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Tempers are flaring in some cocoa-growing communities in the Eastern Region, as some farmers threaten to rain curses on the government and President Mahama if the previous cocoa producer price is not restored
'Aurora Health Hustle' is back with a new episode! Lynda White & Cocoa Solace are your hosts every Friday and today the topic of discussion is "Boundaries Without Resentment"! Let's get into it! Got questions? Send us an email to: goodmorningaurorail@gmail.comHave a great rest of the day! Good Morning Aurora will return with more news, weather and the very best of Aurora. Subscribe to the show on YouTube at this link: https://www.youtube.com/c/GoodMorningAuroraPodcastThe second largest city's first daily news podcast is here. Tune in 5 days a week, Monday thru Friday from 9:00 to 9:30 am. Make sure to like and subscribe to stay updated on all things Aurora.Threads: https://www.threads.net/@goodmorningaurorailInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodmorningaurorailSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6dVweK5Zc4uPVQQ0Fp1vEP...Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../good-morning.../id1513229463Anchor: https://anchor.fm/goodmorningauroraACTV (Aurora Community Television): https://www.aurora-il.org/309/Aurora-Community-TV#fyp #kanecountyil #bataviail #genevail #elginil #aurorail #auroraillinois #cityofaurorail #morningnews #goodmorningaurora #friday #realtalk
The NDC government has been more supportive of cocoa farmers than the NPP, and the recent price slash will see an increase in a year or two.- Abass Nurudeen, Esq., CEO of the Social Investment Fund (SIF).
The futures markets are moving fast this week. From a 20% surge in Lithium to the continued "annihilation" of Cocoa bulls, Mark Longo and Dan Gramza break down the top 15 most active contracts and the year-to-date movers you need to watch. In this episode: Crypto Uncertainty: Why Bitcoin and Ether are struggling to find sustainable footing despite recent bounces. Agricultural Deep Dive: Exploring the global supply chains of Coffee (Arabica vs. Robusta) and the unique production systems of Cocoa in West Africa. Energy Outlook: Why Crude Oil is currently an "anticipation market" rather than a supply-demand story. Metals Momentum: Is Silver finally ready to lead Gold, or is it just a byproduct of industrial demand for solar cells? If you're ready to move from listening to trading, head over to tastytrade.com/podcasts to get started with the tastytrade platform.
World news in 7 minutes. Friday 27th February 2026.Today : Cuba speedboat attack. Ecuador Colombia rift. Brazil floods. Denmark election. Ukraine drones. Hungary poll. Spain Tejero. Italy compensation. Ghana cocoa. Senegal Uganda homosexuality. China Merz. India Kerelam. Now go and play!SEND7 is supported by our amazing listeners like you.Our supporters get access to the transcripts and vocabulary list written by us every day.Our supporters get access to an English worksheet made by us once per week.Our supporters get access to our weekly news quiz made by us once per week.We give 10% of our profit to Effective Altruism charities. You can become a supporter at send7.org/supportWith Stephen DevincenziContact us at podcast@send7.org or send an audio message at speakpipe.com/send7Please leave a rating on Apple podcasts or Spotify.We don't use AI! Every word is written and recorded by us! We do not consent to the podcast being used to train AI.Since 2020, SEND7 (Simple English News Daily in 7 minutes) has been telling the most important world news stories in intermediate English. Every day, listen to the most important stories from every part of the world in slow, clear English. Whether you are an intermediate learner trying to improve your advanced, technical and business English, or if you are a native speaker who just wants to hear a summary of world news as fast as possible, join Stephen Devincenzi, Juliet Martin and Niall Moore every morning. Transcripts, vocabulary lists, worksheets and our weekly world news quiz are available for our amazing supporters at send7.org. Simple English News Daily is the perfect way to start your day, by practising your listening skills and understanding complicated daily news in a simple way. It is also highly valuable for IELTS and TOEFL students. Students, teachers, TEFL teachers, and people with English as a second language, tell us that they use SEND7 because they can learn English through hard topics, but simple grammar. We believe that the best way to improve your spoken English is to immerse yourself in real-life content, such as what our podcast provides. SEND7 covers all news including politics, business, natural events and human rights. Whether it is happening in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas or Oceania, you will hear it on SEND7, and you will understand it.Get your daily news and improve your English listening in the time it takes to make a coffee.For more information visit send7.org/contact or send an email to podcast@send7.org
A recent survey conducted by Global InfoAnalytics indicates that 56 percent of cocoa farmers say the latest reduction in farmgate prices is fair
Some cocoa farmers in the Asante Akyem enclave, supported by some NPP members and Members of Parliament, have staged a fierce demonstration against the cocoa price reduction announced by the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, about two weeks ago
Ghana's cocoa industry is facing a major shake-up after the government slashed the producer price by 28%. It's a heavy blow for many of the country's 800,000 cocoa farmers. But officials say they were forced into the decision after global cocoa prices plunged. Eddy Micah Jr. speaks with Nana Aduna II of the Ghana National Association of Cocoa farmers and DW correspondent Eric Mawuena Egbeta.
“The NPP has no moral right to comment on the new cocoa price. They are equally responsible, and their comments only downplay the issue.” - Barima Kofi Dawson (Akokoa)
Ato Forson and Eric Opoku have now become economic lecturers on cocoa after promising farmers Ghc6,500 per bag - Daniel Titus Glover (Former Greater Accra Regional Minister)
Record Numbers Shatter Post-Pandemic Expectations Six years after the pandemic first disrupted American life, a troubling trend emerges across rural Virginia. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank now serves approximately 180,000 people every month—a staggering 39,000 more than the pandemic's peak. Les Sinclair, the organization's Communications and PR Manager, reveals this sobering reality during a recent conversation on The Valley Today with host Janet Michael. Initially, food bank officials believed the pandemic would represent the worst crisis they'd ever face. When government assistance programs temporarily lifted many families out of poverty, demand dropped slightly to around 141,000 monthly visits. However, this optimism proved short-lived. "We thought the numbers would never go up beyond the pandemic max," Les explains. "That just didn't pan out." Instead, inflation took hold with devastating consequences. While prices soared across every sector, wages failed to keep pace. Consequently, more working families find themselves unable to afford basic necessities, forcing them to seek food assistance for the first time in their lives. A Massive Rural Footprint The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank operates across an impressive territory that spans 25 counties and eight cities throughout Virginia. Stretching from Winchester and Frederick County in the north to beyond Lynchburg and Bedford County in the south, the organization covers approximately 12,000 square miles—roughly the size of Maryland or one-third of Virginia's total area. To manage this vast region effectively, the food bank maintains four strategic warehouse locations. Their headquarters sits in Verona, just outside Staunton, while additional distribution centers operate in Winchester, Charlottesville, and Lynchburg. Notably, the Winchester facility alone serves Frederick, Clarke, Fauquier, Warren, Shenandoah, Page, and Rappahannock Counties, including the densely populated Loudoun County. Moreover, the organization represents a groundbreaking experiment in food banking. When founded in 1981, most food banks concentrated on urban areas where dense populations made distribution easier. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, however, pioneered rural food distribution—a critical distinction since nine out of ten food-insecure Americans live in rural communities rather than urban centers. The Partnership Model That Makes It Work The food bank functions as a sophisticated logistics operation, partnering with Feeding America nationally and hundreds of local food pantries regionally. Les compares their role to a Walmart warehouse, buying food by the truckload and storing massive quantities. Meanwhile, local pantries like Winchester CCAP serve as the "customer-facing" locations, directly distributing food to families in need. This partnership proves essential for reaching scattered rural populations. "We couldn't do what we do without them," Les emphasizes. "They couldn't do what they do without us." Furthermore, the organization sources food from diverse channels. Retail grocers contribute 36% of donations through partner pickup programs, where pantries collect excess inventory directly from stores like Food Lion, Kroger, and Giant. Additionally, the USDA provides government-purchased food from American farmers, while large manufacturers donate products with misprinted labels or excess inventory. Local and regional farmers also contribute fresh produce to the network. The Grocery Store Challenge Recently, however, the retail partnership faced unexpected pressure. During October and November, and again during winter snowstorms, consumers cleared grocery store shelves completely. When stores have no excess inventory, they have nothing left to donate. Compounding this challenge, grocery chains have become remarkably efficient at predicting demand. Using AI technology, they now anticipate that shoppers will buy strawberry Pop-Tarts before storms and adjust inventory accordingly. While this efficiency benefits retailers and consumers, it reduces the surplus available for food banks. Simultaneously, USDA food supplies have dropped 30% year-over-year, forcing the food bank to purchase more food directly. Although they cannot fully replace the high-quality proteins and vegetables the government typically provides, they continue prioritizing nutritious options for their partner pantries. Shattering Misconceptions About Food Pantry Users Perhaps the most persistent myth surrounding food insecurity involves who actually needs assistance. Many people assume food pantry visitors are simply lazy and should "get a job." The reality, however, tells a dramatically different story. Most people seeking food assistance are working. They're trying to improve their lives but living on financial margins so thin that a single unexpected expense creates crisis. In fact, more than a quarter of the food bank's guests visit only once per year—they simply need help getting over a temporary hump. Les shares the story of a convenience store worker who injured her wrist on the job. Unable to work while waiting for workers' compensation, she has zero income and cares for a paralyzed son. She's not lazy—she's injured, uninsured temporarily, and desperately trying to survive until she can return to work. Even when workers' compensation arrives, it typically covers only 70% of regular wages and takes considerable time to process. For families living paycheck to paycheck, missing even one payment creates cascading financial disasters. The Government Shutdown Ripple Effect Currently, partial government shutdowns compound these challenges. Federal workers, particularly TSA agents, continue reporting to work without paychecks. They still pay for childcare, gas, and other necessities, but many receive payment only monthly—making it extraordinarily difficult to stretch resources from one paycheck to the next. Contrary to popular belief, landlords cannot always wait patiently for delayed rent payments. Many landlords depend on rental income to pay their own mortgages. When a tenant misses a $2,000 rent payment, the landlord must still cover their mortgage. Moreover, the economic impact extends far beyond government employees. When federal workers stop dining out, restaurants lose business. Wait staff lose tips. Restaurant owners order less food from suppliers like Sysco. Truck drivers haul fewer loads. The entire economic system suffers. Sarah Cohen of Route 11 Chips experienced this firsthand. During COVID and government shutdowns, her sales to DC cafes plummeted because federal workers weren't coming to the office for lunch. These ripple effects reach deep into Virginia's economy, affecting businesses and workers far from the capital. The Impossible Choice: Heat or Eat Winter brings particularly cruel dilemmas for struggling families. Les recently spoke with William, a roofer injured on the job who lives in a mobile home with his dog, Cocoa. Unable to afford heating, William and Cocoa "just sort of curl up" together while he waits for surgeries that will allow him to return to work. Another woman caring for three disabled grandchildren faces $400 monthly electric bills. With both she and her husband experiencing serious health issues and the children's parents out of the picture, they constantly struggle with the impossible choice between heating their home and feeding their family. These aren't isolated cases. Across the food bank's service area, families regularly face this devastating decision. When $600 heating bills arrive after cold snaps, many choose to keep the lights on and visit food pantries to feed their families. Food as Medicine: A Holistic Approach The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank takes a progressive stance on nutrition, viewing food as medicine rather than mere sustenance. They prioritize fresh produce, which comprised 30% of their distribution last year, because they understand that proper nutrition helps people thrive. Nutritious food keeps medical bills down across entire communities. Children pay better attention in school when properly nourished. People can manage chronic illnesses and diseases through better nutrition. Conversely, when families can only afford high-calorie processed foods, they face increased health risks despite consuming adequate calories—debunking the myth that overweight individuals cannot be food insecure. Additionally, access to food reduces stress, which itself functions as a health intervention. When people live on the edge of a financial cliff, they cannot make good long-term decisions. They're too focused on simply not falling. However, when food security removes one major stressor, families can step back from that precipice and begin making better choices for their futures. Quality Food for Everyone Another common misconception suggests that food bank offerings are somehow subpar. In reality, the food distributed through this network maintains high-quality standards. While well-meaning donors sometimes contribute items like ramen noodles during food drives, the bulk of distributed food comes from retail grocers, USDA programs, and direct purchases of nutritious items. The food bank specifically prioritizes produce because people crave fresh fruits and vegetables. Although produce represents one of the most expensive food categories—often making it a luxury for families on tight budgets—the organization believes everyone deserves access to healthy, nutritious food regardless of their economic circumstances. How Communities Can Help Fortunately, community members have multiple ways to support this critical mission. Volunteering provides valuable assistance, and notably, many food bank guests themselves volunteer, giving back to the community that supported them during difficult times. Financial donations prove particularly effective. Just $1 helps provide more than three meals, meaning $10 supplies a month of meals for someone in need, while $100 provides 300 meals. The food bank's purchasing power and logistics expertise amplify every dollar donated. Beyond time and money, advocacy matters tremendously. Currently, the Federation of Virginia Food Banks—representing all seven food banks across the state—works to promote "food as medicine" initiatives with the state legislature. Community members can support these efforts through the food bank's website at BRAFB.org/actnow or BRAFB.org/getinvolved. Finally, social media engagement amplifies the message. Following the food bank's social media accounts, resharing posts, and commenting helps spread awareness that hunger relief remains an urgent community need. Finding Help When You Need It For individuals and families currently struggling with food insecurity, Les offers an important message: "You're not alone, and we are here with you. We are here to walk with you through this challenge in your life." The food bank's website features an easy-to-use food finder tool. Visitors to BRAFB.org can click "Find Food," enter their address, and immediately see all nearby pantries with contact information, open hours, and everything needed to access food quickly. Alternatively, Virginians can call 211 for phone-based assistance connecting them with local resources. A Community Responsibility As this conversation reveals, food insecurity affects far more people than most realize—one in nine people across the food bank's service area. These aren't strangers or statistics; they're neighbors, coworkers, and community members facing temporary crises that could happen to anyone. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank stands ready to help, but they cannot do it alone. Through partnerships with local pantries, support from community donors and volunteers, and advocacy for systemic solutions, the organization continues fighting to ensure everyone has enough to eat. In Janet Michael's words, it's "a responsibility I do not take lightly"—and neither should any of us.
The cocoa price reduction is a total incompetence on the part of NDC, and they must honor their promise and restore the old cocoa price. - Hon. Alex Tetteh Djomobuah, Former MP for Akontombra
Government has released GH¢855 million to settle arrears owed to cocoa farmers after a prolonged payment crisis that left many producers unpaid for months, despite delivering their produce to licensed buying companies.
Cocoa farmers in the Western North Region have staged a demonstration to protest the recent reduction in cocoa prices, from GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587 per bag
Majority in Parliament has revealed that the government has released GH¢855 million to settle arrears owed to cocoa farmers, aiming to stabilize the sector and restore confidence. According to the Majority, this move is part of a broader reform package to put COCOBOD on a sustainable financial path.
Some cocoa farmers in the Assin North District of the Central Region have staged a peaceful protest to express their displeasure over the reduction in the cocoa producer price for the 2025/2026 season
The futures markets are living multiple lifetimes in just a few short weeks! Join host Mark Longo from the Options Insider Radio Network and special guest Carley Garner of DeCarley Trading as they navigate the volatile landscape of the early 2026 markets. In this episode, the duo dives deep into the "symmetrical madness" of the week, analyzing why thin markets like Oats and Orange Juice are leading the charge while heavy hitters like Bitcoin and Cocoa face massive pullbacks. Is the Bitcoin double-top signaling a broader correction for the Nasdaq and S&P 500? And is Coffee poised to follow in the footsteps of Cocoa's historic boom-and-bust cycle? Highlights include: The Trading Pit: Breaking down the 16% surge in OJ and the surprising resilience of Oats. Crypto & Equities: Carly discusses the correlation between Bitcoin and the Nasdaq—and why $30,000 might be on the horizon. The Ags & Softs: A deep dive into the 45% year-to-date crash in Cocoa and why "Coffee is the new Cocoa." Energy Update: Why the "textbook" Nat Gas trade actually worked this year. The Active 15: A look at the volume leaders, from the Japanese Yen to the Treasury five-year note. Guest: Carley Garner, DeCarley Trading Host: Mark Longo, The Options Insider Media Group This episode is brought to you by tastytrade. Recently named the #1 Options Trading Platform for 2026 by StockBrokers.com and the Best Overall Options Broker by Investopedia. Go to https://tastytrade.com/podcasts.
In this special “Year of the Fire Horse” episode of The Food Professor Podcast, Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois deliver a wide-ranging and unfiltered analysis of the forces reshaping Canada's food economy — from stubborn food inflation to AI-powered grocery shopping, trade diplomacy, restaurant distress, and the surprising fall in cocoa and coffee prices.The episode opens with a deep dive into Canada's alarming 7.3% food inflation rate — the highest among G7 nations. Stripping out the temporary GST holiday effect, inflation still lands north of 6%, raising serious structural concerns about Canada's food supply chain. Sylvain outlines the real drivers: interprovincial trade barriers, industrial carbon taxes, logistics inefficiencies, supply management constraints, and geopolitical disruptions. The hosts challenge mainstream narratives and examine whether policy decisions — not just global pressures — are exacerbating affordability challenges.Shifting to trade, the duo assess Canada's renewed engagement with Mexico, highlighting opportunities for agricultural exports, food manufacturing expansion, and supply chain diversification under CUSMA. With U.S. agricultural groups openly supporting the trade agreement, the geopolitical chessboard around North American food trade is heating up.On the business front, Coca-Cola's $141 million expansion in Brampton underscores the importance of food processing capacity in driving economic resilience. Meanwhile, Diageo's Ontario investment announcement sparks debate about political optics versus substantive impact.Technology also takes center stage as Loblaw's integration with OpenAI signals the beginning of visible AI deployment in Canadian food retail. Michael explores how AI will disrupt food discovery, loyalty programs, and consumer personalization — while Sylvain raises concerns about algorithmic pricing, consumer trust, and the moral contract between grocers and shoppers.There's relief on the horizon: cocoa and coffee commodity prices are falling sharply from record highs, potentially translating into lower consumer prices later in 2026.The episode closes with sobering data from Restaurants Canada: 44% of restaurants are operating at break-even or loss levels — a stark reminder of how fragile Canada's foodservice sector remains. About UsDr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Visiting Professor in Food Policy and Distribution at McGill University and a Professor in Food Distribution and Policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University.Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world's most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability with over 775 published peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Charlebois is also an editor for the prestigious Trends in Food Science Technology journal. He co-hosts The Food Professor podcast, discussing issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries and which is the most listened Canadian management podcast in Canada. Every year since 2012, he has published the now highly anticipated Canadian Food Price Report, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, nationally as well as internationally. He has testified on several occasions before parliamentary committees on food policy-related issues as an expert witness. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries.With extensive experience collaborating with businesses, governments, and NGOs, Dr. Charlebois combines academic rigor with practical expertise, making him one of the most influential voices in the global agri-food landscape. His work continues to advance the understanding of food systems, fostering innovation and resilience in a rapidly evolving industry. In 2025, he received the prestigious Charles III medal recognizing his tremendous work in informing Canadians about food issues. Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail, The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the National Retail Federation (NRF) as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025, and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.
“The NPP should be the last to talk about the cocoa pricing issues; they contributed to the problems the sector is facing.” - Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor
Eric Osei Tuffour, National Chairman of the Tomato Traders and Transporters Association of Ghana, laments the lack of government attention to tomato farmers. He highlights the dangers faced by traders, including beheadings and planted bombs, stressing the urgent need for protection and support
An in-depth look at the challenges facing Ghana's cocoa industry, from declining production to financial pressures on Ghana Cocoa Board, and the practical steps needed to restore stability, boost farmer confidence, and secure the sector's future
“Very insensitive and threatening to the prospects of his party's next successor,” - Hon. Yaw Frimpong Addo (MP, Manso Adubia) slams President Mahama's ‘I'm also a farmer' comment on the new cocoa prices.
Minority in Parliament has strongly criticized the government over what it describes as a sharp and painful reduction in cocoa prices, amounting to GHS 1,000 per bag—a 28.6 percent cut
COCOBOD owes farmers GH₵11 billion. How can it realistically pay them as directed by the Finance Minister, and where will the funds come from to settle this debt? - Fiifi Boafo, Former Head of Public Affairs, COCOBOD.
Adu Martin, Convener of Young Cocoa Farmers, highlights the struggles behind recent cocoa price reductions, calling it a leadership challenge. Some farmers are so frustrated they fear turning their farms over to illegal miners, while others feel they have no choice but to comply, selling their cocoa under difficult circumstances
One More Cocoa is the new Amelia Project companion podcast! Search for One More Cocoa and subscribe for more episodes! Tickets for our new liveshow available here! Watch a film of last year's liveshow here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"Dr. Randy Abbey should be sacked immediately. He is incompetent and even arrogant, and his continued stay in office will undermine President Mahama's goodwill." - Rev. Charles Owusu, Former Head of Monitoring at the Forestry Commission
“The government must provide emergency liquidity support to the Cocoa Board to settle the debts of our cocoa farmers. But first, he should sack Randy Abbey for his poor performance and appoint a competent person with the right expertise to take over,” - Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, MP for Ofoase-Ayirebi.
Fluent Fiction - Spanish: Cocoa Chronicles: A Valentine's Day Prank Unites the Office Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/es/episode/2026-02-15-23-34-02-es Story Transcript:Es: El sol invernal brillaba débilmente a través de las amplias ventanas de la oficina, iluminando los escritorios modernos y el ritmo frenético de la vida corporativa.En: The winter sun shone weakly through the large windows of the office, illuminating the modern desks and the frenetic pace of corporate life.Es: Era el Día de San Valentín, pero el trabajo no se detenía.En: It was Día de San Valentín, but work did not stop.Es: Isabela, una joven ejecutiva con grandes sueños, observaba a Rafael, su colega bromista, mientras se reía con algunos compañeros junto a la máquina de café en la sala de descanso.En: Isabela, a young executive with big dreams, watched Rafael, her jokester colleague, as he laughed with some coworkers by the coffee machine in the break room.Es: Isabela quería hacerse notar.En: Isabela wanted to get noticed.Es: Sabía que Rafael era famoso por sus bromas, y ese día, había ideado una sorpresa para todos, incluyendo a Javier, el jefe serio que siempre parecía estar inmerso en las cifras de los informes trimestrales.En: She knew that Rafael was famous for his jokes, and that day, she had come up with a surprise for everyone, including Javier, the serious boss who always seemed to be immersed in the figures of the quarterly reports.Es: "Rafael, quiero hacer algo diferente hoy," dijo Isabela, acercándose a él.En: "Rafael, I want to do something different today," said Isabela, approaching him.Es: "¿Algo como qué?"En: "Something like what?"Es: preguntó Rafael con una sonrisa pícara.En: asked Rafael with a mischievous smile.Es: "Quiero cambiar el café por cacao.En: "I want to change the coffee for cocoa.Es: Es solo un detalle divertido para el Día de San Valentín," respondió Isabela, sintiendo un leve nerviosismo al pensar en la reacción de Javier.En: It's just a fun detail for Día de San Valentín," Isabela responded, feeling a slight nervousness at the thought of Javier's reaction.Es: Rafael asintió animándola.En: Rafael nodded encouragingly.Es: "¡Suena genial!En: "Sounds great!Es: Javier necesita reírse un poco."En: Javier needs to laugh a little."Es: Con una mezcla de emoción y temor, Isabela y Rafael realizaron el cambio durante el almuerzo.En: With a mix of excitement and fear, Isabela and Rafael made the change during lunch.Es: Aseguraron que nadie los viera y regresaron a sus escritorios, esperando el momento de la verdad.En: They ensured that no one saw them and returned to their desks, waiting for the moment of truth.Es: A la mañana siguiente, Javier entró a la sala de descanso.En: The next morning, Javier entered the break room.Es: Era parte de su rutina diaria servir una taza de café antes de comenzar el día.En: It was part of his daily routine to serve himself a cup of coffee before starting the day.Es: Isabela sostenía la respiración mientras veía cómo Javier preparaba su bebida habitual.En: Isabela held her breath as she watched Javier prepare his usual drink.Es: Cuando Javier tomó un sorbo, detuvo sus movimientos.En: When Javier took a sip, he stopped his movements.Es: Sus ojos se abrieron de par en par, y una capa de espuma de cacao cubría su labio superior.En: His eyes widened, and a layer of cocoa foam covered his upper lip.Es: En un momento que parecía eterno, el silencio llenó la oficina.En: In a moment that seemed eternal, silence filled the office.Es: De repente, Javier rompió a reír.En: Suddenly, Javier burst out laughing.Es: "¡Esto es inesperado!En: "This is unexpected!"Es: ", dijo, soltando una carcajada.En: he said, letting out a hearty laugh.Es: "¿Quién hizo esto?En: "Who did this?Es: ¡Es una sorpresa agradable!En: It's a pleasant surprise!Es: Me encanta el cacao."En: I love cocoa."Es: La tensión en la sala se desvaneció instantáneamente, remplazada por risas y comentarios alegres.En: The tension in the room instantly vanished, replaced by laughter and cheerful comments.Es: Rafael guiñó un ojo a Isabela, y ella se sintió más segura, sabiendo que su broma había tenido éxito.En: Rafael winked at Isabela, and she felt more confident, knowing that her prank had been a success.Es: Isabela se dio cuenta de que a veces, el trabajo no solo trata de números y seriedad.En: Isabela realized that sometimes, work is not just about numbers and seriousness.Es: Había aprendido el valor de la camaradería y el humor, y más importante, había logrado impresionar a Javier con una simple broma que resultó ser el detalle perfecto para ese frío Día de San Valentín.En: She had learned the value of camaraderie and humor, and more importantly, she had managed to impress Javier with a simple prank that turned out to be the perfect detail for that chilly Día de San Valentín.Es: La oficina nunca antes había estado tan unida.En: The office had never been so united before.Es: Y así, con sonrisas y toda una tarde de historias compartidas, Isabela encontró su lugar entre ellos, su confianza reforzada y una lección sencilla sobre la importancia de divertirse un poco.En: And so, with smiles and an entire afternoon of shared stories, Isabela found her place among them, her confidence reinforced and a simple lesson learned about the importance of having a little fun. Vocabulary Words:the sun: el solwinter: invernalwindow: la ventanathe desk: el escritoriofrenetic: frenéticolife: la vidathe colleague: el colegathe joke: la bromasurprise: la sorpresaserious: serioquarterly: trimestralroutine: la rutinato hold breath: sostener la respiraciónlayer: la capasilence: el silenciounexpected: inesperadothe boss: el jefethe sip: el sorboto burst out laughing: romper a reírtension: la tensiónfoam: la espumapleasant: agradablethe coworker: el compañerothe machine: la máquinacamaraderie: la camaraderíanervousness: el nerviosismoexcitement: la emociónto impress: impresionarchilly: fríolaughter: la risa
Happy Friday! Real talk, real results and more great conversation this morning with Lynda White of Dance Fuze Studio and Cocoa Solace for your Friday morning. Two of Aurora's leading ladies have come together and 'Aurora Health Hustle' is the place to share the stories most important to women. Got questions? Send us an email to: goodmorningaurorail@gmail.comHave a great rest of the day! Good Morning Aurora will return with more news, weather and the very best of Aurora. Subscribe to the show on YouTube at this link: https://www.youtube.com/c/GoodMorningAuroraPodcastThe second largest city's first daily news podcast is here. Tune in 5 days a week, Monday thru Friday from 9:00 to 9:30 am. Make sure to like and subscribe to stay updated on all things Aurora.Threads: https://www.threads.net/@goodmorningaurorailInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodmorningaurorailSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6dVweK5Zc4uPVQQ0Fp1vEP...Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../good-morning.../id1513229463Anchor: https://anchor.fm/goodmorningaurora#fyp #kanecountyil #bataviail #genevail #elginil #aurorail #auroraillinois #cityofaurorail #auroranews #morningnews #goodmorningaurora #friday #wellness
World demand down How's the weather looking for the mid-crop season? What about surplus? What's the recent news from Ghana? Arrival numbers have been hard to come by; now we know why! Current market price and recommendations for coverage going forward Happy Valentine's Day! Host: Eric Thornton, VP Expert: Marilyn Adutwum, Data Analyst
"COCOBOD CEO Dr. Randy Abbey and other responsible officers should be sacked. The government must restore the cocoa price to GHC 3,600 and provide support as farmers struggle," - Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, MP for Ofoase Ayirebi, on the revised cocoa price.
Happy Friday! You're watching a new episode of 'Aurora Health Hustle' with Lynda White & Felicia Thomas-Williams live every Friday morning! As always these leading ladies deliver real topics with real results each week. Got questions? Send us an email to: goodmorningaurorail@gmail.comHave a great rest of the day! Good Morning Aurora will return with more news, weather and the very best of Aurora. Subscribe to the show on YouTube at this link: https://www.youtube.com/c/GoodMorningAuroraPodcastThe second largest city's first daily news podcast is here. Tune in 5 days a week, Monday thru Friday from 9:00 to 9:30 am. Make sure to like and subscribe to stay updated on all things Aurora.Threads: https://www.threads.net/@goodmorningaurorailInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodmorningaurorailSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6dVweK5Zc4uPVQQ0Fp1vEP...Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../good-morning.../id1513229463Anchor: https://anchor.fm/goodmorningaurora#fyp #kanecountyil #bataviail #genevail #elginil #aurorail #auroraillinois #cityofaurorail #auroranews #morningnews #goodmorningaurora #friday
Cocoa futures in London and New York have had a rough start to the new year, plummeting 30% YTD following a wave of bearish fundamentals hitting the market in January. In this podcast, Carlos Mera and Oran van Dort discuss the latest crash, explaining the role of deteriorating demand, evidence of easing market tightness, favorable West African weather, and the significant influence of speculators, as well as the impact on the forward balance sheet and both the short- and long-term price outlook. Disclaimer: Please refer to our global RaboResearch disclaimer at https://www.rabobank.com/knowledge/disclaimer/011417272/disclaimer for information about the scope and limitations of the material published on the podcast.
Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD, Randy Abbey, has assured cocoa farmers that a solution to the outstanding payment challenges will be found soon
Minority in Parliament has strongly criticized the government and the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) over their failure to pay cocoa farmers since November last year. Some farmers have confirmed that payments for cocoa delivered several months ago remain outstanding, despite repeated assurances from COCOBOD
Peace & Blessings y'all! We have another episode in our sacred fats series… explore the cultural significance of cacao and cocoa butter, discussing their health benefits, indigenous trade practices, and the joy of community. They share personal anecdotes and insights on herbal medicine, the importance of gratitude, and the value of slowing down in life. The conversation highlights the connection between food, culture, and wellness, emphasizing the need for better treatment of producers in the chocolate industry. Sit tight, grab a chai, and enjoy this episode!As always, we want to thank you for all of your support, in all the ways! Sources and what's discussed in the pod:00:00 Introduction and New Year GreetingsHarun Coffee Black Owned Coffee Shop in historic Leimert Park in LA02:54 Exploring Cacao and Its Cultural SignificanceMayan Wisdom Project Buy chocolate direct from Guatemala06:09 Health and Herbal Medicine InsightsTia Health 08:56 Indigenous Trade and Cultural Exchange11:54 The Joy of Community and Human Connection14:47 Cocoa Butter: A Deep Dive(article - NIH) The neuroprotective effects of cocoa flavanol and its influence on cognitive performance (article - NIH) Cocoa and Chocolate in Human Health and Disease Cocoa Asante Chocolate from Ghana21:53 Bougie Auntie Wisdom and Life LessonsSoul Food Genius Fish Fry Every Nigga Deserves Media company and clothesFollow us on social:@pettyherbalist @bonesbugsandbotanyRate us to show your support! Thank You!#StayReady #BePetty***if you read this far, send me a dm @pettyherbalist for a shoutout!***
Cocoa farmers in Ghana are disgruntled over delayed payments from the state regulator - COCOBOD. The farmers say the delay is endangering investments for the next farming season. Ghana, which is the world's second largest cocoa producer, changed the system through which farmers receive their payments in an attempt to reduce reliance on debt. And we hear from Giel Malual and John Kuei - the two South Sudanese men who have just completed a walk across the length of mainland UK to raise awareness about the war in Sudan, and mobilise donations to build schools for young refugees displaced by the conflict.Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine, Keikantse Shumba, Chiamaka Dike, Blessing Aderogba and Patricia Whitehorne Technical Producer: Maxwell Onyango Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla
in today's cozy little catch up chat i explore:* the pressure of great gregorian new year intentions + a brand spankin fresh new 9 year cycle vs. the actually v. messy energetics of an uplevel* an easy peasy, absurdly yummy, luxurious, skin, hair, and nail nourishing peak luteal elixir recipe* how the start of my january has been going… oh, you 2?* intentions, explorations, musings, noodlings, enthusiasm, etc. as per.x michal
A Riverland wine grape grower says the state and federal government's extension of the SA Wine Recovery Program until 2027 will not meaningfully help growers and a new report has found record high cocoa prices and a volatile supply has made some chocolate companies explore alternative, cheaper ways to get that cocoa taste like growing it in a lab.
Growing a premium home service brand is not just about better marketing. It is about trust, craftsmanship, and building real relationships. In this special Member Spotlight episode of The Better Than Rich Show, host Mike Abramowitz sits down with Brian Danque, owner of The Lighting Lizards in Cocoa, Florida, to unpack how a design-focused approach to outdoor lighting is helping him scale with confidence. Brian shares how he went from running an electrical contracting business to building a standout landscape lighting brand rooted in artistry, emotion, and client experience. He explains what separates true luxury outdoor lighting from box lights and quick installs, and why intentional design and how you treat people from the very first phone call create fans, referrals, and long-term growth. Timestamps [00:00] Intro Mike welcomes Brian and sets the stage for a Member Spotlight [01:23] From electrical contracting to lighting as an art form [02:20] Why lighting work creates emotion, pride, and extended living space [04:07] What makes luxury lighting different than handyman installs [04:45] Credentials that build authority certifications, publishing, and licensing [05:25] Scaling challenge delivering high-touch experiences at every price point [10:10] Brian's best year yet and growth levers that drove momentum [10:33] Freeing time through Better Than Rich support and adopting stronger principles [12:36] Bottlenecks before BTR tech stress, slow execution, and admin overload [13:25] Polished systems mindset and how the team accelerated implementation [16:12] 2026 vision: more help, more design focus, more partnerships [18:34] Year-over-year growth: 70% increase [19:22] Reviews and referrals relationships, humility, and being a real human [33:59] Better Than Rich means time back to live a joyful life [34:56] How to contact The Lighting Lizards [36:22] Brian's $10,000 idea: offload what you are not good at to grow faster Key Quotes “It allowed me to be somewhat of an artist and use my imagination a little bit more.” “We're thinking about it as an image, as a piece of artwork.” “The numbers don't lie, and we are growing at a lot faster pace than I ever thought.” “Just being kind and humble to people is really what can help generate tons of business.” “What it means to me is to have time back in my life to do the things that I like to do and want to do.” Key Takeaways ● Luxury lighting is design, not placement — The difference is artistry, intention, and how immersive the final experience feels. ● Client experience starts at the first phone call — Make people feel appreciated immediately and confirm you're a good fit. ● Credentials create brand authority — Licensing, certifications, and published work help buyers choose confidence over cheap installs. ● Treat every client like your biggest client — A $5K job still deserves care, intention, and respect. ● Rebranding is costly—but can unlock premium growth — Early failures are part of the process; strong anchors + consistency build momentum. ● Admin overload quietly limits growth — Offloading systems and tech work can free you to focus on what you do best. ● Relationships drive reviews and referrals — When clients feel a human connection, they naturally become promoters. ● Investing in yourself creates the “hustle effect” — Making the investment forces action—and often returns far more than it costs. ● Surround yourself with the right rooms — Events, certifications, and peer groups recharge motivation and expand what you believe is possible. ● Better Than Rich is time and joy — Success isn't just money—it's having time back for family, hobbies, and the life you want. Links Mentioned ● The Lighting Lizards website and contact form ● AOLP Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals ● International Landscape Lighting Institute ● Ryan Lee Landscape Lighting Secrets ● Better Than Rich BTR
Is the "Silver Rampage" the start of a massive new commodity super cycle? On this episode of The Futures Rundown, Mark Longo is joined by the newly minted VIX Crystal Ball Hall of Famer, Rich Excel, to break down one of the wildest weeks in commodity history. While the "Tech Wreck" pulls down equities, the metals are lighting up the tape with silver posting a massive 19% gain in a single week. We dive deep into why "price insensitive buyers" are driving spot prices higher and what it means for your trailing stops. Inside This Episode: 0:00 - Intro & The VIX Hall of Fame Induction 3:45 - Metals Dominance: Why Gold led and Silver is finally catching up with abandon. 7:15 - The Energy Flare-Up: WTI, Brent, and Heating Oil's 10%+ weekly surge. 11:00 - Silver Squeeze 2026: Are we looking at $100 Silver? Analyzing the 100+ IV. 16:30 - Ag Markets & The Breakfast Table: Why OJ and Cocoa are cratering while everything else pops. 21:10 - VIX Crystal Ball 2026: Rich Excel gives his official "Revolutionary" year-end prediction. 26:45 - Hogwarts for Traders: How the derivatives experts are positioned for Q1. Resources for Traders: Brought to you by Tastytrade: tastytrade.com/podcasts Join the Pro Team: TheOptionsInsider.com/Pro #FuturesTrading #SilverShortSqueeze #GoldPrice #Commodities #VIX #MacroInvesting #SilverPrice #EnergyFutures #Tastytrade #FuturesRundown
What if the secret to better gut health, fighting climate change, and creating incredible flavours was hiding in your kitchen all along? In this episode of The Good Food Podcast, host Samuel Goldsmith sits down with Dr. Johnny Drain, scientist, sustainability innovator, and author of Adventures in Fermentation, to explore the fascinating world of microbes and how they're reshaping our food system. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why fermentation isn't just a trendy food hack, it's been feeding humanity for thousands of years• The surprising everyday foods that are fermented (hint: it's not just kimchi and kombucha)• Simple, science-backed tips to improve your gut health without expensive supplements• How Dr. Drain invented cocoa-free chocolate from food waste to combat deforestation and slavery• The truth about personalised nutrition and why generic gut health advice doesn't work• A wild story involving aged butter, wood ash, and an accidental soap disaster at Noma• Why zombie ants controlled by fungi might hold clues to understanding our own microbiomes From transforming potato peelings into gourmet ingredients to touring the world in a rock band, Dr. Drain's journey from material science PhD to fermentation expert is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Whether you're a fermentation newbie or a seasoned sauerkraut maker, this conversation will change how you think about the food on your plate and the trillions of microbes living inside you. Dr Johnny Drain works at the cutting edge of food, fermentation and sustainability, exploring how we can feed the world in a more healthy, equitable and ecologically-friendly way. Part-cook, part-designer and part-scientist (having earned his PhD in Materials Science from the University of Oxford), his collaborators have included Noma's Nordic Food Lab, zero-waste pioneers Silo and the Argentinian Ministry of Agriculture. Johnny co-founded MOLD Magazine, and as an occasional TV presenter his work has garnered millions of views online. Most recently he set up Win-Win, which became the world's first company to bring a cocoa-free chocolate to market in 2022. Subscribers to the Good Food app via App Store get access to the show ad-free, and with regular bonus content such as interviews recorded at the good food show. To get started, download the Good Food app today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bienvenue dans le trois-centième épisode de CacaoCast! Dans cet épisode, Philippe Casgrain et Philippe Guitard discutent des sujets suivants: electricite-quebec.info - La demande provinciale au bout des doigts Electron Liquid Glass - On n'arrête pas le progrès! Swift concurrency - Enfin un guide simplifié Icônes dans les menus de Tahoe - Vous pouvez les enlever dans votre application Subtext - Un éditeur de texte pour iOS simple et gratuit Unixv4.dev - Unix original dans votre navigateur Sloppy - La nouvelle mascotte IA de Microsoft Drone et ski - Un petit film de Philippe Ecoutez cet épisode
Today, we are talking coffee, cocoa and sugar. And in the case of coffee and cocoa, the absolute wild ride they had in 2025.Record prices and extreme volatility. Was it all just a story of tariffs? Or is there something more fundamental going on? Our guest is Kona Haque. Head of Research for ED&F Man, one of the world's largest soft commodity traders that has recently been acquired by Hartree Partners
Warm up with Mark and Jana as we kick off with a cozy debate: chocolate peanut butter hot cocoa—weird combo or surprisingly delicious? Jana shares a cautionary post-Christmas story that is an important heads-up about the latest gift card scams. Mark asks: have you ever signed a political petition? He shares why it's crucial to do your homework first. Then, in Paranormal Corner, we dive into the fascinating world of the “clairs”: clairvoyance, clairsentience, clairaudience, claircognizance, and more. Which one do you think you might have? Grab your favorite mug and join us for this perfect winter listen!
This episode covers: • Trump Drug Pricing Deals and Access to Longevity Medications New drug-pricing agreements announced under President Donald Trump aim to lower the cost of high-priced prescription drugs through negotiated rebates and pricing pressure on major pharmaceutical companies. Early reporting suggests these changes could affect cardiometabolic and longevity-relevant medications, including GLP-1 diabetes and obesity drugs. Dave explains why the real question is not headline savings, but whether lower prices actually reach patients at the pharmacy counter. He breaks down how affordability shapes real-world access, adherence, and long-term prevention strategies, and why policy decisions can matter more than new mechanisms when it comes to sustainable longevity care. Source: https://longevity.technology/news/trump-sets-new-drug-pricing-deals-with-big-pharma/ • 5:2 Intermittent Fasting Outperforms Daily Dieting on Metabolic Health A controlled study compared three popular strategies in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes: 5:2 intermittent fasting, time-restricted eating, and continuous daily calorie restriction. All approaches improved weight and HbA1c, but the 5:2 protocol produced larger reductions in fasting glucose, triglycerides, and insulin resistance. Dave explains why periodic restriction can outperform constant dieting, how to structure fasting days without tanking performance, and how to pair intermittent fasting with CGM data and training schedules for better metabolic flexibility and long-term health. Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250715043351.htm Full paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-32673-9 • Cocoa's Theobromine Linked to Slower Epigenetic Aging New research highlighted by Aging-US suggests that theobromine, a bioactive compound found in cocoa, is associated with epigenetic markers of slower biological aging. Dave breaks down what epigenetic aging clocks actually measure, why this finding adds credibility to cocoa's cardiometabolic benefits, and why most chocolate products cancel out the upside with sugar and ultra-processing. He explains how to think about food-derived bioactives without turning them into hype-driven anti-aging shortcuts. Source: https://www.aging-us.com/news-room/theobromine-from-cocoa-linked-to-slower-biological-aging • Organ-Specific Biological Age Clocks Predict Disease Risk More Accurately A large Nature study built biological aging clocks for individual organs using blood-based proteomics, showing that organ-specific aging predicts disease and mortality better than a single “bio age” number. Dave explains why you can be biologically young overall but still have an aging brain, arteries, or kidneys, and how this reframes longevity from generic anti-aging to targeted organ protection. He explores how sleep, blood pressure, glucose control, and exercise map differently to different organs, and why precision aging metrics are the future of prevention. Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s43587-025-01016-8 • Copper Peptides and the Rise of Skin Longevity Copper peptides like GHK-Cu are moving from niche skincare into serious longevity conversations. Human data show strong effects on collagen synthesis, barrier repair, and wound healing, in some cases outperforming traditional retinoids. Dave explains why skin is not just cosmetic but a key immune and environmental interface, how copper peptides fit into repair-focused protocols, and why cycling repair and stress mirrors smarter approaches to training and recovery across the body. Source: https://www.vogue.com/article/copper-peptides Auro Wellness Copper Peptide with Discount (click on skincare and scroll to Copper Peptide): https://aurowellness.com/pages/dave All source links provided for direct access to the original research and reporting. This episode is designed for biohackers, longevity seekers, and high-performance listeners who want practical strategies grounded in real science and real-world constraints. Dave Asprey translates emerging research, policy shifts, and clinical data into actionable upgrades for metabolism, fasting, biological age tracking, skin health, and long-term prevention. New episodes every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. Keywords: Trump drug pricing deals, prescription drug affordability, GLP-1 access, cardiometabolic medications, longevity policy, intermittent fasting 5:2, intermittent energy restriction, time restricted eating study, insulin sensitivity improvement, metabolic flexibility fasting, theobromine cocoa aging, epigenetic aging markers, biological age clocks, organ specific aging, proteomics longevity research, brain age dementia risk, vascular aging, copper peptides GHK-Cu, skin longevity protocols, collagen synthesis skincare, evidence-based biohacking news, longevity science updates Thank you to our sponsors! - HeartMath | Go to https://www.heartmath.com/dave to save 15% off. -Generation Lab | Go to http://generationlab.com/, use code Dave20 for $20 off, and see what your body's really doing behind the surface. Resources: • Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: https://substack.daveasprey.com/welcome • Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com/discount/dave15 • My Daily Supplements: SuppGrade Labs (15% Off) • Favorite Blue Light Blocking Glasses: TrueDark (15% Off) • Dave Asprey's BEYOND Conference: https://beyondconference.com • Dave Asprey's New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated • Upgrade Collective: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com • Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com • 40 Years of Zen: https://40yearsofzen.com Timestamps: 0:00 - Trailer0:19 - Story 1: Trump's Drug Price Deals 2:33 - Story 2: Fasting Reality Check 4:35 - Story 3: Chocolate and Biological Age 6:11 - Substack Update7:30 - Story 4: Organ-Specific Aging 9:05 - Story 5: Copper Peptides for Skin 11:02 - Weekly Wrap-Up See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Commodities Update from France: Colleague Simon Constable reports from France on unseasonably warm weather and rising copper prices driven by tech demand, noting cocoa prices dropped while coffee remains expensive, discussing farmers' effective non-violent protests in Europe and contrasting European energy shortages with the electricity needs of AI development. 1901
A new clinical analysis based on the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) found that older adults taking a daily cocoa extract supplement saw an 8.4% annual drop in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), a key marker of chronic inflammation The supplement provided 500 milligrams of cocoa flavanols daily, including 80 milligrams of (-)-epicatechin, which is the same bioactive compound found naturally in cacao Researchers said this anti-inflammatory effect may help explain a 27% lower risk of cardiovascular mortality previously observed in the larger COSMOS trial Taking a cocoa flavanol supplement appears to support vascular and immune health by calming NF-κB signaling and improving endothelial function Unlike dark chocolate, standardized cocoa extract supplements are free of sugar and fat, delivering clinically studied doses in capsule form