store to buy stuff if it's closed?"
Main Street may be quiet in February but it's packed in July with 100,000 people coming to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
"It's great when people walking down the sidewalk come in our door, whether they buy something or not," he says.
Sandi Globus retired from owning a fabric shop in the northern California tourist town of Trinidad and in May 2006 opened Fabric of Vision at 145 East Main in Ashland. She wishes more local people would discover downtown's unique inventory in the winter.
"Tourists are the lifeline," Globus says. "But I wish we could tap into the residents who moved here because they loved everything about Ashland, especially the quaint shops downtown. Sometimes it seems once they move here, they stop coming downtown."
Downtown merchants pride themselves in hard-to-find items such as contemporary Japanese and bamboo fabrics, soy candles, original copies of Treasure Island illustrated by NC Wyeth and dresses made by seamstresses in the Pacific Northwest.
"We have women come in our store who have been everywhere in the world and they can't believe they can find a dress so intelligently designed for the body," says Elise McManus Peters, who 16 years ago opened Heart Hands at 255 East Main.
She fights the winter blues with half-off sales on velvet dresses and by launching a new online store at heart-hands.com.
"We're trying to increase business by having a bigger market, a world market," she says.
Winter shoppers are fewer and more frugal than summer tourists from big cities who seem relaxed, generous and appreciative of Main Street bargains, says Gary Foll, a caricature artist from Art and Soul Gallery.
"This painting would sell for $2,000 to $3,000 in Scottsdale, Arizona," he says, pointing to an $800 impressionistic work. "But people don't come to Ashland to buy art; they come to the theater and art is secondary. And then many want scenes of the Rogue Valley to remember their visit."
One winter strategy is to play up Valentine's Day by offering lodging packages with vouchers for local stores, says Mary Pat Parker, director of public relations and marketing.
"In February and March we have the Winter of Romance in Ashland and in March we have the Chocolate Festival," Parker says. "We're trying to increase winter traffic."
A quiet January provides opportunity to change inventory, redecorate or take vacations, says David Ralston, an owner of Shakespeare Company Books Antiques who recently returned from a trip to San Francisco, where he visited friends and shopped for the store.
"Winter is always slow and we just expect it," he says. "In January we close because the cost to heat the store is more than ticket sales."
His business partner Honor&
233; uses the slow times to cater to the locals, even if it means pulling friends from the sidewalk into the store.
"I saw my friend Michaela walking with her son and I asked Mason if he likes to read," says UC Berkeley graduate Honor&
233;, a retired elementary teacher. "When he said, 'Yes, my mom reads to me a lot,' I said, 'Come in the store so I can give you a book.' Besides promoting the store, I like to encourage children to read."


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The popular Roguelike twin stick shooter The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth has finally arrived to iOS devices. Masochistic Apple users can now enjoy the brutal difficulty of the Isaac games on their phones and tablets. This is especially good news since the mobile port of the game had some…..
The Rocky movie series is now 40 years old, with many movies being released that have been wildly popular and even resulting in a spin-off last year. While the series has spawned some video game releases over the years, they are mostly games that many…..
Developer/publisher Nicalis has made an update on The Binding of Isaac Afterbirth† release, which brings good news to iOS owners and bad news to Vita owners. Nicalis claims that the game will be making its debut on iOS very soon, whereas the Vita version is not…..
While BioWare is most known now for their Mass Effect And Dragon Age games, one of their earlier classics has made its way to a new platform. Jade Empire originally launched in 2005, but over 10 years later it is now available to play on…..
Yesterday Shigeru Miyamoto shocked everyone by taking the stage at the Apple Event and announcing a new Mario game for iOS called Super Mario Run. While the game will undoubtedly be a massive hit when it launches later this year, one analyst has made some…..
While the Apple Event that is currently live will be dishing out all of the details regarding the hardware side of things for iOS, we got a surprise announcement during the early moments of the event. None other than Shigeru Miyamoto took the stage to…..
While games from Peter Molyneux are typically met with tons of hype leading up to their release, him and his development studio 22 Cans have been keeping things relatively calm when it comes to their new game called The Trail. So calm, in fact, that…..
While LEGO Jurassic World launched last year on consoles and PC, today the game is finally makings its way to iOS and Android devices. It comes with a pretty cheap price tag, too, being just $4.99. Warner Bros. revealed that this game will be the…..
Bethesda is getting into the Easter spirit, as they have just revealed that they will be running an Easter special for Fallout Shelter on iOS and Android. The special will offer a 50% discount on microtransactions within the game, which is a nice treat, indeed. In…..
While everyone knows that Clash of Clans has been a major success on mobile devices, this new statistic that has just been released really puts it all in perspective. Developer Supercell has revealed that Clash of Clans now brings in over 100 million players per…..
Final Fantasy IX has been regarded as one of the best games in the franchise (currently the highest rated Final Fantasy game on Metacritic). So it came with pleasant surprise when Square Enix finally released the RPG on Android and IOS earlier this morning. It…..
The first mobile-only Assassin’s Creed adventure, called Assassin’s Creed Identity, is set to come out later this month and we now have the first gameplay footage from it. Judging from the footage, the game looks a whole lot like every other main Assassin’s Creed game……
The Assassin’s Creed series will be taking a plunge into mobile-only territory with the release of Assassin’s Creed Identity, Ubisoft has revealed. The Action-RPG will be coming to iOS on February 25 and will cost $5, though a potential release for Android was not revealed……
While the Rise of Mana will be getting its unfortunate cancellation next month, Square Enix has just revealed that Adventures of Mana will be making its way to both iOS and Android on February 4. A PlayStation Vita version will also be coming, but so…..
The latest game in the Mana series will not be around for much longer, as Square Enix has revealed that the free-to-play game will be shut down this March. The game originally launched for iOS in Japan in 2014 before coming to the Vita the…..
While the Harvest Moon series has been one that is mostly associated with Nintendo, the series has dabbled in mobile gaming before and the latest game in the series doing the same. Harvest Moon: Seeds of Memories is now available to download on iOS platforms,…..


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More than 140 jobs are to be created in the seafood processing industry following significant investment by 21 Irish seafood companies.
Simon Coveney, the marine minister, yesterday announced €15.5m worth of investment by the seafood processing companies, based in Wexford, Dublin, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Louth, and Kerry.
The investment, supported by grants of €3.2m under the EU co-funded Seafood Processing Business Investment Scheme, is set to boost sales of seafood by nearly €44m by 2015.
Mr Coveney said: “This is a very sizeable investment by any standards and particularly so when combined with investment under this scheme over the past two years. It demonstrates the confidence in the seafood sector as a high growth area of our economy and of our food industry.”
Meanwhile, up to 40 jobs are to be created in Tipperary by a medical diagnostics company.
Technopath, based in Ballina, announced the jobs on the back of a €3m investment to scale their manufacturing capability and drive export activity.
This investment, supported by Enterprise Ireland, is being made in the quality control division, which manufactures products for a number of multinational in vitro diagnostic companies.
Technopath products monitor the quality of hospital laboratory blood tests (cholesterol, cancer markers, cardiac markers) and prevent the reporting of incorrect results.
Richard Bruton, the jobs minister said: “A central part of the Government’s plan for jobs and growth is creating a powerful engine of indigenous enterprise.
“Over recent years we have established major strengths in key sectors such as ICT and life sciences — we must now build on this to get more indigenous companies growing to scale, exporting more, and creating more jobs.”
© Irish Examiner Ltd. All rights reserved


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Bulgaria to Allot E25 M to Set up Nanotechnology Company
Bulgaria’s cabinet decided to set up a state-owned company dealing in nanotechnology. The venture will be called Bulgarian Centre of Nanotechnology JSC and its capitalization will amount to 25 million euros. “The creation of this company is a significant step towards building a research and industrial capacity in the fields of nanotechnology, nanomaterials, nanoproduction and micromachinery, which, undoubtedly, is going to have a positive overall effect on the economy of our country,” reads the rationale for founding the company. Expectations have it that by 2015, nanotechnology would be generating revenues of 2,95 trillion dollars. IBM will be a major partner in Bulgaria’s project.


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Sky Go has today been updated to add support for the latest flagships from Samsung, Sony, HTC, and Motorola. The app now works on the Galaxy S4, the HTC One, the Xperia Z, and the RAZR HD.
All items tagged with "tv"
Some companies have started shunning trade shows like the Consumer Electronics Show and Mobile World Congress when it comes to announcing their next big thing. Samsung’s biggest Galaxy devices, for example, now get their own press events. But it seems LG isn’t one of them.
The company has released a new video teasing a “breakthrough” at MWC later this month, sparking speculation it has something special up its sleeve.
Netflix’s streaming service isn’t exactly known for having quality content. Their catalog of movies is reminiscent of the bargain DVD bin at your local Walmart. Netflix has been struggling to land any quality licensing agreements and has actually been losing a few. With Redbox Instant on the horizon, Netflix desperately needs to give its members a reason to stick around.
I knew there was a reason Dorothy and Toto wanted to go back to Kansas: Google Fiber. Google’s Fiber Project is set to go live in Kansas City and there about a million people currently considering packing up an moving because of it. I, myself, couldn’t be more jealous of what Kansas City is about to receive: the next generation of internet.
The ability to take your movies/TV shows mobile and enjoy them on a screen larger than 4-inches is one of the advantages of owning a tablet. So naturally, if you just picked up a brand spanking new Nexus 7, that’s just what you’ll want to do. In a surprise move by XFINITY, they have already gone ahead and updated their XFINITY TV Player app with beta support for Android 4.1.
I’ve complained before about cable providers dragging their feet when it comes to bringing our TV subscriptions to our mobile devices, but today, Comcast takes a baby step with their new XFINITY TV Player for Android. Comcast/XFINITY subscribers will now be able to browse and watch thousands of XFINITY ON Demand TV shows from networks and premium channels such as HBO, Starz, Showtime, Cinemax, TNT, TBS, Cartoon Network and BBC America (yay for Doctor Who).
The unfortunate reality of trying to replace cable with video subscription services such as Netflix or Hulu is that, well… they kind of suck. Okay, so that’s my opinion and it’s completely possible that you’re happy with the Walmart bargain bin selection of movies Netflix has to offer, or being last to find out that The Island was just purgatory and the whole point of LOST was, well… pointless. There’s many reasons why I’ve been unable to cut cable out of my life, and if I’m going to be paying for it every month — I might as well get my money’s worth. That’s where the Slingbox SOLO comes in.
Ever been half way around the world wishing you could watch your favorite local sports team as they go up against their longtime rival? NimbleTV hopes to grant that wish by offering a subscription-based TV platform that would allow users to access all of their television from anywhere in the world, on any device. NimbleTV will host your TV subscription plan and deliver it to you using their cloud-based software. The NimbleTV service is a global platform that features:
Customers in the U.S. have been able to purchase various versions of the Google TV for about a year now from various OEMs, but according to a new report, the Google TV is launching in Europe this September. The first devices across the pond will be from Sony and will include a €200 ($266) set-top box and a €300 ($399) set-top box featuring a Blu-Ray player.
BARCELONA, MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS 2012 — The last of Samsung’s interesting announcments at the Mobile World Congress is the Galaxy Beam. It looks like a regular, if a little chubby, Galaxy smartphone, but when you press a switch on the side a 15-lumen projector flares into life. The demo was in a dark (and crowded, and sweaty) room so we could actually see the images it throws out, but even so, it came off better than most pico projectors I have tested.


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Hershey to launch first new brand in 30 years
Hershey Co. will launch its first new brand in the United States in 30 years, it said Thursday.
Lancaster, a line of caramel soft cremes, will launch in January.
The Lancaster candy already had its debut earlier this year in China. The name pays homage to Milton Hershey’s Lancaster Caramel Co., which he launched 120 years ago in Lancaster, Pa.
“The launch of Lancaster Soft Cremes takes Hershey back to the early days of our founder Milton Hershey and his truly innovative spirit and desire to make great tasting, high-quality products for consumers,” Steven Schiller, senior vice president of sweets and refreshment, said.
It’s the first time in three decades that the Hershey, Pa.-based company has introduced an entirely new brand, one that wasn’t a brand extension or acquisition.
Hershey (NYSE: HSY) is best known for Hershey Kisses, the Milk Chocolate bar, Kit Kat, Twizzlers, Jolly Rancher, Ice Breakers, Reese’s.
The company, which has annual sales of $6.6 billion and 14,000 employees worldwide, has made an aggressive international push recently. Last week, it announced plans to invest $250 million in a plant in Malaysia. It’s part of an effort to reach $10 billion in sales by 2017.
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Katz’s, the legendary Manhattan delicatessen and purveyor of unquestionably the world’s finest pastrami, has in its 129 years earned its rightful place among New York’s most-visited landmarks. And those who can’t make it to its Lower East Side location need not fret—the restaurant has found success shipping its meats nationwide. (Its circa-World War II slogan implored customers to “send a salami to your boy in the Army.”) Which is fine if you’re a pastrami/corned beef lover in these 50 United States, but until now those outside the country were left to fend off their cravings themselves.
Soon, according to the Wall Street Journal, Katz’s will be available to citizens of the world. The delicatessen will soon be building a 30,000-square feet facility in New Jersey to expand its worldwide business, and will begin shipping to Canada and Mexico by the end of this year, and globally sometime in 2018. Katz’s owner Jake Dell told the Journal he’s also considering to open in different cities outside New York, naming Washington, D.C., Boston, and Philadelphia as options. In the meantime, you can have a 5-pound slab of fatty, peppery, crusty Katz’s pastrami shipped to your doorsteps for $100, and recreate the When Harry Met Sally orgasm scene from the comforts of your home.


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The V-City Project, initiated and coordinated by DIGINEXT, has been selected with 49 other European research projects for the first Innovation Convention organised by the European Commission on both the 5th and 6th of December 2011 in Square Brussels Meeting Centre. The latest project results will be demonstrated on the V-City booth. More information is available at Innovation Convention 2011 website.
This first edition of the Innovation Convention will be opened by President Barroso one year after the adoption of the Innovation Union flagship initiative, the EU's roadmap to turn Europe into a more innovation-friendly and competitive continent. Research and innovation are the main motors for sustainable job creation and the only way to achieve a sustainable exit from the current economic crisis. This conference will bring together world leading experts in research and innovation to share their views on building a global innovation economy. Speakers will include Don Tapscott, Chairman of Moxie Insight (Canada), and co-author of 'Macrowikinomics: Rebooting Business and the World', Eric Schmidt, Executive Chairman of Google (USA), Professor Brian Cox, particle physicist and well known BBC science broadcaster (UK), Claudie Haigneré, former astronaut and President of Universcience (FR), Professor Henry Chesbrough, Centre for Open Innovation (USA), Sam Pitroda, entrepreneur and advisor to the Prime Minister of India on innovation, Richard Dawkins, evolutionary biologist, former Professor of the Public Understanding of Science and author of several books, including ' The God Delusion' (UK), Silvia Venturini Fendi, fashion designer (IT) and Michael O'Leary, CEO, Ryanair (IE).


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British PM David Cameron Tours New Jaguar Land Rover Engine Plant
Although the advent of technology and the "app economy" have changed the relative importance of hard goods manufacturing in global economies, having a robust manufacturing base is still an important indicator of economic competitiveness, and a huge symbolic representation of national pride and productivity. British Prime Minister David Cameron toured Jaguar Land Rover's new engine plant in Wolverhampton, where the company's next-generation of four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines will be built. The first engines are expected to come off the line in early 2015. The Land Rover LR2/Freelander and Range Rover Evoque currently use a 2.0-liter I-4 turbo that shares its basic design with the Ford EcoBoost 2.0-liter engine.
Although times in the United Kingdom are not the easiest they've ever been, the island nation is faring better than many of the other nations on the European mainland, and one of the bright spots in particular for the U.K. has been its robust auto manufacturing sector, which is on-track to surpass France, once a European manufacturing powerhouse, for the first time in nearly 50 years in total automotive production.
Although Britain has few native-owned brands anymore, with nearly all of its prominent brands being owned by non-British companies, almost all of the brands remain firmly committed to maintaining a British production base. The U.K. 's biggest automaker by volume is Nissan, with a massive manufacturing complex in Sunderland, on England's east coast, near Newcastle.


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For years, the pharmaceutical powerhouses have either been U.S. or European companies, and all have extensive operations in the U.S. Of the top 10 pharmaceutical companies, six are U.S.-based companies, the remaining four have their headquarters either in the United Kingdom or continental Europe, according to data from IMS Health. There are no Japanese companies in the top 10, despite that market’s status as the second largest in the world. However, several Japanese companies are making inroads in the U.S. market, relying less on alliances and more on building their own marketing infrastructure and R&D operations.
According to Mikihiko Obayashi, Ph.D., who leads the Japan International Desk — a division of Quintiles Transnational Corp. that offers consulting services to Japanese pharmaceutical companies wishing to enter or expand in overseas markets — there are currently between 40 and 50 Japanese companies conducting clinical trials in the U.S.
“Of those, about 10 plan to register products on their own and the others will license their compound to a local company for Phase III trials…
Western Eyes on Eastern Markets
Fujisawa: on its way to $1 billion
Experts on this topic
Peter Labadie. President, Williams-Labadie, Chicago; Williams-Labadie is a full-service healthcare advertising agency
Kurt Lewis. Senior VP, Marketing and Sales, Fujisawa Healthcare Inc., Deerfield, Ill., a subsidiary of Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd of Osaka, Japan; Fujisawa Pharmaceutical is a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer with operations in North America, Japan, Europe, and Asia
Steve Mader. Senior VP, Marketing and Sales, Yamanouchi America Inc., Paramus, N.J., a subsidiary of Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.; Yamanouchi is the third-largest pharmaceutical company in Japan
Cameron Munro. Senior VP, Account Group Supervisor, Lyons Lavey Nickel Swift Inc., New?York; Lyons Lavey Nickel Swift is a full-service healthcare advertising agency
Mikihiko Obayashi, Ph.D. President, Japan International Desk, Princeton, N.J.; JID is a division of Quintiles Transnational Corp, a leading provider of information, technology, and services to the healthcare industry
John Schroeter. President of The Synapse Group, Burlington, Ontario; The Synapse Group is a full-service advertising agency
Bill Sheldon. President and chief operating officer, Eisai Inc., Teaneck, N.J.; Eisai Inc. is the U.S. pharmaceutical operations of Eisai Co. Ltd. of Japan, which discovers, develops, and markets products in more than 30 countries


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After old schools BMW 3-Series when the day of announcement it was 25 years ago. This 2014 BMW M3 was appeared on four different generations and evolved from a 2.3 liter inline-four cylinder engine with 200 HP to an impressive V8 hitting 420 HP. 2014 BMW M3 maybe not the best sport cars out there, but it have the most needed functions as sport cars such as extraordinary look, great performance, the best class handling, and a luxurious interior. The brand new 2014 BMW M3 concept was continuity from 2013 models which the sports car’s history will move on to its next chapter as BMW will be set to reveal the new generation M3.
2012 Subaru Impreza was release the first debut at New York 2011 Auto Show with despite initial fears the design of the new small car. 2012 Subaru Impreza is also 30 percent more fuel efficient than the model it replaces, making the new 2012 range the most fuel efficient all-wheel drive car on the market. 2012 Subaru Impreza is the roomiest Impreza ever, as well as being lighter and quicker than its predecessor. Like 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Show Off at New York Auto Show, subaru impreza give their full concept in this auto show.
Minagi compact crossover concept was released for new 2012 Mazda CX5 since 2011 Geneva Motor Show. But in that time is only the concept of this awesome 2012 Mazda CX5 which has been hinting at production of its attractive. At New York 2011 Auto Show Mazda was finally released the true car named 2012 Mazda CX5 and confirmed that a production version of the concept was in the pipeline and destined to the CX5. Like 2012 Mazda3 Little Compact Car Showed at New York 2011, they powered the engine with SKYACTIV range of fuel efficient technologies too.
Based on Disney Tron the Movie, Timur Bozca a young and enthusiastic designer has developed the Tron Car. For those people who fans of this awesome movies, this Tron Car will be the choosen one to give applause which has vehicle that seems suitable for any ride on both Earth or Grid. Aired last year will make you should know that it is full with dreaming of the wondrous vehicles as Tron Car. This concpet is inspired from combination of the elements found in the movie, such as a glossy black body with blue neon lines on either side of the car.
The 2012 Jaguar XFR model truly impressive unveiling by Jaguar at New York 2011 Auto Show. The 2012 Jaguar XFR enjoyed our eyes with the bulbous look of the previous XF’s lights, and cleaning up some of the lines elsewhere, the new XF is very bit as iconic and now, cleaner and more elegant. This 2012 Jaguar XFR is the most attractive Jaguar lineup the XF stands out as unique and stylish. Like 2012 Subaru Impreza More Fuel Efficient at New York 2011, they should make this new car more less to use the fuel.
America will not get the 2.2-liter diesel of 2012 Jaguar XFR »
Related Auto Show & Car Showoff for most energy efficient suvs for 2014 at AutoCarShowOff.com
Behind Audi completely new ideology behind this electric R8 and the normal gasoline version, they serious about bringing this Audi R8 E-Tron to the market. And after the E-tron Detroit Show car, Audi has brought us the e-tron technology platform based on the 2013 Audi R8 E-Tron. The supercar form of R8 was made an [...]
2013 Chevrolet Malibu the first global version of the popular mid-size Chevy, has finally been revealed in 2011 New York Auto Show. 2013 Chevrolet Malibu was revealed one day before at 2011 Shanghai Auto Show. The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu concept will take all of modernism of car design include exterior and interior of the car. [...]
Based on Disney Tron the Movie, Timur Bozca a young and enthusiastic designer has developed the Tron Car. For those people who fans of this awesome movies, this Tron Car will be the choosen one to give applause which has vehicle that seems suitable for any ride on both Earth or Grid. Aired last year [...]
2012 Mazda3 is the brand new little compact car from Mazda that showed off at New York 2011 Auto Show. This 2012 Mazda3 coming with a mid cycle refresh that not only provides a refined exterior and interior. 2012 Mazda3 performance is dishes out a new engine that utilizes Mazda’s innovative SKYACTIV fuel saving and [...]
After last year of Peugeot RCZ Asphalt and this year with the new 2011 Peugeot RCZ Asphalt LE, and what the differents of both of it? This brand new car is only limited into 75 units for right hand drive at UK and the goal is 500 unit at end of this year. The price [...]
As topspeed said, Autocar a British Magazine this 2012 Toyota FT86 will bring back the name of Celica to the Europe and Japanese markets. This 2012 Toyota FT86 coming as Scion at USA which bring new experience for impressive sport cars. Like Toyota said 86 is likely to be retained in its name somewhere, however, [...]
Scion FRS was released the official specs for their brand new sport coupe concept in New York 2011 Auto Show. This new Scion FRS was adapted the stunning two-door is the latest iteration from the oldest models. Scion FRS name is taken from its dutation, Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, and Sport. Like 2012 Mazda3 Little Compact [...]
The black and white new bugatti veyron carbon edition is two different car type and models. The white bugatti veyron is based on the open-top Veyron Grand Sport and is labeled the Matte White Blue Carbon. The black bugatti veyron is presented in Shanghai Auto Show and not surprisingly is finished completely in black visible [...]
Facelifted the XF range at this New York 2011 come to the new 2012 Jaguar XK with convertible body styles. The new 2012 Jaguar XK range, which consists of both Coupe and Convertible bodystyles, has evolved to take on an elegant new look, elements of which are shared with the XKR-S, first revealed last month [...]
After tuning up various models of sports cars, today Hennessey showed up its tune to a 2011 Nissan GTR800 which touch the power till 800 HP. Hennessey did not have much time to make over the exterior of this 2011 Nissan GTR800, they went straight to work pumping up the standard 3.8L V6 producing up [...]


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The event attracted hundreds of delegates from across the UK and Europe to discuss and discover the latest trends, fixtures and opportunities in lotteries, fundraising and gambling.
The CJAM marketing team have been preparing to launch a national campaign on behalf of the National Association of Balloon Artists to raise awareness of the exemplary insurance and peace of mind provided by choosing to buy from their members. The campaign, which urges consumers to ‘buy with confidence’ highlights the importance of knowing your balloon and party supplier, to ensure your special occasions go without a hitch.
Many consumers may be unaware of the potential pitfalls that come from using an amateur or inexperienced balloon and party supplier. Industry gold standard insurer, Hiscox, cites incredible and catastrophic incidents including collapsing installations damaging swathes of brand-new cars and accidents with gases and equipment costing customers choosing uninsured or inadequately covered suppliers vast sums of money and putting health and safety at risk.
A rising number of self-taught start ups in the industry without the correct level of insurance could compromise consumer safety, with a potential for little or no industry-specific insurance and training and quality assurance that comes from choosing a NABAS member.
The campaign, which is set to be rolled out across the United Kingdom, comprises of a series of digital assets which members can customise to share on their own social media feeds, email correspondence and websites. By being distributed by NABAS and its many members, the campaign takes a united approach to demonstrating the many benefits to choosing a NABAS member for your next special occasion. These include both safety and quality standards, but most importantly the high insurance cover that delivers additional assurance to consumers. Members proudly sport the NABAS mark of excellence to showcase their demonstrable calibre and insurance level, with additional membership credentials that further reinforce why people should choose a NABAS member for their next event.
The latest set of digital assets have been created in collaboration with a specialist design team, and are fully customisable, conveying magical moments and special occasions that deserve the highest standard of balloon and party supplier.
The campaign will be implemented on Facebook, Instagram and on members’ own websites and in shop windows to help boost sales and attract new customers.


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Store-brand lines of organic food and beverages are becoming an integral element of mainstream product mixes
Competitively priced private-label lines are bridging the gap between organic foods and mainstream consumers.
Integrated merchandising strategies that place store-brand organic items beside their conventional counterparts are also inspiring trials from consumers who hadn't necessarily thought to purchase these products in the past.
With the launch of its Meijer Organics label earlier this year, Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Meijer's hoped to increase the accessibility of organic products.
The 150-item line features mostly packaged goods, including macaroni and cheese; canned vegetables, fruit, beans and chili; organic milk, eggs, butter and ice cream; and frozen fruits and vegetables — all priced 10% to 20% below their national-brand counterparts. The items are integrated throughout the store.
“The line has really stirred feelings,” said Scott Chambers, senior grocery buyer of natural foods for the retailer. “People are just snapping [these items] up, almost like they were waiting for them to be here.” Next month the retailer is adding another 50 items to the line.
Chambers declined to mention specifics, but last month told SN that consumers are asking for additional flavors and sizes of existing items.
Industry observers note that Meijer's strategy of starting small and building brands is sound.
“This is uncharted territory, and before I bet the ranch, I'd research and learn,” said Frank Dell, president of Dellmart and Co., Stamford, Conn.
Capers Community Market, Vancouver, British Columbia, is a seasoned veteran when it comes to merchandising store-brand organics.
When launched nine years ago, Capers Organics constituted just 12% of the chain's private-label items, and 20% of store-brand volume. Nearly a decade later, 60% of its private-label foods are organic, and they carry an 80% store-brand share.
The line features items in every category, said Bob Morisseau, regional grocery merchandiser for Capers, which is owned by Wild Oats. The biggest movers are packaged items, he said, such as dried fruits, nuts, flour and grains, as well as produce. The products are integrated throughout the store and are typically local items that are unlike national brands, said Morisseau. If Caper's store brand happens to duplicate another organic line, the private-label item tends to cost a little less.
Kroger, too, is enjoying success with its organic private label. Earlier this month the Cincinnati-based retailer announced the addition of 60 organic store-brand items as part of an effort to appeal to mainstream shoppers.
Organic pasta, tea, waffles, peanut butter, snacks and milk are among the new Kroger's Private Selections items scheduled to be sold under the slogan “Organics for Everyone” this month.
Unlike items in Kroger's five-year-old Naturally Preferred natural and organic store-brand line — which are segregated in the Nature's Market areas of certain locations — Private Selection items are sold beside their conventional counterparts.
“This is an easy way for customers who want to try organic goods to do so at their own pace,” said Linda Severin, vice president of corporate brands at Kroger. “Our customers tell us they're interested in trying more organic foods, and this expanded assortment is designed to help them do that during their regular shopping visits with us.”
The time is ripe for organics. According to the Organic Trade Association, Greenfield, Mass., sales of organic food totaled $16.7 billion last year, a 20.5% jump over 2005.
An increased number of retailers are gaining a piece of the organic pie.
Figures from The Nielsen Co., New York, show that for the 52 weeks ending July 14, sales of private-label organics grew 79.3%, while sales of branded organic products grew by just 19.2%. Sales in the category are being driven by almost everyone, it seems, but particularly young moms and Baby Boomers, said Carol Davies, a partner with Fletcher Knight, Greenwich, Conn. For this reason, categories including baby food, kids' meals, children's snacks, produce and prepared foods lend themselves well to organic private-label lines.
Harvest Market, Fort Bragg, Calif., carries the Our Pantry line of organics that was specifically designed for a cooperative buying group made up of independent retailers.
Young mothers love private-label organics for their kids, according to Yvonne Galliani, who manages Harvest Market. “They even want organic diapers, and they're not bothered by how much they cost,” she said.
The number of organic consumers is growing.
Around three-quarters of shoppers buy organic products at least occasionally, up from 55% in 2000, according to the Hartman Group, Bellevue, Wash.; 23% buy them at least once a week.
“This is just a natural for supermarkets, and they've now realized that Whole Foods and Wild Oats are not just a fad,” said Dell.
Probably the poster child for an organic private-label line among mainstream grocery stores is Safeway, whose O Organics line now boasts over 250 products, including beverages, baked goods, canned and frozen foods and snacks. It's likely to grow to 260 stockkeeping units by year's end.
According to Steven Burd, chairman, president and chief executive officer of the chain, the line made $164 million last year, its first year, and is expected to reap close to $300 million this year.
O Organics' objective, said James White, Safeway's senior vice president of corporate brands, is to draw a broader range of shoppers.
Meijer's Chambers is of the same mind, believing that the people who are buying the chain's organic products previously didn't bother because it was an added shopping trip elsewhere, and it was more expensive.
Beyond convenience, cost is driving sales. Organic products have typically been more expensive than conventional foods, but retailers are pricing private-label lines comparable to, or below, national-brand organics.
“We wanted [the line] to be priced similarly to the national-brand equivalents to help people move over,” said Chambers. “We didn't want the products to be just for hard-core organic consumers, but for all consumers.”
Changes to the entire marketplace have also helped bring prices down.
In the past, sourcing organic foods was difficult. Organic farms were scarce, and they were midsize at best. Even just three years ago, Chambers said, it was more difficult. “But there are plenty of choices today to get what you want.”
While price can be a deciding factor for consumers unsure of what to buy, packaging also works magic.
“We wanted [our packaging] to be noticeably different so people could spot it,” said Chambers. “Mostly, it has a clean white background with product ingredient shots, and black and green fonts.”


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The global marketing economy is robust and picking up pace, according to the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Council’s eighth annual State of Marketing report. CMOs are also confident that they can meet management’s top-line revenue growth, as well as market share goals for the coming year.
Some 81 percent of the 525 global marketers surveyed in the study reported that they believe management mandates are “realistic and attainable” for the year, while a much smaller 26 percent believe that this may only be halfway achievable.
Another 55 percent of CMOs plan headcount additions in 2014, as opposed to just 22 percent who plan reductions. And 54 percent of CMOs expect budget increases, with only 10 percent believing that their jobs may be at risk.
According to Liz Miller, vice president of programs and operations at the CMO Council, 2010 and 2011 were “grim years” in marketing, while 2012 and 2013 were flat in terms of both growth and share. However 2014 is the first year that “flat stopped being up,” she notes.
A large part of the rekindled sense of optimism, specifically looking at the rise in headcount, is in part thanks to a new sense of urgency regarding marketing, says Miller. Investment in social content and mobile marketing is more crucial in 2014 than ever before, and CMOs are spearheading efforts for better targeting and a more personalized approach to customer engagement.
The need to create harmony between campaigns to meet customer demand for better engagement is also pushing C-suite executives to form more interactive connections with CMOs. This year, 69 percent of CMOs say that they are trusted members of the C-suite and believe that the concept of the chief marketing officer in general is increasing in stature and credibility with key business leaders.
Miller believes that the change is partially due to a new generation of CMOs who are “speaking, measuring, and reporting in the language of business.” More than ever before, CMOs should be “operational gurus who optimize engagement and view procurement as a partner rather than an adversary.”
This new breed of more business-savvy CMOs has resulted in a better dialogue between members of the C-suite. However, the results of the survey also suggest that there is still more work to be done, since only 30 percent of survey participants see themselves as equal to the other members of the C-suite in terms of recognition and influence, while 45 percent believe that is only sometimes the case.
Overall, the report suggests that 2014 marks a positive change in the industry across the board, from CMO status to budgetary influence and job security, a change Miller believes is only the beginning of a new age of marketing that is more client-focused and tech savvy than ever before.
While ad fraud has become part of every marketer’s vocabulary, attribution fraud—the practice of gaming outdated attribution models to justify self-serving means—has ... read more
Video content is popular on social media and it is among the most effective formats for advertising. Time to go beyond Facebook ... read more
The technology industry is lagging behind many other sectors when it comes to the proportion of women taking up entry level positions. ... read more
Programmatic is taking over the digital advertising world, and at an even faster rate than expected, according to eMarketer, which raised its forecast for programmatic ad spending in the U.S. on the back of growth in mobile and video programmatic buys.


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Snoop Dogg Down With Israeli Cannabis Company, Highlights Investment in the Country -- CFN Media
Seattle, Washington--(Newsfile Corp. - October 31, 2019) - CFN Media, the leading agency and financial media network dedicated to the North American cannabis industry announces publication of an article discussing Isracann Biosciences (CSE: IPOT).
Vocal cannabis activist Snoop Dogg has signed on as a brand ambassador for Israeli start-up Seedo, the maker of a refrigerator-type of a machine for auto-growing plants, including cannabis. The indelible award-winning rapper says he's "all the way down with" the Seedo Homelab and the utility it brings to allow people to grow their own plants in unused space at home.
With the help of Snoop, Seedo is one of a handful of companies making news that complements the storied history of cannabis in Israel that includes the discovery of cannabinoids decades ago and the passage of legislation this year that makes the country one of only of a small group in the world allowed to export cannabis.
Another company that is etching its name in Israeli cannabis business is Isracann Biosciences (CSE: IPOT) (OTC: ATLED), the first pure-play cannabis firm in the country to list in Canada.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
Technology in Israel
Seedo's smell-proof, self-contained cultivation box lets users with no previous agriculture experience produce "brag worthy yields" with little more effort than planting a seed and monitoring the process through an app. The world's first fully automated and controlled indoor growing machine drums up memories of the old hands-off, "set it and forget it" Ronco rotisserie.
Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., will partner with Seedo on a variety of initiatives generating awareness of the innovative technology and the environmental benefits and social opportunity affiliated with it.
On a larger scale, Isracann is developing commercial-scale cultivation capacity and finding strong investors support to execute on the model, as indicated by a recent C$10.1 million financing round. The money is earmarked in part to build-out 230,000 square feet of the company's phase 1 facility. The initial phase will have capacity of 23,500 kilograms of cannabis per annum.
Benefiting from the latest hybrid greenhouse technology and the near-perfect weather conditions in Israel for growing cannabis, management estimates that it will be able to produce its high-quality cannabis for as little as 40 cents per gram, a favorable production price for premium product.
Everything Coming Together
Isracann said on Monday that its current cash position allows for accelerating Phase 1 of the construction program, which includes:
- finalization of greenhouse facility design for cannabis cultivation and production;
- rapidly advancing greenhouse and related facility construction;
- ensuring adequate controls are in place against any diversion, theft and loss of cannabis products; and
- ensuring compliance with other protective security, health, and safety requirements in accordance with Israeli regulations
As milestones with the production facility draw nearer, Isracann has already entered into agreements for medical cannabis cultivation projects in Israel with local licensed stakeholders.
The anonymous stakeholder is shouldering part of the responsibility of the construction of the Isracann greenhouses, as well as bearing the cost of electricity, licenses, and property and related land taxes for the large cultivation and processing facility.
Piquing interest that there are more positive developments on the horizon, Isracann CEO Darryl Jones said on Monday, "We have lined up several key organizations and personnel and look forward to announcing a number of these key commercial agreements in the days and weeks ahead."
Beyond addressing the underserved domestic market, Isracann has established distribution resources to leverage the export-friendly Israeli laws to send its future cannabis goods into the massive European markets.
Team Gets Stronger with Deepened Roots is Israel
Isracann's leadership includes the likes of Nitin Kaushal (managing director with PwC), Brett Allan (founding member The Green Organic Dutchman, VP Corporate Development Organigram and Justin Cooper (co-owner of Green Planet, the largest privately-owned hydroponics chain in Canada).
Now, the company has added Dr. Irit Arbel to its Board of Directors. Dr. Arbel has decades of multi-disciplinary biopharma, technology and governance experience. A serial entrepreneur, she has founded, held C-suite positions and other senior roles at companies such as Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics, Pluristem Life Sciences, Neurocords, Ltd., Savicell Diagnostics and RFB Investment House.
There is certainly an Israeli connection here with Dr. Arbel. She was previously an Israeli Sales Manager for the pharma Merck, Sharp & Dohme. She also holds a Chemical Engineering degree from the Technion, Israel's Institute of Technology.
Please follow the link to read the full article on CFN Media: http://bit.ly/2Wq2Lxu
About CFN Media
CFN Enterprises Inc. (OTCQB: CNFN) is the owner and operator of CFN Media, the leading agency and digital financial media network dedicated to the legal cannabis industry.
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CFN Media's Cannabis Financial Network (CannabisFN.com) is the destination for savvy investors and business people profiting from the worldwide cannabis industry. Viewers will see breaking news, exclusive content and original programming involving the people, companies and investments shaping the industry.
For Cannabis Businesses & Companies
CFN Media is a leading agency and financial media network dedicated to the cannabis industry. We help private, pre-public and public cannabis companies in the US and Canada attract capital, investors and media attention.
Our powerful digital media and distribution platform conveys a company's message and value proposition directly to accredited and retail investors and national media active in the North American cannabis markets.
Since 2013, CFN Media has enabled the world's preeminent cannabis companies to thrive in the capital and public markets.
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Fair Square Finanical Holdings, a newly formed company, recently launched consumer credit cards under the name Ollo.
In a press release Friday (March 24), Fair Square Financial said it received an equity commitment to finance card issuance from Pine Brook, an investment firm focused on building financial services businesses.
Fair Square Financial is led by Chief Executive Officer Rob Habgood, who has more than 25 years of credit card experience. Prior to becoming CEO, Habgood co-led the credit card business of Bank of America and held various senior roles at Capital One. The CEO also led the launch and expansion of Capital One’s consumer credit card business in the U.K.
“Almost a decade after the financial crisis, millions of Americans are still limited in their access to competitively priced card products,” said Habgood in a press release announcing the new business. “We believe there is an opportunity to better meet the credit needs of hard-working Americans, while helping them achieve their financial goals.”
Fair Square’s board is comprised of industry veterans who bring decades of experience in credit, payments and risk management to the company and were instrumental in its formation, said the company in the release.
Vikram S. Pandit, the former CEO of Citigroup and previous president and COO for the institutional securities and investment banking businesses of Morgan Stanley, has been named to the board of directors. Steven Freiberg was formerly CEO of E*Trade and held a number of senior positions at Citigroup, including CEO, Global Consumer Group, and CEO, Global Card Products, and also serves on the board for MasterCard. Freiberg will serve as chairman of the board for Fair Square. Also joining the board is Ajay Mookerjee, an eFinance entrepreneur and experienced credit card executive from Capital One, GE, Suntrust and Booz Allen and current advisor on financial services strategies for Warburg Pincus.
Pine Brook is working with the management team and the board of Fair Square Financial on the company’s strategy. “We believe Fair Square Financial’s new credit offering will meet the needs of a large population of previously underserved consumers,” said Pine Brook Co-President William Spiegel in the release.


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At the Electronic Entertainment Expo in June, Microsoft unveiled its new slimline 250GB Xbox 360. Last month, it confirmed reports that it would be releasing a new 4GB Xbox 360 in a bundle with Kinect, the motion-sensing system that launches on November 4.
Now, it appears that Microsoft will be readying another Kinect bundle, which will feature the 250GB Xbox 360. Gaming blog Joystiq reports it was tipped off by an Australian reader who spotted a high-resolution image of the 4GB Kinect bundle, which also detailed another bundle with the higher-end console. No pricing information was available, but the box apparently said the console would be bundled with a game--likely Kinect Adventures--and several "game demos." Kinect Adventures, the minigame compilation that features the jump-based rafting game River Rush, is also included in the 4GB bundle.
As of press time, Microsoft had not responded to requests for information about the new Kinect bundle.
By itself, the controller-less, camera-based Kinect will cost $150 in the US. Xbox product director Aaron Greenberg said Microsoft is treating the Kinect launch like that of an all-new console, throwing the considerable weight of its marketing might behind it. However, some analysts are skeptical of the peripheral's prospects at retail, and one UK retailer went as far as to openly say preorders for it were "very low."


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Tech Firms Put Sales Before Safety, NTSB Chief Says
Safety board chairwoman fires new salvo in distracted-driving debate.
According to Bloomberg News, Hersman delivered a shot across the bow to technology companies such as Intel while speaking at a distracted-driving forum in Washington, D.C., saying: "If the technology producers focused more on what is safe than what sells, we'd see highway fatalities go down." Hersman said that in their rush to capitalize on in-car infotainment systems, tech companies are impeding the fight against distracted driving. She also said everyone involved must "dispel the myth of multitasking."
During testimony to the NTSB, University of Wisconsin professor John Lee, who has studied distracted driving, called the pace of change in technology products "daunting," and said the evolution "far outstrips the pace of regulatory response" according to the Bloomberg report. Hersman, meanwhile, recently called for a full ban on the use of mobile devices -- including those with hands-free functionality -- while driving.
Intel, which recently began establishing a $100 million "connected car fund," says developing the technology includes studying ways to make it safer. The Bloomberg piece quotes Intel spokesperson Laura Anderson, who said that “Intel is working closely with automakers and in-vehicle infotainment suppliers to help integrate advanced technologies into cars to enhance the in-vehicle experience as well as advanced driver assistance systems," and that "a significant area of focus for the $100 million Intel Capital Connected Car Fund is to accelerate innovation for driver and passenger safety." As an example, Anderson said that "the fund will invest in startups developing technologies for advanced driver assistance, gesture recognition and sensors,” according to the same report.
Editor's note: The original piece as published on 3/27 was unclear in its attribution; all quotes and source material were derived from a piece published in Bloomberg earlier that day, which was then republished in Automotive News. Changes have been made to the original text to reflect this.
[Source: Automotive News via Bloomberg.]
Hersman is just another example of an overreaching government bureaucrat that thinks they know better for how we should conduct our lives than we do. Time to reign in the DOT, NTSB, NHTSA and a lot of these other regulatory clowns.
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West coast fast food chain In-N-Out Burger has filed a lawsuit against a Maryland-based burger joint, Grab-N-Go Burger, because their name, logo, and menu are suspiciously similar (just take a look above).
On top of just appearances, Grab-N-Go offers a "Wild Style Burger", which sounds like their
carbon copy version of In-N-Out's "secret" Animal-style hamburger.
The Maryland fast food restaurant has at least expanded their menu to include hot dogs and "signature" items like the Texas or Asian Burger, unlike In-N-Out's basic hamburger, cheeseburger, and double cheeseburger options.
While we'd rather have more In-And-Outs scattered across the U.S. than McDonald's, we don't advocate identity theft!
We're slightly astounded by the similarities ourselves and don't get why Grab-N-Go didn't even bother to change their logo's colors!
They were really just begging to be sued! Ha!


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In-N-Out Burger coming to Houston
HOUSTON – The California-based In-N-Out Burger will soon be serving Houstonians.
The company said it is closing on several sites in the city this year.
According to the Houston Business Journal, about six years ago In-N-Out announced it would open a 57,000-square-foot distribution center in Fort Worth to service new locations across the state. It now distributes to restaurants in and around Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and New Braunfels.
The popular burger chain will compete with Shake Shack and Hopdoddy, both new to the area.
Copyright 2017 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.


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On the surface, you might not think the addition of a new frozen yogurt franchise pegged to open just before the traditional summer season may not see like the biggest thing in the world — especially for a local coastal community that, for a variety of reasons, has become increasingly dependent on summer tourist dollars.
But the news that a trio of businessmen, including 1985 Gloucester High School graduate Sean Nickerson, will be leasing the little building at 102 Rogers St. to open a Gloucester franchise for the expanding and popular Orange Leaf frozen yogurt is indeed good news beyond the simple addition of a new business that will employ 22 people, mostly in part-time jobs.
The opening of Orange Leaf will finally bring life to a building that has never — ever – had any. And its location should send an important, positive message to visitors and residents alike.
It’s been more than four years now since Gloucester property baron and developer Mac Bell tore down the iconic old brick water shed at the Rogers Street front of his Main Street/Walgreen’s plaza property, moving the water dispensary over to where it rests now alongside the plaza’s Dunkin’ Donuts shop, and opening the streetfront site to new development.
Within days, Bell had put up what always appeared to be classic retail building, with rumors that a hair salon and later a small restaurant were pending and might be opening soon. But no tenant ever sealed a deal — and the building has never been occupied, even for a day.
Consequently, the building at the front of the plaza — one that is front and center for many visitors to Harbor Loop, which hosts attractions like the Whale Center, its whale watch and cruise excursions, Maritime Gloucester and more — has stood as the perpetual work in progress. And rather than seeing a welcoming business on Gloucester’s waterfront thoroughfare, visitors saw only an empty shell of a building — one conveying a sign of a city in hard economic times.


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It’s not Tuesday dammit, but I’ll take any Street Fighter V news that I can get my hands on. And this snippet of info is juicy. Oh yeah, juicier than my attempt to grill a steak at medium rare for some friends of mine, which ended up with a slab of meat that mooed whenever someone stuck a fork in it.
Anyway, thanks to the recent PC beta, more industrious Street Fighter fans have managed to get their hands on data files for the game. That data-mining divulged that a Balrog reveal is coming, but there’s more than just that fella on the way. There’re five other fighters on the way.
Here’s the full list from Shoryuken:
- Guile – Street Fighter 2’s iconic military man. SONIC BOOM!
- Balrog – Not to be confused with Mike Tyson
- Ibuki – Ninja girl with some surprisingly agile attacks, from ye olde Street Fighter 3 days
- Juri – Street Fighter 4 kicking machine
- Alex – Back from the dead, this grappler was last seen Suplexing his way through Street Fighter 3
- Urien – Street Fighter 3 combo master who will simply CRUSH you
You can’t have a Street Fighter game without Guile. You just can’t. Guile and the others will most likely be using some of that in-game currency to be purchased, a system that pretty much works for everyone. It’s the inclusion of Juri however, that has me posting heart emoticons all over the place.
Easily one of my favourite new additions to the franchise, Juri was simply a phenomenal character to use for beginners, and with a great design to boot. Also, the fact that Capcom hasn’t resurrected El F***ing Fuerte for Street Fighter V, makes me far too happy.
Other info gleaned from the data-mining via PcgamesN revealed a new ranking system, which will have players starting at the bottom and working their way up through various levels. There’s also what appears to be an in-game channel for Capcom Pro Tour Premier Tournaments, so similar to DotaTV then.
Street Fighter V finally got a release date last week at the Paris Games Week Sony press conference. Fisticuffs will commence on February 16. And yes, that date happens to fall on a…Tuesday.
Last Updated: November 4, 2015
Captain JJ the Goo
November 4, 2015 at 08:03
When you said it’s not Tuesday it made me realise it’s already Wednesday.
Seems I’ve lost a day again somewhere 😀


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Kuala Lumpur, December 10, 2012: Huawei Device Malaysia will be running an on-ground event from 21 to 23 December 2012 at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa in Kuala Lumpur offering a Grand Prize of a 4D3N all-expenses-paid trip for two to Dubai. This includes accommodation at a super 5-star luxury hotel, a helicopter tour of the city, an exclusive tour of the tallest building in the world – the Burj Khalifa, a Dubai Historical Tour and a Desert Experience.
Participants in the 3-day on-ground event scheduled to be open to the public from 12.30pm to 8.30pm will also stand a chance to win over 2,000 prizes including Huawei smartphones, devices, t-shirts, USB drives and movie tickets. Activities include hot air balloon rides, jumpshot photography, Trampoline Jump and Race Challenges.
For more information, go to www.huaweidevice.com.my/AscendContest where you can pre-register and redeem a mystery gift (while stocks last) at the event. Also tune in to 98.8 FM, Suria FM and Red FM from 15- 23 December for further updates and announcements on the event.
This event is in conjunction with Huawei’s launch of its ‘Ascend to New Heights’ consumer campaign in Malaysia which will run until 31 December 2012. The campaign is part of a global effort – Huawei’s biggest and most wide-reaching consumer activation campaign to date.
I will be there at the event to win some prizes and take a ride on a hot air balloon for the first time. See you there if you’re going, otherwise, just stay tuned for the recap of event!


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Vernon Hills village trustees voted 5-1 Tuesday night to approve a requested $20 million tax subsidy for the mixed retail and residential project known as Mellody Farm.
With the approval of the hotly debated subsidy, developers say they are eager to break ground on the $200 million development this spring.
Officials initially thought the matter might come to a vote on Nov. 29. A primary issue at that time was a proposed guarantee that Vernon Hills deliver the first $18 million shortly after construction contracts are signed and the land is purchased.
Trustees said they worried about depleting the village's $24 million reserve account if new state laws interfered with selling bonds. Assistant Village Manager Joe Carey told Pioneer Press that the two sides successfully negotiated in recent weeks.
"We met in the middle," Carey said. "(If there were a problem) we would work with Regency on finding a solution. We would be providing them with $18 million in some fashion, but we would determine how together."
Regency Centers is the company responsible for the retail portion of the 53-acre project.
Plans show the development at Townline Road and Milwaukee Avenue would contain approximately 274,000 square feet of retail space that centers around Whole Foods, with 260 apartments and nearby roadway expansions. Permits were approved Nov. 15.
Two separate $1 million payments would be given when two of the five major structures are complete, according to the subsidy agreement. Carey said the first $18 million will come from selling bonds and that trustees will decide where the other $2 million comes from next year when it's closer to the payment date.
Matt Hendy, a vice president with Regency Centers, said he's glad that both sides feel comfortable and is excited for the work to begin. He still expects to get all the needed contracts in January and break ground on the first good day of spring with a grand opening scheduled for fall 2018.
At past board meetings, village officials discussed concerns about over-saturating the retail corridor when Sears and others are struggling to survive. Hendy said he's not worried about the effect of potential vacancies nearby or the changing trends in retail shopping.
"No, I think this will be a shot in the arm for this community," Hendy said.
During the meeting, Village Trustee James Schultz said Vernon Hills depends on sales tax revenue in lieu of a municipal property tax and it's important to keep investing in a successful model while also evolving.
"We believe Mellody Farm is a good example of retail of the future," Schultz said. "Yes, there's going to be more conversion to internet sales, but hopefully the United States Congress will pass the Marketplace Fairness Act so we can collect some sales tax dollars that way."
One of the five packaged votes on Tuesday involved creating a tax increment finance (TIF) district around the Mellody Farm property. Schultz said the district will repay the approved subsidy.
"I want to make it clear that residents are not going to be called upon unless the whole world comes to an end, and I don't see that happening," Schultz said. "This will be paid for by itself within that TIF district and that's why I'm in favor of moving forward with this project."
A TIF district allows property tax rates to be frozen in a "blighted area" and in turn use revenue from the increased value to pay contributions toward the completed or in-progress improvement efforts. In this case, the property tax would repay the bonds that will be used for the up-front contribution.
Mayor Roger Byrne said Mellody Farm will generate between $600,000 and $700,000 in sales tax per year once fully operational. He said the sale of food through both a grocery store and restaurants is why he thinks the project will be successful, especially since residents in the planned apartments will be in walking distance.
"Again, this is a different kind of retail product that's coming to town," Byrne said. "Our staff, including our finance director, is satisfied that these individuals are solvent and that they're a well-run company."
Byrne said he likes the "cannibalization" clause that prevents the developer from recruiting stores already in Vernon Hills.
"I too will be voting 'yes,' so don't anybody fall off your chairs, you all knew I was against this development, in a way," Village Trustee Barbara Williams said. "At first I was concerned about the dollar amount of the bonds we are issuing."
Williams said she eventually became comfortable with the project because of the timelines and penalties Vernon Hills employees negotiated into the deal. She said she's no longer worried about the project not being fully completed or forgotten about.
Village Trustee Thom Koch was the only opposing vote. He was silent at the podium but later told Pioneer Press that he's not sure the market can handle a new major shopping center.
"I don't like the numbers. It's a little too expensive," Koch said. "Also, everything I've seen since Christmas has been negative about brick-and-mortar soft goods. I hope I'm wrong. Hopefully this will be a different enough place that it'll work."
Koch said if Mellody Farm isn't as successful as expected then the property value assessment will not go up and the village will have to pay any leftover balance in the annual $2 million bond payments.


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Cardano, Polkadot, And Solana Group Says Bitgert BRC20 Would possibly Turn into A Massive Concern
by Analytics Perception
March 13, 2022
The Bitgert BRC20 blockchain is a product that has disrupted the crypto business in an enormous manner.
The Bitgert (BRISE) revolutionary blockchain that was launched in mid-February has continued to make a robust foothold within the crypto business. The chain is already inflicting panic within the business, with a lot of the blockchain nonetheless making an attempt to determine how to deal with this competitors.
Among the many cryptocurrencies which have their communities involved are Cardano, Polkadot, and Solana. They’ve stated that the Bitgert BRC20 blockchain is outperforming their tasks in some ways and could be an enormous concern sooner or later. Right here is extra about these cryptocurrencies:
The Bitgert BRC20 blockchain is a product that has disrupted the crypto business in an enormous manner. Bitgert is the primary blockchain to efficiently develop and implement a zero gasoline charge mechanism, which has eradicated the massive drawback of the costly gasoline charge. It’s the first zero-cost gasoline charge within the business, and that’s why each investor desires to purchase Bitgert.
The Bitgert additionally launched because the quickest blockchain, having reached 100k transactions per second. The quickest chain and the zero gasoline charge are causes Cardano, Polkadot, and Solana neighborhood says Bitgert BRC20 may change into an enormous concern. However Bitgert is already an enormous concern for all cryptocurrencies combating excessive gasoline charges and scalability points. Many are shedding traders to the Brise coin already.
The Centcex challenge can be significantly involved by the Bitgert chain reputation. The bottom gasoline charge function is an enormous concern for the Centcex challenge, which continues to be on BSC because the group is but to construct its personal blockchain. The bottom gasoline charge will make Brise virtually unbeatable out there instantly after the mass adoption begins. Some time again, a hearsay got here out that Centcex may construct its personal blockchain, however the group has not confirmed it. The Centcex trade, which is the most important product, is already within the newest levels of improvement. So even with the Bitgert issues, Centcex is making spectacular strikes.
There was plenty of developments occurring at Solana in 2022, however the launch of the Bitgert BRC20 blockchain has gotten this neighborhood involved. Having a challenge that has overtaken the Solana chain pace, the most important promoting level, is unquestionably a priority. The BRC20 blockchain chain surpassed the Solana 65k TPS to push to 100k TPS, which is an enormous milestone for blockchain expertise. Along with that, the bottom gasoline on the Bitgert BRC20 blockchain is changing into an enormous concern for the Solana neighborhood.
The Cardano neighborhood has each purpose to get involved with the Bitgert BRC20 blockchain as a result of it is among the cryptocurrencies which may kill their challenge. The Bitgert chain has outperformed Cardano in some ways. The truth is, had been it not for the upper variety of tasks on the Cardano chain and being an older challenge, Cardano would have been left miles behind by Bitgert. However the Bitgert group is engaged on bringing 1000+ tasks within the chain within the subsequent 1 yr, which can make it greater than Cardano. So the neighborhood must be involved in regards to the competitiveness of the Brise chain.
The Polkadot neighborhood has been elevating issues over the challenge’s future after the launch of the Bitgert BRC20 blockchain, which has confirmed superior. Although Polkadot has been promoting itself as a super-fast multichain blockchain, Bitgert blockchain has confirmed to be the quickest multichain blockchain, which makes it higher than Polkadot. With the Brise chain already gaining large adoption, even the Polkadot neighborhood has been shopping for Bitgert as a result of they see the challenge’s large potential. So there’s each purpose to get confirmed.
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EveryMatrix in deal with sporting solutions
Thursday May 29,2014 : EVERYMATRIX INKS DEAL WITH DATA SERVICES PROVIDER
Sporting Solutions products will add a range of sports offers.
White label online gambling supplier EveryMatrix has inked a partnership deal with business-to-business sports data services supplier Sporting Solutions that will allow OddsMatrix to add boxing, cricket, darts, snooker, Gaelic games and Australian Rules football to its service, and increase the number of markets on popular sports like football, basketball and tennis.
Ronnie Whelan, business development director of Sporting Solutions, said Thursday:
“[EveryMatrix] has some big clients and want to improve the product they offer them, so our rich heritage in modelling, pricing and trading means we are the perfect partner to help them.”
Ebbe Groes, CEO of EveryMatrix, added: “We are continuously looking at ways to improve our offering to operators and I genuinely believe this marks a step in the right direction.”


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The impact of COVID-19 has been felt across industries, with fashion too, bearing the brunt of the pandemic. But amid the lockdown, there have also been positive initiatives that have kept our spirits up. From aiding artisans to undertaking sustainable steps, fashion has stepped up to rise to the challenge. One such optimistic start with sustainability on its mind is Khadi Sustainability, a brand manufacturing eco-friendly masks to overcome the shortage.
Read on to know all about the label and its much-needed initiative.
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Get your Khadi Kavach for a super comfortable, easy to breathe and eco friendly way to protect your self in this pandemic! Log on to khadis.in now 🇮🇳🌍🌱#khadimask#pandemic#covid19#India#Sustainability#coronavirus#coronavirusindia#ecofriendly#durable#longlasting#washable#reusable
Currently based out of Mumbai, Chinmayee Kusnur is a student at Simon Fraser University in Canada where she is pursuing a course in the ‘Bachelor of Science in Interactive Art and Technology’ program. With the outbreak of the pandemic, she had to return back to India from Vancouver in the middle of her semester in March. It was on her journey back home when she discovered first-hand a serious shortage of protective gear. While masks were announced to be essential, they weren’t easily available to everyone, least of all to the less privileged sections of the society. In a bid to bridge the gap, the young entrepreneur came up with the idea of making eco-friendly masks using khadi, an initiative that would not only provide protection but also generate employment. And so came into being the Khadi Kavach.
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Through the support of citizens we managed to raise money through Ketto (crowdfunding platform) and gave Khadi masks to MLA Honourable Mr. Rohit Pawar’s constituency Karjat Jamkhed in Maharashtra. @rohit_rajendra_pawar_ @pmo__india_ @cmomaharashtra_ #khadimask #khadi #sustainable #sustainablemask #SwachhBharat #coronovirus #mumbai #maharashtra #togetherwewillovercomecoronavirus #india #dharwad #mumbai #staysafe #pandemic #initiative #sustainability #unsdgs #mla #rohitpawar #karjat #jamkhed #maharashtra
The production for these masks takes place in Dharwad in North Karnataka, Chinmayee Kusnur’s native place. With the help of her cousin and co-founder Nachiket Jamadar who handles logistics, masks are produced by one of the oldest khadi societies in India established in the city in 1956.
As Chinmayee elaborates, making use of the handwoven material is a conscious choice. “It is washable, reusable, durable and allows maximum air to permeate, making it more comfortable than synthetic masks. The largely overlooked aspect of it is that considering the cloth is hand-spun & handwoven, the production itself creates a lot of scope in terms of employment generation, and aids self-help groups.” Often referred to as the ‘fabric of freedom’, khadi has a long history in India, one going right back to the time of the struggle for independence.
Through a fundraiser, she has managed to raise funds which were used to further the initiative. Since March, the Khadi Kavach masks have been distributed amongst the Mumbai police, Army personnel and the less-privileged sections. It’s also available to be shopped at a minimal cost via Khadi Sustainability’s website. All proceeds from sales will be aligned to further make these sustainable offerings available across the board. The initiative has also been lauded by actor Randeep Hooda, who has been a vocal supporter.
What’s next on the cards? The young student aims to make as many masks as possible to eventually donate to those in need. Here’s to Khadi Sustainability, a significant initiative of our times!
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Here’s Why Priyanka Chopra’s 9 Go-To Homegrown Brands Should Be On Your Radar
Featured Image: Instagram


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A three-year investigation by the European Commission (EC) has concluded that Ireland should recover up to €13 billion in back-taxes from US giant Apple. The weird thing is, neither Apple nor Ireland are happy with the ruling.
The EC ruling states that: "Member states cannot give tax benefits to selected companies - this is illegal under EU state aid rules", so that Ireland's granting of beneficial tax rules to Apple is therefore illegal. Although the standard rate of corporate tax in Ireland is a paltry 12.5% (already among the lowest in the developed world), Apple has been paying substantially less than that, with the report singling out 2003 (when Apple paid about 1%) and 2014 (when it paid 0.005%). Ireland vehemently maintains that it is not a tax haven, but its tax rules also allow multinationals to legally shift profits to countries that are considered tax havens (a loophole that is apparently currently being phased out).
Of course, Apple is blustering about how unfair it all is, and how they are meticulous about paying whatever taxes they owe. But bear in mind that Apple - which has a stock market valuation of around $600 billion, and made a profit of $53 billion in 2015 alone - channels (legally) 90% of its foreign profits to Ireland to take advantage of its favourable tax regime, as well as to other subsidiaries which have no tax residence. It carefully stays within the word of the law, but you could argue that the law is just plain wrong in these kinds of cases (Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz, who ranks as the third most influential economist today, refers to it as "the dark face of globalization" and adds that "seeking special favors has undermined the whole international economic system"). And you could argue that Apple has used its not insignificant leveraging power in a bullying way to strike a deal that Ireland would not normally be tempted to accept.
The Republic of Ireland, for their part, is up in arms because they see the EC as interfering in its own sovereign tax policies, and is worried that Apple might pull out and take its business with it (although it is hard to see what concrete economic and employment benefits Apple is conferring on the country). Ireland is also worried that the ruling make it less attractive as a destination for foreign direct investment. The US treasury is also rumbling about the EU becoming a "supranational tax authority", and undermining "foreign investment, the business climate in Europe, and the important spirit of economic partnership between the US and the EU".
But the EU rules are pretty clear: member states cannot offer beneficial tax terms to selected individuals or companies. And Ireland will have to kowtow if it wants to continue to receive EU financial benefits. The EC has already made similar rulings regarding Starbucks (in the Netherlands) and Fiat (in Luxembourg), and is purportedly preparing to take on Google.
I must confess, I am a little surprised that Ireland is quite so combative over the ruling. Yes, they may have had their nose put out of joint as regards the independence and integrity of their national tax system. But the €13 billion windfall would fund its complete healthcare budget for a full year, or two-thirds of its social welfare bill. And wouldn't it prefer to be getting 12.5% rather than 0.005%? And, even if Apple did decide to take its tax avoidance business elsewhere, what would Ireland be missing out on? 0.005% is what - a couple of million bucks.
I was amused by the reaction of Apple CEO Tim Cook. Full of righteous indignation, he blustered that the EC ruling was merely "political crap", and not a laudable attempt to get blood-sucking corporations to pay their fair share of taxes.
Hardly surprising as a general reaction, but, interestingly, he also claimed in the interview that that Apple is "subject to the statutory rate in Ireland of 12.5 percent", and that the company "paid $400m in taxes in 2014". Now, by my calculations, based on a 2014 net income of $39.51 billion, that comes to almost exactly 1%. Not 12.5%. This is what is called, in technical economic terms, "talking through one's ass".


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While we all know how toxic sugary drinks are, we nonetheless grab a cola every now and then. Well, other than a multiple other reasons why that cola is bad for you, sugary drinks increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide and their incidence is increasing especially in young adults owing to poor dietary habits and lack of physical exercise.
Here’s how colas and other sugar drinks impact your heart health
Among the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease are diet, high blood pressure, as well as elevated levels of blood sugar and cholesterol, notes Dr Udgeath Dhir, director & head, CTVS, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram.
High sugar beverages such as sodas, energy drinks, and sports drinks are by far the biggest sources of added sugar. Other important sources include cookies, cakes, pastries, fruit drinks, ice cream, and ready-to-eat cereals.
It has been found that adults who drink at least one sugary beverage when compared with those who don’t, have a greater risk for developing dyslipidemia which can increase the risk of heart disease, Dr Dhir says. “According to a major study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, a sugar-laden diet may raise the risk of dying of heart disease even if one isn’t overweight,” he adds
There are other ill effects of sugary beverages too
“Consumption of sugar in excess amount leads to an increase in weight gain by tricking the body into turning off its appetite-control system because liquid calories are not as satisfying as calories from solid foods,” says Dr Dhir.
One of the most important disadvantages of taking a high sugar diet is that sugar delivers “empty calories” (i.e. calories don’t have nutritonal value). Not to mention, a diet high in sugar content may also stimulate the liver to push more harmful fats into the bloodstream.
“It has been known since long that people who consume high sugar diets have abnormal blood sugar levels and have abnormal carbohydrate metabolism, with an elevated insulin level,” he states.
How do elevated insulin levels due to sugary drinks impact heart health?
Increased levels of insulin and insulin resistance are associated with multiple diseases including hypertension, coronary artery disease, obesity, peripheral vascular disease and those with hypertriglyceridemia.
“Insulin resistance can create an imbalance in the metabolism of glucose which produces chronic hyperglycemia, and in turn, triggers oxidative stress and causes an inflammatory response that leads to cell damage,” explains Dr Dhir.
Therefore, dietary factors that worsen glucose tolerance or promotes insulin resistance will also likely increase the risk of acute cardiovascular disease-related mortality, says the doctor.
Studies have shown that, compared with a diet that contains less than 10% of calories from added sugars, a diet containing 25% or more calories from added sugars nearly triples the risk for cardiovascular mortality.
New research finds that sugary drinks can not only increase cholesterol levels but also reduce the amount of HDL (good) cholesterol in our bodies.
It is obvious from the above discussion that sugary drinks at best should be avoided. So, it’s time to consciously exclude sugary drinks from our diet since they bring us nothing more than temporary pleasure of taste.
You can slowly switch to healthier alternatives such as flavoured water or sugarcane juice to curb your cravings while preserving your health.