BERLIN (AP) — Scientists say they're several steps closer to perfecting a method for saving the northern white rhino from extinction. Writing in the journal Nature Communications, researchers said Wednesday they've succeeded in creating embryos using frozen northern white rhino sperm and eggs from a southern white rhino. It's the first time such hybrid embryos have been created, and the scientists from Europe and the United States hope it will provide a pathway to saving the northern white rhino sub-species, of which only two females remain. They plan to harvest the females' egg cells soon and produce "pure" northern white rhinos to be borne by a southern white surrogate in three years.
Reported by SeattlePI.com 42 minutes ago.
Scientists create hybrids in race to save rhino sub-species
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Netflix is testing a new ‘Ultra’ tier in Europe
Reported by Polygon 47 minutes ago.
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Opinion: Does increased competition mean time is running out for the new Defender?
New Suzuki Jimny and Jeep Wrangler are set to fill the 4x4 void before Land Rover can launch its premium off-roader
Two and a half years have now ticked by since the final Defender rolled off the production line and we’re still waiting for Land Rover to show off its successor without camouflage.
We know it’s coming — JLR has said as much and disguised mules have been spotted winter testing. But I’m beginning to wonder if the company is leaving it just a little late.
Land Rover’s 70th-anniversary celebrations came and went without an official unveiling. And, now, when it comes to retro-inspired, all-terrain options, the Defender is no longer alone.
Jeep is readying a significantly overhauled Wrangler for Europe later this year, while the fourth-generation Suzuki Jimny continues to turn heads with its rugged-on-a-small-scale styling. Even some hard-to-impress staffers in the Autocar office say they’re fans.
Both cars were designed with a nod to their heritage and — on paper, at least — appear to be confident off-roaders, with ladder-frame chassis, low-range gearboxes and rigid axle suspensions.
So, basically, the two most important things for a new Defender to get right.
Land Rover might argue that its cars have the best off-road ability of any 4x4, but Jaguar Land Rover’s new MLA platform — which the Defender looks set to be one of the first in line to use — is currently unproven.
The Wrangler and Jimny should appeal to anyone on a modest budget, too. Land Rover insists that everything it makes qualifies for ‘premium’ status, so you have to imagine the new Defender will carry a price to match, even if the mainstream model will be intended as a workhorse vehicle.
With cars like the Wrangler and Jimny applying pressure in the mainstream, and premium models such as the Mercedes-Benz G-Class pushing down from above, the new Defender is being squeezed from both sides.
I understand JLR doesn’t want to tease a new model and disenfranchise all the customers who think they know what a Defender is, and there’s always the worry of copycats pouncing on any concept the company reveals. If development is being shifted from the Range Rover’s D7u platform to the new MLA architecture, that would understandably put the brakes on a potential reveal as well.
Still, brand names alone can only carry so much weight. With potential customers receiving only radio silence so far, Land Rover is leaving the door open for its rivals to make big gains.
*Read More*
*All-new Range Rover to hunt down Bentley and Rolls-Royce from 2021*
*New Land Rover Defender edges closer to production as cold weather testing commences*
*2019 Suzuki Jimny engine and gearbox options revealed* Reported by Autocar 3 hours ago.
Two and a half years have now ticked by since the final Defender rolled off the production line and we’re still waiting for Land Rover to show off its successor without camouflage.
We know it’s coming — JLR has said as much and disguised mules have been spotted winter testing. But I’m beginning to wonder if the company is leaving it just a little late.
Land Rover’s 70th-anniversary celebrations came and went without an official unveiling. And, now, when it comes to retro-inspired, all-terrain options, the Defender is no longer alone.
Jeep is readying a significantly overhauled Wrangler for Europe later this year, while the fourth-generation Suzuki Jimny continues to turn heads with its rugged-on-a-small-scale styling. Even some hard-to-impress staffers in the Autocar office say they’re fans.
Both cars were designed with a nod to their heritage and — on paper, at least — appear to be confident off-roaders, with ladder-frame chassis, low-range gearboxes and rigid axle suspensions.
So, basically, the two most important things for a new Defender to get right.
Land Rover might argue that its cars have the best off-road ability of any 4x4, but Jaguar Land Rover’s new MLA platform — which the Defender looks set to be one of the first in line to use — is currently unproven.
The Wrangler and Jimny should appeal to anyone on a modest budget, too. Land Rover insists that everything it makes qualifies for ‘premium’ status, so you have to imagine the new Defender will carry a price to match, even if the mainstream model will be intended as a workhorse vehicle.
With cars like the Wrangler and Jimny applying pressure in the mainstream, and premium models such as the Mercedes-Benz G-Class pushing down from above, the new Defender is being squeezed from both sides.
I understand JLR doesn’t want to tease a new model and disenfranchise all the customers who think they know what a Defender is, and there’s always the worry of copycats pouncing on any concept the company reveals. If development is being shifted from the Range Rover’s D7u platform to the new MLA architecture, that would understandably put the brakes on a potential reveal as well.
Still, brand names alone can only carry so much weight. With potential customers receiving only radio silence so far, Land Rover is leaving the door open for its rivals to make big gains.
*Read More*
*All-new Range Rover to hunt down Bentley and Rolls-Royce from 2021*
*New Land Rover Defender edges closer to production as cold weather testing commences*
*2019 Suzuki Jimny engine and gearbox options revealed* Reported by Autocar 3 hours ago.
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Biofrontera AG: Sales revenue for Ameluz(R) doubled for the six-month period ended June 30, 2018
DGAP-News: Biofrontera AG / Key word(s): Market Report/Half Year Results
05.07.2018 / 17:45
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
--------------------
*Sales revenue for Ameluz^(R) doubled for the six-month period ended June 30, 2018*
*Leverkusen, Germany, July 5, 2018* - Biofrontera AG (NASDAQ: BFRA; Frankfurt Stock Exchange: B8F) ("Biofrontera" or the "Company"), an international biopharmaceutical company, today announced its preliminary unaudited revenues for the six-month period ended June 30, 2018.
The preliminary unaudited total revenue of Biofrontera AG for the period January 1 to June 30, 2018 was in the range of EUR 8.9 and 9.1 million. This represents a revenue growth of approx. 79% compared to the same period last year, with an increase in product sales alone of approximately 109%.
Preliminary unaudited six-month product sales in the USA are expected at approximately EUR 6.4 million, compared to EUR 2.4 million in the same period in 2017 (+167%). Product sales in Europe are estimated to be approximately EUR 2.4 million, compared to EUR 1.8 million in the first 6 months of 2017 (+33%).
Management confirms the current revenue guidance of EUR 16 to 20 million for the full year and continues to expect a significant increase in revenue for the second half of 2018. Ongoing administrative challenges in the reimbursement process in the US as well as the ongoing transition to larger production batch sizes prevent more precise forecasting at this time.
The considerable sales growth in the first 6 months of 2018 are further proof of the Company's successful growth strategy, which is based on optimizing the product positioning and market potential of its leading drug Ameluz^(R).
*-END-*
*For enquiries, please contact:
Biofrontera AG *
Thomas Schaffer, Chief Financial Officer +49 (0) 214 87 63 2 0
press@biofrontera.com
*IR Germany: Brainwell Asset Solutions *
Jürgen Benker +49 (0) 152 08931514
*IR UK: Seton Services *
Toni Vallen +44 (0) 207 224 8468
*IR and PR US: The Ruth Group*
IR: Tram Bui
PR: Kirsten Thomas +1 646-536-7035
+1 508-280-6592
*About Biofrontera:*
Biofrontera AG is an international biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development and commercialization of a platform of pharmaceutical products for the treatment of dermatological conditions and diseases caused primarily by exposure to sunlight that results in sun damage to the skin. Biofrontera's approved products focus on the treatment in the U.S. and Europe of actinic keratoses, which are skin lesions that can sometimes lead to skin cancer, as well as the treatment of certain forms of basal cell carcinoma in the European Union. American Depositary Shares representing Biofrontera's ordinary shares are listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol "BFRA", and Biofrontera's ordinary shares are listed in the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (B8F, ISIN: DE0006046113). Information is also available at www.biofrontera.com.
*Forward Looking Statements:*
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the public offering and the intended use of proceeds from the offering. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "anticipate,""believe,""forecast,""estimate" and "intend," among others. Such forward-looking statements are based on the currently held beliefs and assumptions of the management of Biofrontera AG, which are expressed in good faith and, in their opinion, reasonable. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, financial condition, performance, or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to differ materially from the results, financial condition, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors are set forth in the Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed with the SEC, including in the section "Risk Factors," and in future reports that we will file with the SEC. Given these risks, uncertainties and other factors, prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.
--------------------
05.07.2018 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.
Archive at www.dgap.de --------------------
Language: English
Company: Biofrontera AG
Hemmelrather Weg 201
51377 Leverkusen
Germany
Phone: +49 (0)214 87632 0
Fax: +49 (0)214 87632 90
E-mail: ir@biofrontera.com
Internet: www.biofrontera.com
ISIN: DE0006046113, NASDAQ: BFRA
WKN: 604611
Listed: Regulated Market in Dusseldorf, Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Regulated Unofficial Market in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart, Tradegate Exchange; Nasdaq
End of News DGAP News Service Reported by EQS Group 3 hours ago.
05.07.2018 / 17:45
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
--------------------
*Sales revenue for Ameluz^(R) doubled for the six-month period ended June 30, 2018*
*Leverkusen, Germany, July 5, 2018* - Biofrontera AG (NASDAQ: BFRA; Frankfurt Stock Exchange: B8F) ("Biofrontera" or the "Company"), an international biopharmaceutical company, today announced its preliminary unaudited revenues for the six-month period ended June 30, 2018.
The preliminary unaudited total revenue of Biofrontera AG for the period January 1 to June 30, 2018 was in the range of EUR 8.9 and 9.1 million. This represents a revenue growth of approx. 79% compared to the same period last year, with an increase in product sales alone of approximately 109%.
Preliminary unaudited six-month product sales in the USA are expected at approximately EUR 6.4 million, compared to EUR 2.4 million in the same period in 2017 (+167%). Product sales in Europe are estimated to be approximately EUR 2.4 million, compared to EUR 1.8 million in the first 6 months of 2017 (+33%).
Management confirms the current revenue guidance of EUR 16 to 20 million for the full year and continues to expect a significant increase in revenue for the second half of 2018. Ongoing administrative challenges in the reimbursement process in the US as well as the ongoing transition to larger production batch sizes prevent more precise forecasting at this time.
The considerable sales growth in the first 6 months of 2018 are further proof of the Company's successful growth strategy, which is based on optimizing the product positioning and market potential of its leading drug Ameluz^(R).
*-END-*
*For enquiries, please contact:
Biofrontera AG *
Thomas Schaffer, Chief Financial Officer +49 (0) 214 87 63 2 0
press@biofrontera.com
*IR Germany: Brainwell Asset Solutions *
Jürgen Benker +49 (0) 152 08931514
*IR UK: Seton Services *
Toni Vallen +44 (0) 207 224 8468
*IR and PR US: The Ruth Group*
IR: Tram Bui
PR: Kirsten Thomas +1 646-536-7035
+1 508-280-6592
*About Biofrontera:*
Biofrontera AG is an international biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development and commercialization of a platform of pharmaceutical products for the treatment of dermatological conditions and diseases caused primarily by exposure to sunlight that results in sun damage to the skin. Biofrontera's approved products focus on the treatment in the U.S. and Europe of actinic keratoses, which are skin lesions that can sometimes lead to skin cancer, as well as the treatment of certain forms of basal cell carcinoma in the European Union. American Depositary Shares representing Biofrontera's ordinary shares are listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol "BFRA", and Biofrontera's ordinary shares are listed in the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (B8F, ISIN: DE0006046113). Information is also available at www.biofrontera.com.
*Forward Looking Statements:*
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the public offering and the intended use of proceeds from the offering. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "anticipate,""believe,""forecast,""estimate" and "intend," among others. Such forward-looking statements are based on the currently held beliefs and assumptions of the management of Biofrontera AG, which are expressed in good faith and, in their opinion, reasonable. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, financial condition, performance, or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to differ materially from the results, financial condition, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors are set forth in the Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed with the SEC, including in the section "Risk Factors," and in future reports that we will file with the SEC. Given these risks, uncertainties and other factors, prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.
--------------------
05.07.2018 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.
Archive at www.dgap.de --------------------
Language: English
Company: Biofrontera AG
Hemmelrather Weg 201
51377 Leverkusen
Germany
Phone: +49 (0)214 87632 0
Fax: +49 (0)214 87632 90
E-mail: ir@biofrontera.com
Internet: www.biofrontera.com
ISIN: DE0006046113, NASDAQ: BFRA
WKN: 604611
Listed: Regulated Market in Dusseldorf, Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Regulated Unofficial Market in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart, Tradegate Exchange; Nasdaq
End of News DGAP News Service Reported by EQS Group 3 hours ago.
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Boeing, Embraer form big new aircraft venture
U.S.-Brazil corporate alliance extends the passenger-jet duopoly held by the American aerospace giant and Europe's Airbus
Reported by CBS News 2 hours ago.
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ITS Ranked Among Top 501 Global Managed Service Providers by Channel Futures
11th Annual MSP 501 Identifies World’s Most Forward-Thinking MSPs & Leading Trends in Managed Services
SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (PRWEB) July 05, 2018
ITS – Integrated Telemanagement Services, Inc. ranks among the world’s 501 most strategic and innovative managed service providers (MSPs), according to Channel Futures 11th-annual MSP 501 Worldwide Company Rankings.
The MSP 501 is the first, largest and most comprehensive ranking of managed service providers worldwide. This year Channel Futures received a record number of submissions. Applications poured in from Europe, Asia, South America and beyond.
As it has for the last three years, Channel Futures teamed with Clarity Channel Advisors to evaluate these progressive and forward-leaning companies. MSPs were ranked according to our unique methodology, which recognizes that not all revenue streams are created equal. We weighted revenue figures according to how well the applicant's business strategy anticipates trends in the fast-evolving channel ecosystem.
"We are so pleased to be recognized in on the MSP 501 List!" said Sharon L. Woods, President & CEO of ITS. "Being included on a list with the other ‘Most Forwarding-Thinking MSPs in the World’ is quite an honor and something we have worked really hard to achieve. It is a testimony to the hard work of the ITS team and our laser focus on providing our clients peace of mind, allowing them to focus on their business while trusting ITS to manage and look after their technology."
Channel Futures is pleased to honor ITS – Integrated Telemanagement Services, Inc.
For the first time, Channel Futures will also name 10 special award winners, including MSP of the Year, CEO of the Year and one Lifetime Achievement Award for a career of excellence in the channel.
The MSP 501 winners and award recipients will be recognized at a special ceremony at Channel Partners Evolution, held this year October 9-12 in Philadelphia, as well as in the Fall issue of Channel Partners Magazine.
“This year’s applicant pool was the largest and most diverse in the history of the survey, and our winners represent the health and progressivity of the managed services market,” says Kris Blackmon, Channel Futures content director and editor of the MSP 501. “They’re growing their revenue, expanding their customer influence and exploring new technology that will propel them for years to come.”
The full MSP 501 report, available this fall, will leverage applicant responses, interviews and historical data to identify business and technology trends in the IT channel. Highlights will include:· Revenue growth and business models
· Hiring trends and workforce dynamics
· Business strategies
· Service deliverables
· Business tools and automation investments
The complete 2018 MSP 501 list is available at Channel Futures.
Background
The 2018 MSP 501 list is based on data collected by Channel Futures and its sister site, Channel Partners. Data was collected online from Feb. 28 through May 31, 2018. The MSP 501 list recognizes top managed service providers based on metrics including recurring revenue, growth and other factors.
About ITS – Integrated Telemanagement Services, Inc.
ITS is more than just a typical Managed IT Service Provider. Since 1990 ITS has been providing small and medium-sized businesses technology solutions, services and support that help organizations achieve more growth and greater success. Our proactive approach to support not only simplifies technology but also means less hassle, less downtime and simplified systems that enable businesses to streamline processes and communication, for an enhanced user experience. ITS is a small business and it is this which we believe gives us our distinct advantage. Our size enables us to be agile, flexible, and proactive - which means we have the ability to adapt business models rapidly and efficiently when required. We quickly react to problems and changes in the business environment or technology and provide fast solutions.
About Informa
Channel Futures, Channel Partners Online, Channel Partners Conference & Expo and Channel Partners Evolution are part of Informa, the international business intelligence, academic publishing, knowledge and events group. Informa serves commercial, professional and academic communities, helping them connect and learn, and creating and providing access to content and intelligence that helps people and businesses work smarter and make better decisions faster.
Informa has over 10,000 colleagues in more than 20 countries and a presence in all major geographies. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE 100.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kris Blackmon,
Content Director, Channel Futures
Editor, MSP 501 Reported by PRWeb 3 hours ago.
SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (PRWEB) July 05, 2018
ITS – Integrated Telemanagement Services, Inc. ranks among the world’s 501 most strategic and innovative managed service providers (MSPs), according to Channel Futures 11th-annual MSP 501 Worldwide Company Rankings.
The MSP 501 is the first, largest and most comprehensive ranking of managed service providers worldwide. This year Channel Futures received a record number of submissions. Applications poured in from Europe, Asia, South America and beyond.
As it has for the last three years, Channel Futures teamed with Clarity Channel Advisors to evaluate these progressive and forward-leaning companies. MSPs were ranked according to our unique methodology, which recognizes that not all revenue streams are created equal. We weighted revenue figures according to how well the applicant's business strategy anticipates trends in the fast-evolving channel ecosystem.
"We are so pleased to be recognized in on the MSP 501 List!" said Sharon L. Woods, President & CEO of ITS. "Being included on a list with the other ‘Most Forwarding-Thinking MSPs in the World’ is quite an honor and something we have worked really hard to achieve. It is a testimony to the hard work of the ITS team and our laser focus on providing our clients peace of mind, allowing them to focus on their business while trusting ITS to manage and look after their technology."
Channel Futures is pleased to honor ITS – Integrated Telemanagement Services, Inc.
For the first time, Channel Futures will also name 10 special award winners, including MSP of the Year, CEO of the Year and one Lifetime Achievement Award for a career of excellence in the channel.
The MSP 501 winners and award recipients will be recognized at a special ceremony at Channel Partners Evolution, held this year October 9-12 in Philadelphia, as well as in the Fall issue of Channel Partners Magazine.
“This year’s applicant pool was the largest and most diverse in the history of the survey, and our winners represent the health and progressivity of the managed services market,” says Kris Blackmon, Channel Futures content director and editor of the MSP 501. “They’re growing their revenue, expanding their customer influence and exploring new technology that will propel them for years to come.”
The full MSP 501 report, available this fall, will leverage applicant responses, interviews and historical data to identify business and technology trends in the IT channel. Highlights will include:· Revenue growth and business models
· Hiring trends and workforce dynamics
· Business strategies
· Service deliverables
· Business tools and automation investments
The complete 2018 MSP 501 list is available at Channel Futures.
Background
The 2018 MSP 501 list is based on data collected by Channel Futures and its sister site, Channel Partners. Data was collected online from Feb. 28 through May 31, 2018. The MSP 501 list recognizes top managed service providers based on metrics including recurring revenue, growth and other factors.
About ITS – Integrated Telemanagement Services, Inc.
ITS is more than just a typical Managed IT Service Provider. Since 1990 ITS has been providing small and medium-sized businesses technology solutions, services and support that help organizations achieve more growth and greater success. Our proactive approach to support not only simplifies technology but also means less hassle, less downtime and simplified systems that enable businesses to streamline processes and communication, for an enhanced user experience. ITS is a small business and it is this which we believe gives us our distinct advantage. Our size enables us to be agile, flexible, and proactive - which means we have the ability to adapt business models rapidly and efficiently when required. We quickly react to problems and changes in the business environment or technology and provide fast solutions.
About Informa
Channel Futures, Channel Partners Online, Channel Partners Conference & Expo and Channel Partners Evolution are part of Informa, the international business intelligence, academic publishing, knowledge and events group. Informa serves commercial, professional and academic communities, helping them connect and learn, and creating and providing access to content and intelligence that helps people and businesses work smarter and make better decisions faster.
Informa has over 10,000 colleagues in more than 20 countries and a presence in all major geographies. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE 100.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kris Blackmon,
Content Director, Channel Futures
Editor, MSP 501 Reported by PRWeb 3 hours ago.
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Op-Ed Columnist: Why Merkel Must Go
The German chancellor is likelier to be remembered as Europe’s destroyer than as its savior.
Reported by NYTimes.com 1 hour ago.
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US-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty fined by Russia
MOSCOW (AP) — A Moscow court has fined U.S. government-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty 100,000 rubles ($1,600) for failing to comply with Russia's foreign agents law.RFE/RL and Voice of America were named foreign agents last...
Reported by New Zealand Herald 2 hours ago.
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Google/Europe: not all about meme, meme, meme
Search engine would do well to maintain a friendly approach towards regulators
Reported by FT.com 2 hours ago.
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Promoted: Igniting Crypto Payments Worldwide Through Crypterium
In late 2009, Bitcoin founder Satoshi Nakamoto ushered in a groundbreaking approach to money by championing a digital payment system free from third-party intermediaries and governmental control.While this new worldwide economic system has advanced significantly over a relatively short period of time, it has yet to deliver a user-friendly approach to assist the everyday consumer with day-to-day commerce at retail establishments.
Do cryptocurrencies have practical use as a spending instrument? Will you be able to make purchases at a restaurant, grocery store, retail clothier or any number of brick and mortar storefronts with crypto anytime soon?
A rapidly growing startup known as Crypterium proves cryptocurrencies can become an everyday method of payments. Joined by former CEO of Visa UK Marc O’Brien, the company is building a mobile app to “pay with crypto anywhere in the world” converting digital tokens into spendable currency, the use of which will be as easy as that of cash.
Left to right: Austin Kimm, COO, Marc O’Brien, CEO, Pavel Ivanov, CTO
*Want to Pay With Bitcoin? Get the App*
O’Brien explains: "Crypterium is partnering with banks to launch virtual cards that will be attached to user's crypto accounts in Crypterium App. Every time the consumer makes a transaction we will execute a trade in fiat and mark their crypto balance for a trade. You can be in a store and all of that's done in a fraction of a second."
Once enabled, users will be able to top-up their mobile phones, or shop around the world with crypto at any spot with a near-field communication (NFC) terminal or QR code scanning capability baked into their payment setup. Purchases can also be made through online stores, and bills can be paid instantly. Moreover, money can be reliably sent across borders in seconds, all for a fraction of a penny.
On top of that, Crypterium has an incentive system. Through this system, up to 30 percent of the transactional income generated by Crypterium will form a monthly loyalty program fund and will be distributed among the most active users.
*A Track Record of Payment Advancements*
O’Brien calls Crypterium’s promise a “Netscape moment,” in reference to the web browser that sparked an innovative leap forward during the ’90s internet explosion. The aim is to offer a simple tool that requires no learning curve — one that completely mitigates the barriers preventing a crypto-fiat system of global payment.
Crypterium’s history of building payments processing solutions dates back to 2013 when it became the first company in Eastern Europe to release a mobile payments solution tied to QR code scanning. In 2015, the company facilitated 300 integrations with e-commerce retail services. Two years later, it began work on a direct interbanking debit protocol with the intent of lowering transaction fees.
Asked about the company’s strategic trajectory O’Brien says Crypterium will offer instant payment of customers' crypto and create liquidity for these payments that doesn’t exist today. “We will overcome the timing delay and fees that exist to exit crypto via an exchange into a bank account in fiat currency. And, for consumer commerce, we will immediately bridge the crypto and fiat worlds and start to facilitate crypto as an everyday medium of exchange,” he explains.
O’Brien notes that the fully fledged version of the app is only accessible with invitation codes. The reason for this, he said, is that Crypterium, in an attempt to create a flawless product, is thoroughly testing everything before providing access to the wider audience. He said that the launch of the full version is planned as soon as the rigorous process is fully complete.
Note: Trading and investing in digital assets is speculative and can be high risk. Based on the shifting business and regulatory environment of such a new industry, this content should not be considered investment or legal advice.
This promoted article originally appeared on Bitcoin Magazine. Reported by Bitcoin Magazine 2 hours ago.
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US-Funded Radio Free Europe Fined by Russia
A Moscow court has fined U.S. government-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty 100,000 rubles ($1,600) for failing to comply with Russia's foreign agents law.RFE/RL and Voice of America were named foreign agents last year under a law allowing that designation for news...
Reported by Newsmax 42 minutes ago.
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Pro-Brexit ministers warn of consequences over PM's "sell-out" proposals
Pro-Brexit Cabinet ministers are on manoeuvres to prevent the Prime Minister’s proposal to remain "harmonised" with the EU on goods, ahead of Friday’s crunch Chequers meeting.Frantic phone calls have been taking place between ministers to ensure a united front is presented tomorrow, with at least one minister already threatening to resign.
City A.M. understands that heavyweights including foreign secretary Boris Johnson are planning to head off “the sell-out” proposals, which would compromise the UK’s ability to strike a trade deal with the US.
One frontbench source said the Conservatives were “gliding into the territory” of a yet another challenge to Theresa May’s leadership over her perceived back-tracking.
“It will be very, very hard for the PM to justify why as recently as Wednesday, in reply to a question, she said we are leaving the Single Market and customs union when this means effectively we won’t,” he said, noting the “very serious fragility” she found herself in.
Even Remainers are said to be unhappy, fearing these proposals could tie the UK’s hands without giving it a voice at the table.
Another source said Johnson was proposing “a million-person march” to remind Theresa May of the strength of feeling among Leave voters.
Brexit secretary David Davis was described as “absolutely livid” at the papers, which suggest the UK maintain “a common rulebook for all goods, including agri-food”, and that the UK would make "an upfront choice to commit by treaty to ongoing harmonisation with EU rules on goods".
According to the Spectator, the papers note that this deal "would not allow the UK to accommodate a likely ask from the US in a future trade deal’ as the UK would be unable to recognise the US’s ‘array of standards".
The papers suggest the UK would "strike a different arrangement for services, where it is our interests to have regulatory flexibility, recognising this will result in reduced market access" - something which has been floated previously.
Chancellor Philip Hammond has been “pitch-rolling” for May's proposals throughout the week, which has sent “alarm bells” off among his Cabinet adversaries.
Other advocates, including business secretary Greg Clark, the Prime Minister’s chief of staff Gavin Barwell and her chief Europe adviser Olly Robbins were blamed for continuing to “see Leave as a terrible disaster that needs to be mitigated or the world will fall in”.
A Downing Street spokeswoman declined to comment on specifics, but stressed the PM’s position on seeking a “comprehensive and ambitious trade deal” with the US had not changed.
“It is categorically untrue that we will not be able to do a trade deal with the US,” she added.
Earlier in the day, May had told reporters in Berlin that she was confident of “bringing my Cabinet together to discuss and decide a substantial way forward which will enable the pace and intensity of the negotiations to increase”.
Pro-Brexit backbenchers were unconvinced. Owen Paterson tweeted: “If true, this would deny 100 per cent of British economy the full benefits of Brexit to appease only 12 per cent of UK GDP accounted for by exports to EU & be completely at odds with what 17.4 million voted for. We would be Out of Europe but still Run by Europe.”
But Bernard Jenkin struck a more pragmatic tone, telling City A.M.: “Until we see text, until we know the EU will accept it, and that the EU will not make further demands which make it unacceptable, we can have no idea whether this will fly…
"But we should not forget Donald Tusk in March offered us a free trade deal with zero tariffs and no restrictions on goods. If we ask for too much, we get accused of cherry picking and it makes a deal more difficult.” Reported by City A.M. 2 hours ago.
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Europe recalls generic heart drug made in China on cancer fears
LONDON (Reuters) - A number of high blood pressure and heart drugs containing an ingredient made in China are being recalled across Europe after an impurity that may cause cancer was found in them, officials said on Thursday.
Reported by Reuters 2 hours ago.
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Germany, Austria set talks with Italy to shut southern migrant route to Europe
VIENNA/BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany, Austria and Italy said on Thursday they would hold talks next week on how to shut down the Mediterranean route taken by tens of thousands of migrants from Africa to Europe, with Rome calling the situation urgent and "dangerous".
Reported by Reuters 2 hours ago.
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Oil wars: Iran says 'ready' to block of Hormuz Strait in retaliation to U.S.
With a third of the world's sea-borne oil passing through it every day, the Strait of Hormuz is a strategic artery linking Middle East crude producers to key markets in Asia Pacific, Europe, North America and beyond
Reported by Haaretz 2 hours ago.
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Venture firm Atomico signs up ex-Uber and Google managers
LONDON (Reuters) - Atomico, which runs Europe’s largest independent venture fund, has hired former managers from Google and Uber to help drive international expansion for its portfolio of more than 50 start-ups and growth stage firms, it said on Thursday.
Reported by Reuters India 1 hour ago.
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Georgia invented viticulture, now its wine scene is taking Europe by storm
It has been said that Georgians ‘think with European minds and feel with Asian hearts’. Their nation, clamped between Russia and Turkey, is neither fully European nor Asian but rather in a category all of its own. If one symbol encapsulates the Georgian psyche it is the Kartlis Deda “Mother of Georgia” statue, which towers above the hills of Tbilisi. Holding a sword in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other, she symbolises the Georgian readiness to fight for liberty while welcoming friends with a stiff drink.Such a defiant spirit and love of life has ensured that this beautiful country – which invented viticulture, converted to Christianity earlier than most, and speaks a language unlike any other – has maintained its distinctive identity despite conquests by Persians, Ottomans and Russians. After decades of Soviet rule followed by civil war, Georgia is finally settling into democracy and is a perfect destination for visitors wanting to beat the eastward march of European mass tourism, especially now that it is now reachable via low-cost flights from London.
I began my road trip in Kutaisi, Georgia’s second largest city, in the western Imereti region. Founded more than 3,000 years ago, Kutaisi is thought to be the setting of the Greek legend of the Golden Fleece and is home to some fine medieval monasteries. Gelati is the most fabulous example. Constructed in 1106 on a hill overlooking Kutaisi, this UNESCO World Heritage site was one of the first Christian orthodox monasteries in Georgia. The interior is gorgeous: high vaulted ceilings, murals and frescoes influenced by Byzantine gold aestheticism. King David IV (who is buried here) built this masterpiece of the Georgian Golden Age and transformed it into a magnet for celebrated scientists, theologians and philosophers whose manuscripts still survive here.
Gelati’s hilltop setting is sublime, too: as you sit in the meadows scattered with yellow daisies, the view of the snow-capped Caucasus Mountains and the feel of the breeze against your skin makes for a spiritual experience in itself.
Lunch was at Sormoni, a homely, rustic restaurant whose talented chef was quietly determined to feed us to death. Among other Georgian classics, she laid down khachapuri, a cheese bread, and chvishtari cornbread accompanied by slabs of delicious sulguni cheese (similar to mozzarella). We chowed down pieces of duckling in a tangy sauce, and jonjoli, pickled sprouts, not to mention trout, potatoes and tomato-cucumber salad with crushed walnuts. Just as I had finished my chicken soup, a plate of pork was plonked down in front of me. I thought it was all over when we transferred to the sunshine and flowers to sip tea sourced from local fruits, only for the chef to emerge with a gut-busting encore of mushroom-stuffed cheese.
The next day we drove eastwards, through countryside that was impossibly green. Unmanicured grass carpets the sweeping valleys, cows graze on the roadside, and sparkling rivers cut a swathe through abundant foliage.
We reached Gori, a small town that looms large in Georgian history on account of it being the birthplace of Josef Stalin, the former Soviet dictator. Few Georgians have anything good to say about the man, but here in Gori he is revered by some, if perhaps only for commercial reasons. A photo of his face decorates a window next to a For Rent sign. An old man sells memorabilia close to the modest house where Stalin was born and lived until age four. Access to the house’s interior is forbidden but visitors can step inside the train wagon Stalin once used as personal transport. More of the ex-leader’s personal effects are displayed in the nearby Stalin Museum.Batumi botanical gardens
Not far from Gori is Uplistsikhe, an impressive ancient cave town reminiscent of Capadoccia in Turkey. Inhabited from the early Iron Age until the Mongol invasion of the 14th century, Uplistsikhe was built by pagans fleeing invaders. Like all Georgian heritage sites, the location is beautiful, high up on a hill overlooking the Mtkvari River. Uplistsikhe’s inhabitants carved out dwellings from the limestone and evidently made themselves comfortable: remnants of a royal reception area, a pharmacy and even an antique theatre are visible. Foreign aesthetic and religious influences are visible in features such as the bas-relief arch.
The toast, known as a tamada, is reserved for the most charismatic man who can also hold his drink. He is required to glug a two-litre horn of wine
Back on the road, we followed one of the ubiquitous “wine route” signs that direct you to Georgia’s countless wineries. The country has been making the stuff for 8,000 years, using their 525 endemic grape varieties which grow under distinct microclimates that can vary by the kilometre. An increasing number of wineries now offer tasting sessions and excellent food. Khareba Winery in Khveli is one fine example. We stopped by to learn about Georgia’s unique khvevke wine production, which is completely organic, using no sulphur or yeast: grapes are placed in a hole lined with beeswax and left to ferment – skins, vines and all. The grape juice separates naturally from the skin and vines before sinking to the bottom. For white grapes the result is an amber coloured wine, low on tannins. The grape skins and vines are later distilled into chacha, an eye-wateringly strong spirit, which I sipped after lunch on a veranda overlooking the surrounding gardens.
Wine occupies a huge role in the spiritual and social life of Georgians. It accompanies traditional feasts that can go on all night, the hours punctuated by a toast to family, friendship and love. This toast, known as a tamada, is an art form reserved for the most charismatic man, someone full of guli (warmth) who can wax philosophical and – importantly – hold his drink because he is required to glug a two-litre horn of wine (“He must finish it for love”). The festivities are often accompanied by folk singing that sounds like a hybrid of Gregorian chant and Mongolian throat singing, rich with pathos.The beach at Tbilisi
After days in the countryside, our arrival in the capital, Tbilisi, was a sensory jolt of the best kind. Tbilisi has come into its own since the Rose revolution’s pro-democracy protests in 2003. From the cable cars rising above the city you can take in the dramatic topography where Armenian churches, mosques and bathhouses sprout from the hillside, and other buildings cling to rocks that rise steeply from the Mtkvari River. There’s an emerging buzz and glitz here, judging by the sinuous steel and glass Bridge of Peace spanning the river, or the $50m futuristic hillside home of billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili. But the Old Town and its waterfall have retained their peaceful, atmospheric magic, a clutter of chromatic wooden balconies that descend from the 4th century Narikala Fortress.
Dinner was at Barbarestan Restaurant, located in an atmospheric 19th century wine cellar. Its unique selling point is its menu, based on an 800-recipe cookbook by an 18th-century aristocrat. Six courses later I returned to my hotel The Rooms, a hipster chic outfit in the central Vera district. An exuberant floor-tiled library dominates its reception, and each room exudes retro glamour in the form of patterned wallpaper, old-school telephones and Bluetooth Marshall speakers.
Across the river, Fabrika Hostel offers a cheaper but equally intriguing accommodation alternative. This converted Soviet sewing factory has deep sofas, a bar, restaurant, plus stacks of fliers for cultural events in Tbilisi’s emerging rock, EMO and LGBTQ scene. You can hang out in the central courtyard which is ringed by more bars and shops selling vinyl records, ceramics and other art. A motorcycle rental company even has drivers who can take you on a high speed tour of the city centre.
Our final stop was Batumi, a subtropical playground by the Black Sea, and holiday-home favourite among Georgians. This port city is a magnet for visitors from neighbouring Turkey and Israel, wanting to enjoy the pebbled beaches, casinos or a stroll along palm tree-lined avenues. You can still see the now-defunct chacha fountain, which once spewed genuine Georgian vodka free of charge.
Soon after we arrived a wedding cavalcade screamed down Rustaveli Avenue, horns beeping. In Batumi, anything goes, and that includes the architecture, which is reason alone to come here.
Its toy-town mash-up of experimental styles is unlike anything you’ve seen: multi-coloured sixties blocks are foregrounded by gold statues a stone’s throw away from art nouveau beauties and 18th century Russian classicism in central squares planted with orange and magnolia trees.
Government efforts to spruce up Batumi’s architecture can be seen in the Soviet monolith now draped in a modern swirly facade; or the Gaudi-esque modern edifice next to it; or the Alphabet Tower, a DNA helix-style skyscraper with a spherical restaurant at its summit. The central piazza contains a mosaic floor that bears no stylistic relation to the adjacent kitsch clock tower hotel, but that’s all part of the charm.
Alternatively, you can hire a bike and ride along the dedicated cycling lanes and stop for lunch at the beachside Gold Fish restaurant. Its glass frontage gives magnificent views of the Black Sea and surrounding hills, and reminds you once again of Georgia’s persistent natural beauty.
*Wizz Air (wizzair.com) flies direct from London Luton to Kutaisi twice a week (Thu and Sun), with tickets from £48 return*
*UK tour operator Travel the Unknown (traveltheunknown.com) has a12-day Georgia Explorer tour from £1,875 pp (ground only)* Reported by City A.M. 1 hour ago.
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Italy calls for end to U.N. embargo on Libya to help it tackle migrants
ROME (Reuters) - Italy wants a United Nations arms embargo on Libya to be lifted to help the North African state battle people smugglers and halt the flow of migrants seeking a better life in Europe, Interior Minister Matteo Salvini said on Thursday.
Reported by Reuters India 50 minutes ago.
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A few Denver guys made a business out of refurbishing ski lift chairs
Ski lift chairs are by no means the reason we grab our skis and head to the mountains, but in Matt Evans' garage in Capitol Hill, they’re the center of attention. Evans, along with his business partners Jacques Boiteau and McCall Perry, buy old ski lift chairs and turn them into functional art. They’ve made chairs for clients across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia. “I have a great front porch that I had this great vision of sitting on a chairlift,” explained Evans. “My house was…
Reported by bizjournals 56 minutes ago.
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‘Holy mayor’ Giorgio La Pira takes next step to sainthood
Vatican City, Jul 5, 2018 / 11:50 am (CNA).- Most mayors do not live in unheated monastic cells, deliver candy from Orthodox patriarchs to the pope, or become ambassadors for international peace.
Giorgio La Pira was not like most mayors.
The cause for sainthood for Giorgio La Pira, the “holy mayor” of Florence, was moved forward on July 5 as Pope Francis authorized the decrees of “heroic virtue” for the Italian politician, along with three other “Servants of God.”
Pope Francis met with Cardinal Angelo Amato, the prefect for the Congregation for the Causes of Saints on Thursday, and approved Giorgio La Pira (1904 - 1977), Carlo Acutis (1991 - 2006), Pietro Di Vitale (1916 - 1940), and Alessia González-Barros y González (1971 - 1985) to each bear the title of “Venerable.”
As the mayor of Florence from 1951 to 1965, La Pira’s influence extended well beyond his municipality. He made several official trips behind the Iron Curtain to Russia, China and Vietnam during the Cold War to promote peace and human rights, which were virtually unheard of among Western politicians. Before traveling to Moscow, La Pira visited Fatima and wrote to cloistered religious orders asking for their prayers for his journey.
At home in Italy, La Pira advocated for the poor and for workers rights. He also contributed to the writing of the Italian Constitution after World War II.
La Pira was well-respected by religious leaders, even beyond Catholicism. In 1960, he began a friendship with Athenagoras I, the Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople, who famously asked the mayor to bring an unprecedented gift of candy to Pope John XXIII, as a way to foster relations between the two churchmen. Four years later, Athenagoras and Pope Paul VI held a historic meeting in Jerusalem, which led to the rescinding of excommunications issued after the Great Schism in 1054.
La Pira became a Third Order Dominican in his early twenties, which shaped his spiritual life as a layperson before he went on to be a lawyer, politician, university professor, and peace advocate. He chose to live in simplicity in a cell in the monastery of San Marco in Florence until bronchitis forced him to move out.
Pope Saint John Paul II spoke of the important role La Pira played in the reconstruction of Europe, and chose to celebrate the “Jubilee of Governors” in 2000 on the date of La Pira’s death, Nov. 5. A quote from the former mayor of Florence was also selected as the motto for the celebration, “Our participation in a Holy Year is not an act of piety but a political act, because it must contribute to the realization of God’s plan in history.”
After La Pira died in 1977, Pope Paul VI honored him in an Angelus address.
The three other Servants of God were also found to have heroic virtue on July 5 were all died under the age of 25.
Italian Carlo Acutis died of leukemia in 2006 at the age of 15. He had a deep love for the Eucharist, and created a website documenting Eucharistic miracles around the world before he died.
Alessia González-Barros y González died in Spain at age 14, and Pietro Di Vitale, a native of Sicily, was studying for the priesthood when he died at age 23. Reported by CNA 46 minutes ago.
Giorgio La Pira was not like most mayors.
The cause for sainthood for Giorgio La Pira, the “holy mayor” of Florence, was moved forward on July 5 as Pope Francis authorized the decrees of “heroic virtue” for the Italian politician, along with three other “Servants of God.”
Pope Francis met with Cardinal Angelo Amato, the prefect for the Congregation for the Causes of Saints on Thursday, and approved Giorgio La Pira (1904 - 1977), Carlo Acutis (1991 - 2006), Pietro Di Vitale (1916 - 1940), and Alessia González-Barros y González (1971 - 1985) to each bear the title of “Venerable.”
As the mayor of Florence from 1951 to 1965, La Pira’s influence extended well beyond his municipality. He made several official trips behind the Iron Curtain to Russia, China and Vietnam during the Cold War to promote peace and human rights, which were virtually unheard of among Western politicians. Before traveling to Moscow, La Pira visited Fatima and wrote to cloistered religious orders asking for their prayers for his journey.
At home in Italy, La Pira advocated for the poor and for workers rights. He also contributed to the writing of the Italian Constitution after World War II.
La Pira was well-respected by religious leaders, even beyond Catholicism. In 1960, he began a friendship with Athenagoras I, the Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople, who famously asked the mayor to bring an unprecedented gift of candy to Pope John XXIII, as a way to foster relations between the two churchmen. Four years later, Athenagoras and Pope Paul VI held a historic meeting in Jerusalem, which led to the rescinding of excommunications issued after the Great Schism in 1054.
La Pira became a Third Order Dominican in his early twenties, which shaped his spiritual life as a layperson before he went on to be a lawyer, politician, university professor, and peace advocate. He chose to live in simplicity in a cell in the monastery of San Marco in Florence until bronchitis forced him to move out.
Pope Saint John Paul II spoke of the important role La Pira played in the reconstruction of Europe, and chose to celebrate the “Jubilee of Governors” in 2000 on the date of La Pira’s death, Nov. 5. A quote from the former mayor of Florence was also selected as the motto for the celebration, “Our participation in a Holy Year is not an act of piety but a political act, because it must contribute to the realization of God’s plan in history.”
After La Pira died in 1977, Pope Paul VI honored him in an Angelus address.
The three other Servants of God were also found to have heroic virtue on July 5 were all died under the age of 25.
Italian Carlo Acutis died of leukemia in 2006 at the age of 15. He had a deep love for the Eucharist, and created a website documenting Eucharistic miracles around the world before he died.
Alessia González-Barros y González died in Spain at age 14, and Pietro Di Vitale, a native of Sicily, was studying for the priesthood when he died at age 23. Reported by CNA 46 minutes ago.
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