#smartphone deals 2020

[momochanners]

Kind of a weird question, but have you ever considered printing out your FE3H comics in a book of sorts? Because I was reading through them again and really wishing I had a physical copy of all of them.

Not a weird question at all! I actually get asked this a lot.

I did consider making physical booklets out of my FE3H comics, like an anthology, but that was before the pandemic hit full force in 2020. Had to put the idea in the backburner as international shipping in my country grinded to a halt back then, and when it finally opened up again in 2022 the prices of a particular prepaid express shipping with tracking became way too high to justify dealing with physical items. So unfortunately, it's no longer in the cards for the foreseeable future.

The best I can provide are the PDF versions that are available for free at my Ko-Fi shop:

They're basically the same as the ones I post on Tumblr, just that they are compiled together into one file for easy reading on smartphones and tablets. The definitive editions with extra epilogue pages and author notes are for patrons over at my Pa+reon.

Hope this answers your question!

[aangarchy]

I really hope you write that atla fanfic that you said you want write but wont. After reading all the bullet points I was like…this is really good thanks for at least sharing it. Love your thoughts and your blog!

Alright, you're tempting me. I'll post an excerpt from a finished chapter below the cut. I don't have an ao3 account (i do have a wattpad but god knows what i'll find there if i reopen the app after centuries of catching dust) so you'll just have to deal with tumblr's layout for it.

Two things:

1. english is not my first language. Please keep that in mind while you read. If some language seems repetitive or too simple, or there's spelling/grammatical errors, it's because of that.

2. I will reiterate that i started writing this story at age 14-15. The original file is from 2014, on my USB, and i have edited and rewritten parts so many times i've lost count. I'm still rereading and editing stuff once in a while. This is purely for my own personal pleasure and will probably never be published bc in my own opinion i'm just not meant to be a writer. I'm not asking for criticism or tips.

To add some context to this sample: the story basically hinges on the legend of Korra taking place in a time equivalent to the 1920's. In my story Korra dies aged 106, meaning Shen is born in the year equivalent to our late 2000's, making him a teenager in the late 2010's early 2020's. There's internet, smartphones, social media, tv etc. This part of the chapter takes place after the Earthking invited every 16yr old earthbender for a test, looking for the Avatar.

Thank you for reading and enjoy!

The town hall seems eerily quiet when we arrive. The only indication there is something going on, is the two royal guards standing by the massive entrance. I recognize their uniforms from back when I lived in Ba sing se. They'd only really show up in the middle or the upper ring, since that's usually where the Earthking likes to spend his time. It's extremely rare for an Earthking to set foot in the lower ring, let alone outside of Ba sing se, I'm quite certain it hasn't actually happened in my lifetime. Until now.

I walk up to the door and one of the guards holds out his hand to stop me.

"Invitation?" He asks in a deep grumbling voice.

I search my jacket for the folded piece of paper that contains my invite. After I awkwardly fumble it out of my pocket I hold it out to show the guard. He nods, his green tassels on his uniform hat bobbing along with him. The guard on the left nods as well, opening the massive decorated wooden door to allow me entry. I move to step inside.

"Invitation?" The guard bellows behind me.

I turn around to see Yahno holding up his hands defensively. "Hey man, I'm just here for moral support."

I can practically feel the guard raise an eyebrow. "No entry without invitation." His lack of words really makes him sound like a caveman.

"Alright, alright." Yahno backs away, stuffing his hands in the pockets of his gray parka. "I'll be outside okay?" He says to me, and I manage to nod before the guard all but smacks the door shut in my face.

When I turn around, I'm met with the remnants of what once must have been a beautiful hallway. The carpet spanning the length of the hallway used to be a rich emerald green with what looks like delicate floral patterns, but it has been dulled by over a hundred and fifty years of people trampling over it. The one on the stairs is a bit less faded, indicating the upper floors don't get used nearly as much as the first floor. Pillars made of rich brown marble face each other, but the cracks are incredibly obvious, especially the places where someone tried to fix them with grout that doesn't match the color of the pillar. Tapestries decorate the walls. I get a bit closer to inspect what they're supposed to represent, but it's barely distinguishable due to the amount of dust, and how much the sun has bleached the fabric. I can just make out a figure in the middle, a small child wearing yellow robes and an arrow on his head. An airnomad, probably.

I silently trudge op the stairs. I could still run. I could just jump out the back window. They wouldn't notice one candidate not showing up right?

Though it would arguably look suspicious if one candidate goes missing and the Avatar happens to still not be found.

I skip the second floor and head straight to the third. This floor compared to the first floor is almost empty. The sills of the wooden doors are cracked, the paint chipped in several places. There's a faded rectangular mark on the wall where a painting used to be. I walk all the way to the end, where a chair is placed outside of the door marked number 6. Inhaling deeply through my nose and exhaling through my mouth, I take a seat in the chair. My hand reaches for my neck, the annoying tingle I've felt there since my family vacation to Republic City returning in full force. I've since identified this feeling as a spiritual thing. It happened the first time when I laid eyes on the spirit portal in Republic City, and it happened again on the last summer solstice.

Korra, for all moments to finally reach out to me this is not the one. I say in my head.

A year and a half. That's how long I've known I'm the Avatar. And I still haven't made contact with any of my previous lives. Thanks to Yahno, ever the Avatar nerd, I now know Korra is supposed to reach out before I can talk to any of the others. Knowing what I know about Korra, she was never really all that connected to her spiritual side, despite being the Avatar that reopened the spirit portals, fought the Harmonic Convergence, and created an entirely new spirit portal in the middle of a city. Hopefully when she does show herself at one point or another, she'll actually be able to help me master the Avatar State. If not... I don't really want to think about what might happen if not.

A creaking sound from the door opening next to me startles me from my train of thought. Song, one of my classmates, specifically the girl who lent me her pencil on my first day, exits the room.

"Oh, hi Shen." She smiles brightly.

"Hey, how'd it go?" I ask, despite knowing the answer.

She leans closer to me, doe eyes looking straight into mine. "It's not me. Not that I'm shocked."

I manage to feign ignorance and nod solemnly at her answer. "It probably won't be me either."

She giggles. "Right? Wouldn't that be something."

Ouch.

I lean closer. "So... what is the test?" I whisper.

She shrugs. "He just asked me questions, and as soon as he determined my birthday is too far away from Avatar Korra's death, he let me leave. I was in there for all but five minutes."

I nod. Just like Yahno predicted, he's going to use his truth seeing ability. He thinks the Avatar knows their identity and is hiding. Not that he's wrong. I swallow, trying to get past the ball of nerves sinking in my stomach.

Another set of footsteps approaches in the hall. "What are you doing here?"

My face contorts from annoyance at the familiar voice.

"Doing the Avatar test just like everyone else our age, Uma." Song chippers.

Uma stops in front of me, I jump out of my chair instinctively.

"Well this one can just go home already." She gestures at me and scrunches her nose. "There's no way the kid who's earthbending is worse than my four year old little brother's is the Avatar." She chuckles.

"And there's no way someone with a nasty attitude like yours could be the Avatar either, Uma." I retort.

Her nostrils flare as she takes the insult, but doesn't want to give me the satisfaction of a reaction. Instead, she huffs and chooses to lean against the wall, checking her short nails for dirt.

Song gives me a sympathetic look. "I think your earthbending is just fine, Shen. Listen I have to go, good luck in there!" She swings her bag over her shoulder and marches off.

Another royal guard stands in the doorway. "Next." He bellows through the hall.

Uma steps forward. "Officer, I'm pretty sure you won't have to test this one. We could skip him so I can go next and we won't waste our time." She smiles sickly sweet.

The temptation I feel to just firebend her smile off of her face to make her swallow her words is immense, but my fear of being discovered keeps me in check.

"We test every single person that received an invitation. We don't want to miss a single one." The guard responds.

Uma blows her fringe out of her face and returns to her spot to lean against the wall.

I try to ignore the taste of bile in the back of my throat as I walk in, head held high.

The Earthking is sat at an ornate mahogany desk, scribbling something on the papers in front of him. The decorated fire place behind him hasn't been used in decennia, dust having settled on top of the wood rotting inside.

The king looks up from his writing, straight at me. His face looks younger than I imagined, seeming to be about 45 instead of his actual age of 56. The only true signs of aging are the streaks of gray in his brown hair, which is pulled up in a traditional Fire Nation top bun, one of the only tells of the king's mixed origins. I glance at his feet, and like I expected, he isn't wearing shoes. The carpet that should be reaching under his chair has been rolled up under the desk so the bare soles of his feet can be in direct contact with the marble flooring. He smiles sweetly, which makes me even more nervous. It'd be much easier to lie to a man whom I dislike up front, not a sweet middle aged fatherly type. I don't do well with fatherly types.

"Shen Gao right?" He asks, voice smooth like honey.

I shove my daddy issues in a mental box and nod. "That's right your majesty." I bow.

His smile widens. "Please, sir is fine." He gestures at the empty seat in front of him.

My footsteps are amplified by the stone floor as I approach. When I sit, the chair creaks a little.

"Nice to meet you Shen, my name is Seizan."

I nod.

"I know it might be a little intimidating to sit in front of a king. You can just address me as sir, no need for all those pesky formalities." He winks, resulting in an unpleasant shiver going up my spine. "Now, what do you expect to happen today?"

I hesitate. "I expect to be tested on whether or not I might be the Avatar."

He nods. "And what do you think the result might be?"

I swallow. Half-truths. "I don't know." I say. Technically not a lie, since I truly don't know whether or not Yahno's plan will save me today.

The king leans back in his chair. "Alright Shen, I'm just going to ask you a few simple questions. All I need is for you to answer them honestly."

I nod again. As the king takes a different sheet of paper, my eye is drawn by the lone candle standing on a round side table, right next to a guard. As if the guard was stationed there to watch the candle. Why would a simple candle warrant such protection?

"Shen, were you born in the year of the rabbit?"

"Yes." I answer, ripping my gaze from the candle and meeting the king's.

"When is your birthday?"

"December 27th." I answer. My first half-truth. Technically I don't know when my actual date of birth is, but my family celebrates on December 27th every year, that was the day my mother found me, abandoned by the old lantern fountain. It is the date of birth written on my adoption certificate.

The king carefully writes down my answers. "Hm. About twelve weeks after Avatar Korra's death. It would be very late but not impossible." The king muses, his lips pursed under his neatly groomed dark mustache.

I breathe out. Looks like I got away with my first half truth. I try to relax, slowing my breathing and my heartbeat. The king looks at me sideways, giving me a once-over.

"Are you an earthbender?" He asks next, tapping his pen on his chin.

"Yes."

He picks up a clay disk and sets it in front of me. "Just to make sure, can you lift this using your earthbending?"

I nod and stretch out my hand, palm facing up. With a simple upwards flick, the disk steadily floats above the desk. I hold it there for a second and then set it back down.

"Would you say you're a skilled earthbender?" The king asks.

I nearly guffaw loudly at the question. Calling me skilled would be a massive exaggeration.

I shake my head. "No. We only discovered I was an earthbender two years ago. I'm still catching up."

He puts his pen down and leans forward on his arms, seemingly intrigued. "Really? Is there a reason for this late discovery? Normally earthbenders show signs before the age of five."

"I was raised by my mother, who is a nonbender. She didn't know to look for signs."

"And your father?"

"Not present in my life, sir." I was nine when he left. Old enough to know he was also a nonbender, and two nonbenders usually aren't able to produce a bender. But that's not what the king asked.

He carefully takes note of all of my answers. "Rare case, to discover earthbending this late." He checks a pocketwatch. A guard on my left coughs.

"Where were you born?"

"Ba sing se."

The king's eyes widen a bit in surprise. "Oh, pray tell, why haven't I seen you for any of the Avatar tests in my own city?"

"We moved to Swordfish Bay over the summer. These Avatar tests didn't start til late fall." I explain.

The king nods. "Okay, fair." Amber eyes scan the notes, the only other sign of his mixed ethnicity. Everything else about this man, tanned skin and broad features, screams Earthkingdom. But those subtleties are small reminders that he's never fully been Earthkingdom. He's never fully been one of us.

"And the White Lotus didn't pass by to test you when you were little?"

"Back then it was still believed I was a nonbender."

"Right."

An uncomfortable silence stretches as he ponders over my answers.

"Curious case, you. An earthbender that escaped the initial Avatar search because you were believed to be a nonbender. Our method of finding the Avatar would have failed as well, seeing as you probably didn't possess any bending during that time either."

I wipe the clammy palms of my hands on my pants. Calm calm calm. It's only now the king pointed it out that it dawns on me. I haven't ever been tested before. Nobody ever thought to check by our house because no earthbender was recorded there. My sister being a nonbender as well, they never had any reason to pass by. The king has every reason to suspect me now.

He raises a bushy eyebrow. "Have you ever tried bending any other elements?"

Shit.

What do I answer to that? I can't flat out say no, he'll know right away that I'm lying. I try to stabilize my breathing. An idea creeps up in my mind.

"I've tried waterbending." I respond. "It didn't work." Sweat trickles down my spine. It's not a lie. I still haven't been able to bend water.

The king nods, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What about the other elements?"

Double shit.

"I have tried." This isn't a lie.

"What was the result?"

Triple shit.

I lock eyes with the king. I can practically feel my heart beating in my throat. He knows I'm nervous. He can feel it. I can't hide anything at all from him as long as my feet touch the ground. So what if I make sure he can't tell? Slowly and subtly, I lift my feet off of the floor ever so slightly.

"Didn't work." I respond curtly.

The king intertwines his fingers in front of him, resting his elbows on the desk. He stares at me but I don't break eye contact. It is the truth if I will it to be the truth. I beg my body to react as if I'm telling the truth. I know I don't have a tell, at least not visibly. But right now all I can do is hope he doesn't find an invisible tell.

He is the first to break eye contact. I suppress my sigh of relief. I'm not out of the woods yet.

"So, Shen," the king says softly, but I can't unhear the edge his words suddenly seem to have. "You're saying you tried bending elements besides earth and water, and had no results?"

I don't respond.

"You're not a firebender?" He asks again.

I breathe in. "I am not a firebending master, no." This is a half-truth I practiced with Yahno. I am a firebender, but I am not a master. Semantics.

"I'm assuming you're going to say you're not an airbending master either?" He raises one eyebrow, giving me the side eye looking up from his piece of paper.

I don't respond.

His eyes move to the candle sitting on the table with the guard. He nods, and the guard places the candle on the edge of the desk. So it is some kind of special candle? It can't detect Avatars, can it? Would such a thing as an Avatar detecting candle exist?

"Shen, did you know that in the Fire Nation, it is prudent to find out whether or not a newborn is a firebender or not? If they don't find out quickly, one toddler tantrum could set a house ablaze. It's important to detect firebenders fast, but how do you think it's done when the child is too small to execute any bending moves?"

I shake my head. "I have no idea, sir." My eyes flick to the candle. A firebender detecting candle?

The Earthking doesn't look away from the candle. "Well, the parents would usually place the baby by a fire. In ancient times, it would be a ceremonial fire pit. Nowadays, they usually prefer smaller fires like torches," his eyes flick to mine, "or candles."

I swallow.

"You see," he continues, "When a child is a firebender, and a candle is placed next to them, near the face, it'll grow. The flame will become bigger, wider, until it becomes nearly uncontainable where you'd have to snuff it out before it does any damage. That's when you know the child is a firebender. The stronger the flame, the stronger the firebender."

My eyes flare. Candles detect firebenders. The Fire Nation's method for detecting benders, which Yahno had mentioned. It all makes sense now. That's why the candle at our old house in Ba sing se grew that night. The night I held a flame in my hand for the first time. The night I firebent for the first time. The night I discovered I am the Avatar.

The king doesn't notice my reaction, or pretends not to.

"It's not a foolproof method." The king shrugs. "This method is specifically used to detect firebending when the subject doesn't yet know they are a firebender."

I know I am a firebender.

The king takes the candelabrum and slides it in between us. My eyes focus on the flame. The flame grows when the subject is a firebender. Usually firebenders that aren't aware of their abilities, probably because if they knew they could firebend they might cheat to change the results.

Wait.

I am a firebender. I could cheat to change the results. What if I bend the flame in order to keep it small? What if I subdue the flame just enough?

I keep my eyes on the flickering fire. It's about the size of a drop of water. See the height, I tell myself. Memorize it. The way it flickers along the flow of air in this room.

The king lets go of the candle, having set it right in front of me. I stare at the flame and grab hold of it, keeping my hand under the table so no one notices. Subdue. Subdue. Subdue.

The tingle in the back of my neck starts again. Not now. Any time but now.

I can feel the kings eyes locked on me, but I can't afford to look and lose my grip on the candle. I hold my hand to my side in a claw like motion, moving very slowly so the guard by the door doesn't notice. Any time the candle seems to grow, I close the space between my fingers more. I can feel the fire flickering in my hand, the familiar heartbeat and warmth bouncing on my fingertips, even from this distance I'm fully connected to it. Now that's a sign of a promising bender alright.

Sweat forms on my forehead and my upper lip. A minute passes, but it feels like an hour. The king eventually stands and snuffs the candle with the tip of his fingers, and I can finally let go.

"Hm, seems you're not a firebending master, like you said." He says, folding his hands behind his back.

I stare at him for a second, not sure if I heard him correctly.

"That's right." I confirm.

He gestures toward the door. "Well, clearly you're not who I'm looking for, then. You're free to go Shen." He smiles that fatherly smile again.

That's it? I can't believe it. It actually worked?

Hesitantly, I stand up from my chair. "Thank you for your time."

I bow respectfully and turn to leave. I walk towards the door, trying to make sure it doesn't look like I'm scrambling to get out of here. As I get there though, the guard steps in front of me.

My brows furrow. "He said I was free to go." I say.

The guard doesn't move, doesn't do anything. Then I feel it. The hairs on the back of my neck spring up, I can barely make out a fwoom as heat approaches my back. My instincts take over. I turn around and am faced with a massive flame heading straight towards my face. Without even really thinking about it I hold my hands out in front of me. The blast is so strong the impact sends me sliding. My back hits the door knocking the air out of my lungs. When I lower my hands the fire has dissipated, and the guard who shot the fireblast looks at me with wide eyes, like he just saw something unbelievable. I glance back at the king, who is now no longer smiling fatherly, but rather menacingly. The reality of what just happened sinks in.

I just blocked fire by bending it. In front of the king.

Fuck. Me.

The guard quickly regains his composure, and the king claps.

"Excellent!" He exclaims. "After all these years, I didn't think today would be the day."

He steps out from behind his desk and extends his hand towards me. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Avatar Shen."

[mariacallous]

The Chinese government announced Tuesday it is opening an investigation into Google in response to 10 percent tariffs imposed on Chinese imports by US president Donald Trump. Minutes after the tariffs went into effect, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation said it was probing the American tech giant for potentially violating the country’s anti-monopoly law.

The Chinese government may have strategically chosen to go after Google because it has limited operations in the country, ensuring the hit to the US tech giant would be relatively minimal. The move gives China plenty of room to escalate if the Trump administration announces further tariffs or other trade measures. Google declined to comment.

China also announced it was putting more restrictions on the sale of some critical minerals like tungsten and slapping additional tariffs on farm equipment, pickup trucks, liquified natural gas, coal, and other goods from the US. While the US isn’t reliant on China for all of the impacted minerals, the country does control the majority of the world’s tungsten supply, which is used in light bulbs, semiconductors, and ammunition.

“China’s position is firm and consistent. Trade and tariff wars have no winners,” China’s Ministry of Foreign affairs said in a statement Sunday shortly after the tariffs were announced. “This move cannot solve the US’s problems at home and, more importantly, does not benefit either side, still less the world.”

China has kept Google in its crosshairs during the ongoing trade war with the US over the last few years. In 2020, the government reportedly considered opening an antitrust investigation into Google's Android business, according to Reuters. The deliberations followed a complaint from Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, which was targeted by Trump during his first term.

Because of US sanctions, Huawei is unable to use American-made software like Google Mobile Services, a suite of tools widely used across the smartphone industry. The restrictions forced the company to develop its own operating system called Harmony OS.

But most smartphones around the world still run on Android, which has sparked competition investigations in a number of countries, some of which have led to concessionary changes designed to give consumers and app developers more choices and lower fees. In China, several smartphone makers continue to rely on an open source version of Android.

This past December, Chinese authorities also opened an anti-monopoly investigation into Nvidia, the chipmaker whose GPUs play a crucial role in the development of generative AI and have become a significant source of trade sparring between the US and China. The announcement came soon after the Biden administration further tightened China’s access to high-end semiconductors.

About 15 years ago, Google stopped offering a search experience tailored for China following a series of Chinese government-linked cyberattacks against it and other US companies. Google debated reentering China with a search engine about seven years ago, but the project was scuttled following protests from some employees concerned about supporting Chinese surveillance and censorship.

Google has also stopped short of directly selling cloud technologies in China, as local laws could threaten the privacy and security assurances it offers to customers in other markets. Other Google services such as YouTube are blocked by Chinese internet regulators.

China has allowed domestic companies to buy advertisements through Google so that they can market to customers abroad. But the revenue from those deals is relatively small, and China didn't even garner a mention in parent company Alphabet's annual financial report last year. That stands in contrast to Meta, which lists China among its biggest markets in terms of advertiser location and said last year that China-based advertisers account for 10 percent of its annual revenue.

[quickscaleup]

Best Ecommerce Website Designing Company in Patna

The website design is a really important tool for creating an appealing website that attracts users and customers. These ecommerce website designs represent your product, and what you are selling.

Thus, you need to make sure your website is relevant to the services you’re providing and can make a lasting impression.

Now, being said that, are you looking for some inspiration for your website designs? If yes, you’ve stumbled into the perfect solution, the website designing company in Patna, Quick Scaleup is your one-way stop. 

Ecommerce website designs 

The best ecommerce website design examples are those that can benefit you in boosting your sales and communicating with the brand and products. Some of the ecommerce website examples are the following,

Theseus is an online shoe store that promises customers the best online shopping experience. It has options such as shopping and return policy and even gives the users the opportunity to pay in installments.

Welly is a band aid campaign and website supplying catchy, funky, and aesthetic band aids. Children die for such cute band-aids and it comes with cute packaging too.  

Hebe’s website is mind blowing in terms of beauty. Its photography stands out compared to other websites. The high-quality photos ensure grabbing the customer’s attention and increasing the sales. 

Now, the ecommerce website examples in India are 

Amazon tops the ecommerce website list considering it is one of the country’s best ecommerce players since it rolled out in 2013. It has grown its market by covering everything from groceries to toys to furniture. 

Flipkart comes second on the list, always competing with Amazon in terms of quality and prices. It was founded in 2007, and is now acquired by Walmart. 

Meesho is a social commerce platform wherein the small business or merchants can deal with the users directly showcasing their products. 

Myntra is the one-stop online fashion destination that supplies with all the brands like Mango, H&M, Chemistry, Allen Solly etc. Myntra was acquired by Walmart making it a live commerce site with a lot of Indians depending on the site. 

OLX has products from cars to electronic goods and even real estate. People can buy or sell on this website according to their preferences. 

Snapdeal was a sinking company ready to be acquired by Flipkart in 2017. But, they did the needful surviving the takeover, and now focuses on products for fashion and home and personal care. 

Jio Mart is an online player that launched in 2020. It became known quickly in over 200 cities in India. 

Shopsy is a social commerce platform launched by flipkart. It’s a marketplace selling jewelry, grocery and home goods. 

Realme store is an online shopping site of the chinese smartphone brand realme. It even sells other electronic accessories.  

Mi store is another chinese smartphone brand Xiaomi selling mobile phones and other products. 

FirstCry is India’s shopping platform for baby products such as diapers, tous, cribs etc. Everything that can be termed a baby is being sold by them. 

Top 10 ecommerce websites 

The best ecommerce website design 2023 comprises of the following ecommerce website list and companies like 

Amazon tops as the world's best retailer and website designs. 

Ebay is the best marketplace with all the best features and products available. 

Aliexpress is the site offering the funkiest and catchy products with cheap prices. 

Walmart consists of an unlimited supply of organic products.

Wildberries is a popular Russian site known for clothes and household products. 

Ozon is like Russia’s Amazon, offering all kinds of products. 

Flipkart is an Indian ecommerce site dealing with all products like clothes, furniture, electronic devices. 

Samsung is the world's leader when it comes to electronics.

Etsy is another one of the popular sites specializing in handmade, vintage and unique goods. 

Rakuten is another one of the ecommerce sites dealing with cashback programmes.

The ecommerce website design templates that work well with any kind of website design such as apparel, fashion, jewelry or other ecommerce products. These templates create responsive, flexible and retainable online stores. Following is the list of best ecommerce website templates 

Pillowmart can be used for business purposes.

Capitalshop for fashion and accessories.

Fashi’s templates are available for fashion 

The Coza store is for business and ecommerce. 

eCommerce websites are the people’s go to sites for business and online shopping. People don’t like going around comparing products from shop to shop.

For such individuals, these websites are a piece of heaven.

To make sure that your website designs and products are appealing enough to the customers, you can take help from the website designing company, Quick Scaleup.

They have one of the best services available tailored to your customer’s needs.

[thebigphonestore]

Best Deals on Apple Refurbished iPhones in UK 2023

Introducing TheBigPhoneStore: Your Destination for the Best Deals on Refurbished Apple iPhones in the UK in 2023

Are you in the market for a high-quality, reliable iPhone at an affordable price? Look no further than TheBigPhoneStore, your ultimate destination for the best deals on refurbished Apple iPhones in the UK in 2023. With a wide range of models and competitive prices, we pride ourselves on offering top-notch products and exceptional customer service.

Why Choose Refurbished iPhones?

Refurbished iPhones have become increasingly popular among consumers due to their excellent value for money. These devices have undergone a rigorous inspection and refurbishment process to ensure they meet the same high standards as new iPhones. Here are a few reasons why choosing a refurbished iPhone from TheBigPhoneStore is a smart choice:

Cost Savings: Refurbished iPhones typically offer significant cost savings compared to their brand-new counterparts. At TheBigPhoneStore, we work hard to provide the best deals, allowing you to get your hands on an Apple iPhone at a fraction of the original price.

Quality Assurance: Our dedicated team of experts meticulously inspects, tests, and refurbishes each iPhone to ensure it meets our stringent quality standards. We only offer devices that are in excellent working condition, so you can be confident in the reliability of your purchase.

Warranty and Support: To provide you with peace of mind, we offer a warranty on all our refurbished iPhones. Additionally, our customer support team is always ready to assist you with any queries or concerns you may have throughout your purchasing journey.

Environmentally Friendly: By choosing a refurbished iPhone, you're making an eco-conscious decision. Extending the lifespan of electronics through refurbishment helps reduce electronic waste and minimizes the environmental impact of smartphone production.

Explore Our Range of Refurbished iPhones

At TheBigPhoneStore, we offer a wide selection of refurbished Apple iPhones to cater to every preference and budget. Whether you're a photography enthusiast, a power user, or simply looking for a reliable device, we have the perfect iPhone for you. Some popular models you can find in our inventory include:

iPhone 14 Pro Max

iPhone 14 Pro

iPhone 14

iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 13 Pro

iPhone 13

iPhone 12 Pro Max

iPhone 12 Pro

iPhone 12

iPhone SE (2020)

And Many more......

Our stock is regularly updated to ensure we offer the latest iPhone models. Visit our website or reach out to our knowledgeable sales team to discover the current availability and pricing.

The Big Phone Store's Commitment to Customer Satisfaction

At TheBigPhoneStore, we prioritize customer satisfaction above all else. We strive to offer an exceptional shopping experience by providing the following benefits:

Secure Online Shopping: Our website is designed to provide a secure and seamless online shopping experience. Your personal and financial information is safeguarded, ensuring your privacy is protected.

Free Shipping: We offer free shipping on all orders within the UK, making it even more convenient for you to receive your refurbished iPhone at your doorstep.

Flexible Payment Options: We offer various payment options to suit your preferences. Whether you choose to pay with credit/debit cards, PayPal, or other available methods, we aim to make the purchasing process as smooth as possible.

14-Day Return Policy: We stand behind the quality of our products. If, for any reason, you're not satisfied with your purchase, you can return it within 14 days for a refund or exchange.

Experience the Value of Refurbished Apple iPhones with TheBigPhoneStore

In 2023, TheBigPhoneStore is your go-to destination for the best deals on refurbished Apple iPhones in the UK. With our commitment to quality, competitive pricing, and exceptional customer service,

[kaiasky]

Tweet is basically accurate but I wanted to link the article. excepts:

Speaking with Eurogamer, a veteran behind the series has now said the decision to end the popular Mario & Sonic franchise rested with the IOC, which chose not to renew its licensing deal with Nintendo and Sega, and allowed it to lapse in 2020.

They wanted to look at other partners and NFTs and esports," Lee Cocker, who worked on almost every entry in the series, told Eurogamer. "Basically the IOC wanted to bring [it] back to themselves internally and look at other partners so they would get more money."

[...] It's not been well promoted, but this year's Paris 2024 Games do have an official video game tie-in: Olympics Go! Paris 2024, a free-to-play smartphone-focused effort from San Franciso and Seoul-based company nWay, which previously developed several Power Rangers games.

Oh, and there's NFTs too, of course. "Join the excitement of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 with nWay's officially licensed, commemorative Paris 2024 NFT Digital Pin collection!" the game's website explains.

Next up from the International Olympics Committee is the inaugural Esports Olympic Games next year, hosted by Saudi Arabia. Perhaps it's best Mario and Sonic steer clear.

we need to fucking kill these guys i dont even play these but thats most miserable and rage inducing headline ive ever read in my life

[chieflovepeach]

Honor of mobile rates in Qatar: a detailed observation

Honor is a famous smartphone manufacturer who sells premium models at affordable costs. With innovation, elegant appearance and emphasis on powerful performance, the honor has been more preferred by technical enthusiastic people in Qatar. This blog will discuss the most recent honor in Qatar with mobile pricing as well as the characteristics that make these phones an excellent option for consumers.

A Brand Built for the Youth

Honor’s challenge has usually been to create smartphones that cater to the desires and possibilities of younger generations. The brand is familiar with that younger customers value overall performance, layout, and affordability, and it has continually introduced on these fronts. From powerful processors to lovely presentations and lengthy-lasting batteries, Honor smartphones are designed to keep up with the fast-paced life in their customers.

It is recognized on online sales channels and social media advertisements, one of Honor's major strategies. By taking advantage of structures such as Instagram, Ticketkok and Twitter, Honor has created a strong reference to its target market, making it a reliable and acceptable symbol.

A Global Presence

While Honor mobile began as a China-focused logo, it has rapidly extended its reach to international markets, along with Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The logo’s international success may be attributed to its capacity to conform to the wishes of different regions.

Honor's freedom from Huawei in 2020 marked a new chapter for the symbol. The Honor has been able to support its position inside the International Market and compete with established players such as Samsung and Xiaomi, with a renewed cognitive cognizance on Google mobile services and innovation on innovation.

Current honor in Qatar mobile cost

Depending on models and features, Honor smartphones in Qatar have different prices. A framework of some of the most recent honor equipment, with the estimate of their costs, is provided below:

1. Honor 90 5g

Cost: QAR 1,499 and QAR 1,699

The features include a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen, a Snapdragon processor, 5000mAh battery and 200MP ultra-Calier camera.

2. Honor X9A

Cost: QAR 999 and QAR 1,199

Facilities include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695, 6.67 inch curved OLED display, 64 MP triple camera and 5100mAh battery.

3. Honor Magic 5 supporters

Cost: QAR 3,499 and QAR 3,999

Facilities include a Snapdragon 8 General 2 processor, 5.100mAh battery, 6.81-inch Ltpo OLED display and 50MP triple camera system.

4. Honor x7A

Cost: Between Qar 599 and Qar 699

Facilities include a MediaTek Helio G37 processor, 6.74 inch LCD display, 50MP quad camera and 6000mAh battery.

5. Honor 70 5g

Cost: QAR 1,799 and QAR 1,999

Facilities include 4.800mAh battery, 6.67-inch OLED display, 54MP dual camera and a Snapdragon 778G+.

Conclusion

Honor smartphones provide the ideal ratio of cost, style and performance. With so many options in Qatar, consumers can choose the ideal gadget for their needs and budget. Honor offers a phone for all, whether you are looking for a high-end flagship or a reasonable price mid-range model. Honor mobile price in Qatar is very affordable. To get the best deal, compare prices with many retailers before purchasing. The honor is still a major player in the Katari smartphone market who is thanks to his outstanding features and continuous innovation.

[twatkcox]

[#2025]

And another year had just ended. It was a mix of fun and upsetting moments in the Year of the Dragon.

So what happened this year?

TWATKcox's 11th-anniversary special post was published on time... well, almost. The previous anniversary posts were published in February, which is actually late for an annual celebration (TWATKcox's anniversary posts are always published in January).

I joined Bluesky in February as the site finally allowed users to register without an invite. So far, I'm getting the hang of it, considering its similarity to Twitter (now called X). The latter, meanwhile, is making some unnecessary changes, including the ability of blocked accounts to view certain accounts.

I witnessed some interesting scenes (including seeing Tugue Zombie in one of the parade floats) during the Chinese New Year celebration in Binondo for the first time since 2020. Before that, I visited the newly-opened One Ayala Mall for the first time and checked out the rest of the malls in the Ayala Center (my last visit to the area was in late 2019).

After visiting the Ayala Center and Binondo areas, I passed by Gateway Mall, bought Osamu Dazai's No Longer Human (both the novel and the manga version), and visited the Gateway 2 Mall (itself an expansion of the Gateway Mall).

My planned mall-hoping trip to Ayala Center/Binondo/Araneta City coincided with the Ozine event, which I unfortunately skipped due to scheduling conflicts.

I decided to revamp one of my Weebly sites in preparation for an upcoming new blogging concept, soon to be called The KCOX Project. Despite this, TWATKcox-WP will continue to operate, aiming for 500 posts within the next few years.

Besides Osamu Dazai's No Longer Human, I also bought a few more interesting books including The Bell Jar (Sylvia Plath), The Restaurant Of Many Orders And Other Stories (Kenji Miyazawa), and a whole lot of manga books.

In February, I unexpectedly ran into my classmate from elementary for the first time in almost 21 years. To be honest, I have mixed feelings about that sudden encounter, but at least I didn't feel awkward afterward. It's just that something from my past must've triggered due to that unexpected meeting.

In March, I bought a new phone, a OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G, a mid-range smartphone that runs on OxygenOS 14 (based on Android 14). It took me a while to set up my new phone, which has 256 GB of internal storage and up to 16 GB of RAM, with a provision for storage expansion and a 3.5-inch earphone jack, which are the things I'm looking for a new smartphone. I loved it so much that I used it more than my Motorola Moto G 5G Plus, which was relegated as a media player (videos and music) and a backup phone.

By April, the summer heat gets even more intense. For a while, I had to deal with the warm air inside the house, relying mostly on electric fans to keep me cool. Even a slight action could get me drenched in sweat in no time.

The Ozine Idol Fest (April 20-21) was held at the Fairview Terraces, but I only knew about this once the first day had commenced. I managed to visit on the second day, but not after I had my frappuccino at my favorite hangout place.

The Four Weekend Plan begins with a visit to one of my favorite cafes in Lagro, and would probably end the same (but at a different cafe).

On the second week of The Four Weekend Plan, I attended the Pinoy Otaku Festival: Yume (May 3-5), making it my fifth POF event since 2017. Despite skipping the first day of the event (which falls on Friday), I still made the most out of the remaining two days and had a lot of fun.

I went on a somewhat chaotic mall-hopping trip to Bonifacio Global City and McKinley Hill areas (including Uptown BGC, Mitsukoshi BGC, and Burgos Circle) as part of T4WP. Despite some inconveniences, I somehow managed to enjoy the trip despite getting stressed and tired throughout the afternoon. I even got a free comic at one of the Fully Booked branches as part of Free Comic Book Day and finally visited Mitsukoshi BGC (and Nitori's first store) for the first time since it opened in 2022.

The final week of T4WP isn't really worth writing about, but I bought another anime shirt, an orange Shoyo Hinata shirt at the SM Store Fairview. And yeah, another coffee shop (Zus Coffee) opened at Fairview Terraces, at the rooftop garden.

By the end of May, for the first time in over six years, I finally got to go on an out-of-town trip to Baguio City, as part of the company team building. I finally visited the City of Pines for the first time and enjoyed some of the tourist attractions within the city. I had a lot of fun too.

From June to November, several typhoons hit the country, causing a lot of damage (floods and landslides) in the affected areas. At one point, four typhoons passed by the country within a month.

In July, I visited the newly opened SM City Caloocan beside the Caloocan Sports Complex. The wooden-style interiors and fake plants add to the mall's aesthetic appeal.

In August, one of the cafes I frequented in Lagro (Daily Ground Cafe) offered a loyalty card, which I could use to claim a free drink after filling out all ten stamps. Sadly, the cafe closed by the end of the year, though they might reopen sometime in the future.

In September, I attended this year's Manila International Book Fair at the SMX Convention Center Manila (Mall Of Asia Complex, Pasay City), making it the sixth time I attended the event. I also bought a lot of books, half of which are bargain manga books at the National Book Store booth. For the first time since 2019, the event occupied much of the SMX Convention Center.

I visited Ayala Malls Manila Bay for the second time, and I noticed many changes since my last visit more than four years ago, particularly the mall's tenants. I finally visited the Sun Garden on the fifth level, serving as the mall's rooftop garden. Also, I passed by the Parqal Mall not far from AMMB.

I discovered a milk tea shop in Lagro, Teafanny & Co., a short distance from the barangay hall. I ordered a caramel frappuccino and fries on my first visit.

I only had a simple birthday celebration, nothing special. The planned all-black birthday celebration (a mall-hopping trip) was canceled, but I bought a watch and wireless Bluetooth earphones (both online) as birthday gifts for myself.

A week after my birthday (near the end of October), my old smartphone's screen had a problem. It took me more than two weeks to have it fixed. A pricey repair, but it was worth it. I'm thinking of buying an iPhone next (as an alternative to the newer phone I purchased earlier this year), but I'll need to save up money first.

In mid-December, our company had a Christmas outing at the Enchanted Kingdom. I rode the Anchors Away, the Flying Fiesta, and the Grand Carousel. I bought some amazing souvenirs as well. Not long after the EK trip, we had our annual Christmas party at a private resort located not far from the home office.

We only had a simple feast for Christmas Eve. By simple, I mean whole roast chicken, grilled pork, pasta with ready-made sauce... something like that. We'll probably have the same simple feast on New Year's Eve.

On the final weekend of the year, the Otaku Musika Festival was held at Robinsons Novaliches. I only passed by the event and bought a couple of anime postcards as souvenirs.

xxxxxxxxxx

So what's in store for me this 2025?

TWATKcox's 12th Anniversary Post

Pinoy Otaku Festival 2025: 10-Shunen (a four-day event)

TWATKcox Literary Special

#TheFourWeekendPlan (along with POF: 10-Shunen and the planned mall-hopping trip to Alabang)

10000+ word autobiography

Manila International Book Fair 2025

Another otaku event (either Anime & Cosplay Expo 2025 or Cosplay Matsuri 2025)

An all-black birthday celebration (supposedly planned for 2024 but was canceled for unknown reasons)

Going on several mall-hopping trips, including the three SM Malls in Parañaque (Sucat, BF Parañaque, and Bicutan) for the first time.

My first novel, still a work in progress

And my plans for 2025?

Read a lot of books (I've yet to read the books I've bought since 2021)

Organize a lot of stuff

Buy a new hard drive, as well as a notebook PC or a tablet

Update banners across all my blogs (still a work in progress)

Buy some drawers and shelves

Let go of some of the junk inside my room

Create an artwork

Readjust my body clock

Set up my new blog on Weebly (tentative)

Visit a lot of new places (maybe a revisit to Baguio, I've fallen in love with the place since I finally visited it in May/June)

xxxxxxxxxx

Finally, a lot of great things happened in 2024, save for a few upsetting moments. Here's hoping for a brighter, more fun year ahead.

Time to get my life back on track. After all, I need to make the most of my remaining life before I can no longer enjoy doing the things I love.

[maryamparmansandiego]

Auto Accident Attorneys Raise Awareness on Distracted Driving and Legal Support

Legal Recourse for Victims: The Rising Threat of Distracted Driving in San Diego

Avrek Law Firm San Diego is raising awareness about the increasing dangers of distracted driving. As leading auto accident attorneys in San Diego, Avrek Law Firm is dedicated to educating the public about the risks and providing legal assistance to victims of auto accidents caused by distracted driving.

The Rising Threat of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is nearly as deadly as driving under the influence. During National Distracted Driver Awareness Month, there is a push to make using a phone behind the wheel as taboo as drunk driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving killed more than 3,000 people in 2020, marking an increase of 12%. That’s an average of nine lives lost each day.

Statistics and Real-World Impact

Deadly Consequences: Whether it’s texting, checking an email, using GPS, or grabbing a phone while driving, the consequences can be deadly.

Underutilized Technology: Despite the availability of smartphone technology designed to prevent distracted driving, most drivers don’t use it.

Survey Results: A survey revealed that while 81% of drivers are aware of their phone's “driving focus features,” 54% do not activate them.

Personal Impact: Personal stories, like that of Jim Jones, who suffered a traumatic brain injury due to a distracted driver, highlight the severe impacts of this dangerous behavior.

Expert Insights

Leading Cause: Experts from the Training, Research, and Education for Driving Safety (TREDS) program at UC San Diego School of Medicine report that the use of cell phones while driving is the leading cause of driver distraction crashes in California.

Increased Risk: Studies indicate that using a phone while driving increases the risk of crashes four-fold, equating it to driving with a blood alcohol content of .08.

Texting Risks: Texting can increase this risk eight to sixteen times, making it one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving.

Legal Rights and Compensation for Auto Accident Victims

Victims of auto accidents caused by distracted driving have the right to seek compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Avrek Law Firm's team of experienced auto accident lawyers in San Diego is dedicated to helping victims understand their legal rights and secure the compensation they deserve. Consulting with a qualified auto accident attorney in San Diego ensures that victims receive the necessary legal support throughout the claims process.

Navigating Legal Challenges

Understanding Local Laws: It is essential to have a thorough understanding of San Diego’s specific laws and regulations regarding auto accidents. Consulting an auto accident attorney in San Diego ensures that victims are well-informed about their legal rights and obligations.

Establishing Liability: Gathering and presenting evidence to establish who is at fault in the accident is crucial. A knowledgeable San Diego auto accident attorney can help collect witness statements, police reports, and other critical documentation.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. An experienced auto accident attorney in San Diego can effectively negotiate with insurers to ensure fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Filing Legal Documents: Ensuring that all necessary legal documents are accurately completed and filed within the statute of limitations is vital. A competent San Diego auto accident attorney can manage this process, preventing any procedural errors that could jeopardize the case.

Court Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, having an experienced auto accident attorney in San Diego represent the victim in court is essential. This ensures that the victim’s case is presented effectively, maximizing the chances of a favorable outcome.

Steps to Take After an Accident

Get Medical Help: One must make sure to prioritize their health by seeking medical care, even for seemingly minor injuries.

Document the Scene: It's crucial to take photos and detailed notes of the accident scene, including any damages and injuries.

Collect Contacts: Obtain the contact information of witnesses and other involved parties for legal purposes.

Report to the Police: Notify local law enforcement about the accident and obtain a copy of the police report.

Hold Off on Insurance Statements: It's wise to seek legal advice before providing statements to insurance companies.

Consult an Auto Accident Lawyer: It's essential to contact a San Diego auto accident attorney to discuss the case and explore legal options.

Secure Rights and Compensation with Avrek Law Firm

Distracted driving is a growing threat to road safety in San Diego. Avrek Law Firm urges residents to stay vigilant and avoid distractions while driving. If one has been affected by an auto accident, it is crucial to consult with a professional San Diego auto accident attorney. Avrek Law Firm's team of knowledgeable auto accident attorneys is ready to provide the legal support needed to secure the compensation deserved. Contact Avrek Law Firm today at (619) 375-0466 for a free consultation and take the first step towards justice.

Contact Information:

Avrek Law Firm

501 West Broadway Ste 800 San Diego, CA 92101 United States https://avrek.com

Original Source: https://www.avrek.com/blog/auto-accidents-the-dangers-of-distracted-driving-and-legal-recourse-for-victims/

[techtired]

RepelisPlus: Your Portal to Unlimited Entertainment

Both movie enthusiasts and binge-watchers will find RepelisPlus a fully functional tool. This utility allows you to see any material on your Android without opening it from within other third-party tools. Many people enjoy watching TV shows as a pastime. Many sites and services satisfy the always-rising need for digital entertainment. One such often-used service is RepelisPlus. What is RepelisPlus? How can I have it? Do any legal or financial consequences? This blog will provide answers to all these questions as well as more. What Is Repelisplus? Go no further than RepelisPlus if you want somewhere to view your preferred films and TV series online. Its easy interface lets customers locate their preferred programming fast. Though the primary target audience of RepelisPlus is Spanish speakers, its abundance of materials has helped the website to become somewhat famous. On RepelisPlus, an online streaming service, you may see free films and TV shows. From action and drama to humour and more, it boasts a vast selection of material spanning several genres. Accessible via a user's smartphone, tablet, or computer, this material is a terrific choice for portable entertainment. PROS All-Inclusive Database No Sign Up: Essential Captions in Many Languages Content Evaluations by Users Regularly changed CONS Lawfulness Issues Dangerous Third-Party Content The Evolution and Surprising Origins of RepelisPlus RepelisPlus has become a titan in the often-changing terrain of streaming platforms thanks to its extensive library and creative approach, which enthrals viewers everywhere. Still, the beginnings of this streaming powerhouse are equally unexpected as they are motivating. Did you know that in 2012, RepelisPlus originated in a college flat room? Three driven students—Alex, Miguel, and Carlos—founded the company to build a platform free from standard streaming service restrictions so they could view their preferred films and TV shows. The founders had to alternate lugging an outdated laptop from RepelisPlus to class to keep the site operational. From those modest beginnings, RepelisPlus rapidly acquired popularity among fellow students and movie buffs drawn to the platform's growing array of rare titles. Word went like wildfire, and by 2015, the founders had left college to devote full-time to RepelisPlus. The next three years were a swirl of development, key alliances, and calculated investments that drove RepelisPlus into the streaming stratosphere. Important benchmarks were: 2016: Added to the map with special rights to broadcast a cult classic film festival, therefore defining their content 2018: Designed a ground-breaking, user-friendly layout that streamlines browsing and streaming 2020: Apply data-driven personalising and modern analytics to improve the viewing experience. From those undergraduate dorm room days, RepelisPlus today counts over 20 million members spread over 190 countries. Is RepelisPlus Legal? The legality of RepelisPlus has come under doubt. The platform lets users broadcast copyrighted material for free; hence, there could be questions about its legality. Because of copyright infringement, users are divided on whether Repelis'Plus is illegal; others contend it falls in a legal void. Knowing the probable legal consequences of using Repelis'Plus is vital. What Are Repelisplus's Qualities? RepelisPlus possesses several alluring qualities: To satisfy a broad audience, it features a lot of films and TV shows. Viewing material does not call for a subscription or sign-up. For people who do not speak Spanish, Repelis' Plus offers subtitles. Users can rate and review material to help others decide what to view. New releases are always included in the platform's library. Can I Safely Use Repelisplus? Every online service has to deal with user security concerns. RepelisPlus does not demand personal information; hence, users should be cautious. Clicking on a pop-up advertisement or an external link runs the danger of landing you on a dangerous website. Using ad blockers and maintaining the security software on your device will help you use Repelis'Plus more safely. How Does Repelisplus Work? With its extensive catalogue, orderly split by genres, TV shows, and anime, you only have to choose one. If you already know what you wish to examine, search by its specific title; otherwise, select a category to peruse your titles inside that department. Once you get the desired outcome, quickly tap to get it immediately. From there, you will find its original title, release date, length, nation, director information, cast, audience and evaluation, a summary, image gallery and viewing and download tab. Click the 'Watch now' option to stream items so you won't need to download them. Though you won't have that choice in certain circumstances, you can select between Spanish and Latam Spanish occasionally. Conversely, there are various download URLs to download a file. Choose the movie or episode you wish to enjoy on your smartphone to have anywhere and anytime you want. RepelisPlus Exclusively: An Immense Library of Original Work While other streaming services fight out for the newest blockbuster releases, RepelisPlus has established a niche by becoming the go-to source for unique material not found anywhere else. From obscure foreign films to cult classics, the venue is a treasure mine of cinematic jewels. RepelisPlus confirmed its reputation for creating distinctive libraries by outbidding a big studio for the rights to stream the whole backlog of a famous independent filmmaker in 2019. The creators' love of conserving and elevating neglected works of art drives the exclusive content approach. As Chief Content Officer of RepelisPlus Miguel Ramirez notes: “We aim to honour and distribute the films and shows that bigger venues ignore. Every movie has an audience. Hence, we are dedicated to matching specialised films with the viewers most likely to value them.” RepelisPlus has attracted a cult-like following among movie buffs and critics, so this strategy has paid off in spades. Notable purchases include: The whole criterion collection An almost 500 silent film archive spanning the 1920s Special worldwide distribution rights for notable auteurs such as Alejandro Jodorowsky RepelisPlus ensures its viewers never run out of innovative, boundary-pushing entertainment by searching the world for undiscovered treasures and offering gifted content producers a stage. Conclusion Repelisplu provides a practical and readily available approach to watching your preferred films and programs. Repelisplu remains a popular choice among streaming fans, even if it might not be without its controversies. Repelisplu offers something for everyone regardless of your level of casual viewing or die-hard movie buff. FAQs Is one free to utilise RepelisPlus? True, using Repelis'Plus comes free of cost. Can I use the Plus from Repelis on my smartphone? Repelis's Plus is compatible with smartphones. Does Repelis' Plus come in languages other than Spanish? For those without Spanish, Repelis' Plus offers subtitles in many languages. Does using Repelis'Plus raise legal questions? Copyright problems cause Repelis'Plus to operate on an unstable legal footing. For legal streaming, what substitutes for Repelis'Plus exist? The alternatives include Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and other legal streaming services. Read the full article

[newstfionline]

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Tim Walz is the veep’s pick for veep (NYT) Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to join her on the Democratic ticket. Walz is not terribly well-known across the country. He does not represent a critical swing state. But, as far as many Democrats are concerned, his rural background, liberal leanings and merry sense of humor have turned him into the hottest Minnesota export since Scotch tape. A former high-school teacher and football coach, Walz is beloved by Democrats for backing policies like paid family leave. He has delighted his party in recent weeks with the simple suggestion that one reason voters should reject Trump and other Republicans is that they are just “weird.”

‘Google Is a Monopolist,’ Judge Rules in Landmark Antitrust Case (NYT) Google acted illegally to maintain a monopoly in online search, a federal judge ruled on Monday, a landmark decision that strikes at the power of tech giants in the modern internet era and that may fundamentally alter the way they do business. Judge Amit P. Mehta of U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia said in a 277-page ruling that Google had abused a monopoly over the search business. The Justice Department and states had sued Google, accusing it of illegally cementing its dominance, in part, by paying other companies, like Apple and Samsung, billions of dollars a year to have Google automatically handle search queries on their smartphones and web browsers. “Google is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly,” Judge Mehta said in his ruling.

Slow-moving Tropical Storm Debby bringing torrential rains to southeastern US (AP) Tropical Storm Debby brought prolonged downpours and flooding to the southeastern United States on Tuesday and was expected to hover over the Atlantic Ocean for the next few days, then boomerang back onto the mainland, leading to potentially record-setting rainfall. The storm was forecast to move relatively slowly across some of America’s most historic Southern cities, including Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina. The National Hurricane Center has forecast up to 25 inches (64 centimeters) of rain in some areas. Significant flooding in one Savannah neighborhood led to people trudging through water nearly to their waists Tuesday.

Appeal of nuclear power grows (Pew Research Center) The consensus of Americans is bending back toward the atom as nuclear energy becomes more and more appealing, essentially tied with the level seen last year at 56 percent, but up considerably from the 43 percent logged in 2020. Nuclear energy is especially interesting in the green electricity space, because worldwide it’s historically been supported by right-leaning parties given the antinuclear history of various green-linked interests of left-leaning parties. The cold arithmetic of electrification has prompted a bit of a realignment; the percentage of Democrats who favor more nuclear energy is up 12 points since 2020 and Republican support is up 14 points.

UK prime minister talks of ‘standing army’ of police to deal with rioting across Britain (AP) British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Monday that a “standing army” of specialist police would be set up to deal with rioting and that the justice system would be ramped up to handle hundreds of arrests after violent disorder rocked cities across the nation over the past week. Starmer convened an urgent meeting after lawlessness he blamed on “far-right thuggery” that was driven in part by misinformation on social media that whipped up anger over a stabbing rampage at a dance class that killed three girls and wounded 10 people. False rumors spread online that the suspect was a Muslim asylum-seeker led to attacks on immigrants and mosques. On Sunday, angry mobs attacked two hotels used to house asylum-seekers, breaking windows and lighting fires before police dispersed the crowds and residents were evacuated. Dozens of police officers have been hospitalized for injuries in the past six days after being struck with bricks, bottles and large wooden posts.

‘Celebrations of life’ increasingly replacing traditional funerals in UK, study shows (Guardian) Traditional sombre funerals in religious settings are increasingly being replaced by “celebrations of life” with personal touches held at more unusual locations in the UK, according to a study. Sixty-eight per cent of people believe funerals should be more of a celebration than a time of reflection, up from 58% in 2019, the study by Co-op Funeralcare found. The study is largely based on information from more than 500,000 funerals carried out by Co-op Funeralcare’s funeral directors over the last five years.

Myanmar Rebels Claim Regional Military Base in Major Victory (NYT) A rebel army in Myanmar announced this weekend that it had overrun a regional military base near the border with China in what is likely to be the most significant victory yet for a patchwork of resistance groups that have challenged the country’s junta. On Monday, Myanmar’s military rulers signaled that the insurgents had, in fact, made a major advance, saying the junta had lost contact with the base, the northeastern command in the city of Lashio in Shan State. It wasn’t immediately clear how the latest development would ricochet in the wider civil war. But the fall of a regional military headquarters—one of 14 in Myanmar and home to thousands of government soldiers—would be a major defeat for the junta, which has been on a war footing for decades. It would also give the rebels control of Lashio, a strategic city, and its airport.

AI in China (SCMP) Mainland China added more than 237,000 new companies involved in artificial intelligence (AI) during the first half of this year, according to corporate database platform Qichacha, taking the total to 1.67 million amid Beijing’s efforts to foster the technology’s development. Of that total, more than 1.48 million—almost 90 per cent—were set up after 2017, when the State Council, the country’s cabinet, published the Next Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan that outlined a goal to become a world leader in the technology.

Japan Needs Foreign Workers. It’s Just Not Sure It Wants Them to Stay. (NYT) Ngu Thazin wanted to leave her war-torn country for a better future. She set her sights on Japan. In Myanmar, she studied Japanese and graduated with a chemistry degree from one of her country’s most prestigious universities. Yet she gladly took a job in Japan changing diapers and bathing residents at a nursing home in a midsize city. “To be honest, I want to live in Japan because it is safe,” said Ms. Thazin, who hopes eventually to pass an exam that will allow her to work as a licensed caregiver. “And I want to send my family money.” Japan desperately needs people like Ms. Thazin to fill jobs left open by a declining and aging population. But even as foreign employees become much more visible in Japan, working as convenience store cashiers, hotel clerks and restaurant servers, they are treated with ambivalence. Politicians remain reluctant to create pathways for foreign workers to stay indefinitely. The political resistance to immigration in long-insular Japan, as well as a public that is wary of integrating newcomers, has led to a nebulous legal and support system that makes it difficult for foreigners to put down roots.

US personnel wounded in attack against base in Iraq, officials say (Reuters) At least five U.S. personnel were injured in an attack against a military base in Iraq on Monday, U.S. officials told Reuters, as the Middle East braced for a possible new wave of attacks by Iran and its allies following last week's killing of senior members of militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah. Two Katyusha rockets were fired at al Asad airbase in western Iraq, two Iraqi security sources said. One Iraqi security source said the rockets fell inside the base. It was unclear whether the attack was linked to threats by Iran to retaliate over the killing of the Hamas leader.

Most Americans oppose sending U.S. troops to defend Israel, poll finds (Washington Post) For the first time in recent years, a majority of Americans oppose sending U.S. troops to defend Israel if it comes under attack by its neighbors, according to a nationwide poll released Tuesday. The survey by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs found that 55 percent of Americans opposed sending U.S. troops to defend Israel if its neighbors attacked it, while 41 percent supported doing so. Republicans were more supportive of such a move, with 55 percent of them saying they favored sending troops, while 35 percent of Democrats and independents said the same. The Chicago Council poll showed a downward shift in Americans’ support for sending U.S. troops to Israel’s defense since the war in Gaza. The share of Americans who support sending U.S. troops to defend Israel if its neighbors attack it (41 percent) is the lowest since the Chicago Council began asking the question in 2010.

US hands over its last military base in Niger to the ruling junta (AP) On Monday, the U.S. lost its final foothold in Niger, handing over a key military base to the country’s military junta. Niger’s military government took power with a coup last summer and has maintained control over the country despite the threat of invasion by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The U.S. has had to hand over both of its military bases in Niger after the junta ended an agreement made by the country’s previous government. That pact had allowed America to operate two bases in Niger, using the outposts as home bases for its counter-terrorist operations in the Sahel region of Africa. Now, Niger has turned to Russia for help in defending itself from extremist groups operating south of the Sahara Desert. About two dozen American soldiers remain in Niger as they clean the remainder of their country’s presence—their offices have been relocated to the U.S. embassy in the country’s capital of Niamey.

Africa’s Richest City Needs $12 Billion to Fix Infrastructure (Bloomberg) Johannesburg, billed as Africa’s richest city because of its concentration of businesses and millionaires, needs 221 billion rand ($12 billion) to catch up on maintenance and overdue upgrades across its collapsing road, power and water networks. The shortfall comes at a time when regular power outages—the result of distribution-network breakdowns—hit large swathes of Johannesburg. Officials leave potholes unattended for months and parts of the city had no water for as long as 11 days in March. Financial and political turmoil in recent years has beset the city of about 5 million people that’s had eight mayors since 2019 due to constantly shifting coalitions.

Neuralink has implanted second trial patient with brain chip, Elon Musk says (Guardian) Another person has entered the Elon Musk Matrix. During an eight-hour podcast released on Friday, Musk announced that his brain-chip company had successfully implanted its technology into the brain of a second human test subject. The implant will grant the anonymous person the ability to interface with computers using just their brain. According to the podcast episode, Neuralink’s latest test subject has a spinal cord injury similar to the startup’s first patient (who was injured in a diving accident). Musk said that 400 of the Neuralink device’s 1,024 electrodes were working. Neuralink’s first patient/test subject has faced some issues with his implant in the past. The device’s wires had retracted from his brain, reducing the number of electrodes that controlled the device. Through increasing the sensitivity of the device, Musk says it was able to function normally “with only roughly 10, 15% of the electrodes working.” The company plans to implant its device into eight more patients this year.

[creativeera]

How Podcasting Became One of the Major Forces in the Digital World

The Rise of Broadcast Broadcast first emerged in the early 2000s as a new way to distribute audio files over the internet. What started as a niche hobby soon exploded into a mainstream media format. By 2005, the broadcast platform iTunes began featuring podcasts for easy browsing and downloading by users. This gave broadcast considerable visibility and boosted its popularity. Many early adopters started podcasts from their homes, often as a passion project. However, as equipment costs came down and platforms matured, broadcast became a viable career option for some creators. Today, millions of people tune into podcasts on a regular basis, listening to a vast array of genres from entertainment to news and beyond. Growth of the Broadcast Industry As  Podcasting listenership grew, so did the opportunities for professionalization. Established media companies jumped into broadcast, while startups aimed to build platforms and services for the industry. Advertisers also took note and began sponsoring popular shows. By 2018, podcast ad revenue in the US topped $479 million according to the Interactive Advertising Bureau. This got the attention of big tech as well. In 2020, Spotify acquired major podcast companies like The Ringer and Joe Rogan Experience in billion-dollar deals, signaling their commitment to become the dominant force in broadcast. Meanwhile, Amazon, Apple, Google and others ramped up their own offerings. With major corporate backing fueling growth, the broadcast industry has become a multibillion-dollar business. Rise of Niche Genres With the glut of content on offer, podcasts have increasingly specialized to serve dedicated audiences. A reflection of this is the proliferation of niche genres that go beyond traditional talk and news formats. For example, the popularity of true crime podcasts took off in the mid-2010s, led by massive hits like Serial. Other storytelling genres like drama and sci-fi podcasts also emerged. Meanwhile, hobby and interest-based shows catered to communities centered on topics as wide-ranging as comedy, religion, language learning, history, and more. This allowed for high production value audio dramas and customizable content experiences for hyper-focused listeners. Broadcast's flexibility has made it a booming platform for serving long-tail audiences with passionately followed niche content. Broadcast Goes Global Fueled by its success in the US and other English-speaking markets, Podcasting has now expanded globally. Local creators are producing pods in many languages like Spanish, French, Portuguese, Mandarin, Hindi and others. International audiences are discovering new shows and genres from around the world. Global platforms are also getting involved, with Spotify alone reporting having 2.2 million podcasts on its platform by 2021 in over 80 markets and 30 languages. Podcast consumption is growing rapidly internationally, especially in youth demographics, as mobile connectivity and streaming services spread. The ubiquity of smartphones and availability of free/low-cost podcast apps have helped drive the global reach of the format beyond any single country or language. Get more insights on Podcasting

About Author:

Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)

[khushivaid]

How Gen Z is transforming homeownership in India

Residential demand today is at a decadal high, driven by a combination of economic factors and changing buyer preferences.

 Residential demand has surged by 23.8% over the past three years across major metros. 

A significant contributing factor to this growth is the increasing interest of Generation Z (Gen Z) in the housing market.

Gen Z's Growing Influence

Born in the late 1990s, Gen Z is becoming increasingly influential in both social and economic realms.

 As digital natives, they have grown up with smartphones, social media, and instant access to information.

 This tech-savvy generation is accustomed to instant communication, transparent dealings, and technology-enabled efficiency, driving new trends across various sectors, including real estate.

Shift Towards Homeownership

In 2020 and 2021, many Gen Z individuals seized the opportunity presented by low-interest rates and the rise of remote work to enter the housing market.

 This marked a shift from the traditional rental lifestyle to embracing homeownership. 

Recent data reveals that Gen Z displays bullish sentiment (159 on a scale of 0 to 200) towards housing aspirations, transforming traditional views on homeownership.

Green Homes: A Step Towards Sustainability

According to Deloitte, 95% of Indian Gen Zs and Millennials are actively striving to reduce their environmental footprint. 

This commitment to sustainability influences their home-buying decisions. Sustainable homes designed to minimize environmental impact and promote energy efficiency are gaining popularity. 

Examples include Shapoorji Pallonji’s project in Chamrajpet, Bengaluru, with its rainwater harvesting system, and Godrej’s Parkridge project in Pune, featuring a 1-hectare vehicle-free green zone.

Preference for Modular Spaces

Gen Z prefers modular spaces in their homes for flexibility, efficiency, and personalization. 

Modular furniture and room dividers allow them to reconfigure their homes as needed, catering to their dynamic lifestyles. 

Open floor plans and multi-functional fittings are also becoming popular, maximizing space utilization and offering affordable solutions for young homeowners or renters.

Embracing Smart Home Technology

The smart generation prefers smart homes. 

Gen Z seeks homes with features that enhance convenience, efficiency, and connectivity, such as voice assistants and smart home systems for controlling lighting, heating, cooling, and security remotely. 

Technology that supports a healthy lifestyle is also a priority, transforming the homebuying experience and making luxury living more accessible and environmentally friendly.

Community and Sense of Belonging

Gen Z prioritizes community and a sense of belonging when choosing where to live. 

They prefer mixed-use developments that integrate residential and commercial spaces, creating vibrant neighborhoods where people can live, work, and socialize. 

These developments offer parks, recreational facilities, and social spaces that support a healthy work-life balance. 

Recent data indicates a clear preference for multi-storey buildings in gated communities.

PropGrow, as a real estate consultant,  we recognize the transformative influence of Generation Z on the real estate market. 

This tech-savvy, environmentally conscious generation is driving significant shifts in buyer preferences, from embracing homeownership earlier than previous generations to prioritizing sustainable and modular living spaces. 

Their demand for smart home technology and community-centric developments is reshaping the landscape, compelling developers to innovate and adapt.

Conclusion

As stewards of the future, Gen Z is playing a crucial role in advocating for improved livability. 

Their preferences are shaping upcoming residential projects and developments, making it essential for developers to prioritize their needs and be future-ready.

[couteausuissedigital]

Couteau Suisse Digital - "Le comparatif du Google Pixel 5 sur le marché de l'occasion : notre avis sur Back Market"

Visiter CouteauSuisseDigital.com Découvrez notre comparatif du Google Pixel 5 sur le marché de l'occasion ! Chez BoosteTonPlaisir.com, nous sommes toujours à la recherche des meilleurs deals pour vous faire économiser tout en vous faisant plaisir. C'est pourquoi nous nous sommes intéressés au Google Pixel 5 vendu sur Back Market, une plateforme spécialisée dans la revente de produits d'occasion. Voici notre avis sur ce smartphone haut de gamme à prix réduit. Le Google Pixel 5 est un appareil qui a suscité beaucoup d'enthousiasme lors de sa sortie en 2020. Avec son design épuré et ses performances exceptionnelles, il a rapidement conquis les utilisateurs. Mais voilà, le prix peut parfois être un frein à l'achat pour certains. C'est là qu'intervient Back Market, qui propose des appareils remis à neuf à des prix défiant toute concurrence. En se procurant le Google Pixel 5 sur cette plateforme, on peut ainsi faire des économies allant jusqu'à 50% par rapport au prix du neuf, tout en ayant un appareil en excellent état. Mais est-ce que ça vaut vraiment le coup ? Notre réponse est oui, à condition de trouver le bon vendeur et de prendre quelques précautions. Tout d'abord, il est important de bien lire la description du produit et de vérifier qu'il s'agit bien d'un appareil certifié reconditionné. Cela signifie que l'appareil a été testé, nettoyé et remis en état par des professionnels, ce qui garantit un bon fonctionnement. De plus, la plupart des appareils sont vendus avec une garantie, ce qui permet de se sentir en sécurité en cas de problème. En ce qui concerne le Google Pixel 5 en particulier, il faut savoir que c'est un smartphone haut de gamme avec des performances dignes des plus grandes marques. Son écran OLED de 6 pouces offre une qualité d'image remarquable, et sa batterie de 4080 mAh lui donne une autonomie confortable. Son appareil photo de 12,2 mégapixels avec double objectif permet également de prendre des clichés de qualité professionnelle. En revanche, il faut garder à l'esprit que comme tout produit d'occasion, le Google Pixel 5 vendu sur Back Market peut présenter quelques imperfections esthétiques, telles que de légères rayures ou traces d'utilisation. Mais rassurez-vous, cela n'affecte en rien les performances de l'appareil. En résumé, si vous souhaitez vous offrir un smartphone haut de gamme à petit prix, le Google Pixel 5 d'occasion sur Back Market est une excellente option. Nous recommandons toutefois de bien vérifier la qualité du vendeur et de prendre une garantie si possible. Alors n'attendez plus, rendez-vous sur BoosteTonPlaisir.com pour trouver le meilleur deal et profiter pleinement de votre nouveau téléphone ! #GooglePixel5 #BackMarket #SmartphoneOccasion #RemisANeuf #BoosteTonPlaisir #Economies #HighTech #Qualite Reserver un appel sur CouteauSuisseDigital.com ou consulter notre article Couteau Suisse Digital — “Google Pixel 5 : notre avis comparatif sur Back Market”

[sporthub]

Project Jacquard: Levi’s smart jacket first look

Do you remember? It was 6 years ago when Levis, together with Google, launched one of the first interoperable garments on the market. And where are we today? It's like a birth. Labor pains, eruptions, milestones, technology and social development go hand in hand. In the end, as the fashion prophets say, we are connecting our society in new ways and who knows, maybe we will meet in a form of egalitarian societies. A form of society that shines with a great deal of balance, that knows how to master the great problems of world history together.

if you cannot waiting, Find out more about

2018, April 9th, I wore Levi’s smart jacket for three months, and it changed how I use my phone

2020, April, LEVI’S® TRUCKER JACKET WITH JACQUARD™ BY GOOGLE

2019, September 30th, Google and Levi's introduce a new smart jacket that can answer calls and snap selfies

[arebiacart]

A Closer Look at the Evolution: iPhone 12 Pro Max 256GB vs. Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max

Apple has always been at the forefront of innovation and technology when it comes to cellphones, especially with their iPhone collection. Apple continually expands the realm of what is conceivable with its latest releases, offering innovative features and technological innovations that completely transform the smartphone experience. This blog post will examine the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max 256GB and the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max, two of the company's top products. Come along as we examine the main distinctions, upgrades, and developments between these two formidable smartphones.

The iPhone 12 Pro Max 256GB

The iPhone 12 Pro Max 256GB, which was released in 2020, immediately rose to the top of the market's most sought-after handsets. The iPhone 12 Pro Max displays vivid colors and realistic detail on a magnificent 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display, providing an immersive viewing experience. With its unmatched performance and efficiency, the A14 Bionic chip powers this device, which makes it perfect for content production, gaming, and multitasking. Under every lighting situation, the iPhone 12 Pro Max's sophisticated triple-lens arrangement with LiDAR technology allows it to take stunning pictures and movies.

The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max

The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max, which builds on the popularity of its predecessor and offers a slew of new features and enhancements, pushes innovation to the limit. With even faster performance and efficiency than the A14 chip, the powerful A15 Bionic chip powers the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Smoother scrolling and more responsive interactions are provided by the device's gorgeous 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology. New features like Cinematic mode and Photographic Styles have also been added to the camera system, making it easier for users to take pictures and films of professional quality.

Important Modifications and Advancements

Despite their many similarities, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max 256GB and the iPhone 13 Pro Max differ in a few significant ways and have been improved. The battery life of the iPhone 13 Pro Max is one obvious gain over the iPhone 12 Pro Max, with up to 2.5 hours more available. In addition, 5G connection and enhanced MagSafe technologies provide faster wireless charging and better download and streaming rates on the iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Choosing Wisely

You should weigh a number of things before deciding between the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max and the iPhone 12 Pro Max 256GB. Consider the iPhone 13 Pro Max if you're searching for the newest and greatest features, such as enhanced performance, longer battery life, and better camera capabilities. But, if you're happy with the iPhone 12 Pro Max's features and performance and would rather save a little cash, going with the 256GB model might be a better deal.

Recap

Conclusively, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max 256GB and the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max are outstanding smartphones that provide cutting-edge features, breathtaking design, and top-notch performance. You won't be sorry you went with the iPhone 13 Pro Max despite its most recent innovations or the iPhone 12 Pro Max with its established track record. You will receive a flagship smartphone that offers an unmatched user experience and establishes the bar for excellence in the sector, regardless of the device you select.