Harmony Evans's Blog, page 623
November 22, 2023
iPhone 15 Pro Max is finally affordable with this Black Friday deal
Black Friday is the best time to buy a new phone, and even the recently released iPhone 15 Pro Max is picking up some mighty discounts.
When you consider the phone itself has an RRP of £1199 you’re essentially paying £241 across two years for unlimited data, unlimited minutes and unlimited calls.
iPhone 15 Pro Max is finally affordable with this Black Friday deal
This deal, on the Vodafone network, will set you back £120 upfront and then monthly payments of £55. Over the course of the 24 month contract this comes out to £1440.
e2 Save£120 upfront£55 a monthIf you’re after the very best iPhone and want all the 5G data you can handle, this isn’t to be missed. For more deals check out our live blog rounding up the best Black Friday deals.
Small changes, big difference
ProsIt has USB-C (finally)5x zoom is welcomeMuch comfier to hold and use; so much lighterConsThe Action Button is welcome – but it could do moreNo 128GB option means higher priceThe iPhone 15 Pro Max is easily one of the best phones we’ve reviewed this year, and it has some notable benefits over the smaller iPhone 15 Pro. Not only does it have a larger display, making it the better choice for media consumption and gaming, but it has a far better zoom camera, allowing you to get closer to your subject.
The entire camera system here is fantastic in all situations, whether you’re shooting flowers up close or portrait. There’s excellent video recording too, and a strong selfie camera.
Elsewhere, the phone is powered by the A17 Bionic chip and this is capable of playing high-end games, like Resident Evil Village and, in 2024, Death Stranding. The 120Hz ProMotion screen is fantastic, there’s now USB-C for charging and the titanium body makes it so much lighter than the 14 Pro Max.
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A Guide to Choosing the Best Surf Camps in Spain
Choosing the ultimate surf camp in Spain is an art, with location serving as the masterstroke – from the rugged beauty of Galicia to the sun-kissed shores of Andalusia or the Mediterranean embrace of Catalonia, each promises a unique wave dance.
Factor in the quality of instruction tailored to your skill level, the camp’s philosophy of blending adventure with wellness, and the vibrant social atmosphere that shapes your journey. And don’t forget, whether you fancy beachfront chalets or upscale resorts, your accommodation style adds the final touch to your surf haven.
Join us on an expedition through our all-encompassing guide, unveiling the gems among Spain’s surf camps. Navigate through insider tips, regional revelations, and personalized considerations, ensuring your Spanish surf adventure mirrors the invigorating spirit of the waves you’re destined to conquer.
Related: 3 Unforgettable Yoga Retreats in Spain
The Best Surf Camps in SpainWith lots of surf camps to choose from, finding the perfect one can be like navigating through a big ocean of options. It takes smart decision-making to ride the right wave of choices.
Related: Our Favorite Surfing Camps in Portugal
Lanzasurf, LanzaroteStart your surfing adventure at Lanzasurf in Lanzarote, situated on the beautiful Famara Beach, which is known for its reliable Atlantic waves. Whether you’re a beginner or more experienced, Lanzasurf has something for everyone. They provide personalized lessons with skilled instructors and even include yoga to improve balance and flexibility.
The camp cares about the environment, which is evident in their Moroccan-style accommodations that provide stunning sea views. After a day of surfing, enjoy outdoor yoga sessions and delicious local food, making your experience truly wonderful.
Related: The Ultimate Lanzarote Itinerary: 3 to 7 Day Itineraries
The surf and yoga camp is in Famara, on the northern coast of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. Lanzarote is about a 2 to 4-hour flight from major European cities and doesn’t require a visa for EU members. They use the euro here.
Lanzarote is known for its volcanic landscape with deserts, volcanoes, clear skies, and pristine waters. When you arrive, you’ll feel the island’s magnetic allure.
Stay at Lanza Surf’s Deluxe Surf House in Famara, just steps from the ocean, with stunning views of the sea and mountains. Famara village is a minute away. These fully-equipped surf houses are perfect for a memorable experience with like-minded people in the surf and yoga camp.
The houses are about 50 meters from essential amenities in the village, like bars, restaurants, grocery stores, and surf shops. This makes it easy to enjoy Famara’s offerings without any hassles.
You’ll also have plenty of culinary options, from traditional Spanish tapas to health-conscious vegan eateries, catering to every palate.
Surfing course at Lanzasurf Surf School and Yoga Camp in Spain.Surfing with Lanzasurf at Famara Beach means instructors are right there with you in the water. They’ll show you the best waves, help you catch them, and give feedback to improve your surfing. After the lesson, they’ll bring you back to the surf camp.
The surf course happens at Playa de Famara, a beautiful six-kilometer-long beach known for year-round quality waves. It’s a five-day course from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm each day.
A typical day with Lanzasurf starts with pick-up from the surf houses at 9:45 am. Surf lessons begin at 10:00 am with qualified instructors, covering theoretical and practical teaching for four hours and thirty minutes daily.
Around 12:30 pm, there’s a beach break with some theory and snacks from Lanzasurf. After catching waves until 3:00 pm when lessons end, relax at the surf houses before a 6:00 pm yoga lesson.
On your surf holiday in Famara village, get ready for a laid-back surfer vibe. It’s a place where people come from all over to find peace and amazing waves.
Don’t forget to try the local food – tapas and fresh fish are the best here! So, pack your flip flops and bikini because Lanzarote offers one of Europe’s top surfing experiences, often compared to Hawaii!
At Lanzasurf, enjoy yoga sessions every evening in Famara. They happen indoors or outdoors depending on the weather. The yoga course offers different styles like Hatha, Kundalini, Vinyasa, or Air yoga, led by qualified instructors. They provide all the equipment you need.
Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, the classes suit everyone. These specially designed yoga sessions aim to boost your surfing skills by improving balance, flexibility, core strength, breathing, and concentration.
After a surf, the yoga sessions help you disconnect from city life and reconnect with yourself and nature. They include meditation and relaxation activities for complete mental and physical rejuvenation.
High Voltage Adventure Apartment, Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria’s High Voltage Adventure Apartment is nestled along Playa Del Hombre. This intimate surf camp boasts a combined offering of exhilarating surf lessons and thrilling adventure sports.
Whether you’re scaling the azure sea on a surfboard or paragliding over magnificent landscapes, High Voltage ensures an adrenaline-fueled escape. The apartment-style accommodation offers a homely base with modern amenities and within easy reach of the beach.
View onto the terrace and overlooking the sea at the High Voltage Adventure Apartment in Gran Canaria.The camp will be at Playa del Hombre in Gran Canaria, known for its excellent surf. It’s a sunny spot with endless waves and hosts junior surfing competitions. Take a stroll along the scenic coastline path to Salinetas, a beautiful beach resort with a natural water pool, and stop by Melanara with its expansive sandy beach. There are charming bars and restaurants along the way.
Immerse yourself in surf-inspired suites at Playa del Hombre after a day on the waves. Choose from six beautifully designed spaces with contemporary comfort and eco-friendly materials. The Private Rooms offer the utmost comfort and privacy with their own bathrooms, while the Mixed Dorm Rooms provide a communal atmosphere with shared bathrooms.
Experience a full week of top-notch surfing with expert trainers and waves for all skill levels. Enjoy delicious meals, including breakfast, and complimentary airport transportation. High Voltage Adventure provides a break from technology and daily routines, letting you embrace your adventurous spirit.
A typical day starts with waking up to ocean views between 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Enjoy a continental breakfast, then head to the beach for a two-hour morning class with impressive swells. After a morning of surfing, refuel with lunch and discuss your progress.
At 2:30 p.m., get ready for another afternoon session on the water. From around 4:30 p.m., you have free time to relax or catch more waves. As the sun sets, gather with friends for laughter and ice-cold beers. Get ready for an action-packed surf adventure with private accommodations, world-class trainers, and like-minded surf enthusiasts at High Voltage Adventure.
Bedroom at High Voltage Adventure Apartment, Gran Canaria.Casa Hilda, FuerteventuraCasa Hilda in Fuerteventura is a surf camp that champions personalized attention and a homely atmosphere. This camp provides a deeply authentic surf experience in a traditional Canarian house.
Learn to conquer the sparkling waves of Fuertaventura’s coastline in small, close-knit groups under dedicated instructors. Off the surfboard, indulge in local gastronomy, or immerse yourself in Spanish linguistic workshops the camp offers.
In the heart of Corralejo, Fuerteventura, Homegrown’s surf camp, Casa Hilda, is conveniently located in the island’s northern part, offering great opportunities for surfing enthusiasts.
Fuerteventura has a favorable climate and consistent waves throughout the year, allowing you to plan your holiday whenever you like. The island boasts long, beautiful beaches with a low population density, creating a tranquil oasis just a narrow straight away from Africa.
Casa Hilda, nestled in Corralejo, is just 200 meters from Homegrown’s renowned Surf Shop. Whether you’re into beach fun, lively parties, thrilling surf experiences, or retail therapy, everything is easily accessible from this surf camp.
Casa Hilda is a charming Mediterranean-style house with an inner courtyard, sun deck, communal kitchen, lounge area, and two bathrooms. The six rooms have two to four beds each, with personal lockboxes. The sun deck is perfect for soaking up the sun, the courtyard is great for meals, and the lounge area is ideal for unwinding after surfing. For the energetic, a 15-minute walk leads to a nearby volcano.
Casa Hilda keeps guests connected with free high-speed fiber-optic Internet. Entertainment includes a flat-screen TV and a guitar for music enthusiasts.
Ready to catch your first wave? Homegrown offers a six-day beginner course, helping you progress in your surfing skills. If you’re beyond beginner level, the intermediate course lets you enhance your abilities in a positive and safe environment. Experienced instructors assess your skills and teach new tricks, using a variety of surfboards suited for different waves and skill levels.
Surf van from Surfcamp Homegrown in Fuerteventura, Spain.
Casa Hilda – Surfcamp Homegrown in Fuerteventura, Spain.
Each of these surf camps in Spain cultivates a unique blend of surf, culture, and local experiences, encapsulating Spain’s magnetic charm.
Regardless of your skill level, these surf camps in Spain promise a balanced blend of thrill, tranquility, and cultural immersion for an unforgettable Spanish surf retreat.
I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.
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Washington Post Suddenly Worried About the Border Crisis – After It Becomes a Political Problem for Democrats | The Gateway Pundit
The liberal Washington Post suddenly cares about the border crisis and illegal immigration. Why? Because it’s becoming a political problem for the Democrat party. That’s all the WaPo really cares about.
They didn’t see the border crisis as a problem as long as it was just red states like Texas that had to deal with it.
Now the issue is polling badly and they’re ringing an alarm bell for the Dems.
From the Washington Post:
Democrats’ border problem is getting real
Panicky Democrats don’t need anything else to fret about ahead of the 2024 election. But high on the list of things that probably should register for them right now is the southern border.
That’s because the pro-immigration moment that Donald Trump rather unwittingly ushered in appears to be coming to a close. Even the Democratic base is concerned.
Remarkable polling results came out of New York on Monday. Even Democrats in this Siena College poll are saying things that sound somewhat reminiscent of the views of immigration hawks in the GOP:
– Nearly as many New York Democrats said migrants coming to the state over the past 20 years have been a “burden” (35 percent) as said they have been a “benefit” (37 percent).
– 75 percent of New York Democrats said the recent influx of migrants to the state was at least a “somewhat serious” problem. Nearly half (47 percent) said it was a “very serious” problem.
– 53 percent of New York Democrats agreed with the statement that “New Yorkers have already done enough for new migrants and should now work to slow the flow of migrants to New York.” (The alternative was that the state should “accept new migrants and work to assimilate them into New York,” a position with which 41 percent of the Democratic respondents agreed.)
It’s so obvious why the WaPo suddenly cares about this.
Apparently it didn’t matter until it started showing up in the polls. Of course, by that time enormous damage had been done. https://t.co/O9yYpxO2bY pic.twitter.com/70NHkq7kuH
— Byron York (@ByronYork) November 21, 2023
Everyone can see it.
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Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen Suggests Funding Schools in Ukraine is a Matter of National Security (VIDEO) | The Gateway Pundit
During a recent appearance on CNBC, Biden Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen seemed to suggest that funding schools in Ukraine is a matter of national security for the United States.
Students all over the United States are struggling to do math and reading at grade level, and Yellen is talking about funding schools in another country. If any of this makes sense to you, you might be a Democrat.
It’s just stunning to hear an American official talking like this as our country is falling apart.
From the Euromaidan Press:
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told CNBC on 20 November that passing legislation to provide further military aid to Ukraine is a “critical priority” for US President Joe Biden and for national security.
The Biden administration’s proposal for a $105 billion security aid package faces pushback from some Republican legislators, leaving the bill in limbo as US Congress enters a two-week recess.
“We can’t allow Ukraine to lose a battle on the home front because it lacks enough money to keep schoolteachers in the classroom and first responders on the job, when it’s fighting valiantly on the battlefield, so Ukraine is utterly dependent on this aid,” Yellen said.
See the video below:
.@SecYellen: ‘We can’t allow Ukraine to lose a battle on the homefront because it lacks enough money to keep schoolteachers in the classroom” pic.twitter.com/yRVJ7kJJbw
— Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) November 20, 2023
What planet is she living on?
The average American eighth grader is reading at a third grade level and driving over two structurally deficient bridges to get to school. https://t.co/O4NafmrDGP
— a newsman (@a_newsman) November 20, 2023
It’s not enough for you to fund Ukraine’s entire war that it has zero chance of winning. You also have to pay for Ukraine’s schools and its teachers’ salaries. https://t.co/jYCkKgRdhE
— Sean Davis (@seanmdav) November 20, 2023
As you slog thru another Monday at the office, take heart. You’re not just buying cluster bombs and Patriot missiles for Ukraine – you’re paying the salaries of their teachers.
Just as the Founding Fathers intended. https://t.co/6vjHCpsoYp
— Gerry Callahan (@GerryCallahan) November 20, 2023
Is there any wonder why our country is in such rough shape?
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USB worm unleashed by Russian state hackers spreads worldwide
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A group of Russian-state hackers known for almost exclusively targeting Ukranian entities has branched out in recent months either accidentally or purposely by allowing USB-based espionage malware to infect a variety of organizations in other countries.
The group—known by many names, including Gamaredon, Primitive Bear, ACTINIUM, Armageddon, and Shuckworm—has been active since at least 2014 and has been attributed to Russia’s Federal Security Service by the Security Service of Ukraine. Most Kremlin-backed groups take pains to fly under the radar; Gamaredon doesn’t care to. Its espionage-motivated campaigns targeting large numbers of Ukrainian organizations are easy to detect and tie back to the Russian government. The campaigns typically revolve around malware that aims to obtain as much information from targets as possible.
One of those tools is a computer worm designed to spread from computer to computer through USB drives. Tracked by researchers from Check Point Research as LitterDrifter, the malware is written in the Visual Basic Scripting language. LitterDrifter serves two purposes: to promiscuously spread from USB drive to USB drive and to permanently infect the devices that connect to such drives with malware that permanently communicates with Gamaredon-operated command and control servers.
“Gamaredon continues to focus on [a] wide variety [of] Ukrainian targets, but due to the nature of the USB worm, we see indications of possible infection in various countries like USA, Vietnam, Chile, Poland and Germany,” Check Point researchers reported recently. “In addition, we’ve observed evidence of infections in Hong Kong. All this might indicate that much like other USB worms, LitterDrifter [has] spread beyond its intended targets.”
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Enlarge / Virus Total Submissions of LitterDrifterCheck Point Research
The image above, tracking submissions of LitterDrifter to the Alphabet-owned VirusTotal service, indicates that the Gamaredon malware may be infecting targets well outside the borders of Ukraine. VirusTotal submissions usually come from people or organizations that encounter unfamiliar or suspicious-looking software on their networks and want to know if it’s malicious. The data suggests that the number of infections in the US, Vietnam, Chile, Poland, and Germany combined may be roughly half of those hitting organizations inside Ukraine.
Enlarge / The execution flow of LitterDrifter.Check Point Research
Worms are forms of malware that spread without requiring a user to take any action. As self-propagating software, worms are notorious for explosive growth at exponential scales. Stuxnet, the worm created by the US National Security Agency and its counterpart from Israel, has been a cautionary tale for spy agencies. Its creators intended Stuxnet to infect only a relatively small number of Iranian targets participating in that country’s uranium enrichment program. Instead, Stuxnet spread far and wide, infecting an estimated 100,000 computers worldwide. Non-USB-activated worms such as NotPetya and WannaCry have infected even more.
LitterDrifter provides a similar means for spreading far and wide. Check Point researchers explained:
The core essence of the Spreader module lies in recursively accessing subfolders in each drive and creating LNK decoy shortcuts, alongside a hidden copy of the “trash.dll” file.
Enlarge / trash.dll is distributed as a hidden file in a USB drive together with a decoy LNK.
Upon execution, the module queries the computer’s logical drives using Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), and searches for logical disks with the MediaType value set to null, a method often used to identify removable USB drives.
Enlarge / LitterDrifter’s spreader component.
Check Point Research
For each logical drive detected, the spreader invokes the createShortcutsInSubfolders function. Within this function, it iterates the subfolders of a provided folder up to a depth of 2.
For every subfolder, it employs the CreateShortcut function as part of the “Create LNK” action, which is responsible for generating a shortcut with specific attributes. These shortcuts are LNK files that are given random names chosen from an array in the code. This is an example of the lure’s names from an array in one of the samples that we investigated:("Bank_accоunt", "постановa", "Bank_accоunt", "службовa", "cоmpromising_evidence"). The LNK files use wscript.exe **** to execute “trash.dll” with specified arguments " ""trash.dll"" /webm //e:vbScript //b /wm /cal ". In addition to generating the shortcut, the function also creates a hidden copy of “trash.dll” in the subfolder.
Enlarge / The function in the Spreader component used to iterate subfolders.
Check Point Research
The techniques described are relatively simple, but as evidenced, they’re plenty effective. So much so that they have allowed it to break out of its previous Ukrainian-only targeting domain to a much bigger realm. People who want to know if they’ve been infected can check the Check Point post’s indicators of compromise section, which lists file hashes, IP addresses, and domains used by the malware.
Advertisement“Comprised of two primary components—-a spreading module and a C2 module—it’s clear that LitterDrifter was designed to support a large-scale collection operation,” Check Point researchers wrote. “It leverages simple, yet effective techniques to ensure it can reach the widest possible set of targets in the region.”
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Bose’s new premium earbuds have their first ever discount
The newly minted Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds have only been available for a few months, but in this early Black Friday deal they’ve had their first discount.
Over at Amazon UK, they’ve tumbled from their original RRP of £299 down to £259, a saving of £40.
Bose’s QC Ultra earbuds have their first ever discount
Bose’s brand new QC Ultra Earbuds have had their first discount, tumbling from £300 to £260 in this early Black Friday deal at Amazon
Amazon UKSave 13%Now £259.95The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are Bose’s latest wireless earphones, building on from the five-star QuietComfort Earbuds II. For the most part, they are the same as their predecessors, featuring the same design and noise-cancelling performance, but they’ve received a few extra features.
Those extras include aptX Adaptive Bluetooth for higher quality audio streaming and a better, stronger connection when the earphones are used in busy areas. Google Fast Pair is included for a fast connection to Android devices, and they’re certified to work with Snapdragon Sound devices, so they have the potential to play Hi-Res audio.
The Ultra Earbuds also feature Bose’s take on 3D audio with their ‘Immersive Audio’ feature. Immersive Audio aims to make music sound as if it’s coming from around you, a bigger, wider, more spacious soundstage to enjoy music in for a more natural performance, mimicking what it would be like to hear music if you had a pair of stereo speakers in front of you.
Other features include IPX4 rating to guard against sweat and water, touch and swipe controls for operating the earphones. The noise-cancellation is as good as it is on the previous model, batting away most outside noises so you’re left in own silent bubble of isolation.
While we haven’t finished reviewing the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, from what we’ve heard of them so far, they look to maintain the high standards set by the award-winning QuietComfort Earbuds II. They did launch at a slightly more expensive price, but with this early Black Friday Deal, you can save money on a relatively new pair of headphones.
Looking for a different deal?Looking for another headphones deal? The four-star rated Sony WH-CH520 on-ears are available for just £34.99 at Amazon UK.
The Beats Studio Buds are available at Currys for the low price of £99, while for those looking for a pair of headphones to use at home, the Philips Fidelio X3 has been discounted to £145.
Our favourite Black Friday deals:Source link
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Joe Biden is Invoking Wartime Powers to Push the Left’s ‘Green’ Agenda | The Gateway Pundit
Joe Biden is using the Defense Production Act (DPA), a law from the Cold War era, to push the ‘green’ agenda that has come to define much of the modern left.
This is a classic example of most of the media looking the other way because they agree with the green agenda. Imagine what they would say if Trump was using this law to advance a pet project for conservatives. The media would go crazy.
It’s also just another step in the Democrat war on fossil fuels.
FOX News reports:
Biden invokes wartime powers to fund electric heaters as he cracks down on gas appliances
President Biden invoked a Cold War-era law in a surprising move Friday to pour taxpayer funds into domestic manufacturing of electric heat pumps, an alternative to gas-powered residential furnaces.
In a joint announcement with the White House, the Department of Energy (DOE) said the federal government would award a “historic” $169 million for nine projects across 15 sites nationwide in an effort to accelerate electric heat pump manufacturing. The significant level of funding was made possible after Biden utilized the 1950 Defense Production Act (DPA) to increase domestic production of green energy technologies.
“Getting more American-made electric heat pumps on the market will help families and businesses save money with efficient heating and cooling technology,” said Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. “These investments will create thousands of high-quality, good-paying manufacturing jobs and strengthen America’s energy supply chain, while creating healthier indoor spaces through home-grown clean energy technologies.”
“Today’s Defense Production Act funds for heat pump manufacturing show that President Biden is treating climate change as the crisis it is,” added John Podesta, the White House clean energy czar.
Jazz Shaw of Hot Air points out that this isn’t even the first time Biden has done this:
The last time Biden used the DPA, it was to boost lithium mining and production in the United States and relax tariffs on Chinese solar panels. Those were also completely illegitimate actions. The DPA was written to allow the President to “influence domestic industry in the interest of national defense.” But this White House has effectively declared climate change to be a national emergency and they are tipping the scales in favor of green energy using every bit of leverage they can manage.
It’s bad enough that the new DOE regulations will essentially outlaw gas furnaces unless they are the larger, far more expensive condensing models. But if Biden and John Kerry get their way, even the condensing furnaces won’t last for long. They want everyone to install electric heat pumps.
This administration cares more about fighting climate change than they do about the well-being of average Americans. It’s maddening.
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Binance’s CZ to plead guilty in DOJ settlement, steps down as CEO
In a significant development in the cryptocurrency world, Changpeng “CZ” Zhao will step down as the CEO of Binance. This move comes as part of a sweeping $4 billion settlement with the Department of Justice and the Commodities Futures Trading Commission, as per Bloomberg, marking a pivotal moment for the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange.
CZ’s resignation and guilty pleaAccording to Forbes reporting, Zhao will plead guilty to DOJ’s anti-money laundering charges. He is scheduled to enter his plea in federal court in Seattle, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. This decision underscores the increasing regulatory pressures facing the cryptocurrency industry.
SEC’s charges against BinanceThe Securities and Exchange Commission, although not participating in this settlement, had previously charged Binance and Zhao in June. The allegations included operating an unregistered exchange and misleading investors through Sigma Chain, a Switzerland-based fund also owned by CZ, to inflate trading volumes on Binance’s U.S. platform. SEC Chair Gary Gensler had highlighted an “extensive web of deception” in the charges against Zhao and Binance entities.
CFTC’s allegations and Binance’s responseThe CFTC had also brought charges against Binance, accusing it of offering crypto derivatives to U.S. citizens without proper registration. However, the DOJ’s investigation into Binance, which reportedly began in 2018, reached a critical juncture with this settlement. In late 2020, Reuters reported that federal prosecutors had requested Binance to provide files and messages related to its U.S. customers, indicating the depth of the investigation.
In response to these regulatory challenges, Binance had formed a Global Advisory Board last September, led by former U.S. Senator and Ambassador to China Max Baucus. The board, featuring notable figures like David Plouffe and Bruno Bézard, aimed to strengthen the company’s compliance and advisory capabilities.
The resignation of CZ and the ensuing settlement mark a watershed moment for Binance and the broader cryptocurrency market. It highlights the increasing scrutiny and regulatory demands facing crypto exchanges and could set a precedent for compliance and governance in the digital asset industry.
Maxwell WilliamMaxwell William, a seasoned crypto journalist and content strategist, has notably contributed to industry-leading platforms such as Cointelegraph, OKX Insights, and Decrypt, weaving complex crypto narratives into insightful articles that resonate with a broad readership.
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It doesn’t get much better than this Pixel 8 Black Friday deal
The Black Friday sales are in full swing ahead of the big day later this week, making it the perfect time to secure yourself a shiny new smartphone – but it’s not just SIM-free phones on offer. Most UK networks are also getting in on the Black Friday fun, so you can also pick up a new phone on contract.
That includes mobiles.co.uk, offering one of the best contract deals on the Google Pixel 8 we’ve seen yet. The bundle offers the 128GB Pixel 8 with unlimited calls and texts and unlimited 5G data on iD Mobile, for £27.99 per month for 24 months with absolutely nothing upfront. To further sweeten the deal, the site is also throwing in a free £100 Currys gift card to spend on whatever you like at the retailer.
Get the Pixel 8 with unlimited data for just £27.99 a month
This is a spectacular deal on the Google Pixel 8, offering unlimited calls, texts and 5G data for £27.99 per month with nothing upfront. There’s also a free £100 Currys voucher up for grabs to further sweeten the deal!
mobiles.co.ukUnlimited data£27.99 per month, no upfront feeIt’s worth noting that the £100 Currys gift card isn’t due to be delivered (via email) until sometime between 28 December 2023 and 27 January 2024, so it sadly won’t come in time for the Christmas sales. Still, you might be able to make use of it in the January sales!
That’s a pretty spectacular deal considering the Google Pixel 8 was only launched just over a month ago, made even more tempting by the addition of unlimited 5G data. If you’re constantly streaming and downloading on the move, this is the ideal contract for you.
Plus, you’ll actually be paying less for the Pixel 8 than if you bought it outright. The total price of the contract over 24 months comes in at £671.66, coming in just under the £699 RRP of the phone. Add on the unlimited calls, texts and data and you’ve got a very tempting offer indeed.
It’s not like the Google Pixel 8 is a bad phone either; far from it. In fact, it managed to score an impressive 4.5 stars and the Trusted Reviews Recommended award in our full review.
We found the Pixel 8 to boast meaningful upgrades over its predecessor, the Pixel 7, including a jump to a 120Hz refresh rate. The display is also marginally smaller this time around at 6.2 inches, and while that’s not noticeable in use, it does make the Pixel more pocketable and comfortable to hold. It’s also much brighter, with a peak brightness of 2000 nits which makes it particularly good at handling HDR content.

Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)There’s also an upgraded 50MP primary camera that delivers stunning results in everyday use, further improved by unique AI shooting modes like Night Sight and Super Res Zoom, the latter of which more than makes up for the lack of a dedicated telephoto lens. There are also new editing features like Best Take and Audio Magic Eraser to further tidy up the photos and videos shot on the phone.
The biggest benefit of the Pixel 8, however, is its software longevity. Google has committed to a whopping 7 OS upgrades for the Pixel 8 that’ll take it through to Android 21, far beyond the length of the 2-year contract we’re discussing here. That’s the best of any Android phone on the market, and means that the Pixel 8 will continue to improve over time with new features and functionality.
So, if you’re looking for a tempting 2023 flagship phone contract deal this Black Friday, you won’t find much better than this.
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November 21, 2023
BREAKING: Charleston, South Carolina Elects William Cogswell as Mayor – First Republican to Win Since 1877 | The Gateway Pundit
The city of Charleston, South Carolina has just elected a new mayor. William Cogswell has been elected as the first Republican mayor of the city since the 1800s, if you can believe it.
WCBD News reports:
William Cogswell elected mayor of Charleston
Voters in Charleston have chosen former State Representative William Cogswell to lead the city as its next mayor.
Unofficial results from the South Carolina Election Commission show Cogswell defeated incumbent John Tecklenburg, earning about 51 percent of the vote in Tuesday’s runoff election.
“The people have spoken and we’re ready, we’re ready for a new direction,” Cogswell said at his watch party in downtown Charleston shortly after declaring victory. “I am humbled by the results, no doubt. I am excited about the future of our city.”
The pair advanced to a runoff after neither earned enough votes to win outright in the Nov. 7 municipal election.
Tecklenburg, who was seeking his third term in office, conceded the race late Tuesday.
The last Republican mayor of Charleston was George I. Cunningham who left office in 1877.
BREAKING: Charleston, South Carolina just elected its first Republican Mayor since 1877.
William Cogswell, a former GOP State Rep, defeated incumbent Democrat Mayor John Tecklenburg in today’s runoff election by less than 1,000 votes.
pic.twitter.com/Icbq8CR3jX
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) November 22, 2023
It was a close race.
Congratulations to Mayor-Elect William Cogswell – Charleston’s first Republican Mayor since the 1870s. pic.twitter.com/0MS9UC82Jc
— Andrew Boucher (@AndrewBoucher) November 22, 2023
BREAKING: Charleston, South Carolina has just elected its first Republican Mayor since 1877. William Cogswell defeated incumbent Democrat Mayor John Tecklenburg by less than 1,000 votes. pic.twitter.com/ZLMTMlJFoN
— Ian Jaeger (@IanJaeger29) November 22, 2023
William Cogswell has declared victory – “I am humbled by the results, I am excited for the future of our city, and I have to say thank you, thank you, thank you!” @fitsnews pic.twitter.com/ZCdpvYUEKz
— Dylan Nolan (@dnolan2000) November 22, 2023
Congratulations to Mayor-Elect Cogswell.
(Image:Source)
The post BREAKING: Charleston, South Carolina Elects William Cogswell as Mayor – First Republican to Win Since 1877 | The Gateway Pundit appeared first on Harmony Evans.





