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Rising shipping costs: How custom packaging protects your brand and bottom line

Custom packaging can help offset rising freight costs by optimizing packaging size and weight, reducing damage, streamlining logistics, and enhancing brand recognition.




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Trends: What's next? Gluten-free sriracha?

Without a doubt, food manufacturers have not slowed product development in the gluten-free realm.




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Shipments of Goods and Coronavirus: Update

Yesterday, the President of the United States declared an expanded emergency declaration for all states and the District of Columbia on truck shipments of consumer goods and other supplies. Below is an update from the FMCSA delineating the types loads that are being exempted from hours of service rules.




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Genius: An Overview - AssessmentPsychology.com

Genius: A psychologist's overview by William E. Benet, Ph.D., Psy.D.




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Genius: An Overview and Perspective - AssessmentPsychology.com

An overview and perspective on genius by Dr. William E. Benet - keeping high IQ in perspective, genius and adjustment, Einstein's IQ, and the highest IQs in history.




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Environmental Claims: A Double-Edged Sword for Brand Marketing

The regulatory landscape for environmental claims is becoming increasingly complex and inconsistent in the United States, presenting significant potential legal and reputational risks for brands attempting to market their packaging as environmentally friendly.




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Packaging solutions help snack company crack into long-term success: case study

John B. Sanfilippo & Son, in business for more than a century, relies upon Bartelt's packaging technology in its nut processing and packaging operations.




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From Wine to Tortillas: Inspection, Detection, and Vision Systems Play Crucial Role

Reporting by Packaging Strategies over the last several months reveals the innumerable applications of inspection/detection/vision equipment.




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Registration Now Open for Destinations International Fall 2024 Conferences: Advocacy Summit, Social Inclusion Summit and Business Operations Summit

Registration Now Open for Destinations International Fall 2024 Conferences: Advocacy Summit, Social Inclusion Summit and Business Operations Summit dbreisch@desti… Wed, 07/10/2024 - 18:22

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3 min read

Registration Now Open for Destinations International Fall 2024 Conferences: Advocacy Summit, Social Inclusion Summit and Business Operations Summit

Premier events offer essential knowledge and skills to help destination organizations lead with innovation and inclusivity

Media Contact: 
Tim Smith 
tsmith@destinationsinternational.org
1.425.577.4499

Washington, D.C., USA (July 10, 2024) – Destinations International (DI), the world’s leading resource for destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), and tourism boards, has opened registration for its three remaining major events in 2024: the Advocacy Summit, which will take place in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, from October 22-24; and the Social Inclusion Summit and Business Operations Summit, which both will take place in Spokane, Washington, October 28-30.  

Destinations International continues to provide training and development specially designed to help destination organizations anticipate transformation and thrive in a continually evolving environment. Each summit will look at current challenges and opportunities and offer the opportunity to explore, learn, and network among industry peers. Attendees will benefit from comprehensive sessions that address the most pressing issues facing the sector today, from enhancing stakeholder engagement and impactful advocacy, to advancing social inclusion, to embracing advancements in technology and innovation in business operations.

“Destinations International is committed to providing our members with the essential information they need to help their organizations and communities thrive,” said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. “Our outstanding fall summits focus on the most pressing and timely issues facing destination organizations today and offer an unprecedented opportunity to learn from experts and network with peers. I’m confident that attendees will leave each summit with new insights and actionable strategies to take back to their organizations.”

Summit overviews:

2024 Advocacy Summit (Rio Grande, Puerto Rico – October 22-24, 2024) 
Under the theme “Advocate as Catalyst,” the summit will help destination organizations better serve as essential community assets promoting the local community as an attractive travel destination while also enhancing its public image as a dynamic place live and work. Through interactive discussions, case studies and practical exercises, attendees will develop skills, identify tools and gain knowledge to support powerful advocacy. This year, the event offers three immersive workshops to explore the rich Taíno heritage of Puerto Rico; survey the intersection of ecotourism and conservation against the unique backdrop of El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System; and learn about the development of eco-cultural tourism attractions at Carabali Rainforest Adventure Park. 
(Click here for more information and to register)

2024 Social Inclusion Summit (Spokane, Washington – October 28-30, 2024)
The summit offers a series of impactful sessions and immersive experiences designed to engage community partnerships and create a welcoming environment where people of all abilities and backgrounds feel welcome, valued and understood. Through a lens of accountability, attendees will learn actionable strategies to deepen community relationships and enhance workplace culture, ultimately creating welcoming experiences for visitors. Sessions include: Fostering Community Connections for Impact; Advocacy Strategies for Engaging Local Government; and Establishing Accountability in Social Inclusion. This summit is for leaders of all abilities and backgrounds who specialize in, or have an interest in, community engagement, human resources, culture development, marketing, and inclusion and belonging.
(Click here for more information and to register)

2024 Business Operations Summit (Spokane, Washington – October 28-30, 2024)
The Business Operations Summit is a cross-functional gathering of destination organization professionals in finance, human resources, operations and technology. This year’s summit will leverage the latest advancements in finance, digital platforms and talent management, offering valuable knowledge and practical solutions to help destination organization leaders navigate the complexities of modern business operations. Join us to explore how finance, technology, and HR can drive innovation and excellence in your organization.
(Click here for more information and to register)

Please check destinationsinternational.org for latest updates on these and all Destinations International events and information.


###


About Destinations International 
Destinations International is the world’s largest and most trusted resource for destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) and tourism boards. With more than 7,500 members and partners from over 750 destinations, the association represents a powerful forward-thinking and collaborative community around the world. For more information, visit www.destinationsinternational.org.  
 

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November financial market seasonals: Japanese FX officials won't want to read this

The election is going to dominate early November trading so making moves based on seasonals is unwise. That said, it's useful to keep them in mind as the dust settles.

  • November is the best month for USD/JPY
  • Best month for the Nasdaq
  • Third-best month for the US dollar
  • The November through February is strong for gold
  • Second-best month for the S&P 500
  • Second-best month for the MSCI world index
  • Second-best month for the German DAX
  • Best month for the Nikkei 225
  • The final month of the seasonal slump for oil. Seasonals neutral in Dec-Jan then strongly positve from Feb-June

Going into last November, the S&P 500 had declined for three straight months but that month marked a turning point as it recouped nearly all the gains in what was the beginning of a five-month rally. This time, we're coming into the month with better momentum, though October was negative for stocks.

This article was written by Adam Button at www.forexlive.com.




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Natural gas: Eyeing extreme dip buying levels for generational gains.

Hello, this is Itai Levitan at ForexLive.com. Today, I’m diving into Natural Gas Futures (NG), which are trading around 2.92 as of yesterday's close. This analysis will be relevant to those of you looking at CFDs, futures themselves, or stocks related to natural gas. Here’s a detailed view of my approach:

Natural Gas Futures Overview

Currently, we’re seeing Natural Gas Futures in a significant channel on the weekly time frame. There’s potential for a bullish breakout from a large bull flag formation, highlighted by the recent piercing through the upper edge of this channel. However, we’re still in uncertain territory—it’s possible the price may reverse back down, retesting the flag before making any decisive move.

Dip Buying Extreme Targeting

I’m looking closely at the potential for an extreme dip buying opportunity in natural gas. When I say “extreme dip buying,” I’m talking about setting up a longer-term, strategic plan that goes beyond typical levels. Instead of just waiting for an undefined "deep drop," I'm identifying specific price levels that could offer remarkable buying opportunities if the market hits them.

Long-Term Support Levels to Watch

Here’s what I'm focusing on for a deeper dip buy:

  1. 1.612 (Low of 2016) – This level may present an attractive medium-term long position, suitable for swing trades.
  2. 1.44 (Low of 2020) – Similar to 1.612, this level could offer a profitable swing opportunity, though not necessarily for a prolonged hold.

While these are appealing points for shorter-term trades, I recommend partial profit-taking here to mitigate risk if the price reverses sharply.

Generational Low Opportunity at 1.25

For the patient, long-term investors, my primary area of interest lies around 1.25—the historic low from 1995, nearly 30 years ago. This level represents a “generational low,” providing a triple layer of support:

  • The lower bound of the channel.
  • The major, longer-term channel trendline.
  • The historic 1.25 support level from 1995.

If natural gas reaches this area, it could be a highly attractive long-term buy. I suggest setting several buy orders around 1.25 to capture a position here and holding for substantial potential upside. Patience will be key—having some trading capital reserved for this area could be a game-changing strategy.

The Ultimate Extreme at 1.04

If something drastic occurs and the price reaches 1.04, the all-time low from the 1990s, it would represent a multi-generational low. This level would likely attract significant buying interest from funds, institutions, and individual investors. Similar to the parity level we saw with EUR/USD, this psychological round number could spur major accumulation and serve as an unparalleled buying opportunity.

Summary and Final Thoughts on Natural Gas and Exteme Dip Buying

In summary:

  • Stay Patient: This strategy involves waiting for rare, extreme dip-buying levels.
  • Allocate Capital Strategically: Save some ammunition for these lower levels, where the upside potential is considerable.
  • Monitor Support Levels Closely: Levels like 1.25 and 1.04 represent deeply discounted entry points that could yield long-term gains.

Follow ForexLive.com for additional insights for investors and traders, and let’s keep an eye on these setups. Extreme opportunities don’t come often, so be prepared and thank me later!

This article was written by Itai Levitan at www.forexlive.com.




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U.S. Elections: what to expect? Octa Broker Offers Its View

The U.S. presidential election draws near, and investors are on high alert as the outcomes of Kamala Harris's and Donald Trump's contrasting economic policies could have significant ramifications for the financial markets. With key decisions looming around tax rates, regulation, energy policy, and trade, the potential for market volatility increases depending on who gets into the White House and what the new balance of power in the U.S. Congress will be. In this article, Octa Broker's financial analyst, Kar Yong Ang, breaks down the candidates' divergent economic visions and outlines possible scenarios for market reactions post-election, offering critical insights for traders to navigate the uncertain financial landscape ahead.

With less than a day to go until the U.S. presidential election, investors and traders are bracing for the potential impact on the financial markets. Although both candidates (Kamala Harris and Donald Trump) proclaim to pursue similar goals–––notably, creating jobs and boosting the U.S. manufacturing base–––they offer very different approaches to economic policy. Therefore, financial markets will almost certainly respond differently depending on who ultimately gets into the White House. Furthermore, it is important to factor in the possible changes in the arrangement of power on Capitol Hill, as 33 out of 100 senators and all 435 delegates in the House of Representatives will also seek re-election this November.

At Octa Broker, we decided to offer our view about what to expect from the upcoming elections and what could be the possible impact on the financial markets in general and on gold and the U.S. dollar in particular. Before we lay out the possible scenarios, let’s first briefly recap the economic policy visions of Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party candidate, and of former President Donald Trump, the Republican Party nominee, and underline their key differences. Please note that this article will focus specifically on the candidates' economic policies that are expected to have the most impact on the financial markets and affect an average trader. Thus, the general focus is on tax policy, regulation, energy policy, foreign policy, and tariffs. The article will not delve into the details of other policies, such as abortion rights, immigration, housing, and healthcare policy.

Table 1: Comparing the Candidates

‘When you wake up on 6 November to check the results of the U.S. presidential elections, there are two things to keep in mind’, argues Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa Broker. ‘Firstly, it is vital to realise just how decisive the victory of either of the candidates is. Secondly, it is very important to ascertain the new composition of the Legislative Branch'. Indeed, if either Harris or Trump wins the national popular vote with only a slim majority or the Electoral College produces mixed and uncertain results, the investors may get nervous, and market volatility will rise. ‘Contesting results are not good for the markets, as they may trigger disputes among the parties and delay important economic decisions in the best-case scenario and lead to social unrest and violence in the worst case’, Karr says.

The composition of the House and the Senate is equally important as they will largely determine the ultimate balance of power and the direction of the legislation. According to ABC News simulation, Republicans win control of the Senate 88 times out of 100[1], meaning that it is highly unlikely that the Democratic Party can manage to take out the upper chamber of the U.S. Congress. When it comes to the House of Representatives, however, the chances are 50/50. Thus, it seems reasonable to infer that only four potential scenarios exist in this election (see the table below).

Table 2: Possible Scenarios and the Dollar Impact

Scenarios 1 and 2

Scenarios 1 and 2 assume that Kamala Harris becomes the next President of the United States, but her executive power is severely or partly limited. In case Republicans capture both the House and the Senate, Harris's policy initiatives will be blocked or substantially amended. On balance, a Harris presidency facing a hostile Congress would bring about a politically unstable and unpredictable environment, which investors despise. As a result, the economy will underperform, stocks will decline, and the dollar will weaken.

‘A government paralysed by dysfunction and gridlock is the worst-case scenario for the U.S. economy in general and for the U.S. dollar in particular’, says Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa Broker. ‘The probability of a protracted government shutdown is very high under this scenario. U.S. stock market indices will certainly take a hit’.

Indeed, Harris's progressive initiatives on climate and the environment will be blocked, while fiscal and economic policy will become a key point of contention, leading to a major standoff over the budget. At the same time, Harris's presidency might result in less government spending, which will have a disinflationary impact, enabling the Federal Reserve (Fed) to continue reducing interest rates. That, too, however, will have a long-term bearish impact on the U.S. dollar.

In turn, the greenback's weakness may have a bullish impact on commodities, especially gold, as it will become more affordable for holders of other currencies. Another bullish factor for commodities in general and for gold, in particular, is that the conflict in Eastern Europe will likely drag on under Harris, given that she has been more in favour of supplying the weapons rather than pushing for a peace deal.

‘All in all, I think Harris's presidency will be met with a bearish reaction in U.S. equity markets–––especially in the energy sector. Companies focusing on renewables may perform better but still suffer in the long term as Harris will struggle to push her environmental agenda. The U.S. dollar will almost certainly sell off, while the euro and Chinese yuan will strengthen’, concludes Kar Yong Ang.

Scenarios 3 and 4

Scenarios 3 and 4 assume that Donald Trump becomes the next President of the United States, but his executive power will either be partly limited by the Democratic House or, alternatively, he manages to achieve a sweeping victory with the Republican Party taking full control over both chambers of Congress. In this case, investors will likely cheer (at least in the short term), as Trump promises to cut red tape and reduce taxes. Stock indices will rally, and the dollar may strengthen. Still, there will be long-term risks associated with Trump’s trade policy.

‘The fears over U.S. debt sustainability will certainly rise under Trump’, says Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa Broker. ‘He will extend as well as enlarge the tax cuts, essentially bringing about a loose fiscal policy, which, in turn, will force the Fed to be hawkish’. Indeed, a Republican sweep victory is the most bullish scenario for the greenback in the midterm. Inflationary tax cuts will boost the economy and may potentially force the Fed to stop its rate-cutting campaign, which will support the U.S. dollar vs other currencies. However, the U.S.'s gigantic deficit will likely keep expanding. Reuters estimates that Donald Trump’s tax cut plans would add some $3.6 trillion to $6.6 trillion to federal deficits over a decade.

On the one hand, tax cuts may serve as a catalyst for U.S. economic growth, which should support oil prices, especially given that Trump is likely to enforce stricter sanctions against Iran. On the other hand, U.S. crude oil and natural gas output may rise as the Trump administration will likely support the companies engaged in fossil fuel production.

Trade policy is not expected to be Trump’s top priority, but he may still introduce new tariffs in 2025-2026. First and foremost, this will negatively affect China and its currency, the yuan. At the same time, Trump’s victory will be a major bullish factor for the crypto industry in general and for digital currencies in particular. He made no secret of his support for crypto and even advocated for the establishment of a national Bitcoin reserve.

‘All in all, I think Trump’s presidency will be met with a bullish reaction in U.S. equity markets–––especially in the energy sector, and especially in case of a sweeping victory. Companies with a focus on renewables will underperform, bitcoin will rally, while the euro and the Chinese yuan will fall. However, the market has already partly priced in Trump’s victory. Therefore, in a classic ‘buy the rumour, sell the news’ scenario, the asset prices I just mentioned may actually drop immediately after the election, but will likely remain supported in 2025’, concludes Kar Yong Ang.

About Octa

Octa is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and a variety of services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

Since its foundation, Octa has won more than 70 awards, including the ‘Best Forex Broker 2023’ award from AllForexRating and the ‘Best Mobile Trading Platform 2024’ award from Global Brand Magazine.

This article was written by FL Contributors at www.forexlive.com.




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Crypto Cities: Futures vs. Options in Crypto Markets

The cryptocurrency market is evolving rapidly, and with it, advanced financial instruments like futures and options have emerged as popular tools for traders seeking to maximize their investment strategies. While these derivatives allow for speculative trades and strategic risk management, they each have unique characteristics, pros and cons, and complexities that make them suitable for different types of traders. As these instruments gain popularity, especially in crypto-focused financial hubs often termed as "Crypto Cities," understanding the nuances between futures and options has become essential for modern investors.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the mechanisms behind futures and options, their applications in cryptocurrency markets, and which scenarios favor each instrument. Whether you are looking to leverage a small investment into potentially higher returns or hedge your existing crypto holdings, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of futures and options and how they fit into the ever-expanding landscape of crypto trading.

What Are Futures in the Crypto Market?

Definition and Mechanism

Crypto futures are financial contracts obligating the buyer to purchase (or the seller to sell) a specific cryptocurrency at a predetermined price at a specified future date. Unlike spot markets, where transactions are settled instantly, futures allow traders to speculate on the future price movement of a cryptocurrency without owning the underlying asset.

Key Features of Crypto Futures

  • Leverage: Futures contracts allow traders to control a larger position with a smaller amount of capital by using leverage. However, this amplifies both gains and losses.
  • Settlement Date: Futures have an expiration or settlement date, which defines when the contract must be fulfilled or closed.
  • Market Liquidity: Futures often have high liquidity, particularly for popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Pros and Cons of Futures

  • Pros:
    • High potential for returns with leveraged positions.
    • Flexibility to profit from both rising and falling markets.
    • No need to own the underlying cryptocurrency.
  • Cons:
    • Elevated risk due to leverage, which can lead to significant losses.
    • Expiry dates require positions to be managed actively.
    • Complex for beginners without financial background or trading experience.

What Are Options in the Crypto Market?

Definition and Mechanism

Crypto options give traders the right, but not the obligation, to buy (call option) or sell (put option) a cryptocurrency at a specified price on or before a certain date. This characteristic provides a flexible way to speculate on price movement or hedge against potential losses.

Key Features of Crypto Options

  • Premium: To acquire an option, traders pay a premium, which is the upfront cost of the contract.
  • Expiration Date: Like futures, options also have an expiration date, after which the option becomes invalid.
  • Limited Risk for Buyers: The maximum loss for an option buyer is limited to the premium paid, whereas sellers face potentially unlimited losses.

Pros and Cons of Options

  • Pros:
    • Lower initial cost since only the premium needs to be paid.
    • Limited risk for option buyers.
    • Flexibility to hedge against price volatility.
  • Cons:
    • Options pricing can be complex, involving factors like volatility and time decay.
    • Potential for unlimited losses for option sellers.
    • Premiums can reduce profitability if the market doesn’t move in the anticipated direction.

Futures vs. Options: Key Differences

Obligation vs. Right

  • Futures: With futures, both buyer and seller are obligated to fulfill the contract at expiration.
  • Options: Options buyers are not obligated to exercise the contract. They can choose to let it expire if it’s unprofitable, minimizing potential losses to the premium paid.

Risk Exposure

  • Futures: Leverage can amplify profits and losses, meaning traders can lose more than their initial investment.
  • Options: Options buyers face limited risk, making it an appealing choice for conservative traders.

Expiration and Liquidity

  • Futures: Have higher liquidity and are generally easier to enter and exit.
  • Options: Can have less liquidity, particularly in crypto markets, making them more suitable for specific trading strategies.

Use Cases: When to Use Futures vs. Options

Trading Speculation

Futures are highly suited for short-term speculation, particularly when a trader has strong expectations about the direction of the market. By leveraging positions, traders can make the most of price fluctuations in the crypto market.

Options, on the other hand, are often used for strategies that benefit from volatility. Traders might buy options when they anticipate significant movement in either direction but are uncertain of which way it will go.

Hedging and Risk Management

Options are commonly used as a hedging tool because they provide a means to protect an investment from adverse price movements while only risking the premium. For instance, a crypto investor holding Bitcoin may purchase a put option to limit potential losses.

Futures, while also used for hedging, involve more risk due to their obligatory nature and leverage. They may be preferable for institutional traders or seasoned investors with significant exposure in the crypto market.

Crypto Cities and the Future of Derivative Trading

In emerging "Crypto Cities" like Miami, Singapore, and Dubai, crypto derivatives trading has become more accessible due to regulatory advancements and sophisticated trading infrastructure. These hubs promote financial innovation, supporting platforms that offer both futures and options trading with advanced risk management features. Leveraging tools like quantum ai can enhance trading analysis in these markets, allowing traders to make data-driven decisions and better manage the complexities of futures and options.

FAQ: Futures vs. Options in Crypto Markets

What are the main differences between futures and options in crypto?

Futures require an obligation to buy or sell at a set date, while options provide the right but not the obligation to execute the trade. This distinction gives options more flexibility.

Are futures riskier than options?

Yes, futures are generally riskier due to leverage and the obligation to settle the contract, while options limit the buyer’s risk to the premium paid.

Can I use both futures and options in crypto trading?

Yes, using both allows traders to diversify their strategies, speculating with futures while hedging with options.

Which is better for short-term trading, futures or options?

Futures are often better for short-term speculation due to their high liquidity and leverage.

What is the role of quantum ai in trading futures and options?

Quantum ai assists traders by analyzing vast amounts of data to identify trends and make data-driven trading decisions, helping to navigate the complexities of derivatives.

Do all exchanges offer futures and options trading?

No, only certain exchanges offer both. It’s essential to choose a reputable exchange that supports these derivatives and offers tools for risk management.

How does leverage work in futures trading?

Leverage allows traders to control a larger position with a smaller amount of capital. However, it also increases the potential for losses.

What factors affect options pricing?

Options pricing is influenced by the underlying asset’s price, volatility, time to expiration, and the strike price.

Can options expire worthless?

Yes, if an option is out of the money at expiration, it becomes worthless, and the buyer loses the premium.

Is it possible to hedge with both futures and options?

Yes, futures can be used for directional hedging, while options provide flexibility to hedge against volatility and risk.

Conclusion

In the dynamic landscape of cryptocurrency trading, understanding the differences between futures and options is vital for traders looking to maximize their strategies and manage risk. While futures offer a straightforward, leveraged approach to capitalize on price movements, options provide flexibility and limited risk exposure, making them suitable for cautious investors and complex trading strategies.

By integrating advanced tools like quantum ai into trading strategies, investors can gain insights into market trends and optimize their decision-making process. Whether operating in a traditional market or an emerging Crypto City, being informed about futures and options can enhance trading outcomes and provide a competitive edge in the crypto market.

This article was written by FL Contributors at www.forexlive.com.




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A-Listers and Industry Insiders: NAB Show Offers Lineup Packed with Heavy Hitters

Washington, D.C.— NAB Show brings together a dynamic mix of celebrities, broadcasters, renowned creators and industry leaders to deliver key insights, discuss innovation and chart the course for the future of broadcast, media and entertainment. These thought leaders will converge at the Las Vegas Convention Center April 13 - 17, 2024, (Exhibits April 14 - 17) to share knowledge, collaborate and network with peers.




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Legacy EU Common Market Organisation Schemes: Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

Room 21, Parliament Buildings



  • Committee for Agriculture
  • Environment and Rural Affairs

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Class B Private Hire Vehicles: Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee

Room 29, Parliament Buildings



  • Committee for Infrastructure

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ADHD Services: Department of Health

Room 29, Parliament Buildings



  • Committee for Health

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Review of Children’s Social Care Services: Reimagine Children's Collective

Room 29, Parliament Buildings



  • Committee for Health

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‘Major Capital Projects: Follow-up Report’: Executive Office; Department of Finance; Strategic Investment Board; Northern Ireland Audit Office

Room 30, Parliament Buildings



  • Public Accounts Committee

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Regulation (EU) 2024/2516 Amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 as regards the Digital Labelling of EU Fertilising Products: Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

Room 30, Parliament Buildings



  • Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee

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Planning and Infrastructure Key Issues: Mineral Products Association Northern Ireland

Room 29, Parliament Buildings



  • Committee for Infrastructure

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COM(2022)748 Proposal for a Regulation Amending Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures: Department for the Economy; Department of Health; Department of Justice

Room 30, Parliament Buildings



  • Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee

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DevOps: Tech, Talk, and Territorialism

Panelists Tim Hall, Peter Belknap, and Robert Wunderlich discuss DevOps-friendly technologies and the impact of DevOps on communication and governance.




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EPM Upgrades: A Roundtable Discussion - Part 3

Panelists Eric Helmer, John Booth, and Rob Donahue conclude their discussion of what's new in the EPM space, and then close out the series with a look at the anatomy of an EPM upgrade project.




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EPM Upgrades: A Roundtable Discussion - Part 1

Experts Eric Helmer, John Booth, and Rob Donahue provide a little background on Oracle EPM, and then share some of the reasons their clients give for embarking on an EPM upgrade.




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EPM Upgrades: A Roundtable Discussion - Part 2

EPM pros Eric Helmer, John Booth, and Rob Donahue discuss what's new and upcoming in the EPM space, and look at developing trends.




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Extending EBS: Choosing the Right Dev Tools

What dev tool is the best choice for extending Oracle E-Business Suite applications into the cloud or mobile? It depends. This panel discussion will help you sort it out.




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Tech Books: Writing and Reading

Software architects and developers who moonlight as authors discuss what goes into researching, writing, and publishing tech books, and talk about the tech titles that influence their work.




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Microservices: Getting Real

Microservices are hot, but is it the right approach for your project? A experts Chris Richardson, Adam Bien, Reza Rahman, and Karthik Gaekwad share insight on what goes into a successful microservices project in the real world.




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Trajectories: Career Paths of IT Stars

Mark Heckler, Pratik Patel, Sean Phillips, Heather VanCura, and Johan Vos discuss how they got from their earliest coding experiments to stellar IT careers; Stephanie Xu shares a college student's perspective.




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Chatbots: First Steps and Lessons Learned - Part 1

Chabot development comes with a unique set of requirements and considerations that may prove challenging to those making their first excursion into this new breed of services. This podcast features a panel of developers who have been there, done that, and are willing to talk about it.




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Chatbots: First Steps and Lessons Learned - Part 2

The previous podcast featured a discussion of chatbot development with a panel of developers who were part of a program that provided early access to the Oracle Intelligent Bots platform available within the Mobile Cloud Service. In this podcast we continue the discussion of chatbot development with an entirely new panel of developers who also had the opportunity to work with that same Intelligent Bots beta release.

  • Oracle ACE Director Mia Urman is Chief Executive Officer of AuraPlayer Limited. She’s based in Brookline, Massachusetts.
  • Peter Crew is Director at SDS Group, and Chief Technical Officer with MagiaCX Solutions, in Perth, Australia
  • And Christoph Ruepprich is Infrastructure Senior Principal with Accenture Enkitec Group. He’s based in Dallas, TX

In this program Mia, Peter, and Christoph compare notes on the particular challenges that defined their chatbot development experiences, and discuss what they did to meet those challenges.




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#352: Beyond Chatbots: An AI Odyssey

Chatbots. You’ve heard of them. You’ve read about them. You may even be involved in developing them. By a wide margin, one of the most popular Oracle Developer podcasts in the last several months was Chatbot Development, First Steps and Lessons Learned - Part 1 which was published back in September of 2017. So it’s safe to say that chatbots remain a hot topic. So you may be surprised to learn that the conversation you are about to hear doesn’t really focus on chatbots, at least, not directly. Instead, the panel discusses the AI work they're currently involved in, the AI challenges they face, and other issues relevant to developing AI solutions.

View the complete show notes.




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#357: DevOps to NoOps: State of Play

Community Managers Javed Mohammed and Bob Rhubart co-host this DevOps State of Play.

What is the current state of play in DevOps? What forces are having the greatest impact on the evolution and adoption of DevOps? Is NoOps a valid prospect for the future? Those questions notwithstanding, one thing is certain: while everybody is talking about DevOps, getting from talk to action is proving to be a substantial hurdle for many organizations. This panel of experts has plenty to say about how to clear that hurdle.

View the complete show notes.




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#362: Database Golden Rules: When (and Why) to Break Them

American inventor Thomas Edison, once said, “Hell, there are no rules here. We're trying to accomplish something.” What we hope to accomplish with this episode of the Groundbreaker Podcast is an exploration of the idea that the evolution in today’s architectures makes it advantageous, perhaps even necessary, to challenge some long-established concepts that have achieved “golden rule” status as they apply to the use of databases.

View the complete show notes.




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#379: Chatbots: Talking the Talk

Already enjoying wide adoption, digital assistants are destined to become even more prevalent.  As the use of digital assistants expands, so do the opportunities for developers with the necessary skills. In this program you’ll meet three people among the vanguard of those developing digital assistants. Oracle ACE Director Mia Urman, Founder and CEO of AuraPlayer, was deeply involved in the development of KBot, the chatbot developed to respond to questions from attendees at the 2019 ODTUG KScope event in Seattle.  David Callaghan, Senior Developer at Hermes, a UK-based parcel delivery company, led the development team behind Holly, the AI entity that has revolutionized customer service at Hermes. Grant Ronald, Director of Product Management within Oracle's Digital Assistant development team, had an active role in Holly’s creation. 

Listen to learn about what goes into the design and development of a chatbot, the challenges encountered along the way, and how to celebrate a chatbot's birthday.




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Building Software Development Communities: Lessons Learned and Stories from the Field

Here are some photos, stories, and lessons I've collected over the years building Open Source software development communities at Sun Microsystems, Oracle, and on my own. I like taking photos and I like talking to developers — it's how I learn. So in this comprehensive commentary I talk about pretty much everything I've learned during the previous 15 years or so doing community development. Everything I've learned I still use today.

You can follow along with the photos below or view the video. I gave an earlier version of this talk at the All India Oracle User Group's (AIOUG) virtual OG Yatra in 2020, and I've talked about bits and pieces of the content in many other presentations. That's why I wanted to bring it all together into a single narrative centered around some specific images and stories. Hope it hangs together. 

Podcast Host: Jim Grisanzio, Oracle Developer Relations

https://twitter.com/jimgris
https://developer.oracle.com/team/ 

 

Photos

https://jimgrisanzio.files.wordpress.com/2021/07/grisanzio-community-stories.pdf

 

Video

https://youtu.be/nzo0PYv4tUM

 

Article

https://jimgrisanzio.wordpress.com/building-communities/

 

All India Oracle User Group OGYatra 2020 Slides

https://jimgrisanzio.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/2020-grisanzio-ogyatra.pdf

 

All India Oracle User Group OGYatra 2020 Video

https://youtu.be/gz7nMtWaUB0

 

Oracle Developer Relations Social

https://twitter.com/jimgris

https://twitter.com/groundbreakers

https://twitter.com/oracleace

https://twitter.com/oracleugs

https://developer.oracle.com/




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Preview: Oracle Developer Live — Java Innovations: Aurelio Garcia-Ribeyro

Oracle Developer Live — Java Innovations: Building the Future Today: September 14 and 16

In this short conversation Aurelio Garcia-Ribeyro, Sr. Director of Java Product Management at Oracle, previews his two session at the upcoming Oracle Developer Live Java Innovations event in September. Aurelio will be talking about the new Java Management Service and also JDK 17. Video on YouTube

Register for Oracle Developer Live — Java Innovations: Building the Future Today: September 14 and 16
https://developer.oracle.com/developer-live/java-innovations-sep-2021/

Aurelio Garcia-Ribeyro
https://twitter.com/aureliog

Podcast Host: Jim Grisanzio, Oracle Developer Relations
https://twitter.com/jimgris
https://developer.oracle.com/team/ 




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Preview: Oracle Developer Live — Java Innovations: Venkat Subramaniam

Oracle Developer Live — Java Innovations: Building the Future Today: September 14 and 16

In this short conversation, Java developer Venkat Subramaniam previews his talk at the upcoming Oracle Developer Live — Java Innovations conference. The event is on September 14 and 16 and Venkat's session will be Making Use of Sealed Classes in Java. Don't miss it! Video.

Register for Oracle Developer Live — Java Innovations: Building the Future Today: September 14 and 16

Venkat Subramaniam, Founder Agile Developer, Inc.
https://twitter.com/venkat_s 

Podcast Host: Jim Grisanzio, Oracle Developer Relations
https://twitter.com/jimgris
https://developer.oracle.com/team/ 




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Preview: Oracle Developer Live — Java Innovations: Paul Sandoz

Oracle Developer Live — Java Innovations: Building the Future Today: September 14 and 16

In this conversation, Java Software Architect Paul Sandoz previews his talk at the upcoming conference Oracle Developer Live — Java Innovations. The event is on September 14 and 16 and Paul will be talking about The Vector API in JDK 17. Don't miss it! 24 speakers booked! Everyone will be there. Video

Register for Oracle Developer Live — Java Innovations: Building the Future Today: September 14 and 16

Paul Sandoz, Java Software Architect, Oracle
https://twitter.com/PaulSandoz

Podcast Host: Jim Grisanzio, Oracle Developer Relations
https://twitter.com/jimgris
https://developer.oracle.com/team/ 




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Preview: Oracle Developer Live — Java Innovations: Joe Darcy

Oracle Developer Live — Java Innovations: Building the Future Today: September 14 and 16

OpenJDK developer Joe Darcy previews his session at the upcoming Oracle Developer Live — Java Innovations. The event is September 14 and 16 and Joe’s talk — What Every Java Programmer Should Know About Floating-Point Arithmetic — will be on the 16th. Keynote, nine sessions, and four hands-on labs. Don’t miss it!  Video

Joe Darcy, Engineer, Java Platform Group, Oracle
https://twitter.com/jddarcy 

Podcast Host: Jim Grisanzio, Oracle Developer Relations
https://twitter.com/jimgris
https://developer.oracle.com/team/ 




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FROM THE ARCHIVES: Аlina Yurenko at Jfokus 2020 on the GraalVM Project and Building the Community

In this archives episode Jim Grisanzio from Oracle Developer Relations talks with Аlina Yurenko from Oracle on the GraalVM Project. The conversation took place in February 2020 at the Jfokus Java conference in Stockholm, Sweden. Alina talks about the state of the GraalVM project, the community, and Jfokus. Also see the video on YouTube.




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FROM THE ARCHIVES: John Spurling at UnVoxxed Hawaii 2020 on Debugging

Jim Grisanzio talks with John Spurling, a JVM engineer at Twitter, at UnVoxxed Hawaii 2020 about debugging and the mental process of solving difficult technical issues.

John Spurling, Twitter
https://twitter.com/synecdotal 

Jim Grisanzio, Java Developer Relations
https://twitter.com/jimgris 

Video on YouTube
https://youtu.be/6dwOPQSJwaI 

UnVoxxed Hawaii
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmLF23KD 
https://twitter.com/UnVoxxedHawaii 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX8CzqL3ArzU0APb6QgpMMTMPEz1jok5Q 

Seymour Cray
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seymour_Cray 

Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning 
https://www.amazon.com/Make-Stick-Science-Successful-Learning/dp/0674729013 




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Hanno Embregts: Making the World a Better Place

Jim Grisanzio from Java Developer Relations talks with Hanno Embregts, a Java Champion and an Oracle ACE Pro from The Netherlands who loves contributing to the Java community and presenting technical and musical sessions at developer conferences. And Hanno is especially passionate about making the world a better place thorough software. In fact, he's been driven by that idea for as long as he can remember! He goes into detail about how the Java community is so innovative, why Java is so technically advanced, and how both can be leveraged to help us all live in a more environmentally sustainable way.

Hanno Embregts https://x.com/hannotify
Jim Grisanzio https://x.com/jimgris




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The Future of Refrigerants: Essential Guide to Eco-Friendly Alternatives and the Transition Process




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Lighting Controls: Achieving Energy Efficiency and Visual Comfort




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Some Good News: Natural Gas Prices Dropping Dramatically




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Coming of Consciousness: Tyler Taormina on Christmas Eve in Miller's Point

An interview with the filmmaker about his tender take on Christmas, connection, and change.




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A Voice from the Great Unconscious: Tony Todd (1954-2024)

A tribute to Tony Todd.




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Renee Zellweger is Back in 'Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy' Trailer

"If you don't shag him, I will." Universal Pictures and Peacock have revealed the official trailer for Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, the next romcom sequel from this long-running franchise starring Renée Zellweger. Bridget Jones first blasted onto bookshelves in Helen Fielding's literary phenomenon Bridget Jones's Diary, which became a global bestseller & blockbuster film in 2001. As a single career woman living in London, Bridget Jones not only introduced the world to her romantic adventures, but added "Singletons," "Smug-Marrieds" and "f---wittage" into the global lexicon. Then came the sequel Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004) followed by Bridget Jones's Baby (2016). In this next one, Mad About the Boy, Jones gets on Tinder and meets a dashing young man who woos her. The full ensemble cast has plenty of old & new faces: Renée Zellweger, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Isla Fisher, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jim Broadbent, Gemma Jones, James Callis, Shirley Henderson, Sally Phillips, along with Leo Woodall as the new boy. Looks as charming & funny & cheesy as the last two sequels. Will it be any better? Official trailer (+ poster) for Michael Morris' sequel Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, via YouTube: Bridget […]