Adidas Wilson's Blog, page 93
August 21, 2017
WHY THE NIGHT KING IS THE MVP OF GAME OF THRONES “BEYOND THE WALL”
Game of Thrones is a series of surprises. In the beginning, it was a shock to see the nice, “good” characters come to awful ends. We learned no one was safe and threw around the phrase as comfort every time another heroic person bit the dust. Then, we were awed by smoke monsters and the presence of dragons. Most recently, it’s been a bit of a wonder that none of our favorite characters are dying; they’re actually making it out of seemingly impossible situations.
“Beyond the Wall” changed the game with a blue-eyed wight dragon revelation in its final scene. I don’t use the game-changer line lightly. The Night King‘s action altered what I thought I knew about how Game of Thrones would end. That’s one of the reasons the Night King is the MVP of the penultimate episode of season seven.
Before we dive into the Night King’s profound show of power, let’s touch on the obvious rationale for naming him MVP. He was a textbook example of working smart, not hard in “Beyond the Wall.” The Night King didn’t have to do anything to lure Jon Snow and his men; they planned their own idiotic Tour of the North trip. Once he had them there, he let his vast, exceptionally expendable army do their thing. He didn’t have to raise a bony finger.
The Night King has all the time in the world. He was content to let his army wait out the refreezing of the lake and go after Jon and his men. His patience paid off when Daenerys flew her dragons to the scene, which leads us to another reason the Night King wins the episode. He got himself a damn undead dragon.
The leader of all the White Walkers had massive, dragon-killing spears for some reason. I guess he’s probably heard about Dany and her dragons by now, so maybe he’s been getting prepared. He didn’t panic when he saw Drogon light swaths of his army on fire or call for a retreat. He doesn’t have the burden of compassion to hold him back. The Night King remained calm and took down Viserion without any sign of emotion.
Awful? Yes. I’m not siding with the Night King. But I can’t deny he made an intelligent and valuable move in a sea of our heroes making stupid decisions. He resurrected Viserion and gained a giant, scaly asset—a weapon capable of changing the tide.
Call me a sweet summer child, but I believed Daenerys and her dragons would be the end of the Night King and his army. Dragon fire is one of the few guaranteed ways to end a White Walker’s existence. You’d think by now I would know Game of Thrones isn’t a show about happy endings, but I had a hope it’s where the story was going.
I can see how a dragon fueled triumph could still happen. Since Jon has been dead before, maybe he’ll be able to connect with and ride Viserion. But that’s a theory for another time.
As it is, the Night King scored a huge win by gaining an ice dragon. The dragons seemed like undefeatable, surefire solutions to the survival of Westeros. If the Night King can take down such a powerful force by barely exerting any effort, what else can he do? We thought we saw it all when Jon witnessed the Night King in action at “Hardhome,” but that terrifying display was nothing compared to how the zombie ruler shifted an entire freaking war by throwing a spear at a dragon like most of us toss trash into a dumpster.
For the first time, I feel like the citizens of Westeros are utterly and completely screwed. Good job, Night King.
Does my choice for MVP align with yours? Fly a dragon (too soon?) to the comments and tell me your pick.
Source:
http://nerdist.com/game-of-thrones-beyond-the-wall-mvp-night-king/
A Travel Guide to Dubrovnik, Croatia
If you’ve never been to Croatia, the one thing you should know is that it’s downright dazzling, and the city of Dubrovnik is the epitome of such beauty. Crystal clear waters glisten under the sun; boats, one of the primary forms of transportation in the area, dot the sea in every direction; and the medieval limestone walls of the Stari Grad that safeguard the terra cotta–roofed buildings are impressive. And while the Pearl of the Adriatic has long seduced visitors, it only continues to grow in popularity. Game of Thrones fans know it as the real-life King’s Landing (yes, this is where they shot Cersei’s walk of shame), but earlier this year, it also served as a film set for Robin Hood: Origins and Star Wars: The Last Jedi, drawing even more attention to the city. Add the news of UberBoat and the country’s first underwater winery in the nearby Peljesac peninsula, and it’s easy to see why the spotlight is shining on Dubrovnik right now.
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Villa Agave DubrovnikPhoto: Courtesy of Villa Agave Dubrovnik
Where to Stay
This past May, Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik reopened after a seven-month renovation in which its 158 accommodations were redecorated, the lobby transformed, and the Abakus Piano Bar—now complete with an outdoor patio furnished with comfortable lounge seating that’s ideal for sunset cocktails—revamped. Majority of the rooms come with balconies, where uninterrupted views of the Adriatic and the Old Town can be enjoyed from. And while there’s an enormous indoor pool at the spa and an exceptional waterfront restaurant (Prora) that’s great for a seafood lunch, what can’t be beat is the direct access to the sea from the hotel’s beach.
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But if you’re looking for something more intimate, look no further than Villa Agave Dubrovnik. Previously the summerhouse of English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, the three-bedroom exclusive-use property is the perfect option for those seeking a little more privacy. Revel in a small cliffside beach, laze by the pool that overlooks Stari Grad, cozy up next to the fireplace on cooler nights, and don’t forget about the five (yes, five) terraces you have to savor views of the sparkling water.
A view of the Old Town and Lokrum island from abovePhoto: Courtesy of Christina Liao
What to Do
A walk around the ancient city walls and a cable car ride up to Mount Srd are most certainly touristy, but they’re absolutely worth it. The former is best done early in the morning to not only beat the heat, but to avoid the throngs of incoming cruisers in the middle of the day, and is a great way to introduce yourself to the Old Town. The latter is remarkable at sunset, when pink and orange hues paint the sky, making the already unparalleled views of Dubrovnik from high above even more astounding.
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For a relaxing but eventful day trip, head out to the Peljesac peninsula for fresh oysters and quality wine. Mali Ston bay is home to the rare European flat oyster, and only a few dozen households are allowed to cultivate the delectable mollusks. Briny and brassy, these are said to be some of the best, especially when plucked from this particular body of water that is exceptionally clean and naturally rich in nutrients. If you’re staying at any of the Adriatic Luxury Hotels, the concierge team has an incredible connection with the Drazeta family, who will take you on a quick tour around the oyster farm by boat before docking at their private island where you can sample the plump bivalves pulled straight from the bay. Wash them down with some homemade rakija (fruit brandy) and you’ll be primed for a visit to the wineries nearby. Of note is Saints Hills Winery, which makes a beautiful rosé that’s the definition of summer, and the amazing food at their restaurant is worth the visit alone (seared foie gras delicately perched on a nest of fried potato strings with a drizzle of fig jam is an exemplary amuse-bouche that sets the tone for the rest of your meal).
Lastly, you can’t visit Croatia without some time on the Adriatic Sea. Active travelers will want to hop in a kayak and paddle around to see the picturesque landscape by sea, but island hopping by boat is truly the best way to go. A short 15-minute ferry ride from Old Town Port will take you to Lokrum where peacocks and rabbits run wild, and the island is the home to the original GoT Iron Throne. Fans of the HBO show will also want to visit the botanical gardens, one of the filming locations for the city of Qarth. Make sure to also rent a yacht for the day to head out to the Elaphiti Islands, where hidden coves and sandy beaches await.
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Two of the overwater cabanas at Bowa DubrovnikPhoto: Courtesy of Christina Liao
Where to Eat and Drink
For the finest in Dalmatian cuisine, Restaurant Dubrovnik and Nautika Restaurantare both great options for an upscale affair. For those who want something a little different, Azur serves up delightful Asian cuisine with items like Croatian-style seafood laksa and Thai-style beef salad. But if you’re looking for something a little more local, you’ll have to head some ways out of the Old Town. Konoba Dubrava—which isn’t too far from the cable car stop at the top of the hill—is a go-to spot for peka, the region’s signature dish of baked meat and vegetables. In the neighborhoods of Lapad and Babin Kuk, you’ll find Pantarul and Orsan, respectively. The former presents local ingredients in a modern way while the latter is a bit more traditional but scrumptious nonetheless.
Meanwhile, Bowa is in a league of its own. Nestled in a secluded portion of Sipan Island, this beach restaurant is the place for some fun in the sun. Spacious cabanas are perfect for a group of you and your friends, while a patch of pebbly beach furnished with chaise lounges and swan floats provide direct access to the Adriatic. It’s an idyllic oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city, with marvelous fare to boot. Orzotto, ravioli, and the octopus and horsebean salad are all great starters, but whatever you do, make sure you order grilled fish as your main—you won’t regret it.
Once you’re ready to throw back a few drinks, the Bar by Azur is a cozy watering hole shaking up refreshing cocktails while D’vino Wine Bar Dubrovnik has an extensive list of Croatian wine in case you weren’t able to make it out to any of the nearby wineries. But if you want to escape the town center for the evening, wander over to Villa Orsula’s Victoria Restaurant & Lounge Bar, where a striking, dimly lit, grapevine-draped terrace beckons.
Source:
http://www.vogue.com/article/dubrovnik-croatia-travel-guide
Bitcoin is back around the $4,000 mark
Bitcoin’s rally is pausing, with the digital currency dipping below $4,000 briefly in early trade on Monday.
Bitcoin surged against the dollar last week, breaking through $4,000 for the first time two Sunday’s ago before peaking at $4,479.
However, after pausing for breath on Friday, traders have been booking profit over the weekend. As a result, bitcoin has been drifting lower against the dollar.
Bitcoin dropped below $4,000 a coin just before 8.00 a.m. BST (3.00 a.m. ET). But, at 8.57 a.m. BST (3.57 a.m. ET), the cryptocurrency has rallied slightly to $4,024.07, equivalent to a 0.8% drop against the dollar on the day. Despite the dip, the cryptocurrency remains near historic highs, as the 3-month price chart below shows.
Elsewhere in the cryptocurrency world, Bitcoin Cash, a new digital currency split off from Bitcoin at the start of the month, is dipping against the dollar after posting big gains over the weekend. Bitcoin Cash is down 5.3% to $681.53 at 7.55 a.m. BST (2.55 a.m. ET).
Ethereum, the second-biggest cryptocurrency after Bitcoin by market value, is up 5.1% against the dollar to $323.96 at the same time.
Source:
http://www.businessinsider.com/bitcoin-bitcoin-cash-ethereum-price-august-21-2017-8
Facebook’s Craigslist competitor will soon feature a lot more than just your neighbor’s old junk
Facebook has big plans for Marketplace, the Craigslist-like section inside its app where people can sell used goods to others in their neighborhood.
It’s just not sure what those big plans should look like.
So to figure that out, Facebook is throwing a bunch of products inside Marketplace to see what people want, including more professional products and services offered by actual retailers, not just regular Facebook users.
Facebook now shows job postings inside Marketplace, and recently started offering “daily deals” as part of a new arrangement with eBay. But Facebook has more categories coming to Marketplace, including ticket sales and products from retailers’ shopping Pages, said Deb Liu, the Facebook VP who oversees Marketplace, in an interview with Recode.
Until now, Facebook has limited postings inside Marketplace to individual users, not business Pages. But that’s changing as the company expands into more areas. Facebook hopes to learn what kinds of stuff people want to find inside Marketplace, then push deeper into those areas.
“We’ll kind of look and see what’s popular, what people want to engage with,” Liu said. “So if people are searching or looking for something, we want to make that available to them.”
One popular area has been auto sales, so Liu says Facebook will soon feature cars for sale inside Marketplace from local car dealerships. It plans to do the same with real estate listings to increase inventory for apartment hunters.
Facebook did not share details about who, specifically, it was planning to partner with for these categories. And the company did not highlight any specific retailers during our conversation.
So Facebook wants higher-quality options inside Marketplace, but it’s unclear where they will come from.
Still, some of these more traditional retail options, like ticket sales and shopping pages, already exist inside Facebook. They’re just scattered throughout the app, and it’s possible most people don’t even know they exist. Which is one of the reasons Facebook is bringing them all into one central location, Liu said.
One area it doesn’t plan to push into: Payments. Right now, Facebook connects buyers and sellers, but the actual transactions still happen off site. Facebook isn’t making money from any transactions it helps facilitate, and that’s not going to change anytime soon.
“Eventually, we could go in a number of different directions [with payments],” Liu said. “But right now we’re really trying to figure out, ‘how do you actually drive engagement between people and businesses, people and other people locally?’ That’s how we really think about the product.”
Facebook has tried to get commerce to stick inside the social network for years without much success. It closed a gifts service, and dabbled with “buy buttons” that never took off.
Marketplace is Facebook’s latest hope — and the changes raise the question of whether they are being made because the initial version of Marketplace hasn’t taken off. But Liu says Marketplace has had “tremendous growth,” with 18 million items listed inside Marketplace in the U.S. alone back in May. But not all of the items are high quality.
Given Facebook’s ambitions here, and its willingness to get more established retailers and businesses using Marketplace, that could start to change.
Source:
https://www.recode.net/2017/8/18/16166012/facebook-marketplace-craigslist-ticket-sales-auto-shopping
Game of Thrones Finale Trailer Teases an Insane Meeting of All Your Favorites
Starting with last season and really ramping up this year, Game of Throneshas been efficiently re-uniting the once-scattered cast of the HBO series. Arya briefly saw her direwolf; Sansa has found both Bran and Jon. A whole mess of characters who knew each other’s dads met up north of the Wall. But nothing we’ve seen yet can quite match the major meeting looming in the finale. Everyone will be down south for the big meeting of Kings, Queens, and zombies. Well, almost everyone.
You had your chance to go to the party, Sansa, but you (snottily) sent Brienne instead. Speaking of which, let’s take a full accounting of everyone we see gathered in one place for the finale.
We see (deep breath): Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) , Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), Bronn (Jerome Flynn), Euron Greyjoy (Pilou Asbæk)—or at least his fleet, Tyrion (Peter Dinklage), Ser Jorah Mormont (Iain Glen), Pod (Daniel Portman), and just behind him Missandei (Nathalie Emmanuel), Grey Worm (Jacob Anderson), Varys (Conleth Hill), Theon (Alfie Allen), Jon Snow (Kit Harington), Davos (Liam Cunningham), the Hound (Rory McCann) and Brienne (Gwendoline Christie). We don’t see Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) she’s undoubtedly there as well as a few other familiar faces. Plus, you know, scores of armies spoiling for a fight.
Please don’t ask me how Grey Worm and the Unsullied escaped from Casterly Rock. Just be glad our second favorite eunuch (behind Varys but in front of Theon) is safe and sound. As for the dazzling location itself, this is the much-anticipated Dragonpit.
News first broke back in August that Game of Thrones was using the picturesque Italica ruins near Seville, Spain, to stand in for the Dragonpit—a cavernous ruin perched atop of the hills of King’s Landing. This is what that evocative location looks like in the books, and here’s what the ruins look like in real life.
https://twitter.com/KashaCapeTown/status/627066232949370880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
This is why we think by Daenerys, will likely be there. What’s a Dragonpit without dragons? This as-yet-unamed episode will be directed by Jeremy Podeswa. Controversial though he may be, Podeswa has directed some truly impressive and beautifully filmed action for Thrones in the past, including Jorah and Tyrion’s confrontation with the Stone Men, Brienne and Pod’s heroic rescue of Sansa and Theon from the Bolton soldiers, and Tyrion’s dramatic unchaining of Viserion and Rhaegal.
So whatever happens at the end of this dustup between so many main characters, it’s promising to be a lovely war.
Source:
https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/08/game-of-thrones-finale-trailer-dragonpit
August 20, 2017
August 19, 2017
August 18, 2017
Instant Apps now on 500 million Android devices
Instant Apps are a way for developers to provide a lightweight, modularized portion of their full app experience when a user opens specific search results. The user has to enable Instant Apps in the Settings menu before the feature will work, however. Announced at Google I/O 2016, the feature was made available to all developers after this year’s I/O.
Google has announced the feature is now available to 500 million users, so developers should feel encouraged to start building for the feature. Instant Apps are available for any user running Android 6.0 and later, or 45.8% of all Android users. While that’s not a majority, that’s still a very large number of users and will continue to grow in the future.
Google also shared that application developers are already seeing a return on their work for Instant Apps. Vimeo increased session duration by 130% following the integration of Instant Apps, while the real estate purchasing application dotloop saw a 62% increase in users using its service to sign documents after integrating Instant Apps into its platform.
Google also provides a list of best practices for developers interested in integrating Instant Apps into their service.
Have you stumbled across an Instant App you like yet? Let us know down below!
Source:
https://www.androidcentral.com/instant-apps-now-500-million-android-devices
Amazon bots are helping bring the USPS back from oblivion
The United States Postal Service is not exactly bouncing back from oblivion these days, but it’s worth noting that there’s been a slight bump in one area.
For the low-margin Shipping and Packages division, there was an 11 percent increase in revenue over last quarter. In general, these items — small packages that come to your mailbox but not snail mail letters — have kept the USPS from sinking like a ship.
For the savvy readers out there, you might already know there is one company that is helping them rebound. Hint: It’s named after an area in South America.
As Tim O’Reilly wisely notes in a recent post, Amazon is really pumping life into the shipping and receiving industry. Bots suggest products when we shop, they improve fulfillment, and they could one day guide drones to your doorstep. These are technically “automations” and not AI, but to a consumer, that doesn’t matter as long as that beef jerky and USB-C cable arrives faster, at a decent price, and in one piece.
O’Reilly also notes that this is saving jobs, not replacing them. I remember talking to an Amazon Now delivery person once a few months ago. In my area, I was able to order a printer cable and have it arrive in about an hour. He told me he was out of work for a few years. He was happy to be working, and he whistled as he walked out the door. Does he care that bots are making his job easier? Sure. Does he think bots will replace his job? Probably not. If anything, he’s happy they exist.
Next time you hear someone says bots are causing problems, tell them about that USPS increase since last quarter. You can blame automation for a lot of things, but at least in this case, it might be the bots that are saving the postal service.
Source:
Alibaba Deploys Blockchain to Secure Health Data in Chinese First
Alibaba is partnering with Chinese authorities to launch the country’s first application of Blockchain technology in the medical sector.
Taking place in the city of Changzhou, Ali Health will work with local government to use Blockchain to secure data in a pioneering approach.
“Ali Health’s Blockchain technology connects information by using our current equipment and systems,” Zhang Zhihong, director at Zhenglu Town Health Center in Changzhou told local news resource Yicai Global.
“It is cost effective and safe. With Blockchain, health centers and district hospitals are interconnected so that the people can enjoy convenient medical services.”
Full details of the scheme are still forthcoming, but will involve creation of “a number of data security nets” and storage of data in ciphertext with “strict access controls and operational privileges.”
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The move is just the latest state-sanctioned Blockchain experiment to get the green light in China, this week also seeing tax processes begin working with the technology.
Worldwide, an increasing number of countries have turned to Blockchain for medical record security, including Estonia and most recently India.
The latter this month announced a joint partnership with City University London to create a consortium to study how the technology can protect healthcare and Internet of Things infrastructure in the wake of the WannaCry cyberattacks.
When ransomware attackers struck in May, the UK’s National Health Service was paralyzed due to insufficient security and extensive use of legacy hardware and software.
Source:
https://cointelegraph.com/news/alibaba-deploys-blockchain-to-secure-health-data-in-chinese-first
