Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, is facing a record €1.2 billion ($1.3 billion) fine from the European Union for failing to protect users' personal information from American security services. The Irish Data Protection Commission, which oversees Facebook's operations in the EU, stated that the social network's data transfers to the US did not adequately safeguard the fundamental rights and freedoms of users.
In addition to the hefty fine, Meta has been given five months to halt any future transfer of personal data to the US and six months to cease the unlawful processing and storage of transferred EU data in the US. Despite the potential impact of the ban on data transfers, Meta's shares saw a 2.8% increase in New York.
This penalty is the latest development in an ongoing saga concerning data transfers between the EU and the US. In 2020, the EU's top court invalidated the EU-US Privacy Shield pact, citing concerns about the safety of citizens' data on US servers. The decision affected not only Facebook but also thousands of other businesses that rely on transatlantic data flows for various purposes, including sales, marketing, and payroll processing.
While the court didn't strike down contractual clauses as an alternative data transfer tool, doubts about American data protection led to a preliminary order from the Irish authority, preventing Facebook from using this method as well.
To address the issue, EU regulators unveiled proposals in December to replace the previous Privacy Shield pact. Negotiations with the US resulted in an executive order by President Joe Biden and assurances to ensure the safety of EU citizens' data.
Despite the fine, Meta plans to appeal the Irish decision, stating it is flawed and unjustified. The company believes that the ban on data transfers could harm the millions of people who use Facebook daily. However, this appeal process could take months or even years.
The fines imposed on Meta coincide with the fifth anniversary of the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which grants regulators the authority to levy significant penalties for serious violations. Meta's recent fines have made it the top offender on the list of the highest EU privacy penalties.
Privacy campaigner Max Schrems has been at the forefront of the fight against Facebook in Ireland, arguing that EU citizens' data is at risk once it reaches US servers. The controversy over data transfers has been ongoing since Edward Snowden exposed the extent of US agency surveillance in 2013.
While the fine is a substantial financial blow to Meta, it also highlights ongoing concerns about data protection and privacy issues in the EU and the US. The case underscores the importance of complying with data privacy regulations, especially as digital interactions become an integral part of daily life worldwide.
Louisville City FC is set to make history this summer as it hosts its inaugural international friendly against the illustrious German club FC Kaiserslautern. The match is scheduled for an 8 p.m. kickoff on Wednesday, June 21, at the Lynn Family Stadium.
As a member of the 2 Bundesliga, FC Kaiserslautern boasts a rich history, having secured numerous top-level titles since its establishment in 1900, with the most recent triumph in the 1997-1998 season. The club has garnered an American following, particularly due to its close proximity to the United States’ Ramstein Air Base, the headquarters for U.S. air forces in Europe.
The pregame Fan Zone will open its gates at 6:30 p.m., offering special promotions for eager fans. Attendees can enjoy a $2 bratwurst and beer happy hour ahead of the highly anticipated kickoff.
Hailing from Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany, FC Kaiserslautern holds the distinction of being a founding Bundesliga member, participating in the top-flight division every year from 1963 to 1996. With an impressive tally of four German titles, two domestic cups, and a notable UEFA Champions League quarterfinal appearance in 1999, the club's legacy precedes itself.
LouCity's head coach, Danny Cruz, expressed his enthusiasm about welcoming such a historically significant opponent to Lynn Family Stadium. "FC Kaiserslautern is a name I certainly know, and I’m sure most of our locker room does, as a club with great history," said Cruz. "It’s exciting to welcome this type of competition to Lynn Family Stadium. Given our facilities and Louisville’s reputation as a welcoming town, we intend to put ourselves on the map for more international clubs to visit in the future."
FCK, under the management of former German international central defender Dirk Schuster, is gearing up for the 2023-2024 campaign and will utilize its time in Louisville as part of the preseason preparation.
The team's roster predominantly features German players, with Terrence Boyd standing out as the leading scorer. Boyd, 31, holds dual citizenship and has represented the U.S. Men’s National Team with 14 appearances.
Thomas Hengen, CEO of FC Kaiserslautern, expressed excitement about the upcoming match, stating, "We’re looking forward to our training camp in the United States and a game at Louisville City FC. It will be an interesting challenge from a sporting perspective and hopefully a great atmosphere at Lynn Family Stadium. We are proud to be LouCity’s first-ever international opponent."
This historic encounter promises to be a thrilling spectacle, not only for local soccer enthusiasts but also for fans of international football, as two clubs from different continents clash at Lynn Family Stadium.
In the relentless march of time, memories can warp, and history often gets encapsulated into mere ideas. The '80s, an era of vibrant music, unique fashion, and shifting political landscapes, is now etched in our minds as a caricature of a distant time. The Face, a London-based style monthly, recently unearthed, reveals the enchanting dichotomy of the 1984 we remember and the one captured in its pages.
Within the folds of The Face's May 1984 issue, an article titled "Electro: the beat that won’t be beaten" takes center stage, chronicling the dominance of the Roland drum machine and the imported sounds from New York clubs. Yet, what surprises contemporary readers are the subtle omissions of significant historical events. The British miners' strike and the escalating unemployment crisis that gripped the nation find only the faintest mentions. AIDS, a looming epidemic that would soon reshape societies worldwide, is conspicuously absent.
As we delve into these magazine pages, it becomes a journey into a simultaneously familiar and alien 1984. A time capsule that freezes moments in history, not always aligning with our recollections. Much like Elizabeth Hardwick's analogy of old jazz records being "priceless flotsam," these magazines are the artifacts of collective desire, offering a glimpse into the cultural pulse of bygone years.
For many, magazines, both old and new, are repositories of dreams and information. Growing up in 1980s Dublin, the author relied on British magazines to weave a tapestry of interests, from music and fashion to art and literature. However, the romance with the magazine page extends beyond nostalgia; it's a thrill that pulsates through the act of researching offline in libraries, archives, or even the depths of a dusty eBay find.
Old magazines become affordable time machines, enabling readers to embark on archaeological journeys into collective desires. Take a print issue, preferably over 20 years old, and read it cover to cover. Rather than a deep dive, it offers a lateral slice through a culture, providing insights into classes and milieus of the past.
In a quest to understand great sentences, the author stumbled upon Joan Didion's photo captions from the 1960s, offering glimpses of midcentury American magazines' aesthetic sophistication. Beyond the renowned names and iconic images lie subtleties that challenge our perceptions. A copy of Vogue from August 1965 unveils a slightly skewed version of the '60s, with fashion focused on pliable knits and a fascination with "Op" rather than "Pop" art.
Magazines from the past provoke smirks at outdated fashions and assumptions, but they also evoke a sense of nostalgia for the textures and habits of speech. The past, as captured in these pages, is never a mere cliché; it's a complex tapestry that defies simplistic narratives. So, whether reading cover to cover or succumbing to distraction amidst bristling layouts, the magic of old magazines lies in their ability to unlock hidden corners of history and transport readers to bygone eras.
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In a surprising twist of scientific exploration, chia seeds have played a crucial role in potentially confirming a mathematical model proposed by renowned British mathematician Alan Turing 71 years ago. Turing, celebrated for his role in breaking the German Enigma code during World War II, may find posthumous validation in the growth patterns of these tiny seeds, shedding light on the chemistry behind nature's designs.
Turing's theory, introduced in 1952 while he was at the University of Manchester, suggested that patterns in nature result from chemical reactions between two homogeneous substances. These patterns, as described in his sole published paper, manifest across diverse plant and animal species, influencing the distinctive black-and-white stripes of a zebra or the unique ridges on a cactus.
Last summer, Brendan D'Aquino, a computer science undergrad at Northeastern University in Boston, collaborated with Flavio Fenton, a physics professor at Georgia Tech, to put Turing's theory to the test. Their innovative approach involved using chia seeds in a controlled laboratory setting, aiming to observe patterns reminiscent of those found in nature.
The experiment included distributing chia seeds evenly in eight trays using different planting methods and applying various growing parameters. These parameters involved adjusting the amount of water each tray received, manipulating evaporation levels with Saran Wrap, and utilizing different substrates, such as coconut fiber and paper towels, to influence water diffusion.
"We made sure that the seeds were spread everywhere in the trays, so it was completely homogeneous," explained Fenton, emphasizing the meticulous nature of their setup.
Within a week, the researchers began witnessing patterns resembling those observed in natural environments, mirroring computer simulations created using Turing's model, albeit focusing on vegetation.
"The patterns emerged because of this diffusion and growth," added Fenton, highlighting the pivotal role of these factors in shaping the observed patterns.
Brendan D'Aquino expressed the excitement of seeing Turing's theory materialize in a tangible manner. "To see it physically happen is really cool," he remarked, underscoring the significance of their experimental outcomes.
Natasha Ellison, a mathematical ecologist at Mississippi State University, commended the study, affirming the prevalence of Turing patterns in nature. "Turing patterns are seen in vegetation all over the world," Ellison noted, highlighting the global nature of these patterns.
The researchers, despite their findings not undergoing peer review, presented their results at the American Physical Society meeting in Las Vegas on March 7. With the aim of contributing to scientific understanding, the team plans to transform their experiment into a formal paper, further cementing the relevance of Turing's mathematical genius in unraveling the mysteries of the natural world.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's recent visit to China marked a significant moment in the strained relationship between the two countries. The meeting with President Xi Jinping aimed to address mounting geopolitical tensions and find common ground on crucial issues.
The US and China have a history of rivalry, but during the Trump administration, it escalated into a full-blown trade war with sanctions, tariffs, and aggressive posturing from both sides. Even under the Biden administration, tensions persisted, evident in China's show of force when Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan and the US response to China's spy balloon incident.
Despite the past hostilities, both nations seem willing to consider their economic interests and national security concerns. Although details of the discussions between Blinken and Xi remain scarce, there were indications of progress. China faced export restrictions on certain semiconductor chips, impacting its tech manufacturing sector and trade with countries like Taiwan and South Korea.
The trade war initially aimed to reduce the US trade deficit with China, but it actually grew to $383 billion by 2022. Furthermore, the US administration's efforts to bolster domestic manufacturing while contemplating "decoupling" and "de-risking" strategies acknowledge the interdependence of the US and Chinese economies.
Blinken's successful visit could pave the way for another meeting between President Biden and Xi. The two leaders had a face-to-face discussion during a G20 summit last year, addressing issues such as China's forced labor camps and its relationship with Russia amid the Ukraine conflict. Though differences persist, both sides are engaging in dialogue.
While the future remains uncertain, Blinken expressed hope for further interactions with Xi in the coming months, suggesting that efforts to mend the US-China relationship are ongoing.
A poignant tale of crabs attending a grandfather's funeral captivated readers and won the prestigious 2023 Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Prize. The winning story, "Carapace," written by Matthew Ryan Frankel, skillfully weaves the intricacies of family, loss, and the human spirit.
The story unfolds on a warm Carolina summer day as three Atlantic blue crabs make an unexpected appearance at the funeral. Amidst laughter and memories, the family pays tribute to the departed. Frankel masterfully captures the essence of his characters, including the strict yet poetic demeanor of the deceased grandfather, who instilled chivalric illusions of King Arthur and Guan Yu in the narrator.
As the family members gather near a milk crate filled with crabs, they engage in improvised prayers, reminiscing about their generous grandfather. The author adeptly blends the physical world with the spiritual, personifying the crabs as if they are the soulful carriers of messages from the afterlife. The narrator's contemplative attempt to connect with his grandfather's spirit through the crabs adds depth and emotion to the narrative.
Through vivid imagery and poetic language, Frankel explores the complexities of life, aging, and communication. The story moves seamlessly between the present and past, revealing the intimate moments shared between the narrator and his grandfather during the latter's decline. The tale delves into the grandfather's battle with stroke-induced physical limitations and his indomitable spirit to embrace knowledge even in his frailty.
Frankel's prose highlights the poignant moments of understanding shared between the narrator and his grandfather, emphasizing the power of love and compassion. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into the emotional depth of human connections, reminding us of the frailty and beauty of life.
Ultimately, "Carapace" tugs at the heartstrings, inviting readers to ponder the universality of loss and the resilience of the human spirit. The story's touching conclusion serves as a testament to the enduring love and the transformational power of storytelling.
As the deserving winner of the 2023 Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Prize, "Carapace" offers a moving and evocative reading experience. Matthew Ryan Frankel's poignant narrative leaves an indelible impression on readers and stands as a touching tribute to his grandfather, Khye Weng Ng.Source
HARVEL, Ill. — A massive cloud of soil, carried by winds exceeding 40 mph, blanketed a busy stretch of Interstate 55 south of Springfield on May 1, causing an 84-car pileup that killed eight people, injuring at least three dozen others. The incident has brought the state's farming practices under scrutiny, raising concerns about soil conservation and its impact on public safety.
At Richard Lyons' 300-acre family farm, the techniques developed over his half-century of experience, including cover crops and minimal-till practices, have kept his soil fertile and crop yields high. While some farmers have adopted such methods, Illinois lags behind other states in implementing soil conservation practices, exposing farmland to erosion risks.
Farmers face challenges in adopting conservation practices, given thin profit margins and volatile weather patterns due to climate change. Reluctance to invest in expensive changes stems from the fear of potential yield dips that could threaten livelihoods. Additionally, state and federal agencies tasked with supporting farmers have struggled with limited resources.
The tragic event in May has sparked renewed calls for farmers to reevaluate planting practices. Farm fields regularly tilled and left bare are more susceptible to soil erosion. Methods like no-till and cover crops can reduce erosion risks and boost soil health. However, only 24% of Illinois fields used no-till in 2018, and cover crops were planted on just 2% of surveyed farms.
Farmers and conservationists agree that greater investment in programs and incentives is crucial to drive change. The federal Environmental Quality Incentive Program aims to support farmers adopting conservation practices, but Illinois ranked 37th in program funding from 2009 to 2019. Organizations like the American Farmland Trust advocate for increased funding and technical assistance to help farmers adopt soil conservation methods.
The road to adopting such practices won't be without challenges. Farmers might resist change due to cultural pressures or financial concerns. However, there are efforts to incentivize change, like the incentive program that offers farmers a $5-per-acre discount on insurance premiums for planting cover crops. Still, any move towards regulating farming practices may face resistance.
Illinois must strike a balance between preserving its farmland and implementing conservation practices that protect both the environment and public safety. As debates continue, farmers like Richard Lyons strive to preserve their land's legacy and promote sustainable practices for future generations.Source
Mortgage rates in the UK have been surging recently as the Bank of England (BoE) raised borrowing costs over the past 18 months. The latest increase pushed the average two-year loan's interest rate above 6 per cent, driven by frenzied speculation in financial markets about the central bank's next move due to persistently high inflation.
Hotter than expected inflation data led investors to reconsider how much the BoE might raise interest rates, resulting in a sell-off in short-term UK government debt. As a result, two-year gilt yields rose above 5 per cent for the first time since 2008, impacting the closely linked market for interest rate swaps and, subsequently, mortgage lending.
Interest rate swaps are crucial for banks as they help manage the balance between fixed-rate assets like most UK mortgages and floating-rate liabilities such as interest paid to account holders. When rates rise on swaps, banks pass on the cost to mortgage borrowers to maintain profitability.
Although many factors impact mortgage pricing, swap rates essentially act as a floor for mortgage rates. As swap rates have surged, mortgage rates are expected to continue rising before eventually coming down.
However, analysts predict that mortgage rates will remain high until the market is confident that the BoE has brought inflation under control. On Wednesday, inflation figures for May will be published, influencing borrowing costs, and on Thursday, the BoE is expected to raise rates by 0.25 percentage point to 4.75 per cent, with a chance of going further to 5 per cent.
Some investment banks believe that markets have been too optimistic in their rate expectations, leading to higher swap rates. If swap rates pull back, mortgage rates could begin to fall even as the BoE continues to raise interest rates. However, the lag between swaps and the mortgage market is typically longer on the way down, as banks aim to safeguard their profit margins.
The day was eternally long for Richarlison, lying alone in the physical therapy room, grappling with pain that seemed to have no origin. The physical agony mirrored the emotional weight he carried. Alone and in pain, his mind wandered to the heart of Brazil, a place he loved with unparalleled fervor.
As he awaited MRI results that could shape his World Cup destiny, Richarlison found solace in memories. Memories of a bustling training ground, of childhood dreams, and of the unwavering love from his countrymen. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, one thing became clear—the love for football, for Brazil, and for the people who stood by him would guide his path.
Richarlison's narrative takes us beyond the glitz of the football world into the heart of Brazil's reality, a stark contrast to the romanticized version seen on the World Cup stage. He draws our attention to the disparities, the hunger, and the struggles faced by many, even as the nation revels in the magic of football.
Football, Richarlison acknowledges, is a crazy and magical force. Yet, he prompts us to imagine a Brazil where no one dies of hunger, where children go to school without fear, and where the beauty of the land remains untouched by destruction. This, he realizes, is a dream worth fighting for—a dream inspired by the love he has received from his homeland.
As he shares his personal journey, Richarlison weaves a narrative that transcends borders. From the days of playing with friends in New Venice to the heights of the football world, his story resonates with the universal theme of overcoming adversity fueled by an unwavering passion.
The turning point, perhaps, was the day he scored a goal in the World Cup, a goal that echoed his love for Brazil and the sport. In that moment, as he looked at the faces of his father, Leticia, grandfather, uncle, and friends, Richarlison felt an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude for the sacrifices made and the support received.
Today, Richarlison stands as a symbol of triumph—a testament to the power of love, determination, and the beautiful game. His journey, with its highs and lows, speaks to the hearts of many, inviting us to embrace our dreams, no matter how distant they may seem.
So, as we cheer for Brazil in the World Cup, let's not just witness a football match but celebrate a love story—a love story written in the blood, sweat, and tears of a boy from New Venice, now a shining star on the world stage. Richarlison's story is a reminder that love, in all its forms, has the power to transform, inspire, and conquer even the darkest of days.
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In a recent referendum, the majority of Swiss citizens voiced support for a bill targeting new climate measures to reduce the country's greenhouse gas emissions. According to final results from public broadcaster SRF, 59.1% of voters favored the bill, with 40.9% against.
The drive for the referendum arose from a campaign by scientists and environmentalists concerned about the rapid melting of Switzerland's glaciers. Campaigners initially proposed more ambitious measures but later aligned with a government plan mandating "net zero" emissions by 2050. Over 3 billion Swiss francs ($3.357 billion) were earmarked to assist companies and homeowners in transitioning away from fossil fuels.
The nationalist Swiss People's Party, instigators of the referendum, argued the proposed measures would escalate electricity prices. Supporters contended that Switzerland, already witnessing the impact of rising temperatures on its glaciers, must address the looming threat of global warming.
Urs Bieri of the GFS Bern Institute acknowledged the victory for supporters but highlighted dissent over concerns about associated costs. Greenpeace Switzerland expressed satisfaction with the result, emphasizing the legal anchoring of the goal to achieve net zero emissions. Georg Klingler, a climate and energy expert at Greenpeace Switzerland, emphasized the citizens' commitment to limiting global warming and preserving vital natural resources.
The referendum result comes against the backdrop of Swiss glaciers experiencing record melting, losing over 6% of their volume last year. This significant loss alarmed scientists who assert that a 2% reduction would have once been deemed extreme.
Experts like Matthias Huss, a glaciologist at the Swiss Institute for Technology in Zurich, are leveraging social media to spotlight these changes. Posting dramatic snapshots of retreating glaciers and rockslides caused by melting permafrost, they underscore the transformations unfolding in the Alps.
Amid these developments, Huss, in a recent Twitter post, urged collective action to forestall the worst consequences of climate change. The Swiss populace's endorsement of the climate bill reflects a broader recognition of the urgent need to address environmental challenges and underscores the nation's commitment to a sustainable future.