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The food ministry has decided to suspend the process of buying overpriced rice from two state-run agencies in India, considering the overall situation.
The decision came at a meeting of the ministry on Sunday. Bangladesh was supposed to buy a total of 200,000 tonnes of rice from India’s National Cooperative Consumer Federation (NCCF) and Kendriya Bhandar (central food storage).
However, sources said the government backtracked from the import bid due to the recent price drop in India in January, good domestic production, and adequate rice stock in state warehouses. It also took the issue of saving greenbacks into consideration.
Food secretary Ismail Hossain told Prothom Alo that the government is not importing rice from the two state-run agencies in India for the time being. But it will resume the import process if necessary.
The directorate general of food issued a letter of intent (LoI) to the two Indian sellers on 21 December. The sellers also fixed rice prices at USD 434 and USD 437 per tonne and initiated the process of export.
Meanwhile, the food directorate floated an international tender to purchase another 100,000 tonnes of rice. Two companies – Singapore-based Agro Crop International and India-based Bagadiya – offered 50,000 tonnes of rice each at USD 393 and USD 397 per tonne respectively. The rate is lower by roughly USD 40 than the two Indian sellers.
Later, Prothom Alo published a report on the issue on 11 January, titled as “Bangladesh to buy rice from Indian govt traders at higher rate.”
According to sources, the food ministry had requested the two state-run agencies of India to reduce prices. In response, they conceded to slash the price by USD 2 per tonne. Bangladesh in the meantime registered a rise in the procurement of Aman rice from local sources.
The amount of rice procured in Aman season was estimated at 291,000 tonnes on Sunday, which pushed up the overall rice stock in the government warehouses to 1580,000 tonnes.
Different sectors, including the social safety programmes, require 250,000 to 300,000 tonnes per month and the government has at least five months of rice stock as per the estimation.
Also, the harvesting of Boro crops would start here shortly.
Meanwhile, the government is consistently discouraging imports due to the dollar crunch. The central bank estimated its forex reserve at USD 32 billion recently.
Considering all these issues, the government has halted importing rice from the two state-run agencies of India.
According to the trading corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), the minimum price of fine rice in the Dhaka market rose by Tk 2 to Tk 60 per kg in the last week. Its maximum price is Tk 75. The maximum price of coarse rice dropped by Tk 2 to Tk 50 while its minimum price is Tk 46 per kg.
Different initiatives, including imports, have apparently failed to bring down the rice price.
MM Shaukat Ali, former advisor of caretaker government, said the price is usually verified through tenders before buying rice from another government. But the reverse happened in the case of purchasing rice from India. The government should look into the matter.


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More than 650 people in 37 states have become sick from salmonella poisoning, and 129 have been hospitalized.
The Center for Disease Control issued an alert to consumers that one source of the outbreak has been traced to red, white and yellow onions grown in Chihuahua, Mexico, sold by ProSource Inc. People are urged to not purchase them and, if they have, to throw them away. Any surfaces the onions rested on should be washed with hot, soapy water or dishwashing soap.
At least 75% of people involved had recently eaten raw onions or dishes with onions in them. Several ate at the same restaurants, suggesting the possibility of an infection cluster.
At least one person became sick after eating a cilantro and lime condiment dish from a restaurant. In all these cases, the restaurants bought their onions from ProSource Inc.

domain: news


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First came the acquisitions feeding frenzy in online advertising.
Google got DoubleClick, Yahoo ate up Right Media, and Microsoft gobbled aQuantive. Now it’s up to the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC) to make sure nobody got sharked.
Following the requirements of the Hart-Scott-Rodino antitrust act,
the FTC is conducting a review of Microsoft’s $6 billion bid for
aQuantive, a Microsoft spokesperson told internetnews.com.
The spokesperson characterized the investigation as “part of the
normal regulatory review process” and said Microsoft submitted a
routine filing under the federal rules that give regulators authority
to review large mergers during 30-day periods.
The investigation differs from the FTC’s “second review” or current investigation into Google’s acquisition of DoubleClick, according the spokesperson who refused to comment further.
The FTC is also investigating Yahoo’s $680 million offer for the
final 80 percent of the Right Media Exchange, the Wall Street
FTC spokesman Frank Dorman confirmed the Journal’s report. “Can’t
say there’s anything incorrect about it,” Dorman told
internetnews.com. Yahoo did not return calls requesting comment.
The new investigations follow the FTC’s ongoing look at the Google-DoubleClick merger.
As internetnews.com previously reported, sources close to the
deal say an FTC review rarely results in blocking a merger. Still,
Google isn’t “counting its chickens before the government let’s they
hatch,” Google director of AdSense Kim Malone told internetnews.com.
Malone said Google hasn’t begun planning how
it would integrate DoubleClick.
That hasn’t kept third parties from imagining how it might go down
for better or for worse.
Microsoft General Counsel Brad Smith
publicly complained that Google-DoubleClick will own 80 percent of
the market for serving ads to third-party Web publishers after its
merger is complete.
And immediately after Google announced its bid,
three privacy groups filed a complaint with the FTC. They argued the
deal gives Google the ability to “record, analyze, track and profile”
the activities of Internet users.
Google said the complaint, “Utterly fails to identify any practice
that does not comply with accepted privacy standards.” DoubleClick
added, “Google would not be able to match its search data to the data
collected by DoubleClick, as DoubleClick does not have the right to
use its clients’ data for such purposes.”


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In today’s supply chain business, where customers increasingly expect faster, better, cheaper service, success often turns on gleaning real-time visibility into shipments in transit. Indeed, who couldn’t benefit from improved transportation visibility? Yet, for many operators, orders are still tracked using lagging carrier information gleaned from phone calls, websites, spreadsheets, emails, and other old-school forms of reporting. Then, when schedules aren’t met, it’s an unpleasant surprise to all involved. Bottlenecks form. Labor stalls. Customer satisfaction suffers. And in some cases, service penalties ensue.
One of the most difficult and expensive aspects of the supply chain is last mile and home delivery. However, from a customer experience standpoint, it is also the most memorable and possibly important. Autonomous last mile deliveries are part of the answer to the e-commerce boom that we are experiencing. I have already written about […]
Some of the world’s biggest retailers and their partners are once again feeling the sting of “the bullwhip effect” – a term of art amongst supply chain professionals that describes how changes in demand at the retail level can reverberate and amplify issues throughout the supply chain. For months, retailers have been stockpiling massive amounts […]
Most supply chain suppliers have solutions that are very similar to each other. Occasionally, a cool vendor emerges – a vendor solving an important problem in a new way. Emerge is that kind of company. Emerge has an interesting new platform to deal with the problems shippers are having procuring truck capacity. There is a […]
Supply chain disruptions continue to lead to product shortages around the world. Somehow, Halloween is (sort of) right around the corner, and a lack of raw ingredients for candy are making things more scary than a haunted house. I read earlier this week that Hershey said it would fall short of meeting demand for the […]
If “the forecast is always wrong,” is improving forecast accuracy even the solution to our demand planning woes? In times that continue to defy our ability to predict them, the words of famous statistician George Box have never been more right: “All models are wrong, but some are useful.” So what can we do to […]
Are growth investors aware of warehouse automation’s rapid growth and the growth potential of these companies? Private equity investors are aware. Large industrial companies are aware. But theis market seems to otherwise fly under the radar. I recently kicked off my analysis of the global warehouse automation market. Here is some of what I have come across so far.
The only way to drive business is to embrace change; in today’s uncertain world, this is more valid than ever. Still, we can see that it is hard for many companies to go outside of their box and challenge the status quo. I have seen a lot of scary examples where a company wants to […]
A book called How the World Really Works argues that “we are a fossil-fueled civilization whose technical and scientific advances, quality of life, and prosperity rest on the combustion of huge quantities of fossil carbon. The author, the polymath Vaclev Smil, declares it will take at a minimum several decades, but perhaps well over a […]
Toy companies are always looking for the next big thing. And for Mattel, that next big thing might be Space X. Mattel inked a multiyear deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to create a line of toys inspired by the space venture, the companies announced Wednesday. “As space exploration advances more quickly than ever before, we […]


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Coming next March, Telstra is set to enrich its service offewww geox it saldi harmont & blaine palermo cains scarpe geox outlet donna outlet gabs borse benetton donna outlet outlet benetton online www geox it saldi www geox it saldi sito ufficiale geox geox.it saldi überbauregale geox.it saldi geox abbigliamento outlet zaino gabs saldi rings by introducing consumer plans for Starlink, the high-speed satellite internet service. Telstra’s version of these plans will be distinct from the typical Starlink packages, as they will come bundled with a home phone service, bringing a traditional telecommunications staple into the future of high-speed internet connectivity.
Right now, Telstra is preparing to launch initial trials of these consumer Starlink packages. Though specific pricing details remain under wraps, the anticipation grows as potential customers speculate on how these rates will stack up against current Telstra and Starlink offerings. Presently, a standalone home phone service from Telstra goes for around $50 monthly, while Starlink’s basic internet service comes in at $139 per month, not including the initial hardware investment of $599.
In a departure from Starlink’s upfront hardware charges, Telstra is expected to follow its usual model of providing hardware without an immediate fee, instead implementing a system where customers may be responsible for a fee if hardware is not returned upon terminating the service within a specified period.
Business clients are not being left behind, as Telstra has already begun to secure orders for enterprise-grade Starlink services aiming for activation by mid-January. These plans, however, will not feature a home phone, catering specifically to the robust data needs of the modern enterprise.
While enterprise pricing remains private, the move marks Telstra’s commitment to innovation and choice in an evolving market, blending the reliability of traditional services with next-generation technology. Subscribers and tech enthusiasts alike keenly await the unveiling of further details as Telstra continues to navigate the frontier of satellite broadband solutions.
1. What service is Telstra integrating with its own?
– Telstra is introducing consumer plans that include Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet service along with a bundled home phone service.
2. When are these new Telstra Starlink plans being launched?
– The new consumer Starlink packages by Telstra are set to be launched in March.
3. What is unique about Telstra’s version of Starlink plans?
– Telstra’s plans are distinct because they will include both the Starlink internet service and a home phone service.
4. What is the cost of Telstra’s standalone home phone service and Starlink’s basic internet service?
– Telstra’s standalone home phone service is currently priced at around $50 monthly, while Starlink’s basic internet service is $139 per month, excluding the initial hardware cost of $599.
5. How does Telstra plan to handle the hardware charges for Starlink?
– Telstra is expected to provide hardware without an initial fee, but there may be a fee if the hardware is not returned when the service is terminated within a certain period.
6. Does Telstra have offerings for business clients in regards to Starlink services?
– Yes, Telstra is securing orders for enterprise-grade Starlink services, with activation planned around mid-January. These plans do not include a home phone service and are tailored to meet the data needs of businesses.
7. Have the pricing details for Telstra’s Starlink plans been disclosed?
– Specific pricing details for the consumer Starlink packages have not been revealed yet, and enterprise pricing also remains private.
– Starlink: A satellite internet service developed by SpaceX that aims to provide high-speed internet access across the globe.
– Consumer Plans: Service packages designed for individual users or households as opposed to businesses or enterprise clients.
– Enterprise-Grade Services: Services and plans that are tailored specifically for the requirements and usage of businesses and organizations.
– Satellite Internet: A type of internet service that uses satellite technology to provide internet connections to users.
– Home Phone Service: A traditional landline telephone service that operates through a physical line connection.


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NEW YORK — Walgreen Co. said Wednesday that it has taken a minority stake in Core Performance, a company that provides wellness and fitness services in an effort to expand its offerings to corporate clients.
Walgreen’s Take Care Health Systems unit, which operates 400 work site centers at companies such as Intel Corp. and Walt Disney Co., will offer the wellness, fitness, and nutrition advice developed by Core Performance, whose investors include Polaris Venture Partners. Walgreen did not disclose the exact size of its investment in Core Performance.
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Updated: 1 hour 19 min ago
For the last year or so, Stratolaunch has conducted a number of ground-based tests on the world's largest aircraft, both inside its gargantuan hangar and on a runway in Mojave, California. If all goes well, the company plans for the aircraft with a 117-meter wingspan to make its maiden flight by the end of this year.
But the aircraft is only a means to an end—sustainably launching rockets into space. Although Stratolaunch appears to have built a fine airplane, questions have lingered for years regarding exactly which rockets will be flown to a cruising altitude, and then released by the airplane. And when you've built an aircraft the likes of which have never been seen before, such curiosity is understandable.
On Monday, the company finally provided some additional clarity. Previously, Stratolaunch announced an agreement to launch small Pegasus rockets from the aircraft, but these boosters can only deliver up to 370kg into low-Earth orbit. (And they are so small, their use could not possibly justify the scale of the Stratolaunch plane, with a wingspan 20 meters greater than even the Spruce Goose).
Google is facing new scrutiny in the wake of revelations that it stores users’ location data even when "Location History" is turned off.
Last Friday, Google quietly edited its description of the practice on its own website—while continuing said practice—to clarify that "some location data may be saved as part of your activity on other services, like Search and Maps."
As a result of the previously unknown practice, which was first exposed by the Associated Press last week, Google has now been sued by a man in San Diego. Simultaneously, activists in Washington, DC are urging the Federal Trade Commission to examine whether the company is in breach of its 2011 consent decree with the agency.
AT&T-owned DirecTV has defeated the bulk of a $4 billion lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission, which wasn't able to convince a judge that DirecTV ads deceived customers about the price of service.
The FTC sued DirecTV in March 2015, alleging that the nation's largest satellite TV provider used deceptive advertising to get consumers to agree to price increases of up to $45 per month and early cancellation fees of up to $480. The FTC was seeking refunds for affected consumers.
But a judge's ruling on Thursday gutted the FTC's case against DirecTV, which has been an AT&T subsidiary since July 2015. "The FTC's ambition in attempting to show that over 40,000 advertisements were likely to deceive substantially exceeded the strength of its evidence," wrote Judge Haywood Gilliam, Jr. of US District Court for the Northern District of California. "This case did not involve the type of strong proof the Court would expect to see in a case seeking nearly $4 billion in restitution, based on a claim that all of DirecTV's 33 million customers between 2007 and 2015 were necessarily deceived."
The announcement today of Nvidia's new GPUs with integrated acceleration of ray tracing makes Microsoft's plans for DirectX even more relevant. Ray tracing gives developers access to wide range of effects that the current mainstream approach, rasterization, handles poorly. Shadows, reflections, and glass all set to look much more realistic.
At GDC, Microsoft announced a new feature for DirectX 12: DirectX Raytracing (DXR). The new API offers hardware-accelerated raytracing to DirectX applications, ushering in a new era of games with more realistic lighting, shadows, and materials. One day, this technology could enable the kinds of photorealistic imagery that we've become accustomed to in Hollywood blockbusters.
Whatever GPU you have, whether it be Nvidia's monstrous $3,000 Titan V or the little integrated thing in your $35 Raspberry Pi, the basic principles are the same; indeed, while many aspects of GPUs have changed since 3D accelerators first emerged in the 1990s, they've all been based on a common principle: rasterization.
Ahead of Nvidia's pre-Gamescom keynote on Monday, Internet retailers spilled the beans on the existence of the company's next consumer-grade graphics cards: the RTX 2080 and 2080 Ti.
Nearly an hour later, Nvidia unveiled its own product listings for "Founders" editions of the "20-series" video cards. The company confirmed a September 20 launch for those two models and a "coming later" notice for an additional RTX 2070. The prices for the Founders Editions are as follows: $599 for the RTX 2070; $799 for the RTX 2080, and $1,199 for the RTX 2080 Ti. Pre-orders are live at the above Nvidia link.
Nvidia's event concluded by advertising prices "starting" at $499, $699, and $999, respectively, for those same models—assumedly referring to video card partners producing their own models outside Nvidia's own Founders Edition line.
The next time you're stuck in traffic, consider taking a cue from the lowly ant. Fire ants may hold the secret to regulating traffic flow, whether it be dealing with cars packed on a freeway during rush hour, shepherding crowds through narrow passageways, or coordinating swarms of robots.
"Ants that live in complex subterranean environments have to develop sophisticated social rules to avoid the bad things that can happen when you have a lot of individuals in a crowded environment," said Georgia Tech physicist Daniel Goldman, who has been studying fire ants for years and is co-author of a new paper in Science detailing how they optimize their tunnel-digging efforts.In a jam
Physicists have long been fascinated by traffic jams, especially so-called "phantom" traffic jams (aka, "jamitons"), where there doesn't seem to be any good reason for the slowdown. It all comes down to density and the physics of self-organization. Traffic moving freely "flows" like a liquid. Traffic jammed to a standstill is akin to a solid.
Few cars are quite as legendary as the Aston Martin DB5. It's not because they sold well—just over a thousand were built between 1963 and 1965. And it's not because they won famous races. Instead, the DB5 became such an icon thanks to an early example of product placement, because it's the car that James Bond drove in the film Goldfinger. And now, Aston Martin has said it's going to build 25 of them, complete with gadgets. But they won't be cheap—each will cost $3.51 million (£2.75 million) plus tax.
In the film, 007's car was modified by Q Branch and equipped with revolving number plates, machine guns, an oil slick dispenser, and even an ejector seat. In reality, the car used in the film—actually one of Aston Martin's pre-production prototypes—was modified by John Stears, who won an Oscar for his work. No one knew at the time quite how much the DB5 would steal the show, and after the film the gadgets were removed from the car and then reinstalled some years later.
Apple removed thousands of gambling apps from China's App Store after the company came under fire from state-run media. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the tech giant removed as many as 25,000 illegal gambling apps, many of which were disguised as official lottery apps, from China's App Store after China Central Television criticized the company for not doing more to catch and remove banned content.
"Gambling apps are illegal and not allowed on the App Store in China," Apple said in an emailed statement to The Wall Street Journal. "We have already removed many apps and developers for trying to distribute illegal gambling apps on our App Store, and we are vigilant in our efforts to find these and stop them from being on the App Store."
While Apple occasionally cleans up its App Stores to remove spam apps and content, this recent situation shows another way that the company has bent to the rules of the Chinese government. Last year, Apple removed VPN apps from its Chinese App Store after the local government banned services that were not already approved by the state. VPN apps allowed Chinese users to bypass the Great Firewall to get uncensored access to blocked websites.
This week, for the first time since the early '00s, Sega's Shenmue games will be available on modern platforms. Both original games, 1999's Shenmue and 2001's Shenmue II, arrive on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Windows PC on Tuesday, August 21, as a $30 compilation.
Chances are, you never got to dive into either, owing not only to their age but also their exclusive launches on largely unpopular consoles in the West (the Dreamcast and original Xbox, respectively). This week's compilation changes the access-half of the equation (and comes to tide fans over while waiting for the crowdfunded Shenmue III). But does it deliver a must-play return to Sega's console swan song?
Not really. The team responsible for restoring this pair of games has erred on the side of authenticity. In good news, that means everything from the original games—art, dialogue, presentation—has been shined up as much as humanly possible. These are the best versions of Shenmue games in the world. But hundreds of open-world games have surpassed Yu Suzuki's classic in the days since, and none of those later games' successes have inspired Sega to fix what's broken here.
Relativity is one of the most ambitious companies in the rocket industry. It seeks to manufacture the entirety of its rockets using 3D printing techniques, hoping to one day print a rocket on the surface of Mars to launch from there. But are either of these goals achievable?
Some new moves by the company suggest they just might be. On Monday morning, Relativity will announce the hiring of Tim Buzza as an adviser to shepherd the company's launch vehicle execution. These duties will include finalizing the selection of a US-based launch site (a decision will come before the end of this year) and overseeing development of ground launch systems at that site.
Buzza is a well-known figure in the aerospace industry. He was employee number five at SpaceX, having hired on in 2002, and over a 12-year career he ended up as the company's vice president of launch operations. In an oral history interview in 2013 with NASA, Buzza explained his early duties at SpaceX.
Update (8/20/2018 10:55am ET): The discount looks to have expired for now; we'll update this post if it returns.
Original story: Essential really seems to want to get rid of whatever phones it has left in stock. Last month we highlighted a deal in which the struggling startup’s first and only Android phone was marked down to $250 on Amazon Prime Day. On Monday, the device is going for even less than that, as Amazon is selling the “Halo Gray” edition of the handset for $224.
The Essential Phone first sold for $699 when it launched last summer and has undergone a couple of permanent price drops after sales reportedly fell well short of expectations. To be clear, the device still has its share of issues: there’s no waterproofing, no microSD slot, no headphone jack, and some users have reported issues with reception on T-Mobile. Battery life is just okay, and even after several updates the camera isn’t really competitive with any other flagship phone from last year. Essential’s modular accessory system has been a total bust, too.
It has been two years since Fitbit updated its Charge 2 fitness tracker, the $150 device that represents the most advanced activity band in Fitbit's lineup before you enter smartwatch territory. Today, Fitbit announced the Charge 3, a new tracker that maintains the Charge 2's spot but further bridges the gap between fitness tracker and smartwatch.
Fitbit made subtle changes to the Charge 2's design to come up with the Charge 3. Immediately noticeable in my short demo of the Charge 3 is its lightness—at 20-percent lighter than the Charge 2, you can barely feel it when it's on your wrist as you're wearing it.
Logitech on Monday announced the MX Vertical, the first vertical mouse to come from the popular peripheral maker.
The mouse costs $99.99 and is available to pre-order on Logitech’s website as of Monday. Logitech says it will start shipping the MX Vertical to customers sometime in September.
Monitor-IO is a $100 IoT gadget that tells you whether your Internet is working well, poorly, or not at all. The idea is you put this little black box next to (and plugged directly into) your router, and a quick glance at its color-coded screen will let you know if the Internet's working solidly, if it's having some problems, or if everything is just plain out. Monitor-IO even promises to tell users granular details like how long a connection has been up, or sketchy, or out.
All of this raises the question: do you need a gadget for that?
I've been a musician for the past 20 years, but I've been an electronic musician for a lot less than that. I use Apple's Logic Pro and a variety of software synthesizers to record songs these days, but coming from an electric guitar, I've missed the natural expressiveness that comes from playing a traditional instrument—particularly a stringed one.
I wasn't sure entirely what I expected an electric helicopter to look like, but what I found waiting for me at New York's Flatiron Plaza wasn't it. It's not because it didn't look like a helicopter; to an extent, it did. It just looked more like a grossly oversized drone with seats.
Workhorse, the company that makes the helicopter, wasn't giving anyone rides in the hardware, which is still undergoing FAA testing. But company CEO Steve Burns was there to talk about the 'copter, which is being called the SureFly. And, for good measure, he also showed off an electric pickup truck, which went by the less dramatic monicker W-15.
If pickup trucks and helicopters seem largely unrelated, it's only because they're at opposite extremes of the company's business interests. Workhorse is currently building electric delivery vans and testing one with a drone-based delivery system integrated into the van roof. (During our conversation, Burns mused about the prospect of using a drone to deliver burgers from a nearby Shake Shack to a 25th-floor balcony on one of the buildings that overlooked the plaza.) So both are in keeping with the company's interests.
We need bees to pollinate the plants that feed us. And bees need us to stop inadvertently poisoning them with the insecticides we use to keep those plants healthy. Unfortunately, just as we start to make progress on reducing the worldwide use of neonicotinoids (a class of insecticides that are toxic to bees), it seems like we might be at risk of rolling out an alternative insecticide that causes similar problems.
“Sulfoximine-based insecticides are the most likely successor [to neonicotinoids]” write the University of London’s Harry Siviter and his colleagues in a paper published in Nature this week. And that’s not great, as they found that bumblebee colonies exposed to a sulfoximine-based insecticide called sulfoxaflor suffered severe effects compared to a control colony. The insecticide didn’t kill the bees, but it damaged their ability to run a successful colony—a similar effect to neonicotinoids.Contamination
When insecticides are sprayed on crops, they settle not just on the crops themselves but also nearby wildflowers. Crops grown from insecticide-treated seeds also result in contaminated dust, soil, and pollen. This all exposes foraging bumblebees to the insecticide and also means that contaminated pollen and nectar make their way back to the bee colony, where larvae are exposed.
You can now feast your eyes on a festering chunk of solidified sewage as it ages, not-so-gracefully, inside a specially-designed isolation case that is being livestreamed from a museum in London.
Is there anything more 21st century than that?
The rancid refuse was chipped off an infamous sewer clog discovered in London late last year called the Whitechapel “Fatberg”—the preferred term for such muck monsters. The complete clog clocked in as an epic 250-meter-long, 130-metric ton mass of congealed excrement and waste, thought to be one of the largest—if not the largest—fatbergs ever identified. Authorities found it blocking a Victorian-era sewer line in the eastern Whitechapel area of the city. They spent nine long weeks in a subterranean war, hacking and blasting away the hardened blob of feces, fats, wet wipes, and various other detritus.
Welcome to Ars Cardboard, our weekend look at tabletop games! Check out our complete board gaming coverage at cardboard.arstechnica.com.
Few moments linger in my brain like a particular scene in John Carpenter’s movie The Thing. In the cold of an Antarctic night, the group corners and confronts a mutated imitation of their pal Bennings, its eyes wide and mouth gaping. They give it the torch and burn it down. The moment is as unsettling as the film is iconic.
Carpenter’s work was an imaginative take on the novella Who Goes There? by John Campbell. As good as the transition to film was, we now have another interpretation—one made of cardboard and plastic. The new board game from Certifiable Studios means you too can now snuff out an insidious alien life form.
Greetings, Arsians! The Dealmaster is back this weekend with another round of deals to share. This time, we're putting our focus on back to school sales; yes, the little Arsians are heading back to campus in the coming weeks (if they haven't left already), which means it's time for the annual rush of students and parents looking to find the proper gear.
Ars' Jeff Dunn curated a buying guide of recommended back to school tech earlier this week, but if the goods there don't work for you, it's worth noting many retailers are still running gadget sales that could prove useful to college students. Various laptop makers are running deals on their notebooks, Amazon has kicked off another round of discounts on its Fire TV and Echo devices, and Best Buy is currently holding its annual "anniversary sale."
Because he only wants the best for you and your kids, the Dealmaster has scoured the Web and rounded up a few highlights from these sales below, all of which could be handy to a returning student. We've emphasized good laptop sales, but the deals also cover video games, headphones, media streamers, and storage solutions. Have a look for yourself below.


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Cites responsiveness, speed and commitment as ingredients for success
AKRON, Ohio, September 22, 2009 - In remarks before the 28th Conference on Tire Science and Technology here last week, Robert J. Keegan, chairman and chief executive officer of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, told attendees that a commitment to rapid innovation, aimed at addressing specific consumer needs, provides a significant “competitive advantage.” And, in today’s fast paced and economically challenging environment, it is “critical to a company’s very survival.”
According to Keegan, in most industries, innovation is exclusively associated with products. However, he noted that truly progressive companies innovate across the spectrum of business practices from processes and people, to research and development, to supply chain and business continuity.
“Innovation is most often a response to a need,” explained Keegan. “Once a consumer need is identified, every aspect of a proposed new product, from fundamental technology to product development, from quality and manufacturing through the supply chain should be addressed concurrently. The result is exponential acceleration of time to market, which is a critical factor in driving prosperous innovation,” he said.
In describing the company’s recently introduced Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tire, Keegan noted that while the compound, construction and tread design were being developed, Goodyear’s sales and marketing organizations were meeting with retailers and consumers to determine the most effective way to talk about the product, to determine the value proposition for both the seller and the buyer. According to Keegan, that prepared the company, well in advance of introduction, to begin talking about the product in ways that were both motivating and believable.
“The ingredients of prosperous innovation are basic, but profound,” said Keegan. “You need to respond to a market need where the addressable market is significant. You have to be specific and clear on your purpose. You can’t confuse innovation with novelty. You also need to work with speed and a sense of urgency. This requires genuine cross-functional teamwork. And finally, you need to make the commitment. Those with total commitment have the best chance of winning,” he said.
Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. It employs nearly 70,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 60 facilities in 25 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear, go to http://corporate.goodyear.com.


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As if the prospect of a seven-day Savage Worlds sea cruise in January wasn’t enticing enough, we’re thrilled to announce that Pinnacle Entertainment Group President, Shane Hensley, will be joining everyone on board the Carnival Glory in 2020!
Shane, along with Karl Keesler (who will be running official Savage Worlds demos) will be joined by Savage Worlds fans from around the country including Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado (home of cruise organizers, the Rocky Mountain Savages), Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Oregon, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and many more!
Interior berths start at $565 and include accommodations, shipboard meals and entertainment, a private game room, hosted cocktail party, a $50 shipboard credit, prizes, and a few surprises! For a limited time, just $25 reserves your space, and all deposits (payment plans available) are fully refundable until October.
For more info and to make your reservation, visit the Savage Cruise 2020 website. And be sure to follow the Savage Cruise Facebook page, as well!


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Instagram has informed account holders of a security flaw that could have exposed their passwords.
Following the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) earlier this year, Instagram rolled out a feature for users that allowed them to download all their account data – to see the information that the Facebook-owned company held on them. However, in doing so, users could have involuntarily revealed their passwords, as they were included within the URL generated from this feature and stored on Facebook’s servers.
In a statement, the company admitted: “If someone submitted their login information to use the Instagram ‘Download Your Data’ tool, they were able to see their password information in the URL of the page. This information was not exposed to anyone else, and we have made changes so this no longer happens.”
Reassuringly for Instagram users, the company identified and rectified the issue in house, before anyone else reported it. What’s more, it claimed that the flaw only affected “a very small number of people.”
Not so reassuring, however, was the claim from security researchers that could point to a much wider and more worrying issue. One such expert told The Verge that Instagram could only store passwords within a URL if they’re stored as plain text – which would make them much easier for hackers to access if they breached the Instagram servers. The company has refuted this claim, however, saying that it hashes and salts all stored passwords.
Though the issue has already been solved, Instagram has still asked some account holders to change their passwords as a precautionary measure, even though it doesn’t expect anyone to have accessed the data.
Any users concerned about their password security are advised to change it to something difficult for hackers to guess, and which hasn’t been used elsewhere – as repeated passwords would allow hackers to effectively get a ‘master key’ to every account a user has simply by repeating the credentials.


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One of the best-known booksellers in the nation recently revealed that a complex and widespread attack on its systems could have compromised the financial data for many of its customers.
A total of 63 Barnes and Noble stores across the country were recently hit with an effort to hack their card-reading PIN pads, the company announced
. This was likely done largely in an effort to gain access to consumers’ debit and credit card numbers, as well as debit PIN codes.
"Barnes and Noble disconnected all PIN pads from its stores nationwide by close of business September 14, and customers can securely shop with credit cards through the company's cash registers," the company said. "Barnes and Noble said it is committed to providing customers with a safe shopping environment."
It also noted that despite the in-store breaches, its online and Nook customers remained unaffected, the report said. This is also true of general customer databases.Ondrej Krehel
, the chief information security officer for IDentity Theft
911, has a blog about the ways in which attacks of this kind can affect consumers.
© 2003-2012 IDentity Theft 911, LLC. All Rights Reserved


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With Australian brands and services held in high regard in Vietnam and the population set to hit 100 million in the next few years, opportunities abound for stronger bilateral ties between WA and the South East Asian nation.
CCIWA’s International Trade and Investment Centre (ITIC) has already helped facilitate more than 260 shipments of goods to Vietnam this year for more than 50 companies.
But SMEs must be prepared to do their research says, says Consul General of Vietnam in Perth Phung The Long, who has been promoting economic ties between WA and his home country since taking up the post in 2016.
To be successful, The Long says businesses should consider the following:
- researching their market and the county’s legal framework
- organising a business trip to Vietnam and seeking advice from organisations such as CCIWA
- seeking a Vietnamese business partner.
“Last but not least, as the proverb goes “when in Rome, do as Romans do” – WA businesses should study and get familiar with business culture of the Vietnamese,” The Long says.
The Long will be joined by Asian Engagement Minister Peter Tinley, Vietnam Business Council President David Morgan and other key people at the event which is part of the JTSI’s Asia business series.
WA Vietnam business Council President David Morgan says Vietnam is an open economy looking to become a service manufacturing centre.
“It’s no secret that they manufacture a lot for China now and having the ability to do that has opened up a lot of other trade routes for them,” he says.
He says Vietnam wants to be less reliant on China by attracting more investment from countries such as Australia.
“Being Australian in Vietnam is good and there is a lot of respect.”
ITIC manager Michael Carter says with a middle class population growing exponentially – rising from 12 million in 2012 to more than 30 million next year – the market is showing an appetite for premium products, is tax savvy and well-educated.
“All of this is contributing to a country that is clocking up 6.5 per cent to 6.8 per cent in GDP growth and likely to go further in that direction,” he says.
“We already have a relationship that is worth $11 billion in terms of two-way trade of goods and services between Australia and Vietnam,” he says.
He says opportunities for WA businesses lie in delivery of health, education, infrastructure and construction services; premium foods and beverages; agribusiness and delivery of mining, engineering and technology services.
“This all comes at a time when Vietnam has become attractive for WA through the framework of the recently concluded Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP),” he says.
“For example, when we think of wine exports to Vietnam, previously under the ASEAN Australia New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) arrangement the import tariff was 80 per cent but is likely to go down in 2028 to 20 per cent.
“In the case of TPP, we will see that import tariff drop to 41 per cent, and next year to 36 per cent, then appreciatively drop away to 0 per cent by 2028.”
A Free Trade Agreement information seminar featuring Assistant Trade, Tourism and Investment Minister Mark Coulton and ITIC’s Tradestart advisor Darren Levy as keynotes will be held on March 5. Find out more about the free event here.
► CCIWA’s International Trade and Investment Centre has a team of advisors ready to help with all your trade and investment needs. Discounted services for CCI Members but available for everyone. Call (08) 9365 7620 or Email [email protected].


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Skullgirls Reaches Enough Funding for Second DLC Character!
Published on Thursday, 14 March 2013 18:28
Lab Zero Games has been receiving funding on Indiegogo for their beloved fighter game, Skullgirls. They initially asked for $150,000 to fund DLC character Squigly, but that goal was quickly surpassed and now rests at over $383,000. What this means is that the team now has enough money to secure a position for their second DLC character, Big Band! As the funding continues to go up, they will continue adding even more.... and with 13 days left to go, I don’t think this will be incredibly difficult.
Here we are. The next generation of consoles is among us and it is finally time to start thinking about finally unplugging our beloved current-gen systems. Could there be a better swan song for one of these systems than taking a trip back to Rapture?
In some sort of cosmic twist, I have seen the future. No, I didn’t find out where/when/why I’ll die, nor did I even find out what I’ll have for breakfast tomorrow (I hope it’s pancakes). But I assure you, I have seen the future.
The future of video games that is. I recently got to test out Morpheus - uh, I mean PlayStation VR - Sony’s answer to the ever-growing interest in virtual reality. Although the headset is currently far from completion, it’s also far from shotty.
Whether it’s a rainy day, a sickness, or some other reason not to go outside and enjoy the beautiful summer air, video games are the perfect way to spend your time - that is, if you can find a game to play. In terms of releases, summer generally isn’t the most fruitful of seasons, and this year is no different. So what games could/should you be sinking your teeth into during the dog days?
Since its reveal at E3 2009, The Last Guardian has not resurfaced other than in rumours and in statements regarding said rumours. Sony admits to major studio problems during the game’s development, but constantly reassures those anticipating the game that it is still not, and will not, be canceled. So is this the year that we finally see the resurrection of The Last Guardian? In my opinion, the answer is a big fat NO.


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Ring in 2021 with the Hard To Kill CELL-ebration!
IMPACT Wrestling presents its second virtual fanfest, The Hard To Kill CELL-ebration, on Saturday, January 16, 2021. The 2-hour event will start at 11 a.m. Eastern Time and, similar to the Slammiversary CELL-ebration this past July, the event will be an interactive, perk-filled, virtual private party, held hours before the highly-anticipated HARD TO KILL pay-per-view event kicks off at 8 p.m. ET.
The Hard To Kill CELL-ebration will be held on Zoom and give fans the opportunity to ask questions directly of some of their favorite IMPACT stars. Fans around the world can interact from the comfort of their mobile device or computer – and you can personally ask questions of the participating IMPACT stars.
Fans around the world can participate in the Hard To Kill CELL-ebration, though registration is very limited. Registration is now open!
When & where:
- Saturday, January 16 at 11am ET
- The event will be held on Zoom. A link to join will be emailed to you upon completed registration
Talent scheduled to appear:
- Rich Swann
- Deonna Purrazzo
- The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows)
- Don Callis
- Eric Young
- Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley)
- Tasha Steelz & Kiera Hogan
Participating fans will receive numerous perks, such as:
- The official Hard To Kill t-shirt
- A $25 gift certificate to ShopIMPACT.com
- Randomly autographed swatches of the match-used ring canvas from BOUND FOR GLORY, held Oct. 24 in Nashville
- Exclusive IMPACT Wrestling social media profile picture frames
** All perks will be shipped starting Monday, Jan. 18, 2021.


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Retailers Caution Over Tax Powers
20 May 2015, 10:07 | Updated: 20 May 2015, 10:15
Retailers have said there needs to be greater certainty about the impact Holyrood's new income tax powers will have on consumers north of the border.
David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said that despite improvements in the economy shoppers are still being "cautious'' with their cash and "retail sales remain lacklustre''.
He was speaking after new figures showed total sales in Scotland last month fell by 2.9% from April last year, with food sales down by 4.6%.
Like-for-like sales - which strip out factors such as new store openings - were also down over the year, with a 5.1% drop in food sales contributing to a 3.4% decrease overall, according to the latest BRS-KPMG Retail sales Monitor.
But the timing of Easter, which was celebrated in April last year and March this year, was said to have distorted the figures.
Quarterly average figures, adjusted for the effect of online shopping, showed a 0.7% increase in non-food sales, with this being led by sales of fashion and footwear as sunny weather in April was reported to have boosted sales of spring and summer clothing.
David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: "Over a three-month period, which irons out both positive and negative Easter distortions, we find that real term food sales actually recorded their best performance since the start of 2014.
"Over the same period non-food retail sales, once adjusted for the effect of online, mustered growth of 0.7%. Clothing, fashion and footwear was the stand-out category once again, with health and beauty products such as sun cream and skincare also doing well.''
But he added: "Whilst pay rises across the economy are forecast to continue to outstrip inflation, the fact is that shoppers remain cautious and retail sales remain lacklustre.
"This brings into sharp focus big upcoming decisions which will affect disposable incomes and take home pay, notably the setting of the new Scottish rate of income tax and the proposed replacement of council tax.
"Greater certainty is needed over how the amount of money in people's pockets and indeed consumer spending more widely will be affected by these changes.''
From April next year there will be a Scottish Rate of Income Tax, which will see the UK Treasury deduct 10p from standard and upper rates of income tax in Scotland and give MSPs the power to decide how to raise cash.
Holyrood is also due to get more powers over income tax as a result of the changes proposed by the Smith Commission on devolution, which the new Conservative Government has pledged to implement.
David McCorquodale, head of retail at KPMG, commented on last month's sales figures: "Spring fashions and April sunshine have helped boost Scottish sales.
"Although the figures are negatively distorted by the timing of Easter, an assessment of the quarterly figures to April, adjusted for the effect of online, show that the 0.7% growth in Scottish non-food sales has been driven by the fashion and footwear categories. Despite plenty of April showers, some with snow, the sunniest April for 70 years helped get spring/summer fashions off to a good start which helped build momentum and, hopefully, margins.''
While he said sales in Scotland would not benefit from major events this year such as the Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup, he added: "This quarter's figures give some encouragement for a sustained recovery in the fortunes of retailers north of the border.''
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: "I welcome the Scottish Retail Consortium's view that real term food sales recorded their best performance since the start of 2014. The latest official Retail Sales Index for Scotland figures for the first quarter of 2015, published a fortnight ago, showed that sales volumes increased by 2.2% annually.''


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Tax-paid prices to start at €55,000 in France
A day after we’ve seen it in a teaser video, Alpine’s first sports car is now available for ordering. As a matter of fact, we’re talking about an exclusive limited-edition of the upcoming production car, suggestively named Première Édition.
The run is restricted to 1,955 units – which is the year the French sports car manufacturer was established. The reservation process is conducted via “Alpine’s bespoke app” which you can download from the carmaker’s official website. The down-payment for a Premiere Edition is €2,000.
The Alpine Première Édition will be offered in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Customers will be able to choose the number (between 1 and 1,955) they want to be featured “on a plaque fixed to the center console,” along with the color of their car — Bleu Alpine, Noir Profond or Blanc Solaire.
There are no words on the internal combustion aggregate you’ll find in the first modern Alpine, but we know the Première Édition can reach 62 mph (100 km/h) from a standstill in just 4.5 seconds. The rest of the data sheet will be made public in the first quarter of 2017.
The tax-paid price for the Alpine limited-edition version in France varies between €55,000 and €60,000. That means the before-VAT price is 20 percent smaller. We’d like to think the Première Édition is more expensive than the upcoming production car; that way, the first modern Alpine would be the French mid-engined sports car one can buy for a mere €40,000. The Alfa Romeo 4C, Porsche 718 or Lotus Elise wouldn't be too pleased if that happened, but we would — a lot.


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KTAR’s Main Street Minute focuses on local businesses that are hiring, businesses that are opening and events across the community. Each weekday these stories air on KTAR at 7:27 a.m. More information on those stories can be found below.
• The Tempe Community Action Agency has opened a community farmers market. The Tempe Community Market accepts vouchers and checks distributed by the Arizona Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program to low-income families. The market is on Mill Avenue just north of the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway.
• Spencer’s TV and Appliance will announce the winner of a $10,000 shopping spree Friday as part of the grand-opening celebration of its 10th store. Spencer’s has also given away a free flat-screen TV each week for the last 10 weeks as part of the celebration. The new store is near Tatum Boulevard and Thunderbird Road.
• The City of Phoenix and Grand Canyon University have announced an expansion of their partnership to improve public safety, prevent drownings and curb graffiti. The funding brings GCU’s two-year community investment to about $1.4 million.


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Cannabis sales in Nevada hit $639 million in its latest fiscal year, a 20% jump over sales of $530 million for the same period a year ago, providing the latest sign of the strength of the state’s MJ market.
About 80% of the sales in the fiscal year ended June 30 are in Clark County, home to Las Vegas, according to Nevada Department of Taxation figures.
Tax revenues neared the $100 million mark.
Riana Durrett, executive director of the Nevada Dispensary Association, said in a news release the figures show that residents and tourists are “becoming more comfortable purchasing cannabis.”
The release by the Nevada Dispensary Association doesn’t mention the legal mess over the state’s licensing round last December and what kind of impact that might have on market activity.
Nevada approved 61 additional provisional retail MJ licenses last December, including some in counties that didn’t yet have stores.
But the state faces lawsuits over the licensing round, and after 18 days of hearings on the issue, a judge agreed the process was flawed and issued a temporary injunction.
Last week, Clark County District Court Judge Elizabeth Gonzalez softened the injunction, saying that companies that underwent background checks could proceed.
About 10 lawsuits filed by unsuccessful applicants remain pending.
Jeff Smith can be reached at email@example.com


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Duets by Gemini, a line of engraving, ADA and architectural sign substrates made by Cannon Falls, Minnesota-based Gemini, is now available in stock at The JRS Company’s new warehouse in Austin, Texas. The new facility opened in February and serves to reduce shipping times and lower expenses for JRS customers.
Covina, California-based JRS is a manufacturer of sign frames and holders that was founded in 1962.
“Gemini continues to strategically expand our Duets distribution though reputable and respected partners,” says Gary Harder, Gemini’s director of sign distribution products. “JRS and Gemini believe in taking care of the customers first, as a core value.”
Adds Brad Jaques, president of The JRS Company: “Our distributors and customers have been asking us for a secondary shipping point, and in order to meet their needs, we decided that the time was right. Additionally, the new warehouse will allow us to cut shipping time and cost for our customers.”


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The new footage of the Trump’s Border Wall has been released by the US Customs and Border Protection. Video shows the construction of the wall on the United States-Mexican border in San Diego. Showing off the wall that ”should stop the drugs from pouring into this country” video also points out how easy it would be for the dealers to transport drugs with the drones, right over the wall.
Yes, the wall like this will definitely make it more difficult for people to sneak through the border, but smuggling drugs with drones is still possible. Even DJI Geofencing will place a no fly zone in that area, some other drone models or even DIY custom build drones will be able to cross the border easily.


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With non-medical cannabis going legal Oct. 17, Justice and Public Safety Minister Andrew Parsons says Newfoundlanders and Labradorians should visit gov.nl.ca/cannabis to learn more about what the policy shift means and to find answers to their cannabis questions.
Parsons said the aim of passing provincial legislation was to provide access to a safe supply of legal cannabis and encouraging low-risk use by adults who choose to use it, while keeping it out of the hands of children; promote safety on the roads, in public places and workplaces; reduce the burden on the criminal justice system; keep profits from the sale of cannabis out of the hands of criminals and support new business opportunities.
Once legalization takes place, residents will be required to be at least 19 years old to purchase, consume or possess cannabis, will not be able to use cannabis in a public place and will be able to purchase it at licensed private retailers or through the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corp.’s online store.
To align with federal laws, residents will be able to grow up to four plants per private residence and will be able to possess up to 30 grams of cannabis in a public place. But driving while impaired will remain a criminal offence with zero tolerance under provincial law for anyone under 22 – just as with alcohol. There will also be zero tolerance for novice drivers and drivers of commercial motor vehicles, Parsons noted.


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Frits van Paasschen, president and chief executive of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., wants New Yorkers to go to work in Central Park on Monday.
Over 34,000 square feet of the park, Starwood plans to recreate the high-tech lounges it's introducing in the lobbies of Sheraton hotels and resorts. The company also is offering free Wi-Fi to the public through the rest of September in the park's famous Sheep Meadow.
The new lounges with free Internet access, Webcams, televisions, daily newspapers and snacks are designed to lure both business travelers and vacationers to Sheraton properties.
"This is all about the blurring of our work and personal lives,"Mr. van Paasschen said.
Roughly three-quarters of Sheraton's guests are business travelers, he said, and Monday's event will dramatize how technology enables people to stay connected to their business and personal lives while they are on the road.
The loungeswhose sleek design contrasts with their name, "The Link (at) Sheraton experienced with Microsoft"are part of a $4 billion effort to revitalize the Sheraton brand that includes $1.3 billion in renovations to its guest rooms, bathrooms and lobbies. By the end of 2008, the company expects to have "Links" in 300 lobbies, or about three-quarters of Sheraton brand hotels.
Keefe, Bruyette & Woods analyst Smedes Rose said the redesign and new lounges will help Sheraton draw more of its target business travelers because the brand has been inconsistent in recent years.
"I think they're trying to make the Sheraton brand more relevant to today's consumers," he said.
Starwood will station about 600 employees in Central Park for the day, including Mr. van Paasschen, who will ring the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchangefrom the park.
"I'll be busy working," he said.


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The Supreme Court did not ban firecrackers but restricted its use to tackle concerns about deadly pollution in Delhi and other cities. The top court allowed “safe and green” crackers from 8 pm to 10 pm on Diwali,when fireworks add to toxic smog in Delhi, the world’s most polluted city according to a WHO report. No “low-emission” firecrackers exist yet, so today’s order may well be a ban. “We tried to strike a balance,” said the court, announcing a two-hour limit for bursting crackers at festivals and weddings. A petition on behalf of three infants in 2015 had called for a complete ban.
Here is your 10-point cheatsheet on the Supreme Court verdict on firecrackers:
- Firecrackers will be allowed between 11:55 pm and 12:30 am on Christmas and New Year, said Judges AK Sikri and Ashok Bhushan.
- In Delhi, crackers will be allowed only in designated spots, which need to be identified within a week.
- Only crackers that are within noise pollution limits set in an earlier verdict will be allowed. The “ladi” or chain firecrackers – a Diwali favourite – are banned.
- Only licensed traders can sell firecrackers, which are to have less lithium, barium and arsenic – chemicals that cause breathing difficulties and cancer.
- Crackers cannot be sold online and if they are, such e-commerce sites will be hauled up for contempt. The court referred to Flipkart and Amazon.
- The police officer in charge of an area will be responsible for any violation of the new rules. For now, no cracker complies with the court’s description.
- On October 9 last year, the court had temporarily banned the sale of firecrackers before Diwali. The ban was an experiment to see the impact on pollution, the judges had said.
- In hearings, the court had noted that Article 21 of the constitution on the Right to Life – a plea used by the petitioners – applied to all, including cracker-makers.
- Each year, smoke from firecrackers covers Delhi and its neighbourhood in a haze that can linger for days as wind speeds drop in the cooler weather, adding to pollution caused by the burning of crop residue, vehicle exhausts and industrial gases. Last year, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal called the city a “gas chamber.”
The air quality index, which measures the concentration of poisonous particulate matter, has crossed 300 in parts of Delhi in recent days. Anything above 100 is considered unhealthy by the Central Pollution Control Board.


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Coles has revealed its liquor sales increased by 2.6% in the first quarter of 2022, as growth slows following initial changes in consumer behaviour due to COVID-19. However, the retailer said it had seen strong online sales growth of 72%, supported by recent capacity investments and customer experience enhancements.
CEO Steve Cain (above) is also expecting “the best Christmas ever” due to pent up consumer demand, as lockdowns ease and borders open. He believes customers are preparing to spend up big for the holiday season.
Liquor sales revenue was $874 million for the first quarter, with comparable sales growing by 1.4% despite cycling elevated COVID-19 driven liquor sales in the prior corresponding period when comparable sales were 17.8%. On a two-year basis, Liquor headline sales growth increased to 20.4% in the first quarter compared to 12.5% achieved in the fourth quarter of FY21, while two-year comparable sales growth in the first quarter increased to 19.2% compared to 13.1% achieved in the fourth quarter of FY21.
Coles said sales growth was driven by a strong performance in Liquorland, particularly in NSW and Victoria as a result of the closure of on-premise venues in both states, while online sales penetration increased to 4.5% in the first quarter compared to 3.6% in the fourth quarter of FY21.
Spirits and RTDs continued to be key drivers of growth at the category level. A targeted range activity in lighter red varietals, rose and sparkling wine, craft beers, gin and RTD seltzers translated into strengthening customer metrics. Coles said Exclusive Liquor Brand (ELB) and local product contribution also continued to grow.
Renewal activity continued across all three Liquor banners with 35 renewals completed with the new Black & White Liquorland trial format performing well. During the quarter, two new Liquor stores were opened, taking the
total network to 931 Liquor sites.
With the end of significant COVID-19 restrictions in sight, consumer savings at an all time high, and the recent launch of a new large range of great value easy entertaining, Coles said it was optimistic for the Christmas and holiday period as families and friends get together again.
Coles Group CEO Steven Cain (pictured main) said: “We expect to have the best Christmas ever as we mentioned a few weeks ago and obviously we are seeing a lot of premiumisation in both food and liquor so we expect people to spend more in Coles, more on food and also more on non-food as well.
“As we embarked on our third year of strategy execution, the COVID-19 Delta strain presented significant challenges in the quarter, which are now beginning to ease as vaccination rates increase. I would like to thank the Coles team, our suppliers and community partners who have done an extraordinary job in this 18-month battle with COVID-19 to ensure continuity of supply as an essential service.
“We are now looking forward to providing a safe and happy Christmas and summer season, serving Australians with more sustainable, great value and easy entertaining inspiration – for what we expect will be a record number of smaller gatherings for families and friends.”
Coles reveals its top Christmas drinks trends


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BETTER QUALITY GETS BETTER PRICES.
Customers are now willing to pay for premium, better quality and products with superior features. For them price is not the criteria. We are giving below the growth in the sales of a few white goods which reveal the consumer trends.
The premium product categories like flat TVs, LCD TVs, frost-free refrigerators and spilt ACs continue to outperform conventional product categories like CRT televisions and direct cool refrigerators largely due to product range availability attractive pricing and the technology up-gradation that is happening in the market place.
The fact that sales of premium consumer products have been growing over the last few months is known. But the first quarter this year; premium products, including flat and LCD TVs, spilt air-conditioners and frost-free refrigerators have outperformed the conventional categories.
During Q1(Jan-Marchâ€™06) the growth in flat TVs was 52.7% and frost-free refrigerators 19% according to ORG. As against this, conventional TVs reported a huge drop of 21% and direct cool refrigerators grew by a mere 8.8%.
Also top loading washing machines (fully automatic) have grown by 9.3%, while the front loading category has had a growth of nearly 15%. In the case of Air conditioners, split ACs have grown by nearly 150% during the first quarter.
The growth in the premium products has a lot to do with the price rationalization that has been happening over the last couple of years.
There has been a major price alignment which has taken place, especially in the case of plasma and LCD TVs. With the global consumption of these products going up, millions of units are churned out, and prices have been coming down. There will be a drop in prices by 15-20% per annum which further can add to the buying spree of consumers.
During Q1, the CTV market grew 5.2% with 1.8 million units sold. Of this, 9.3 lakh units (51%) were flat TVs, while 8.9 lakh units were conventional TV (48.7%).
Affordability, retail exposure of the products, and easy and attractive consumer finance has also affected the purchase decision of consumers. Most companies have set up exclusive outlets to sell the high-end products. Samsung has set up â€˜Digital Plazasâ€™ and Sony India has â€˜Sony Worldâ€™ in the metros.
Marketing director of Samsung has said that they are increasing the growth of their premium categories based on strong, differentiated product lineup and innovative marketing activities like the ongoing Samsung Dream Home Road Shows that show case complete range of premium products at one location.
It is not that the consumer likes have suddenly changed. Increase in their disposable income and knowing the benefits of superior quality products the customer is willing tp pay the price for a better product. That is why white goods with more and more new features and one superior to another appear in the retail outlets almost every 3 to 6 months.


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Bethesda has finally revealed just how much The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition will definitely cost, alongside just how much it will likely be to upgrade from Skyrim Exclusive Edition on Ps, Xbox, and PC. On digital storefronts, Skyrim Anniversary Edition will definitely cost $49.99 / £47.99 on November 11, 2021. But, should you already own Skyrim Exclusive Edition, the Anniversary Upgrade will rather cost $19.99 / £15.99.
Nintendo will apparently be staying with the Switch for quite some time yet, with internal discussions for any next-generation console still happening around a release window, as well as what its concept is going to be. Nintendo has stated that it’ll still improve and expand on its Switch Online service along with its lately released premium Expansion Pack – possibly as a result of poor people reception to the prices and up to date additions. Nintendo has stated it will not eliminate obtaining new companies later on, but has mentioned that it’s presently prioritizing purchase of its existing studios.
And it is all presented by Pluto TV!


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THE owner of the largest trove of artefacts salvaged from the Titanic is putting the vast collection up for auction in April, the 100th anniversary of the world's most famous shipwreck.
In a filing with the Security and Exchange Commission, Premier Exhibitions, which owns sole salvage rights to the Titanic through its RMS Titanic unit, said it has engaged New York auctioneers Guernsey's to handle the sale.
It will take place April 15, the 100th anniversary of the day the White Star liner - on its maiden voyage to New York from Southampton, England - slipped under the icy North Atlantic Ocean after hitting an iceberg off Newfoundland.
No reserve price has been set, but publicly-listed Premier Exhibitions said the artifacts - some of which are now on show in Singapore and Curitiba, Brazil - were appraised at $US189 million ($187.77 million) in 2007.
"We expect to identify a buyer capable of serving as a proper steward of the collection and the wreck site," said RMS Titanic's president Christopher Davino in the filing.
No reason was given for the sale, but last month Premier Exhibitions reshuffled its top management team after reporting a second-quarter loss of nearly $2 million due in part to fewer people going to its shows.
A new 3D version of director James Cameron's 1997 blockbuster Titanic is to open in Canadian and US theatres on April 6, four days before the centenary of the day the doomed ship began its ill-fated voyage..
Originally published asMore than 500 Titanic artefacts for sale


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LONDON— It was supposed to be a David-and-Goliath battle, but Goliath won the first round. Manx Telecom, a tiny subsidiary of British Telecommunications PLC that operates on the Isle of Man, wanted to become the first company to introduce third-generation mobile phone services, on which its parent has staked billions of dollars in investment.
But the story line was spoiled — at least for those who love underdogs — when NTT DoCoMo Inc. of Japan started a limited 3G service Oct. 1. Both companies had planned to start the new services last spring but were held back by technical glitches during testing.
Manx still aims to start its service by the end of the year. "We're in the final throes of testing the network," said Simon Gordon, a spokesman for British Telecom.
It intends to use the Isle of Man, home to about 75,000 people in the middle of the Irish Sea, as a testing ground for the introduction of high-speed wireless Internet across Britain — population 60 million — by early 2003.
The territory is small, but the stakes are large for this first-in-Europe test. Amid the euphoria over everything wireless that preceded the technology-sector bust, European telecommunications companies invested more than $100 billion in licenses to provide 3G services, then faced billions in additional costs to build out those networks. (Manx Telecom was awarded its license for free.)Continue reading the main story
But in a worrying sign, Europeans have been slow to adopt earlier versions of the wireless Internet. Fewer than 10 percent of European mobile subscribers use WAP, or wireless application protocol, a predecessor to 3G.
In Japan, by contrast, two-thirds of DoCoMo's mobile subscribers use that company's i-mode wireless Internet service.
For shareholders in British Telecom, the test is doubly important. The company's mobile unit, BT Cellnet — being rebranded as mmO2 PLC — is to be spun off Nov. 19. The company's wireless operations in Britain showed sluggish growth in mobile subscribers during the most recent quarter, and British Telecom's shares have lost about half their value in the past year.
Around the time of the spin-off, Manx Telecom will be doing live tests of the 3G network using about 250 islanders. They will be given new mobile phones made by NEC Corp. of Japan and will be allowed to use some of the new services free of charge. British Telecom and NEC set up a partnership with Siemens AG of Germany to build the 3G network, which covers about 70 percent of the island.
By the end of the year, officials said, Manx Telecom plans the official introduction. The 250-user test will help determine the best services to offer and the prices to charge.
Mr. Gordon said the start of 3G services had been delayed over the summer by a glitch that prevented a user from moving seamlessly from one "cell" to another. That problem has been fixed, he said, and tests of video and data calls have gone smoothly.
Initially, he said, the most popular services are expected to include wireless access to corporate data networks, e-mail and online gambling.
The companies also have high hopes for location-based services, which are customized to where users are, providing details on local businesses, weather forecasts, entertainment options and the like.
"Imagine 'Lonely Planet' on the move," a spokesman for Manx Telecom said, referring to the travel-guide series.Continue reading the main story


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As the mercury rises, Rockford’s downtown walking mall springs to life, with musicians, vendors and outdoor cafes. But an effort is underway to reopen this stretch of Main Street to cars, which isn't popular some residents.
"I think it's just a great place to hang out. If you look at small and average size towns across the country, everyone has a common square," says Ryan, a musician.
But many business owners say opening the walking mall to cars could give them more exposure and bring more customers through their doors.
"People drive everywhere. If you can go downtown and drive through the center of town, it's good street exposure for the businesses," said Jerry Kortman, the owner of the J.R. Kortman center for design.
Kortman believes it could also improve traffic flow and send a message of downtown revival. "So they can actually see what we have in this two block area," said Kortman.
The river district group has held hearings on the proposal but hasn't taken a stance on the issue.
Wheeler says one roadblock could be the high cost of making the change. And says more research is needed to assess the benefits.
But Jerry Kortman is ready for change now, change he says that could mean big dollars for downtown Rockford.
Rockford city leaders say the plan is on the back burner for now. It would be very costly and would affect traffic flow throughout downtown.


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Designed exclusively for independent retail agents & supported by multiple best-in-class carriers, platform features single online Cyber application with just 9 underwriting questions
Based on feedback from key agency partners, Pathpoint, the insurance industry’s first digital E&S distributor, announced the launch of a new capability previously not available to independent retail agents: access to multiple Cyber quotes from multiple leading carriers through a single online application containing only 9 underwriting questions.
The new product removes significant friction from the process of buying Cyber coverage by providing three innovative features, all made possible with Pathpoint’s technology. First, it allows agents to generate multiple Cyber quotes with just 9 underwriting questions. Second, it enables agents to access best-in-class international carriers, including surplus lines markets that aren’t traditionally accessible to retailers. And third, it uses a single standardized online application and question set that all underwriters accept, developed in collaboration with the world’s leading Cyber carriers.
“Agents were telling us that quoting Cyber is a top priority for them in 2021, especially with the increased risks their clients face from remote working,” said Bobby Touran, Co-Founder and CEO of Pathpoint. “Since it’s important, we made it a priority to be the best at it.”
“Traditionally, agents have spent all day going into quoting portals one-by-one, and we don’t think that’s the way it should be – why make the agent repeat the same information over and over?” Touran continued. “Pathpoint’s technology streamlines the process, making it possible for agents to grow their business by generating a competitive selection of Cyber quotes for every commercial account with ease.”
Keeping with its strategy to maximize efficiencies gained from technology, the new Cyber quoting product is delivered through Pathpoint’s market-leading online platform with Pathpoint serving as the surplus lines agent and handling all servicing and compliance on the back-end.
Pathpoint’s newly updated Cyber capabilities, which are available to all its retail agent users effective immediately, represent the first in a series of business lines to be optimized and released throughout 2021 on the Pathpoint platform.
“We have been placing more and more Commercial General Liability insurance with Pathpoint since they launched in late 2020, and we can’t imagine going back to how we used to access E&S quotes. Their new platform update addresses a big need for us – selling Cyber, which is a benefit to our clients and helps deepen our relationships with them. Pathpoint’s update will allow us to do just that, and in a way that isn’t cumbersome for an already complex and hard to understand product,” said Justin Eggar, CEO of Quantum Assurance, an agency that has been working with Pathpoint.


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In videos posted to YouTube, SRLabs showed how an app that works with Alexa or Google’s voice assistant could be programmed by a hacker. In one demo, a user opened an app via a voice command and was told it does not run in their country. The voice assistant was then silent. However, unbeknownst to the user, it continues to run in the background, listening for prompts. After a few minutes, the voice assistant said there was a company update and asked the user to say their password.
Amazon and Google assistants do not ask users to reveal passwords when working correctly.
There doesn’t appear to be evidence that any hackers actually carried out the manipulation to the voice assistants.


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Aguilar Hosts Microloan Panel for Inland Empire Businesses
This week, the office of Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-San Bernardino) hosted a panel discussion for Inland Empire small businesses to learn more about microloans available through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The panel featured representatives from AmPac Tri-state CDC, Accion, the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center, the Inland Empire Women’s Business Center and the U.S. Small Business Administration, and provided insights into how local business owners can obtain and utilize microloans to help grow their businesses.
“Small businesses are the foundation of our region’s economy, and we need to make sure they have every resource they need to grow and succeed,” said Rep. Aguilar. He continued, “Tools like microloans are often under-utilized, but can make the difference in helping get a business off the ground. I’m happy that my office was able to connect members of our community with the information they need to navigate the microloan process and grow their businesses right here in the Inland Empire.”
“Micro-loans, no matter the size of the business recipient, often represent getting the right amount of money at the right time to help a business meet the challenges of growing. This type of capital also helps them find the path forward to being bankable,” noted Vincent McCoy, who represented the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center on the panel.
“I’ve been to many of these seminars over the years, but over the past 20 years they’ve really tapered down. I’m glad that Congressman Aguilar is promoting small businesses in the local community, because a lot of people need these microloans,” said Richard Hernandez, a business owner in San Bernardino.
“There is so much opportunity for small business growth in the Inland Empire and Congressman Aguilar’s belief in and support of the small business community is greatly appreciated. So many small business owners do not know about resources available to help them, and continued sharing of information is how we will better spread the word about these programs,” said Michelle Skiljan, Executive Director of the Inland Empire Women’s Business Center.
Microloans are provided by certain intermediary lenders with funding from the SBA. Smaller than standard business loans, microloans provide business owners with capital to help grow their businesses without incurring a high rate of debt.


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Click For Photo: http://www.3ders.org/images2017/disney-develops-method-designing-3d-printing-flexible-compliant-mechanisms-150.jpg
Entertainment giant Disney has been at the forefront of research for 3D printing and soft robotics, which is hardly surprising when you consider that it is one of the largest and most powerful media companies in the world. Through its Disney Research network, the company has driven forward 3D printing-related research significantly, filing patents for a support-free resin 3D printing method, an anti-scanning material to protect its toys, and working towards creating 3D printed soft robots for its theme parks.
At the upcoming SIGGRAPH 2017 computer graphics and interactive techniques conference in Los Angeles, Disney researchers will presents their latest achievement: a computational design tool that enables the 3D printing of compliant mechanisms—or flexible, bendable mechanisms.
Method - Bernhard - Thomaszewski - Disney - Research
The method, developed by Bernhard Thomaszewski, a former Disney Research scientist and a professor at the University of Montreal, and Disney scientist Moritz Bacher, is capable of automatically transforming a design for a “conventional, rigidly articulated device” into a flexible mechanism which fulfills the same function.
"Compliant mechanisms enjoy widespread use in industry - ranging from miniature actuators in microelectromechanical systems to the binder clips, backpack latches and shampoo lids common in everyday life," Thomaszewski explained. ”Even broader use in machines is attractive because of their precision and because they can be readily manufactured.”
Flexibility - Rigidity - Understanding - Materials - Shape
"Unfortunately, designing for flexibility is more difficult than for rigidity because it demands a deeper understanding of how materials behave as their shape changes," added Bacher. The research team has reportedly demonstrated its computational design tool by 3D printing...
Wake Up To Breaking News!


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Government's Digital TV Order Threatens to Put Small Stations Out of Business
July 17, 2002
Even though consumers have shown little interest in high-definition television, the federal government has ordered all stations to switch from analog to digital broadcasting so as to enable viewers to receive high definition.
The order is generating financial havoc for the owners of small stations in small markets -- who are already reeling from low advertising revenues. Those who do not convert face the loss of their licenses. Stations in large cities can afford the million of dollars needed for conversion. But since the costs for the process are about the same for stations large and small, many of the smaller outfits are questioning their own survival.
- When Congress and the Federal Communications Commission mandated the conversion in 1997, the objective was to save spectrum and raise billions of dollars by selling it -- plus, it seemed like a good idea at the time.
- Nobody considered the financial impact on small stations.
- Some 68 percent of the nation's 1,240 commercial stations failed to meet the government's May 1 deadline to begin transmitting some digital programming -- most of them in small markets.
- Experts say it can cost $3 million to convert -- but a small station is lucky if it can make $300,000 a year in free cash flow.
The General Accounting Office has warned that it will cost small stations about 242 percent of annual revenue to go digital. With those kinds of figures, banks simply aren't interested in making loans to small operators for the conversion process.
Also, advertisers won't pay extra for their ads to appear on digital TV when only a handful of consumers have bought sets capable of receiving digital signals.
Source: David Lieberman, "Small TV Stations Reel Under Order to Go Digital," USA Today, July 17, 2002.
Browse more articles on Government Issues


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M&M's spokescandies — the colorful cartoon versions of the candies that appear in advertisements — are going on an indefinite hiatus, the candy company announced Monday. The move comes after Fox News' Tucker Carlson spent months attacking minor brand changes to some of the characters as "woke." Former "Saturday Night Live"... read full story
"We definitely didn’t think it would break the internet. But now we get it — even a candy’s shoes can be polarizing."


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Real-time Stock quotes, portfolio, LIVE TV and more.
Sep 14, 2012, 02.56 PM IST
Shares of defensive sectors such as drug makers and consumer goods drop as investors bet the Fed's new asset purchase programme will favour cyclicals and high beta stocks.
Defensive sectors had recently shined, with the NSE pharma sub-index up 24.7% this year as of Thursday's close and the NSE fast-moving consumer goods sub-index up 36% in the same period.
Instead, investors preferring cyclical stocks such as Infosys
Action in Lupin
May 24 2013, 16:42
- in Rupee
May 23 2013, 09:33
- in Technicals


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CIBO Espresso, a South Australian icon has united with SA favourite Menz FruChocs for a limited time to tempt the tastebuds.
The CIBO Espresso – FruChoc Hot Chocolate will be served in stores from Friday 24 August 2018, delivering a delicious traditional style Italian hot chocolate, infused with a hint of the apricot flavours of a FruChoc, an ideal matching of taste sensations. Mr Cain Cooke, General Manager, CIBO Espresso said, “It is a natural fit for us to work with another one of South Australia’s icons – Menz FruChocs and we look forward to celebrating with FruChoc fans and chocolate lovers everywhere, with the launch of this new winter warmer.”
The team at CIBO Espresso have worked to develop a combination of flavours to deliver a hit of FruChoc goodness in the hot chocolate, with this just being one of the many initiatives and ways to celebrate FruChoc Appreciation Day this year. “CIBO Espresso is happy to join the party, expecting the drink to be a popular choice in the afternoon for those looking for a hit of chocolate goodness” said Cain Cooke.
CIBO Espresso is a loyal supporter of South Australian food producers working with local suppliers such as Barossa Fine Foods, La Case del Formaggio, Kangaroo Paw Olive Oil, Beerenberg Farm and Laucke Flour just to name a few.
For more information on special offers and activity taking place on FruChoc Appreciation Day please visit the www.facebook.com/menzfruchocs.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
The CIBO Espresso – FruChoc Hot Chocolate will be available in all 30 CIBO Espresso stores across South Australia from Friday 24 August 2018 for a limited time.
About CIBO Espresso
CIBO Espresso is a South Australian icon, established in 2000 with more than 300 employees, keeping SA caffeinated and cultured. With 30 stores across the state CIBO Espresso is bringing customers an authentic Italian experience every time.


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Fight for control shaping up at Cincinnati Inc.
(Page 2 of 4)
“I disagree that anything my client is doing is damaging the company,” Cornwell said. Her actions are designed to do what’s best for the company, customers and employees by determining proper ownership, he said. Judge Beth Myers has scheduled a May 7 hearing on March’s motion for a partial judgment on her majority ownership claims and her assertion that the company’s board was reconstituted at a special meeting of shareholders she called in November.
Schuitemaker said Cincinnati Inc.’s funding needs are complicated by unfunded pension liabilities of more than $20 million, which prevents it from getting a conventional bank loan backed by its assets. Instead it has to rely on secondary lenders who will loan money based on its receivables. An existing line of credit is maxed out, he said.
Despite the challenges, Cincinnati Inc. is profitable and growing sales at a healthy clip, Schuitemaker said. After almost going into bankruptcy in 2008, sales have more than doubled over the past two years and are expected to top $100 million in 2012, he said. His goal is to reach $250 million in another five years.
“We’ve talked with every bank in Cincinnati. We’re very profitable. That’s not the issue,” Schuitemaker said. The problem is, banks don’t want to get stuck in line behind the pension liabilities, he said.
“We are booming. The only reason we can’t grow faster than we are now is access to capital,” he said. “The faster you grow the business, the more money you need.”
Schuitemaker also cites a need for money to execute his strategy of making its manufacturing operations less labor-intensive and more productive. He needs to buy new technology – like a $3 million Toyoda-brand machining center it installed late last year – and hire skilled operators, technicians and engineers. After laying off some 200 workers during the downturn, the company has added about 50 employees over the past year and is seeking more, he said.
Newberry covers commercial real estate, courts and legal industry, manufacturing and GE Aviation
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Square Enix, the game-publishing company behind popular titles like Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and Tomb Raider series has launched its first made-in-India mobile title. Dubbed “Ludo Zenith”, the title is based on the board-game Ludo, which is massively popular in the country.
The game, which is developed by an Indian game-development studio JetSynthesis, has been recently published by the Indian subsidiary of the Japanese conglomerate, Square Enix India. It is currently available on the Google Play Store, with an iOS version releasing soon.
Now, Ludo Zenith is a free-to-play multiplayer game in which players compete with each other to become the number one Ludo player in a region. In the game, players will be able to challenge other players for matches. Upon winning, they will be able to rank up and grab a spot on the game’s leaderboard.
“The goal of the game is to become the No.1 Ludo player by battling the strongest opponents nationwide and reaching the top league using unique and exciting abilities,” says the company.
It sounds similar to Ludo King, a mobile title that became massively popular in the country during the Coronavirus-led lockdowns. However, unlike in Ludo King which follows the rules of the traditional board game, the developers put a twist on Ludo Zenith by adding unique and exciting abilities. So, players will be able to use these abilities to their advantage and defeat their opponents with creative gameplays.
So, if you are a fan of Ludo, you can download the title from the Play Store right now. It comes as a 93MB package and includes in-app purchases ranging from Rs. 10 to Rs. 3,999. As of writing this article, the game has 10,000+ downloads with a rating of 3.9 stars.
Download Ludo Zenith from the Google Play Store


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Mandurah residents and visitors met under the city’s historic Moreton Bay fig tree on Saturday afternoon for a special high tea event for this year’s Crab Fest.
The fairy-tale-like High Tea under the Fig Tree event was put together by local businesses Decadent C’s, Frisky Deer Interior and Design, and Cape Bouvard Winery.
Attendees to the ticketed food experience received a glass of sparkling wine from Cape Bouvard Winery upon arrival before taking a sit under the marquee to enjoy barista made coffee from Frisky Deer and small sweet and savoury treats by Decadent C’s.
The event will be available to Crab Fest punters at 2pm on Sunday again.
Tickets are $70 each and bookings are essential.
For bookings and more information go to crabfest.com.au.


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SACI Falabella, Latin America’s most valuable retailer after Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB, agreed to open home-improvement stores in Mexico in a joint venture with Organizacion Soriana SAB. Shares in Soriana rallied.
The two companies will invest $600 million USD to open 20 Sodimac stores over five years, according to a filing Friday April 15 on the website of Chile’s securities regulator. Santiago-based Falabella will offer its CMR credit card through the venture with Monterrey-based Soriana, Mexico’s second-largest grocer. They expect to sign definitive contracts within three months.
“Our entry into Mexico is an important milestone in our expansion in the region,” Falabella Chairman Carlo Solari said.
Mexico becomes Falabella’s seventh market in Latin America, where the company also operates department stores, supermarkets and malls. It has been using its Sodimac brand to spearhead its most recent expansion and profit from a growing middle class in the region.
Soriana rose as much as 6.1 percent in Mexico City, extending gains after the announcement, which was made after close of regular trading in Santiago. Soriana has 682 stores throughout Mexico with 3.2 million square meters of sales space, according to its website. The company’s shares have traded on the nation’s stock market since 1987.
In 2013, Falabella acquired half of Brazilian home-improvement store Construdecor and now operates 58 stores in that country. It opened its first Sodimac store in Uruguay and bought Peruvian home-improvement chain Maestro in 2014.
Soriana announced an agreement to buy most of rival Controladora Comercial Mexicana SAB’s stores in January last year. That transaction included the transfer of 160 stores, real-estate assets and rights to use some brands and promotional campaigns, the companies said in a joint statement at the time.
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