#940 Form Creator

[paystubusa]

The Easiest Way to Make W2 Forms Without Hiring a Pro

The stress-free way to make W2 forms is finally here. With PaystubUSA, you can create accurate, IRS-compliant forms without needing to hire a tax expert. Perfect for small business owners, freelancers, or anyone managing payroll on their own.

[yhwhrulz]

Today's Daily EncounterFriday, March 28, 2025

The Workplace

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges, he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.1

The way people view the gospel is greatly influenced by how Christians act outside the church. The way we live must permeate all areas of life, including the workplace.

Our behavior reflects our faith. So if we claim to be Christians, then our coworkers, boss, and employees will compare our attitudes and actions to Christ. Do those around you see a positive reflection of God?

Let's look at a biblical model. First, as we read in today's passage, we must see ourselves as servants and put the needs of others before our own. Next, we must recognize that our true boss is Christ, therefore, we work with integrity and effort, knowing that our reward comes from Him (Colossians 3:23). Therefore, since all authority on earth is God-given (Romans 13:1), we are to obey our superiors willingly, unless they ask us to do something that goes against God's Word. And finally, we must see that all those with whom we work and for whom we work have value in the eyes of the Creator and should be treated with respect (1 John 4:7-8).

Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in today's passage you remind me that I need to have an attitude like Jesus. Lord, help me to be a reflection of you at work, at home, and wherever I go. May everything I do be done for you, knowing that You are present at all times of my day. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Philippians 2:5-8 (NTV).

Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N.

NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ, please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.

Daily Encounter is published at no charge by ACTS International, a non-profit organization, and made possible through the donations of interested friends. Donations can be sent at: http://www.actscom.com

ACTS International P.O. Box 73545 San Clemente, California 92673-0119 U.S.A.

Phone: 949-940-9050 http://www.actsweb.org

Copyright (c) 2016 by ACTS International.

When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2005-2023 ACTS International

[yhwhrulz777]

Today's Daily Encounter Monday, July 10, 2023

Why Am I Here?

"Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."1

It's an age-old question, and at some point in our lives we have, or will have, wondered about it. What is my purpose on this earth? What am I supposed to be doing? Is this the life I was destined for? What if….? God's great design allows for wonder and provokes us to ponder on the world around us — a world that HE created! The undeniable order and detail of Creation leads us to ask: "Why am I here?

Many never arrive at the reason for their own existence, but if you are a Child of God, my friend, our purpose is clear — to glorify the God who created us. "Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him." (Isaiah 43:7 NKJV) Our purpose and the reason we were created was simply to honor and glorify God; He created us for His pleasure. "…. having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will…" (Eph. 1:5) It's not about us, it never was. It has always been about Him! Just as a product reflects its manufacturer, we reflect our Creator. As the moon reflects the sun's light, we are to radiate and reflect the Son!

Our actions and attitudes, customs and manners, our successes and failures, gains and losses, should all be met with praise and in turn give glory to the One who gives and takes away. We are here to glorify God and we do this by pointing others toward his goodness and love, sharing all that He has done and shining His light in this ever-darkening world. The opportunities for this are endless! Could there be any greater reason for our existence?

Suggested Prayer: Dear God, you are glorious beyond my imagination. How can I not praise your name? You have created me and purposed for me a life in You. Allow my life to bring honor and glory to You who is worthy of so much more! In Jesus' name, Amen.

Revelation 4:11 (ESV).

Today's Encounter was written by: Veronica B.

NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ, please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.

Daily Encounter is published at no charge by ACTS International, a non-profit organization, and made possible through the donations of interested friends. Donations can be sent at: http://www.actscom.com

ACTS International P.O. Box 73545 San Clemente, California 92673-0119 U.S.A.

Phone: 949-940-9050 http://www.actsweb.org

Copyright (c) 2016 by ACTS International.

When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2005-2023 ACTS International

[keepers-of-lost-light]

About The Scaled Sisters

We are now at the stage where the histories of Thiania begin to be recorded to a degree. 

It was not until The Minor Gods had figured out how to effectively grant longevity to mortals that the people of Thiania were able to create stories. Stories of how the universe started. Stories of creators. Stories of themselves. 

To be quite honest with you all, The Seren Planar System is only 940 years old as far as I am aware at this point in time. I am sure Antonios or Morsa would have another answer, but they might not even be sure of it themselves. 

Who is to say that Seren is even the first iteration of an Astra that was able to form a celestial body? Who is to say that there was not a world before Seren with a different name, and different people? 

Only The Void would know.

It is why The Minor Gods worked tirelessly to welcome mortals into Seren. Before their work in Tir Dan, Seren was running on reincarnated energy. Every creature outside the gods ran through cycle upon cycle to survive longer than the briefest of moments. Cultivating The World Garden was easy, it was filling it with life that was hard. Flora and fauna came and went as they do, but mortals never survived. 

“They were like wind up toys. They ran until they didn’t.”

And if the gods were to survive they would have to figure out how to grant mortals longevity. How to keep the Children of Caelum & Inferis from falling into dust after a period of time. How to keep the elementals from vaporizing the second they stepped foot outside their home realms. How to keep the animal folk from mindlessly wandering and withering. 

Changelings were the easiest way to solve the problem. Molded by The Minor Gods themselves like little clay figurines. 

Once Nemus, Ventus & Messorem realized they could get the changelings to retain sentience and longevity they granted the same respite to the Children of Caelum & Inferis, The Ősi of The Elemental Tears, and The Animal Folk. (I won’t bore you with the logistics of which mortal races came after or what societal standings starting spring up just yet, that is a lesson for another day.)

Once The Minor Gods had begun to let mortals loose in The World Garden, before societies even began to coalesce in Thiania (What was happening in Tir Dan is a different story), mortals collected in the places they felt safest. Little mountain regions and valleys, even hidden deep in the forests and gathered on the coasts. 

One of the earliest places that mortals gathered was a quaint little valley at the center of one of the continents. No names, no societal standings just yet, just little collections of people. In this specific valley there were some Children of Caelum, some Children of Nemus, (She is the one responsible for the elves!) and a sprinkling of several others that had begun to emerge like dwarves, gnomes, and humans. (There’s plenty of others that is just another topic! I will explain all of that in due time.)

It was in this valley that a set of twins emerged. 

Their names were Sapientia & Eleatheria. 

Half elves born to an elven mother, and rumored a nephilim father. 

These two women would be the tethering force that would begin to pull people together. Determined to prove that their community could be more than just a collection of people. Determined to prove that there was more out there in the world than their little coastal town set in The Terlingwain Valley. Determined to prove there was more outside of their continent of Meskos. 

Sapientia & Eleatheria began to entice people to work together. To build a stronger community, a stronger society, a stronger world. They helped establish their little town of Hopewell between the edge of the forest and the bay. 

Beyond that, they eventually gained friends and followers to aid them in exploring the lands outside the valley. They connected other communities they found back to their home. From Lunaris and Caershire to Avalon and Welcher. Eventually, when they reached either end of their lands, the twins had returned home and began mapping it. 

The land they lived in is known as Meskos. 

And after they mapped Meskos, they set sail to map the rest of The World Garden. 

From Astium to Eleskoso. The Aigéan Isles and The Edges of Alsandri. 

Sapientia & Eleatheria were responsible for bringing Thiania together. For making it what it is today. They wanted to prove to the world that mortals were more than what they expected. 

That act alone did not only make The Minor Gods proud of what they had accomplished, but it caught the attention of The Major Gods as well. Specifically, Antonios’ attention. 

The Scribe of Thiania

[swampythesweetsketch]

Cooper Gene AU

OKAY Y’ALL THIS HAS BEEN A AU THAT I LOOKED AT ONCE AND FORGOT- BUT HERE’S THE GIST.

THE COOPERS WERE NOT ENTIRELY RACCOONS, BUT THE CARRIED A GENE THAT WHEN PASSED DOWN, GAVE ALL OF THEIR OFFSPRING A RACCOON MASK AND RINGTAIL.

EVENTUALLY THE GENE POOL GOT STUPID BUT BASICALLY DIRECT DESCENT GOT THE BOOK. ACCIDENTAL COOPERS ARE EVERYWHERE THANKS TO THE GENE. BUT ONLY THE DIRECT DESCENDANTS GET THE BOOK.

SO HERE’S THE RUN DOWN OF THE ANCESTORS AND THEIR BREEDS. (TIMES AND STUFF FROM THE WIKI- THANK YOU WIKI GODS)

AND ALSO I SAY “GLOVES” FOR SOME COOPERS, WHICH MEANS THE FUR, FEATHER, ETC THAT IS THEIR HANDS. LIKE HOW SOME PEOPLE SAY CATS HAS SOCKS ON WHEN THEIR PAWS ARE WHITE???

10,050 - 10,020 BC | Bob Cooper, the first ancestor and a primal raccoon.

1350 BC - 1,320 BC | Slytunkhamen Cooper. the first Cooper and creator of the Cooper Gene. He used magic to protect his son and accidentally created a form of tagging that was prominent in their mask and tails for years to come.

1320 BC | Slytunkhamen II, the first of the Cooper Gene. Was born with a pitch black mask and tail rings despite being a blond raccoon.

1300 - 1280 BC | Slytunkhamen III was born, and like his father was born again with a abnormal brown mask color despite his blond fur.

920 - 940 | Salim al-Kupar, born some time after the first few Coopers, was the first to be a non-purebreed Cooper. He was a siamese mix with a purple mask instead of a more fitting brown to his tan fur.

1260 - 1270 | Sir Galleath Cooper is born a wolf, his mask and tail black against his brown fur. Weirdly has black gloves too. This quality is spotty in other ancestors.

1400 - 1499 | Slaigh MacCooper, a oxen born among warriors and given a chimera black and white mask over his silvery blue hide. Horns matched his mask and tail was abnormally longer than other oxen.

1560 - 1570 | Rioichi Cooper, a red panda born in Japan with a golden mask and ringtail against his rusty red fur. White portions of his fur were also tinted pink.

1590 | Henriette Cooper was born a scourge among Coopers as she was born a owl. A golden owl with one eye and a rose tinted mask. Her tail feathers oddly curled and his rings were more spirals than any other pattern. Her wings were gradient from cream to rose.

1800 | Thaddeus Winslow Cooper the III, a sophisticated raccoon born under the odd guise of nobilty. His mask and tail rings were white against his dark gray fur. His gloves where also white, adding more to his noble looks.

1850 - 1860 | Tennesee Kid Cooper. a coyote mix with a mask of gold and fur red as the desert dirt. 

1900 - 1910 | Otto Van Cooper, an albino crow born with health issues that hindered his flight duration. His mask was blue, and tail similarly to Henriette, grew in a spiral form.

1930 - 1940 | Bruce O’Coop, a bright golden Labrador with a odd orange mask that only really shown in the dead of night. Kind of like safety jackets with the shiny strips. Mask and tail seemed to glow brightly near technology.

1950 - 1960 | Conner Cooper, a cyan blue raccoon with a light gray mask is born. Gloves of same color. His mask seemed to oddly disappear at day time.

1984 | Sly Cooper is born to his raccoon father and maine coon mother. Born with dark gray-blue fur; and mask, tail, and gloves of baby blue.

UNKNOWN TIME COOPERS

Drake Cooper, a axolotl with pink skin and a sea foam green mask and tail.  

Sally Cooper, a hedgehog with a spotty mask of lilac. Roll move, very obvious.

Dev Cooperinda, a tabby cat that was oddly blue but a mask of earth brown.

Chris Cooper, another raccoon. Born with golden fur and a dark purple.

Karin Coopergiwa, a ball python with purple scales and a stark cream mask and ringtail.

Rob McCooper, a dark grey bat with a light cream mask. His wings are also striped as he has no tail.

B.F. Cooper, a rabbit ancestor with black and white fur and a navy blue mask. He chocked up his messy and bright markings to painting and color spray,

Suzanne Cooper, a white duck with a lilac mask. The mask is only visible when wet.

Andrew Cooper, another wolf. A pure white wolf with a crimson red mask. People swore the mask was really the blood of his foes.

Kelle McCooper, a mint green echidna with a electric yellow mask.

Matthew de la Coopeur, a toad with odd orange-brown skin and black mask. Like Huckleberry, her never lost his tail, but his ringtail was on his physical tail and not the end of it.

Augustine Cooper, a rusty brown hawk with a tan mask. 

Huckleberry Cooper, a bullfrog with bumpy green skin and a mask of berry red, his tadpole tale never left and grew his rings on the tip of his tail.

Colonel Reid Cooper, another raccoon born with gray fur and a dusty orange mask and ringtail.

REMOVED/NON CANON COOPERS

Caroline Cooper, a ferret with dark brown marking and a natural black mask!

Okey O’Cooper, a common pigeon with an iridescent purple-green mask.

Dell de La Coopeur, a orange cream frizzle chicken with a brown-red mask.

Leo Cooper, a golden bengal cat with a white-green mask. The white of his tail is the same color.

[rilwansbloggg]

ORIGIN OF MATHEMATICS AND MATHEMATICAL THINKING

My second topic for this project is Origin Of Mathematics and Mathematical Thinking(Bridging the Gaps – Origin Of Mathematics and Mathematical Thinking with Dr. Keith Devlin) by Dr. Keith Devlin hosted by Dr. Waseem Akhtar. I decided to write about this topic because we must always remember how privileged we are in this modern times of scientific learning. We are so used to making use of well-formulated scientific theories and expressions that we rarely stop to consider the work put in by their creators.

The following lessons can be learnt from studying the origin of mathematics and mathematical thinking: Unlike language, mathematic is quite difficult to learn because it is not an innate feature in human. The difficulty in learning it comes from it being abstract because most mathematical concepts are are outside our lived experience. Finally, mathematics was invented by a combination of roles played by Leonardo (inventing the first computing evolution in Italy in the 13th century) and Steve Jobs at Apple Computers (inventing the Macintosh which marked the world's second evolution of personal computers ).

The guest speaker is Dr. Keith Devlin, a Consulting Professor of Mathematics at Stanford University and now co-founder and Executive Director of Stanford’s Human-Sciences and Technologies Advanced Research Institute, founded in 2006. He is also a member of Stanford’s Center for the Study of Language and Information (CSLI), an important research center for work in computational linguistics, computer science, and mathematics. Devlin received his bachelor’s (special) in mathematics at Kings College, London and his Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Bristol in 1971. (Erik J. Larson, 2022). Some of his research works include:

Logic and information (1991) (797)

Bridging the Gaps – Origin Of Mathematics and Mathematical Thinking with Dr Keith Devlin

A weak version of ◊ which follows from 2ℵ0<2ℵ1 (1978) (190)

Aspects of Constructibility (1973) (148)

The Math Gene: How Mathematical Thinking Evolved And Why Numbers Are Like Gossip (2000) (135)

Infosense: Turning Information into Knowledge (1999) (129)

The Souslin problem (1974) (128)

On the Singular Cardinals Problem (1981) (117)

The Joy of Sets (1993) (109)

Marginalia to a theorem of Silver (1975) (107)

WHY UNIVERSITIES REQUIRE COMPUTER SCIENCE STUDENTS TO TAKE MATH (2003) (104)

The joy of sets : fundamentals of contemporary set theory (1993) (101)

Mathematics Education for a New Era: Video Games as a Medium for Learning (2011) (99)

Mathematics, the science of patterns : the search for order in life, mind, and the universe (1994) (93)

Situation theory and situation semantics (2006) (91)

Goodbye, Descartes: The End of Logic and the Search for a New Cosmology of the Mind (1997) (88)

Writing across the curriculum. (1981) (83)

Fundamentals of contemporary set theory (1979) (75)

THE COMPUTER MODELLING OF MATHEMATICAL REASONING (1986) (61)

The Unfinished Game: Pascal, Fermat, and the Seventeenth-Century Letter that Made the World Modern (2008) (56)

A Mathematician's Lament: How School Cheats Us Out of Our Most Fascinating and Imaginative Art Form (2009) (52)

Mathematics : The New Golden Age (1988) (52)

PROPER FORCING(Lecture Notes in Mathematics, 940) (1983) (46)

The Computer as Crucible: An Introduction to Experimental Mathematics (2008) (45)

Using video games to combine learning and assessment in mathematics education (2015) (45)

Introduction to Mathematical Thinking (2012) (41)

Some weak versions of large cardinal axioms (1973) (39)

Language at Work: Analyzing Communication Breakdown in the Workplace to Inform Systems Design (1996) (37)

Surveys in set theory: THE YORKSHIREMAN'S GUIDE TO PROPER FORCING (1983) (36)

The Combinatorial Principle (1982) (35)

The Man of Numbers: Fibonacci's Arithmetic Revolution (2011) (35)

The Math Instinct: Why You're a Mathematical Genius (Along with Lobsters, Birds, Cats, and Dogs) (2005) (32)

The Millennium Problems : The Seven Greatest Unsolved Mathematical Puzzles of Our Time (2002) (29)

Souslin Properties and Tree Topologies (1979) (27)

A note on the normal Moore space conjecture (1979) (26)

Viewpoint: the real reason why software engineers need math (2001) (24)

Modeling Real Reasoning (2009) (20)

Bibliography

Erik J. Larson, P., 2022. Keith Devlin | Academic Influence. [online] Academicinfluence.com. Available at: <https://academicinfluence.com/people/keith-devlin> [Accessed 3 October 2022].

[shiningliive]

“Shining Solo Series: Cecil” Event Stats (EN)

I make these statistics posts for each event to keep track of the games growth over time and figure out which boy’s events are hardest to tier in.

The numbers in the brackets are the event points of the bottom person in that tier. For example, the person of rank 204 had 432,014 event points.

1 hour from ending, the numbers for the top 7 tiers (top 1%-15%) were: Top 1% - Rank 1-188 (427,561) Top 2% - Rank 189-376 (338,082) Top 3% - Rank 377-546 (303,351) Top 4% - Rank 567-752 (278,340) Top 5% - Rank 753-940 (265,647) Top 10% - Rank 941-1879 (227,986) Top 15% - Rank 1880-2819 (170,582)

*These stats are actually form the last half hour because I’m trash and I forgot again. Can someone please remind me next time to do it? You’d be my savour.

The past few events have had fewer and fewer people playing.

When the event ended, the top 7 tiers were: Top 1% - Rank 1-188 (427,561) Top 2% - Rank 189-376 (338,082) Top 3% - Rank 377-564 (303,351) Top 4% - Rank 565-752 (278,340) Top 5% - Rank 753-940 (265,647) Top 10% - Rank 941-1879 (227,986) Top 15% - Rank 1880-2819 (170,582) 

Factors that may have effected this event:

Cecil is (sadly) quite unpopular

Lots of places have now gone through daylight savings, it is possible some were still confused on start/end times.

Event tier tracker was released (its super useful, thanks to the creators!)

The top 3 player’s points were:

Rood - 750,904

Bleez - 682,873

moran - 650,079

Overall, the end results for this event were pretty similar to ‘Inspector Kurustin’s Pursuit’ although there were slightly fewer people tiering.

Remember that event rewards can take up to 24 hours to arrive, but usually do within the first few. Don’t worry if it takes a bit longer.

The Stats for the previous 3 events here: CAMUS’S ‘AQUA CRYSTAL’ SYO’S ‘INSPECTOR KURUSTIN’S PURSUIT’  REN’S ‘PROFESSOR RENARTY’S SCHEME’ 

[mindthump]

What is DARKSIDE, the cybercriminal ransomware group that has the world on alert? https://ift.tt/3fj4I8G

On May 7, 2021, a ransomware attack violated Colonial Pipeline, one of the most important oil pipeline companies in the United States, causing the interruption of the supply of naphtha, diesel and other refined products for a section of approximately 8,850 kilometers. According to the FBI, the person responsible for this attack is theDARKSIDE ransomware .

What is DARKSIDE?

Image: Depositphotos.com

Since its initial appearance in August 2020, the creators of the DARKSIDE ransomware and their affiliates have launched a global crime spree that has affected organizations in more than 15 countries and multiple vertical industries. Like many of their peers, these cybercriminals carry out multi-faceted extortion in which data is exfiltrated and encrypted instead, allowing them to demand payment for unlocking and nondisclosure of stolen data to put more pressure on the victims.

DARKSIDE ransomware works under the form of ransomware as a service (RaaS), in which the profits are shared between its owners and partners, or affiliates, who provide access to organizations and implement the ransomware . These groups demonstrated varying levels of technical sophistication throughout the intrusions. While cyber attackers generally relied on legitimate and commercially available tools to facilitate various stages of their operations, at least one of the threat groups also employed a now seemingly patched zero-day vulnerability.

In this regard, multiple victims of DARKSIDE have been identified, with the majority of the organizations being based in the United States and spanning multiple sectors, including financial, legal, manufacturing, professional services, retail, and technology. The number of victims publicly named on the cybercriminal group DARKSIDE's blog has increased overall since August 2020. The overall growth in the number of victims demonstrates the increasing use of DARKSIDE ransomware by multiple affiliates.

To find out more: A casino was hacked through a fish tank thermometer

As of November 2020, the Russian cyber attacker “darksupp” announced DARKSIDE RaaS on the Russian forums exploit.in and xss.is. In April 2021, darksupp released an update for the RaaS “Darkside 2.0” that included several new features and a description of the types of partners and services they were looking for. Affiliates retain a percentage of each victim's ransom fee. According to the forum announcements, RaaS operators take 25% for ransom fees of less than $ 500,000, but this drops to 10% for ransom fees above $ 5 million.

In addition to providing compilations of DARKSIDE ransomware , the operators of this service also maintain a blog accessible via TOR. The cybercriminal group uses this site to outreach to victims in an attempt to pressure these organizations to pay for the non-disclosure of stolen data.

A recent update to an underground forum posting also indicates that using functionality from the same DARKSIDE kit, cybercriminals can attempt to target organizations that have been the victims of denial of service (DDoS) attacks. However, darksupp has stated that affiliates are prohibited from targeting hospitals, schools, universities, non-profit organizations and public sector entities.

How does the DARKSIDE affiliate program work?

Image: Depositphotos.com

DARKSIDE RaaS affiliates must pass an interview after which they are provided access to an administration panel. Within this panel, affiliates can perform various actions, such as creating a ransomware build, specifying content for the DARKSIDE blog, managing victims, and contacting technical support.

One point to note is that the relevant advertisements by the cybercriminal group have aimed to find initial access providers or cyber attackers capable of implementing ransomware in already obtained accesses. Some cybercriminals claiming to use DARKSIDE have also allegedly associated themselves with other RaaS affiliate programs, including BABUK and SODINOKIBI (also known as REvil).

Additionally, cybercriminals have become more proficient at conducting extortion operations and this success has directly contributed to the rapid increase in the number of high-impact ransomware incidents in recent years.

To find out more: How have fintechs fared during the pandemic?

Ransomware operators have incorporated additional extortion tactics designed to increase the likelihood that victims will agree to pay ransom prices.

For example, in late April 2021, DARKSIDE traders released a statement stating that they would be infringing on organizations listed on NASDAQ and other stock markets. In this way, they made it known that they would be willing to provide data to stock traders about the upcoming information leaks, to allow them possible gains due to the falls in the price of the shares after an announced breach.

Based on observed trends, it is a fact that the extortion tactics used by cybercriminals to pressure victims will continue to evolve throughout 2021.

Ransomware alert in Mexico

Image: Depositphotos.com

These types of cyberattacks are increasingly numerous, sophisticated, dangerous and massive. According to the SILIKN research unit, in Mexico, more than half of private and public organizations suffered an attack of this type during 2020. It is estimated that during 2020 a ransomware attack occurred every 14 seconds. By early 2021, it is estimated that these attacks will appear every 10 seconds.

In Mexico, the average cost of remediation for organizations for a ransomware attack is 470 thousand dollars and if the ransom is paid, it is 940 thousand dollars.

In 2021, the fastest growing attack in Mexico will be ransomware and less than 50% of organizations have personnel trained to deal with it.

In 2020, ransomware primarily targeted the manufacturing sector, healthcare organizations, and construction companies, with the average ransom reaching $ 500,000, according to data from SILIKN's research unit.

How can a ransomware attack be prevented?

Image: Depositphotos.com

Here are a couple of suggestions:

Update your systems constantly . Software comes with vulnerabilities, and attackers love to exploit vulnerabilities, so your company should have a strong patch and update management policy.

Patching is a simple and effective way to help defend against ransomware . It should be a regular routine routine, in which organizations frequently update and update everything from laptops and desktops to servers, mobile devices, operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux / Unix), endpoint security (antivirus software / antimalware), web browsers, that is, any device and system connected to the network.

To know more: Now the bank - and the fintech companies - will know your location

Continuous training. It's real, end users are often to blame for ransomware attacks. Or they are the victims of phishing , malicious phishing or unauthorized downloads to infected sites. Why? Because threats grow at an exponential rate and if a company's staff does not continuously receive training, information and training on cybersecurity, it is most likely that they will fail in their attempt to identify and, therefore, contain a cyberattack.

While it is encouraging to see more and more organizations requiring their employees to attend cybersecurity awareness training programs, this does not necessarily mean that everyone retains what they have learned. Therefore, education should be ongoing and encourage hypervigilance to the point where it becomes second nature for users: always look for signs of malicious intent and check sources before clicking links or opening email attachments. .

[paystubusa]

Why an Online 940 Form Generator is Essential for Your Tax Filing

One of the main benefits of using an Online 940 Form Generator is accuracy. These tools are designed to mechanically calculate your FUTA tax legal responsibility based totally on the data you enter, reducing the probabilities of human errors.

[yhwhrulz]

Today's Daily Encounter 29th June 2022

Set Apart

“’I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born, I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.’ ‘O Sovereign Lord,’ I said, ‘I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!’ The Lord replied, ‘Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ ‘for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you…’”1

Jeremiah was chosen by God at a young age to do difficult things. The Lord had forbidden him to marry and have children at that time. This may have led to additional loneliness, but it was also a blessing as he did not have to see his family suffer with the destruction of Jerusalem. He faced the great task of declaring God’s words to a rebellious nation, but the Lord was with him. He is often referred to as the “weeping prophet” because of his tender heart and the grief he felt for his people, as their sin had led to severe consequences from the Lord. Jeremiah endured ongoing rejection and personal isolation, which many times comes with the calling of God upon our lives. A.W. Tozer wrote, “Always remember you cannot carry a cross in company. Though a man were surrounded by a vast crowd, his cross is his alone and his carrying of it marks him as a man apart.” Jeremiah’s cross to bear was obedience to his role as God’s prophet, and he bore it courageously.

A large frame with the words of Jeremiah 1:5 hangs on the wall in my daughter’s room. Although she is only 11 years old, this verse has been the foundation for many conversations regarding God’s purpose for us. God, our Creator, formed us and set us apart for a special task. He gave us specific traits to fulfill his calling for our life. It may not always be easy, but we can be sure that our obedience to God is all that is needed. He will do the rest!

More than ever God needs his people to stand strong. To speak truth in love. To be a light in the midst of such great darkness. My heart, like Jeremiah’s, breaks seeing the great sin in the world around us. We must stay the course and be consistent in sharing God’s message of hope, love, and salvation to others. God has set us apart and prepared us for such a time as this.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, it is such a powerful thought knowing how you formed me and set me apart since before I was born to do great things for you. Give me an obedient heart that will seek and serve you faithfully, even when it is difficult. Help my light shine bright and lead others to you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.1. Jeremiah 1:5-8 (NLT).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.

NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ, please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.

Daily Encounter is published at no charge by ACTS International, a non-profit organization, and made possible through the donations of interested friends. Donations can be sent at: http://www.actscom.com

ACTS International P.O. Box 73545 San Clemente, California 92673-0119 U.S.A.

Phone: 949-940-9050 http://www.actsweb.org

Copyright (c) 2016 by ACTS International.

When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International.

[yhwhrulz777]

Today's Daily Encounter 14th November 2022

Thankful to the Giver of Life

"Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you. You are the LORD God."1

I've lived in Southern California my entire life and have experienced earthquakes which have shaken the land fiercely. I've seen the results of ravaging fires that have destroyed countless homes, riots that have destroyed properties and caused harm to our neighbors, and floods and mud slides that have also caused great losses.

In addition, we have also experienced droughts. However, what amazes me is that we continue to have enough water to meet the basic needs of more than twenty three million people! Where does all this water come from? Most of the water comes from the most marvelous water storage system ever created, and it's not just from the many man-made dams and reservoirs, as wonderful and as necessary as these are. It's from the snow that stores water for many months of the year and releases it basically as it is needed. If it weren't for the magnificent mountains and the amazing supply of snow, Southern California would still be little more than a desert.

Many people complain about rainy days when we get good rains in such a dry and thirsty land--rains that fill up the rivers, dams, and reservoirs and store billions of gallons of water in the form of snow over thousands of square miles of rugged mountains--rains that keep us alive! Rain is truly a blessing from God.

If God were to turn off His water supply, or hide the sun, we would not last long! As the Levites said, truly God gives life to everything. Let us be careful not to take God's goodness and provision for granted. Let us worship and praise the Giver of Life today!

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for all the incredible blessings you provide consistently. May I always be thankful and recognize the many gifts you so freely give. Help my attitude of gratitude be an example to others, so that they, too, will come to know our Creator. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus' name, amen."

Nehemiah 9:5-7 (NIV).

Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B.

NOTE: If you would like to accept God's forgiveness for all your sins and His invitation for a full pardon Click on: http://www.actsweb.org/invitation.php. Or if you would like to re-commit your life to Jesus Christ, please click on http://www.actsweb.org/decision.php to note this.

Daily Encounter is published at no charge by ACTS International, a non-profit organization, and made possible through the donations of interested friends. Donations can be sent at: http://www.actscom.com

ACTS International P.O. Box 73545 San Clemente, California 92673-0119 U.S.A.

Phone: 949-940-9050 http://www.actsweb.org

Copyright (c) 2016 by ACTS International.

When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International.

[hotanddeliciousrecords]

Bring out the ugly Christmas sweaters and book your Bondi Pupperazzi Xmas Photo Shoot today! 📷🎄🎁🎅🐶✨

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I’m excited to announce that our BondiPupperazzi.com website Appointments section is now LIVE and we are capturing beautiful, premium imagery of Sydney families with your doggos in the lead-up to Christmas and all summer long!

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Last Saturday at sunrise I hit Kutti Beach in Sydney with Billy the Spoodle, Mish and Mary Rose to launch our ‘All I Want for Xmas’ Bondi Pupperazzi Xmas Photo Shoots. 

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We’ve got 3 packages available for you to snap up and can either shoot with you at your home or at your pup’s happy place in the eastern suburbs of Sydney – e.g. Bondi Beach, Marks Park Dog Park, North Bondi Rocks, Mackenzies Bay Rock Pools, North Bondi Grassy Knoll, South Bondi Grass, Tamarama Beach Park, Bronte Park, Rose Bay Dog Beach, Kutti Beach & more! Bring the family too!

$150 + GST – 1 hour photoshoot + 20-30 Digital Images.

$250 + GST – 1 hour photoshoot + 20-30 Digital Images + 60cm x 40cm print.

$385 + GST – 1 hour photoshoot + 20-30 Digital Images + 60cm x 40cm framed print.

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Deck your doggo in the latest Christmas swag and make them part of your family photos this Christmas, to post on “the ‘Gram” and send to your friends and family around Australia and around the world! Book your shoot now!

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xo Dan Wilkinson @hotndelicious AKA @BondiPupperazzi 📷🎄🎁🎅🐶✨

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For more information, brand collaborations, custom packages and enquiries contact us us on info@bondipupperazzi.com

Bondi Pupperazzi Xmas Photo Shoots – For more information contact: info@bondipupperazzi.com

Bondi Pupperazzi Xmas Photo Shoots – For more information contact: info@bondipupperazzi.com

Bondi Pupperazzi Xmas Photo Shoots – For more information contact: info@bondipupperazzi.com

Bondi Pupperazzi Xmas Photo Shoots – For more information contact: info@bondipupperazzi.com

Bondi Pupperazzi Xmas Photo Shoots – For more information contact: info@bondipupperazzi.com

Bondi Pupperazzi Xmas Photo Shoots – For more information contact: info@bondipupperazzi.com

Bondi Pupperazzi Xmas Photo Shoots – For more information contact: info@bondipupperazzi.com

Bondi Pupperazzi Xmas Photo Shoots – For more information contact: info@bondipupperazzi.com

Bondi Pupperazzi Xmas Photo Shoots – For more information contact: info@bondipupperazzi.com

Bondi Pupperazzi Xmas Photo Shoots – For more information contact: info@bondipupperazzi.com

Bondi Pupperazzi Xmas Photo Shoots – For more information contact: info@bondipupperazzi.com

Bondi Pupperazzi Xmas Photo Shoots – For more information contact: info@bondipupperazzi.com

Bondi Pupperazzi Xmas Photo Shoots – For more information contact: info@bondipupperazzi.com

Bondi Pupperazzi Xmas Photo Shoots – For more information contact: info@bondipupperazzi.com

Bondi Pupperazzi Xmas Photo Shoots – For more information contact: info@bondipupperazzi.com

Bondi Pupperazzi Xmas Photo Shoots – For more information contact: info@bondipupperazzi.com

Bondi Pupperazzi Xmas Photo Shoots – For more information contact: info@bondipupperazzi.com

Bondi Pupperazzi Xmas Photo Shoots – For more information contact: info@bondipupperazzi.com

Bondi Pupperazzi Xmas Photo Shoots – For more information contact: info@bondipupperazzi.com

Bondi Pupperazzi Xmas Photo Shoots – For more information contact: info@bondipupperazzi.com

Bondi Pupperazzi Xmas Photo Shoots – For more information contact: info@bondipupperazzi.com

Bondi Pupperazzi Xmas Photo Shoots – For more information contact: info@bondipupperazzi.com

Please note: 

Locations:

Bondi Pupperazzi Xmas Photo Shoot packages include Bondi Beach,Marks Park Dog Park,North Bondi Rocks, North Bondi Grassy Knoll, South Bondi Grass, Mackenzies Bay Rock Pools, Tamarama Beach, Bronte Beach or your chosen location in Bondi Beach, North Bondi, Tamarama, Bondi or Bondi Junction.

Additional Eastern Suburbs locations – Additional travel fee of $30 applies toRose Bay Dog Beach, Milk Beach, Kutti Beach, Potts Point, Kings Cross, Potts Point, Coogee and other locations within 5km of Bondi Beach.

Greater Sydney – Bondi Pupperazzi Xmas Photo Shoots – Yes, we shoot all over Sydney. Drop us a line via info@bondipupperazzi.com for bookings and enquiries.

Dan Wilkinson AKA @hotndelicious 

Creator @hotndelicious @BondiPupperazzi @craftbeerlovin’.

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Bondi Pupperazzi by @hotndelicious:

Get in touch: info@bondipupperazzi.com

Book a shoot: https://www.bondipupperazzi.com/s/shop

https://www.instagram.com/bondipupperazzi/

https://www.facebook.com/BondiPupperazzi

For photographic prints/collabs, social media strategy, brand content & influencer business enquiries contact: info@hotndelicious.com

[contact-form]

Bondi Pupperazzi Xmas Photo Shoots – For more information contact: info@bondipupperazzi.com

Bondi Pupperazzi launch Xmas Puppy Photo Shoots Bring out the ugly Christmas sweaters and book your Bondi Pupperazzi Xmas Photo Shoot today!

[downthetubes]

Society of Authors launches Comics Creator Network

Society of Authors launches Comics Creator Network

Britain’s Society of Authors has formed the Comics Creator Network, a member-led online community that aims to empower, connect and support all types of comics creators in the UK.

Founded by creator / graphic designer Woodrow Phoenix and Comics Laureate Hannah Berry, the network aims to offer continuing professional and personal support with an online, member-led community for comics creators…

[bloggerking2018-blog]

Antminer X3 is profitable or not ?

New Post has been published on https://metforminer.us/antminer-x3-profitable-not/

Antminer X3 is profitable or not ?

This affirms ASIC diggers have existed for a long time.

All new Antminer X3 to mine CryptoNight coins!

The Antminer X3 conveys a minmum hashrate of 220KH/s while expending 550W of aggregate power.

To avert accumulating by specific clients or affiliates and to guarantee that more individual mineworkers in various time zones far and wide can arrange this new ASIC digger, we have rolled out a few improvements:

There is a farthest point of one digger for every client for all requests in the present (two) bunches. We will discharge both these groups with an equivalent stock thrice today: at 3PM, 6pm and 9PM (15 March, GMT+8). Snap underneath to take in the cost or to arrange after the planned time of dispatch:

From item page: 11999 USD

Purchase it from MinerShop -2800 USD

https://metforminer.us/product/cpuminer-monero-mining-hardware/

Hashing calculation: CryptoNight Power utilization: 550W Hashrate: 220KH/s

These are the most traditionalist appraisals. We anticipate that the mineworkers will convey higher execution and proficiency when they are prepared to transport.

2. There are money related dangers related with mining digital forms of money. These dangers can be identified with changes in swapping scale of the cryptographic money or to changes in the calculation that is utilized to mine the digital money. If you don’t mind consider a long time before making a buy since we won’t acknowledge any solicitations for discount for requests of this group.

To guarantee that more purchasers around the globe can buy mineworkers in this bunch, we have set a point of confinement of one excavator for every client .

It would be ideal if you select the right address for transportation before you present your request on the grounds that, for this cluster, the delivery address can’t be changed after the request has been submitted.

The delivery cost has been refreshed by our coordinations’ specialist organization as of late. In this manner, the delivery cost for clusters that are to be transported after April 2018 will be marginally unique (likely lower) than those that are to be sent before April 2018.

The transportation for this cluster will begin on a first-arrange first-dispatch premise on 15 May 2018 for orders that Bitmain has gotten full installment for. We encourage you to examine and get ready ahead of time for the traditions’ leeway in your nation to dodge delays or startling expenses.

You will require an ATX PSU with no less than 10 six-stick PCIe connectors. There are 3 six-stick PCIe connectors on each hashing board and every one of the three should be associated with the PSU for the hashing board to work. Try not to associate in excess of one PSU to the same hashing board. Bitmain prescribes the APW3++ to control the X3

Isolate control supply to control board: there is one extra six-stick PCIe connector on the IO board which must be associated with the PSU to get control. Make certain to control on the mineworker simply after all the 10 PCIe connectors are associated with a power supply.

I trust the makers have been mining the cryptonight calculation beginning with September 2017.

Do you surmise that the ASIC fabricates are not to fault for the system and trouble spikes from October ? (A comparative diagram can be seen for Electroneum moreover)

Current Monero Hash rate is 960 MegaHashes/s (Electroneum has around 363 I think).

Prior to the spike in September 2017 the hashrate was 160-170 MegaHashes. That is around 6x increment in only a couple of months for Monero alone. Considering Electroneum likewise that is an expansion of hashing energy of 480.000 Vegas. … That doesn’t sound right considering the supply was constrained, now in the event that you consider that every one of these mineworkers is fit for 220.000 hashes/s, than that is 4363 X3 gadgets, which sounds absolutely possible for a multi billion $ organization.

These increments occurred from one day to the next, it was not progressive.

WebMiners can not clarify this, CPU excavators the same. Easygoing client mining or even botnets happen more natural and step by step, not in a flash like we can find in the outlines.

Bitmain Advancements Ltd. is a Bitcoin digger and creators of ASIC chips. It is an exclusive organization that is headquartered in Beijing, China. Bitmain has as of late discharged ASIC-fueled Antminer X3, intended to mine the CryptoNight hashing calculation utilized by Monero [XMR]. The units are to be dispatched soon and according to messages, the amount is constrained to one for every client and an additional markdown for existing clients.

Riccardo Spagni, the undertaking lead at Monero tweeted that their new excavator will “NOT WORK” for mining Monero. Monero’s sheets alarmed purchasers to not buy these units on account of a planned change in the coin’s Verification of-Work calculation. This reaction from the Monero people group has shaken Bitmain’s new pursuit and thus, the world’s most effective Bitcoin-digger needed to correct their item portrayal with a notice cautioning expressing the purchasers about the adjustment in a couple of real digital money calculations.

“At the point when inquired as to why a doorstopper had “excavator” in its name, Jihan Wu, the Chief of Bitmain, expressed that “The Antminer X3 looks, works and seems like a digital currency mineworker… .”

Despite the fact that Bitmain’s X3 mineworker did not prevail with regards to persuading its development, it should proceed in the business. This digger is perfect with a few different digital forms of money, for example, Bytecoin, Age, Dash, and some more. Bitmain is likewise keeping it solid by promising to deliver more units in extra bunches this year.

The AntMiner X3 may be a CryptoNight ASIC mineworker from Bitmain. With 220KH/s for $11999, with this machine, you’ll earn quite one hundred fifty $ per day. you’ll conjointly mine through a cloud mining contract with Hashflare or Genesis Mining.

Batch one – Shipping: 15-31 could

Notes:

1. Hashing algorithm: CryptoNight Power consumption: 550W Hashrate: 220KH/s

These area unit the foremost conservative estimates. we have a tendency to expect the miners to deliver higher performance and potency once they area unit able to ship.

2. There area unit monetary risks related to mining cryptocurrencies. These risks is associated with changes within the rate of the cryptocurrency or to changes within the algorithmic program that’s wont to mine the cryptocurrency. Please deliberate well before creating an acquisition as a result of they’ll not settle for any requests for refund for orders of this batch.

3. to confirm that a lot of consumers round the world can buy miners during this batch, they need set a limit of 1 mineworker per user.

4. Please choose the right address for shipping before you submit your order as a result of, for this batch, the shipping address can not be modified when the order has been submitted.

5. The shipping value has been updated by their logistics’ service supplier recently. Therefore, the shipping value for batches that area unit to be shipped when Apr 2018 are slightly totally different (likely lower) than those who area unit to be shipped before Apr 2018.

6. The shipping for this batch can begin on a first-order-first-ship basis on fifteen could 2018 for orders that Bitmain has received full payment for. They advise you to analysis and prepare ahead for the customs’ clearance in your country to avoid delays or surprising prices.

7. you may want AN ATX PSU with a minimum of ten six-pin PCIe connectors. There area unit three six-pin PCIe connectors on every hashing board and every one 3 got to be connected to the PSU for the hashing board to control. don’t connect quite one PSU to a similar hashing board. Bitmain recommends the APW3++ to power the X3

8. Separate power offer to manage board: there’s one extra six-pin PCIe connecter on the IO board that should be connected to the PSU to induce power. take care to power on the mineworker solely in spite of everything the ten PCIe connectors area unit connected to an influence offer.

Disclosure: Mining instrumentation metrics area unit calculated supported a network hash rate of 940 MH/s and employing a XMR – USD rate of one XMR = $ 213.89. These figures vary supported the overall network hash rate and on the XMR to USD conversion rate. instrumentation value will vary, block reward is mounted at five.042404214681 XMR and future block reward reductions aren’t taken under consideration. The electricity value utilized in generating these metrics is $ zero.12 per kWh. Network hash rate varies over time, this can be simply AN estimation supported current values.

[babbleuk]

Why can’t we work out a technological solution for music distribution?

In February 1983⁠ Iegor Reznikoff and Michel Dauvois, the Parisian archaeologists surveying the renowned cave pantings of the Pyrenéan Ariège, faced a conundrum. Some of the famous artworks appeared in otherwise insignificant side passages — surely our ancestors would want to decorate the larger, grander spaces?

As they surveyed the site, Reznikoff would hum to himself out of habit and, he later claimed, to ‘feel’ how each chamber sounded. In one cave in particular (Le Portel), his humming echoed noticeably, leading him to propose an experiment. The pair whistled and sang their way through the cave systems, building a ‘resonance map’ as they went. To their amazement most cave paintings were very close — to within a metre — of the most sonorous zones of the caves. Indeed, some ‘paintings’ were little more than markers, red dots indicating resonant areas of the cave system. More profoundly, some spaces only worked with singing, or with higher or deeper instruments.

In other words, our forebears of 14,000 years ago chose particular spaces for particular types of music-led ritual. “For the first time, it has been possible to penetrate into the musical world of Palaeolithic populations,” the pair surmised. Wrote Professor Steven Errede at the University of Illinois, “Perhaps these occasions were the world’s first ‘rock’ concerts – singing and playing musical instruments inside of a gigantic, complex, multiply-connected organ pipe, exciting complex resonances and echoes as they sang and played!” The capability to create music, to sing, to dance is part of what it means to be human — Darwin himself suggested our musical abilities, shared with animals and birds, emerged before our use of language. Like birds, our abilities to create and to perform music are inherent to our very existence. About 500 years ago however, something changed.

At roughly the same time as Gutenberg was designing his printing press, in the late 1600s luthier Antonio Stradivari worked out techniques to apply varnish to wood, enabling it to hold a note better, and Bach experimented with the ‘well-tempered’ clavier, tuned such that a majority of notes were mathematically aligned (meaning most scales could be played without any ‘off’ notes). Coupled with the reproduction of musical notation (thank you Gutenberg), the notion of distribution was introduced into the arts. Suddenly it became possible for one person to write a piece of music, which someone else could then print, and a third could perform without the whole thing needing to be written out by hand.

Not coincidentally, it was only shortly after, in 1709 that the Statute of Anne first enshrined the notion of copyright into law. A hundred years later, in the post-Napoleonic, heady musical times of Chopin, Liszt and Paganini, book and music publishing was already big business (as was illegal copying of scores). Only a matter of decades passed before sound recording devices, the first (from the fantastically named Frenchman Edouard-Leon Scott de Martinville) captured a garbled version of Claire De La Lune. Another Frenchman, Louis Le Prince made the world’s first film⁠ in October 1888, sixty-odd years after his compatriot Joseph Nicéphore Niépce took⁠ the world’s first photograph. Quite why the French had such deep involvement in such world-changing technological creations is unclear; but in doing so they spawned a global empire of industries based on the business of making art and then getting paid for it.

The irony was (and remains) that across the ages, only the luckier performers have become rich on their creations.  In days of yore, if you had not achieved notoriety for your works you looked for a rich patron who would support you, or for the state to support you. The advent of technology (in the form of pressing discs) did not change things much: according to a study from the National Endowment for the Arts, median earnings in the for US musicians were a paltry $2,958 in 1969, rising to $5,561 in 1979 and $9,900 in 1989. A 1980 artists employment survey found that, “of those with second jobs in 1980… over a fourth of musicians were in sales, clerical or service jobs — jobs with a history of low pay and benefits.”

The desire to break out of this beatnik existence was, and is still, compelling for artists, but also focused the minds of the industry. “The earnings of the highest paid members of the professions, perhaps ‘superstars,’ increased faster than earnings of the profession as a whole,” continues the report, illustrating a mathematical reality: that a very small number of artists earned the lion’s share of the reward. Given the fact that music sales were stagnating (wrote Pekka Gronow in 1983, “Perhaps records, as a mass medium, have now reached the saturation point.”), catalysed by the rise of home taping, each label felt it had little choice than to remove all but the most profitable bands and musicians from the rosters. Not-successful-enough bands such as Pure Reason Revolution, culled by Sony/BMG in 2006, were simply removed from the rosters.

These two factors — that humanity has been compelled since the year dot (and before) to make music, and that its mathematical profitability is highly skewed towards the few — have laid the foundations for what appears, on the surface, to be an industry in crisis. In 2010 for example, total album sales had dropped steadily from 1999’s figure of 940 million to only 360 million; by 2014 US recorded music revenues were down by almost two thirds since their height at the turn of the millennium, to⁠ $21.50 per capita. To continue a decades-old theme, the fault has been squarely placed at the door of technology, first with home taping, then CD ripping (though at least CDs offered a temporary injection of cash into the system), then file sharing and torrenting, and most recently streaming⁠, which remains the bogeyman of the industry.

Add to this, the alleged daylight robbery from streaming services like Youtube, Spotify and Apple Music.  YouTube’s journey has not been a bed of roses: in 2006, even as Google paid 1.6 billion for the site, news sites suggested that it was losing 500,000 per month. Two years later Eric Schmidt, then-Google CEO, remarked⁠, “I don’t think we’ve quite figured out the perfect solution of how to make money, and we’re working on that.” Nobody doubts YouTube’s dominance today: billions of videos are watched daily, a third of which are music related. Meanwhile, Spotify now has 50 million paying subscribers and many millions more who use the advertising-supported version of the site, Apple first launched iCloud with its built-in “piracy amnesty⁠” for music, then its fully fledged Apple Music service; and Google⁠ and Amazon have launched their own music offerings. Each is seen as working with, or conspiring against the music industry or individual artists, depending on who you ask.

Thus we have the pervading narrative of today’s music industry: corporations in crisis, streaming services the culprit, musicians carrying the can. Behind the lines though we have a fundamental factor and a cause for optimism, reflected in artist royalties. Despite taking a recession-based hit, royalty payments from US rights organisation Broadcast Music, Inc (BMI, representing 600,000 members) have been increasing year on year since 2000. In 2016, the organisation some distributed over a billion dollars to its rights holders, as did the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP, 460,000 members). UK licensing revenues are also up year on year, and have been for almost a decade.

The ensemble of ‘rights holders’ — people who licence their songs or recordings — have never been as well off as today, so where is the problem? The answer, simply, is that there is a lot more of them than ever before. Remarks acid house DJ and polymath Andrew Weatherall, “Here we are at the apex of the punk-rock dream, the democratisation of art, anyone can do it, and what a double-edged sword that’s turned out to be.” It is difficult to know whether one is listening to a professional musician recording a song in an expensive studio, or some troubled kid making a song in their apartment — if, indeed, it matters. A positive consequence is massive diversification, driving a positive explosion of culture, with artists as diverse Korea’s Psy and Morocco’s Hala Turk from Morocco gaining almost-overnight international attention when their compositions went viral. The downside is a massive increase in supply: the total number of musicians in the US was 189,510, clearly the rate of growth of ‘rights holders’ far surpasses that of ‘professional’ musicians.

What does all of this mean? Within the backs and forths, the amount being spent on music, and the sums arriving at its creators, are increasing. Whether the revenues are distributed fairly is a hot question: the answer is a probable no, itself unchanged since third parties inserted themselves in the pathway of musical distribution. The second, hot question is whether we, the punters are paying enough for the music we consume. While the prevailing answer (largely from the industry, but see question 1) is a resounding no, the reality is more nuanced. Musical purchases come from that economic category of “discretionary spend”, a variable pool of funds allocated according to desire, diligence and, frankly, what can be got away with. A few quid saved on a free listen to a new album via Spotify could equate to a trip to the cinema or a new t-shirt.

This is no glib comparison, as it shines a spotlight on the importance of good marketing for musicians. If marketing is about getting a signal to cut through the noise, in this case “the noise” equates to every other product and service vying for a slice of the discretionary pie. If, as we have already seen, industry players are going to focus on the few to the detriment of the many (and rightly so, mathematically — they’d be out of business otherwise), those outside of the high-street-shop-window inner circle are missing a trick if they are not creating “a signal” of their own.

Of course, many if not most independent artists are already following the lead of pioneers such as Marillion, Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails and a host of others. Services such as Bandcamp (offering direct sales of music and merchandise) have become a go-to platforms, reflecting an increasingly empowered relationship between ‘content creators’ and ‘content consumers’; and nobody blinks at the idea of crowdfunding today. More importantly, artists with active relationships with their listeners appear more sanguine than industry representatives about the horrors of streaming revenues. Commented musician Zoe Keating in 2015, “The dominant story in the press on artist earnings did not reflect my reality, nor that of musical friends I talked to. None of us were concerned about file sharing/piracy, we seemed to sell plenty of music directly to listeners via pay-what-you-want services while at the same time earn very little from streaming.”

With all this in mind, it’s not hard to see just why sections of the musical community set so much store on technology as a disintermediating force within the industry, as illustrated by ongoing dialogues around Ethereum. Even as the chicken lickins of the music industry scream about the sky falling in, a number of certainties remain: that we will continue to listen to music, and, despite what some may say, we are prepared to pay increasing amounts to do so, even as we default to simpler and cheaper before more complicated and more expensive (through simple human weakness). The trick is to create a platform which is artist-controlled, which costs only as much as the processing required to deliver it and which is accepted as a place to go for the listener: a musical RSS feed with a straightforward front end, artist search and micro-payments built in. A cigarette packet calculation suggests that one could listen to 2,000-5,000 songs a month: if these cost an acceptable ha’penny a time with 20% (say) going to the platform provider, the debate would be in a very different place to now.

While the challenge is clearly more complicated than music revenues (who pays for studio time, or indeed artwork, what about live performances, advertising revenues, and so on and so on), the bottom line is, nothing technological is getting in the way of giving artists a fair deal vis-a-vis the music listener. If this means the problem lies elsewhere, for example in convoluted music licensing, poorly written contracts, business models which continue to put artists last and so on, then we have two directions. One, optimistically, is that producer-consumer axis will find an acceptable technological solution: numerous precedents exist for this in other industries, but we are not there yet despite the best efforts of many — the latest, Choon, is to be applauded. The second option is that musicians and punters will continue to rely on big business to control the flows of musical content, putting themselves in thrall of a small number of organizations whose profitability obligations lie with stockholders.

The choice, ultimately, is ours.

from Gigaom https://gigaom.com/2018/02/28/why-cant-we-work-out-a-technological-solution-for-music-distribution/

[yatterzuk]

New Windows 10 devices unveiled at CES 2017 unlock the creator in each of us

Happy New Year!

And thank you for making 2016 an amazing year for Windows 10 across PCs, tablets, all-in-1’s, 2-in-1’s, mixed reality, and Xbox One. As we move toward the release of the Windows 10 Creators Update, I’ve spent the week at the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, seeing all kinds of innovation firsthand. It’s incredible to see the creativity of our partners and so many teams around the world who are building devices for each of us.

Empowering you to create and play continues to be at the core of how we build Windows, whether you’re a student, educator, gamer, creative or mobile professional. This week our partners announced some fantastic new devices at CES.

Acer, Dell, HP, Lenovo, LG, MSI, Samsung, and Toshiba introduced Windows 10 devices in a variety of form factors, such as 2-in-1 convertibles, laptops, desktops and gaming PCs

Key themes among partner devices include VR-ready gaming PCs featuring the latest NVIDIA graphics cards, increased power and performance with Intel’s latest 7th Gen Core i7 processor, lighter devices with longer battery life for greater portability than ever, OLED and 4K screens for the most stunning visuals, infrared cameras and fingerprint readers that unlock Windows Hello, and much more.

Here are some highlights:

Acer launched cutting-edge gaming PCs that deliver performance, design innovation, and immersive experiences

Acer introduced the highly anticipated curved-screen Predator 21 X gaming laptop. It offers a curved 21-inch IPS display and delivers a truly immersive gaming experience, especially when combined with the notebook’s Tobii eye-tracking technology. The curved screen features NVIDIA G-SYNC technology, ensuring smooth and sharp gameplay. Acer also introduced a VR-ready PC: the Aspire GX desktop that delivers stunning 4K resolution visuals and can support up to four displays at once for a maximized gaming experience. To learn more about what Acer announced at CES, visit this link.

Dell delivered first-of-a-kind PC and peripheral innovations that empower creators, and introduced the new XPS 13 2-in-1

Dell unveiled a series of innovations built with Windows 10 to redefine personal computing – including the Dell Canvas, a horizontal smart workspace with touch, totem and pen capabilities; a 13-inch 2-in-1; XPS and Precision All-in-Ones; the Dell UltraSharp 32 Ultra HD 8K Monitor; Dell’s most powerful VR-ready mobile workstation, and a wireless charging 2-in-1 for the ultimate “no wires” experience. The Dell Canvas with Windows 10 is a new category of smart workspace technology that expands creative productivity for content developers and designers; the 27-inch QHD smart workspace can be used at an angle or flat on a desk so you can create, communicate, and express your ideas as naturally as you do with pen on paper. Powered by virtually any Windows 10 device, Dell Canvas also plugs seamlessly into software solutions from partners including Adobe, Autodesk, AVID, Dassault Systems, SolidWorks, and Microsoft to unleash the creative genius in everyone.

Dell also introduced an all new XPS 13 2-in-1 that offers a 360-degree hinge for multiple productivity and viewing options, up to 15 hours of battery life, and eye-popping clarity with a gorgeous QHD+ (5.7M pixels) InfinityEdge touch display. The fanless design keeps it silent and it can be configured with 7th Gen Intel Core vPro processors. To learn more about what Dell announced at CES, visit this link.

HP delivered power and innovative design in the redesigned Sprout Pro, and their latest 2-in-1 for business

HP introduced the redesigned Sprout Pro, an immersive all-in-one PC that incorporates advanced technologies and new features that empower you to create highly visual content and interactive experiences by blending the physical and digital worlds. HP has evolved Sprout Pro’s software to make it easy to interact between Windows 10 Pro and Sprout’s unique HD resolution projector, touch mat, and 2D/3D cameras. The Sprout Pro now features a hefty Intel Core i7 processor, 1TB of SSHD storage, up to 16GB of RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M graphics for faster 3D scanning, and Windows 10 Pro with its innovative and secure experiences.

HP also announced the HP EliteBook x360 1030, an incredibly thin 14.9mm business-class convertible, featuring the iconic Elite design and durability, this device is built for performance with Intel 7th Generation Core processors and runs Windows 10 Pro. Integrated collaboration capabilities enhance productivity with dedicated conferencing keys, audio features bring new life to meetings and a 13.3-inch diagonal optional 4K UHD display with webcam and pen support makes creating content easier than ever. To learn more about what HP announced at CES, visit this link.

Lenovo introduced a new gaming brand and powerful state-of-the-art gaming laptops

Lenovo launched a dedicated sub-brand for Lenovo gaming, called Lenovo Legion. Lenovo’s new Legion offerings come in the form of two powerful gaming laptops designed for mainstream and enthusiast players. The Lenovo Legion Y720 and Y520 laptops offer gamers state-of-the-art technology to fully immerse in the game. These new PCs allow for a greater gaming experience in every sense—powering VR through the latest NVIDIA graphics, better sound with Dolby Atmos, and increased power with Intel’s latest 7th Gen Core i7 processor. In addition to these new gaming laptops, Lenovo announced updates to the ThinkPad X1 family of devices that are thinner, lighter, and more powerful than previous models. To learn more about what Lenovo announced at CES, visit this link.

LG delivered superior portability and battery life

The feather-light LG Gram’s feature 7th generation Intel Core i7 processors, up to 512GB SSD and max 16GB DDR4 Dual Channel Memory and Full HD IPS panels that supports In-Touch Display technology. The newest LG Gram laptops come in three different screen sizes – the 13.3-inch and 14.0-inch models weigh in at 940 grams and 970 grams, respectively, while the largest model only weighs 1,090 grams despite its impressive 15.6-inch screen. Super slim bezels frame the screen to create a sophisticated, near-edgeless touchscreen that is great for interacting naturally with Windows 10 and using Windows Ink to make notes and annotate directly on webpages in Microsoft Edge. To learn more about what LG announced at CES, visit this link.

Game on with new MSI Laptops that pack the power of traditional desktops

MSI launched a brand-new lineup of gaming devices powered by Windows 10, the latest Intel 7th generation CPUs, and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10 GPUs. Brand-new VR-ready gaming laptops, gaming motherboards, ultimate gaming graphics cards equipped with TWIN FROZR VI, gaming desktop PCs and Gaming Gear peripherals to bring gamers all over the world the latest and greatest technologies. New MSI GT83VR, GT73VR, GS73VR, GS63VR, and GS43VR gaming laptops are powered by Windows 10 and Intel 7th generation CPUs and NVIDIA GeForce GTX1050 Ti & GTX1050 gaming graphics cards, feature enhanced audio experiences and offer gamers the power of a desktop including fast and smooth VR experiences to gamers on the go. To learn more about what MSI announced at CES, visit this link.

Samsung unveiled their first gaming PC powered by Windows 10, the Samsung Notebook Odyssey

This week Samsung unveiled their first ever gaming PC, the Samsung Notebook Odyssey powered by Windows 10. Available in 17.3-inch and 15.6-inch models, the Samsung Notebook Odyssey packs power in a beautiful design with premium features to offer a premium gaming experience. Powered by a 7th Generation Intel Core i7 processor (Quad Core 45W), both models of the Samsung Notebook Odyssey offer lightning fast performance with premium graphic technologies. In addition to its high-performing engine, the Samsung Notebook Odyssey 15-inch offers a beautiful viewing experience including a backlight that goes up to 280 nits in brightness for crystal clear images. Samsung also showcased their recently updated Samsung Notebook 9 15-inch laptop. The Notebook 9 15-inch is equipped with the latest 7th Generation Intel Core i7 Processor, features a vibrant full HD display, has a built-in fingerprint reader that unlocks password free sign in with Windows Hello, and is packed with a battery that can last as long as 15 hours on a single charge. To learn more about what Samsung announced at CES, visit this link.

Toshiba introduced a powerful premium 2-in-1 for business

Toshiba introduced the new Portégé X20W, a premium 2-in-1 convertible PC running Windows 10 Pro. Measuring 15.4mm thin and weighing less than 2.5 pounds, the Portégé X20W has a battery life of up to 16 hours, features multi-directional microphones to support Cortana, a pair of IR cameras to allow easy and secure log in with Windows Hello, and a touchscreen for digital inking with Windows Ink or marking up webpages in Microsoft Edge. The Portégé X20W is designed for mobile professionals, educators, and students. To learn more about what Toshiba announced at CES, visit this link.

These great new devices are just the beginning of how Windows will enable more creativity in 2017. As we announced in October, the Windows 10 Creators Update will let customers access amazing mixed reality content with the Universal Windows Platform catalog on head mounted displays from hardware partners like Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and 3Glasses. And as we announced in December, with Windows 10 on ARM, we are addressing the growing desire for more lightweight, portable, more battery efficient PCs. By partnering Qualcomm hardware with the Windows 10 Creators update and emulation technology, we’re opening the doors for our partners to build innovative devices that will create diversity in the marketplace and bring more choice to people and businesses that are looking for always-connected mobile computing experiences.

I want to thank all our partners for the great work they are doing to develop hardware that is designed to maximize all the benefits of the Windows 10 Creators Update. These partnerships ensure an entire ecosystem of devices to choose from so that each of us can unleash our inner creator, and 2017 is shaping up to bring even more exciting and compelling options than ever before.

Terry

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New Windows 10 devices unveiled at CES 2017 unlock the creator in each of us was originally published on Yatterz