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(NewsUSA) - More businesses and countries worldwide are embracing digital payments as a way to make e-commerce more efficient and create a smoother transaction experience for consumers.<br /> <br /> Digital wallets, such as uBUCK, offer a dollar-backed stable token built on Waves blockchain technology, one of the fastest blockchains available. uBUCK's technology allows for the management of both digital and traditional currency, and both online and offline purchasing power.<br /> <br /> "Piloted by an all-star management team, uBUCK is looking beyond carving out a niche to become a disruptive player in this ever-changing payments industry," according to the company's website.<br /> <br /> The uBUCK digital wallet allows for instant transfers of funds, and unlike some digital wallets, uBUCK is not limited to the United States. Transfers can occur globally, with no transfer fees and no cost to the end user.<br /> <br /> The elimination of transfer fees is one of uBUCK's strongest selling points, as it is an option for those who don't have traditional bank accounts, such as migrant workers looking to send money home, or for anyone else, such as parents sending money to kids at college who want to avoid the additional fees associated with some financial transfers.<br /> <br /> Users of uBUCK can transfer funds, make online purchases, or withdraw cash at an ATM, although reports on digital wallet use suggest that the expanded technology may ultimately replace the need for bank branches and ATMs.<br /> <br /> Sending money with uBUCK is a simple, four-step process:<br /> <br /> * Buy the voucher. Users download the uBUCK app and purchase a voucher.<br /> <br /> * Buy uBUCK cash. Users redeem a PIN to purchase uBUCK cash.<br /> <br /> * Select recipient. Users without a uBUCK account will be invited to the app via email.<br /> <br /> * Send payment. Users can then enter the payment amount, send, and confirm.<br /> <br /> "Our mission is to put honesty, transparency, and trust back into software," according to Ashik Karim, CEO of LiteLink Technologies, the parent company of uBUCK Technologies. LiteLink was recently featured in a Forbes magazine article, "10 Blockchain Companies to Watch in 2019."<br /> <br /> LiteLink is publicly traded on the Canadian Securities Exchange and OTC Markets. Their symbols are CSE:LLT and OTC:LLNKF.<br /> <br /> Ref: Electronics - in Blogs

As the most densely populated city in central Indonesia, Makassar offers a diverse array of captivating destinations for travelers. The strategic coastal position of Makassar makes it an important transit port for long-distance ships, serving routes from Surabaya to Papua. This strategic role is not new—since colonial times, Makassar has been a vital naval center, as evidenced by the magnificent presence of Fort Rotterdam.<br /><br />The Rich History of Fort Rotterdam<br />Fort Rotterdam was first constructed in 1545 by the 9th King of Gowa, Daeng Matanre Karaeng Tumapa'risi' Kallonna. Originally named Fort Ujung Pandang, this fortress was later surrendered to the Dutch VOC under the Treaty of Bungaya in 1667.<br />The fort's architecture is truly impressive, featuring six sturdy bastions surrounded by seven-meter-high walls and a two-meter-deep moat as a defense system. During its golden era, this fortress served as the central collection point for spices from across the Indonesian archipelago before being traded to European markets, making it one of the most important economic hubs in Southeast Asia.<br /><br />Transformation into an Educational Museum<br />Today, Fort Rotterdam has transformed into an educational museum that can be visited free of charge by all Indonesian citizens. The fortress atmosphere successfully maintains its classic ambiance, transporting visitors back to the colonial era.<br /><br />Within the fort complex, invaluable historical artifacts are housed and can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages, from children to adults. This place serves as the perfect educational venue for understanding Indonesia's historical journey, particularly in the South Sulawesi region.<br /><br />The museum showcases various collections that tell the story of Makassar's maritime heritage, colonial influences, and the rich cultural tapestry of the Bugis-Makassar people. Interactive displays and well-preserved artifacts provide visitors with an immersive learning experience about Indonesia's colonial past and its impact on modern society.<br /><br />A Photography Paradise with Classic Vibes<br />For photography enthusiasts, Fort Rotterdam offers an extraordinary location with stunning classic and aesthetic appeal. Various corners of the fort provide Instagram-worthy backdrops, creating the sensation of traveling back in time.<br /><br />You can pose freely and capture as many moments as desired at the numerous attractive spots available. The well-preserved colonial architecture provides the perfect backdrop for character-rich photo collections. The interplay of ancient stone walls, vintage cannons, and tropical vegetation creates a unique visual narrative that tells stories of centuries past.<br /><br />Whether you're interested in architectural photography, portrait sessions, or simply capturing memories with friends and family, Fort Rotterdam's diverse settings offer endless creative possibilities. Don't forget to share your best shots on your favorite social media platforms!<br /><br />Practical Information for Visitors<br />Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM<br />Admission: Free for Indonesian citizens<br />Location: Jl. Ujung Pandang, Bulo Gading, Makassar<br />Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and cooler temperatures<br />The fort is easily accessible by public transportation, private vehicles, or ride-sharing services. Parking facilities are available on-site, and the location is within walking distance of other Makassar attractions, making it convenient to include in your city tour itinerary.<br /><br />A Living Testament to History<br />Fort Rotterdam is more than just an ordinary tourist destination—it stands as a silent witness to historical journeys that connect the past with the present. The combination of educational value, architectural beauty, and captivating photography experiences makes this place a must-visit when in Makassar.<br />The fortress represents the complex layers of Indonesian history, from the powerful Gowa Kingdom to Dutch colonial rule, and finally to Indonesia's independence. Walking through its corridors and chambers, visitors can almost hear the echoes of historical events that shaped not only Makassar but the entire Indonesian archipelago.<br />For history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and casual travelers alike, Fort Rotterdam offers a unique window into Indonesia's rich maritime heritage and colonial past, making it an essential stop on any Makassar adventure.<br /><br /><br />Have you had any interesting experiences while visiting Fort Rotterdam? Or do you have questions about this historical destination? Please share in the comments section below. Thank you for reading!<br />

(NewsUSA) - As warm weather approaches, so does wedding season, and family-focused entertainment network UP TV heads down the aisle with a pair of new, unscripted series set to debut this summer.<br /> <br /> The series, "Our Wedding Story," takes viewers inside the relationships between the brides and grooms. With exceptional and cinematic storytelling, viewers will get to live each couple's love story - from the moment they met to the walk down the aisle.<br /> <br /> In "Crazy Beautiful Weddings," viewers go behind the scenes with busy wedding planner Lynzie Kent. Wedding planning is an art and a science, and Ms. Kent brings her style and people skills as she navigates diverse tastes, the couples' visions and various venues, to create one-of-a-kind celebrations for her clients that will make the big day something to remember.<br /> <br /> "On UP, our viewers have seen the families in our beloved series exploring new relationships, planning weddings and having kids," Amy Winter, executive vice present and general manager of UP TV, says in a statement announcing the shows.<br /> <br /> "By greenlighting new series that focus on those specific life moments, we invite our audience to experience all of the joy and excitement that many different couples are going through as they share their personal journeys of life's biggest moments," she says.<br /> <br /> The pair of wedding programs complement new episodes of two existing shows that highlight another one of life's biggest moments - the journey to parenthood.<br /> <br /> This spring, UP premieres new episodes of its groundbreaking series, "Expecting," which follows expectant parents as they prepare for a new addition to the family. With no producers or camera crews, it is the first show that asks couples to turn the lens on themselves, to give the audience a peek into one of life's most exciting and personal journeys - welcoming a child.<br /> <br /> Also premiering in April is "One Born Every Minute." The series takes viewers inside a hospital maternity unit to experience the joy, excitement and drama as babies are delivered.<br /> <br /> UP is available on DIRECTV, DISH, Verizon Fios, AT&T U-verse, Xfinity and local cable. For more information about the family-friendly programming and where you can find the channel, go to UPtv.com.<br /> <br /> Ref: Art - in Blogs

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(NewsUSA) - The upcoming school year will be like nothing teachers, students, and families have ever experienced, as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic steers school systems to embrace online learning and incorporate it in new ways.<br /> <br /> However, school systems across the country are rising to the challenge and staying connected to their students with dynamic digital resources, such as those from Discovery Education.<br /> <br /> Since the beginning of the pandemic, school systems across the country have invested in digital services like Discovery Education Experience because they support students' education at home, in the classroom or wherever learning is taking place.<br /> <br /> Experience - Discovery Education's flexible K-12 learning platform - connects educators to a vast collection of compelling high-quality, standards-aligned content, ready-to-use digital lessons, and professional learning resources. Together, these resources give educators everything they need to facilitate instruction in any learning environment and create lasting educational impact.<br /> <br /> "Discovery Education is committed to keeping students and teachers connected to learning at home or in school," says Scott Kinney, Discovery Education's president of K-12 Education.<br /> <br /> "To accomplish that, we partner with school systems to provide students and teachers the digital resources - such as Discovery Education Experienc - they need for success during this school year and beyond."<br /> <br /> In addition, to providing school systems digital resources Discovery Education provides teachers the professional development they need to use new technologies and maximize their school district's technology investment.<br /> <br /> Discovery Education has a long history as a global leader in digital curricula that align with the current standards for K-12 education, and their products include digital textbooks, multimedia resources, and professional learning for educators.<br /> <br /> Visit discoveryeducation.com for more information about the company's resources, and visit <a target='_blank' href="https://www.discoveryeducation.com/district-partners">https://www.discoveryeducation.com/district-partners</a> to determine whether your local school district is making Discovery Education materials available to their students for the upcoming school year.<br /> <br /> Ref: Colleges - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - The global pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus has accelerated an adoption of online work, video meetings, and virtual conferences that will likely continue.<br /> <br /> Almost every business professional has hosted and participated in multiple online meetings, but how many have taken the time to consider how they present themselves on camera and how to make the most of virtual interactions with colleagues, clients, or customers?<br /> <br /> If you want to optimize how you appear on video and improve and enhance your ability to communicate in a virtual meeting setting, check out the Presence Summit, a day of professional development and interactive exercises scheduled for July 15. The event is sponsored by camera manufacturer HuddleCamHD and the audiovisual distributor company Starin.<br /> <br /> The Presence Summit "is for any individual or business that uses online communications and considers professional development a priority," according to the meeting website.<br /> <br /> Organizers say that "this thought-leader forum is designed specifically for enhancing communications in a video presence era."<br /> <br /> The summit will show the new opportunities that online meetings can provide, and participants will hear from communications experts and industry professionals about how to be more effective in online meetings and how to use video communications to promote products and services, as well as to improve customer experiences.<br /> <br /> Keynote speakers will include Joseph Pine, author of "The Experience Economy," and Fatima Doman, author of "Authentic Resilience." The live stream of the summit is free, and an optional professional development track (registration required) allows access to Zoom breakout sessions led by experts on topics including identifying and optimizing your communication style, applying best practices for online meetings and priming video meeting participants for success.<br /> <br /> In addition, all virtual conference attendees receive a free copy of "The Online Meeting Survival Guide," by Paul Richards, business development manager at HuddleCamHD.<br /> <br /> "The book serves as the pivotal guidebook to help people navigate this new normal of video communication," says Richards. "Readers will learn about best practices for using the latest software to make online meetings more productive."<br /> <br /> Leading up to the Summit, the book can be downloaded for free at huddlecamhd.com/online-meetings.<br /> <br /> Visit PresenceSummit.com for additional details and speaker information. And watch a video about the event on YouTube at <a target='_blank' href="https://bit.ly/2Chpki1.">https://bit.ly/2Chpki1.</a><br /> <br /> Ref: Business - in Blogs

<br /> <br /> How the National Media Messed Up the Mavs Predictions<br /> by Bob McCullough 6/14/24<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Go into the recent archives of any major sports site, and you'll find a lot of names who should be embarrassed about their predictions for the Mavs-Celtics series. And they're not just the names of those who happened to cover the Mavs. <br /> <br /> <br /> The prediction split was close to 50/50. Maybe 60/40 in favor of the C's, which felt reasonable going into the Finals. Now it seems a little ridiculous. <br /> <br /> <br /> So what went wrong? Let's take a closer look at why the national media especially fell for the Dallas storyline, for it embodies a lot of what's wrong with sportswriting today and NBA coverage in particular. <br /> <br /> <br /> **** Mavs Story Lines<br /> <br /> <br /> This one's at the top of the list. Writers love superstars, and the NBA's entire culture is built around them. The old ebony/ivory combination of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic was irresistable as a result, especially given the story lines. <br /> <br /> <br /> Start with Irving, a fascinating wack job who's been shooting his career in the foot for a long time now. After getting in trouble for spewing anti-Semitic nonsense, breaking up teams, getting coaches fired and conveniently missing games due to his anti-vax rhetoric, Irving somehow managed to resurrect his career and transform himself into a supposedly responsible NBA elder in Dallas. It's the ultimate redemption storyline. <br /> <br /> <br /> If you really believe that I have deeds to several bridges I can sell you, but in a basketball context Doncic may be even worse, which hardly seems possible. He's the most offensively gifted player of his generation, and yet, to use the words of Bob Cousy, he "looks like a truck driver." <br /> <br /> <br /> Which is Cooz-speak for Luka being fat and out of shape, especially for a professional athlete, and the Celtics have relentlessly exploited that flaw. Add in the fact that he goes after the refs on EVERY play, and he's pretty sickening to watch, even with his incredibly skill set. That doesn't stop the writers from relentlessly loving the highlight plays; that's what they do. <br /> <br /> <br /> J's Fatigue<br /> <br /> <br /> This one's right up there, too. NBA writers especially are sick of writing the same old rivalry stories about Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown, i.e., who's better, who gets paid more, who cares more about winning vs endorsements and brand, and so on. <br /> <br /> <br /> Not surprisingly, the rest of us are just as sick of reading them. Even more so now that' they've become largely irrelevant. Whatever their differences were--and there likely were differences, rest assured--they've worked them out to get to within a game of their first title. <br /> <br /> <br /> ** hum. <br /> <br /> <br /> What Matters About the Mavs Previous Opponents<br /> <br /> <br /> This one hasn't been explored as much, but it's relevant. National writers especially saw three glamour teams in the Clippers, the Thunder and the Wolves, which wasn't exactly the case. <br /> <br /> <br /> Start with the Clippers. They were always a shell of a team with lots of older star power--Kahwi, Paul George, the artist formerly known as Westbrick. Without a healthy Leonard, however, that formula was yesterday's news, as the Mavs quickly proved. Simply put, it was a hidden mismatch. <br /> <br /> <br /> On to the Thunder. This one's slightly more interesting. OKC surprised everyone with a first-round sweep over a New Orleans shell team supposedly "led" by the ever injured and absent Zion Williamson, which led to the assumption that they were ahead of the curve when it came to being playoff ready. <br /> <br /> <br /> Dallas exposed them as a bit of a donut team without enough secondary scoring after SGA, giving Sam Presti a solid blueprint for what he needs to fix going forward. The Thunder are one of the few teams where "watch out for them next year" carries a lot of weight. <br /> <br /> <br /> Lastly, the Timberwolves, who have one of the most oddly mismatched rosters in recent memory. They were perfectly constructed to stop the Nuggets, however, with two seven-footers available to get Nicola Jokic off his game. Against the Mavs, though, young Anthony Edwards was exposed as far from Finals-ready, and KAT came off once again as a seven foot scorer who sometimes plays at 6'6" under pressure. <br /> <br /> <br /> What Now For the Mavs? <br /> <br /> <br /> This one's simple, at least on paper--get Luka in shape, and convince him to play a nominal amount of defense. According to reports, though, Dallas has been trying to get him to do this for years, so that's where the "on paper" part comes in. <br /> <br /> <br /> They also need him to grow up. Luka's referee theater routine grew thin when he was exposed to a team with two All-Defense defenders, and at least two more who should be considered for that roster. Whining about fouls is fine when you have inferior defenders, but it doesn't hold water when athletes like Jaylen Brown and Jrue Holiday are in your grill taking options away. <br /> <br /> <br /> Finally, the Mavs need a third scorer. Badly. They got by with guys like PJ Washington and Derrick Jones this year, but bargain basement options like that almost always wilt like March daffodils when the playoffs roll around in April, May and June. The future's still bright in Cuban Land, but it's going to take some serious attitude and personnel adjustments to get Luka, Kyrie and company over the top.