#United States LED Lighting Market

[aarunresearcher]

United States LED lighting market size is projected to exhibit a growth rate (CAGR) of 9.95% during 2024-2032. The increasing awareness of energy conservation and sustainability, declining prices of LED products, growing emphasis on reducing carbon footprint, imposition of supportive government initiatives, and the introduction of smart and connected lighting solutions represent some of the key factors driving the market.

[lucid-loves]

First Light ~ Simon "Ghost" Riley Part 6

Pairing: bodyguard!Ghost x princess!reader (fem!reader)

Word Count: 3.2k

CW: angst, violence, blood, strong language, scars, verbal abuse by parents, physical abuse by parents, psychological abuse by parents, opposites attract, forbidden love, slow burn, fluff, attraction and sexual tension, reader POV and ghost POV, minors DNI, smut, virgin reader, praising, kisses, porn

Let me know if I missed any CWs.

Story Synopsis: After receiving death threats from a mysterious terrorist organization, your royal parents make a decision to reach out to the United States for help. Specifically, they want the US to send a bodyguard to protect their precious princess. When the 141 is called upon to investigate, Ghost is the one assigned to protect you. With your lack of experiences outside of your royal life and his experience with nothing but deadly, worldly affairs, opposites attract.

Chapter Synopsis: Ever since the kiss you shared with your bodyguard, your imagination has been running wild with naughty fantasies and curiosities. You decide to learn more on your own, but Ghost is willing to teach you himself. (SMUT ALERT) 

Part 1 ~ Part 2 ~ Part 3 ~ Part 4 ~ Part 5 ~ Part 6 ~ Part 7

Ghost stared intensely at the report that was just sent his way from his team. Gaz had managed to catch the tagger from the farmer’s market. Interrogation led to their real identity, some associates, and a map marking the other spots that intended to be staked out by the group. And all of this was really thanks to you for noticing the tagger fleeing the scene. If you weren’t so observant, they wouldn’t have made as much progress with this investigation as they have. 

Hopefully, it wouldn’t take long for more terrorists to be caught. If progress continued this smoothly, then it wouldn’t take long for the 141 to be done with this job. Then again, the sooner that this job ended, the sooner he would have to say goodbye to you.

The torn lieutenant looked up from his seat at the dining kitchen towards the living room. He was looking at the back of your head, hair up in that hair clip you seem to adore, wrapped up in a good book that you found around the safehouse. Luckily, the safehouse was decently stocked with things for you to do. It was never difficult finding a way to entertain yourself while Ghost worked. 

Neither you nor Ghost have brought up the kiss. You thought it would be hard meeting his gaze after that kiss followed by what you so naughtily did privately in your bedroom. And it was. Every time you thought about him, your heart threatened to leap from your chest. Butterflies went haywire in your stomach. It was only your training as a princess that you were able to keep up with appearances. 

Not that you weren’t thinking about so much more in that curious head of yours in your moments of refinement. Every now and then your mind would wander towards more naughty thoughts. If that was how a kiss felt, how good would it feel to go further? To have his kisses pepper your neck down to your breasts. To feel his large, warm hands against your bare, electrified skin. To have his fingers trace down your spine and make you shiver. 

Little did you know that Ghost was having the same thoughts as you.

He was also struggling with completely getting the kiss out of his mind. How perfect it felt to have your body press against his. How sweet you tasted on his tongue. How quick he seemed to get aroused just from kissing you alone. He wanted to take it further not just physically, but emotionally as well. He’s grown rather attached to you since the day he realized that you were more than just a princess and a mission. 

Ghost wanted you to be his completely. But he knew that that would be a huge mistake.

The both of you were like polar opposites. Ghost came from a world of gunfire while you came from the world of champagne glasses. He could offer you safety, but never security. Not with his job. While he did his best to stay alive, he never knew if one day could be his last. You didn’t deserve to live with that on your shoulders. 

A quiet sigh was suppressed as Ghost got up from his seat. Slowly, he strolled over to you and put a hand on your shoulder, gently pulling your attention away from your book. You knew that he was approaching, though. It was like you developed super senses when it came to his presence now. 

“Gonna go check the perimeter. You okay staying here?”

You enthusiastically hummed in response, not wanting him to worry too much about leaving you alone for a moment. Your bodyguard has been frequently going outside the safehouse to check the perimeter. It was part of his job, however, you were quick to understand that it was to also get some fresh air. 

When you finally heard the sound of the front door clicking shut, you closed your book and grabbed the remote to the television. Today was the day you were going to watch something incredibly new today. Something you have been curious about before and have grown even more curious about since your feelings for Ghost grew. 

You were going to look at porn for the first time. 

With a time limit of about twenty minutes, you planned to make every second count. Nothing too crazy. Just the basics. Just enough time to see what all the fuss is about and hopefully learn something new. Smut within books every now and then have been enjoyable to read. Though watching videos of the real thing was sure to feel different than reading words on a page to imagine in your head. 

Quickly, you connected to the protected internet on the television and pulled up what was trending on a major porn channel that was listed first in your search. Without hesitation, the channel offered videos upon videos of explicit content. Your eyes widened and your heart quickened at the crude thumbnails depicting all sorts of actions. A harsh heat reddened your cheeks, embarrassed by what you saw. Yet, you couldn’t look away.

It was fascinating to you how many options there actually were. This was just the first channel you came across too. There seemed to be porn for just about anything. Scrolling through, you felt your blood continue to heat up. A subtle, sweet tingle between your legs began as you examined the thumbnails closer. Most of the videos being offered depicted actors that seemed to be enjoying themselves, job or not.

Did sex really feel that good?

Ensuring that the television was on mute, you opened a video up at random and observed. There was kissing. Deep kissing like the ones you shared with your bodyguard just a few days ago. Things became more hot and heavy once the actors began to strip. 

You gasped at all the touching and groping the stars did to each other. How excited the beautiful woman looked as her partner kissed down her body. Squeezing your thighs tightly together, you tried not to get too swept up in becoming aroused yourself just from watching. 

There was no doubt about it, though. You were getting wet. Your brain was replacing the actors with you and Ghost too. Lightheadedness came over you as your body burned with lust. No wonder why everyone was so obsessed with porn. 

You took a quick glance at the clock and turned the television off, deciding that it was best for you to move to your private bedroom. There was still time before Ghost would come back from his perimeter check, so that meant you had time to calm yourself down before he noticed anything amiss. 

After entering your bedroom and closing the door, you hesitantly slipped your hand down your pants to check yourself.

And of course, you were soaked. 

You knew you shouldn’t be embarrassed since this kind of thing was natural. Taking a deep breath, you moved to the bed to try to relieve yourself before your bodyguard returned. The last thing you wanted was for him to walk in on a sight you wouldn’t be able to explain away.

~

Ghost took a big whiff of fresh air, letting the clean air refresh his brain. His perimeter checks have been mostly for keeping his thoughts straight. It was hard to keep them organized when he was within your sweet presence. However, he still thought about you. Always. Even when he was ensuring your safety like this. 

He glanced at the watch on his wrist, noting the time to add to the report he’s been working on to prove that he wasn’t just lazing around. In fact, he’s been trying to find some work to do whenever he could to ensure he kept a safe distance from you. Keep it professional despite growing closer. Besides that, he didn’t want you to feel awkward about the kiss you shared. 

Thankfully, you seemed to be doing just fine as far as he’s noticed. 

After taking one last look around the countryside, trying to spot anything suspicious, Ghost headed back inside. When he saw that you were absent from the couch, a brief moment of panic set in. It was the sight of the book you were reading, carefully closed and bookmarked on the coffee table, that allowed him to relax. You were probably taking a nap in your room, he figured. 

Taking advantage of the moment, he fixed himself a cup of tea in the kitchen. Once his brew was ready, he brought his cup over to the couch. He settled himself down and reached for the remote to watch some news. Life didn’t slow down just because he was out in the middle of nowhere. As soon as the television turned on though, he choked on his drink. 

Someone forgot to exit the channel before turning off the television. 

Ghost was suddenly met with thumbnails upon thumbnails of porn. Nothing telling of your tastes since it was just the trending page, yet it was still a shock to the eyes. He couldn’t help but laugh a little in his surprise. It didn’t take long for him to piece together that you probably weren’t in your room just taking a nap.

Before Ghost switched the channel, though, he looked through the options of explicit videos. He understood that you probably have never seen porn before, so this was another one of your “research” sessions. That’s not what started to bother him.

What started to bother him was the fact that you shouldn’t be getting your sex education from porn. If you wanted to know what it was really like, you could’ve just asked him. He may not have had many partners in his life, but he still knew the real experience. You deserved to know what real, healthy sex was like. Not filmed, directed sex. 

That, and a princess like you should set her standards high when it came to sex. Something Ghost was willing to set for you.

Even if this was wrong, he didn’t care. If the mission was going to end soon and he would have to say goodbye, he wanted to ensure that you would still accept nothing but the best in and outside the bedroom. He wanted to ensure that you would end up with someone that would treat you right.

Someone like him. 

Turning off the television, Ghost abandoned his tea and headed toward your bedroom. He softly knocked on your door and waited, hoping that he didn’t catch you too off guard. 

As soon as you heard the knock, you jumped in fright, leaving you right on the edge of an orgasm that you finally managed to approach. Ghost was back early. You should’ve cared to listen closer to the sound of him coming back in the house. 

You fixed your clothes hastily, cheeks still flushed pink from your solo sexual adventure. Shyly, you opened the door to greet your patient bodyguard. Clearing your throat, you spoke in that usual, refined manner that you trained yourself to use to cover up evidence of inelegance. “Yes, Lieutenant?”

“We have something to talk about. May I come in, Princess?” Ghost treaded carefully, not wanting to startle you, but also not wanting to offer an opportunity of complete rejection just yet. You opened the door wider to let him in, your heart and mind racing on what Ghost could possibly need to talk about.

He sat on the edge of your bed and patted the spot next to him. Timidly, you took a seat beside him. The naturally sweet scent of yours almost made Ghost pull you into his lap. It was like he was obsessed with you. It almost unsettled how deeply he fell for you.

Once you seemed comfortable, he began without that careful language he had learned to speak when he was with you. It was better to be himself about this, especially if he wanted to get what he wanted. Straight-forward. “You forgot to reset the TV. I saw what you were looking at when I came back from my perimeter check.”

Your body suddenly heated up as if a wave of fire washed over you. Cheeks turned scarlet and you nearly couldn’t breath. The way he was speaking so bluntly with you caught you off guard as well. Words were trapped in your throat. What does someone say in this situation?!

That gaze of yours that Ghost wanted on him was averted in embarrassment. He couldn’t blame you, but he wasn’t going to let you escape either. He had a standard he had to set for you. 

He took your chin to guide your eyes back on him. By now it felt like your heart was going to give out with how hard it was beating. 

“You really wanna know what sex is like?”

You could have sworn his voice lowered to seduce you. It felt huskier as it echoed in your ears. It was working too. Your mind immediately screamed to say yes, to take what was being offered to you. Though, you stopped yourself from taking the opportunity. This didn’t even feel real. You swallowed down the lump in your throat before speaking. “Lieutenant G-”

“Simon Riley. It’s okay to call me by my real name, Princess. It’s also a simple yes or no. Do you want to know what it’s like? How you should be treated?”

Biting your lip, you thought deeply about this proposal. If you were to say yes, you and Ghost would be crossing so many boundaries that you might not recover from. The kiss was something the both of you were able to seemingly recover from. But that was small compared to sex. 

Especially since you were still a virgin. 

God, did you want him though. You really, really wanted him. You probably wanted him more than anything in your life.

Finally, you justified that you could keep a secret. Ghost certainly could too. You trusted him. Meekly, you gave him the answer he was hoping for. “Y-Yes. Please, be gentle. . .”

Within a blink of an eye, he pulled you into his lap and held you close. Removing the mask revealed a more clear, confident sea within his eyes. “Of course. I’ll teach you everything you want to know.”

His lips pressed firmly against yours, not being able to be apart from you a moment longer. Damn, he’s missed those soft lips of yours. He missed the heat of your body against his. It felt like it’s been ages since the last time you kissed. He felt determined to get his fill before it was too late. 

Your own senses were ignited like fireworks, tingles making its way down all the way to the tips of your fingers that held onto your bodyguard for dear life. Having been left on the edge of orgasm from before made you feel more sensitive than usual too. You felt every inch of his lips, every movement of his hands tracing your curves. It was difficult to suppress all the pleasurable shivers he gave you. 

When he slipped his tongue into your mouth, you moaned, a sharp pleasure traveling down your spine. That only encouraged Simon to take it a step further. Your shirt was raised slightly, giving him enough room to touch your bare skinned hips with his hands. Your skin was soft beyond belief that it drove him wild. 

By now you were struggling to catch your breath, his kisses becoming more intense as he was able to touch you without the barrier of your shirt. He kissed you with such need, passion, and desire that it made your head spin. He ate up every moan that escaped you like it would be the last time he would be able to.

You were gripping his shoulders so tight that your nails dug into his skin. But he wouldn’t have it any other way. It only made him want more. He broke the kiss and went straight to your ear, making sure that your breasts were tightly pressed against his chest. There was no escape for you as he teased your ears with sweet words in that deep baritone voice you grew to love. All while his hands worked to massage your bare waist. 

“You should be kissed passionately like you are the most beautiful woman on this planet. Your partner should take their time to find all your sweet spots too.” Simon advised, his lips grazing your ears as he spoke. 

Your breath got caught in your throat as he told you how much you should be treasured. How soft your skin was underneath his fingertips. How decadent your kisses tasted to the point that he needed more. How your future partner should treat you just like this. 

Finally, he could kiss that neck that he’s been dying to kiss every time you put your hair up. His lips landed on your neck, causing you to tremble as he licked, nipped, and suckled. It was heavenly. Underneath you, you could feel his growing erection pressing into you. Even underneath his jeans, you could tell that he was big. It filled you with a newfound sense of pride that you could arouse someone as serious as your bodyguard. He was attracted to you as much as you were attracted to him. 

Slowly, Simon began to tip you back within his lap, forcing you to hang on to him if you didn’t want to fall. He took advantage of the position, trailing his kisses down to your collarbone and nearing your breasts. His hand supported the curve of your back, gravity allowing him to really feel every shiver that passed through you. 

“They should make you tremble in pleasure just like this. They should want to press their lips against every inch of your skin. They should get excited by giving you pleasure first.” He continued to confess as he nipped at the tops of your breasts. He was driving you crazy with each touch, your cunt dripping wet like he’s been teasing you for hours. 

Suddenly, he swung you around and laid you down onto the bed. Simon hovered over you with a sexy smirk on his face. 

“If you want more, then strip for me, Princess.”

[simply-ivanka]

Who’s Afraid of Project 2025?

Democrats run against a think-tank paper that Trump disavows. Why?

Wall Street Journal

July 29, 2024

By The Editorial Board

Americans are learning more about Kamala Harris, as Democrats rush to anoint the Vice President’s candidacy after throwing President Biden overboard. Ms. Harris wasted no time saying she’s going to run hard against a policy paper that Donald Trump has disavowed—the supposedly nefarious agenda known as Project 2025. But who’s afraid of a think-tank white paper?

“I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party—and unite our nation—to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda,” Ms. Harris tweeted shortly after President Biden dropped out. She’s picking up this ball from Mr. Biden, and her campaign website claims that Project 2025 would “strip away our freedoms” and “abolish checks and balances.”

***

Sounds terrible, but is it? The 922-page document doesn’t lack for modesty, as a wish list of policy reforms that would touch every part of government from the Justice Department to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The project is led by the Heritage Foundation and melds the work of some 400 scholars and analysts from an eclectic mix of center-right groups. The project is also assembling a Rolodex of those who might work in a Trump Administration.

Most of the Democratic panic-mongering has focused on the project’s aim to rein in the administrative state. That includes civil service reform that would make it easier to remove some government workers, and potentially revisiting the independent status of agencies like the Federal Trade Commission.

The latter isn’t going to happen, but getting firmer presidential control over the bureaucracy would improve accountability. The federal government has become so vast that Presidents have difficulty even knowing what is going on in the executive branch. Americans don’t want to be ruled by a permanent governing class that doesn’t answer to voters.

Some items on this menu are also standard conservative fare. The document calls for an 18% corporate tax rate (now 21%), describing that levy as “the most damaging tax” in the U.S. system that falls heavily on workers. A mountain of economic literature backs that up. The blueprint suggests tying more welfare programs with work; de-regulating health insurance markets; expanding Medicare Advantage plans that seniors like; ending sugar subsidies; revving up U.S. energy production. That all sounds good to us.

Democrats are suggesting the project would gut Social Security, though in fact it bows to Mr. Trump’s preference not to touch the retirement program, which is headed for bankruptcy without reform. No project can profess to care about the rising national debt, as Heritage does, without fixing a program that was 22% of the federal budget in 2023.

At times the paper takes no position. For example: The blueprint features competing essays on trade policy. This is a tacit admission that for all the GOP’s ideological confusion on economics, many conservatives still understand that Mr. Trump’s 10% tariff is a terrible idea.

As for the politics, Mr. Trump recently said online that he knew “nothing about Project 2025. I have no idea who is behind it.” That may be true. The chance that Mr. Trump has read any of it is remote to nil, and he doesn’t want to be tied to anyone’s ideas since he prizes maximum ideological flexibility.

The document mentions abortion nearly 200 times, but Mr. Trump wants to neutralize that issue. The project’s chief sponsor, Heritage president Kevin Roberts, also gave opponents a sword when he boasted of “a second American revolution” that would be peaceful “if the left allows it to be.” This won’t help Mr. Trump with the swing voters he needs to win re-election.

By our lights the project’s cultural overtones are also too dark and the agenda gives too little spotlight to the economic freedom and strong national defense that defined the think tank’s influence on Ronald Reagan in 1980.

***

But the left’s campaign against Project 2025 is reaching absurd decibels. You’d think Mr. Trump is a political mastermind hiding the secret plans he’ll implement with an army of shock troops marching in lockstep. If his first term is any guide, and it is the best we have, Mr. Trump will govern as a make-it-up-as-he-goes tactician rather than a strategist with a coherent policy guide. He’ll dodge and weave based on the news cycle and often based on whoever talks to him last.

Not much of the Project 2025 agenda is likely to happen, even if Republicans take the House and Senate. Democrats will block legislation with a filibuster. The bureaucracy will leak with abandon and oppose even the most minor reforms to the civil service. The press will revert to full resistance mode, and Mr. Trump’s staff will trip over their own ambitions.

Democrats know this, which is why they fear Trump II less than they claim. They’re targeting Project 2025 to distract from their own failed and unpopular policies.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

New SpaceTime out Wednesday

SpaceTime 20241120 Series 27 Episode 140

First ever picture of Milky Way black hole may not be accurate

A new study claims those historic first ever images of Sagittarius A* the supermassive black hole at the heart of our Milky Way galaxy may not be a true reflection of its appearance.

Titan’s crust reveals some of its secrets

A new study looking at data from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft suggests that Saturn’s moon Titan has insulating methane-rich crust up to ten kilometres thick

The latest update on Earth’s Ozone hole

A new study has found that the annual ozone hole that opens up over Earth’s south pole Antarctic region was relatively smaller this year.

The Science Report

Core samples suggest planet Earth has already passed 1.5°C of global temperature rise.

Could exposure to outdoor light at night may increase Alzheimer’s prevalence.

Adding LED lights to surfboards and wet suits could prevent attacks by Great White Sharks.

Alex on Tech the latest global survey of people’s passwords.

SpaceTime covers the latest news in astronomy & space sciences.

The show is available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through Apple Podcasts (itunes), Stitcher, Google Podcast, Pocketcasts, SoundCloud, Bitez.com, YouTube, your favourite podcast download provider, and from www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com

SpaceTime is also broadcast through the National Science Foundation on Science Zone Radio and on both i-heart Radio and Tune-In Radio.

SpaceTime daily news blog: http://spacetimewithstuartgary.tumblr.com/

SpaceTime facebook: www.facebook.com/spacetimewithstuartgary

SpaceTime Instagram @spacetimewithstuartgary

SpaceTime twitter feed @stuartgary

SpaceTime YouTube: @SpaceTimewithStuartGary

SpaceTime -- A brief history

SpaceTime is Australia’s most popular and respected astronomy and space science news program – averaging over two million downloads every year. We’re also number five in the United States.  The show reports on the latest stories and discoveries making news in astronomy, space flight, and science.  SpaceTime features weekly interviews with leading Australian scientists about their research.  The show began life in 1995 as ‘StarStuff’ on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s (ABC) NewsRadio network.  Award winning investigative reporter Stuart Gary created the program during more than fifteen years as NewsRadio’s evening anchor and Science Editor.  Gary’s always loved science. He studied astronomy at university and was invited to undertake a PHD in astrophysics, but instead focused on his career in journalism and radio broadcasting. Gary’s radio career stretches back some 34 years including 26 at the ABC. He worked as an announcer and music DJ in commercial radio, before becoming a journalist and eventually joining ABC News and Current Affairs. He was part of the team that set up ABC NewsRadio and became one of its first on air presenters. When asked to put his science background to use, Gary developed StarStuff which he wrote, produced and hosted, consistently achieving 9 per cent of the national Australian radio audience based on the ABC’s Nielsen ratings survey figures for the five major Australian metro markets: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth.  The StarStuff podcast was published on line by ABC Science -- achieving over 1.3 million downloads annually.  However, after some 20 years, the show finally wrapped up in December 2015 following ABC funding cuts, and a redirection of available finances to increase sports and horse racing coverage.  Rather than continue with the ABC, Gary resigned so that he could keep the show going independently.  StarStuff was rebranded as “SpaceTime”, with the first episode being broadcast in February 2016.  Over the years, SpaceTime has grown, more than doubling its former ABC audience numbers and expanding to include new segments such as the Science Report -- which provides a wrap of general science news, weekly skeptical science features, special reports looking at the latest computer and technology news, and Skywatch – which provides a monthly guide to the night skies. The show is published three times weekly (every Monday, Wednesday and Friday) and available from the United States National Science Foundation on Science Zone Radio, and through both i-heart Radio and Tune-In Radio.

[eretzyisrael]

by Owen Tilman

While the country’s leading universities have been under the microscope since Oct. 7, the nation’s top foundations have largely evaded scrutiny. Both, however, sit atop multibillion-dollar endowments and exert enormous influence on American politics and public policy: The Ford Foundation alone oversees the disbursal of approximately a billion dollars a year.

Where is that money going? A review of grants disbursed by the Ford Foundation’s team overseeing the Middle East and North Africa, led by Cairo-based regional director Saba Almubaslat, shows that several of the foundation’s grants have gone to organizations whose employees, events, and projects celebrated Hamas’s Oct. 7 terrorist attack and decried the "Zionist entity."  They make little effort to disguise their hostility to Jews and the state of Israel.

The foundation’s support for such organizations stands in stark contrast with Walker’s denunciation of Henry Ford, the foundation’s founder and a notorious anti-Semite. Walker described the Ford Motor Company founder last year as "one of the twentieth century’s most virulent American antisemites" and argued that "all of us engaged in building a fairer, more just America ought to embrace our responsibility to speak out about this ancient strain of inequality—this category of caste—exactly as we call out racism, sexism, ableism, and homophobia."

Yet the Ford Foundation, under his leadership, has funneled more than $6.3 million since 2015 to two organizations—the Jordan-based Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), which is geared toward mobilizing "the untapped potential of … societies in the Arab region," and Action for Hope, a Lebanese non-governmental organization devoted to providing "cultural development and cultural relief programs" to populations in distress—that are fanning the flames of the ancient hatred.

The leaders of ARDD have not exactly made their views a secret. In November 2023, the organization’s executive director, Samar Muhareb, expressed "gratitude to the martyrs of Palestine because they have shed light on many important issues," according to a press release summarizing her remarks at an event.

The organization held a panel discussion in November 2023 featuring a speaker, Dr. Anis Al-Qassem, who argued in favor of Palestinians’ "right of self-defense" up to and including acts of terrorism. In fact, Al-Qassem argued, that category should not apply to "the Palestinian resistance." Rather, the idea that Palestinian "resistance" constitutes terrorism is a "lie marketed by the United States and the occupation." He urged a lawsuit against the "Zionist entity" in the International Criminal Court, according to a press release from ARDD summarizing his remarks.

Muhareb’s X feed is a troubling series of posts alternately justifying terrorism and denouncing the Jewish state for combating it. Most recently, she retweeted a post from U.N. special rapporteur Francesca Albanese eviscerating Israel for rescuing four civilian hostages from Rafah. On Oct. 7, she retweeted a post arguing Hamas’s terrorist attack needed "to be put in context" given "six decades of hostile military rule." A week later, Muhareb shared a post that accused the children of Holocaust survivors of perpetuating genocide in Gaza.

[germanpostwarmodern]

The promotion of German modern art in the United States in no small part rested on the shoulders of committed women. One of them was Emilie „Galka“ Scheyer (1889-1945), born in Braunschweig, Germany, as daughter of an industrialist and a trained painter who formed „Die Blaue Vier“, the Blue Four, an artists’ group that consisted of Lyonel Feininger, Paul Klee, Wassily Kandinsky and Alexej von Jawlensky. It was formally established in 1924 with the goal of promoting the artists in the USA by means of exhibitions and lectures, a task Scheyer was perfectly suited for: since 1917 she was Jawlensky’s private secretary and as such took care of his exhibition activities. At the same time she was an enthusiastic agent of modern art in general who also had a keen interest in the communication of it.

In May 1924 Scheyer arrived in New York with numerous works of The Blue Four in her luggage, works she showed a year later in the Daniel Gallery with little success. This led to her to the decision to move to San Francisco and later to Los Angeles where she established a tight-knit network of actors, directors, emigrants and art people. In LA she unfolded her innovative marketing strategies which included glamorous parties, collaborations with gallerists and her passionate communication of modern art to young people.

On the occasion of The Blue Four’s centenary Scheyer’s hometown Braunschweig celebrates her work both as art agent and artist: until 19 May the Städtisches Museum Braunschweig with „Galka Scheyer und die Blaue Vier - Kandinsky, Feininger, Klee, Jawlensky“ offers a comprehensive overview of Scheyer’s life and work. Alongside it the Hirmer Verlag published the present and equally comprehensive catalogue that not only sheds light on Scheyer’s activities in the USA and her impressively advanced exhibition and communication strategies but also highlights her wonderful late impressionist art. Especially noteworthy is Isabell Wünsche’s essay that uncovers Scheyer’s networks but also points out her rather conservative admiration of the male genius. In view of the complex portrait the catalogue paints of Galka Scheyer it is a warmly recommended read about a true pioneer.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this Chicago Tribune story:

You may have no clue what a data center does.

But a boom in these high-tech operations in the Chicago area and around the country—as the United States races to be a world leader in artificial intelligence—will hit home in the form of higher electricity bills next year.

For customers of ComEd, the main electricity utility in the Chicago area, the average increase is expected to be $10.50 a month for each residential customer by the middle of next year. That’s on top of the typical bill in the area, which is about $100 a month.

The price of electricity is going up due to energy-hungry data centers that are expected to dramatically increase demand for power. ComEd and other utilities pay upfront to make sure an electric grid that extends from Chicago to the East Coast has plenty of power over time and won’t see blackouts because of these new electricity hogs.

A typical consumer probably doesn’t have a sense of how these high-tech operations affect electricity demand. It’s unlikely many have heard of PJM Interconnection, a government-regulated nonprofit that operates the grid and oversaw the process that led to the upcoming bill hike.

But those same customers notice when their bills start to rise. And so do politicians.

Some, including Gov. JB Pritzker, blame PJM for the upcoming spike in electric bills to which the grid operator said it’s simply making sure the lights stay on even as power usage soars. A large data center uses enough electricity to power entire neighborhoods or small cities.

A data center is a building or complex that houses equipment used for applications such as cloud computing and AI, among others. Leading data center companies include subsidiaries of Amazon, Meta and Microsoft.

McKinsey and Co., the consulting firm, said data centers are responsible for 3 to 4 percent of the country’s electricity demand today, and this will grow to 11 to 12 percent by 2030.

Chicago is the third largest data center market in the country, just behind Dallas-Fort Worth, and way behind the leader, Northern Virginia, according to the real estate firm CBRE.

[skin-care-news]

Beauty Brands USA: Revolutionizing Skincare with Sokörpe’s Compact Intelligent Skincare & Body Care Machine

The beauty and wellness industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and products emerging to meet the ever-growing demand for advanced skincare and body care solutions. Among the frontrunners in this industry, Beauty Brands USA stands out as a leader in providing innovative, high-quality equipment to aesthetic professionals. As the exclusive distributor of Sokörpe’s Compact Intelligent Skincare & Body Care Machine in the United States, Beauty Brands USA offers a transformative tool that promises to elevate the standards of skincare and body care services. In this comprehensive article, we explore the features, benefits, and impact of this revolutionary machine, along with insights into why Beauty Brands USA is the preferred partner for skincare professionals.

Key Features and Technologies

Seven Treatment Heads: Each head is engineered to perform specific functions, enabling a personalized treatment experience for clients. Whether it’s anti-aging, acne treatment, or body contouring, the machine’s versatility is a major asset.

61 Treatment Programs: The extensive selection of programs allows practitioners to offer everything from basic facials to advanced treatments like Nano-Needle Mesotherapy and Endermomassage, ensuring comprehensive care for clients.

Nano-Needle Mesotherapy: This advanced technology delivers active ingredients deep into the skin, promoting collagen production and skin rejuvenation. It’s an effective treatment for reducing wrinkles, fine lines, and skin sagging.

Endermomassage: Available in both small and large sizes, these tools effectively treat cellulite, stimulate collagen production, and enhance skin firmness. Given the lucrative cellulite reduction market, which is expected to grow significantly, this feature offers substantial revenue potential.

Oxybrasion: This gentle yet effective exfoliation method uses oxygen to remove dead skin cells and improve circulation, leaving the skin refreshed and radiant.

Full Spectrum LED Therapy: The machine includes the full range of LED lights, each offering specific benefits:

Red Light: Stimulates collagen production and reduces inflammation.

Blue Light: Targets acne-causing bacteria and reduces oil production.

Green Light: Evens out skin tone and reduces pigmentation.

Yellow Light: Improves circulation and reduces redness.

Purple, Orange, and White Lights: Each providing unique therapeutic benefits, from healing to skin revitalization.

The Beauty Brands USA Advantage

Exclusive Distribution and Quality Assurance

Beauty Brands USA prides itself on being the exclusive distributor of Sokörpe’s machine in the United States. This exclusivity ensures that practitioners are receiving a genuine, high-quality product, backed by the company’s rigorous quality control standards.

Comprehensive Support and Training

To maximize the benefits of Sokörpe’s machine, Beauty Brands USA provides extensive training and support. This includes initial setup guidance, detailed instructions on utilizing the machine’s various features, and ongoing support to help practitioners refine their techniques.

Marketing and Business Development Support

Understanding that successful implementation goes beyond just having the right equipment, Beauty Brands USA offers marketing and business development support. This includes providing promotional materials, training on effective marketing strategies, and tips for attracting new clients.

Financial Viability and Market Impact

Cost-Effective Investment

Sokörpe’s machine is competitively priced at $5,795.00 plus tax, making it an affordable option compared to other high-end devices. For instance, comparable machines for Endermomassage and Hydrafacial treatments can cost between $30,000 and $50,000, making Sokörpe’s machine a cost-effective investment for aesthetic professionals.

Revenue Generation Potential

The machine’s versatility allows practitioners to offer a wide range of treatments, each with significant earning potential. For example, Nano-Needle Mesotherapy sessions can cost between $250 and $600 each, with clients typically requiring multiple sessions. This can quickly lead to substantial revenue growth, with some practitioners reporting monthly earnings of up to $50,000.

Clinical Efficacy and Safety

Proven Results

Clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of the technologies used in Sokörpe’s machine. For instance, LED therapy has been shown to reduce acne, stimulate collagen production, and improve skin elasticity. Similarly, Nano-Needle Mesotherapy and Endermomassage have proven effective in skin rejuvenation and cellulite reduction.

Safety Profile

Safety is a paramount concern in aesthetic treatments. Sokörpe’s machine is designed with safety in mind, featuring settings and protocols that ensure safe operation. This makes it suitable for a wide range of clients, including those with sensitive skin.

Real-World Success Stories

Case Studies and Testimonials

Numerous skincare professionals across the United States have integrated Sokörpe’s machine into their practices, experiencing significant business growth and client satisfaction. Testimonials often highlight the machine’s versatility, ease of use, and the impressive results it delivers.

Market Expansion and Client Retention

With the ability to offer innovative treatments that are not widely available, practitioners can attract new clients and retain existing ones. The machine’s comprehensive treatment options also enable practitioners to provide personalized care, further enhancing client loyalty.

The Science Behind the Treatments

LED Therapy

LED therapy involves the use of different wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin at varying depths. This triggers biological processes that rejuvenate and repair the skin. Each wavelength, represented by a different color, offers specific benefits:

Red Light (630-700 nm): Promotes collagen production and accelerates healing.

Blue Light (405-420 nm): Kills acne-causing bacteria.

Green Light (515-525 nm): Reduces pigmentation and evens skin tone.

Yellow Light (570-590 nm): Improves circulation and reduces redness.

Purple, Orange, and White Lights: Offer additional benefits like healing and revitalization.

Nano-Needle Mesotherapy

This treatment involves the use of nano-sized needles to deliver active ingredients directly into the dermis. It is effective in stimulating collagen and elastin production, which helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin texture.

Endermomassage and Oxybrasion

Endermomassage uses mechanical stimulation to reduce cellulite and improve skin firmness. Oxybrasion, on the other hand, is a non-invasive exfoliation method that uses oxygen to cleanse and rejuvenate the skin.

Sokörpe’s Compact Intelligent Skincare & Body Care Machine, distributed exclusively by Beauty Brands USA, is a revolutionary device that offers unparalleled versatility and effectiveness. With its seven customizable treatment heads and 61 unique programs, it provides a comprehensive solution for skincare and body care needs. Beauty Brands USA’s commitment to quality, innovation, and support ensures that practitioners can maximize the potential of this incredible machine, transforming their businesses and providing exceptional results for their clients.

If you’re a skincare professional looking to elevate your practice, Sokörpe’s Compact Intelligent Skincare & Body Care Machine is the investment you need. With its affordability, extensive support, and proven results, it’s the key to unlocking new levels of success and client satisfaction. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to offer the latest and most effective treatments—partner with Beauty Brands USA and make Sokörpe’s machine a part of your practice today.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Mike Luckovich

* * * *

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

April 5, 2024

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

APR 06, 2024

Today offered yet more evidence that Biden’s rejection of the Republicans’ supply-side economics in favor of investing in ordinary Americans is paying off with high growth, low unemployment, and strong wages. 

Today’s jobs report from the U.S. Department of Labor for the month of March showed higher job growth than analysts anticipated. Instead of the 214,000 jobs expected, the U.S. added 303,000. The government also revised its estimate of job growth in January and February upward by a combined number of 22,000. President Joe Biden noted that this report meant that the administration had created more than 15 million jobs since he took office.

The unemployment rate was also good, dropping slightly to 3.8% in March. According to economist Steven Rattner of Morning Joe, the United States has now had 26 consecutive months—more than two years—of unemployment under 4%, the longest stretch of unemployment that low since the late 1960s. 

Rattner pointed out that immigrants have helped to push U.S. growth since the pandemic by adding millions of new workers to the labor market. As native-born workers have aged into retirement, immigrants have taken their places and “been essential to America’s post-COVID labor market recovery.” 

Heather Long of the Washington Post added that wage growth has been 4.1% in the past year, which is well above the 3.2% inflation rate.

“My plan is growing the economy from the middle out and the bottom up, investing in all Americans, and giving the middle class a fair shot,” Biden said in response to the new jobs report. That system, which resurrects the economy the United States enjoyed between 1933 and 1981, has been a roaring success. 

Biden was in Baltimore, Maryland, today, where he flew over the remains of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, spoke with the response teams there, and met with the families of those who died when the bridge fell. Apparently trying to demonstrate that government can be both efficient and effective, the administration has emphasized speed and competence in its response to the bridge collapse of March 26, 2024.

Kayla Tausche of CNN reported today that the U.S. Coast Guard was onsite within minutes of the collapse, and that Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was working the phone as soon as he heard. He had spoken with Maryland governor Wes Moore, Baltimore mayor Brandon Scott, and White House chief of staff Jeff Zients by 5:00 a.m. Biden was briefed early that morning, before he began to reach out to state and local leaders. 

Baltimore County executive Johnny Olszewski told Tausche: “[Biden] demonstrated a clear understanding of the importance of the port, had a real empathy for myself and all the individuals impacted…. And he was unequivocal that he was going to do whatever he can, legally and within his power to expedite a response.”

The collapse of the bridge not only affected traffic around Baltimore, but also shut the Port of Baltimore. For 13 years, that port has led the nation in carrying cars and light trucks, as well as tractors and cranes, handling more than 847,000 vehicles in 2023. In that same year, the port handled more than 444,000 passengers and $80 billion worth of foreign cargo. The damage to the port is of national significance. 

Less than four hours after it received an official request for funding for repairs on March 29, the Department of Transportation authorized funds to begin to address immediate needs, which officials say is a record. The Army Corps of Engineers says it expects to restore a narrow navigation channel for use by the end of April and to have the port reopened fully by the end of May. Until then, the federal government is improving the infrastructure at nearby Sparrows Point to enable it to handle more ships. 

But the Republican Party remains committed to the idea that the government must be kept small and that private enterprise must be privileged over public investments. Today, the far-right House Freedom Caucus announced that it would not consider funding the bridge repairs until foreign shipping companies had paid in all they owe (Biden has called for funding the bridge immediately rather than waiting for insurance funds, which will come much later).  

They also say that they want the repairs to come out of money Congress has appropriated for other initiatives they dislike, that any new funds must be fully offset by other cuts, and that “burdensome regulations” such as labor agreements must be waived “to avoid all unnecessary delays and costs.” 

They are also demanding that Biden reverse the administration’s “pause on approvals of liquified natural gas export terminals” before Congress will consider any funding for the bridge reconstruction. In January, under pressure from climate activists, Biden paused the construction of such terminals. Liquid natural gas is a valuable export, but it is also made up primarily of methane, a greenhouse gas significantly worse for the planet than carbon dioxide. Oil and gas interests are strongly in favor of developing the liquid natural gas industry while ignoring its effects on climate change.

One of the proposed plants affected by the pause would have been the largest in the U.S. It is planned for Louisiana, the home state of House speaker Mike Johnson. Johnson has already tried to tie funding for Ukraine to lifting the pause on liquid natural gas export terminals, and the White House refused. Now, apparently, extremist Republicans are trying the same gambit with repairs to the Francis Scott Key Bridge and access to one of the nation’s most important ports, although slowing repairs at that key juncture will directly affect many of their constituents.  

Indeed, despite the solid demonstration that government support for ordinary Americans is the best way to build the economy, Republicans continue to maintain that the way to promote economic growth is to concentrate money among a few men at the top of the economic ladder. The idea is that those few people will invest their money more efficiently than the government can, and that the businesses they create will employ more and more workers. To that end, Republicans since 1981 have focused on tax cuts and deregulation in order to give those they see as job creators a free hand. 

That system, so-called “supply-side economics,” has never actually worked, but it has become an article of faith for Republicans. It is a system that is popular with the very wealthy, and Biden called that out today in a video he recorded with Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

In the video, the two men comment on a video clip in which former president Trump, speaking at a private event, promises wealthy donors another tax cut. Biden says: “That’s everything you need to know about Donald Trump. When he thinks the cameras aren’t on, he tells his rich friends, ‘We’re gonna give you tax cuts.’” 

Sanders chimes in: “Can anybody in America imagine that at a time of massive income and wealth inequality—billionaires are doing phenomenally well—that he’s going to give them huge tax breaks? And then at the same time, he’s going to cut Social Security, Medicare, and programs that our kids need….”

“That makes me mad as hell, quite frankly,” Biden says. “There are 1,000 billionaires in…this country. They pay an average of 8.2% [in] federal taxes. So…we have a plan: Asking his good buddies to begin to pay their fair share.”

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[mariacallous]

A two-month pause in South Africa’s rolling power cuts should have been a call for celebration. Instead, it has ignited debate over how it could boost support for the country’s embattled ruling party ahead of the national election on May 29.

The timing has led to widespread speculation that officials—at an enormous cost to the budget—are intervening in the electricity market to shore up support for the African National Congress (ANC), which risks losing its majority for the first time since the advent of democracy in South Africa three decades ago.

The turnaround at Eskom, the state-owned power utility which has struggled to maintain a steady supply of electricity since 2007, has indeed been dramatic.

Last year, scheduled blackouts, known locally as load shedding, reached record levels and cost the already floundering economy about $90 billion and over 860,000 jobs—particularly hitting its mining and manufacturing sectors. At the micro level, too, South Africans have had to mould their lives around daily power cuts.

Over the past five years, the worsening energy crisis has threatened the survival of businesses—including KFC, the popular American fast-food joint—and required costly fixes for companies that need a steady supply of electricity. Grocery retailer Shoprite recently reported spending $28 million in six months on diesel generators to keep its lights and refrigerators on.

Power cuts have also exacerbated the country’s crime problem, with reports of increased home burglaries in areas that are temporarily disconnected from the grid. Today, smartphone apps such as EskomSePush and Load Shedding Notifier, which provide alerts about impending blackouts, rank among the most downloaded apps in the country.

Owing to incessant breakdowns across the country’s fleet of aging coal-fired power stations, it is estimated that the average citizen spent a fifth of last year without electricity.

Thus, to partially cover the shortfall in electrical output in 2023, Eskom ramped up its use of costly diesel-powered generators, further compromising its already unsustainable financial position. According to Eskom’s latest annual report, the unit cost of electricity from diesel generators is 14 times higher than the utility’s coal plants.

Even so, the heavy reliance on diesel continued into the new year. However, in late March, Eskom announced a suspension of load shedding, thus, sparking confusion. Opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance, and other commentators are wary of “political interference” and believe that Eskom may be engineering a short-term fix to ratchet up support for the ANC in the run up to voting day.

To many, the skepticism is warranted given Eskom’s checkered past. Even the utility’s former CEO, Andre de Ruyter—who exposed endemic corruption when at the helm but quit the job in early 2023 after being poisoned with cyanide-laced coffee—has said the only plausible explanation is that diesel is being burned “at a rate of knots.”

In a televised interview last year, de Ruyter said that Eskom loses more than $55 million every month to theft, thanks to organized cartels that operate freely within the utility and dodgy procurement deals (an audit by his team found that the company paid over $11,000 for a single mop).

But data from Eskom’s system operator tells a different story about the recent load shedding-free streak. Though the utility’s diesel consumption was particularly high in the first 12 weeks of the year, it fell sharply when blackouts were suspended in March. Since then, use of the fuel has been well below the same periods in 2023, and even 2022.

Instead of running them almost constantly, as it did last year, Eskom is now using its diesel-powered turbines for their intended purpose only: to help meet surges in demand during the morning and evening peak periods.

According to Eskom, it spent 1.1 billion South African rand, or roughly $60 million, on diesel last month, a notable decline from the 3.1 billion rand spent in the same month a year before. Analysts are confident that the utility is being truthful, pointing out that the country’s electricity supply has increased materially in recent months while demand has shrunk.

Most notably, Eskom has brought several units of the Kusile power plant, located in the Mpumalanga province, back online. Though the facility has been under repair, the utility was granted regulatory approval to temporarily operate those units without technologies that prevent toxic sulfur dioxide emissions. This has effectively increased Eskom’s available generating capacity by as much as 2,100 megawatts (MW), which is more than the average supply deficit throughout 2023.

In addition to Kusile, the rest of the utility’s coal fleet is in slightly better shape thanks to increased maintenance over the summer months—between October and March—when electricity demand is typically below average. Both of these have contributed to a meaningful decline in the number of unplanned outages in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, a decrease in overall demand, owing to the weak economy and a boom in private renewable energy investments, has also helped. Eskom estimates that solar panels with a cumulative generating capacity of 5,500 MW have now been installed on the roofs of South Africa’s malls, office blocks, warehouses and households. Of that amount, roughly 2,100 MW was added in the last year alone—the vast majority of which is for self use as the country doesn’t yet have a national feed-in policy.

According to independent energy analyst Clyde Mallinson, total demand for Eskom’s electricity has declined by around 1,400 MW on average, over the past year. He estimates that 30 percent of that is due to reduced consumption from industrial firms, such as steel producers, and from mining groups, including platinum miners, which employ some 182,000 people but have struggled amid a pullback in prices of the metal.

All things considered, the timing of the break in load shedding is merely “coincidental,” Mallinson said. But the communities near the sulfur dioxide-spewing Kusile power plant are still paying the price.

James Mackay, chief executive of the Energy Council of South Africa, a business group that is working with the government to resolve the power crisis, agreed, saying the reprieve “is not electioneering—it’s a genuine shift.”

The improvement is the result of “18 months to two years of hard work,” Mackay said, and reflects renewed efforts to clamp down on corruption, a fresh Eskom leadership team that has political support, an improved culture at the utility, and a stronger maintenance program. The private sector’s involvement, partly in the form of capacity building, is also making a difference.

While the country’s electrical grid remains vulnerable and load shedding is expected to return at some point, power cuts will be less severe going forward, Mackay predicted.

Until then, the ANC is benefiting from a partial recovery in support at just the right time.

In a national poll conducted by the Social Research Foundation in March 2023, 41 percent of ANC supporters said load shedding had forced them to reconsider their support for the party once led by Nelson Mandela. And a quarter said they would not vote for the party if it did not fix the country’s electricity crisis by election day.

“The lights being on has created a fortuitous campaigning environment for the ANC,” said Frans Cronje, director of the Social Research Foundation.

Last month, the party’s support dipped slightly below 40 percent for the first time ever, polling showed. But the latest surveys show it is creeping back up towards the 50 percent mark. The recovery is only partially attributable to the pause in rolling blackouts, Cronje said.

Since 2004, support for the ANC has been steadily declining, as voters remain frustrated over the country’s rising unemployment and poverty rates as well as the numerous corruption scandals that have plagued the administrations of President Cyril Ramaphosa and his predecessor, Jacob Zuma.

Still, the party typically manages to win back some voters in the weeks before every election through an intensive door-to-door campaign. Yet Cronje says the “glacial trend” shows support for the ANC will continue to decline until the next election in 2029—even if load shedding is consigned to the history books.

By that time, South Africa will have liberalized its electricity sector and closed the chapter on Eskom’s century-long monopoly, according to a piece of legislation that may be signed into law before May 29.

Though the state has long resisted calls to allow for a competitive power market, Eskom’s dire financial situation and inability to keep the lights on has finally forced its hand.

The Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill is aimed at modernizing the country’s power sector by allowing non-Eskom electricity trading for the first time and requiring the establishment of a fully competitive wholesale market within five years.

That is an ambitious timeline, according to Mackay, who says the partnership between the government and the private sector will need to hold firm to ensure an orderly transformation of the power sector. Mackay adds that as South Africa moves beyond its era of energy insecurity, it will need to be transparent about its plans to decommission coal plants.

The government has suggested it will have to delay plant shutdowns for the foreseeable future, in spite of the blockbuster $8.5 billion energy transition funding deal it agreed to at the COP26 climate conference in late 2021.

“We have said we will transition to cleaner energy, but at our own pace and own time,” President Ramaphosa said last year. “We have got to do it, taking into account the needs of our people and the requirements of energy security.”

Though it is too early to declare victory, Eskom’s recent turnaround provides an opportunity to accelerate South Africa’s green energy ambitions, according to Mallinson. Doing so would help the country to cushion the economic blow of the European Union’s impending carbon border taxes—as things stand, South Africa will be hit harder than any other nation due to its unusually heavy reliance on coal.

While the transition is expected to open up new opportunities for South Africa to become a supplier of low-carbon steel and other goods, it will need to be carefully managed, with over 120,000 people working in the coal sector. The just transition program agreed at COP26 includes funding to reskill these workers and develop new industries in their communities, but progress to date has been slow.

President Ramaphosa wants to attract private-sector investment worth $110 billion in the next five years as South Africa leans more on its BRICS partners—including China, India and Russia—while also seeking to maintain close ties to the United States, the U.K., and Europe. But to successfully court investors and reignite the moribund economy, South Africa needs to finally close the chapter on its load shedding nightmare.

[f1]

Wrexham FC co-owner Ryan Reynolds part of 170m celebrity buy-in at Alpine | 2023 F1 season

The Alpine F1 team has received a €200 million (£170m) boost from an investment group including Wrexham FC owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The Enstone-based F1 team, run by Renault under their Alpine brand, announced it has sold shares amounting to a 24% equity stake of Alpine Racing Ltd. The group of investors consists of Otro Capital, RedBird Capital Partners – which holds a large stake in Fenway Sports Group, owners of English Premier League football club Liverpool – and Maximum Effort Investments, led by Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds along with fellow actor and Wrexham FC owner Rob McElhenney. Another celebrity, ‘Black Panther’ star Michael B Jordan, has joined as a co-investor. The share purchase values Alpine’s F1 team at $900m (£700m). The buy-in only involves Alpine’s F1 team and does not include Renault’s power unit factory at Viry-Chatillon in France, which remains owned by Renault. Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi said the investment would enhance the team’s performance “at all levels.” Rossi said the investors would “bring their recognised expertise to boost our media and marketing strategy, essential to support our sporting performance over the long term. “Second,” Rossi continued, “the incremental revenue generated will in turn be reinvested in the team, in order to further accelerate our ‘Mountain Climber’ plan, aimed at catching up with top teams in terms of state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.” James Toney, co-founder of Maximum Effort Investments, said that there was “tremendous untapped potential” in the Alpine F1 team. “We are eager to help shine a light on this incredible team,” Toney said. “We’re thankful to our partners at Otro Capital and RedBird Capital Partners and look forward to diving in with them, as well as our co-investors Michael B. Jordan and Rob McElhenney.” Alpine finished fourth in last year’s constructors’ championship after beating rivals McLaren to the ‘best of the rest’ position behind last year’s three strongest teams. The team currently sit in fifth place on 44 points after eight rounds. Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free 2023 F1 season Browse all 2023 F1 season articles via RaceFans - Independent Motorsport Coverage https://www.racefans.net/

[transienturl]

trying to think of like... how would I describe each laptop manufacturer on pure vibes. off the top of my head...

asus: we have more marketing and r&d budget then we can possibly spend on normal things. look, this one is coated in LEDs! this one has the keyboard in the wrong place! this one splits open! half of their premium product launches generate more youtube views than actual sales because by the time you consider buying one they're discontinued. high-end products can be quite good; midrange products are often a couple bucks too expensive because the brand name buys you some clout. spends a lot of cash to get floorspace at best buy. taiwan.

lenovo: a relative newcomer to the western market (they bought IBM's thinkpad division back in the day), used to be the kings of cost cutting on basically every part they could think of. if they've learned what parts are actually worth cutting costs on (and benefitted from the fact that these days 85% of the parts that exist are Actually Decent) there might be something there. primarily does direct online sales. mainland china.

msi: kind of hit on an identity when they made the first thin and light gaming laptop/"jack of all trades, master of none" device that was actually good, and continue to have a strong presence in that market. devices tend to be a bit on the hollow/flexible-feeling side, not necessarily in a bad way, but just in contrast to "ough that's solid but heavy." under-reviewed, imho. taiwan.

gigabyte: hey, we exist too! some cool stuff at the high end; primary drawback in the west is a reputation for spotty support if you don't speak mandarin since they just do less sales volume than the other Asian companies. mainland china

acer: budget, budget, budget. takes up a truly impressive amount of the low to midrange market with usable but unspectacular devices. once in a while they'll put out a premium-priced device and get confused reviews, like, "guys, this is just a budget laptop with a higher price tag???" known for pure gaming laptops with poor battery life, displays, keyboards, and trackpads but very competitive performance, and general use laptops that are very competent for the price tag if you can find the model that hit the right balance on all of the parts. taiwan.

lg: primarily known for the lg gram line of premium, very lightweight general-use laptops, which are pretty good. do they make anything else? korea.

samsung: yeah we make everything; sure, let's make laptops. very low volume kind of like lg, but a marketing behemoth like asus. korea.

framework: finally, a repairability-focused laptop that's actually good. only has one device (13" general-use) and it's a bit overpriced iirc, and you have some "we're a startup" stuff to deal with, but it's rare that you can take a moral stance and actually get a good product out of it. united states.

dell: kind of the flagship american laptop brand. does a bit of everything. competes with asus on the "solidly built, premium-priced, unnecessarily flashy gaming" front via alienware, with acer on the "budget-priced, competent enough gaming" front via inspiron, and with apple on the "best possible jack of all trades" front via xps. notably, has a huge refurbished store (dell outlet) with a ton of selection that's unmatched by any of the others. united states.

hp: guys we're just like dell! please believe us. used to be the other flagship american laptop brand for years and then idk they ran out of money or something and dropped most of their product lines. kind of like american acer now, I guess? united states.

apple: operating system differences aside, has a consistent standard of build quality, minimum part quality, relative reliability, and "having a working trackpad" that makes every windows laptop look like some sort of children's toy. (I am not joking: the 2008 macbook pro has a trackpad that has not been matched by a windows pc in 15 years. it is legitimately puzzling.) 2016-2019 missteps aside, 80% of the things one could list about a laptop have been multiple years ahead of the competition on the mac essentially forever. on the other hand, they're a gazillion dollars, you can't game on them basically at all, you're stuck with macos, etc etc. (the m1 macbook air in particular is so good that none of that even really matters, though. fingers crossed for the 15" m2 air to continue the trend and not be $1800.) united states.

microsoft: "look, we can match apple's build and display quality!" an extreme newcomer, specifically designed to push the windows platform in the fronts where apple traditionally ate their lunch. they absolutely have done that, and are years ahead of almost anyone else on those fronts. too bad they're constantly a year behind schedule with their hardware and only do premium pricing, had some reliability issues, and suffer from a "we glued the whole thing together and if it breaks it's unfixable" problem that they're only very recently engineering their way out of. still, managed to put a seriously compelling product (surface laptop) in the premium general-use device category until the m1 air came out. united states.

razer: "look, we can match apple's build quality in a gaming laptop!" a relative newcomer that made an incredible, unprecedented jump from a gaming mouse company to a moderate-volume premium pc manufacturer somehow. only sells to the ultra-premium gaming market (weird ultrabooks aside), but does a good job of it. united states.

clevo: the white-label manufacturer behind many smaller brands like ibuypower, maingear; often does comically huge desktop replacement style devices. taiwan.

origin/corsair: who knows, but knowing corsair (asus on bad steroids), it will be about 85% too expensive to be more than a curiosity. united states.

huawei, xiaomei: up-and-coming chinese phone manufacturers joining the laptop market a la samsung. hard to find or get service for in the west. notable because they had access to the high-end display panels that before recently only apple and microsoft used, and sold devices with them at much lower prices. mainland china.

[onusjott]

The District...

Cyberpunk Dungeon23 Megacity.

For Dungeon23 I will be adding one specific location to this region every day, although I will post updates weekly. The map above shows the urban areas, with darker gray being more densely populated, and the freeways (solid red), major roads (dashed red), metro (yellow), and the light rails (Red and blue). A transit free map is at the bottom of the post. So let me Introduce...

Commercial District 3

In the year 2247 the United States has long undergone a balkanization called the 'Divorce.' This divorce followed nearly thirty years of civil conflict that stopped short of open warfare but still left thousands dead or injured in attacks and sabotage across the nation. The Western Conference, made up of the former states California, Oregon, Nevada, and Colorado, has created seven megacities, called Commercial Districts, to serve as administrative and financial clusters. The Conference, being led largely by neoliberals with a handful of pet socdems, gave private capital a large amount of input when crafting these cities causing them to be largely unregulated hubs of finance capital and precariat workers. Each city is independent of the others, only paying a small amount of tax to the Conference in order to fund the minimal state apparatus. Otherwise, it is left to the market to decide the cities fate. Commercial District 3 is built over the ruins of what was once the San Francisco Bay area, although due to global warming little of the manmade landmarks of the former region remain. CD3 was founded in 2134 in the initial wave of Districts. It was initially a hub of agriculture and fishing but quickly attracted insurance syndicates and the largest banking clans. Now with a population of approximately seventy-eight million it is the largest and most influential of the districts.

CD3 has the most extensive public transit system in the Conference allowing a rapid shift in human capital from one industry to another. Many workers live entirely on temp and gig work, using the metro, light rails, or autocabs (if brave enough.) Impoverished people live in the dry or temperate grasslands in the outskirts of the district and largely work in the various agrofactories or vertifarms. The desert to the south is full of transients and squatters and is widely considered a no-go zone for the local cops. The heart of the district is the major urban areas, with a density approaching the legendary Kowloon Walled City in some places and the economic output to match. Uncountable lives rush in and around these concrete labyrinths so densely built that banks can 'lose' entire skyscrapers in a spreadsheet error. These were the purpose of the district, a machine to constantly churn out an army of surplus labor and endless GDP...

[sellyourbusinessintheuae]

How Mergers & Acquisitions are Driving Dubai's Economic Growth

M&A is now one of the key forces behind Dubai’s economic progress. In the light of the continued advancement of the city into a world-class business city, M&A has been found to be instrumental in the growth of companies, innovation and convergence with other sectors. Mergers and acquisitions of high tech, finance, property, food sector and many more sectors give a clear vision for the future economy of United Arab Emirates (UAE).

One of the main approaches towards the M&A activity is the government of Dubai’s political efforts to establish a favorable environment for carrying out business. By allowing 100% FDI in some sectors foreign firms are gradually choosing to invest in the area. This has led to an increased frequency of both acquisitions of profitable cash generating firms and the mergers and acquisitions of existing firms. If you are an entrepreneur looking to Sell your business in the UAE or acquire new opportunities can leverage this vibrant marketplace, particularly in sectors like tourism, technology, and hospitality, where demand continues to grow.

Availability of mergers and acquisitions as elements transforming business structures applies to the food industry in Dubai. Due to the government’s focus on sustainability as well as food security, local food manufacturing firms have been sourcing more from large multinationals. Because of these mergers, concepts like Vertical Farming and plant based substitutes are gaining popularity and the investors are keen on buying Startups or Food businesses for Sale in Dubai as this market segment is slowly maturing.

As for the further development, it can be stated that, on the whole, mergers and acquisitions will remain one of the major factors for growth of the economy of Dubai, and will open the opportunity to enhance competitiveness and develop the positions of businesses.  If you are considering to Sell your business in the UAE, platforms like Bidzi, Dubizzle, and Business Finder UAE provide valuable resources for evaluating opportunities and facilitating seamless transactions between buyers and sellers.

We can, therefore, conclude that M&A activities have a very positive impact on the current economic performance of Dubai, and creating preconditions for further development of the non-oil sector as well as extending business in new markets. Every time big companies seek to diversify their operations through acquisitions and mergers, Dubai all the more stands to remain as one of the favorite business hub owing to the investors from almost all parts of the world.

[asioworld]

Best Electrical Product Company in India: Why Asio Electricals Stands Out

When it comes to choosing reliable and high-quality electrical products, finding the best electrical product company in India is essential. From homes to industries, electrical components play a crucial role in powering daily operations. One name that consistently meets the needs of various sectors is Asio Electricals. Here’s why Asio Electricals is regarded as the best in the market, especially when it comes to electrical wires and other products.

1. Comprehensive Range of Electrical Products

Asio Electricals is well-known for offering a wide array of electrical products that cater to multiple needs, including:

Electrical Wires: Known for their durability, heat resistance, and quality.

Cables: High-performance cables that meet safety standards.

Switchgear: Reliable components for efficient power control.

Lighting Solutions: From energy-efficient LED lights to modern lighting systems.

This wide selection ensures that customers find everything they need under one roof, making Asio Electricals a one-stop solution for all electrical requirements.

2. Leading Electrical Wire Manufacturer

When it comes to electrical wires, Asio Electricals holds a prominent position as a top electrical wire manufacturer. Here’s what sets their wires apart:

High-Quality Materials: Manufactured using the finest copper and aluminum to ensure excellent conductivity and low energy loss.

Safety Compliance: All products are developed following rigorous safety norms, ensuring the highest level of protection.

Advanced Technology: The wires are crafted with cutting-edge technology, ensuring minimal wear and tear over long-term use.

Heat Resistance: Designed to withstand high temperatures, making them suitable for various environments.

3. Trusted Brand for Residential and Industrial Use

Whether it’s for a home, a commercial building, or an industrial setup, Asio Electricals provides solutions tailored to specific needs. The company’s products are recognized for their:

Durability: Engineered to last longer and resist damage.

Energy Efficiency: Products that help in reducing energy consumption.

Cost-Effectiveness: Affordable without compromising on quality.

4. Why Choose Asio Electricals?

Here are the key reasons that make Asio Electricals the best electrical product company in India:

a) Quality Assurance

Quality is the hallmark of Asio Electricals. Each product undergoes stringent quality checks at multiple stages of production to ensure consistency and reliability.

b) Extensive Industry Experience

With years of experience in the industry, Asio Electricals has built a strong reputation for delivering products that meet international standards.

c) State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Facilities

The company’s manufacturing units are equipped with advanced machinery and technology, enabling the production of superior electrical products.

d) Strong Network and Availability

Asio Electricals boasts a widespread distribution network, ensuring easy availability of products across India. This accessibility makes them a preferred choice for electrical contractors and businesses alike.

5. Key Features of Asio Electricals’ Products

Asio Electricals’ products come with distinctive features that set them apart:

Robust Insulation: Ensures safety and prevents short circuits.

Eco-Friendly Materials: Use of non-toxic and recyclable components.

User-Friendly Installation: Designed for easy installation and handling.

Longevity: Built to withstand years of usage without degradation.

6. Customer Satisfaction

Asio Electricals prides itself on a high level of customer satisfaction. Their products have received positive feedback for:

Reliability and Safety: Customers trust Asio Electricals for providing safe and reliable products.

Excellent Customer Support: A dedicated support team ensures that any queries or issues are promptly addressed.

Customization Options: The company offers products that can be tailored to specific project requirements.

7. Contribution to India’s Growth

By being a reliable electrical wire manufacturer and a leader in the electrical industry, Asio Electricals contributes significantly to the growth of the infrastructure sector in India. Their commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service has made them a pillar in the market.

8. Commitment to Sustainability

Asio Electricals understands the importance of eco-friendly practices. They focus on sustainable manufacturing processes that minimize waste and reduce the carbon footprint, aligning with global environmental standards.

Conclusion

Choosing the right electrical product company in India is vital for ensuring safety, efficiency, and durability. With its vast product range, commitment to quality, and status as a leading electrical wire manufacturer, Asio Electricals stands out as the best choice. Whether for residential, commercial, or industrial needs, Asio Electricals consistently delivers top-tier products and services.

For any electrical needs, trust Asio Electricals to provide reliable, efficient, and safe solutions that power India forward.

Also Read:

The Importance of Quality Control in Wire and Cable Manufacturing

The Basics of Conduit Pipe Fittings: Types and Applications

Originally published at https://asioworld.blogspot.com