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CHS projects better earnings, lower debt ratio
MH Illustration / Getty Images
Community Health Systems updated its longer-term financial goals Thursday to be slightly more ambitious than when they were originally unveiled early last year.
The tweaked goals were part of the Franklin, Tennessee-based hospital chain's earnings release for the fourth quarter of 2021. The health system first rolled out its "medium-term financial goals" in early 2021 and said it planned to achieve them over the next two to four years.
CHS now plans to hit an adjusted earnings margin—measured as adjusted earnings before income, taxes, depreciation and amortization—of more than 16% over the same time frame, up from its previous goal of more than 15%. The company's EBITDA margin was 15.9% in 2021, up from 15.3% in 2020. CHS also said it will continue to generate annual free cash flow, whereas the original goal was simply to generate free cash flow annually. The company also plans to reduce its debt ratio even further. Instead of bringing leverage below six times net debt to EBITDA, CHS plans to bring it below five times net debt to EBITDA.
"In the past year, we've made significant progress on each of these goals," Kevin Hammons, CHS' chief financial officer, said on the company's investor call. "As we move forward, we expect to continue to grow EBITDA and EBITDA margin, build annual free cash flow generation and continue to lower our financial leverage."
The medium-term goals are different from annual guidance, which investors will track more closely. In 2022, CHS expects revenue of $12.6 billion to $13.1 billion. The company generated $12.4 billion in operating revenue in 2021, up from $11.8 billion in 2020.
Analysts and investors don't hold companies to their medium-term goals the same way they do with annual guidance, said Britton Costa, Fitch Ratings' head of healthcare and pharmaceuticals. They're more of a way for companies to tell the story of where they expect to go.
"When we think about Community, this is very much a company that's been on a really material transformation over the past couple of years," Costa said. "They've changed the size of the company, the focus of the company and correspondingly how the capitalization and the natural profile of the company has changed. This indicates continued confidence that they're not done yet. There are still more improvements ahead at the company."
CHS in 2020 wrapped up a multi-year effort to sell underperforming hospitals. There are signs that the program strengthened the company's bottom line.
CHS' net income fell 39% year-over-year in 2021 to $368 million. The company's revenue increased 5% in that time, while expenses grew 2.8% to just under $11 billion.


In China the number 8 is considered 'lucky' and the number 4 'unlucky'. This paper shows that almost twenty percent of the IPO prices for the Chinese domestic market (A-shares) end in the 'lucky' number 8 as compared to a little more than three percent ending in the 'unlucky' number 4 (a ratio of almost six to one). It also documents that 'lucky' number combinations make up the ending two digits of more than ten percent of A-share price endings. This occurrence is far greater than expected by chance or by other theories that have explained price clustering in financial markets. We conclude that issuers of Chinese IPOs consciously choose to favour 'lucky' numbers when setting prices.


(1) By rule the Environmental Quality Commission may require permits for air contamination sources classified by type of air contaminants, by type of air contamination source or by area of the state. The permits shall be issued as provided in ORS 468.065 (Issuance of permits). A permit subject to the federal operating permit program shall be issued in accordance with the rules adopted under ORS 468A.310 (Federal operating permit program approval).
(2) If a request for review of the final Department of Environmental Quality action, or any part thereof, is made on an application for a permit issued under the federal operating permit program established under ORS 468A.310 (Federal operating permit program approval) in accordance with the rules adopted by the commission, the effect of the contested conditions and any conditions that are not severable from those contested shall be stayed upon a showing that compliance with the contested conditions during the pendency of the appeal would require substantial expenditures or losses that would not be incurred if the permittee prevails on the merits of the review and there exists a reasonable likelihood of success on the merits. The department may require that the contested conditions not be stayed if the department finds that substantial endangerment of public health or welfare would result from the staying of the conditions.
(b) To the extent conditions of any new or modified permit are stayed under subsection (2) of this section, comply with the conditions of the existing permit that correspond to the stayed conditions, unless compliance would be technologically incompatible with compliance with other conditions of the new or modified permit that have not been stayed.
(4) For purposes of this section, a small scale local energy project, as defined in ORS 470.050 (Definitions), located in a maintenance area or nonattainment area, and any infrastructure related to that project located in the same area, is considered to provide a net air quality benefit to the extent required by this chapter if the project provides reductions in each air contaminant in the maintenance area or nonattainment area equal to the ratio specified in rules adopted by the commission, unless the department determines that the project will pose a material threat to compliance with air quality standards in the maintenance area or nonattainment area.
(a) "Maintenance area" has the meaning given that term in rules adopted by the commission.


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The Story of My Life
Written by: Helen Keller
Narrated by: Mary Woods
Buy Now for ₹668.00
A serious illness destroyed Helen Keller's sight and hearing before she reached the age of two. At seven, she was introduced to Ann Sullivan, the beloved teacher and friend who helped Helen to make contact with her world. Through sheer determination and resolve, Helen learned to speak, read, and write, and prepared herself for entry into prep school by the age of 16. She later enrolled at Radcliffe and graduated with honors. Her motto: "There are no handicaps, only challenges."
(P)2000 Blackstone Audiobooks
Categories: Biographies & Memoirs
Historical Women Literature & Fiction
"The greatest woman of our age.' (Winston Churchill)
"Helen Keller is fellow to Caesar, Alexander, Napoleon, Homer, Shakespeare, and the rest of the immortals....She will be as famous a thousand years from now as she is today." (Mark Twain)
We the Living
The Age of Fable
What listeners say about The Story of My Life
Audible.co.uk reviews
All stars 5 star only 4 star only 3 star only 2 star only 1 star only
MsRanPan
This is an incredibly story of a southern girl, born before disability was widely understood and worked with. Helen Keller was an incredibly person and this book is the story of how she was enabled to engage with this world and then able to become a fully functioning person within society, more than most, and her spirit and love comes across so clearly. A little dated because, well because it is but a refreshing happy read!
Tevin Gongo
Review by Tevin Gongo
Really inspiring... This could be the full review. What can you add after reading a book written by a woman who was blind and deaf?
Who has never complained life is too hard, too unfair, too complicated... obviously that kind of appreciation is subjective and personal to his/her author but if a woman manages to accomplish so much despite starting a life with so many disadvantages, who is really entitled to give up without a proper fight.
I can only recommend this book to anyone complaining that life is hard, unfair...
Loved this book. A wonderful listen that will do your heart good! Such an interesting life.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Ain´t this the place where we want to be?
Pacha Ibiza, Ministry of Sound London and Rock in Rio Festival Madrid mark some of the corner stones in his career.
Moving from DJing to producing was a natural progression and he soon found himself producing for labels such as Pacha Recordings, Housesession Rec. and Wormland Rec.
He also teamed up with Corona Extra, WeSC and Ooco Belts.


Business coach Clay Clark talks about what it takes to become great! Find out how many hours it takes to become an expert at any craft. Mr. Clark says that Preparation, Focus, Consistency, Tenacity, and Ardor are what it takes to change your business from mediocre to great! Also find out what crazy noise the producer, Sam Parker, uses to hype himself up for powerlifting!


[The computer] was the first machine man built that assisted the power of his brain instead of the strength of his arm. – Grace Hopper, American computer scientist and United States Navy Rear Admiral.
With the holiday season kicking into high gear, it's a good time to reflect on how we can use technology to better the lives of those less fortunate. Innovation doesn't happen in a vacuum; everything we do affects how we live.
From our work helping the federal government through its digital transformation to innovations in the way healthcare is delivered to underserved populations, Iron Bow recognizes that technology should be advanced in the service of others.
Our CLINiC™ solution—a medical consultation system that enables remote examination and diagnosis via live high definition video conferencing—is helping connect people to healthcare services. The technology was developed to help fill voids where the demand for physician services is greater than supply, where input from specialists is desired, and where underserved populations reside.
With that in mind, we wanted to highlight three ways technology has bettered society.
Undoubtedly the most impactful innovation in modern history, the global system of computer networks we know as the internet has affected every corner of society from politics and business to medicine and humanitarian efforts. While the internet was largely born as a federal government project in the early 1960s, the advent of commercial networks in the early 90s and the proliferation of the World Wide Web thrust the interconnected global network into our daily lives.
By 2016, nearly half of the world's population used the internet and in the United States alone about 75 percent of people are internet users. Census Bureau data shows that just 20 years ago only 18 percent of homes had internet access.
And while in developed countries the internet is used for shopping, banking and other daily activities, for those in the developing world and rural areas, it serves as a basic communications tool. The internet has made it possible for people around the globe to deliver everything from healthcare to job training to those living in places that may not offer those services. This has opened up the door to a world of development.
Before the late 70s, computers were massive machines relegated to corporations and research institutions. But by 1984, IBM and Apple had introduced into the market desktop-sized models that were both affordable and small enough to fit into the modern household.
While nowadays about 80 percent of households in the United States report owning at least one laptop or desktop computer, it wasn't always that way. Just 20 years ago, only about 37 percent of people said they had a computer in their home.
The personal computer launched what would become a succession of computing devices that would get smaller and smaller over the years, leading to the mobile phone that sits in most of our pockets today. While the internet is what has connected us, portability in computing is what sparked the propagation of that vast network.
Without the commercialization of computers, the internet would simply be a way for corporations and governments to convey information and not the life-altering interconnection that it has become today. Personal computers helped democratize the internet.
You might be scratching your head about this entry since public libraries date back to 1464 when a brotherhood of clergy and laity in Bristol, England erected a library that allowed anyone who wished to enter "for the sake of instruction." Back then, the free access was for books, which were just beginning to be mass-produced after Johannes Gutenberg had invented the printing press about 25 years earlier.
Now, that access also includes the first piece of technology on our list: the internet. That makes public libraries as important as ever. According to the Information Policy & Access Center at the University of Maryland, public libraries report being the only provider of free public access to computers and the internet in 64.5 percent of communities in the United States.
Libraries also often provide technology and skills training so those in under-served communities can figure out how to get the best out of their time spent on the internet. For school-aged children in those areas of the United States, about 81.9 percent of public libraries also provide access to homework resources.
It's nearly impossible to get a job, find government services or seek out a doctor without access to the internet. Public libraries make that possible for millions of Americans who don't have the privilege of the internet in their homes.
These are just a few of the ways that innovation has helped move us forward and equalize the disparities faced by those who struggle to get by. Looking forward, we still have a lot of work to do and we must focus our energy on making the world a more just and equitable place.


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Posts tagged 'Dirivatives'
spreads tell a story
CDS spreads
Mr Lenihan, these figures tell the Irish People the real story the spreads cannot be dismissed and you are going to have to come clean on the true nature of the Banks derivatives time bomb
No more account gimmickry! No More drip, drip losses!
Spreads continue to blow out in Europe (forexlive.com)
Irish 'Groundhog Day' Leaves Lenihan Battling Deficit (businessweek.com)
Irish bonds (GIGB10YR:IND) hits 7.304 – bonds referred to as "bidless" by Zerohedge (politics.ie)
"The-end-of-democracy", accounting gimmickry, "Derivatives", Bailing out the banks, Bank Bailout in Ireland, Brian Lenihian, Government-guaranteed for Banks X Bank of Ireland X institutional investors X mortgage, Irish Bank Bailouts, Irish Banking crises, Irish Bond prices and yields
Dirivatives
Irish Banks Bailout
Anglo Irish Credit Default Swaps ( So they do exist?)
Anglo Irish Bank Corp.'s offer to swap subordinated bonds for new notes may trigger payouts on as much as $420 million of credit-default swap contracts, according to BNP Paribas SA.
Anglo Irish offered investors a choice of trading 1.6 billion euros ($2.2 billion) of notes at 20 cents on the euro last week, or redeeming them for 1 cent per 1,000-euro face amount. Investors will have to approve changes to the terms of the bonds to exchange them, causing a so-called restructuring credit event on swaps linked to all of the bank's debt, said BNP Paribas credit analyst Olivia Frieser.
The proposals come after Finance Minister Brian Lenihan vowed to "address the issue" of junior bondholders taking a loss on their investments in nationalized banks. The offer is "tantamount to a default," and will lead to a downgrade of Anglo Irish's non-senior ratings to D for "Default" after the switch, Toronto-based ratings firm DBRS said today.
"Most people will feel compelled to exchange," London- based Frieser said. The Irish government is "facing enormous political pressure not to treat bondholders too well."
Credit-default swaps insuring 10 million euros of Anglo Irish's junior debt for five years cost 7 million euros in advance and 500,000 euros annually, BNP Paribas prices show. Contracts on the bank's senior debt cost 1.35 million euros in advance and 500,000 euros annually.
Martha Kavanagh, an outside spokeswoman for the bank, declined to comment.
Bank Nationalized
Anglo Irish was nationalized in January after borrowing from mostly international investors and lending to property developers who couldn't repay loans when the property market crashed. Commercial real estate prices in Ireland have fallen about 60 percent since peaking in 2007.
The first opportunity to trigger the swaps is Nov. 23, when holders of floating-rate lower Tier 2 notes due 2017 will vote on the debt exchange. The securities are trading at about 20.6 cents on the euro, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
The decision on whether buyers of default protection can demand payment on Anglo Irish debt will be made by a committee of dealers and investors as members of the International Swaps & Derivatives Association. Auctions may then be held to determine the value of the debt and how much should be paid out.
A total 674 contracts protecting a net $420 million of Anglo Irish's senior and subordinated debt were outstanding on Oct. 15, according to the Depository Trust & Clearing Corp., which runs a central registry for the market. Under the terms of the contracts, holders of swaps linked to both senior and subordinated debt can demand payment.
Credit-default swaps pay the buyer face value in exchange for the underlying securities or the cash equivalent should a company fail to adhere to its debt agreements.
To contact the reporter on this story: Abigail Moses in London at Amoses5@bloomberg.net
see my posting on derivatives here
I have been warning about these obscure financial derivatives now for a long time and the chicken are now comming home to roost now!
http://thepressnet.com/2010/10/13/18-months-later/
http://thepressnet.com/2010/10/21/welcome-to-the-crises-of-credit/
http://thepressnet.com/2010/07/13/nama-and-its-derivative-trading/
http://thepressnet.com/2010/04/11/credit-default-swaps-threaten-the-system/
http://thepressnet.com/2010/03/31/the-anglo-derivatives-scam/
also place the word "derivatives" in the blogs search box for earlier postings on derivatives
Anglo Irish offers bondholders 20 cents in debt swap (telegraph.co.uk)
Anglo Irish's burden-sharing template (ftalphaville.ft.com)
Anglo Irish making junior bondholders eat euro3B loss (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
Credit-default swaps, Dirivatives
International Swaps & Derivatives Association
Subordinated debt


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Janet Mills' long-standing inauguration debt is paid. She still may face a fine.
Robert F. Bukaty | AP
In this Jan. 2, 2019 file photo, Gov. Janet Mills delivers her inaugural address after taking the oath of office at the Augusta Civic Center in Augusta, Maine. Her political committee reported earlier this month that it has paid off a long-standing debt to the city of Augusta for inaugural activities, but it still may face a fine from regulators.
By Caitlin Andrews, BDN Staff • December 12, 2019 4:14 pm
In September, the committee still owed nearly $70,000 to Augusta.
AUGUSTA, Maine — A political committee for Gov. Janet Mills has paid off a long-standing debt to the city of Augusta for her January inaugural activities, though it still may face a fine from regulators for paying the debt more than 10 months after a deadline.
The Democratic governor has been raising money throughout the year after her inaugural celebration at the city-owned Augusta Civic Center cost $63,000 more than the $132,000 the committee expected. In September, the committee still owed nearly $70,000 to Augusta.
Filings with the Maine Ethics Commission on Thursday indicated that Mills has now fully paid the debt, which arose from her being the first governor to fundraise under a 2015 law passed by referendum that created a new deadline for inaugural committees.
The law allows for committees managing the inaugural and transition committee for governors-elect to only accept donations until the Jan. 31 after an election. They are not allowed to accept donations from lobbyists or their employers while the Legislature is in session.
Commission staff has said the law is too restrictive to be reasonable, though it looks likely that the four-member commission will pursue a fine against the Mills committee when it considers the retirement of the debt at a Dec. 18 meeting.
At least two commissioners seemed inclined to do so in September, but the group ultimately shied away from deciding on a penalty before the fundraiser was finished, with some saying the committee might be disincentivized to finish the job otherwise.
Mills attorney Michael Carey argued against any fine in a letter informing the commission of the payoff, saying the reasons why the fundraising continued and the transparency of their efforts should be taken into consideration.
He said the committee did not contest the bill — even though it was higher than expected — both because it was not backed by a formal agreement and Augusta taxpayers would have footed the difference. Carey said the committee has acted "in good faith" to fulfill its obligations and plans to donate its remaining balance of $6,618 to organizations that support domestic violence victims.
If any penalty is assessed, he recommended it be no more than $500. The maximum fine the commission is $10,000. Jonathan Wayne, the executive director of the commission, did not take a position on whether the committee should be fined in a Thursday memo.
However, Wayne urged commission members to consider the money was not raised to pay off "excessive political consulting fees, personal expenses, or to create an ongoing political fund."
Maine's Susan Collins has highest disapproval rating of any senator in national survey
How Maine's members of Congress voted over the past week


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Home » Press Center » Press Releases » Treasury Sanctions Individuals and Entities for Sanctions Evasion and Other Activities Related to Russia and Ukraine
Treasury Sanctions Individuals and Entities for Sanctions Evasion and Other Activities Related to Russia and Ukraine
Underscores U.S. Commitment To Work With The EU To Maintain The Efficacy Of Existing Sanctions Until Russia Fully Complies With Its International Obligations With Respect To Ukraine
WASHINGTON – To maintain the efficacy of existing sanctions, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today designated and identified dozens of individuals and entities under four executive orders (E.O.s) related to Russia and Ukraine. Today's action is part of OFAC's continued effort to counter attempts to circumvent these sanctions, to further align U.S. measures with those of its international allies, and to provide additional information to assist the private sector with sanctions compliance.
"It is critical that Russia takes the steps necessary to comply with its obligations under the Minsk Agreements and to ensure a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine," said John E. Smith, Acting OFAC Director. "By more closely matching our designations with those of our international partners and thwarting attempts to evade sanctions¸ we are once again demonstrating the United States' unwavering resolve to pressure Russia to respect the security and sovereignty of Ukraine."
In today's action, OFAC named 34 individuals and entities under Ukraine-related sanctions authorities. This includes 14 individuals and entities linked to those that have engaged in serious and sustained evasion of existing sanctions or are 50 percent or more owned by a designated entity; six separatists designated for threatening the security or stability of Ukraine; two former Ukrainian government officials for being complicit in the misappropriation of public assets and/or threatening the security or stability of Ukraine; and 12 entities for operating in the Crimea region of Ukraine. OFAC also identified a number of subsidiaries that are owned 50 percent or more by the previously-designated VTB Bank, Sberbank, and Rostec.
Today's steps support the U.S. commitment to seek a diplomatic resolution to the crisis in Ukraine by maintaining our sanctions on Russia. Those sanctions will not begin to be rolled back until Russia fully implements its commitments under the Minsk Agreements, including the return to Ukraine of control of its side of the international border with Russia. These steps also demonstrate our sustained commitment to a policy of non-recognition with respect to Russia's purported annexation of Crimea, and our intent to maintain Crimea-related sanctions until Russia ends its occupation of the peninsula. A number of the individuals and entities designated today have also been previously designated by the European Union (EU), underscoring continued trans-Atlantic unity in responding to Russia's actions in Ukraine.
Designations Regarding Sanctions Evasion (E.O. 13661)
Today's action targets 14 individuals and entities pursuant to E.O. 13661, which authorizes sanctions on, among others, any individual or entity that is owned or controlled by, or that has supported, an individual or entity previously designated under this E.O. These sanction targets are linked to designated persons Gennady Timchenko, Arkady Rotenberg, Boris Rotenberg, Kalashnikov Concern, and Izhevsky Mekhanichesky Zavod JSC (also known as Baikal), all of whom have engaged in serious and sustained sanctions evasion.
The following eight individuals and entities are owned or controlled by, provide material support to, and/or are acting for or on behalf of, the previously designated Gennady Timchenko and his network: Sven Olsson, Avia Group Terminal Limited Liability Company, Transservice LLC, Lerma Trading, LTS Holding Ltd., Maples S.A., Fentex Properties Ltd. and White Seal Holdings. The following three entities are owned or controlled by the previously designated brothers Arkady and Boris Rotenberg: Volgogradneftemash, Moskovskiy Oblatstnoy Bank, and Investment Republic Bank LLC. Finally, the following three individuals are being designated for acting for or on behalf of the previously designated entities Kalashnikov Concern and Izhevsky Mekhanichesky Zavod JSC (also known as Baikal): Eduard Ioffe, Vakhtang Karamyan, and Tatiana Chernykh.
Designations Regarding Separatists (E.O. 13660)
Today's action also targets six Ukrainian separatists pursuant to E.O. 13660, who are already on the EU sanctions list, for being responsible for or complicit in actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, stability, sovereignty, or territorial integrity of Ukraine; for acting for or on behalf of previously designated groups as leaders of such entities; or for asserting governmental authority over a part or region of Ukraine without the authorization of the Government of Ukraine. This action is being taken as part of an ongoing effort to hold accountable those who are responsible for violations of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Serhiy Kozyakov has formerly served as the so-called head of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) Central Electoral Commission and is currently the "minister of justice" of the LPR, and was listed by the EU for being responsible for organizing the so-called "elections" of November 2, 2014 in the LPR. These "elections" were not authorized by the Government of Ukraine and were in breach of Ukrainian law. Kozyakov is being designated for being responsible for or complicit in actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, stability, sovereignty, or territorial integrity of Ukraine; acting for or on behalf of the LPR; and asserting governmental authority over a part or region of Ukraine without the authorization of the Government of Ukraine.
Vladyslav Deynego has served as a so-called deputy head of the People's Council of the LPR and was listed by the EU for actively supporting actions and policies which undermine the territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine. Deynego is being designated for being responsible for or complicit in, or engaging in, actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, stability, sovereignty, or territorial integrity of Ukraine and acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of the LPR.
Sergey Tsyplakov is the current "prime minister" of the LPR and has served as the so-called head of the People's Militia of Donbass, and was listed by the EU for being one of the leaders of the radical organization People's Militia of Donbass and for taking an active part in the seizure of a number of state buildings in the Donetsk region. Tsypkalov is being designated for being responsible for or complicit in, or having engaged in, actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, stability, sovereignty, or territorial integrity of Ukraine; asserting governmental authority over a part or region of Ukraine without the authorization of the Government of Ukraine; and acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of the LPR and the People's Militia of Donbass.
Vasily Nikitin is currently "deputy prime minister" for the LPR and has previously served as the so-called prime minister for the LPR and helped to organize the LPR's illegal May 2014 referendum in favor of independence. Nikitin is being designated for being responsible for or complicit in, or having engaged in, actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, stability, sovereignty, or territorial integrity of Ukraine; asserting governmental authority over a part or region of Ukraine without the authorization of the Government of Ukraine; and acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of the LPR.
Aleksandr Kofman has served as the so-called foreign minister and first deputy speaker of the so-called "legislature" of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR). He also stood as a candidate in the so-called "elections" of November 2014, which were in breach of Ukrainian law. Kofman is being designated for being responsible for or complicit in, or having engaged in, actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, stability, sovereignty, or territorial integrity of Ukraine; asserting governmental authority over a part or region of Ukraine without the authorization of the Government of Ukraine; and acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of the DPR.
Andrei Rodkin has served as the so-called representative of the DPR in Russia. He also founded the Union of Donbass Volunteers, which supports Russians who fought in Ukraine. Rodkin is being designated for being responsible for or complicit in, or having engaged in, actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, stability, sovereignty, or territorial integrity of Ukraine and acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of the DPR.
Designations Regarding Former Yanukovych Officials (E.O. 13660)
Today's action also targets two former Yanukovych regime officials pursuant to E.O. 13660, which authorizes sanctions against, among others, those threatening the security and stability of Ukraine, and those misappropriating public assets. These individuals are Vitaliy Zakharchenko and Dmytro Tabachnyk, who are already on the EU sanctions list. Today's action supports the Ukrainian government's efforts to target the misappropriation of state assets. These designations also underscore our efforts to align our sanctions list with the EU, to the extent possible.
Vitaliy Zakharchenko issued the order on February 20, 2014 to use firearms against peaceful Euro-Maydan protestors in Ukraine, which resulted in dozens of deaths. He is being designated for being responsible for or complicit in actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, stability, sovereignty, or territorial integrity of Ukraine, and for materially assisting former Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych, pursuant to E.O. 13660 on March 17, 2014.
Dmytro Tabachnyk is accused by Ukrainian officials of the appropriation or embezzlement of funds under of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, and is being designated for engaging in the misappropriation of state assets of Ukraine.
Designations Regarding Crimean Entities (E.O. 13685)
Today's action also targets 12 entities pursuant to E.O. 13685, which authorizes sanctions on, among others, any person determined to be operating in the Crimea region of Ukraine in violation of E.O. 13685. Targeting these entities for operating in the Crimea region of Ukraine underscores the United States' commitment to opposing Russia's occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea.
These entities include three Russian banks and one Crimea-based bank (Joint Stock Company Genbank, Open Joint Stock Company Krasnodar Regional Investment Bank, Open Joint Stock Company Commercial Bank Verkhnevolzhsky, and Sevastopolsky Morskoy Bank); a Crimean state-owned enterprise engaged in air transportation (State Enterprise Universal-Avia); a distillery (the Crimean Enterprise Azov Distillery Plant); three wineries (State Concern National Production and Agricultural Association Massandra, State Enterprise Factory of Sparkling Wine Novy Svet, and State Enterprise Magarach of the National Institute of Wine); a health resort (Resort Nizhnyaya Oreanda); a Russian engineering company (Technopromexport); and a film production studio (the Yalta Film Studio).
Six of the 12 entities were previously designated by the EU. These six entities are: State Enterprise Universal-Avia, the Crimean Enterprise Azov Distillery Plant, State Concern National Production and Agricultural Association Massandra, Resort Nizhnyaya Oreanda, State Enterprise Factory of Sparkling Wine Novy Svet, and State Enterprise Magarach of the National Institute of Wine.
Identifications Under the Sectoral Sanctions Identification List (E.O. 13662)
Today, OFAC also identified a number of subsidiaries of VTB Bank, Sberbank, and Rostec as being owned 50 percent or more by their respective parent entities. The two banks and one defense company were previously sanctioned pursuant to E.O. 13662 in September 2014. The subsidiaries identified today were already subject to the same financing restrictions as their respective parent entities per OFAC's Revised Guidance on Entities Owned by Persons Whose Property and Interests in Property Are Blocked ("50 percent rule guidance"), which can be found here. These identifications will help the public more effectively comply with the sanctions on VTB Bank, Sberbank, and Rostec.
For the identifying information related to today's action, click here.


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Treasure Cove Woking play centre closes its doors as the search begins for new venue
More than 600 people have signed a petition calling for suitable and affordable premises to relocate the play centre
Treasure Cove staff with parents and children who enjoy using the centre (Image: Surrey Advertiser/Grahame Larter)
Parents and children will say farewell to a popular children's play centre, which is closing as its current venue is set to be demolished.
Treasure Cove Play Centre opened in Guildford Road, Woking, in November 2017.
The owners transformed the former Blockbuster Video unit into an imaginative play centre for babies and children to explore and learn, and for parents to socialise too.
Yet just weeks before the centre was due to mark its two-year anniversary in the town, the centre will be saying farewell to its customers - for now.
High rent and business rates have also contributed to the closure, the owners said.
A thank you and farewell for now party will take place on Saturday (October 5) and the search is now on for a new out-of-town venue.
Yvonne Frew, managing director and owner, told SurreyLive : "It was a very sad decision we had to make to close Treasure Cove.
"We opened in November 2017 and we always knew at the start it was going to be redeveloped.
"But in April 2018 that had been accelerated."
The owners said they had discussions with Woking Borough Council about the future of the business.
At the time, Mrs Frew said the local authority was pleased with the contribution the business made to the town and its benefit as an attraction for families with young children.
In April 2019, Treasure Cove's owners met with architects and selected a new spot in the Victoria Square development, which would be their new home.
In July 2019, Mrs Frew said the business was given notice for its current Guildford Road unit, stating it was marked for demolition and all business owners needed to vacate by March 2020.
Mrs Frew was then informed that the space they had selected in the Victoria Square development was no longer available and there was nowhere else to rehome the business.
Mrs Frew added: "We were very disappointed, it was very surprising.
"The past year we have been trying to get the rent and rate reduced as they are very high for what our business is.
"I have made several applications to the council for small business rates relief.
"The two things coming together just meant we would have to vacate the premises.
"I can't keep affording to pay the current rent and rates."
Mrs Frew said she will be searching for a new out-of-town location for Treasure Cove and will be putting the play equipment in storage.
The centre not only welcomes children and their families and friends to play, but it also hosts music classes and cookery classes, as well as children's birthday parties.
She said: "Treasure Cove is beautiful and it's clean and tidy.
"The children love playing and the parents love bringing their children.
"Over the last two years we have been extremely popular.
"I feel that there's not much credit given to us after turning three buildings that were an eyesore coming into Woking and bringing something that brings joy to the community."
Treasure Cove in Woking set to open in mid-November at former site of Blockbuster store
Hundreds of people have signed a petition, posted on the borough council's website, calling to: "Make every effort to assist and find a suitable, affordable premises for Treasure Cove to be relocated and remain open for the sake of children in the local and surrounding area."
To date, 641 people have signed the petition and Mrs Frew said she was extremely grateful for their support.
"It just highlights we are an extremely popular venue and we do provide a much needed service in the town," Mrs Frew said.
Parents who are saddened by the closure have spoken about how much they enjoyed attending Treasure Cove.
Images show what Woking's new Hilton hotel will look like in Victoria Square development
Danielle Lightley, 37, from Woking, said: "I had my son, Joe, in October last year and I started using Treasure Cove when he was about three-months-old. I wished I had used it earlier to be honest. It is free for babies who are not crawling.
"It is the most social children's play centre that I have seen. Before he was crawling, I used it more for me. I could meet other mums and it is a way for me to get out of the house.
"When he started crawling, he was about six-months-old and it was a place for him to let off steam and we have recently started using the music classes.
"There are also quite a lot of dads and grandparents and other people who use it.
"Maternity leave can be quite isolating and so there is something quite nice about getting out of the house and meeting other mums and parents."
The Surrey children's centres closing this month and where you can now go for help
Mrs Lightley said the centre appealed to her as a parent for a number of reasons - its location, the mix of age ranges of children playing together and the café.
She met her National Childbirth Trust (NCT) group there and Joe enjoyed the music classes held at the centre.
The closure comes at the same time as children's centres across Surrey have shut their doors for the final time.
Mrs Lightley added: "I am concerned that for new mums they have little support in helping them feel less isolated."
The play centre transformed the former Blockbuster Video unit (Image: Surrey Advertiser /Grahame Larter)
"We understand that these local businesses provide a valuable contribution to the local community"
Ray Morgan, Woking Borough Council's chief executive, said: "We are saddened that the owners of Treasure Cove have taken the decision to close their business. We were in discussion with the owners to manage the way forward, but due to contractual arrangements, we are unable to disclose any further details at this time.
"As part of our plans to widen Guildford Road, we are currently in the process of acquiring residential and commercial properties located within the island site opposite Woking Police Station. Both existing residents and businesses have been advised of our proposals and we continue to have positive ongoing dialogue with many.
"We understand that these local businesses provide a valuable contribution to the local community.
"Wherever possible, we are working with commercially viable local businesses to find them alternative premises within Woking Town Centre that will enable them to continue to thrive."
The thank you and farewell for now party will be held on the final day, Saturday, October 5, between 9.30am and 5.30pm at Treasure Cove Play Centre, Guildford Road, Woking.
There will be cookie baking sessions and party games.


CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) — Forest Volunteer Firefighters in Clinton County are celebrating the erection of a brand new fire station.
Forest Volunteer Fire Department has been a staple in the community for more than 60 years. It was destroyed by a tornado in late May 2017.
Not long after the tornado, Alter worked to get grants for a new facility.
"We were granted $500,000 from the state along with our insurance money, we had $200,000 and then also with our local budget, we were able to gain another $220,000.
The fire department used the $920,000 to build a facility with all their necessities.
Alter said the tornado could be seen as a blessing in disguise.
Alter said volunteer fire departments hold importance in every community especially rural ones.
"All over the state, they're all needed. That's what they're here for. They're here for the community," said Alter.
The facility is still undergoing renovation. The department will host a grand opening for the new building in May.


ΛΨ(f1,...,fd) := Ex∈Gd f1(ψ1(x)) . . . ft(ψt(x)).
(k−1)r corresponds to the case d = 2,t = k, and ψi(x1,x2) := x1 +(i−1)x2.
for further discussion. We will not need these variants of (1.25).
functions of a very special form, such as linear or higher order characters).
. . . ft L∞(G).
algebraic manipulation in the 100% world) to understand this expression.


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Bitcoin vs. Quantum Computers: US Government Says Post-Quantum World Is Getting Closer, CISA Warns Contemporary Encryption Could Break
According to the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), while quantum computers are incapable of breaking public key encryption algorithms, public and private entities need to prepare for future threats against cryptography that is not quantum resistant. Most of today's digital communications, including cryptocurrencies, leverage public key encryption and CISA believes when "quantum computers reach higher levels of computing power and speed, they will be capable of breaking the public key cryptography algorithms that are in use today."
US Government Warns Nation-States and Private Companies Are Actively Pursuing Quantum Computing Methods That Could Threaten Current Cryptographic Standards
Cryptocurrencies that leverage contemporary encryption techniques could be broken by quantum computers someday, alongside other digital communications like email, messaging services, and online banking. That's according to a recent CISA report published at the end of August. The U.S. government entity stresses in the report that a transition to post-quantum cryptography is necessary. "Do not wait until the quantum computers are in use by our adversaries to act," CISA's report details. "Early preparations will ensure a smooth migration to the post-quantum cryptography standard once it is available."
A qubit (or quantum bit) is the quantum mechanical version of contemporary bits used by most computers today.
Discussions about whether or not quantum computing will be able to break public key encryption have been taking place since scientists made progress entangling the first pair of quantum bits (qubits) back in 1998. Quantum computers utilize intricate physics in order to calculate powerful equations related to today's contemporary crypto and mathematical systems. Since 1998, super quantum computers have improved with 14 calcium ion qubits entangled in 2011, 16 superconducting qubits in 2018, and 18 entangled qubits in 2018. CISA says quantum computers will create new opportunities but the tech also leads to negative consequences in terms of encryption security.
"Nation-states and private companies are actively pursuing the capabilities of quantum computers," CISA's report details. "Quantum computing opens up exciting new possibilities; however, the consequences of this new technology include threats to the current cryptographic standards."
While Researchers Say Bitcoin's Public Key Technology Leverages 'Multiple Quantum-Resistant One-Way Hash Functions,' Some Blockchain Projects Prepare for a Post-Quantum World
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin leverage contemporary encryption methods and it has been said many times over the years that there's a need to protect cryptocurrencies with post-quantum encryption. In 2020, when the industrial firm Honeywell revealed it built a quantum computer that effectively leverages six effective qubits, crypto supporters started discussing quantum computers' potential future effects on Bitcoin and 256-bit encryption. Some digital currency supporters have already started making preparations for a quantum computer encryption-breaking event. Cambridge Quantum Computing is in the midst of working with Honeywell on a project that "can be applied to any blockchain network."
Despite the efforts by cryptographers, some researchers wholeheartedly believe large-scale quantum computers will never come to fruition. Others think the timeline is much closer than people expect and a few scientists have said it could be roughly five years from now. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) thinks 15 years is more reasonable. Meanwhile, Ethereum developers have been researching quantum resistance alongside the Hyperledger Foundation's distributed ledger project Ursa. Cryptographers preparing for a post-quantum world believe encryption techniques like AES-128 and RSA-2048 will not provide adequate security against quantum computer attacks.
Andreas Antonopoulos: 'Satoshi Nakamoto's Little Genius Design Element Is Not an Accident'
The debate has raged on for years and many people think the government's warnings and the recent quantum-based technological achievements by Honeywell, Google, Microsoft, and others, are the incentives people need to embrace post-quantum cryptography.
"A Bitcoin address is calculated by running your public key through several hash functions," software developer Chris Pacia says, describing how bitcoin public keys are run through multiple quantum-resistant one-way hash functions.
Many articles, research reports, and mainstream headlines claim quantum computing will break any contemporary encryption and even forecast traffic jams and accidents well before they happen. However, Bitcoin proponents have said on various occasions that the SHA256 encryption employed by Satoshi's creation is a formidable foe against a post-quantum world.
"In Bitcoin your public key isn't (initially) made public. While you share your bitcoin address with others so that they can send you bitcoins, your bitcoin address is only a hash of your public key, not the public key itself," software developer and cryptocurrency proponent Chris Pacia wrote in 2014. "What does that mean in English? A hash function is a one-way cryptographic function that takes an input and turns it into a cryptographic output. By one-way, I mean that you can't derive the input from the output. It's kind of like encrypting something [and] then losing the key."
The software developer's 2014 paper on the subject concludes:
All of that is a complicated way of saying that while an attacker with a quantum computer could derive the private key from the public key, he couldn't derive the public key from the bitcoin address since the public key was run through multiple quantum-resistant one-way hash functions.
In a video featuring the bitcoin evangelist Andreas Antonopoulos, he said that using different bitcoin addresses every time is key to bitcoin security. Antonopoulos stressed that Satoshi's two cryptography design choices are "absolutely genius." "What you use, which is a Bitcoin address, is a double-hashed version of your public key — which means that the public key is never seen by anyone until you claim it by spending the transaction … This little genius design element is not an accident," Antonopoulos further said in his keynote speech. "What it does is, it creates a second layer abstraction of the underlying cryptographic algorithm used in elliptic curve digital signatures allowing you to do future upgrades."
Antonopoulos continued:
Which means that the past is secure because it is hidden behind the second veil of a different algorithm and the future can be changed because you can present an address that is not the hash of an elliptic curve, or its the hash of a different elliptic curve, or its the hash of a bigger elliptic curve, or its the hash of a signing algorithm that is quantum-resistant that has nothing to do with elliptic curve. So, you can do forwards modification to secure the future, and you've got backwards protection because you have hid the past.
Andreas Antonopolous, Andreas Antonopoulos, Bitcoin, Bitcoin network, Brute Force, BTC, Cloud quantum computing, Cryptocurrency, elliptic curve, encryption, End-to-End Encryption, Google, Honeywell, Honeywell Quantum Computer, physics, private keys, Quantum Computers, Quantum computing, Seeds, SHA-256, SHA256, underlying cryptographic algorithm
What do you think about the U.S. government's recent warning about quantum computers? Let us know what you think about this subject in the comments section below.
Ethereum Could Benefit From Stealth Addresses Implementation, Says Vitalik Buterin
TECHNOLOGY | Jan 23, 2023
Ethereum Developers Prepare to Deploy Shanghai Public Testnet, Focus on Staked Ether Withdrawals
Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons, Chris Pacia, Bitcoin Not Bombs,
Nasdaq Establishes Crypto Unit — Sees Increased Demand for Digital Assets Among Institutional Investors
Ukraine to Revise Virtual Assets Law in Line With EU Crypto Rules
Oman to Incorporate Real Estate Tokenization in Virtual Assets Regulatory Framework
Real estate tokenization is set to be incorporated into Oman Capital Markets Authority (OCMA)'s virtual asset regulatory framework. According to an advisor with the authority, the tokenizing of real estate will open investment opportunities for local and foreign investors. Real ... read more.
NFT Sales Volume Saw a Small Uptick This Week — Moonbirds, Mutant Apes Take Top Sales
Australia to List Bitcoin ETF After 4 Clearinghouse Participants Commit to Meet Stringent Margin Terms
Ripple CEO: SEC Lawsuit Over XRP 'Has Gone Exceedingly Well'
The CEO of Ripple Labs says that the lawsuit brought by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against him and his company over XRP "has gone exceedingly well." He stressed: "This case is important, not just for Ripple, it's ... read more.
Terra's Algorithmic Dollar-Pegged Crypto UST Is Now the Third-Largest Stablecoin


Plan your maternity wardrobe – there are loads of "maternity capsule wardrobe" ideas on Pinterest. Use these as inspiration to plan and buy your maternity wardrobe intelligently.
Don't be scared to invest a little. I bought a handful of Cherry Melon tops for my first pregnancy, and these are still going strong, well into my third trimester of my second pregnancy. Many maternity clothes come at premium price points, but in my experience they are usually of very good quality. So choose wisely and invest in good pieces, particularly if you're planning on having more than one kid.
Don't be proud. Ask around, you'll find that many friends and/or colleagues have a couple of maternity items that they're willing to lend to you for a couple of months. Trust me, by the end of your third trimester you're so sick of wearing the same three tops and two pairs of pants, you're willing to put any pride aside for the sake of some variety.


This shoot was planned and coordinated by Bogart Wedding Proposals in preparation for February proposal and engagement season. Specializing in proposal planning, a large group of premium vendors were hand selected to recreate this real couple's proposal, at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel in Oak Bay, BC. This waterfront property boasts a large patio overlooking the Juan De Fuca Strait on Vancouver Island, which was embellished by Details BC alongside Browns The Florist, located in Victoria BC. The couple, who hadn't had a formal engagement session were up for heading to the beach following the session for some engagement photos they could keep. The vibrant reds and sunny disposition of this shoot provided lots of classic Valentines Day inspiration for those looking to pop the question.


Some of us might be well versed in the coaching environment whereas a lot of us might be venturing in for the first time. In fact, coaching for self-development is a relatively new field in comparison to conventional forms of training and learning methods. While you answer the questions below, you will get introduced to the exploratory journey you are about to embark on once you opt for the coaching method.


The new Permanent Secretary of the ministry of Niger Delta, Mr Aminu Aliyu Bisalla has assumed duties. Bisalla thanked the staff and said his mission in the Ministry is to support the Minister in carrying out the Ministry's mandate.He called on the management and staff of the Ministry to adapt team spirit in the discharge of their duties saying the success of the ministry lies in group work.
He noted that as a specialized ministry, much is expected from them to make life better for the people of the Niger Delta region and the country in general.The new Permanent Secretary vowed to run a transparent and accountable office that would guarantee efficiency and effectiveness in the running of government affairs in the Ministry.
The Director of finance in the ministry, Mr Moses Okpo, while welcoming the new Accounting Officer to the Ministry disclosed that the Ministry was set up to carry out intervention programmes and projects in the Niger Delta region.Okpo assured the new permanent secretary of the support and cooperation of the staff of the ministry towards the development of the Niger Delta region and the country.


Sustainable Aquatics has been my favorite source for captive bred and tank raised livestock for almost two years, and they continue to add to their repertoire almost every month. This month, however, I was surprised more than usual: they've started breeding Cassiopeia upside-down jellyfish!
The following musings began as a simple post on 3reef and ended up being quite long. However, I think the info is valuable to anyone in the market for LED lighting.
There is much, much more that goes into an LED unit besides the diodes used. Top quality emitters can be used, but if you have supbar electronics, drivers, etc on the inside, then you have a subpar light. Sure, the diode might be rated to last 50k hours with a 30% output loss over that period, but what if the drivers used are only rated for 10k hours (plus, what are the specs of said driver: is it constant-current, constant voltage, what is the tolerance, variance range, etc?).
Saltwater Connection has yet another product to be proud of. Their Xtreme Cone 120 and 160 are favorites among many aquarists, and the 150 BMK is going to be no different, I expect!


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Meet the technology whiz kids Bhavin and Divyank Turakhia
Sibling pair took their first steps toward tech startups at a tender age
By Anuradha Raghunathan
Published: Dec 1, 2016 06:08:08 AM IST
Updated: Dec 1, 2016 05:10:38 PM IST
"We need to know that we are doing something that's fun," say Divyank (left) and Bhavin Turakhia
Image: Eric Millette for Forbes
Anyone can play a videogame. But can you create one? That was the challenge that motivated brothers Divyank and Bhavin Turakhia to begin game programming when they were still in primary school. The challenge came from their father, a chartered accountant, who also bought them books on how to create games.
At the age of 13, when Divyank had a computer project at school, he and Bhavin, who was 15, spent an entire year developing a business-simulation game. It starts with an animation sequence on how a commercial partner has cheated the player and taken over a company. So, with no money in hand, the player is charged with building a rival business from scratch. The ultimate aim is to gain 100 percent market share. The player must handle money and employees as well as create and manage budgets. "Playing the game was educational. Creating it was an experience," says Divyank.
Now, 21 years later, the brothers are winning for real. Divyank, referred to as Div, sold his six-year-old advertising technology firm Media.net to a consortium of Chinese investors in August for a whopping $900 million. The deal was negotiated by Bhavin in Beijing.
Combined with other exits and their personal investments, this gives the Turakhia brothers an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion, making the tech duo rare new entrants on the 2016 Forbes India Rich List. Over the years, the brothers have created an array of businesses, including web hosting and cloud infrastructure, voice and messaging services, and digital payments. They have offices in Dubai, New York, Zurich, Los Angeles and Beijing.
"We've never been the first at anything, and it makes no difference to us," says Divyank, 34. "But show me an industry where there's $1-billion-plus to be made and I'll do a better job than everyone else. We need to know that we are doing something that's fun and exciting and complex."
The Dubai ad tech company, which had $232 million in revenues in the past year, draws 90 percent of its revenue from the US and about half from mobiles. Div will continue to be chief executive, spearheading its growth in Europe and China. Bhavin, meanwhile, will manage three startups—two out of India—that he's kicked off in the last two years.
So how did the brothers get this big? It goes back to an enriched, albeit unusual, childhood. From the time the lanky boys started learning about computers in their fourth and sixth grades, they were hooked. They began reading computer books and using their computer lab at the select Arya Vidya Mandir school in Bandra, Mumbai, during lunch breaks and free time after school. Early pocket money for Div came from doing computer projects for rich kids.
The brothers started freelance consulting when they were just 14 and 16. In 1998, they founded a company, Directi, with one computer in an office space owned by their dad, who lent them $600. With 40 clients lined up, the teens paid him back in the first month. Says Div, "When we were kids, we thought we could achieve anything. We still do."
They bothered with undergrad commerce degrees to satisfy their mother, they say, but quickly moved on to businesses in web services and payments. "I'd have been the AOL of India, but I didn't have the money," offers Div half-seriously.
Until 2005, they ran the businesses together but figured out they could double their reach individually. "Working with Div is a lot of fun," says Bhavin. "We think similarly in so many aspects. He's the most chilled-out guy I know. I can count on him personally and workwise. We have a crazy amount of trust in each other."
That helped the pair see past a stumble after Div started a company, Skenzo, licencing an online ad technology. After initial success, it nosedived amid shifts in the sector. Div was undaunted.
By 2010, he launched Media.net, which allows publishers to automatically display relevant ads based on the content of their web pages. The ads were mostly sourced from Yahoo. From 2012, Media.net ran the Yahoo Bing Network's contextual ads and agreed to never sell or licence its tech to Google. Div says Yahoo considered buying Media.net several times, but each time it fell through because the timing didn't work out. (Yahoo refused to comment.)
Bhavin meanwhile focussed on a web-hosting business that, with other services, was sold to a US firm, Endurance International, for $160 million. "The brothers have a very good dynamic of divide and conquer when it comes to work," explains Hari Ravichandran, Endurance's CEO. "They have a deep connection with each other as business partners."
But the biggest deal was yet to come. In late 2015, Div got a feeler about Media.net from a Nasdaq-listed firm. So he enlisted Bank of America Merrill Lynch in a global search that led to China, where there's a huge push for investment in online advertising technology following 2015 guidelines from the State Council.
The Media.net deal was led by Beijing's Miteno Communication Technology, a tech, media and telecom company listed on the GEM Board in Shenzhen. Bhavin came in to negotiate so Div could continue running Media.net without distraction. "The talks involved getting up and walking out multiple times," the elder brother says. "But with seven offers on the table, there was no need to make a compromise. We weren't dying to sell the company."
Bhavin also brought himself up to speed on Chinese laws and technologies. "At one point, it was me against 18 lawyers and investment bankers on their side," he says. Still, he extracted a $426 million upfront payment.
With Miteno there was a good meeting of minds and cultures. Chairman Zhiyong Zhang, a veteran of the Chinese sector, hosted dinners and took Bhavin on sightseeing trips to the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. Zhang, for his part, is thrilled with the partnership. He'd researched hundreds of options before deciding on Media.net. "I liked the tech platform, the innovation and the entire management team," he says. "They've worked on developing the business in a cost-effective and profitable way. I like the fact that they have very strong relationships with premium publisher brands." Conversely, Zhang's relationships with the top three Chinese telecom players is a plus for Media.net.
While Div was busy in ad tech, Bhavin was floating other startups. But the brothers' itch is for technology. "They come from the hacker mindset. They enjoy it when they break codes and build products," says Avinash Raghava, co-founder of a think tank that's working to make India a hub for software products. "They are focussed on building world-class products. This is very different from today's entrepreneurs who are very distracted by money and investors."
In fact the brothers have only once sought external investors—and later bought back the stake. They have a loose sharing arrangement when it comes to money and ownership of businesses. (Directi, the original incorporation, was kept as a brand that links their various companies.) "In my mind and in Bhavin's mind, we both own everything and we both have access to everything," says Div. "When you own the beach, why would you be splitting the sand?"
"They've also built a really good culture within the company," says Endurance's Ravichandran. "The focus is on problem solving."
The brothers can be workaholics. Ravichandran recalls how Bhavin had a mini-van in Mumbai fitted with a workstation and Wi-Fi so he could work on the go during his 20-minute commute. Divyank, however, is into aerobatic flying. He says he wants to fly jets next. On land there's a cherry-red Ferrari 458 Spider waiting for him in San Francisco, where the brothers share a house—as they do in Vancouver, Mumbai and Dubai, which they both now call home for ease of connectivity.
Between work and periodic play, there's been no occasion for starting families. "We are too busy building businesses," declares Div.
Serious businesses.
No games anymore.
(This story appears in the 10 November, 2016 issue of Forbes India. You can buy our tablet version from Magzter.com. To visit our Archives, click here.)
Divyank Turakhia
Bhavin Turakhia
Media.net
Directi
Skenzo
Miteno Communication
Namrata Sahoo
Salt and stress tied to risk of hypertension
Divya J Shekhar
Sanitary Panels
Comic: Hate in the time of Delhi elections?
Forbes India Lists
Vacheron Constantin chief reveals the challenges that traditional watchmakers face
A little bird told us: How the billionaires fare on Twitter


text:
Joey Hulbert
Discovering Plant Destroyers in South Africa with Citizen Science
Forestry and Agriculture Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria
Phytophthora, the Greek term for "plant destroyer", is a group of plant killing microbes that threaten forests and agriculture around the world. More than 100 species have been discovered and between 100-600 species are estimated to remain unknown. Discovering new species improves research and regulations to protect our forest and agriculture systems. The native forests of South Africa are remarkably diverse and have not been surveyed for Phytophthora species. We want to survey the native forests for Phytophthora species with the help of the public!
Help us engage South African communities in science to discover new species! The purpose of this campaign is to raise support for a citizen science program that provides opportunities for South Africans to learn and participate in the scientific process! By backing this research you are supporting awesome research and helping hundreds of individuals participate!
Dear Backers,
The Smiles We've Inspired—Thanks to you!
Cape Citizen Science, South Africa Update
Engineering rhizobacteria to improve crop yields and drought resistance in legumes
Fertilizers used in agriculture have significant environmental effects like toxic algal blooms and biodiversity...
Judy Nguyen
RAIN Incubator
BiologyEcology
A biology project funded by 71 people


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Cats in Art
Camille Gizzarelli
The domestic cat is the subject of many online videos and photos. I will discuss its evolution as well as the cultures that express their fondness artistically for this beloved feline.
Some historians have dated the origin of the domestic cat some 12,000 years ago, descending from the Middle Eastern wildcat (Felis Sylvestris) or "cat of the woods."
Egyptian farmers domesticated native African wildcats 4,000 years ago.
Elevated from domestic pets to semi-sacred animals dedicated to Bastet (daughter of Ra, sun god and protective female goddess), it is not a surprise that cat remains were found in their tombs.
The first depiction of Ra in art had the head of a lioness. By the 1st c BC, she was portrayed as a cat, sometimes with a litter of kittens at her feet.
A Bastet festival in Egypt celebrates the goddess of ointment jar (bas) and acted as protection (the ointment).
Owning one or more black cats in a household could bring potential goodwill from Bastet. Besides providing companionship, cats were also protected the home from snakes and vermin.
In the 18th c, Chinese artist Min Zhen painted "The Black Cat," a large feline with a white spot on its chest, and a smile.
The word 'cat' in Egyptian is 'miw', derived from the cat's cry 'meow'.
Tigers and big cats are popular in Asian art. As domesticated cats are descendants of lions and tigers (miacids), it has been determined that house cats and tigers share 95.6% DNA.
In the Chinese and Japanese cultures, a symbol of good luck is "Maneki Neko" (beckoning cat).
The Dutch/Netherlandish artist Hieronymous Bosch painted "Temptation of St. Anthony" (1501) where a demonic looking cat with exaggerated ears grabs a fish from under the curtain (right panel).
More realistically portrayed, French Impressionist artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir painted "Girl and Cat" (1880-1881) where coincidentally the model strikes a similar pose to "A Young Girl with Daisies" (1889).
Continuing his love for cats, Renoir also painted "Julie Manet" AKA "Child with Cat" (1887).
Also in the impressionist style, American artist Mary Cassatt painted "Sara Holding a Cat" (1908) and "Children Playing with Cat" of the same year.
Contemporary artist Jeff Koons' sculpture "Cat on a Clothesline (Orange)" (1994-2001) is a cute cat in a sock hung on a line with colorful daisies.
Note: In every newsletter I recommend a product from Amazon. Simply click on the item below, shop the Amazon site as you normally would to purchase your favorite products. It's that easy!
You can own a Vintage Asian Poster Cat Print available here from Amazon.com.
Content copyright © 2021 by Camille Gizzarelli. All rights reserved.
This content was written by Camille Gizzarelli. If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need written permission. Contact Camille Gizzarelli for details.
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Jambu Flat Dorado Black Women's EL It is common practice for Internet users to not click through pages and pages of search results, so where a site ranks in a search is essential for directing more traffic toward the site. The higher a website naturally ranks in organic results of a search, the greater the chance that that site will be visited by a user.
Dress Dune Tan London Sandal Women's Jalexa r1trYf Contrast with White Hat SEO.


A.bull, Il.2.481, etc.; as a sacrifice to Poseidon, 11.728, Od.13.181; also "ταῦρος βοῦς" Il.17.389; ἄπεχε τῆς βοὸς τὸν τ., oracularly of Agamemnon and his wife, A.Ag.1126 (lyr.).
2. priest of Poseidon Taureios, Ath.10.425c.
3. a kind of Lycian boat with bull as figurehead, postulated to explain Europa's bull, Poll. 1.83.
II. the bull as a sign of the Zodiac, Eudox. ap. Hipparch. 1.2.10, Arat.167, al., IG14.1307, Supp.Epigr.7.363.8 (Dura-Europus, ii A.D.), etc.


ODOT has followed through on changing an important lane marking on Ellsworth Street between Eighth and Ninth avenues. Now let's see if Albany drivers get the hint.
Will this tricky corner ever be fixed?
Once again, on Tuesday morning, a log truck spilled its load while turning from Spring Hill Drive on Highway 20 toward the Ellsworth Street bridge. When will ODOT do something about this corner, tricky because of its steep downhill turn.
"They must be kidding" was my thought when I first laid eyes on this new symbol in the middle of the right-hand travel lane of Albany's Ellsworth Street downtown. But they're not. Kidding, that is.
A year and a half ago, the Albany City Council was pressured into spending nearly half a million dollars on a new traffic signal that nobody except ODOT thinks is necessary. On Wednesday the council will be asked to complete that action by awarding a bid.


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Ryan Hunter-Reay on Bedtime, Winning in Iowa & TV Times
2012 IndyCar champion Ryan Hunter-Reay won the Saturday night race in Iowa, his second straight at the track but his first on the IndyCar circuit in 2015. RHR was pretty frank when he talked about the success of the racing in IndyCar this year but the fight to get people to see the races has…
Jack Beckman on NHRA Winning with Problems
NHRA Mello Yello Norwalk Funny Car winner Jack Beckman overcame last minute problems during a live television drag race. He made it to the line with minutes to spare only to turn in a Final Round win, his third of the season. But Beckman always brings intelligence into The Freak Nation and Sunday night was…
RJ Anderson on His LOORRS Pro2 Unlimited Win
Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series Pro2 Unlimited winner RJ Anderdon talked with The Freaks before he got on a plane to get out of Utah after his weekend win. Anderson took The Freaks into a number of places including what may be some deep background on what might happen to Miller Motorsports Park come…
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While generally I don't care what two leggeds do politically speaking, JD informed me that a shut down would actually effect us. So..... we watched. JD followed multiple blogs, news sources etc.
Yes, this time it's personal.
We are talking chewies. And I am not tolerant of anyone messing with my chewies.


In the wake of the recently implemented new broadcast tariff regime, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has discarded the notion that new rules would increase bill amount of cable TV and DTH consumers in the country. Rather, TRAI in its recent statement earlier today said that the new framework may actually bring down the TV bill of customers. TRAI's statement also came in the backdrop of Crisil report which states that the newly implemented changes would result in an increase in bills for the cable TV and Direct-to-Home (DTH) subscribers.
Addressing a press conference in the national capital earlier today, TRAI Chairman Ram Sevak Sharma said that the report was prepared on an "inadequate understanding" of the TV distribution market and it was incorrect. "The report is based on choosing top-rated channels on all-India basis and considers only one weekly report dated January 25, 2019, from TV Rating Agency, BARC," TRAI statement said. Even TRAI Secretary S K Gupta said that in a span of three months, we expect prices of various channels to go down.
However, the telecom regulating body clarified that as per the regulations, service providers even waive off or give discounts to consumers on the network capacity fee. "The regulator has received several complaints from consumers regarding blackouts on DTH platforms, and offerings of multiple TV connections which TRAI is looking into and has issued necessary guidelines to the operators," Sharma said.


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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Nutritional therapy aims to support optimum health through advice on adapting diet and lifestyle. The body needs an abundance of good quality nutrients in order for it to function properly. Unfortunately modern diet and lifestyle can result in our intake of food lacking the essential nutrients necessary for health.
Nutritional therapy helps to restore balance and improve the health and wellbeing of your body.
Is your diet up to scratch?
Do you feel 100% well?
Lack of energy e.g. M.E.
and give you the nutrition advice you've been waiting for.


Truck Cap Installation Maryland: Head to Trick Trucks Today!
While trucks are great for hauling almost anything, they do have one major weakness: the weather. When hauling that new sofa, antique cabinet, wood desk, or anything of worth, you are at the mercy of Mother Nature. Your truck becomes useless. Luckily, things don't have to be this way.
The Solution: A Truck Cap from Trick Trucks!
Truck caps are great for so much, from protection to security to improving fuel economy and, of course, adding style to your truck.
Protection: A truck cap protects your precious cargo from the elements, ensuring everything survives the drive.
Security: Any item in your truck bed is vulnerable. What is keeping a random passerby from reaching into the bed and stealing whatever you are hauling? A cap is a great way to improve security.
Fuel Economy: Trucks are notorious for their poor gas mileage. A truck cap can actually help improve the fuel economy of your truck.
Style: Last, but certainly not least, a truck cap can give your truck a sleek new style.
Interested in having a Truck Cap installed? Head to Trick Trucks Today!
Each Trick Trucks location from Maryland to West Virginia offers full service installation of all of our interior truck accessories, including Truck Caps. Best of all, all work is guaranteed and all factory warrantees apply.
If you are interested Truck Cap Installation, or if you are interested in purchasing one of our many other Exterior Truck Accessories , contact Trick Trucks today by calling 1-866-60 TRICK or click here! Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!
This entry was posted on Monday, April 15th, 2013 at 1:49 pm. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
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The members of the ESD Committee invite their retail and wholesale peers to join them for a chance to connect at the start of the conference.
Meet more than 100 leading suppliers of energy management, HVAC, refrigeration, design, construction and lighting systems. Discover potential business partners who can provide you with the resources and capabilities to remain competitive, cost-efficient and cutting-edge. Offered on two successive evenings.
Sponsored by Zero Zone, Inc.
Sponsored by Seasons 4 Inc.
Brad Morris - Senior Manager, Engineering and Energy, Giant Eagle, Inc.
Mary Upham - Manager Design & Development, Wakefern Food Corp.
We live in a time of hype and disruption where every new technological advance feels like it will change everything. Yet we work in an industry where our customers interact with us every week and sometimes even more often. The changes we make are felt immediately, so we need prepare for the future while never interrupting the present. What will it take to continue to develop the store experience of the future? Drawing from research across dozens of industries, this keynote will reveal some of the biggest trends that are changing how consumers behave and what they believe. Through cutting-edge examples from around the world and award-winning insights from the WSJ best-selling book Non-Obvious, you will leave not only with a better understanding of what will matter in the future, but also learn the five specific habits you need in order to be an innovator and help your organization prepare for this new reality. The future belongs to non-obvious thinkers. This keynote will help you become one of them.
FMI's leadership, through its Emerging Issues initiative, has identified and described the key issues that will have the most indelible impact on the food industry in the next 3 to 5 years. Hear about these issues and get insights so you can be prepared to focus both on immediate concerns, and the challenges to come.
Retail is changing rapidly, triggered by new technologies and accelerated by changing expectations. Shoppers today have more choices than ever, and one way retailers can keep them coming back is by providing a remarkable experience. But what makes a good retail experience? And how important is it – really – to shoppers? In this session, we will dive into how Aldi and others have developed strategies for successfully evolving existing stores to align with the brand's promise, delighting the target consumer and delivering those experiences quickly, consistently and profitably. Learn the six key dimensions of the retail experience and how to optimize your existing space to create remarkable experiences for your shoppers.
Dan Gavin - Vice President, Real Estate, Design and Development, ALDI Inc.
Mixed-use developments are rapidly growing in popularity. Developers and investors alike are increasingly seeking opportunities to integrate product types to create the ultimate live, work, play destinations – creating unique and rewarding yet challenging store location opportunities for grocers. This panel will share best practices for taking advantage of the growing trend. Attendees will learn best approaches to designing in limited, multi-level, multi-purpose, compromised spaces while addressing tenants' shopping habits. Panelists will address common design, engineering and infrastructure issues seen in mixed-use grocery development learned through working on such projects first-hand.
Discover a number of ways you can leverage power management strategies to combat the ever-changing utility rate changes. Learn about upcoming utility rate changes and understand how they will impact your bottom line. We will also discuss several practical examples of how you can respond, including energy storage and equipment controls.
The definition of retail grocery continues to shift. Retailers invest in new strategies, such as small format stores, online retail, and grocerants to appeal to busy, progressive shoppers. How can refrigerated display cases drive sales within these new strategies? Many options exist for merchandising refrigerated products—open multi-decks, reach-in cases, specialty cases, shop around units, and more. Explore opportunities for greater energy savings, environmentally-friendly and natural refrigerants, and brilliant lighting displays. Consider the innovative merchandisers and dynamic merchandising styles available around the world, and then develop a sustainable strategy—a strategy that maximizes profitability and enhances the shopper experience.
Dan O'Brien - Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Zero Zone, Inc.
It's a win-win situation when you reduce refrigerant leaks from your equipment – you save lots of money and you help protect the environment. The many benefits of lowering your leak rates include optimally running cases, avoiding product loss, fewer technician calls, and less refrigerant needing to be purchased. Several retailers will share what they've done to reduce their refrigerant emissions from their stores. You will also learn how companies in EPA's GreenChill program have experienced long-term achievements in meeting annual leak rate goals, protecting the environment, and saving their companies bunches of money.
Jason Flanigan - Senior Mechanical Engineer, Meijer, Inc.
Extreme weather and an aging electric grid are making retailers increasingly aware of the importance of energy resiliency to keep the lights on and prevent revenue losses, such as from spoilage, during outages. The emergence of distributed energy resources and intelligent controls has opened the door for energy resiliency solutions to provide backup power and earn revenue through grid services. This session will review the financial and operational methodology of using distributed energy assets to provide uninterruptible backup power and earn revenue in demand response markets.
Lisa Laughner - President & CEO, Go Electric Inc.
What will the grocery store of the future look like? Technology will drive the new economics of grocery store designs. New store design considerations will include cashless checkout, robotics, in-store digital fulfillment centers, shopping carts with integrated docking stations and google-like store mapping, and more. The real difference will be determined by how store designers achieve tomorrow's immersive, digitally disruptive, and personalized shopping experience. Join us for a fascinating look at the probabilities and possibilities of a digitally enabled store.
Take advantage of another opportunity to meet more than 100 leading suppliers of energy management, HVAC, refrigeration, design, construction and lighting systems. Discover potential business partners who can provide you with the resources and capabilities to remain competitive, cost-efficient and cutting-edge.
EPA will host the GreenChill Partnership's annual Achievement Recognition event. GreenChill partners represent approximately 30% of U.S. supermarkets, allowing the partners to benchmark their refrigerant management performance versus each other and the industry. Join us in congratulating this year's winners. Come learn about best-in-class refrigerant emissions rate reductions, emissions prevention in new store construction, and emissions rates for advanced refrigeration technologies.
In the age of accelerating disruption, AI is enabling businesses to rapidly increase growth, reduce costs, increase employee productivity and set a new pace of change in their respective industries. Through the use of structured and unstructured data, machine learning, use case specific algorithms and cloud infrastructures, AI will revolutionize the retail industry and transform supply chain, in-store operations and consumer engagement.
The driving force behind refrigerant transitions are policy and regulations at the international, national and state levels. Gaining an understanding of these will help us understand how refrigerant and system architecture changes enable us to meet the current and future regulations. You will also get the latest on the standards and codes that are being updated to meet the needs of the new refrigerants. The speakers in this session bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in refrigerant regulations that affect our industry. This session will prepare you for the discussions on system architectures and the new lower GWP refrigerants that follow in separate sessions.
With ever-changing regulations, environmental factors and evolving trends, the options to find the right refrigeration solution are numerous. This session will provide updates on various designs and refrigerants. Panelists will then share what they look for and the challenges they try to address when equipping their stores. When considering refrigeration systems, which one provides the best option for various situations? What other factors should you be aware of that you may not be thinking of when creating a design or selecting a system? Get inspired by looking at the trends, and get informed by hearing about the experience of others in the industry.
Dustin Herner - Energy Manager, Weis Markets, Inc.
We all know that reach-in refrigerated cases with doors use less energy to run than open multi-deck cases, but do we all know how to properly retrofit open multi-deck cases with refrigerated doors? Making a modification to your refrigerated display case is complicated, and you want to do it correctly. Are all retrofit door kits the same? Do you need to replace all your suction risers? Does the DOE supply any guidance or direction? This session will show you how to obtain some of the best energy savings in a grocery store by doing this properly. While we will only briefly discuss the age-old sales gain/loss debate, we will tackle topics such as product quality, effective lighting, how to handle the reduced load on your refrigeration rack, impacts on your HVAC system, and more.
What is Fresh? Consumers are now demanding much more from food than merely taste and convenience. Fresh food ideas, fresh technologies and fresh experiences are driving their preferences, loyalties and ultimately, their dollars. But how do all these ideas impact the store layout and systems? This session will explore the mission-critical steps for successfully implementing fresh food ideas based on the evolving shopper. Customers are looking for authenticity, unique experiences and a renewed sense of community. We will address how this shift in customer expectations can affect the store format at both a micro and macro level, and additionally, how these ideas can be implemented in new stores/prototypes as well as adapted to suit preexisting formats. Join us as we discuss how architects and engineers can meet grocer's needs for all things fresh, in new and unexpected ways.
Grocery retailers are some of the least flexible energy consumers because they have to run their power-hungry refrigeration systems 24x7x365. Retailers are scrambling for solutions to help them actively manage their skyrocketing energy costs in the face of a changing electricity grid. Long-duration thermal energy storage can help grocery retailers cut energy bills, reduce food spoilage during power outages, and protect against increasing energy price volatility. In this session, we will discuss how retailers can use their existing refrigeration systems as a flexible energy asset. Data will be shared from an industry-leading retailer's pilot project that shows how the right energy storage solution can help the bottom line. We'll also review how grocery retailers can evaluate, test, and procure energy storage for their portfolio of stores.
Amrit Robbins - President, Axiom Exergy Inc.
Whether it is the latest and greatest upgrade, small service addition, ground-up new or a complete remodel, commissioning can keep energy consumption and store development goals in check. The goal of minimizing energy use is always outweighed by the need to keep humidity levels down and product cold for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Commissioning can help restore the intended efficiencies. In this session, we will discuss how set point checks, control measure corrections/improvements, equipment verifications and proper scheduling of maintenance and needed upgrades can be realized through commissioning. We'll discuss positive outcomes, lessons learned, and obstacles overcome to help keep consumption goals in check while maintaining product in a comfortable environment.
Sponsored by KeepRite/National Refrigerants, Inc.
Global, national and state policy and regulations are driving changes in system architecture and refrigerants. After having learned about the policies and regulations, and the different system architecture innovations, attend this breakout session to hear from refrigerant and component manufacturers about how they are responding. Refrigerant manufacturers Chemours and Honeywell will present their new lower GWP refrigerant options and Danfoss will represent all component manufacturers and discuss what has to be done at the component level to meet these new challenges.
In an increasingly competitive environment, retailers have to find ways to differentiate themselves and attract shoppers to their stores. This session will discuss the steps needed to start developing a different shopping environment for your customers. It will showcase one retailer's journey in creating a unique shopping experience that is fun for the whole family. You'll see examples of innovative in-store activities and a variety of new merchandising formats and what's needed to make them successful.
Anti-Sweat Heater Controls: What Works, and What Works Best?
Reach-in cooler and freezer cases work hard, and they sweat. Stores install heaters in the doors and frames of these cases to keep the glass from fogging up. These anti-sweat heaters increase the refrigeration load in the case, which in tandem with the electric resistance heaters themselves can dramatically increase energy costs. Stores can install controls to cycle or pulse the heaters on as needed, rather than running them 24/7. How do you maximize energy savings while making sure your customers can see what's behind the glass? This session describes several controls strategies and products designed to optimize anti-sweat heaters. We will review each strategy, exploring their energy and maintenance implications, as well as what option can work best for your store. The savings are real, and you'll learn the most effective way to grab them.
Technology has offered and will continue to provide shoppers with more control over their shopping experience. Successful grocers will embrace this new world and adapt to the changes it creates. Let's explore some of the changes and the impact they will have on store design. We will touch upon the front of store, center store and back room, with a view to how you can prepare for new store formats that will evolve over the next several years.
The environmental design requirements of supermarkets are unlike any other commercial facility. Fresh and frozen cases, cooking, lighting and skylights, and merchandising needs all impact the design criteria. Today, new technologies and retailer omni-channel strategies are changing how supermarkets should be engineered. The best facility designs integrate the full eco-system of HVAC and all mission-critical systems to create the desired energy performance and shopper experience. This session will discuss the key issues facing today's supermarket and real-world approaches to balancing the major infrastructure systems to maximize the consumer experience, employee productivity, and profitability.
Every major invention, accomplishment and victory in human history began with the simple, almost childlike curiosity of a "What If…?" question. So, why aren't you and your team asking this daily? After this compelling presentation, you'll look at problems and impossibilities and ask, "What if we could?" Mike Rayburn will use his amazing guitar work and hilarious comedy to illustrate three tools designed to turn you and your team into an army of innovators. You'll gain the peak performance skills needed to transcend the status quo – by moving from managing change to creating it instead. Join us as we close the conference with a transformational, musical, memorable presentation.
Immerse yourself in the story of one of the world's most famous beverage brands at the World of Coca-Cola multimedia museum. View over 1,200 never-before-displayed artifacts and get a behind-the-scenes look at the bottling process. Take your taste buds on a trip around the globe and sample over 100 different beverages made by The Coca-Cola Company from around the world, followed by a delicious meal. We promise lots to do and see, and plenty of surprises!
Join us for a tour of two cutting-edge manufacturing facilities while you're in Atlanta! We'll visit Bitzer's newly enlarged reciprocating compressor plant, where we'll see the compressor assembly process from raw components to final finished products. Attendees will learn about Bitzer's exclusive processes to prepare, stage, assemble, leak-check, run-test, paint and final-finish each compressor. We'll also visit Hussmann's facility in Suwanee, where we'll tour the Hussmann manufacturing plant and visit the Hussmann display showroom. In the showroom, attendees will learn about the latest technologies in distributed systems and the benefits they have for the industry.
NOTE: The Facility Tour is open to all food retailers and wholesalers, as well as suppliers that don't compete with Bitzer or Hussmann. Tour registrants will be notified if they are not permitted on the tour.
Join us for a compelling tour of innovative retail food destinations in the Atlanta area, including the Kroger Marketplace Glenwood Station and the DeKalb Farmers Market.
The Kroger Marketplace opened in 2016 and incorporates amenities not typically found in a grocery store, including expanded take-out options offering wood-fired pizza, freshly prepared pan-Asian bowls and a fast-serve burrito station. The store boasts an in-house bar serving wine and has local beers on tap, with a large café seating area. Additionally, there are home decor, kitchenware and automotive areas. The DeKalb Farmers Market began in 1977 as a small 7,500-square-foot produce stand, which has since grown into a massive 140,000-square-foot indoor world market. The aisles are filled with fresh produce, meat, seafood, breads, cheeses, and beer and wine from around the world. Prepared foods, fresh pressed juice, a restaurant and a hot bar are among the other features interspersed throughout the store. Locals consider the market a mini-United Nations, proudly serving and employing people from around the world.
Ponce City Market is an historic mixed-use community hub focused on artisanal food, fashion, and technology. Reinvented to house a central food hall, various shops, apartments and offices, tour participants can explore the vast selection of food options in this very unique space, as well as the self-guided history exhibit of this iconic landmark.