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Shambaugh China essay rebuffed
Updated: 2015-03-11 11:07
By Hua Shengdun in Washington(China Daily USA)
Major China experts in Washington have rebutted a controversial essay on China that appeared in last Friday's Wall Street Journal.
The column - entitled "The Coming Chinese Crackup" - was penned by China hand David Shambaugh, professor of international affairs and the director of the China Policy Program at George Washington University, who asserted, among other things, that China's ongoing anti-corruption campaign indicated vulnerability and economic weakness that put it on the verge of a governmental downfall.
David Lampton, George and Sadie Hyman Professor of China Studies at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, disputed the article at a panel discussion on China's anti-corruption campaign in Washington on Tuesday.
"I don't agree with Shambaugh's characterizations in the article", said Lampton, former president of the National Committee on United States-China Relations. "We need to be modest about what we know and don't know about economic and political developments in China, and on making predictions."
Amid such uncertainties, "very different predictions precisely" may be heard, he said, adding that it depended on China's middle class' acceptance of the ongoing campaign, since China's opening up and reform policies since 1979 have made its society more "empowered".
Bruce Dickson, director of the Sigur Center for Asian Studies and a professor of political science and international affairs at GWU, said China's "nimble" adaptation kept the public satisfied.
"I think the Party has been more adaptable than people already give it credit for," Dickson said. "And it is in a good place by getting people's expectations to slow down."
Despite "the frustration with corruption, people tend to be optimistic about the future, with expectations of their incomes continuing to rise", which in turn meets the government's expectations, Dickson said.
Chi Wang, president and chair of the US-China Policy Foundation, said China should continue to crack down on bribery and wrongdoing.
A former head of the China section at the Library of Congress, Wang said that if the anti-graft commitment weren't carried out in a dynamic mode, it would harm the roots and future of China as well, and all the Chinese overseas who are looking forward to a better China.
"China really needs President Xi's idea of getting rid of corruption throughout China under the legal system," he said. "This is the No 1 priority."
Writing in Forbes, Stephen Harner, who lived in China for 20 years, said he "absolutely rejects" Shambaugh's conclusions, which he called "astonishingly ill-informed".
"The pervasive sense of dramatic change is, I have found, combined in almost all Chinese minds with satisfaction and confidence that the change is urgently needed - indeed long overdue - and in the right direction," Harner wrote in an editorial published on March 10.
China's "resolute, focused approach to break down the greatest barrier to development" will help it successfully "exit" or at least avoid the "systematic traps" in its economic development path, and will emerge stronger, more prosperous, and more globally engaged and competitive, he said.
Fu Ying, spokeswoman of the third session of the 12th National People's Congress, said at a press conference on March 4 that "China would further build its institutional mechanism to crack down on corruption".
The Chinese Communist Party vowed in 2012 to firmly fight corruption in the next five years and has brought down about 56 high-ranking government officials and more than 180,000 low-ranking officials since then.
Sheng Yang in Washington contributed to this story.


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Wednesday, July 22, 2015 11:54 AM / ARM Research
We continue with the serialization of our core strategy document – the Nigeria Strategy Report. Today, coming closer home, we review economic and market performance in Africa over the first half of 2015 as well as delineate our expectations on same for H2 2015.
Review of Global Economy and Markets
Against the backdrop of weaker commodity prices, Ebola epidemic, political uncertainty, rising insecurity and weaker growth among its trade partners, Africa’s economy has so far witnessed tepid growth. The pace has been so stunted as to necessitate multiple downward credit ratings review by relevant agencies. The weaker economic activity in the continent also compelled IMF to revise its earlier (October 2014) growth forecast for SSA downwards (-130bps to 4.5%) while mean North African growth was projected 246bps slower than previous at 3.7%.
Table 1: African Countries whose credit ratings were downgraded
Source: S&P, Moody’s, ARM Research
The West-African sub region has been the most hit with economic challenges, battling with the impact of Ebola epidemic which grounded commerce, agricultural, services, travel and transportation sectors in the three worst affected countries. The impact of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) was felt among neighbouring countries, with Gambia’s tourism sector (40% of annual economic output) the most affected. Economic woe of the region was further compounded by the pressures on Africa’s biggest economy (Nigeria) underpinned by weaker oil prices, while the region’s second largest economy (Ghana) continued to slow given the fiscal reforms the country is implementing. Amidst the dampening effect of continued political imbroglio in Libya and oil-induced weakness in Algeria, North Africa’s economy was further affected by deceleration among its trade partners, reducing the region’s export proceeds. In central Africa, economic activities were curtailed by lingering political impasse in CAR and South Sudan, member countries were also impacted by softer commodities prices. Finally, the Southern part of the continent, similar to other regions, witnessed slowdown driven by weakness in commodities prices at Angola (oil) and Zambia (Copper), which more than offset a pickup in South Africa’s Q1 GDP (80bps to 2.1% QoQ).
Figure 1: Q1 2015 GDP Growth Rates (%) for Select African Countries
Source: Trading Economics, ARM Research, *Q4 14 Figures
Exchange rate pressures: current and capital account deficits outweigh tightening measures
Amidst commodity price pressures, heightened political risks trailing the electioneering cycle as well as US Fed hints at an interest rate hike, capital flows to the African region subsided. Similarly, lower export proceeds underpinned by bearish commodity prices worsened current account position, with the deterioration along with reduced capital flows resulted in the weakness of currencies across board.
Figure 2: Current Account balances (%) for Select African Countries
Source: IMF, ARM Research, *2015 Estimate
The Ghanaian Cedi has however remained the worst performing currency in Africa, depreciating 36% YTD, while Zimbabwe formally ditched its local currency following years of hyper-inflation which made its currency worthless. Meanwhile the CFA franc which is the major currency among central African countries continued to dip (-9% YTD) though this mostly reflected pass-through from its Euro peg – EURUSD (YTD: -8.6%) which fell following the commencement of the ECB’s bond buying program.
Figure 3: Performance of Euro and CFA against the US dollar (H1 15)
Source: Bloomberg, ARM Research
In response to the currency weakness, African central banks intensified monetary policy tightening with the Central Bank of Kenya and Bank of Ghana both raising key interest rate by 150bps and 100bps to 10% and 22% respectively. Similarly, the Bank of Uganda hiked interest rate by 100bps for the second time this year to 13%. Elsewhere, the Central Bank of Nigeria raised statutory reserve requirement 11pps to 31% while Bank of Angola raised its benchmark Basic Interest Rate (BNA) by 25 basis points to 9.25%.
Figure 4: H1 15 Performance of major African currencies
Source: Bloomberg, ARM Research
As Africa’s inflation maintains its discordant tempo
Notwithstanding the monetary tightening across the region, currency weakness underpinned higher inflation across Nigeria, Algeria and among CFA Franc users (Burkina-Faso, Cote D’ivoire and CAR). In addition to the currency depreciation, spike in energy costs driven by a cut in fuel subsidy pushed inflation higher in Angola and Egypt. However, the bearish trend in commodities prices ensured divergent inflation picture with South Africa and Zambia’s inflation respectively falling 70bps and 100bps to 4.6% and 6.9%YTD, while Zimbabwe mired further into deflation (-190bps to -2.7%). Weaker energy and food prices were also responsible for the moderation of Ghana’s inflation figure (-10bps to 16.9%).
Figure 5: 2015 Mean Inflation Figures (%) of Major African Countries (Jan-May)
Source: Bloomberg, ARM Research,*-Jan-April 2015
Macro-economic headwinds weigh on equity indices
In tandem with the slowdown in economic growth, equity markets recorded losses over H1 15, with the S&P All Africa index falling 2%, underpinned by weakness in Egypt (-11%), Nigeria (-3.5%), Mauritius (-4.5%) and Zambia (-5%) which, combined, more than offset gains in South Africa (+4.1%), Botswana (+12.5%), Tunisia (+12.4%) and Ghana (+4%). The decline in Nigeria’s equity market reflects foreign sell-offs following depressed oil prices, rising political tensions leading up to the March 2015 election as well as policy uncertainty post election, while temporary introduction of capital gains tax as well as MSCI’s removal of one of the four stocks representing Egypt in the MSCI-Egypt Index drove weakness in that country’s broader bourse. As for the Mauritian bourse, the downtrend reflects deteriorating investors’ confidence following a $693 million (Sh63.7 billion) scam which rocked the country’s banking system. Meanwhile, the Ghanaian equity index’ gain over H1 15 was largely underpinned by the emergency aid deal obtained from the IMF ($918 million) which boosted investors’ confidence. In South Africa, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) benefited from slower than expected hike in US interest rates, as well as surge in equity capital (+29% YoY to R92 billion in the first five months of 2015) raised by listed companies on the index.
Monetary tightening and slower growth to stoke further economic slowdown
Macroeconomic stability among Africa’s countries could be further threatened should growth amongst its major partners (Europe and China) further weaken, portending further downtrend in commodity prices and exacerbating current account pressures to resource exporters across the continent. While an Ebola-free Liberia and containment of the epidemic for much of 2015 would ordinarily have been a good omen, rising occurrence of new cases as well as those arising from unknown source of infection, and in new locations to boot, have triggered fears of a second wave of the outbreak, highlighting the challenges still faced on this front.
Figure 6: Confirmed cases of Ebola cases in the three most hit countries
Source: WHO, ARM Research
In addition, recent declaration of a cholera outbreak in South Sudan should further compound economic activities in the country which is still battling with lingering political crises. Further posing pressures to economic growth within the African region is the less accommodative outlook of US monetary policy which could crimp capital flows to the continent, adding further strains to the already weak currencies. The consequent impact on foreign-currency-denominated debt-service costs will further burden fiscal and current accounts positions among member states. Overall, the broadly weak growth picture, currency concerns, potential capital outflows, mounting security threats and policy uncertainty trailing the heavy political cycle herald sustained pressures for African economies and markets over the rest of 2015.
Table 2: 2015 election date for African Countries
Source: NDI, ARM Research
Related News from ARM’s Nigeria Strategy Report
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While the website is checked for accuracy, we are not liable for any incorrect information included. The details of this publication should not be construed as an investment advice by the author/analyst or the publishers/Proshare. Proshare Limited, its employees and analysts accept no liability for any loss arising from the use of this information. All opinions on this page/site constitute the authors best estimate judgement as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Investors should see the content of this page as one of the factors to consider in making their investment decision. We recommend that you make enquiries based on your own circumstances and, if necessary, take professional advice before entering into transactions. This article is published with the consent of the author(s) for circulation to the online investment community in accordance with the terms of usage. Further enquiries should be directed to the author whose e-mail is ARM Research [email@example.com]

domain: news


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|George R. Kasica
METEO 241 Portfolio #3: Analysis and explanation of the "stadium effect" within hurricane Rita from September 20-23, 2005
One visually striking feature of hurricane Rita that I will explore a bit below is known as the "stadium effect".
This effect is caused as a result of air parcels ascending in a spiral within the eye wall moving outwards from the core of the storm as they ascend. The motion of these causes the eye to become larger in diameter (or wider) as the altitude above the oceans surface increases. This widening of the eye with increasing altitude forms what looks like the "bowl" of a stadium hence the formation is sometimes called the stadium effect). The reasons for this effect are quite complex, but I will attempt to offer a simplified explanation below.
The reason the air parcels move outwards as they ascend is due in part to the decrease in friction as one ascends in the atmosphere. As a result of the decrease in friction, the wind speeds increase (studies have shown by about 1-4%) and therefore as a result of the increased wind speed the centrifugal and Coriolis forces also increase as the speed increases. Since a balance must be maintained between the inward pull of the pressure gradient of the storm (which observations have actually shown as decreasing with the increasing altitude), the parcels attempt to balance these forces by moving outward from the center of the storm as they ascend in atitude.
For a striking visual example of the stadium effect please look at the four photographs below taken by the MODIS Terra and Aqua satellites maintained by NASA. The images were taken between September 20-23, 2005. Note that the stadium appearance is not readily visible in these smaller images, but clicking on each image will display a large high resolution graphic (that takes some time appear due to the large size) that clearly shows this feature. To see it most apparently look in the area around the eye of the storm.
Now that you have seen an an example of the visually striking condition known as "the stadium effect" and have a basic understanding of its cause, please click here to move on to some reflections on this discussion and the course on tropical meteorology in general, or return to the main page to examine a different section.

domain: geography


text:
BBC Good Food India’s May issue is a toast to summer holiday cooking. Satisfy your summer cravings with seasonal kairi (raw mango) showstoppers, gorgeous frozen desserts, tropical hot-sweet-spicy dishes and even mouth-watering coastal classics from Kerala. Enjoy the special feature on cooking with children and also read about the best kid-friendly restaurants.
BBC GoodFood is UK's first and best-selling food magazine. In 22 years, the magazine has tested, cooked and eaten it's way through 7500 recipies and now has arrived in India, as it's first truly international food magazine. Thoughtfully customised to local taste buds, BBC GoodFood India is here to redefine food in the Indian imagination.

domain: food


text:
Get it by Valentine's Day
Unique Pearl and Carnelian Necklace from...
Hand Knotted Pearl Garnet and Rose Quartz...
Agate Beaded Waterfall Necklace from Thailand
Chiang Mai Spring
Artisan Crafted Amethyst and Pink...
Fantasy Rain in Purple
Agate Beaded Waterfall Necklace in...
Boho Elegance in Red-Orange
Carnelian Beaded Strand...
Lapis Lazuli and Cultured Pearl Necklace...
Multi-Gemstone Beaded Strand Necklace from...
Blue Waterfall Sun
Blue Bohemian Style Beaded Necklace...
Boho Elegance in Pink
Pink Quartz and Agate Beaded Strand...
Upcycled Glass Beaded Necklace from Ghana
Artisan Crafted Brass Beaded Necklace
Chiang Mai Memories
Artisan Crafted Lapis Lazuli and...
Brass Beaded Necklace
Bohemian Multi-Gemstone Beaded Pendant Necklace
Ebony and Ivory
Pearl and Quartz Beads on Silver Thai...
Fantasy Rain in Deep Blue
Glass Beaded Waterfall Necklace...
Festive Holiday in Red
Multicolored Glass Beaded Lariat...
Beaded Turquoise Colored Necklace
Lapis Lazuli and Blue Howlite Beaded Pendant...
Star of Midnight
Lapis Lazuli Howlite Beaded Pendant Necklace
Festive Holiday in Black
Agate Beaded Lariat Necklace in...
Turquoise Baby Steps
Hand Crafted Turquoise Beaded y Necklace
Multicolored Multi-Gemstone Beaded Necklace...
Fantasy Rain in Blue
Glass Beaded Waterfall Necklace in...
Unique Floral Beaded Necklace from...
Rose Quartz and Cultured Pearl Beaded Necklace
Cultured Pearl Beaded Station Necklace from...
Midnight Love in Red-Orange
Agate Long Beaded Strand...
Sese Wood Recycled Glass Tiger's Eye Beaded Necklace
Fantasy Rain in Orange
Handcrafted Lapis and Turquoise Colored Necklace
Multi-Gemstone Beaded Strand Pendant...
Upcycled Glass Bead Necklace from Ghana
Festive Holiday in Blue-Green
Colorful Glass Beaded Lariat...
Fantasy Rain in Sky Blue
Unakite Beaded Choker Necklace from Thailand
Agate and Brass Beaded Necklace from Thailand
Sese Wood and Tiger's Eye Beaded Necklace
Agate and Recycled Glass Beaded Necklace
Memories of Spring
Unique Thai Beaded Gem Flower Necklace
Eco-Friendly Recycled Glass Beaded Necklace
Bohemian Purple Quartz Beaded Pendant Necklace
Carnelian and Peridot Beaded Necklace
Recycled Plastic Beaded Waterfall Necklace...
Bohemian Pearl and Multigem Silver Plated Necklace
Amethyst Beaded Necklace

domain: design


text:
Crown Roast Of Pork
Place the pork in a large pan and add the onion, garlic, salt, pepper and savory.
Cover and refrigerate for four to five hours.
Cover the rib bones with foil, then brush the entire surface of the roast with the butter.
Place in a pan on a roasting rack, bones... - 36.3962


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Comstock Holding Companies, Inc. announced today (Feb. 6) that it acquired JBG Smith’s Commerce Metro Center Portfolio — a move that will increase the Reston Station area to 4.5 million square feet once fully built.
The portfolio spans nearly 40 acres from the Dulles Toll Road and the surrounding area by the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station. It lies directly across from Comstock’s first phase of the Reston Station neighborhood development.
The portfolio includes three office buildings totaling 408,000 square feet, along with entitlements in place for an additional 1.1 million square feet of mixed-use development for possibly adding more office, residential, retail and a hotel.
Tenants who have signed on for the three existing office buildings include:
- Applied Information Sciences
- Kimley Horn and Associates, Inc.
- CACI NSS Inc.
- Clarabridge, Inc.
- BT Americas, Inc.
- Pennsylvania State University
- Kroll Associates, Inc.
Back in November, JBG Smith said an unnamed buyer agreed to pay$115 million for its three-building Commerce Executive Park complex, which is located by Sunrise Valley Drive and Wiehle Avenue, Globe.St reported.
The acquisition also ups the total assets under management by Comstock Holding Companies, Inc., under its long-term management agreement covering Reston Station, according to the press release.
Comstock Chief Executive Officer Christopher Clemente described the portfolio as “high-quality, value-added properties.”
Photo via Comstock
CitySwing, a golf facility designed for people of all skill levels, plans to open at Reston Town Center in the first quarter of next year. The facility at 11897 Market…
Route 123 and International Drive in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey) Kingstowne Man Indicted for Real Estate Loan Scheme — Calling it one of the largest embezzlement cases in…
More than half of the school-aged kids in Fairfax County — 53.6%, to be precise — are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19. That means more than 57,000 Fairfax Health District…

domain: economics


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The Number Of Tourists In Nepal Has Decreased Up To 80 Percent Due To The Earthquake Occurred In April
Following the earthquake in Nepal, April 2015 the number of people who would like to visit this country reduced a lot.
According to the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) statistics the tourist flow has decreased to 80% after the earthquake that occurred in April, RIA news reports. The government actively started the reconstruction of mountain routes and bridges hoping that tourists should come again to Nepal. “We are working on normalization of life in the main tourist regions. We’ve put all our efforts on the reconstruction and support of mountain routes and bridges so that next season people could go hiking without experiencing any inconveniences – said the chairman of the Committee on Tourism of Nepal, Ramesh Adhikari. The authorities are also working on the special events that should attract visitors upcoming year and the anniversary of the earthquake. There should be held a tourism week in October which will include the participation of tour operators from other countries.
Let us remind you that on April 25, at 11.56, local time, the 7.9 magnitude massive earthquake struck Nepal (The maximum magnitude is 9.5). Victims include more than 8000 people and more than 14000 are injured.
Belen is one of the Argentine cities, 11 January ready to host the most popular entertainment event called "Beach night". Only for him in this city every year attracts hundreds and even thousands of ... read more
Alarming news came to us from Italy. It turns out that UNESCO has ordered the government of this country to create the necessary conditions for the preservation of this heritage of mankind Pompeii. F... read more
At least fifty people were injured varying degrees due to the collapse of a pedestrian bridge at the fair in a small Mexican town called Jerez of Zacatecas. About this informed the representatives of... read more
Northern Ireland is not so popular among tourists. Therefore, local authorities are trying by all means to entice travelers here. In recent times, "went crazy" after watching the TV series "Game of t... read more
A little trip on a sailing boat for a couple from the UK has turned into a circumnavigation. They say that in July 1998, decided to rest, traveling to Spain and Ireland, but then they continued their... read more
Famous places to travel with highest rating


28-year-old Fantasic Four actor Chris Evans was offered the role last week and according to the Hollywood Reporter he has taken up the opportunity to play the Marvel comic book hero in ‘The First Avenger: Captain America’.
The superhero was originally created during World War II to encourage patriotism amongst US citizens, but has since gone on to have a cult following worldwide. It is not the first time Chris has portrayed a superhero on screen – he previously starred as the Human Torch in the ‘Fantastic Four’ movies. Marvel and Chris’ representatives have so far declined to comment on the casting.
The plot of the film sees Steve Rogers volunteering to a research project after he is deemed unsuitable for military service. The project turns Steve into Captain America – charged with protecting the honour and ideals of the US. ‘The Wolfman’ director Joe Johnston is directing the project with Jack Kirby and Christopher Markus writing. Other stars rumoured to be starring include Keira Knightley and Emily Blunt.


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Went with some friends for lunch and was impressed with the very extensive menu - and pleasantly surprised by quality and freshness of our meal. Hummus appetizer with homemade bread was absolutely delicious. Green Thai chicken curry with fresh steamed local Kampuchea squash was also wonderful, as was the hamburger and banana chips. Pina colada smoothie wash refreshing.
Clean and concrete floors - surprising for such a remote place.
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America has abandoned the death penalty
In 2015, America had the lowest number of executions in 25 years. Of the 28 people executed, 68% suffered from severe mental disabilities or experienced extreme childhood trauma and abuse according to a new report released by Harvard Law School’s Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race & Justice. A significant number of the executed individuals had multiple mental impairments. Two individuals were executed despite doubts about their guilt.
- Document type Academic report
- Themes list Country/Regional profiles,


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In a series of tweets, the president addressed an unusual controversy stemming from a speech Thursday that New York Fed President John Williams delivered.Marketsread more
Four members of the House Armed Services Committee, including ranking member Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, said moving forward with the contract was critical to U.S. national...Technologyread more
Companies aren't waiting for the U.S.-China trade war to be resolved, says the head of the world's biggest money manager.Investingread more
Walmart is making further organizational changes to further integrate its store and digital operations and leadership, according to a memo obtained by CNBC that was sent by...Retailread more
George Nader helped arrange a January 2017 meeting in the Seychelles between Erik Prince and the head of Russia's sovereign wealth fund, who reported directly to Vladimir...Politicsread more
These are the stocks posting the largest moves midday.Market Insiderread more
"I'm not hearing people blame the Fed as much as they're blaming tariffs," says CNBC's Jim Cramer.US Economyread more
Earlier, Williams said in a speech that "it's better to take preventative measures than to wait for disaster to unfold."The Fedread more
Gold has been on fire this year and some investors think it is poised to do something it has only done twice since World War II.Marketsread more
The University of Michigan's preliminary print on its consumer sentiment index ticked up to 98.4, from 98.2 in June. Economists polled by Refinitiv expected the preliminary...Economyread more
The mega-cap tech stocks that have led much of the record-long bull run have started to lose steam, but investors are still giving them the benefit of the doubt.Marketsread more
Gold settled lower on Tuesday as the dollar eased against a basket of currencies, helping the metal to recover from early losses that briefly pulled it below $1,200 an ounce.
U.S. gold for April delivery closed down $3.80, at $1,204.40 an ounce.
was down 0.3 percent at $1,203 an ounce, having dropped by nearly 1 percent to a session low of $1,194.90 as the dollar hovered around 11-year highs, helped by rising Treasury yields.
"Prices ... seem to be forming a nice technical base in the low $1,190s," Deutsche Boerse's MNI senior analyst Tony Walters said.
"Gold ... clearly found some support around $1,200 at the start of this month and people are still looking at U.S. data," NRC Commodities analyst Andrey Kryuchenkov said.
Markets will be watching Friday's U.S. non-farm payrolls numbers and next week's launch of outright money-printing by the European Central Bank, he added.
The dollar eased from an 11-year peak hit earlier versus a basket of currencies, helping demand for the metal.
Expectations for an increase in U.S. interest rates were likely to limit bullion's gains in the short term, keeping it below Monday's two-week high of $1,223.20. Gold fell 5.5 percent in February, its biggest monthly loss in five months, with the strengthening economy increasing the chance the Federal Reserve will raise rates this year for the first time since 2006.
"Despite most people swaying back and forth on the timing of the U.S. rate hike, there is still consensus that it will happen this year," said Mark To, head of research at Hong Kong's Wing Fung Financial Group.
Read MoreIs this a new snag for gold demand?
Seven of the Fed's 17 members have said they at least want the option of a rate rise in June on the table, or have pushed in general for an earlier increase in the expectation that wages and inflation will turn higher.
Structural reforms in China, aimed at a more sustainable pace of economic growth, would also keep gold demand in check, To said.
Most analysts expect China's gold imports via main conduit Hong Kong to recover this year but to stay below the record 1,158.16 tons imported in 2013.

domain: finance


text:
Book Three, The Book of MothmanBook - 2014
Mix X-Files with Mythbusters and you get Hoax Hunters ,the series about a reality show that is out to cover up the dark, mysteriouscorners of the world. The Book of Mothman collects the final arc of theacclaimed first season -- dig deeper into the mysteries of Jack's dad andthe multiverse, Regan's powers, and what the heck is going on withMurder.
Publisher: Berkeley, CA : Image Comics, c2014
Branch Call Number: FIC MOREC M
Alternative Title: Book of Mothman

domain: entertainment


text:
Glitzy. Glamourous. Flamboyant. The Roaring 20s were a period of evolving fashion and sparkling society. For many, this decade evokes over-the-top Gatsby-esque celebrations, as well as the birth of mass culture, jazz music and the “new woman.” The onset of fashion trends that broke all the rules mimicked the changing society as a whole, and those changes continue to reverberate through the decades.
Following the Great War, culture in the United States experienced a seismic shift into the modern era. Monumental skyscrapers like the Empire State Building, soared above cities and the brilliant sheen of steel seemed to nearly swallow New York City. Airplanes and automobiles made travel more accessible than ever before. The rapidly changing culture expanded throughout all aspects of life: politics, social issues and even fashion. As society shrugged off the final vestiges of Victorian-era culture, modern women in the machine age traded in their old-fashioned corsets for the low waistlines and loose silhouettes that today epitomize the flapper style.
Inspired, in part, by society’s new adoration of technology and architecture, the Art Deco style began to emerge. Designs mimicked the streamlined aesthetics of the changing world with crisp, angular and geometric lines, embracing this new cosmopolitan chic and exuberant spirit of the culture.
The style took its name from the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, a world's fair hosted in Paris to exhibit the groundbreaking new Art Deco movement in the realms of design, architecture, furniture, jewelry, glass and more. The fair was a sensation with over 16 million people from around the world visiting to experience this captivating "style moderne." This decorative art movement, which developed alongside the emerging industrial economy in both Europe and America, was part of a rapidly changing culture. Nodding to the advancements and processes of technology, Art Deco aesthetics represented a pared-down vision of an embrace of machinery and modernism. In other words, Art Deco showed the demands of mass production and the embrace of new material as it showcased linear, modern and simplified symmetrical forms.
The opulence and abandon of the 1920s represent glamour at its height. Coupled with the push and pull of the stimulating new metropolis, fashion now established itself as ultra-feminine and chic. This streamlined decorative art style was seen throughout the aesthetic culture of the age, becoming what we know today as American Art Deco. The birth of the Art Deco movement changed jewelry design for years to come. This new design ethos presented itself with the striking effects of geometry and symmetry front and center. The result was a cleaner style than the more organic lines of preceding styles, yet it still incorporated brilliantly colored stones for a statement-making effect.
Materials used in the creation of Art Deco jewels reflected the modern world, just as the designs did. Most jewelry made during the era was fashioned in either white gold or platinum. Platinum was a relatively new material for jewelry. The Edwardian period saw platinum used for the first time in this application — a major technological advancement at the time. Prior to the late 19th century, platinum was quite scarce and there was little understanding amongst jewelers of its workability. With studying and testing, the use of platinum was fully exploited for this jewelry, and it was discovered that platinum allowed flexible workability. White gold first emerged around 1915 when it was introduced to combat rising platinum costs while still meeting the public demand for light-colored metals. Yellow gold was considered out of style in the Art Deco-era, and is rarely seen.
Art Deco jewelry also sought to incorporate the very best examples of diamonds, jade and other precious gems, while innovations in gem cuts and facets made gemstones more brilliant and luminous than ever before. Color was an important consideration, and classic jewel tones like emerald, ruby and sapphire reigned supreme.
The interpretation of Art Deco style varied widely, from emphasizing separate aspects to depictions of different themes. For some, this interpretation resulted in energetic colors and accents; for others, this meant emphasizing jewelry’s intrinsic, graceful values. However, for many savvy and modern Art Deco jewelers, this interpretation resulted in large-scale pieces and gemstones, reflecting the exuberance, free-flowing personality and high style of 1920s culture.
Non-western motifs also feature prominently in the fine jewelry of the Art Deco period, and South and East Asian motifs proved especially popular. Non-western-inspired jewelry pieces often incorporated a larger variety of materials and colors, with handsome specimens of jade or striking black and red enameling.
Now, more than ever, Art Deco period pieces have experienced a particularly popular resurgence in the jewelry world – movies such as The Great Gatsby glorify the high-spirited Jazz Age and all the glamour that came with it. Exploring the boundaries of geometry in a way that is both stylish and fun, Art Deco jewelry reflects the confidence of its age. Even today, the Art Deco design movement inspires everything from interior design and furniture to fashion and jewelry with its geometric shapes, seamless patterns and rich colors. Classic yet bold, vintage Art Deco designs remain one of the most enduring and sought-after styles of the last century.
To see M.S. Rau’s entire collection of Art Deco jewelry for sale, explore our website. You can also read about other eras of jewelry design in our latest virtual exhibition, Extravagant Jewels: A History of Jewelry Design.
This article was updated on 2/16/2022.

domain: artistic


For over 150 years, Reed Magazine has published the work of artists whose narrative voices persist beyond the page, whose imagery lingers in our minds, and whose language challenges us to think, to do, and to be part of the creative legacy of our time.
Last year, Reed Magazine received a record number of submissions. 2020 sees our continued efforts to publish the newest and most striking visual & digital art, and photography from around the world.
We do encourage artists to submit to our Mary Blair Award Contest, which gives the opportunity to win a $1,000 prize, as well as have their work featured in Issue 154. We encourage you, as well as your friends, family, students, and colleagues to submit their work.
The deadline for this contest is November 1st, 2020. For further information about how to submit, please be sure to visit our website https://www.reedmag.org/submit


Mac Gollehon is certainly a long standing name in the jazz genre, and his 9th album Mac Gollehon and the Hispanic Mechanics marks the course for a new era for Gollehon, with many years of touring and recording with such luminary names as David Bowie (Let’s Dance, Changes Bowie, Sound+Vision,), Duran Duran (Seven and the Ragged Tiger.., Original Gold, Big Thing, Notorious), Grace Jones (Inside Story), Chic (Dance, Dance, Dance, Live at Budokan, In Japan, Chic-ism), Blondie, Rick James, Mick Jagger, Power Station (Some like it Hot) – in truth Gollehon can be heard on over 100 gold and platinum and double platinum records. Yet it isn’t just the pop and jazz side of Gollehon’s experience that lends itself to this project it is also the heavy hitting historically important Latin artists Gollehon has shared the stage with such as: Hilton Ruiz, Larry Harlow, Nicky Marrero, Potato Valdez, Frankie Ruiz, Sonara Mantancero and Charlie Palmieri, who have left their mark in Latin genres. In addition, he recorded and arranged for Soca giants Mighty Sparrow and Arrow, the legendary arrangement of Hot Hot Hot. The combination of these genres wedded together and years on the bandstand, have created a uniquely fresh and innovative sound that offers a dramatic musical energy relevant to today’s music market.
Latin jazz and EDM combined into a marriage of thumping rhythms and pulsing lines, united with Gollehon’s singularly searing single notes, is like the cherry on top of the delicious jazz whip. The single on this album is “No More Drama,” which I might add there are two versions to choose from, the first is the opening cut to the album, with crashes and thrashes of Afro-Latin rhythms and an overtone of the days Estefan productions was in its heyday, with catchy lines and riffs, is prevalent throughout, but what sets this apart is the breakdown sections, giving it a true “mix” sound. The latter “No More Drama Drama (Touchy Feely Remix),” has more of a spacious approach with a thematic crunch rhythm throughout. Gollehon’s horn is so signature, it glistens with command. The track continues with swirling sound and pounding dance rhythms, guaranteed to keep you in the flow. Another barn burner on the album is “Dale Jamon,” laced with complex fast rhythms and masterful percussion, this track features Tina Torres in the lead vocal seat and she is on point. This track is authentic, and screams FIESTA!! Co-producer Tomas Doncker adds a Santana-esque guitar, while Gollehon peals the sky wide open with high reaching notes blasting to the stratosphere.
Gollehon and his new group the Hispanic Mechanics offer a fresh take on a traditionally based sound, dressed up for the next generation, yet holding its foot in the reality of true musicianship that is not replaced with all electronic sounds, but complimented and thrusted forward to a new generational sound. It is not often that long-time artists take such risks, but if anyone can hold that torch firmly in their hand and run with it, it is a pioneer like Gollehon. A hipster ride throughout, Mac Gollehon and the Hispanic Mechanics (True Groove Records) is an unapologetic ride of explorative jazz. Miles Davis is quoted as calling Gollehon the nickname “chops,” maybe it’s time to also add the words “pioneer.”


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The east side of the Durham Green is sited along Main Street (Route 17), once the Old Mattebeseck Trail and presently a four-lane highway. On the west it is bounded by Town House Road and on the North by Maple Avenue. It is a long rectangle comprising 1.39 acres that tapers as it extends south. At the north and south ends are additional small triangular pieces cut off from the larger green by intersecting roads.
The green is fairly level but is located on a crest. The land falls off to the west behind the Town Hall (Old South Congregational Church) and the fairground building. No curbs separate it from the street although parking is located along the green on Town House Road. It is simply landscaped. Mature maple trees are planted around the perimeter and are interspersed with younger maple and pin cherry trees. Two large coniferous trees in the center closer to the southern end are planted on either side of a memorial bell and a stone monument, the "Soldiers Honor Role". Between the two monuments is a flagpole. Another mature coniferous tree is planted at the northern end. Also located on the green is a plaque indicating Washington's route in 1775 and 1789 and the town historical marker. There are no paths.
As the southern end on the west side of Main Street adjacent to the Durham Fairgrounds is an additional triangular-shaped plot with tremendous views to the west that is not maintained as the green. However, its plantings make it appear to be part of the green and the tax assessor's map indicates confused ownership. The town records indicate the green was once larger than it is today.
Although 18th and 20th century buildings are represented, the civic and residential buildings around the green date primarily from the 19th century. They remain relatively intact and provide a cohesive enclosure for one of Connecticut's more picturesque greens.


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Olympics Games silver medal-winning weightlifter Chanu leads list of top sportspersons who will take centrestage at National Games in Gujarat today
India’s Mirabai Chanu. Pic/Getty Images
Olympic Games weightlifting silver medallist Mirabai Chanu will be the biggest draw at the Mahatma Mandir Complex in Gandhinagar when the 36th National Games gathers steam on Friday, with competitions in nine more sports beginning a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared the Games open at a spectacular ceremony on Thursday.
Tough contest for shooters
The women’s 10m air rifle contest, featuring home favourite, Olympian Elavenil Valarivan and West Bengal’s Mehuli Ghosh will also capture attention at the Ahmedabad Military and Rifle Training Centre here. On a day when three shooting gold medals will be decided, 2012 Olympic Games silver medallist Vijay Kumar’s comeback will also be watched with much interest. Friday will also see athletes in archery, athletics, fencing, gymnastics, kho-kho, roller sports, rowing and wrestling the opportunity showcase their skills on the grand stage.
Shooters Elavenil Valarivan (left) and Mehuli Ghosh
There will also be gold medal matches in rugby 7s in Ahmedabad and netball in Bhavnagar. The table tennis events were held in Surat last week to facilitate the country’s best to compete before heading to China for the World Championships. The early phase of competition in kabaddi, rugby 7s and tennis in Ahmedabad as well as netball in Bhavnagar started a couple of days ago.
Top walkers in fray
In IIT Gandhinagar, the entries of Commonwealth Games medallists Sandeep Kumar and Priyanka Goswami headline the 20km walk events for men and women respectively. And in the wake of the success of triple jumpers Eldhose Paul and Abdulla Aboobacker in the CWG, considerable attention will be focussed on the jumping pit as well.
Shooter Vijay Kumar (left) and gymnast Pranati Nayak
Not far from IIT, the Mahatma Mandir complex will spring alive with medals on offer in weightlifting, fencing and wrestling while the picturesque Sabarmati Riverfront will have the best of India’s rowing and roller sports athletes on view. And in the sylvan settings of the Sanskardham School, archery and kho-kho competitions will get underway. The National Games caravan, which has already touched the cities of Surat and Bhavnagar besides Ahmedabad, will roll into Vadodara with the gymnastics competition starting on Friday. The men and women’s team medals in artistic gymnastics will be the first events in a five-day competition. Gymnasts Pranati Nayak (West Bengal), Protistha Samanta (Tripura) and Satyajit Mondal (West Bengal) and Saif Tamboli (Services), who competed at the Birmingham CWG will be in action at the Sama Indoor Sports Complex.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

domain: sports


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LONDON, May 21 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – A growing number of landlords are asking tenants for sex in exchange for housing, because coronavirus locks and job cuts have made it difficult for many to pay their rent, housing experts said.
A survey by the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) of more than 100 fair housing groups fighting discrimination in the United States found that 13% had seen an increase in sexual harassment complaints during the coronavirus pandemic.
“If I didn’t have sex with him, he would turn me off,” a woman turned off by her property manager told the NFHA in a podcast on their website. “As a single mother, I had no choice. I didn’t want to lose my housing. “
Sex for rent has come under scrutiny in the United States and Great Britain in recent years due to rising housing costs. Charities have noticed an increase in online advertisements offering rent-free accommodation in exchange for sexual favors.
Under the new coronavirus pandemic, millions of people worldwide have lost their jobs or income because lockouts and travel restrictions have forced many companies to close their doors.
Authorities in North America and Europe have introduced cash benefits, banned rent freezes, and prohibited evictions to protect people from homelessness.
“People who are very vulnerable to eviction, especially during a pandemic, are sometimes faced with impossible choices,” said NFHA general adviser Morgan Williams, who protects tenants from housing discrimination.
“The predators in the housing context … are addressing that vulnerability,” he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.
Data on the prevalence of rented sex is scarce. With limited awareness of the problem, and legal uncertainties that mean victims can experience prostitution, abuses are often not reported and unpunished, housing experts said.
A 2018 study by Shelter England, a housing charity, found that around 250,000 women in the country had been asked for sexual favors instead of rent in the past five years.
Wera Hobhouse, a UK legislator campaigning against “sextortion” – abuse of power for sexual benefit – said sex for rent is likely on the rise because people desperately wanted to stay home while closed.
“The financial difficulties many in the UK have experienced as a result of COVID-19 will lead to more people being forced to accept these schemes as an alternative to becoming homeless at the worst possible time,” said Hobhouse.
NFHA’s Williams said many women have not reported sexual harassment from landlords because they feared losing their housing or struggled with other issues such as poverty.
“It is difficult to deal with complaints in the current climate,” he said.
Kaarin Long, a woman attorney for The Advocates for Human Rights, a United States-based human rights organization, said many hit victims were already vulnerable, including survivors of sex trafficking, ex-prisoners, and ethnic minorities.
“It’s being kept under the table, it’s being kept quiet because those people don’t like working with formal systems because formal systems were not good for them in the past,” she said.

domain: sociology


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Shoulder instability is a problem of loose shoulder joint that occurs when the structures that surround the shoulder joint such as the ligaments capsule and . Dr todd pitts md is a fellowship trained orthopaedic surgery surgeon in primary and revision hip surgery knee surgery and shoulder reconstruction. History patients will commonly complain of symptoms of a loose shoulder joint they may experience popping or grinding of the shoulder there is often associated . Shoulder reconstruction is a surgical procedure thats used to repair or rebuild the shoulder joint its most commonly done when
How it works:
1. Register Trial Account.
2. Download The Books as you like ( Personal use )

domain: medical


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Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later
DescriptionSuper Jump World is a jump'n'run game which was inspired by a 2D classic game.
Help the main character Lep to jump and run through the beautiful worlds of Super Jump World. Be careful! There are many angry monsters. They want to stop Lep in each world. If you collect a cloverleaf little Lep grows up to a bigger one. But you are not secure with big Lep. An angry bee could hit him and he gets back to little Lep. An easy and smooth control makes it very funny and to jump or run.
*** Features ***
+ 20 incredible levels
+ 4 different themes
+ wonderful graphics
+ 8 challenging enemies
+ Game Center with some tricky achievements
+ Game Center with four awesome leaderboards
+ Retina support
*** Instructions ***
Jump and run through the levels and dodge all enemies.


701NK Rechargeable Handheld Chlorine Gas Detector with carrying case and recharger.
- Detector for nitrogen dioxide, ozone, chlorine, fluorine, bromine and other halogen gases.
- Adjustable sensitivity.
- Low Maintenance - Easy to Use
- Sensor cannot be poisoned or flooded
- Fast response time
Dependable, Rugged, Tough
Audible Alarm which can be turned on and off
Meter to help you zero in on a leak and gives you an indication of the size of the leak
Easy to carry, lightweight belt clip
Also works with the 501GX (Gooseneck extension), the 501RX (Retractable Telescoping Extension) and the 501CX (Coiled Extension)


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A Dutch court of The Hague has found three pro-Russian separatists of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) guilty for their involvement in the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, which killed 298 civilians, and have sentenced them to life in prison. The verdict, however, is more symbolic than anything as all three of the convicted suspects remain in separatist held areas of Ukraine and were tried in absentia.
According to Dutch investigators, the Boeing 777 was shot down by a Buk SAM system fired by DPR separatists while en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. After being hit by the missile, the airliner broke up in air, creating a large debris field around Hrabove, Donetsk, that consisted of plane parts and bodies, some of which were still strapped in their seats. All on board were killed.
One of the most prominent suspects that was convicted is Igor Girkin, who was the DPR’s Minister of Defense at the time of the downing and a key figure in Ukrainian separatist movements. Prosecutors argue that Girkin, along with defendants Sergei Dubinsky (former Russian intel officer) and Leonid Kharchenko (separatist leader), bore responsibility for the downing due to their contributions in supplying and deploying the Buk system used. None of those convicted are believed to be the ones who were operating the system at the time of the attack. Girkin and other Russian officials have maintained that they did not shoot down the aircraft.
International arrest warrants are still out for Girkin, Dubinsky, and Kharchenko. Girkin recently returned to Ukraine after volunteering to fight alongside Russian forces during the invasion.
A fourth suspect, former Russian intelligence officer Oleg Pulatov, was acquitted due to lack of evidence tying him to the launch.

domain: history


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Willy Paul forces Bahati to go back to school after new Song
"Bahati back to class to look for a Degree"
The hit maker of the Song Mama is back in class to look for his own Degree after Willy Paul acquired one through his new song.
Bahati as unleashed new Photos while in Class with Ugandan super star Eddy Kenzo revealing that something big is cooking between the two.
The Ghetto President took to his Social media account to inquiries from his fans the date he can drop the new song that he has featured Eddy Kenzo.
Just the other day Bahatin was promoting Willy Paul’s new song, a thing that could have inspired him to walk the school direction.
Eddy Kenzo and Bahati will be dropping a new song very soon and the Internet is already on fire.
The song is called Barua and will be dropping today.
On the other hand Willy Paul released a new song titled “Digiri” saying that he is a heaven material and therefore he doesn't’t want a degree or awards to go to Heaven.
Willy Paul's song seemed to be pointing at the Groove Awards organizers , as it can be remembered that the two did not get a slot in the just concluded awards.
The rate at which Gospel artist are hooking up with Circular artist is Alarming, hence raising the question of whether it is a nice thing or they have lost the track.
So far Bahati has collaborated with Rayvanny from WCB while Willy Paul was in Jamaica with Alaine.
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:


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This week on Hide and Create Joshua Essoe, Jordan Ellinger, Moses Siregar and Diana Rowland talk about how Star Wars and Star Trek compare.
“May the Force be with you” or “Live long and prosper”?
“I am your father” or “He’s dead, Jim”?
“These aren’t the droids you’re looking for” or “I’ve given her all she’s got, captain”?
Star Wars is an epic hero’s journey; the same story that people have been enjoying and craving from the beginning, and it takes place a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. Much of the setting may be in space, but it is very much the swords and sorcery fantasy.
Star Trek is an idea story all about the brightness of the future. Future setting, future virtues, future technologies, hope for what the future holds. It looks forward while Star Wars looks backward.
Really, the two complement one another beautifully.
This week on Hide and Create Jordan Ellinger, Diana Rowland, Joshua Essoe and Moses Siregar discuss how to shift into writing full time.
In 2010 when I decided to be a full-time editor, I had studied my market for months. I spoke with professionals in that field, I educated myself, I created a business plan, I set goals for my business and then I jumped in head-first. And you know what? It worked.
You have to be in the right head space to make a career in the creative fields work. You must be willing to treat it like a regular job and be able to mind yourself when you tell yourself to get to work. Self-employment is a completely different mindset and takes a lot of self-motivation.
Be prepared. Here there be dragons — let us help you keep them all on the page.
Welcome to Hide and Create your online writing workshop and podcast! The show is about the business of writing from the perspective of an indie success story, a DAW author, a tie-in author, and a freelance editor. Whatever your chosen path, we have advice that will help you along it!
In our premier show, we talk about the many avenues that exist for entrance into the magical world of publishing. Writing, editing, slush reading, meeting the right people, dumb luck, or just working your heinie off; everyone’s story is unique. This is how Moses Siregar III, Diana Rowland, Jordan Ellinger and Joshua Essoe did it.
Which is right for you? How can you get in the door? What do you do when you’re in that door? We’ll be exploring all these topics as well as craft, cons, celebrities, games and movies. If it’s sci-fi or fantasy you’ll find something about it here. And if you don’t, write in and let us know.

domain: literature


The Apple September event is nearly upon us, making an iPhone 14 Pro Max vs. iPhone 13 Pro Max comparison more relevant than ever. At that event, Apple will likely introduce its latest iPhones, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max figures to be the top device in the iPhone 14 lineup.
After all, the iPhone 13 Pro Max currently claims that title. It's the best phone you can buy right now, and it's the winner of the Tom's Guide Award 2022 for the best phone of the past year. Topping the iPhone 13 Pro Max figures to be a tall order, even for a phone maker with Apple's track record of rolling out improved devices every fall.
Based on the iPhone 14 Pro rumors we've heard in the build-up to this fall's release, though, Apple may be up to the task. The Pro lineup is tipped to get the most substantial upgrades among Apple's newest handsets and as the biggest and most expensive model, the iPhone 13 Pro Max should reap the most benefits from that strategy.
We won't know how the new Pro Max model compares to its predecessor until Apple officially unveils the iPhone 14 lineup. But thanks to the steady stream of rumors about Apple's upcoming iPhone plans, we have a pretty good idea of the iPhone 14 Pro Max vs. iPhone 13 Pro Max differences.
iPhone 14 Pro Max vs. iPhone 13 Pro Max specs
|iPhone 14 Pro Max (rumored)||iPhone 13 Pro Max|
|Screen size||6.7 inches||6.7 inches|
|CPU||A16 Bionic||A15 Bionic|
|RAM||6GB LPDDR5||6GB LPDDR4X|
|Storage||256GB, 512GB, 1TB||128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB|
|Rear cameras||48MP main; 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto||12MP main; 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto|
|Front camera||12MP (f/1.9) with autofocus||12MP (f/2.2)|
|Battery size||4,323 mAh||4,352 mAh|
|Colors||Graphite, gold, silver, purple||Graphite, gold, silver, blue, green|
iPhone 14 Pro Max vs. iPhone 13 Pro Max price
Let's get the bad news out of the way first — you're probably going to pay more for the iPhone 14 Pro Max than you would have paid for the same-sized iPhone Pro model last year. Multiple rumors indicate that the price of the iPhone 14 Pro models is going up by $100. That would mean the iPhone 14 Pro would start at the iPhone 13 Pro Max's debut price of $1,099 while the iPhone 14 Pro Max itself would cost $1,199. That's as much as Samsung charges for the Galaxy S22 Ultra, the nearest competitor to the iPhone Pro Max model.
You're not totally out of luck if you want a big-screen iPhone but don't want to pay more than $1,000 for it. Reportedly, Apple is introducing a new iPhone 14 Max model this fall. Think the standard iPhone only with a Max-sized screen. That phone is tipped to come in at $899, though as our iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 14 Pro comparison indicates, the Pro model's going to have more enhancements to justify the higher price.
And that's what an iPhone 14 Pro Max vs. iPhone 13 Pro Max comparison comes down to, if Apple really does opt for that $100 price hike. Will the new features on this year's model make people forget about the higher price? Let's dive deeper into the rumored features to find out.
iPhone 14 Pro Max vs. iPhone 13 Pro Max design and display
At first glance, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is likely to resemble its predecessor, with flat edges surrounding a 6.7-inch display that takes up much of the phone's face. The difference this time around is that there's not expected to be any notch dipping into the top of the screen. Instead, the iPhone 14 Pro Max's front camera and Face ID sensors are rumored to be housed in dual cutouts that should give you a little bit more screen space to work with. Whether the cutouts prove to be more distracting than the notch on the iPhone 13 Pro Max remains to be seen.
The back of the phones should look the same, with one noticeable difference. Because the iPhone 14 Pro Max is getting a bigger camera sensor, it may mean a slightly larger camera array. That's notable since it's not like the iPhone 13 Pro Max's camera array was considered svelte.
The graphite, silver and gold colors from the iPhone 13 Pro Max are likely sticking around for the new model. Other iPhone 14 color rumors point to a new purple option for the pro models. That would leave the current Sierra Blue and Alpine Green colors on the iPhone 13 Pro Max out in the cold.
Apple's current Pro models feature Pro Motion displays, with dynamic refresh rates that scale between 10Hz and 120Hz depending on the on-screen action. The iPhone 14 Pro Max is almost certain to retain this adaptive refresh rate, and there's a rumor that hints at the refresh rate going as low as 1Hz, which mould match the Galaxy S22 Ultra's range. It would also clear the way for an always-on display feature for the iPhone 14 Pro models.
iPhone 14 Pro Max vs. iPhone 13 Pro Max cameras
While the same rear camera array featuring wide, ultrawide and telephoto lenses is coming to the iPhone 14 Pro Max, expect a big change to that main camera. Rumors tip the iPhone 14 Pro series to have a 48MP main camera, ending years of 12MP sensors appearing on Apple's phones. Along with a bigger sensor, the new camera is expected to deliver brighter images than past iPhones while also supporting 8K video.
We haven't heard about any rumored changes to the ultrawide and telephoto lenses of the iPhone 14 Pro Max. It's possible Apple could also introduce new camera software features similar to the Cinematic Mode that debuted with the iPhone 13 lineup.
Up front, at least one analyst believes the entire iPhone 14 lineup is getting a new selfie cam. The updated camera is expected to feature a wider aperture and a more complex 6-part lens; it's tipped to include autofocus as well. The rumored changes make sense given Apple's recent focus on video chats.
Add up all these changes, and it's looking like the iPhone 14 Pro Max will provide a better camera experience than the iPhone 13 Pro Max — impressive, since that latter phone already ranks as the best camera phone in our estimation.
iPhone 14 Pro Max vs. iPhone 13 Pro Max performance
While some rumors suggest the standard iPhone 14 isn't going to see an upgrade over the A15 Bionic processor that powered the iPhone 13 lineup, there's no such concern for the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The Pro models of this year's iPhone lineup should be in line for a new A16 Bionic chipset that promises better performance and more efficient use of power.
Just how much better? An A16 Bionic vs. A15 Bionic comparison suggests it won't be a big jump, as the new chipset is going to be built on the same 5-nanometer process as its predecessor. Since the A16 will be Apple's third 5nm chipset, any overall boost is going to be modest at best. There's some talk of Apple adding another core to the A16's GPU, which would be a boost to graphics performance, though. Since the A15 already outperforms Android phones, we'd expect the iPhone 14 Pro Max to ride the A16 Bionic to the best benchmark numbers we've seen from a phone.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max will likely have the same amount of RAM as the iPhone 13 Pro Max, but Apple's new Pro models may turn to faster LPDDR5 memory. Another rumor suggests that the Pro models this year will start with 256GB of storage instead of 128GB, possibly as a way to take the sting out of that $100 price hike; however, a more recent report shoots down this iPhone 14 Pro Max storage rumor.
iPhone 14 Pro Max vs. iPhone 13 Pro Max battery life and charging
For the iPhone 13 lineup, Apple increased battery sizes all around, with the iPhone 13 Pro Max jumping to a 4,352 mAh cell. That helped the phone last 12 hours and 16 minutes on our battery test, putting the iPhone 13 Pro Max on our best phone battery life list.
It's unlikely Apple can squeeze in an even bigger battery for the iPhone 14 Pro Max — in fact, one report suggests a slightly smaller battery compared to the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Still, given the likely power efficiency improvements of both the A16 Bionic chipset and the display refresh rate, the iPhone 14 Pro Max should be able to keep pace with its predecessor.
iPhones continue to charge at 20W, while rival Android devices push for faster and faster charging speeds. We haven't heard much about the iPhone 14 Pro Max's expected charging prowess, though a rumor earlier this year said that Apple was working on 30W charging. Any improvement would be welcome here, though the iPhone 13 Pro Max does reach 50% capacity after half-an-hour.
There's at least one change we're pretty confident the iPhone 14 Pro Max won't make: we're unlikely to see a USB-C port on this year's models. There had been some hope for that, as European regulators are pushing Apple to move away from its proprietary Lightning charging. But analysts aren't expecting that switch to happen until 2023.
iPhone 14 Pro Max vs. iPhone 13 Pro Max outlook
The iPhone 13 Pro Max was a near-perfect phone that raised the bar for every phone that came after it — the iPhone 14 Pro Max, included. We'll soon see if Apple's upcoming phone is up to the challenge of topping last year's model, but the many rumored changes suggest that Apple's leaving nothing to chance.
#iPhone #Pro #Max #iPhone #Pro #Max #Biggest #rumored #upgrades


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The group said researchers should ask for patients’ help in 4 parts of research:
- Choosing what to study
- Creating easy-to-read consent forms
- Talking with grassroots groups of patients
- Telling patients about results
One way researchers can reach patients is through grassroots groups such as Be The Match, BMTInfoNet, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and sickle cell disease groups.
Researchers should ask groups and patients about what to study. Some researchers overlook things that patients are interested in, such as long-term quality of life and side effects, including tiredness (fatigue), rapid aging, and unusual weight gain.
The group also said patients could help with informed consent forms. These legal forms explain the possible harms and benefits of a study. The forms often are very long and hard to understand. Patients prefer forms that are fewer than 5 pages and also want read-aloud or video versions.
Patients also asked researchers to share info more often: before, during and after a study. They want information written in plain language, not jargon, and also like videos. They also want public, online access to study procedures and forms.
Finally, patients want researchers to tell grassroots groups about studies that are coming up, as well as results of studies.


Moscow: More than 2,000 servicemen from Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces (SMF) are taking part in large-scale command-and-staff exercises that started on Wednesday, a military spokesman said.
“The SMF are conducting command-and-staff drills on March 10-12 in line with the annual training program,” Col. Vadim Koval said.
According to the official, the SMF will practice operations control in scenarios involving conventional and nuclear warfare under guidelines outlined by Russia’s new military doctrine.
“A total of more than 2,000 servicemen and 150 theater- and tactical-level command-and-control centers take part in the drills,” Koval said.
Russia plans to complete the modernization of the SMF’s command-and-control systems by 2016 in order to improve their ability to overcome missile defenses and increase the survivability of delivery vehicles.
The SMF conducted a total of 11 large-scale exercises and two test launches of strategic missiles in 2009.
The Strategic Missile Forces reportedly have a total of 538 ICBMs, including 306 SS-25 Sickle missiles, 88 SS-18 Satan and 56 SS-27 Topol-M missiles.


Marcel Fässler’s drive in the No. 4 Corvette C7.R was abruptly interrupted by a complete electrical failure. The car shut off and Fässler had to pull off to the side, almost being taken out by the race-leading Cadillac DPi-V.R of Max Angelelli in the process.
The No. 4 Corvette had taken a minor hit earlier in the sixth hour of the race by the No. 69 Ford GT of Harry Tincknell in a ‘Murica-on-’Murica incident. No word as to whether that knocked anything loose to cause the electrical failure.
Fässler has driven with the Corvette team before, however, his last big drive was with the shuttered-by-Dieselgate Audi R18 team. Fässler’s bad luck continues, I guess. The No. 4 was also the car that turned into an impromptu car-b-que at this year’s Roar Before the 24, so it’s on a string of crappy luck, too.
Corvette Racing was able to restart the No. 4 behind the pit lane wall and has now sent it back with Oliver Gavin at the wheel. Sadly, it is now 5 laps behind the GTLM class leader.
Rain has now made its way to the track, so don’t expect the mayhem to end any time soon. Fresh rain makes things extra-slick, and this probably going to get even crazier soon.


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From rock gods to garden gnomes
Verdict: But I don't want Bono in my lap
Money is being poured into 3D technology, and at first it seems ideally suited to capturing the scale of a rock concert.
With a group as mega successful as U2, you might think a colossal concert movie could hardly fail.
Yet, for all except die hard admirers of the band, fail it does. This is largely down to the group itself, who come across as a collection of smug, posturing nincompoops with stampeding elephantiasis of the ego.
Bono struts around like a stripper, with his leather jacket alluringly off the shoulder
Lead singer Bono, especially, capers about the stage like a sinister garden gnome with an absurd Messiah complex.
At one point, I'm pretty sure I caught him distributing imaginary loaves and fishes to the multitude.
This is Pomp Rock with far too much pomp.
Among the moments worth spending good money to avoid are when Bono blindfolds himself like a political prisoner; or struts around like a stripper, with his leather jacket alluringly off the shoulder; or ends a number frozen with his fist to his forehead, in the pose of Rodin's The Thinker (though it actually looks more like Bruce Forsyth at the start of The Generation Game).
Technically too, the movie has problems. The 3D equipment remains too unwieldy and immobile to generate the excitement of hand-held cameras.
And the sound design is disappointing. Bono's vocals are often so far back in the mix as to make the lyrics inaudible, though this may be just as well.
The few lyrics that can be deciphered make the band sound as windy and meaningless as Barack Obama.
I've become more or less resigned to politics being reduced to slogans and soundbites, but when pop song lyrics degenerate to that extent, the world really must be in trouble.
Most watched News videos
- Pervert runs behind woman mowing her lawn with his shorts down
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text:
"Elite controllers" are Individuals that durably control human immunodeficiency virus or simian immunodeficiency virus replication without therapeutic intervention. The study of these rare individuals may facilitate the definition of a successful immune response to immunodeficiency viruses. Here we describe six Indian-origin rhesus macaques that have controlled replication of the pathogenic virus SIVmac239 for 1 to 5 years. To determine which lymphocyte populations were responsible for this control, we transiently depleted the animals' CD8+ cells in vivo. This treatment resulted in 100- to 10,000-fold increases in viremia. When the CD8+ cells returned, control was reestablished and the levels of small subsets of previously subdominant CD8+ T cells expanded up to 2,500-fold above predepletion levels. This wave of CB8+ T cells was accompanied by robust Gag-specific CD4 responses. In contrast, CD8+ NK cell frequencies changed no more than threefold. Together, our data suggest that CD8+ T cells targeting a small number of epitopes, along with broad CD4+ T-cell responses, can successfully control the replication of the AIDS vires. It is likely that subdominant CD8+ T-cell populations play a key role in maintaining this control.
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Insect Science


text:
The Olympus TG-810 is one of the heftiest 'rugged' cameras available in 2011, with a distinctly utilitarian body design that includes some chunky controls ideal for tougher shooting situations. However, in terms of image quality, the TG-810 is a little behind the top performers in this class and, for the price, there are better options available.
Go-anywhere photography and videography - the TG810 is one of the toughest cameras around
Critical image quality and fast operation - two areas in which the TG-810 is only average.
|_MG_5100 by tim and jan|
from Welcome to the Saloon!
|The Grimm 11 year old by Ryan Gardner|
from Trick or Treat
|Heron with fish by APenza|
from A Big Year - birds

domain: hobby


The 29-year-old forward has been rotated with Samuel Eto'o and Demba Ba so far this season, but scored a brace in the 3-0 Champions League win over Schalke to make a case for a more regular starting berth.
Rather than be frustrated at being in and out of Jose Mourinho's team, Torres has insisted that the fierce battle to lead Chelsea's line will inspire him to take the most of his opportunities.
"We have three very good strikers and hopefully we can all score goals," he told reporters. "When you get the chance you have to take it and score goals. The competition is very healthy.
"As a team we're feeling good. I feel very sharp and as a team we are very fit. We can play a lot of games and we need to be ready for them."
Torres has scored four goals in all competitions this season, compared to one goal from Eto'o and none from Ba, who has made the least appearances out of the trio.


text:
Irish people have had 3 years of Austerity Budgets - with cuts in welfare, increases in taxation and loss of public services. The 2014 Budget is going to be the last one under the EU/IMF bailout program - and we can expect more of the same stuff. It is expected that another €3.1 billion will be found by making more cuts in spending, more cuts in welfare and more increases to taxation.
In previous budgets - pensioners have been protected from cuts to the state pension - whilst childbenefit has been cut along with most other welfare payments. With negative inflation in recent years - it could be argued that the state pension is due to be cut - but will the government be able to cope with a pensioner backlash?
The Budget date is Oct 15th this year instead of December - this is to fit in with EU timetables. The leaks and rumours will be flying about all over the place in September as the politicians try to scaremonger the population. By "leaking" false cuts or tax increases - the ploy is to get the general public to feel relieved when they find out the reality is a smaller cut or tax increase. It happens every year.
Later in 2014 we will have the new water charges in Ireland - which could average out at €300 to €400 a house. On top of the property tax - this coul be the final straw for many people. Emigration might become more popular.


This site seems to exclusively focus on the batteries. As important as the batteries are, what about the high power electronics that will pull all of this together? What are some of the challenges there? What is the progress? I reviewed the presentation by Steven Schultz that was posted. It seems that there needs to be a supplier base of automotive high power electronic components that needs to be put in place as well.
With the weight GM can throw at its suppliers there should be little concern. It's not like Tesla trying to get a good transmission design. The power electronics are well proven technology and thus with a proper amount of funding they will get a nice robust design. Sleep well.
If you stick around a little bit and learn how to use the forum controls you might just be surprised at what we have already discussed in great detail. Have a look and check back if there’s any unturned stone.
I'm still waiting for info on the motor as well. I just have to keep an eye on this forum. All we can talk about the battery in the past 7 month or so. I'm sooo bored with battery and price of the car. Come on GM toss a bone here. So we can complain. Times fly faster when people are complain.
I wonder if the final selection for the electric motor, generator, climate controls, etc, have been selected yet?
That may be why GM is keeping mum on the subjects. I would imagine that all of that will come together after the Li-Ion powered mules have completed their tests....
There was either a blog post by Lyle or just a forum thread in the old forum where this topic was discussed. If I remember correctly, Lutz said they had to look into designing new components or finding manufacturers that developed low power drawing alternatives to the radio, speaker system and other electronic controls in order to minimize the drain on the battery. It was a brief comment that was quoted from Lutz and I couldn't find the post/thread, so I might be imagining it.
There were discussions several weeks ago regarding the abbreviation for the motor technology mentioned in the Schultz briefing that occured in Austin, TX.
We all fumbled with the term "PMI", or was it "IPM"? This is a Permanant Magnet Induction motor.
This type of motor works well in traction applications when regeneration is used to decelerate the vehicle and to push power back into the battery. As long as the generated voltage is high enough, or phase-shifted to drive a current back through the drive electronics and that the battery is receptive.
Could GM also be considering the use of a reluctance type motor? They are very durable indeed. The stator field rotates in the same way as a poly-phase induction motor, but there is a intentional mismatch in the pole count of the stator and the salient pole rotor. The "trick" is in the power electronics and and the magnetic flux path through the rotor.
Does anyone have more information on this? Maybe the details are secret now due to patent license negotiations?


[New Product] TS5400DN/TS5400RN/TS5600DN/TS5800DN Series
Buffalo Launches “TS5400DN/TS5400RN/TS5600DN/TS5800DN Series” NAS
Tokyo Japan, 27th Feb 2014 – Buffalo Inc., a global leader in the design, development and manufacturing of storage and wireless networking solutions, today announced the launch of the TS5400N/TS5400RN/TS5600N/TS5800N series of TeraStation.
These TeraStations are equipped with dedicated NAS hard drives designed to run for extended periods. New technologies ensure superior reliability and stable operation, further reducing risk of a failed drive.
They also feature Intel Atom dual-core processors and 2 GB DDR3 RAM for exceptional performance, while USB 3.0 ports allow high-speed backups. Robust backup functions include failover and replication, which automatically save duplicate data to two identical TeraStations in the event of a failure, and “Cloud Storage Backup,” which keeps data safe in the cloud if disaster should ever strike. Continuing to offer all the operability, dependable data protection, and multi-functionality developed through previous TeraStation series, this line of TeraStations is the answer to an even wider range of storage needs.
About Buffalo Technology Buffalo is a global manufacturer of innovative storage, and wireless networking products for the home and small business. The company is recognized as the No.1 total AV/PC & Cell phone peripheral manufacturer in Japan, and was the worldwide consumer NAS market leader since 2005 (In-Stat). The company’s storage products are addressing the needs of the individual and the business, providing cost-effective network attached storage(NAS), portable and desktop hard drives, multimedia players, and Wireless LAN routers, which together offer a complete and integrated solution for the small office and digital home environment, as well as the accessories and supplies. Buffalo’s product portfolio includes its TeraStation NAS devices which are specifically designed to bring to the SMB. The LinkStation range of NAS products, take multimedia NAS to the home, and enables you to create a central location to share information, store files, photos and music, and save all your digital content, simply and easily. The AirStation range of easy-to-use, high performance wireless networking products for the SMB/SoHo and home user. Headquartered in Japan, Buffalo Technology has offices in the EU, USA, Brasil, China, and Taiwan. For more information please visit www.buffalotech.com.


text:
Agron. Sustain. Dev.
Volume 28, Number 2, April-June 2008
|Page(s)||187 - 194|
|Published online||22 March 2008|
Effect of pest-controlling neem and mata-raton on bean growth, soil N and soil CO2 emissionsJ.A. Montes-Molina1, M. Luna-Guido1, J.M. Ceballos-Ramirez1, F. Fernández-Luqueño1, N. Espinoza-Paz2, R. Rincón-Rosales3, L. Dendooven1 and F.A. Gutierrez-Miceli3
1 Laboratory of Soil Ecology Dept. Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Cinvestav, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, C.P. 07360 Mexico D. F., Mexico
2 Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP), Campo Experimental Centro de Chiapas (CECECH), Ocozocoautla de Espinoza, Chiapas, Mexico
3 Laboratory of Biotechnology, Instituto Tecnológico de Tuxtla-Gutiérrez, Tuxtla-Gutiérrez, Mexico
Accepted 2 January 2008; published online 22 March 2008
Abstract - Extracts of plants such as neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) and mata-raton (Gliricidia sepium (Jacquin)) are used to control pests. However, certain components of neem, such as azadirachtin, can exert a negative effect on fungi and nitrifying bacteria, and, in turn, can impact the C and N cycles in soil. Nutrient cycling might thus be inhibited and affect the sustainability of an agricultural system in which plant extracts are used to control pests. Here, we investigated the effect of neem extract on microbial activity and N mineralization in soil. We studied the effect of neem and mata-raton leaf extracts on bean growth (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), nodule formation by Rhizobium, soil CO2 emissions and soil N dynamics. Four treatments were applied: (1) "neem treatment": extracts of neem leaves, (2) "mata-raton treatment": extracts of mata-raton, (3) "chemical treatment": a chemical insecticide, lambda cyalothrin, and (4) "control": untreated plants. Our results show that in non-amended soil the number of nodules in the neem treatment was 18 for beans cultivated. This nodule number was 2.1 times lower compared with the soil treated with lambda cyalothrin (chemical treatment). In manure-amended soil, the number of nodules was 28 in the neem treatment. This nodule number was 1.6 times lower than in the mata-raton treatment. This indicated that neem extracts inhibited Rhizobium in soil and nodule formation in bean. In the manure-amended soil, the emission of CO2 was 1.9 times lower in the neem-treated soil than in the other treatments. The increase in the concentration of NO3- was 1.03 mg N kg-1 soil day-1 in the neem treatment and 4.1 times lower compared with the other treatments. As such, microbial activity was inhibited by the neem extracts when added to the manure-amended soil. It was found that application of neem leaf extract inhibited microbial activity and reduced nodule formation in bean, but lambda cyalothrin or leaf extracts of Gliricidia sepium did not.
Key words: aerobic incubation / C and N mineralization / leaf extracts / nodule formation / plant development
Corresponding author: firstname.lastname@example.org
© INRA, EDP Sciences 2008

domain: chemistry


text:
The rapidly evolving blockchain sphere has been a witness to numerous advancements and changes, but the recent rebranding of AAA Metaverse Token (AMT) has caught everyone’s attention in a significant way. AMT, a well-known token in the blockchain and cryptocurrency world, is now transforming into an AI-Powered Blockchain Platform, harnessing the strengths of artificial intelligence and integrating it with blockchain technology to unleash a new horizon of possibilities.
The decision to rebrand and reshape the operations of AMT is seen as a strategic maneuver to carve a unique identity in the highly competitive market. The shift focuses on integrating AI capabilities in its blockchain technology and enabling the platform to leverage AI’s potential in stock markets and finance – a promising avenue that remains largely unexplored.
AMT and the AI Global Connect (AIGC) Integration
This strategic transition of AMT is boosted by its use of AI Global Connect (AIGC), an AI-powered solution that provides real-time insights and strategic recommendations for stock and finance markets. The integration of AIGC into AMT’s platform is envisioned to spur the growth and expansion of its business by bringing in data-driven decision-making and automation capabilities.
The synergy between AMT and AIGC signifies a shift towards a more intelligent, data-driven, and efficient platform that empowers its users to make better decisions in the complex world of finance and stocks. AIGC’s strength lies in its powerful AI models that scrutinize large datasets, learn from them, and make predictions with high accuracy. This marriage of AI and blockchain technology aims to provide a more comprehensive and user-friendly experience for AMT’s user base.
An AI-First Approach in Stock and Finance
The integration of AI into the world of stocks and finance is an exciting development that could revolutionize these fields. With the power of AI, data analytics, machine learning, and automation, AMT aims to provide its users with reliable, real-time, and actionable insights. This can potentially transform how traders and investors make decisions, fostering a new era of intelligent investing.
This AI-driven approach would allow for more accurate predictions of stock market trends and financial data, providing users with a tool that is not just reactive but proactive. Through the advanced machine learning models of AIGC, AMT users can enjoy more accurate forecasting and risk assessment, enabling them to make informed decisions and ultimately drive their success in the market.
The Future of AMT: Growing Businesses through AI and Blockchain
AMT’s pivot towards becoming an AI-Powered Blockchain Platform is an ambitious move in a promising direction. The integration of AI into the blockchain system marks a significant step forward in making the technology more accessible, efficient, and powerful.
AMT’s rebranding is a clear indication of its commitment to be at the forefront of blockchain technology innovation. By integrating AIGC and focusing on AI in finance and stocks, it is breaking new grounds and offering its users an advanced tool to navigate the complex and volatile world of finance.
In a market that is constantly evolving and demanding innovation, the rebranding of AMT is a strategic step towards a future that is increasingly reliant on AI and blockchain technology. This transformation of AMT not only repositions it within the blockchain and cryptocurrency sector but also sets a precedent for other platforms to strive for innovation and growth.
Only time will tell how AMT’s rebranding shapes its future, but as of now, it’s a step forward into a future where AI and blockchain intertwine, creating a new, intelligent metaverse.


text:
|Car tires used to be white!|
He is the mascot of the French tire company Michelin
If you know fine restaurants. You will know that Michelin is also the name of the holy bible of French fine dining. A very big thing that grew out of a very small guide for travelers over 100 years ago.
Getting a Michelin Star is not such a simple thing. (There are only 3 to get). Michelin is said to have a very small team of critics who are advised to not even tell their families what they do. They work for 18 months, repeatedly visiting restaurants throughout France (and now other countries) and rate them based on quality, service, ambience, originality and consistency. Chefs wait years to get 1 star. And a 3rd star holds the promise of a 60% increase in business.
You might have just said "Who cares about fancy restaurants and expensive food?"
You should. At least once.
Once put your fancy adventure shoes, and have 4 people watch over your meal.
Start with the amuse bouche (am-uze beu-oosh. "amuse mouth"). 3 small spoons that can only be described as flavor and texture "parties in your mouth".
Then the entrée (ahn-tray), The plat (plah) and Dessert (dehs-zehr) all delicately designed to marry and evolve one to the next.
Then Mignardises (miñ-yar-deez) the unexpected small chocolates and bite size sweets to finish your meal, and coffee, if you drink it.
You should plan on 2 hours for a lunch. And you should go for lunch since it is less expensive and if you are taking 2 hours for lunch, you are most likely on vacation anyway.
Dining at a starred restaurant in France is expensive. But this is your French experience. And you will not regret it.
A Michelin 1-star lunch. (my apologies for the Iquality of these photos)
|Party. in. your. mouth.|
|Entrée: Veal Tartare with baby greens on a bed of mille feuille with citrus foam, and tomato sorbet.|
|Plat: Rognons de lapin, polenta, lima beans.|
|Dessert: Panna Cotta, champagne granita, fresh berries and gold leaf.|
|SURPRISE! I don't even know where to start.*|
|After dessert, dessert? Raspberry tuiles, Chocolate pops filled with Passion Fruit liquer, Green apple mini pastry|
That thing. The Housemade Candy cart? That is a first. Suckers, Chocolate Suckers, Marshmallow, Mini Candied Apples, Sugared Macadamia Nuts, Sugared Pistachios, Homemade Sorbets & Ice Cream Cones, Macarons, Caramel Popcorn, Large Gel Dots, Chocolate Bars in White, Milk or Dark, etc.
I know because I asked,
about all of it.
And they will just keep putting everything you ask for on a little mini plate.


Please Note: This event has expired.
Marquis Hill Blacktet
The first thing you note about trumpeter and composer Marquis Hill is his tone: warm, precise and so unlike the brittle winters in his hometown of Chicago. A winner of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition in 2014, Hill has pursued performance and pedagogy in equal measure, releasing a string of intriguing recordings while fitting in teaching stints throughout the Midwest.
Hill’s longtime quintet, dubbed the Blacktet, provides the power and drive to underpin a font of melodic andView more
501 Alumni Ln, Davis, CA 95616


text:
One of the the things I appreciate about social media is “meeting” people I never would’ve encountered otherwise. One of those people is Debbie Harris. I first “met” her on Twitter. Debbie and I come from very different worlds, yet we have a common love for Jesus. I can see Jesus oozing from her. I asked her to write something about the beauty and goodness of God. Take a moment and read it.
Debbie Harris is a school counselor by day and a poet at night. Her interests include: theology, apologetics, poetry, blogging, whole foods, raw food, vegetarianism, juicing, jewelry making, gem and mineral collecting shopping, growing flowers, talking and hanging out with friends, doing Bible studies with friends, coffee, and technology. She loves to travel, jump on her treadmill and run, speak and perform, and is the proud cat owner of Basil.
On The Beauty And Goodness Of Our Most Precious Triune God
Thinking upon the goodness and beauty of our Holy, grace-filled God, I know that He is the divine Creator, author and fountainhead of all that is beautiful and good.
For His very essence and person is beauty, goodness, and truth. I know that His beauty and goodness is written in the inerrant, majestic living truths found in the Holy, active Word of God. These truths can also be seen with eyes of faith so that the unseen becomes seen.
For Jesus is the living word active in the hearts and lives of the redeemed. He changes us from glory to glory. This is so we can reflect His beauty and goodness more and more and die to carnal self so that Christ becomes more and self becomes less. I see the beauty and goodness of God in the gentle and sometime turbulent sanctification process.
One can see the Father’s goodness and beauty when he pursues the sinner to become a saint. It is seen when the Savior restoratively makes lives that are full of destruction, defeat, and despair into new creations. New creations full of His life, His love, His forgiveness, His grace, His power, His person, and His Spirit.
All the while I am constantly reminding myself that I too, once lost in sin, the least of all the saints, was saved by His most majestic grace, tender care, and beautiful work of redemption on the Cross.
For without the beauty and goodness of the work of the Cross, we have nothing to stand upon.
I see the goodness and beauty of God when Jesus taught Nicodemus that one must be born again to see the Kingdom of Heaven. The goodness and beauty of God is seen when Jesus took our place on the Cross and rose victoriously to Heaven.
As He is so are we: reigning with Him, crucified, dead, and now risen, seated with Jesus Christ in Heaven.
We are received and accepted. Beloved. Forgiven. Favored by the King of Kings. I see His beauty and goodness in His creation in the brilliant ruby red wings of a cardinal that sings his song to the Creator and to the entire universe.
His beauty and goodness is reflected in the seasons of nature and in life, in mountains, oceans, valleys, sunrises and sunsets. And in the midst of tragedy and death. Whatever our God touches and redeems becomes good and beautiful in His time, even when in the midst of our humanity and pain we cannot see His beauty and goodness revealed in us quite yet.
The ultimate source of all goodness and beauty is Jesus Christ. Our Savior’s redemptive masterpiece of goodness, beauty, and love emanated from the horrific but beautiful anguished Cross of Calvary.
That will take a lifetime of humble study to fathom.
A little about Debbie Harris:
Featured in the March/April 2012 issue of Southern Writers Magazine as a Christ Centered Contemplative Poet and has written articles for them.
A portion of her poem “He Is Able” was included in the August 2013 issue of Conversations Journal.
A few of her poems will be included in Living Magazine Richardson, Texas.
The poem, “Breathe In Christ, Exhale Spiritual Wealth”, was featured over at Faithful Devotions September 9, 2013.
Her poem, “Impossibilities Become Possible With An Amazing God” will be featured in an upcoming issue of Christian Quarterly Magazine.
Her poem, “Celebrating Christmas All Year Long” is in the November/December Gaither Home Coming magazine.
Which Church Am I? is her first book of poetry from and has been featured in World Magazine, Home & School Magazine, Southern Writers Magazine and is listed on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Christian Bookstore Distributor Websites. Which Church Am I? is now an E-book available on Kindle and Sony.
Poet Debbie Harris blends elegance, beauty, and sensitivity into Christ centered portraits. Which Church Am I? is a compelling and thought provoking poetry series challenging both seekers and believers to thoughtfully ponder the modern day church. The reader is invited to enter each church as a participant and then ask himself or herself “Which church am I?”
Her second book of poetry, 365 Christ Centered Contemplative Poems is a daily devotional encouraging all believers to claim Jesus Christ as their source for victorious and joyous living. It will be published within the next six to nine months and will be featured in Southern