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The parent company of Papa Gino's Pizzeria and D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Monday following the closure of 95 underperforming restaurants on Sunday.
“The company regrets having to close these restaurants but believes focusing resources on a core of best-performing restaurants is the responsible approach,” the company said in a statement.
As part of the bankruptcy proceedings, Dedham, Mass.-based PGHC Holdings Inc. has entered into a stalking horse agreement with Wynnchurch Capital to purchase 141 company restaurants in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Connecticut.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. PGHC said the sale of the company out of bankruptcy will allow the brand to remodel and modernize the company-owned restaurants in New England, open additional restaurants and enhance its online ordering capabilities.
"We are pleased to have reached an agreement that will ensure a long and prosperous future for these iconic New England restaurants," chief financial officer Corey Wendland said in a statement. "For some time, we have been pursuing a plan to strengthen our financial footing and secure capital for investment in our restaurants, while also addressing our significant debt load. We are confident that the agreement with Wynnchurch achieves all of those goals."
Wynnchurch is a private-equity firm that partners with middle market companies.
As part of the bankruptcy process, PGHC will solicit competing offers to maximize the value of the sale.
As of Monday, 100 Papa Gino’s restaurants and 78 D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches remained open for business.
Where possible, PGHC will try and relocate employees impacted by the 95 closures, the company said. Papa Gino’s has been a New England staple since 1961.
"These were hard decisions but decisions we believe were absolutely necessary to allow Papa Gino's and D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches to continue serving New England now and for years to come," Wendland said in a statement.
D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches roots date back to the late 1960s, where it was originally called Ma Riva’s Sub Shop. The name change occurred in the 1970s, according to PGHC.
Contact Nancy Luna at [email protected]
Follow her on Twitter: @fastfoodmaven


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Hardware and office supplies have driven strong sales growth for conglomerate Wesfarmers in a full-year result overshadowed by the billion-dollar cost of its Bunnings UK disaster.
The retail giant posted a net profit for 2017/18 of $1.2 billion, down 58 per cent from $2.87 billion a year ago after more than $1.3 billion in losses and costs on Bunnings UK and a $300 million writedown on local department chain Target.
Wesfarmers managing Director Rob Scott said the group had repositioned in a year of "significant change" - with major moves including the announced divestment of supermarket chain Coles.
"The three key priorities for the year were to address areas of underperformance, reposition the portfolio and drive opportunities for growth, with good progress made against each of these," Mr Scott said.
"The proposed demerger of Coles, and the divestments of (coal mine) Curragh and (Bunnings UK) during the year, demonstrate a disciplined approach to capital allocation and portfolio management, and will reposition Wesfarmers for the next decade."
Bunnings Australia and New Zealand lifted pre-tax earnings 12 per cent to $1.5 billion, while Coles - which is destined to be spun off by November - recorded a 6.8 per cent drop in earnings to $1.5 billion.
Target suffered a five per cent decline in comparable sales growth in the year and Wesfarmers announced that Guy Russo, who guided the successful turnaround of Kmart, will retire as chief executive of its department stores division, to be replaced by Kmart managing director Ian Bailey.
Chief financial officer of the division Marina Joanou has taken over Mr Russo's role as managing director of Target.
Mr Scott said the controversy surrounding Coles's move to ban non-reusable plastic shopping bags last month - only to backflip on the decision after public complaints - had created a lot of noise but little impact.
"It had an impact on our business and I'm sure for most people it would have an impact in the first week or so," he said.
"But following that, the impact hasn't been material so it would be wrong to assume there's been any sustainable or material impact from plastic bags on the sales of Coles."
The supermarket chain reaffirmed its commitment to phase out plastic bags by the end of August .
Wesfarmers recorded a $123 million profit on its sale of the Curragh coal mine during the year.
Excluding significant items, profit after tax from continuing operations rose 5.2 per cent to $2.9 billion for the year ended June 30, and the group declared a fully-franked final dividend of $1.20 a share, unchanged from a year earlier.
Wesfarmers shares, which have risen sharply since May, lifted $1.61, or 3.2 per cent, to a new record high of $52.20.
UK HARDWARE WEARS DOWN WESFARMERS
* 2017/18 net profit down 58 per cent to $1.20 billion
*Revenue up 3 per cent to $66.883 billion
*Final dividend $1.20, fully franked

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Former SEC commissioner with group of pension funds has urged the government to beef up rules that regulate corporate executives selling stock. Boston bomber suspect got a cool reception when he visited the Caucasus early last year. Good news may be coming if you like streaming video. Photo: AP
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The California wine industry continues to ask the question: Recession? What recession?
U.S. sales of domestic premium wine (more than $20 per bottle) shot up 26 percent vs. a year ago according to Symphony IRI Group (SIG), a Chicago-based market research firm that monitors wine sales at major U.S. food and drug stores.
Americans snapped up more imported wine, too, but the increase in the over-$20 category wasn’t as dramatic: about 13 percent. And we’re buying more than four times as much expensive domestic wine as imports.
This statistic is what’s making American vintners happy: 19 of the 20 top selling wines in the country right now are domestic. Only one foriegn wine, Italy’s Santa Margherita, is in the top 20, though it’s in the top spot and sells more than twice as well as Sonoma Cutrer, the second-best selling wine label: $26.7 million over the last year vs. $12.7 million. (Santa Margherita now makes up more than half of all imported wines in the U.S. priced at $20 or more.)
The rest are American. Take a look at this chart, which shows annual sales through June 12.
A few figures jump out:
- The Wagner family is doing spectacularly well. They make high-end Caymus reds, the unique white blend called Conundrum that’s been a longtime favorite, and Belle Glos, a line of superlative Pinot Noirs. Look at the year-over-year increase for Belle Glos: 175 percent. I tasted it at a dinner hosted by winemaker Joseph Wagner a few months back, and I can understand its popularity.
- Justin, a Central Coast winemaker that was at the forefront of that region’s boom a decade back with its Isosceles red, is still popular. That surprised me as I’ve been unimpressed with their wines the last few times I visited. My impression has been that the winery’s acquisition by Fiji Water in 2010 hasn’t been good for them.
- I’m glad to see Decoy, Duckhorn’s more affordable second label, scoring in the top 20. It’s one of the best bang-for-the-buck Napa lines on the market.
It wasn’t good news for everybody: Cakebread, Newton, Trefethen and Beaulieu dropped off the list.
What do you think? Does everyone on the top 20 list deserve to be there? Any head scratchers?
Paul Hodgins is The Register’s arts critic and wine columnist. He pens the Booze on a Budget column focusing on beer, wine and Happy Hour news every Tuesday and Friday on the Fast Food Maven blog. Got a tip for Paul? Send him an email at: email@example.com
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The Office of the United States Trade Representative has released an unusual “Out-of-Cycle Review of Notorious Markets” (PDF) that names top sites, services, and marketplaces around the world that specialize in pirated and counterfeit content. Although being named in the report carries no threat of action, the report hopes to call attention to illegal activities by naming offenders and encouraging law enforcement to crack down.
“The United States urges the responsible authorities to intensify efforts to combat piracy and counterfeiting in these and similar markets, and to use the information contained in the Notorious Markets List to pursue legal action where appropriate,” the report reads.
The report breaks piracy and copyright infringement down into several categories. Topping the list for “linking”—that is, using deep linking to point to infringing materials without hosting them itself—is China’s Baidu search engine, which the report characterizes as the most popular site in China and among the top ten Web sites in the world. Among sites offering counterfeit goods—cigarettes, clothing, pharmaceuticals, sporting goods, and more) the report fingers China’s online shopping site Taobao, which is loosely China’s equivalent to eBay.
Among torrent indexers, The Pirate Bay tops the U.S. Trade Representative’s list, although the report also singles out Canada’s IsoHunt, BtJunkie, Kickasstorrents, and torrentz.com. Torrent trackers don’t get let off the hook either: the report also fingers Retracker and Demonoid (based in Russia and the Ukraine, respectively), along with Publicbt, openbittorrent, and Bulgaria’s zamunda.
The report also targets TV Ants, a peer-to-peer service apparently operating in China that specializes in pirating sports telecasts, pirate smartphone software site 91.com, and clones of the now-defunct allofmp3.com.
However, the U.S. Trade Representative also names 17 physical marketplaces around the world as top locations for marketing pirated and counterfeit goods, ranging from Pakistan and Mexico to Russia, India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Ecuador, Argentina, and more. Of those listed marketplaces, four are in China (plus one in Hong Kong), more than any other single country.
- Kanye West accidentally outs himself trying to download software from The Pirate Bay
- Kanye West wants to go after The Pirate Bay over The Life Of Pablo piracy
- The Pirate Bay is back online, ahead of schedule
- Put on your eyepatch and peg leg, Internet: The Pirate Bay returns February 1
- Get back in the torrent game with these five Pirate Bay alternatives


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Real Americans Successfully Battling Psoriasis Without Steroids.
Psoriasis and Dermatitis affects millions of American families so it’s no surprise it takes a family business to find a natural solution that reviewers know work.
(EMAILWIRE.COM, May 12, 2014 ) Leigh on Sea, United Kingdom — Psoriasis and Dermatitis affect millions across the USA and the common treatments over the counter and from doctors often involve steroids or products that simply don’t work. Amazon.com offer a vast array of products for the treatment but it’s a new family run company which is taking the market by storm if customer reviews are anything to go by.
Bursting With Nature has its core value in providing family based products – the family has hand selected a local ladies group in Ghana who hand pick Shea nuts from the savannah and extract the oil using traditional (chemical free) methods. The women in these local groups are all part of the women’s cooperative and their work allows their families to eat. The quality of the Shea butter is not compromised either with every jar needing to contain high quality Shea butter.


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The eNaira, digital money denominated in the Nigerian Naira, is officially a failure.
Make no mistake — the eNaira is still in circulation in the Nigerian economy – but most would agree, it looks to be a colossal disaster.
In this article, we will explain why.
The eNaira is the name given to the official central bank digital currency (CBDC) of Nigeria. The central issuer of this token is the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and it is supposedly backed 1:1 with the fiat currency Naira.
On the surface, the eNaira appears to be the government's attempt to embrace a global financial and technological innovation to improve economic efficiency and equity for its people.
In reality, the eNaira appears to be the Nigerian government’s attempt to surveil its citizens’ spending habits and expand its control over them.
If there was any hope towards its organic adoption, they were erased when Nigerian officials decided to cap naira ATM withdrawals among citizens to push a cashless society centered on the eNaira.
Once the government resorts to such tactics, their end game can no longer be denied.
The Nigerian government did its best to play it cool, comparing the use cases of a CBDC to leading cryptocurrency Bitcoin — as a medium of exchange, and as a store of value.
They also touted the eNaira as the alternative to cash for retail transactions, attempting to take ownership of features such as speed, security, ease of use, and cheap transactions — all of which are inherent with cryptocurrencies and the blockchain.
However, the eNaira has fallen flat, and the writing was on the wall.
You’re worried about contagion?!
CBDCs are coming. Governments are hell-bent on eradicating all forms of cash. As a result, unprecedented levels of surveillance and control are at our doorstep.
The only way to fight this is with choice. Crypto is that choice. Eyes on the ball.
— Udi Wertheimer 🧙♂ (@udiWertheimer) December 10, 2022
The eNaira is built to be the digital equivalent of the cash naira and supposedly can be exchanged on a 1:1 basis.
Unlike the cash version of the naira, however, the eNaira runs on distributed ledger technology (DLT), more specifically the Hyperledger Fabric variant of DLT.
Hyperledger Fabric is an open-source enterprise-grade permissioned distributed ledger technology (DLT) platform.
However, Nigerians are not too quick to trust the government’s claim that transferring the eNaira would be as simple as it seems.
Reuters spotlighted one Nigerian who is steering clear of the eNaira because the government did not specify how the CBDC could be converted back into the cash naira, not to mention whether it would be transferable with other cryptocurrencies.
According to the CBN, the eNaira could be accessed in the following ways:
Nigeria relies on an account-based CBDC model, which involves an identity system including a know-your-customer (KYC) framework to “enable access for all Nigerians,” according to the eNaira Design Paper.
This differs from a token-based system, in which the thing that needs verifying is the “validity of the object used to pay,” not the identity of the payer, as explained by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
By way of comparison, Bitcoin has been grouped into both account-based and token-based systems.
In this case, the account represents the Bitcoin address while the private key acts as proof of identity.
The private key is what matters. For Bitcoin transactions, “it is not relevant whether the system requires users to reveal their true identity,” the NY Fed paper states.
Nigerians have embraced cryptocurrencies but they have shunned the eNaira.
According to blockchain analyst firm Chainalysis, Nigeria is the leading African nation for cryptocurrency adoption, and just misses the top-10 global list by a hair.
However, Nigerians have been avoiding the eNaira like the plague.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, is not the first country to develop a CBDC.
The African nation is following in the footsteps of the likes of China (e-CNY) and the Bahamas (Sand Dollar), among others.
However, the eNaira is a flop because it has failed to gain traction among the Nigerian population of 211 million, despite being used for a combined $9.3 million in transactions as of August 2022.
Geopolitical analyst Nick Giambruno characterized the eNaira as a “massive failure,” saying that “it’s not what the elites hoped for.”
The eNaira launched on October 25, 2021, and the numbers don’t lie.
As of October 2022, a mere one in 200 Nigerians — less than 0.5% — are actually transacting in the country’s CBDC.
In addition to mistrust, part of the problem has been confusion.
The Nigerian government has pushed back against cryptocurrencies, and many Nigerians reportedly can’t tell the difference between the eNaira and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
Nigeria was targeting an adoption rate of 8 million users in Phase II of its multi-phase rollout of the eNaira.
They have a long way to go.
The eNaira had a mere 840,000 downloads across 270,000 digital wallets as of August 2022 compared to the government’s goal to onboard 8 million users.
In addition to privacy concerns, Nigerians are probably saying no to the eNaira because value has been plummeting for its entire existence.
The naira weakened 4.5% vs. the U.S. dollar in 2022, and this year isn’t looking much better.
Nigeria is expected to devalue its currency in the first half of 2023 by the widest margin in over half-a-decade in an attempt to align the currency with market expectations, according to Bloomberg citing a survey.
Needless to say, this is not good news for the eNaira coin, which is tied 1:1 to the Nigerian naira.
Once Nigerian officials realized their hopes of phasing out the cash naira and pushing the eNaira had gone up in smoke, they seemingly stepped into panic mode.
They started by trying to essentially bribe Nigerians, with the CBN offering a 5% discount to tri-cycles operators and their customers if they opted to transact in the eNaira.
Apparently, the idea didn’t go over too well. So the CBN went into combat mode.
In December 2022, Nigeria’s central bank reportedly slashed the amount that customers and businesses could withdraw from ATMS to 20,000 naira, or about $45 per day in an attempt to strongarm locals into using the CBDC.
The previous daily limit on ATM withdrawals was 150,000 naira.
Meanwhile, weekly cash withdrawals are now capped at 100,000 naira and 500,000 naira for individuals and businesses, respectively.
If Nigerians dare to break the rule, they will be charged fees of 5% (consumers) and 10% (corporations).
The ironic part is that in its design paper for the eNaira, the CBN claims:
“eNaira should be able to coexist with different forms of money already in use. A CBDC along with existing forms of money such as cash, reserves and settlement accounts should complement each other and coexist.”
Somebody might want to remind them.
Nigerians have embraced cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. That is why their reluctance to roll out the welcome mat for the eNaira CBDC is so telling. Tech-savvy Nigerians are not having it and will probably continue stacking sats instead.
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Disclaimer:Please note that nothing on this website constitutes financial advice. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided on this website is accurate, individuals must not rely on this information to make a financial or investment decision. Before making any decision, we strongly recommend you consult a qualified professional who should take into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation and individual needs.
Gerelyn is a financial journalist who has been covering Wall Street for more than 20 years. After reporting for some of the top trade publications on investment banking, infrastructure and retirement, she was drawn to decentralization and shifted her coverage to the blockchain and cryptocurrency space in mid-2017. Since then, she has contributed to several major Bitcoin, Blockchain, and DeFi news sites, and has also written a children’s book.
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Digitalization is a useful tool for recyclers with a wide variety of benefits. But while it’s had a presence in the industry for years, not everyone has adopted it. “There are facilities that still write paper receipts or have certain payment systems that require a lot of man-work,” says Virginia Buechel, marketing director at Rockaway Recycling.
Though making the jump to digital can be costly and appear intimidating, doing so can be beneficial not only for the individual company, but also for the industry.
What Digitalization Offers
Gordon Driscoll, co-founder and CEO of GreenSpark, launched the software company in March 2021 to help modernize the industry’s important processes. “I thought software could help improve recycling rates,” he says. “We’re enabling folks with deep ties to their communities to continue growing those relationships by giving them better technology; that was really important to me.”
Bond Danku, Trading Representative & Commercial Buyer at AIM Recycling, notes that going digital opens new platforms for recyclers to share information about their work. “The best way to reach people is digitally,” he says. “I think the recycling industry could benefit from digital marketing. You can share how your work benefits the environment like reducing carbon emissions and adding more recycled content.”
These efforts attract potential employees and encourage the public to bring their recyclables to facilities. “I think it will influence our generation and the next generation,” he says. “Recycling will be more visible if it’s on social media. The more it gets out there, the more circulation it gets, and the more it can help educate people about recycling.”
The First Steps
For those unsure how to get started, Buechel recommends companies look no further than their websites. While creating and maintaining a site was difficult 10 or 20 years ago, the tools available today make the process much easier. “I’ve seen many recycling facilities with static, one-page websites,” Buechel says. “But you can create a professional-looking website within a few hours on your own.”
She adds that companies ought to spend energy on their websites before turning their attention to other digital platforms. “I think websites are a very powerful thing that many companies in the recycling industry aren’t utilizing yet,” she says. “You don’t have as much control of what goes through your audience on social media platforms, but you always control what’s on your website.”
A Tool for Education
Digitalization can help provide transparency about the industry. Rockaway Recycling posts commodity prices through its iScrap App, and uses YouTube videos, vlogs [short, personal video blogs], and emails to share additional information with customers. “Our goal is to create more transparency through our videos, our website, and our price lists,” Buechel says. “We want our customers to come to our doors and know we can give them the highest price possible.”
Digital content can help give the public an in-depth look at the industry and its role in the economy and environment. “It’s hard for some people to conceptualize that the cans they recycle get crushed, sent to a smelter, melted, and then are produced into new cans,” Danku says. Educating people about supply chains, recycling, and sustainability efforts are important; it’s a matter of using an effective medium to tell the story. He recommends developing digital programs and educational videos for the public to learn about recycling operations.
Recycling software can help the public understand the industry by offering more transparency. “A modern, digital record of your operations can only improve your public image, so people know how your business is interacting with your community and how you’re being environmentally friendly,” Driscoll says.
He anticipates software playing a role in sustainability efforts for the industry and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) programs. “We’ve seen businesses of all sizes talk about compliance and ESG and a focus on emissions,” he says. “If we can leverage our platform for ESG the same way we’re doing now for transactions, I think that would benefit not only our customers but also the industry.”
A better sense of the industry and its work may lead to more positive policies and investments on the local, state, and federal levels. “I think it does have a huge economic value,” says David Babikian, GreenSpark’s head of operations and business development. “There’s also geopolitical value of localizing the supply chain to the degree possible.”
Saving Time for Big-Picture Plans
Going digital is a major time saver. “I don’t think I’ve met folks busier than recyclers,” Driscoll says. “If we can save them time and money, then they can do less data-entry tasks and spend more time thinking about how to grow their business.”
Recyclers can use recycling software to store facility information and data in one place without shuffling papers and causing headaches. “We focus on speed at the scales to make sure folks are moving through the yard quickly,” Driscoll says. “And the ability to leverage cloud-based technology on phones, tablets, and laptops to remove central choke points of the yard like a pay station or kiosk and bring our technology closer to the metal to improve the processes.”
These efforts can help improve facility communications, giving time back to employers and employees. “It may be the status of workflows captured in software or getting notifications pushed to you,” Driscoll explains. “This way you don’t need to hold 25 things in your head, we’re looking to augment and enrich the personal relationships in this industry.”
Greenspark also delivers insights on the data back to its users. “We help recyclers use and visualize the data with analytics, helping them aggregate the information and think through how they can use it to improve their day-to-day operations,” he says.
What Comes Next? Crypto, Robotics, and More
Buechel wonders whether cryptocurrency will be a future avenue of digitalization for recyclers. “Recycling requires a lot of payments back and forth,” she says. “There’s a lot of different payments currently being done now, and it could look totally different in one year or in five.” She adds Rockway Recycling has been asked by some customers about paying in bitcoin, but the company does not have a system for that type of payment.
Danku anticipates the industry adopting more robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve various processes like sortation. “The new downstream equipment that is coming out into the market is increasing the amount of recovered ferrous and nonferrous recycled materials out of the waste,” he says. “As recycling improves, sustainability improves.”
Recyclers who have already adapted to digitalization may find it easier to pick up new technologies. “We’re seeing different technologies come into the recycling space,” Babikian says. “Whether it’s sort optimization, robotics, or recycling software like Greenspark, I think recycling leaders of the future are going to be those major technology adopters. They’re not going to wait around; they’re going to get very comfortable with these new technologies and see the profits and benefits so they can master them efficiently.”
For those in the industry who may still feel hesitant about digitalization, Driscoll and Babikian are willing to take questions. “We’ll always be ready to talk about how software can help your business,” Babikian says.


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Displaying items 1-12 of 1622 » View ktuu.com items only1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11-136 Next >
KickingTiresGM is recalling 38,197 model-year 2012-13 Chevrolet and Buick eAssist light hybrid cars due to a problem with circuit boards in the trunk that could cause a fire, according to the Los Angeles Times. Affected vehicles include Chevrolet Malibu Eco,......
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- China's currency in the past week and half has fallen against the dollar, as President Donald Trump ramped up trade rhetoric and threatened more tariffs and other action.
- That sparked speculation in the market that China could use its currency as a policy weapon, intentionally cheapening it to make its goods cost less on the world market.
- However, analysts do not believe China would intentionally devalue its currency and said it could take other steps, like tariffs, to fight back against the U.S.
China’s currency has slipped markedly in the last week, to the point where it’s trading at December lows against the dollar, and that’s prompting speculation that China would be willing to use a weakened currency to fight U.S. tariffs and trade threats.
But analysts say while the currency has made a clear move lower since trade rhetoric flared, the likelihood of China devaluing its currency to spite President Donald Trump is very low. For now it appears the currency's drop could just be a coincidence.
China has often been accused by the U.S. government of intentionally keeping its currency depressed to cheapen its goods in the world market, making them more attractive than those from countries with stronger currencies. The Trump administration this year stopped short of calling China a ‘currency manipulator,' and China’s currency has actually been fairly steady for most of the year.
“"If a bear is coming at you, why would you wave a red flag in front of it," said Robert Sinche, the chief global strategist at Amherst Pierpont.
But Sinche said while it does not seem China would intentionally drive its currency lower, it may have previously slowed the decline.
“It looked like they were impeding the dollar’s rise against the remnimbi, in line with what you normally expect given the general strength of the dollar. That caught up last week,” he said. “They weren’t letting the currency weaken as much as it should have, so the trade-weighted remnimbi was actually rising in that environment. I think they might have said, ‘The U.S. is not going to play nice, we’ll let the remnimbi trade as it should.’”
Nonetheless, rumors circulated that China could go further and actually become aggressive in forcing a decline in the remnimbi, also known as the yuan.
“The yuan is controlled. They allow it to trade in a band. In order to make sure they don’t have a runaway trade. What you’re seeing is the [speculators] took it by the upper limit of its band," said Boris Schlossberg, managing director at BK Asset Management. "I think the market is anticipating something, or they feel it’s going to be a natural policy response if this keeps up.”
Analysts note that the dollar has been weaker against major currencies, but emerging market currencies are under pressure as President Donald Trump threatens more tariffs and trade actions.
“It’s hard to read the tea leaves, but right now it really feels like the market is taking it up..it’s basically guys long dollar/yuan who are just spreading the rumor,” Schlossberg said. “If they did devalue, that would enrage Trump… and he would say they’re cheating."
Schlossberg added, “I wouldn’t call it a weapon but it is the ultimately policy tool to enrage Trump.” He said the technical resistance area is 6.60. The remnimbi was at 6.54 Monday.
"I'm surprised it hasn't gotten a tweet already," said Sinche, a reference to the president's penchant for using social media.
China has a few more likely responses, including its already announced plans to tariff U.S. goods and agriculture. The Chinese government could encourage boycotts of certain goods, or make life difficult for companies doing business in China with regulations. It could also buy fewer U.S. Treasurys.
Brown Brothers Brothers Harriman senior currency strategist Win Thin said he doubts China would resort to selling Treasurys. “That would be a double edged sword because they are the biggest holder of Treasurys. Selling Treasurys would be the nuclear option and nobody would gain,” he said.
Schlossberg said the increased trade threats made by Trump and the prospect the U.S. will announce further measures has hit the dollar. “A couple of weeks ago, the market was feeling terrific about the economy and feeling strong about the Fed and feeling like we’re going to go ahead on this growth path,” he said. Now, the trade issues are raising doubts about growth and whether the Fed can remain as hawkish as it is.
“I think that’s what the market is getting concerned about. The rhetoric is getting to higher and higher levels. Trump is known for pushing things to the limit and walking away from the edge. The big problem is the rest of the world has simply stopped trusting anything the administration has said,” Schlossberg said.


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The 2017 Ford GT. Designed in honor of its historic 1966 sweep at Le Mans, the new GT will boast an impressive 650 hp with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine, backed by a Getrag seven-speed dual-clutch transmission making the old Ford GT seem extremely outdated. However, we will most definitely miss the glorious sounding 5.4L V8 engine that powered the previous generation Ford GT.
Not only is the new Ford GT a fantastic car performance wise, but it also boasts one of the most beautiful designs in the current market. Everything from its shark nose to and teardrop-shaped cockpit to the daring body-side channels and movable rear wing is focused around its aerodynamics, giving the new GT a rather fierce look.
Minimizing mass was another priority for the development team. An “Extraordinary” target weight is the only way Kip Ewing, the GT’s chief engineer, could describe it. A replacement of everything plastic to carbon fiber has allowed the GT to weigh in at a mere 2800 pounds. 2800 pounds, 650 hp, we don’t have to say anything else.
Unfortunately, getting your hands on this new powerhouse won’t be easy. Ford has stated that the GT will only be sold to Drivers of the car, and not Flippers or Collectors of the car. A potential buyer of the GT will also have to have a certain amount of social media presence, as Ford wants the GT’s drivers to also help its publicity. A stable history with Ford is the last and arguably most selective requirement. Ford states that it will only consider loyal customers as potential buyers for the GT. Whether or not Ford actually enforces these rules is still up in the air.
The new Ford GT will be released by the end of 2016 or early 2017, for around $400,000. Production will be in the “hundred, not thousands,” says Dave Pericak, Ford’s Performance director to maintain the exclusivity of the car. After having seen one in person at the New York Auto Show, we can not wait to see one on the road in the near future.


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The star couldn’t hold back her thoughts about his viral Calvin Klein campaign that has fans in a frenzy.
The “Creed III” star shared that he prematurely warned her about his nearly naked photos before they hit “the streets.”
The model spoke about the 1992 Calvin Klein shoot that helped catapult her to fame.
During the interview, Walters asked the 15-year-old actor her measurements and if she kept any secrets from her mother.
We spotted a 32-inch Roku TV that's on sale for $108.
The brand's ad featured the model kissing a robot named Miquela.
Shop the sale now before your wallet takes the holiday hit.
Tigress known as T-1 and two cubs may have killed as many as 13 people.
Regular hats are SO passé.
It's a smart clothing solution for people who fall between sizes.


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Banking’s New Frontier - It's All Digital
November 9, 2021
The financial services landscape is changing rapidly as consumers embrace digital banking options either out of preference or necessity. In fact, more than one-third of consumers (35%) are using non-traditional providers—a digital-only bank, stand-alone digital account or prepaid account—as their primary financial services provider, according to Galileo Financial Technologies’ 2021 State of Consumer Banking and Money survey.1
What’s more, while 65% of consumers still use traditional banks as their primary provider, the survey of 1,000 U.S. adults ages 18-65, found that consumers are keeping 43% of their funds in other types of accounts.
"People hardly ever choose to use just one provider, so there's a lot of opportunity to innovate and differentiate," Sherri Haymond, executive vice president of digital partnerships for Mastercard, told attendees during a recent webinar unveiling the research results. Haymond, who works closely with the payment network’s bank, tech and fintech partners, discussed the findings with Galileo Chief Revenue Officer Seth McGuire.
McGuire agreed that the transformation of the personal banking landscape has created tremendous potential for all companies in the financial services space as well as those looking to enter it.
"There's a lot more opportunity and open access for consumers, which is really powerful and important," said McGuire. "This fragmentation gives users a chance to do more with more providers, and it also gives more providers a chance to serve more consumers through different use cases."
The bulk of that opportunity lies with digital, the survey suggests. As consumers grow more comfortable with and confident in carrying out payments and other financial activity within the digital arena, digital-only banks and stand-alone digital accounts have gained significant market share. The presenters were clear to note, however, that every type of provider can and should be providing great digital experiences if they want to gain and retain customers.
Digital banking across demographics
The data also shows the rise of digital is happening across age demographics—a finding that runs counter to the common narrative of younger "digital natives" as the only consumer group widely using digital tools to manage and spend money (exclusively to buy avocado toast, purportedly).
In fact, consumers ages 35-44 are the most likely (29%) to use a digital-only bank as their primary financial services provider, outpacing both the 18-24 range (24%) and the 25-34 segment (26%). Driven largely by that traction among older, generally higher-earning, customers, digital-only banks held 22% of consumers' total overall deposits.
"That is a very impactful age group; there's a lot of spending power there," McGuire noted of the 35-44 demographic. When you start to see adoption in this age group, providers can think about expanding their services to match where those consumers are in their lives—whether they are buying a house or saving for kids’ college or retirement, he said.
And whether or not your products are designed for savings, for example, consumers are using them that way. Core banking functions like bill payment, cash access, depositing wages, shopping online and savings are among the most popular uses across account types. In other words, consumers are using non-traditional accounts in a myriad of ways—a trend that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated as consumers of all ages have shifted more financial activity into the digital realm.
"Many people have tried [digital] and have realized, 'maybe I don't really need a huge branch network in order to live my financial life,'" Haymond added.
Mastercard’s own New Payments Index data reinforces the acceleration in the consumer shift to digital. Not only have 63% of consumers tried a new payment method during the pandemic that they might not have used under normal circumstances, a whopping 93% said they would consider using at least one emerging payment method, such as cryptocurrency, biometrics, contactless or QR code, in the next year.
But Galileo’s data suggests that consumers are willing to do more than try a digital-only-bank. A significant percentage of consumers (61%) said they’re somewhat or highly likely to completely switch to a digital-only bank as their primary provider. Higher-income consumers were the most likely to consider such a switch, with 71% of respondents earning more than $100,000 annually saying they were highly or somewhat likely to go digital.
Can traditional banks compete?
In the face of growing competition from digital-only banks, traditional banks should focus on improving two areas digital providers have largely mastered: customer satisfaction and a positive mobile user experience.
The consumer survey revealed a considerable gap in customer satisfaction rates, with traditional banks lagging behind digital-based banking services. Seventy-nine percent of respondents who used a digital-only bank as their primary financial account said they were very satisfied with their provider, compared to just 66% of those who primarily used a traditional bank.
"Traditional banks should be getting more digital," advised Haymond. "They should be making sure their user experience is great and that they're offering new and innovative features," she said—citing tools ranging from P2P money transfer to buy-now-pay-later installment options and integrated cryptocurrency trading capabilities.
While services that were developed from the ground-up with digital in mind had a head start in this area, the playing field has leveled. Traditional banks now have access to all the necessary tools to compete with digital-only banks.
"Digital is table stakes," observed McGuire. "But the good news is that everyone can deliver on digital … All of the infrastructure, the technology and the ability to do it is there. The differentiation and decisions providers are making along the way are where it gets really interesting."
And for banks looking to bulk up their digital platforms, there's no shortage of innovative fintech providers to help provide these new capabilities.
"You don't have to do all of this alone," Haymond said. "There are ways to partner with non-traditional players in ways that are accretive to both the traditional bank and the fintech. And we're starting to see more and more of that."
Conversely, for digital-only banks or other non-traditional providers, now is the time to expand your product suite, rewards or other valued-added features, the panelists suggested.
Wherever you sit in the market, there are real opportunities to grow your business. Contact us to discover how Galileo can help.
1 The 2021 State of Consumer Banking and Money survey was conducted from July 14-17, 2021 and consisted of a 20-minute online survey of 1,000 U.S. adults, ages 18-64.
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Customer is king for energy group Centrica
Adding a raft of new customers must be a novel experience for the energy supplier Centrica, although it’s taken an energy crisis to beef up the billing list. The British Gas owner, which last month announced it would take on more than 400,000 consumers from defunct energy companies, has been losing core UK energy customers for the past decade due to fiercer competition from smaller rivals and customer service problems.
That’s not good when you are pivoting away from production and increasingly towards being a consumer-facing business. It explains why the shares are still in the doldrums, despite progress on mending the balance sheet. In fact, with an enterprise value of just 3.8 times forecast earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (ebitda) for next


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An analyst from Zacks Equity Research has classified Match Group as a ‘strong buy’, noting that the dating stock has risen from $14 to $71 in three years. Taken together, companies in the top ranked category have outperformed the S&P 500 in recent months.
An increase in the number of Tinder subscribers was singled out as a key driver of growth, both in absolute terms and ARPU. Last quarter, the flagship brand was approaching 5 million paid users.
The commentator then turns to Tinder’s Asia plans as an avenue for continued progress. The demography of India is a potential tailwind, with a huge percentage of the population in Tinder’s target market of 18-35.
Tinder Lite, a version of the app that will load on weaker internet connections, is likely to help Match reach singles in more states this coming year.
OkCupid, another Match property, has seen huge success in the subcontinent. The platform grew 600% year-on-year after launch, spurred on by trends such as rural to urban migration. A more independent young population is breaking free from arranged marriage traditions, instead taking up a more Western lifestyle at the start of adulthood.
Many of these trends are repeated across South East Asia, with populous countries like Indonesia and Malaysia also attracting investment from Match Group.
In Korea, Match has rebranded Tinder as a friend-finding service. This is a move to accommodate Korean culture, where Western-style dating behaviour is not so widespread.
Read more here.


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Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 for the PS4 would finally have a physical copy in the US. Marvel vs Capcom Infinite is planned for release next year, so that would still take around a year for the wait. That also means UMVC3 isn’t obsolete yet. The recent availability of a physical copy further cements this. However, it would be exclusive to American shores.
Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3
The game is an updated version of MvC3, so the third incarnation of the game feels incomplete without this. Especially with the addition of several characters in the roster. UMvC3 was first released in seventh-gen consoles five years ago.
Eight-Generation Consoles Port
Five years had already passed and the game is still going strong. This resulted in the game being ported to the PS4, which was released this December 3 in digital format.
Capcom had also confirmed that UMvC3 would also be ported to the Xbox One and the PC. Capcom said they would be available March next year. The Xbox One and PC versions would also be available in digital format and physical format by the time of their release.
PS4 Port Availability
The recently released PS4 port appears to have been released solely in digital format. But as it turns out, there is actually a physical port of the game! They are exclusively available at GameStop shops in the US. This has also been confirmed by Niche Gamer. Those who live overseas and want a physical copy of the game either have to import, or wait for further announcement from Capcom. The company has still not clarified the nationwide availability of physical copies of the PS4 port in the future.
The Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 ports for 8th-gen systems comes free with all the previous DLC’s, as well as a new gallery mode, and a 1080p resolution at 60 frames-per-second. As reported in the the PlayStation Life Style website


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Wendy’s announced this week that the hamburger chain is redesigning its logo as part of a rebranding effort that will include renovating its outlets with cushier seating and flat-screen televisions. The new logo will start appearing on its restaurants in March, and Wendy’s plans to have renovated half of the 1,425 company-owned locations within three years.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Wendy’s CEO Emil Brolick said the company wants to position itself as a “top-end” fast food option.
“Our goal is to be a five-star restaurant at a three-star price,” he said.
Wendy’s has about 6,000 restaurants in North America, with 136 in Maryland, according to Menuism.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVSQOQhjukU


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Google to include data from users personal email as part of web search results.
Google search is trying out a new feature which will integrate the information from user’s mail box, such as Google email – Gmail to get appeared as a part of search result on the web.
On Aug 9 2012 Google started up with limited trial where you can sign up to get information from your inbox, while searching a thing over the search engine.
This is supported for users doing search in English language on Google, enhancement to its search service, called Knowledge Graph, will now be extended to users in every English-speaking country after its launch in the US in May 2012.
With the Knowledge Graph, users will see a panel on the right-hand side of the Google search results page, which provides a summary of key facts about users’ search with the most useful and interesting information related to the particular topic.
According to Google, the Knowledge Graph feature is based on data from 500 million real-world people, places and things with 3.5 billion facts about and connections among them.
Google offering voice search service for Apple’s iPhone and iPad following the availability of the function on devices running Google’s Android operating system. This will be more on the likes of Siri an Artifical intelligence system built to make user experience more interactive with devices.
Not sure how this would help human mind in evolving, but for sure it will help gadgets and machine to be evolved to the next level.


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Parliament is anticipated to quickly vote on Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Forex Invoice, 2021 that seeks to ban all non-public cryptocurrencies and create a authentic framework for official digital foreign money whereas offering sure exceptions to advertise the underlying know-how driving the digital foreign money.
Uncertainty prevails whether or not cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are going to seek out favour with the federal government/RBI.
A rundown of latest developments, points, considerations and key ideas behind the crypto and digital foreign money debate:
Any new know-how is thrilling and unsettling, fixing some issues, and creating others. Cryptocurrency is not any exception.
Beenz launched in 2000 and wound up in 2001 was maybe the earliest experiments in digital foreign money. The thought was to credit score kind of reward factors to the account of customers spending cash or time on a web site which might be used to purchase stuff from companion retailers.
Digital low cost coupons fall on this class. Web sites tied up with retailers to reward customers with part of their promoting income. Fb’s related proposal in 2019 to launch Libra cryptocurrency, rebranded Diem, met with official resistance.
Central banks worldwide are involved that personal tech firms may overwhelm official currencies by means of assorted digital currencies (VCs). Individuals are speculating on the probably affect of personal VCs/CCs or Digital Euro or Digital Yuan on official paper currencies on the whole and US greenback dominance specifically. (In September 2019, US greenback was on one aspect of 88 per cent of all trades and SWIFT banking community displaying its dominance in world interbank cash transfers.)
After repeated warnings to customers, holders and merchants of VCs together with Bitcoins about related dangers, RBI directed (April 6, 2018) banks and NBFCs to cease dealing in VCs or present companies for facilitating any individual or entity in coping with or settling VCs inside three months.
In 2019, an inter-ministerial committee had really helpful banning non-public cryptocurrencies, criminalising any actions associated to digital currencies. Supreme Court docket discovered RBI restrictions disproportionate to the considerations and quashed (March 2020) the notification whereas accepting RBI’s inherent powers to control VCs within the curiosity of the banking system, financial stability and sound financial development.
Theoretically, ‘foreign money’ is something that enjoys vast notion as one thing beneficial and carries adequate belief amongst folks to be accepted as a way of alternate of products and companies.
Kings used to challenge gold, silver, copper cash for use as foreign money. It was changed by paper foreign money the place the issuing sovereign promised to pay a sure amount of gold on manufacturing of the paper.
Such a paper and cash might be repeatedly used to ‘pay’ for items and companies. Individuals seldom went to gather the promised gold and finally the ‘gold commonplace’ was given up.
The paper foreign money should now be accepted as a authorized obligation even when it could possibly by no means be exchanged for gold. Official currencies and promissory notes save the trouble of carrying valuable steel.
With a transfer in direction of a much less money economic system, even bodily money is being changed by digital cash.
Youngsters use postage stamps, glass marbles, mollusk shells or such trinkets as technique of alternate. Huge businessmen and bankers challenge cheques/demand drafts/pay orders/promissory notes which as an alternative of being encashed can be utilized to pay for items/companies.
Some dairies challenge fastened denomination coupons; small shopkeepers challenge signed/stamped ‘promise to pay’ unfastened sheets once they don’t have change to return the stability quantity.
These can be utilized in lieu of money. Now, one will pay by means of switch of information from one cellular to a different (restrictions apply).
They’re like privately issued ‘currencies’.
Cryptocurrencies are primarily based on ‘Distributed Ledger Applied sciences’. DLT permits decentralised recording, sharing and switch of information with out the necessity for a central report holding company as within the case of a conventional ledger.
Such data are immutable and non-repudiable and function genuine proof of transaction. Blockchain is a particular DLT utilized by Bitcoin cryptocurrency.
DLT-based techniques can enhance effectivity of loan-issuance monitoring, collateral administration, fraud detection and claims administration in insurance coverage and reconciliation techniques within the securities market.
There are a number of implementation points like scalability, transaction velocity, cyber-security, information safety, interoperability and backward integration with present monetary techniques.
Bitcoin was the primary blockchain-based cryptocurrency, which nonetheless holds its place as the preferred and most useful sort. There are over 3,000 completely different cryptocurrencies. When Satoshi Nakamoto created bitcoin in 2010, he set a restrict of two.1 crore on most items of bitcoins to be mined by 2040 and 1.8638 crore bitcoins had been mined by February 24, 2021.
Cryptocurrencies are usually not issued by any central authority just like the RBI. Bitcoins are like gold, require heavy computational work to “extract” for which ‘miners’ are rewarded at a lowering scale.
“Mining” of cryptocurrency is an energy-intensive operation because it includes very excessive laptop utilization to confirm transactions. Cambridge researchers estimated the exercise to yearly eat about 121.36 terawatt-hours.
DLT/Blockchain know-how can revolutionise fee techniques, convey huge effectivity, lower prices, enhance velocity and speedily authenticate transactions.
Nevertheless, there are main considerations about cryptocurrencies, making the governments and central banks nervous all around the world. There are potential dangers to monetary stability, to conventional banking, of harder-to-detect cybercrimes.
The entire monetary sector is now guided by Know Your Buyer philosophy to attempt holding miscreants and criminals away from regulated markets in currencies, shares and different securities.
One main concern about any VC or any non-public foreign money is that it might be used to pay for ‘unlawful’ gross sales that are hidden from the gaze of tax authorities.
So encrypted and nameless transactions getting used for tax evasion, cash laundering and crime/terror finance are a number of the worst fears about VCs spooking the governments.
Great volatility seen within the ‘worth’ of some CCs has additionally raised hackles as a result of abnormal traders could also be lured into it with out realising the large dangers related to wild fluctuations of their ‘market worth’.
Value will be pumped up/manipulated by hidden brokers with little monitor and hint of who’s behind the transaction.
Sale/buy/reward via non-official foreign money with transaction not within the data of the State means a tax loss. Governments right this moment will frown upon a return to barter system as a result of that will imply non-cash gross sales, dodging taxes.
Screws are tightening on money gross sales, undocumented gross sales exactly to spice up tax revenues.
U.S. Securities and Change Fee has repeatedly refused to approve purposes for a cryptocurrency-linked alternate traded fund however Canadian securities regulators not too long ago permitted launch of a Bitcoin ETF.
There have been experiences of cybercriminals getting access to essential computer systems or in any other case exploiting vulnerabilities to blackmail folks into paying ‘ransom cash’ within the type of CCs.
Such pressured and determined calls for may additionally be behind the excessive costs of CCs and could also be a ploy to pump up costs. A analysis report which tracked unlawful Bitcoin use worldwide utilizing information from 2009 to 2017 discovered that near half of all transactions in Bitcoin have been related to shopping for and promoting unlawful items and companies and that one in three bitcoin customers have been concerned in such criminal activity.
Australian Police not too long ago arrested individuals accused of operating a money-laundering prison syndicate to changing money into bitcoin.
US Division of Justice not too long ago pressed fees towards NetWalker, software-as-a-service mannequin used for company blackmail.
As soon as the focused laptop system was contaminated by their malware, the sufferer firm would obtain a ransom demand for the encryption to be eliminated.
The ransom fee was usually made with cryptocurrency. Kia Motors America suffered a ransomware assault and a $20 million ransom name in bitcoin.
The DOJ additionally acted towards Emotet, a botnet used to unfold malware to contaminate greater than 1.6 million computer systems.
It may management all contaminated computer systems in a coordinated method to steal information after which demand illicit funds from the impacted entities.
Emotet was dismantled when DOJ hacked the hackers.
There are severe implications to a large unfold of cryptocurrencies for financial coverage and alternate charges that are key drivers of financial choices by corporates and governments.
Currencies are not backed by gold, however by drive of legislation, which itself is backed by financial and navy may.
Regardless of all these scary dangers, DLT/ blockchain know-how that drives cryptocurrencies will be harnessed to enhance banking operations.
Central Financial institution Digital Forex (CBDC) is a brand new idea that will turn out to be a actuality quickly. Not like cryptocurrencies, CBDC are Central bank-backed digital currencies that promise much less volatility and higher safety having the assist of nation’s central financial institution for making certain monetary stability.
CBDCs are completely different from cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency is decentralised, not backed by any sovereign assure and in restricted provide, however CBDC is issued and controlled by a central financial institution like regular foreign money with solely distinction being no conversion being permitted to paper notes and cash.
CBDC is completely different from digital funds like UPI as a result of these fee transactions are in the end linked to conventional foreign money notes deposited in banks.
RBI-appointed Nandan Nilekani committee on digital funds has advocated launch of a CBDC designed to advertise non-anonymity on the particular person stage, monitor transactions, promote monetary inclusion by direct profit switch and even direct public consumption to a choose basket of products and companies to extend combination demand and social welfare.
The blockchain know-how underlying cryptocurrencies is superior to the present know-how utilized by financial techniques which undergo from lack of traceability affecting correct end-to-end monitoring of fund flows to particular person entities, incapacity to successfully goal funding to explicit sectors and lack of real-time nearly instantaneous fee.
Blockchain gives all this and that may revolutionise banking. With blockchains, it might be potential to in another way set rates of interest even for every transaction, an enormous refinement of one-size-fit-all financial coverage.
A CBDC is digital type of a nationwide foreign money. CBDCs are completely different from digital fee mechanisms of conventional debit playing cards, bank cards and cellular wallets.
CBDCs are a whole substitute of money beginning with its digital issuance by the central financial institution itself. Very similar to nationwide currencies, CBDCs are backed by belongings and carry a sovereign assure.
Nevertheless, in contrast to bodily cash-based foreign money, CBDC will be programmed for a selected sort of transactions. Authorities can, for instance, challenge a CBDC stuffed cellular pockets which can be utilized just for sure sorts of transactions or to solely sure sorts of payees. DLT/Blockchain know-how allows environment friendly monitor and hint of place and function of digital fee capturing minutest particulars of transaction to function an unalterable report.
It could set off auto programmed linked transactions like prompt credit score of taxes, subsidies, mortgage EMI, social safety funds, insurance coverage premia, ideas, charities and repair fees to respective accounts saving big time and price concerned in remittances and reconciliation.
That is transformational.
A 12 months in the past, Chinese language Central Financial institution rolled out pilot assessments within the cities of Shenzhen, Suzhou, Chengdu and Xiong’an by transferring salaries to authorities staff within the type of a brand new Digital Forex top-ups in cellular wallets and tying up with a set of designated retailers to facilitate transactions utilizing the foreign money.
China plans a full roll-out by 2022 Beijing Olympics. Digital yuan could be a State managed various to Alibaba-affiliated Alipay and Tencent’s Wechat Pay apps, which at the moment course of over 95 per cent of digital funds in China.
Hopefully, we’ll quickly have a DLT-enabled digital rupee, revolutionizing banking in years to return whereas threat mitigation mechanisms could be in place to make sure that all transactions are correctly accessible to regulators and a few kind of KYC norms are in place to maintain potential miscreants away.
Hopefully, Indians will probably be within the forefront of harnessing this wonderful know-how for wider public good.
(Creator is an IA&AS officer and former Particular Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Trade)


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Spring Has Officially Hatched At Baskin-Robbins With Introduction Of New Ice Cream Chick Cake
Information contained on this page is provided by companies via press release distributed through PR Newswire, an independent third-party content provider. PR Newswire, WorldNow and this Station make no warranties or representations in connection therewith.
Baskin-Robbins Partners with the Tip Junkie Blog to Make its Chick Cake the Center of Attention this Season
CANTON, Mass., March 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Spring has arrived at Baskin-Robbins as the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty shops today announced the newest addition to its innovative selection of ice cream cakes – the Chick Cake. Bright and cheery on the outside, delicious on the inside with a customizable combination of Baskin-Robbins ice cream and cake, the Chick Cake is sure to be the centerpiece of any table this season. Also available this spring is the Chick Individual Treat, which is the perfect single serving partner to accompany Baskin-Robbins' new Chick Cake.
"At Baskin-Robbins, we're always looking for delicious and festive ways to celebrate different seasons throughout the year with our guests," said Stan Frankenthaler, Baskin-Robbins Executive Chef and Vice President of Innovation at Dunkin' Brands. "This spring, we wanted to create a memorable cake that really brought the season to life with bright colors and a whimsical design. The Chick Cake will not only delight ice cream lovers, but will also effortlessly serve as an impressive centerpiece that will brighten any table."
To help celebrate spring, Baskin-Robbins has partnered with popular craft blogger, Laurie Turk of TipJunkie.com, to share fun and helpful tips for creating the perfect tablescape featuring the Chick Cake this season.
"I love entertaining and I'm always looking for new ways to surprise my guests with creative and thoughtful touches for a party setting," said Turk. "The Baskin-Robbins Chick Cake is so adorable, it's a centerpiece on its own, and lends itself well to decorative complements that taken together create a fun tablescape that really celebrates the season of spring."
Here are Laurie's tips for a "do-it-yourself" tablescape for the Baskin-Robbins Chick Cake:
Start at the bottom. Decorate from the bottom upward - table cloth, place mat, plate, etc. It's important to have a solid foundation from which to build off. Consider using wrapping paper instead of a plastic table cloth. You still have the benefit of a clean and more sophisticated look, with all of the fun patterns and colors to choose from.
Add comfort. Objects that grow naturally bring warmth and a comforting feeling to your guests, so be sure to add plants and flowers to your table. This also applies to fabrics and ribbon (such as those made from cotton).
Layer. Create an eye-catching table by adding dimension and layers to your decor. Instead of putting the napkin on the side of the plate, place it on top with a ribbon for a pop of color. Resist the urge to place things in rows and try putting them on top of each other instead.
Mix patterns. There are two different types of patterns: organic and geometric. Geometric patterns show straight lines, circles, triangles, rectangles and polygons. Organic patterns are shapes we find in nature like leaves, flowers or waves. The key to mixing patterns is to use one organic and one geometric pattern. Mixing two or more of the same type of pattern becomes messy and makes it hard for the eye to focus.
Keep it simple. When planning any tablescape, stick with two or three colors. Many times adding a fourth color can quickly take decor from chic to cheap.
Named the top ice cream and frozen dessert franchise in the United States by Entrepreneur magazine's 31st annual Franchise 500® ranking, Baskin-Robbins is the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty shops. Baskin-Robbins creates and markets innovative, premium hard scoop ice cream and soft serve, custom ice cream cakes and a full range of beverages, providing quality and value to consumers at nearly 7,000 retail shops in nearly 50 countries. Baskin-Robbins was founded in 1945 by two ice cream enthusiasts whose passion led to the creation of more than 1,000 ice cream flavors and a wide variety of delicious treats. In 2012, more than 13.3 million ice cream cakes were sold in Baskin-Robbins shops worldwide. For the full-year 2012, Baskin-Robbins' shops had global franchisee-reported sales of approximately $1.9 billion. Headquartered in Canton, Mass., Baskin-Robbins is part of the Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN) family of companies. For further information, visit www.BaskinRobbins.com.
Posted By: KLKN Newsroom email@example.com Michael Arellano has been charged in the shooting death of 38-year-old Shane Newman. Arellano was in Lancaster County court Wednesday. The 21-year-old is chargedMore >>
Michael Arellano has been charged with murder in the shooting death of 38-year-old Shane Newman.More >>
Posted By: KLKN Newsroom firstname.lastname@example.org Lincoln police say a juvenile girl was taken to the hospital after a shooting in north Lincoln. There's no word on the victim's condition. Police say they'reMore >>
Lincoln police say a juvenile girl was taken to the hospital after a shooting in north Lincoln.More >>
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:53 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:53:04 GMT
Posted by: KLKN Newsroom, email@example.com A scary situation this morning for a few central Lincoln residents when police say they're held against their will. Police say a group of people forced their wayMore >>
A scary situation Wednesday morning for a few central Lincoln residents when police say they were held against their will.More >>
By: Rachael Witter firstname.lastname@example.org After nearly a thousand electronics were recycled at an event earlier this year. Secure Recycling will be hosting another free event open to the public. "It'sMore >>
After nearly a thousand electronics were recycled at an event earlier this year. Secure Recycling will be hosting another free event open to the public. More >>
Posted By: KLKN Newsroom email@example.com Lincoln, Neb., June 20, 2013 -- The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has invited graduates who were scheduled to receive diplomas in UNL's May 4 baccalaureate degreeMore >>
Bad weather forced the May ceremony to be cancelled.More >>
A Nebraska senator will spend two days on house arrest after pleading guilty to a DUI. A Douglas County judge sentenced State Senator Scott Lautenbaugh Monday. Along with house arrest, he will spendMore >>
A Nebraska senator will spend two days on house arrest after pleading guilty to a DUI.More >>
Posted By: KLKN Newsroom firstname.lastname@example.org A woman is recovering after being hit by a car while riding her moped. The woman has non-life threatening injuries and is expected to recover. The car that hitMore >>
A woman is recovering after being hit by a car while riding her moped.More >>
By: Bill Schammert email@example.com People in the North Bottoms neighborhood recently found out they could have elevated levels of lead in their yard. But, at a meeting Tuesday night, they wereMore >>
People in the North Bottoms neighborhood recently found out they could have elevated levels of lead in their yard. But, at a meeting Tuesday night, they were more worried about the city coming for their homes.More >>


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Dutch beer brand Heineken has been announced as the title sponsor of the Australian Grand Prix, which returns to the Formula 1 calendar after a two-season absence in April
Beer giant Heineken is looking to take its ‘Greener Bar’ sustainable bar concept used in Formula E into stadium and fan zone environments next year, potentially including the 2022 Women’s Euro in Engla…
On 12 August 2020, Heineken and Uefa livestreamed a global ‘Opening Party’ to celebrate the restart of the Champions League and Europa League after the pandemic-enforced hiatus.
For the behind-closed-doors 2020 British Grand Prix, F1 global beer partner Heineken promoted its 0.0% brand via an immersive activation for local health workers.
For the summer 2020 resumption of MLS, Heineken trailed its 0.0 no-alcohol beer by offering US soccer fans a ‘Stadium in a Box’ giveaway on Twitter.
Heineken bottles will not be placed in front of Muslim players during press conferences at the ongoing Uefa European Championship after Paul Pogba last week removed a drink from view following France’s m…
Premier League football club West Ham United and the London Stadium, where it plays its home matches, have both signed an extension with Netherlands-based global beer company Heineken
Heineken-owned beer brand expands its presence in college football
Heineken USA has secured its first sponsorship deal with a National Football League team as the official import beer and hard seltzer partner of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium.
Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal has signed a three-year global endorsement deal with ‘lifestyle’ beer brands Amstel Ultra and Amstel 0.0 – the first beer sponsorship agreed by the player. T
Flagship Mexican football division, the Liga MX, has signed up the Heineken-owned brand Tecate as its beer sponsor
Major League Soccer's New York City FC and Dutch brewing company Heineken have extended their partnership in a multiyear deal.
Heineken, the official beer of F1, leveraged the 2019 Singapore Grand Prix through an augmented reality game that offered fans the change to win race and pre-race party tickets.
For the 2018 Formula One season, Heineken activated its rights through a four-city media/influencer PR programme linking host city underground culture to F1 lifestyles.
Heineken’s 2017-18 Champions League activation used immersive and experiential content to inspire influencers, fans and media to engage with the drama of the competition.


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Nokia says it is partnering with AT&T to deliver Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity worldwide. To connect AT&T's enterprise customers with Nokia's global IoT ecosystem, the companies are using Nokia's Worldwide IoT Network Grid (WING), which includes billing, core network, dedicated IoT operations, data analytics, and security.
By teaming up with AT&T, Nokia says they can address local regulatory requirements for IoT devices together, as well as meet unique business needs through capabilities such as 5G network slicing, enabling a single network to be divided into multiple networks.
AT&T's cloud-based Multi-Network Connect enables businesses to manage IoT devices across multiple cellular and satellite networks, operators, and regions through a single portal. According to Nokia, the Multi-Network Connect platform will streamline connectivity and platform capabilities for AT&T's use of its WING.
Nokia WING delivers managed service for global IoT connectivity, empowering mobile network operators to maximize investments and minimize time to market. AT&T will work with WING to accelerate IoT services delivery globally, and drive developing IoT applications.
"Our work with Nokia WING will help clear away the complexity of large-scale IoT adoption so that our customers can unlock the potential of IoT worldwide," said Chris Penrose, IoT solutions, AT&T president. "Boosted by Nokia's globally deployed ‘one-stop shop' network technology, we can be more nimble and responsive to our customers' needs."
AT&T and Nokia will create, test, and launch next-generation IoT services for an array of industries, including consumer electronics, transportation, health, manufacturing, retail, agriculture, utilities, and smart cities. Commercial deployment will begin later this year, while WING's core network assets should be available in over 20 countries throughout Europe, Asia, North America, South America, and the Middle East by the first quarter of 2020, says Nokia.
The partnership between AT&T and Nokia will lay the groundwork for the worldwide 5G evolution, as the companies can bring improved capabilities to customers with growing performance and flexibility, and lower latency. Earlier this year, AT&T asserted that this focus on 5G does not mean it will neglect other technologies, and that it intends to launch mobile 5G service in a dozen markets by late 2018, alongside its plans to expand the reach of AT&T Fiber for consumers and businesses, and of G.fast. (see "AT&T plans to expand reach of 5G, AT&T Fiber, and G.fast").
For related articles, visit the Network Design Topic Center.
For more information on high-speed transmission systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer's Guide.


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Valve, which recently started adapting its software so that it can run on Linux, has said it is doing so because it thinks that Windows 8 will be a disaster.
Gabe Newell, the co-founder and managing director of Valve, the videogame development and online distribution company, told the Casual Connect conference in Seattle that the biggest thing holding back Linux is games.
According to All things Digital, his outfit wants to make 2,500 games on Steam to run on Linux as well as Windows.
However he said that this is a hedging strategy because Newell thinks that Windows 8 is “a catastrophe for everyone in the PC space”.
He predicts that there will be some of the top-tier PC/OEMs, who will exit the market. Others will see their margins destroyed.
Newell said that if that’s true, then it will be good to have alternatives to hedge against that eventuality.
Newell spent 13 years at Microsoft working on Windows so he knows his stuff. He must have played with Windows 8 so he must have his reasons for believing it.
If the nightmare scenario is true, then maybe Linux will get onto the desktop after all.


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Humboldt State’s Schatz Energy Research Center has been awarded a pair of grants totaling more than $2 million from the World Bank Group to support its continued involvement in the Lighting Global initiative. Lighting Global and its sister programs, Lighting Africa and Lighting Asia, support the development of commercial markets for solar charged off-grid lighting products that are affordable to low income people in developing countries.
E-Waste is the name given to computers, televisions, stereos, copiers, cell phones and other electronics nearing the end of their “lifecycles.” Many of these products can be reused, refurbished, or recycled. Unfortunately, discarded electronics is one of the fastest growing segments of our nation’s waste stream.
Do you know how to reduce your carbon footprint at home?
Humboldt State University will host a free public screening of “Becoming California” a public television documentary exploring man’s relationship with the environment 7 p.m. March 8 in the Van Duzer Theatre.
Paper or plastic? Pretty soon, HSU retailers won’t have to ask.


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Although rubber was first introduced to Asia in the late 19th century, there has been a recent massive expansion of monoculture plantations across the Indo-China region driven largely by increasing demand for natural latex from China as mentioned by Sustainable Rubber Platform. Huge swaths of formerly multiuse landscapes and natural forests have been replaced by monoculture with predictable consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem services. Moreover, although rubber has been a path-out-of-poverty for many smallholders, there have also been severe social consequences with widespread reports of land-grabbing and coercion. Reduced access to non-timber forest products and economic dependence on a single commodity have also left many farmers impoverished whenever rubber prices drop.
Recognising these threats to the sustainability of rubber cultivation in the region and elsewhere, the Sustainable Rubber Platform was established with a view to promoting the development of socially responsible and environmentally friendly practices across the industry. Its purpose is to serve as a repository of information and to facilitate communication among researchers, government and non-government agencies, policy makers and rubber producers and consumers.


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LONDON — Britain’s booming fintech sector is facing a skills shortage, according to exclusive data provided to Business Insider, with many job listings going unfilled after two months.
Data from job listing site, one of the world’s biggest recruitment websites, shows that mechanical & engineering project managers are the hardest jobs to fill in British fintech, with 31% of vacancies going unfilled after 60 days.
All of the other 10 hardest jobs to fill have at least 20% of listings unsatisfied after 60 days.
The stats will worry many in the fintech sector, which has been a key area of growth in the UK economy in the years since the financial crisis. Last month Chancellor Philip Hammond said in a release announcing the Treasury’s first-ever fintech week: “The FinTech sector is one of our fastest growing sectors, adding more than £6.6 billion into the UK’s economy and attracting more than £500 million of investment.”
While the sector has boomed over the last decade, there are widespread concerns that last year’s vote to leave the European Union could stunt its growth. Those in the industry are most concerned that Brexit could lead to a skills shortage as fintech companies struggle to attract the best people from around the world.
Mariano Mamertino, EMEA Economist at Indeed, told BI: “Our data reveals that fintech firms are now engaged in a full-scale battle for talent. Despite offering attractive salaries, many fintech employers are struggling to recruit the people they need to grow.
“The fintech sector’s tightening labour market is a side-effect of its rapid growth. With stiff competition among recruiters, it’s a seller’s market for professionals with the most in-demand skills; they are now highly employable and can secure seize the opportunity to earn a big salary.”
Here are the 10 hardest to fill roles in UK fintech, as per Indeed’s data:


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Recode: How tech companies can be more like Apple, Google, Facebook
Recode / TechCrunch / BuzzFeed The future of tech isn’t just about getting better hardware.
The future is about creating new products that people want to use, rather than just using them.
That’s why a lot of tech companies have been experimenting with different ways to make their products more accessible and personal to users.
For example, Apple launched the Apple Watch last year.
Google started doing the same with the Pixel.
And Facebook announced it is launching a social app called Messenger that allows people to chat with friends and family.
So what can these companies learn from each other?
Recode’s Kara Swisher talks with Apple’s Craig Federighi, Google’s Sundar Pichai, and Facebook’s Sheryl Sandberg about the companies’ efforts to build products that are more accessible.


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T-Mobile USA confirmed to FierceWireless that it is testing a new prepaid brand, GoSmart Mobile, in "select markets." The carrier said it will be "using what we learn to make a decision about a potential national launch sometime in 2013."
T-Mobile USA will eliminate all device subsidies from its rate plans in 2013. During Deutsche Telekom's annual investor conference, T-Mobile CEO John Legere said that customers will pay an upfront fee for their devices and then pay the balance of the device in affordable monthly installments.
T-Mobile USA appears to be preparing to launch a new, low-cost prepaid service called GoSmart Mobile, but it is unclear when the service will launch and whether it will be an independent brand or a T-Mobile sub-brand.
Softbank's planned $20.1 billion investment in Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile USA's intended merger with MetroPCS are "significant transactions," but that does not mean the deals will alter the competitive landscape in the U.S. wireless industry, according to Standard & Poor's Rating Services.
MetroPCS plans to expand its no-contract service to three new markets by the end of 2013 if its proposed merger with T-Mobile USA is approved. Although the company did not reveal the three markets where the service will be launched, MetroPCS CFO Braxton Carter has said in prior discussions with investors that the company will launch service in markets such as New Orleans and Minneapolis where MetroPCS' prepaid flat-rate offering is not currently available.
A federal appeals court upheld the FCC's rules requiring data roaming, dealing a blow to Verizon Wireless, which had sued to block the rules under the argument that the FCC overstepped its authority in passing them.
MetroPCS is bringing Rich Communication Services under the GSMA's joyn brand to more of its LTE smartphones. The joyn service is part of an effort by carriers worldwide to counter the rise of over-the-top communications services like WhatsApp, Apple's iMessage and Facebook's Messenger.
U.S. Cellular has started testing Voice over LTE technology but has not yet said when it will launch the service.
Sprint Nextel is not likely to make a competing bid for MetroPCS to counter Deutsche Telekom's T-Mobile USA, according to a Reuters report. The report said instead Sprint will focus on getting Softbank's $20.1 billion purchase of 70 percent of Sprint approved by regulators.
MetroPCS' shares rose today after a financial analyst said that Sprint Nextel may make a counter-bid for the prepaid carrier to compete with the bid from Deutsche Telekom's T-Mobile USA.


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Tech-enabled freight and delivery services are attracting attention from investors.
Where does a freight truck go after it delivers its cargo?
In much of the world, logistics companies use technology to match available vehicles with shippers that need to move goods, ensuring that every mile is paid for. But automating freight management has been difficult in Africa, where drivers are typically solo operators scheduling their own jobs. The process regularly results in “empty runs” – trucks with no cargo for the return route, forcing drivers to idle for days.
That’s part of what makes logistics costs in Africa almost double that of North America, according to data from supply chain firm Armstrong & Associates. The high price holds back trade and raises costs for consumers, making basic necessities like diapers, soap, and food unaffordable for many.
Africa’s supply chain is broken.
But technology created by African e-logistics companies is beginning to patch the supply chain gaps.
e-logistics companies are becoming well positioned to meet a projected increase in intra-regional trade when the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) opens in 2021.
Digital platforms like Twende, africa’s first superapp, aggregate and then connect truck owners and drivers with enterprise clients who would have previously not have access to each other. By navigating scheduling, customs requirements, and payment via phone apps, these firms appear to be lowering the cost of doing business.
There is increasingly more investor interest in African e-logistics companies.
“A bigger pie”
E-logistics is the most promising area for immediate investment opportunities that involve AI [artificial intelligence] applications in emerging markets.
According to the African Tech Startups Funding Report, the total annual funding in this sector has jumped 6,746% since 2016.
Digitisation matching trucks and shippers saved customers about 7.1% on logistics costs in 2019 and helped drivers earn 27% more through optimisation and increased utilisation of their vehicles.
Widely adopted automation after the pandemic will lower the cost of logistics even further.
Companies with robust digital capabilities that allow them to provide cargo visibility/traceability and do business online are at an advantage during lockdowns and their aftermath.
Technology customised for Africa is important because the continent’s logistics sector is fragmented, with standards, requirements, and costs that vary country by country.
Enactment of the Africa free trade agreement aims to confront these challenges by creating a single market for goods and services, laying a foundation for the establishment of a continental customs union. The trade agreement aims to reduce tariffs on 90% of all goods and facilitate free movement of goods, services, capital, and people. It promises to unite a market of 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of $2.6 trillion.
A large number of African companies can benefit from the combination of tech-enabled logistics and a continent-wide, streamlined trade process. The new zone will make the pie bigger for everybody.
Automating the logistics process can protect the drivers. E-invoicing assures that they will be paid on time, digital signatures limit their exposure to Covid-19, and other technology helps drivers with insurance, fuel cards, vehicle maintenance, and saving money to eventually purchase their own trucks instead of leasing them.
After all, they’re entrepreneurs.
JGo is a on-demand platform and Africa’s first superapp, offering the partner service providrs mifis for internet, insurance, solar systems, smart phones, and micro loans for consumption. Join JGo’s whatsapp page to learn more about the company, and how you can be part of change in your community at https://chat.whatsapp.com/BkqadZzuLmvCEC4ls7GmzF. For those who want to be JGO city agents in the over 4,120 cities across Africa, email us at firstname.lastname@example.org.


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Light-vehicle Horsepower Hits Historic High in 2021
The U.S. EPA data say engine horsepower is the highest ever, while average displacement remains near an all-time low.
Full-electric propulsion for the U.S.’s light-vehicle market segments is gaining momentum, but developers of the internal-combustion engine aren’t throwing in the towel just yet. Figures recently compiled by the U.S. EPA to include the 2021 model year indicate average horsepower for light-vehicle engines reached a historic high of 252.2 hp in 2021.
The highest-ever horsepower figure came, said the EPA, despite average engine displacement remaining at a near-historic low. Average light-vehicle engine displacement in 2021 was 2.9L and has been less than 3.0L since 2014. The lowest-ever average displacement is 2.8L, which was recorded in several years since 2014.
The EPA’s light-vehicle dataset, dating to 1975, is nearing 50 years of scope. In 1975, average horsepower was 137.3 and the lowest-ever average was 102.1 hp in 1981 – despite an average displacement that year of 3.2L. Average displacement was 3.0L or larger for nearly a quarter-century from 1988 to 2013 and after 2014 has never again exceeded 3.0L. The years 1975 and 1976 had the highest average displacement, 4.8L, in the near half-century of the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE)/EPA’s records.
The DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Office summarized the marked increase in engine specific output by summarizing, “From 1975 to 2021, horsepower has increased by about 84% while engine displacement has decreased by 40%.” The information was derived from the EPA’s 2021 Automotive Trends Report .