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B.C. company works to uncover buried treasure on world-famous Oak Island – Global News

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Danzig

The secrets of an island in Nova Scotia may be uncovered with the help of a B.C. company.

For more than 200 years, Oak Island has attracted treasure hunters due to rumours of artifacts and gold buried on the island.

Ideon Technologies uses the energy from supernova explosions in space to help provide x-ray imaging beneath the surface of the earth.

It is part of a process called Muon Tomography and can penetrate up to one kilometre under the earths surface, according to the company, providing images that are similar to human x-rays.

It is typically used for mining operations.

Now, the Richmond-based company will use the technology to hopefully uncover the mysteries of Oak Island as part of History Channels reality TV show The Curse of Oak Island.

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What an adventure to explore a 200-year-old mystery and use state-of-the-art technologies to try and unravel the mystery, and so were very excited about the progress and the relationship were making with the team there, Gary Agnew, CEO and co-founder of Ideon Technologies told Global News.

The 25 incredible bucket-list islands tourists are yet to discover – Traveller

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Danzig

Croatia's turquoise-rimmed Korcula is a worthy alternative to Hvar. Photo: Supplied

Islands are the ultimate escape for stressed-out urbanites. We dream of sun-kissed sands and sapphire seas. Of whitewashed villages beneath towering fortress ruins. Of an island dotted with pastel coloured cottages amid lush gardens.

But whether our ideal island is one of history or hedonism, culture or water sports, we go for the same reason: to get away, and find somewhere special and set apart. Islands are the ultimate distillation of the travel urge.

Why, then, do we return to the same old places?

The World Population Reviewestimates there are 670,000 islands, of which 11,000 are permanently inhabited. While you could spend the whole weekend arguing these numbers, the point is that we fixate on obvious islands such as Bali or Mykonos, Kangaroo or Hayman, while the rest are ignored.

Even famous holiday destinations such as Hawaii and Greece have islands that are less recognised. Alternative islands do not have to be remote, either. Shikoku has a population of four million and is right in the middle of Japan, yet attracts few Australian visitors. Here is our sand bucket list of 25 incredible, though lesser-known, islands that will help expand your horizons.

Serifoshas the coastal charm of Santorini without its jet-setting crowds.

Serifos has classic Cycladic landscapes of weather-beaten rock, silvery olive groves, flower-filled valleys and flamboyant seas, but none of Santorini's jet-setting crowds. Chora, perched higgledy-piggledy on a precarious hillside, is striking for its dazzling cubic houses, blue church homes and 15th-century Venetian fortress.

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Glorious views are everywhere, but the walls of the 16th-century Monastery of the Taxiarches, fortified against pirates, have some of the best. Like Icarus, you're suspended between sea and sky. Hike anywhere around Livadi Bay for more stunning landscapes.

Fast boats take 2.5 hours from Athens, ferries four hours. In summer, you can connect to some other islands. Despite it being a less prominent Greek island, do avoid weekends. See visitgreece.gr

Rugged forest and breathtaking wildlife make this rainy archipelago a gem for wilderness lovers.

This misty, rainy archipelago doesn't have the sunny island stereotype, but its temperate rainforest, ragged scenery and bear population give it a haunting, primeval presence. Haida totem poles, longhouses and archaeological sites dot the forests. Stay in an indigenous-operated lodge and immerse yourself in native culture and stunning wilderness.

Haida Heritage Centre (haidaheritagecentre.com) showcases carving and canoe houses, while Haida Gwaii Museum (haidagwaiimuseum.ca) delves into local culture and striking native visual arts.

Fly to Haida-Gwaii from Vancouver. Ferries sail from Prince Rupert on the mainland. There's no public transport, so hire a car or use local taxis. gohaidagwaii.ca; indigenousbc.com

Mare is the perfect place to do nothing in stunning scenery.

Little developed, revolving around farming and fishing, and home to just 7000 friendly people, Mareis the place to do nothing except wade out into wonderful reefs, kayak on a lagoon withcolours that defy description, admire splendid basalt cliffs, and eat fresh fish and octopus with local families as part of a table d'hotescheme.

Gorging on coconut crabs, which can weigh more thana kilo and crack open coconut shells with their claws. The meat is fresh, sweet and utterly delicious.

Fly to Noumea from Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney and connect onwards to Mare. High-speed catamarans and slower ferries operate from the main island. See newcaledonia.travel

Flores' rugged scenery is fit for hiking, kayaking, caving and more.

Canyons, smoking volcanoes and highland rice terraces bequeath Flores with incredible scenery fit for hiking, caving, mountain climbing and kayaking. See Komodo dragons, enjoy superb diving and snorkelling, and admire the improbably coloured crater lakes of Mount Kelimutu.

The hardy and supple should tackle the 670-kilometre Trans-Flores Highway that runs down the spine of the island (better maintained in its southern half) for a magnificent road trip that skirts cliffs and volcanoes and sometimes strays into the cloud.

Flores is an hour's flight from Denpasar. You can fly from Jakarta via Kupang. Getting there by ferry from Bali requires a complicated transit through Lombok. See indonesia.travel

Savvy travellers flock to low-key Korcula instead of Hvar.

Korcula can be swamped with summer day-trippers but is otherwise a low-key, less chichi alternative to better-known neighbour Hvar. The undulating landscape is covered in fruit orchards, olives and vines that produce pungent white wine. Seafood, beef stew and other rustic dishes are lip-smacking; mainland Peljesac Peninsula nearby is famous for oysters.

The town of Cara isknown for its pilgrim shrine, olive oil and full-bodied yellow Posip winewhich you can quaff at cellar doorsand is a great accompaniment to seafood dishes.

Fast catamarans and ferries link Korcula with Split and Dubrovnik on the mainland, as well as to other islands. See visitkorcula.eu

PhuQuoc offers luxury and romance for half the price of a Polynesian island.

Why is Polynesia so fit for romance but less so Vietnam? Phu Quoc has everything for the honeymoon mood at half the price: luxury resort hotels and spas, great seafood restaurants and chic cocktail bars, shimmering reefs and castaway islets. Among two-dozen beaches are sunset-perfect Long Beach and Khem Beach for white sand and emerald waters.

Sao Beach is another corker but head 10 kilometres north to hillside Ho Quoc Pagoda and you can prepare to pop the question at sunrise or under moonlight, when views are ethereal.

Fly to Phu Quoc from Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, or from several domestic destinations. Best visited in the October-March dry season. See vietnam.travel

This blustery island combines rainforest with beaches, headlands and national parks.

We often associate islands with tropical warmth, but if you'd rather get frisky then New Zealand's third island is a last stop before Antarctica. It combines rainforest with beaches, headlands and national parks. Brilliantly blustery weather makes for comfortable hiking; the Rakiura Track is a great multi-day walk. You can often see the Aurora Australis in winter.

Little Te Wharawhara or Ulva Island (ulva.co.nz) off the east coast. The pest-free sanctuary features wonderful New Zealand trees and abundant native birds, including kiwis.

Stewart Island is a one-hour ferry ride from Bluff or 20-minute flight from Invercargill. May to October is cooler but quieter. See newzealand.com

This Mauritiangem features eco-trails and marine activities galore.

If you love the tropical island look but aren't keen to merely flop, then this tiny autonomous outpost 560 kilometres east of Mauritius has classic beauty and abundant activities without glitz or stultifying resorts. Think eco-trails, cycling routes, zip-lining, gorgeous outlying islands for snorkelling, deep-sea fishing, and world-class kitesurfing at Mourouk.

The endangered Aldabra giant tortoises in Franois Leguat Reserve, and a day on the beach at Pointe Coton, where a channel to the open sea forms a natural aquarium teeming with flamboyant fish.

Rodrigues is a 90-minute flight from Mauritius. Separate quarantine and COVID-19 regulations may apply. Avoid the December-April rainy season. See mymauritius.travel

This volcanic archipelagofeatures otherworldly landscapes.Photo: Flavio Vallenari

The plain name of this island is apt: its four volcanoes rise out of a gloriously mirror-smooth sea, fumaroles constantly steam, and you can wallow in radioactive mud baths. The hiking in this otherworldly landscape is terrific, and you can recover afterwards on black-sand beaches.

Cratere della Fossa, though not without a guide to steer you around burning sulphur and provide a gas mask. Few other places offer the opportunity to gaze into a crater after only an hour's walk. The views of the Aeolians are heavenly.

Hydrofoils and ferries connect Lipari to Sicily, mainland Italy and other Aeolian islands. Autumn visits avoid the heat and high season. visitsicily.info

VisitorstoShikokowill find feudal castles, festivals and hot springs.

The smallest of Japan's four main islands hasfew overseas visitors despite its crumpled landscapes, frequent festivals and hospitable rural communities. Top sights include feudal castles, venerable Dogo Onsen (a hot-springs resort) and classic garden Ritsurin-en. A pilgrim route famous since feudal times links 88 Buddhist temples.

Sprawling Matsuyama Castle (matsuyamajo.jp), one of the nation's best castles, which occupies an entire hillside and has great views. Among interior displays are samurai swords and armour. Unlike in many places in Japan, the English-language signage is excellent.

Shikoku is connected to main island Honshu by road and rail and has four domestic airports. September and October are great times for hiking. See shikoku-tourism.com

An aerial view of the peninsular of Kalaupapa on the island of Molokai in Hawaii.

Just a few small towns, an aversion to tourism development and a reputation mostly among surfers make Molokai the tranquil, chilled-out alternative of the Hawaiian islands. The scenery is sumptuous, with towering sea cliffs, verdant valleys draped in waterfalls and rugged peaks. Locals are big on non-profit projects, voluntourism and immersive local experiences. Cycling is a great way to get around.

A visit to Molokai Flowers (molokaiflowers.com)which farms tropical blooms such as gingers and heliconias in the gorgeous Halawa Valley. Elsewhere you can visit macadamia and coffee plantations.

Local airlines fly to Molokai from Honolulu's international airport. There is no public transport, so rent a car. See gohawaii.com

The charming island of Guernsey is a trip back in time.Photo: States of Guernsey

One of several Crown dependencies lying between England and Normandy, Guernsey is a trip back in time thanks to its megalithic burial chambers, medieval castle, Regency-era old town (St Peter Port), mansions and nautically named pubs. Brooding former Nazi bunkers and a fascinating German Occupation Museum tell a less romantic story. Guernsey also has good dining thanks to well-heeled offshore bankers.

Hauteville House (museums.gov.gg), where Victor Hugo polished off Les Miserables and designed much of his own whacky furniture. The colourfully ornate interior is wonderfully eccentric, and the small garden is lovely.

Ferries connect Guernsey to French and English ports and other Channel Islands. Airlines operate from several English cities. See visitguernsey.com

Diu has been touted the new Goa.

This former Portuguese territory in India's northwest is tiny but touted as the new Goa. Development is under way but, for the moment, you can hardly get more off the regular tourist trail. Diu is attached to the mainland by a bridge and still relies on fishing and salt production.

The beaches won't wow Australians but Diu offers a dense cultural heritage. Diu Fort is a well-preserved, 16th-century hulk withrows of cannon that overlook the harbour. Its walls encircle three Catholic churches and a Hindu temple.

You can fly from Mumbai. Diu otherwise has good road connections to Gujarati cities. Best visit in October and November. See incredibleindia.org

Prncipefeatures rainforest, dramatic rock pinnacles and rich reefs.

One of two islands that make up a tiny West African nation, eco-friendly Prncipe features rainforest, dramatic rock pinnacles and rich reefs, all of which provide a wonderful wildlife experience for hikers and divers in what's sometimes dubbed the African Galapagos.

Baia das Agulhas (Bay of Spires) has a skyline of table mountains and rock outcrops best viewed from the water. Eroded volcanoes are covered in lush bird-filled jungle, and isolated beaches are a Robinson Crusoe delight.

You can fly to Sao Tomefrom Lisbon or various West African cities and connect to Principe. Renting a car is the only viable way to get around. See turismo.gov.st

Anguilla's beaches are dazzling.

This British territory is the alternative Caribbean, with no high-rises, casinos or cruise mega-ships. It has no great scenery either,though its beaches are dazzling. But itwins for its authentic, laid-back vibe, outstanding live-music scene and friendly, old-fashioned people. Great food and festivals, too.

A boat trip to Sandy Island (mysandyisland.com), a sand spit afloat in aquamarine sea where you can swim with turtles and enjoy barbecued lobster and a rum punch or two at the restaurant shack.

The easiest way to get to Anguilla is through nearby St Maartin, which is well-connected to American and European cities. Short air charters or ferry rides take you onwards. See ivisitanguilla.com

The least known but prettiest Balearic Islands (think Mallorca and Ibiza) have sensational beaches lapped by vodka-clear, sapphire-coloured sea. Tourist development is restricted and the vibe super-relaxed, especially after Ibizan day-trippers depart. Nothing to do but eat seafood, drink cocktails and float in beautiful bays. See formentera.es

Visby is this Baltic island's top attraction. The former Hanseatic trading port is calendar perfect, crammed with significant medieval buildings, wrapped in fortifications and presided over by 44 towers. The remainder of the island reveals Viking history, pretty churches and villages, and surprisingly wild landscapes. See gotland.com

Australians aren't much conversant with US islands beyond Manhattan. Americans reckon this Florida getaway is among their best. It combines extravagant beaches with golf courses and bird-filled natural habitat, but also has excellent restaurants and an impressive historic district preserving some of Florida's oldest buildings. See ameliaisland.com

This remote, rainforest-clad archipelago of white-sand beaches is outstanding for diving and snorkelling, yet until recently was barely on the tourist circuit. Only a handful of its islands receive visitors; the adjacent Nicobars remain off limits. A five-star resort recently opened on Havelock Island. See andamantourism.gov.in

Although far down the list of most-visited Caribbean islands, Martinique is one of the most scenic, packing in glorious bays and wildlife-filled interiors topped by Mont Pelee volcano. Two-thirds of the island is protected, so get out and enjoy hiking, cycling, horse riding and kayaking amid sumptuous landscapes. See martinique.org

Considering the Philippines' proximity, it's a wonder more Australians don't visit. Coron is the jewel of the Palawan archipelago, where limestone cliffs rise from peacock-hued seas and coral reefs are a kaleidoscope of fish and coral. World War IIshipwrecks are another dive attraction. See philippines.travel

Lying 20 kilometres off Sfax, this almost flat archipelago doesn't wow with scenery, but ruins dating back to the Roman Empire include millenium-old Borj el Hissar fortress, which blends Spanish, Venetian and Turkish influences. A Heritage Museum charts the fought-over islands' dense history. See discovertunisia.com

This Atlantic island, surprisingly Britain's oldest overseas territory, is a top dive destination and visited for beach resorts, but faded British charms and American, Portuguese, African and West Indian influences create a wonderful cultural blend showcased in good museums, art galleries, architecture, cultural life and food. See gotobermuda.com

Laidback Paqueta, an hour by ferry from Rio de Janeiro, is a compact, car-free island of faded Portuguese-era buildings shaded by mango trees. Clip-clop around by horse-drawn carriage or rent a bike. Regular food and cultural events and lively Sunday afternoon samba sessions create a great vibe. See visitbrazil.com

A short ferry ride from Xiamen, this former international settlement is a car-free escape though, as one of China's top tourist sites, not crowd-free. It has pretty scenery, World Heritage colonial-era architecture and interesting museums, and is renowned for its connections to classical (especially piano) music. cnto.org.au

Netflixs Meltdown: Three Mile Island tells the history of the infamous nuclear plant accident. Heres how we covered it. – The Philadelphia Inquirer

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Danzig

More than 40 years ago, central Pennsylvania was the site of what is considered the worst nuclear accident in the United States: the partial meltdown of Three Mile Island.

Located on the Susquehanna River about 10 miles outside of Harrisburg about 90 miles from Philadelphia Three Mile Island created enormous fear and was a huge blow to the nuclear power industry, which, in many ways, still hasnt recovered.

With the release of Meltdown: Three Mile Island on Netflix, director Kief Davidson and executive producer Carla Shambergs four-part documentary delves into the incident and its aftermath, as well as the whistleblower who shed light on the unsafe cleanup of the plant after its partial meltdown.

Were talking about a story where theres a possibility here of the East Coast being contaminated with radiation, said Shamberg, whose credits include work as a producer on Erin Brockovich. It was an important story that had never been told.

As a result, Davidson said, younger generations may have never heard of the calamity, or the lessons its story might hold.

Theres an opportunity to talk to a younger audience that is completely unaware of what happened, he said. Even those that did know about Three Mile Island may only know the very basics.

In 1980, the Inquirer won a Pulitzer Prize for local or spot news for its coverage of the incident. So, we took a trip back into our archives to see how the Inquirer and Daily News covered Three Mile Island, from the incident itself up to the plants ongoing decommissioning. Here is what we found:

The partial meltdown of Three Mile Islands Unit 2 started at 4 a.m. on March 28, 1979, when, according to an Inquirer report from that day, a malfunction.caused a slight leakage of radiation into the atmosphere, forcing a shutdown and evacuation of the facility. The reactor had just gone online in December 1978.

State officials, however, were not notified of an issue until about 7:45 a.m., at which point they declared a general emergency the first ever declared at a nuclear reactor, according to an Inquirer report. A spokesperson for plant operator Metropolitan Edison, said at the time that he had no idea what caused it or why if there was a delay. Some local municipalities reported not being informed of an issue until 10 a.m. or later.

At the time, Lt. Gov. William Scranton called the incident minor, and said that there is and was no danger to public health and safety, but nearby homes were reportedly evacuated. A spokesperson for Metropolitan Edison Co., meanwhile, said that there was no measurable release of radiation into the atmosphere.

By that afternoon, Scranton told reporters that the problem was more complex than representatives from Met Ed led state officials to believe. Gov. Dick Thornburgh would later urge the evacuation of pregnant women and small children living within five miles of the plant, and suggested that anyone living within 10 miles stay indoors to avoid potential exposure to radiation.

I am very skeptical of any one set of facts, Thornburgh said.

By March 30, state officials said that people living with five to 10 miles of the plant might have been exposed to as much as 100 millirems of radiation about 10 times as much exposure as officials from Met Ed estimated. The average level from background sources is 100 to 120 millirems per year, the Inquirer reported at the time.

Additional low-level radiation continued to be released into the atmosphere, but federal officials said that a total meltdown at the reactor was not likely, and that there was no imminent danger of a public health threat, the Daily News reported three days after the incident began. But by April 2, a hydrogen bubble had formed at the top of the reactor, threatening the possibility of a meltdown a fear that ultimately was avoided when the bubble began shrinking.

Fear and confusion, however, continued for years. Locals were concerned that with crystallized radioactive iodine falling to the ground, dairy cattle could eat contaminated grass, leading to contaminated milk (officials, however, said that most cattle were being grain-fed at that time). And reports indicated that radiation had been spread over a 16-mile radius from the plant, impacting at least four Pennsylvania counties.

Even the local media was driven into a panic, with KYW TV and KYW Radio putting up a sign in their office, then at 5th and Market Streets, requiring all radio and TV crews personally covering the story to be check for radiation with a Geiger counter, according to a Daily News report.

By March 1983, the billion-dollar cleanup was well underway, and being led by the Bechtel Corporation. But a senior startup engineer at Bechtel, Richard Parks, then 31, made headlines alleging that Bechtel and plant operator General Public Utilities were taking safety shortcuts.

Parks, the protagonist of the Netflix doc, became a whistleblower after working with the Government Accountability Project to file a 56-page affidavit with the U.S. Department of Labor regarding the safety issues. In his affidavit, the Inquirer reported, Parks said his Middletown apartment had been burglarized, with thieves looking for papers. That burglary, Parks says in the documentary, prompted him to go public.

The centerpiece of Parks affidavit, the Inquirer reported in 1983, were concerns over what was called a polar crane a piece of equipment at the top of the reactor that would be used in the cleanup. The issue, Parks said, was that the crane was damaged during the initial accident, and needed to be refurbished and tested to ensure its safety and that he had been harassed by the company and relieved from a number of duties for his concern. Bechtel, meanwhile, issued a statement saying that the cleanup was being conducted with safety as the number one concern.

After filing the affidavit, Parks was suspended indefinitely with pay a move that prompted him to accuse Bechtel of using Gestapo-like tactics to silence him. That suspension, which Bechtel said it pursued to insulate Parks from apparent harassment, lasted until May 1983, when the U.S. Department of Labor ordered the company to reinstate Parks. They appealed, and Parks remained suspended for several more months.

In August 1983, the Inquirer reported, Parks was allowed to return to work but not at Three Mile Island. Instead, he accepted a similar job at a coal-gasification project in Southern California. Parks attorney told the Inquirer that he would withdraw his complaint with the Labor Department. Six months later, Parks was fired.

Parks role as whistleblower, however, did impact the cleanup at Three Mile Island, as well as Met Ed. In November 1983, the Inquirer reported, a federal grand jury accused the company of routinely falsifying tests showing whether excessive water was leaking from the cooling system, and that they systematically destroyed records of those tests.

It was the first time that criminal charges were brought against a utility holding a license for a nuclear plant, the Inquirer reported. The 11-count indictment came more than four years after a former control room operator, Harold W. Hartman Jr., told investigators that he and others regularly fudged leak rate tests in the months before the accident at the direction of supervisors.

Ultimately, Met Ed plead guilty to falsifying records, and was ordered to pay a $45,000 fine and create a $1 million fund to help clean up the plant. That marked the first prosecution of a utility under the Atomic Energy Act, according to a February 1984 Inquirer report.

While Three Mile Islands Unit 2 went down for good following the 1979 partial meltdown, its corpse has sat at the site for decades. But in July 2019, EnergySolutions Inc. announced that it would acquire Unit 2 in order to decommission and dismantle it.

The sale was completed in December 2020, according to the company. But, as the Inquirer reported in 2019, its not clear when the decommissioning will be complete though, under federal law, plant operators have 60 years to clean up nuclear energy sites after plants close. TMI-2 Solutions, a subsidiary of EnergySolutions, estimates that the process will be complete by 2037.

Unit 1, meanwhile, was not taken out during the 1979 incident, and remained operational until Sept. 20, 2019, when it was disconnected from the power grid, bringing an end to its 45-year run as a power producer. Exelon Generation, which owns Unit 1, announced in 2017 that it would close the reactor down, the Inquirer reported.

Today marks the end of an era in Central Pennsylvania, said Mike Pries, a Dauphin County commissioner, when the power station shut down. Its a difficult day for the community, for the county, and for all of Central Pennsylvania.

Like with Unit 2, Unit 1s decommissioning is in process. Overall, it will take an estimated $1.2 billion and 60 years to complete, putting its finish date sometime in 2079, the Inquirer reported.

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Netflixs Meltdown: Three Mile Island tells the history of the infamous nuclear plant accident. Heres how we covered it. - The Philadelphia Inquirer

How To Take The Ultimate Vacation On Lopez Island, Washington – HuffPost

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Danzig

Take A Break is your ultimate guide to the perfect trips to recharge, rediscover yourself and your relationships, and reengage with the world. Well cover shopping stops, great bars, restaurants worth your money, photo opportunities, memorable drives and experiences, and other important details you need before you book.

Below, we chat with Anna McGrady, senior analytics editor at HuffPost, about why youll want to put Lopez Island, Washington, on your bucket list.

What drew you to Lopez Island as a place to visit or explore?

My family and I have been visiting Lopez Island as weekenders for decades. Lopez is one of the first islands in the San Juans, which is off the coasts of Washington and Canada. The island is everything you could want in an escape from the city: rolling fields, beautiful mountain and water views, outdoor activities a-plenty, and a warming and welcoming community of local islanders. For me, Lopez represents serenity, time to reconnect with my loved ones and the opportunity to connect deeper with nature.

What are the best times of year to visit?

Lopez is amazing year-round, but youll get the most out of a visit during the traditional summer months (Memorial Day through Labor Day), as thats when you have the perfect combination of beautiful weather, open commerce on the island and a much friendlier ferry schedule for travel plans.

Whats your best tip for getting there? How can you make the travel as stress-free as possible?

The San Juan Islands are accessibly by ferry from Anacortes, Washington as well as from Canada and by private boat. The drive to Anacortes from Seattle can take up to two hours and you need to ensure plenty of time to get to the ferry terminal. The Washington State Ferries allow for walk-ons, bikes and cars, but space is limited and there are often multiple islands being served by one route.

Its highly recommended that you get a ferry reservation if they are available otherwise plan to arrive well ahead of departure to ensure a spot if you are driving! Better yet, arrive a few hours ahead of time and grab drinks or a bite to eat in Anacortes before your ferry. The town has a great selection of restaurants and bars, as well as plenty of gas stations and grocery stores to stock up on supplies before your trip.

Where do you recommend staying when you go?

Im incredibly lucky that my family has a shared cabin on the island, which is where I stay whenever I visit. That being said, there are many great options for accommodations across the island! The Islander Hotel is a mainstay for visitors to Lopez and includes hotel rooms, a marina for boats, a pool and a bar that is a mainstay hangout for the locals. The Edenwild Inn is a great option for those who want to be right in the center of town and is perfect for couples looking for a bed-and-breakfast experience. Additionally, there are many camp grounds and Airbnbs scattered throughout the island. Make sure you book your accommodations well in advance places fill up fast, especially during peak times like Fourth of July!

What are your go-to restaurants or foods to eat while youre there?

Whenever I visit Lopez, there are always a few must-do culinary stops on the trip: cold brew coffee with Mexican chocolate from Isabels Espresso, pastries from Holly Bs Bakery (get there early they sell out!), pan-fried oysters from the Islander Waterfront Restaurant, creative poutine dishes from Poutine Your Mouth (a food truck generally parked outside Blossom Grocery), and really great deli sandwiches at the Lopez Village Market.

What bars or entertainment spots do you make sure to hit? Whats good to drink there or what else should people know?

Lopez is definitely not a party island, but you can usually find a good time happening at the Islander Waterfront Restaurant most nights of the week. They have great food and a fully-stocked bar, as well as a beautiful lawn for the summer months.

What are your favorite shops and what do you look for when youre there?

Lopez is full of incredibly talented artists and craftspeople, which makes for very fun shopping! My go-to stops whenever Im on the island include Chimera Gallery (for a selection of art and souvenirs from around the Island), Studio 45 Glass (see local artist Rahman Anderson work his magic and take home a piece for yourself), as well as the Lopez Thrift Shop and Deja Vu Consignment for great clothes, jewelry and home goods.

Whats your single favorite spot to go for photos and why?

The most amazing sunsets can be seen from the western side of the island: Otis Perkins Day Park will be your best bet. Youll see amazing shades of pink, orange and deep blues while the sun sets over San Juan Island and the evening ferry glides along in the distance. Its a sight to be seen!

What tourist attraction should people skip and what should they do instead?

Skip the whale watching tour and rent a kayak (or take part in the community sailing hours) to tour the island yourself.

Where do you feel the most relaxed, calm or happy?

One of my favorite spots on the island is at the end of the Shark Reef trail, which starts down the road from the community golf course. You walk out from the woods onto low cliffs near the water and are greeted with a sweeping view of Cattle Pass and San Juan Island. If youre lucky, youll have a chorus of seals and sea lions barking in the background!

What scenic spots do you recommend checking out?

Lopez Island is packed with amazing hikes and walks. Some of my favorites include Shark Reef, Watmough Bay, Iceberg Point, Spencer Spit, Fisherman Bay Preserve and Lopez Hill.

Whats one thing you make sure to pack if youre going and why?

If youre planning to bring a car on the Island, make sure to fill up with gas before you get on the ferry. You can pretty much find everything you need in terms of groceries between the Lopez Village Market and Blossom Grocery, but gas is much harder to find.

What are some specific planning tips to know before you go so youre not stressed?

Lodging and the ferry schedule are always going to be the biggest factors in planning a trip to Lopez Island, as there are limited options and youre competing with tourists and locals for spots.

As soon as you know you want to visit Lopez, start booking accommodations so you can ensure you have a place to stay on the island. Its strongly recommended you make a ferry reservation, if the option is available. The most popular times on the Island are the annual Tour de Lopez bike race and Fourth of July (when the Island puts on one of the most impressive firework displays Ive ever seen). These are two of the most exciting times to be on the Island but prepare for crowds and a long wait for the ferry.

What surprised you about Lopez Island when you went the first time?

Lopez is truly a break from the hustle and bustle of the city even if it takes a little planning to get there, its totally worth it for the relaxation at the end.

Anything else visitors should know?

Some of the parks on Lopez are part of the Washington State Parks system, meaning you will need to have a Discover Pass or pay for a day pass when you park. If youre going to be visiting other Washington state parks during your trip, consider purchasing a year pass ahead of time.

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How To Take The Ultimate Vacation On Lopez Island, Washington - HuffPost

How I set up a publishing house on the Aran Islands – RTE.ie

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Danzig

Bridget Farrell, the Executive Editor of independent Irish publisher Bullaun Press, writes for Culture about taking the long road to the small island - Inishmore - that plays home to her new venture.

Publishing must have always been in my blood. The Lilliput Press was founded by my father when I was six, so my brother and I would always have been competing for attention, and even physical space, with books. We pulled our weight at (endless) launches. We got to see a lot of the country too and meet extraordinary authors. Michael Kirby, the gentle Kerry fisherman-poet who took to writing in his eighties, was a particular favourite. He brought us out in his little boat to Skellig Michael many times and put us up on the hillside above Ballinskelligs's gleaming strand, where we watched mysterious adult relationships play out the image of a writer walking out to sea fully clothed in pursuit of a wolfhound has always stayed with me.

After college, publishing didnt even occur to me as a 'career choice. Young and idealistic, I was convinced there were more direct and urgent ways of trying to change the world. As I got older, I came round to the idea that certain books in the right hands can be magical objects. Languages were my focus, from learning Russian on the banks of the Neva in St Petersburg to teaching English to Chinese students back in Dublin. After that came studying the law on Aungier Street and working for environmental NGOs above Petland on Camden Street. Then I ran away to rural France to set up a caf with a friend, foraging figs amongst the vineyards and making our own fresh pasta with local organic eggs and semolina.

All roads led back to books, though. Editorial work turned out to be a natural niche for me. I gravitated back into the world of words. 2020 brought an uprooting from Dublins 7 and 8 to an oldworld schoolmaster's house on rainn, two bullaun stones outside the front door, herons nesting in the rocks on the foreshore. A two-month stay on the island turned into two years. That first winter, as I pushed the green pram in all weathers up and down the Black Fort road, the idea for the press presented itself to me more insistently, with fewer distractions to drown it out. The experience of remoteness shared by so many people at once across the world gave an added impetus for establishing connections across languages, cultures, borders and time. It seemed as good a way as any of tackling (self-) isolation.

I couldn't understand how the work of Irish translators appears in so many countries other than Ireland. Why dont we appreciate what theyre doing more? Irish literature is published in translation in so many other countries, and plenty of readers here Irish and not enjoy reading books that were not written in English originally. My idea was about openness and engaging with other cultures and languages as well as our own through their literary heritage. With the exception of poetry collections, Irish publishing in the main leaves books in translation to other anglophone countries. Eventually I realised that I should take the initiative as nobody else was making this happen. That was a daunting moment, but the encouragement and support from so many quarters has given real momentum to the Bullaun Press project. Its been a very collaborative venture so far. Funding from the Arts Council and Literature Ireland combined to make the first title a viable financial reality, as well as providing vital endorsement.

Publishing literature in translation into English in Ireland is about an outward approach to the world arguably never more needed. The first book had to be from Irish though, in recognition of our dual linguistic heritage and divided identities, which I Am Lewy explores beautifully and very humorously. The next chapter has begun, and it has proved rewarding and exhilarating in the first year already.

I Am Lewy is published by Bullaun Press - find out more here.

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How I set up a publishing house on the Aran Islands - RTE.ie

Businesses struggle on Treasure Island, here’s how to navigate the new Treasure Island layout – KIIITV.com

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Danzig

Due to the lack of familiarity with the area, vendors have noticed a lack of business throughout the new Buc Days attraction.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas Vendors are experiencing fluctuating foot traffic as the layout for the new Treasure Island attraction has customers unsure on how to reach the attraction.

Jennifer Racette, Owner of Alison Julien Collection, said the the new lay of the land has made it difficult for her to make sales, which is bad for her pocket book.

"In a normal year, I do 25 to 30 events like this in a years time. It's the primary source of my income," Racette said.

Sonny Owens, sale agent for The Perfect Wine said that with Buc Days in full effect, he was expecting his business to take off, but that didn't happen.

"It's day seven. I haven't sold anything three of those days. It's never happened to me, my whole life," Owens said.

With this year being the first time Buc Days has hosted Treasure Island, Buc Days Commissioner Fred Dotts said that showing people the layout is still a learning curve.

"We're slowly getting more and more people in each day, but when they find it, they love it," Dotts said.

He adds that there are several ways to enter the building if residents want to check out Treasure Island.

"Bring them up the ramp, you can come from the rodeo, down the hallway and around and into the exhibit hall," Dotts said. "You can come up the steps right outside the exhibit hall. If you can find a door in the convention center, come in and find the experience."

Vendors hope more of the community will come out and enjoy what they to offer. Treasure Island will be open till May 15, with Saturday and Sunday hours being extended to 11 p.m.

Fermanagh duo Armstrong and Hoy aim to fly at Canary Islands Rally – The Irish News

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Danzig

FERMANAGH driver Jon Armstrong and his navigator Brian Hoy will compete on this weekends Canary Islands Rally ahead of their next Junior WRC round in Portugal the following week.

Rally Portugal marks the mid-point in the World Rally Championships junior series with the Northern Irish crew currently joint leaders.

Theyre returning to the European Rally Championship first, however, as they take on the tricky asphalt roads of Gran Canaria in a front-wheel-drive Ford Fiesta Rally4.

The opportunity to do Canaries cropped up, explained Armstrong, and we are keen to get more seat-time.

It's a good looking rally with very abrasive, twisty tarmac. It has some really fast sections that have angled corners.

It will be a good experience and we'll be doing our best to get a good result for the team.

Armstrong drove for M-Sport Polands Rally4 ERC team in Hungary last year and has seized the chance to showcase his potential in the series again.

Hell swap the Rally4 Fiesta for Rally3 once again when he arrives in Portugal next Monday. The Fermanagh-born crew have been Junior WRCs pacesetters this year but know they will have to tread carefully on Portugals rocky roads.

It is going to be a difficult rally in terms of managing the speed and looking after the car.

I know I have got good pace on the rally but it is trying to keep that going across the whole event. There are different characteristics of roads and different types of gravel.

It's all about figuring out the set-up and the best way to drive those stages because they are so different to each other.

A solid Rally Portugal result would strengthen Armstrong and Hoys position at the top of the Junior WRC standings. Armstrong led the rally last year before having to change a punctured wheel and eventually retiring with engine damage.

That was his first event on gravel for several years and with Junior WRC utilising four-wheel-drive machinery in 2022, Armstrong is hopeful of a decent points return.

My Portugal preparation has been good, continued the Rally Sweden winner. We did Rally Azores in March which was a good warm-up for gravel driving in the Rally3 car.

The event is quite similar to last year's Rally Portugal so I have been working a bit on the pacenotes.

I feel quite content that I know the rally and the different terrain.

The plan of attack is to see how we are doing, stay out of trouble, and pick up some good points for the championship.

The Canary Islands Rally starts with a super-special tomorrow night before 12 further stages on Friday and Saturday.

Rally Portugal starts exactly seven days later with another Thursday night super-special. WRC crews will tackle another 20 stages from Friday to Sunday. The iconic Fafe stage concludes Junior WRCs third round early on the Sunday afternoon.

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Fermanagh duo Armstrong and Hoy aim to fly at Canary Islands Rally - The Irish News

This Stunning Caribbean Island Has White-sand Beaches, a National Park, and an Epic Underwater Trail for Snorkelers – Yahoo Life

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Danzig

All Caribbean islands are not created equal. Some embody the quintessential fairy-tale facets of the tropical paradise, with sugar-sand beaches and awe-inspiring natural wonders. St. John, the most remote of the three main U.S. Virgin Islands, is one of these places.

The island is mainly accessible by boat, though car and passenger ferry service operate all day from nearby and much more cosmopolitan St. Thomas. Many visitors also arrive by private yacht. Anyone wanting to come by plane, though, is out of luck as there's no airport here.

aerial view of Cruz Bay, St.John in US Virgin Islands

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In addition to being the most remote of the primary U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John is also the smallest, clocking in at just 20 square miles. But this tiny package is loaded with some of the best that the U.S. Virgin Islands has to offer.

A great deal of those bests center on eco-travel pursuits, as two-thirds of the island is covered by the Virgin Islands National Park, established in 1956. The Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument, established in 2001, further expands environmental protections to the undersea world surrounding the island.

The result is an unspoiled paradise no passport required offering innumerable opportunities to connect with the natural environment by land and sea.

hammock stretched between palm trees at a beach, St.John, USVI

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The better question is: What time is good for you? St. John is blessed with a magical combination of warm weather and persistently cooling trade winds throughout the year. During the day, the highs average around the low to mid-80s, while overnight temperatures generally hover within the low 70s.

Rain? Nestled, as it is, in the heart of the tropics, St. John does see its fair share of rain. The island's verdant hills wouldn't be so beautifully green without it. However, there's no set rainy season. At the same time, you certainly wouldn't consider St. John a desert island. Instead, rain generally tends to come and go, rarely washing out full days, much less multiple days in a row. Months with the highest precipitation: September, October, and November.

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Crowds? If they aren't your thing, then you may want to steer clear of the peak winter season, which runs from mid-December through March. In a bit of a surprise, though, crowds are also always big in the middle of the summer for July Fourth. The reason: St. John Carnival, which kicks off in early June with a number of low-key pageants and concerts. The excitement builds throughout the month, culminating on Emancipation Day (July 3) and Independence Day (July 4) with a parade, fireworks, and nonstop fun and concerts in the Carnival Village.

On the opposite end of the fun spectrum is hurricane season, spanning from June through November. Late August to mid-October tends to constitute the peak period for storms, with major hurricanes being rare in June, July, and November.

Aerial view of Maho Bay in St. John

Steve Simonsen/Courtesy of USVI Department of Tourism

No matter what time of year you visit St. John, you'll always find a plethora of fun things to do. Top of the list for many is enjoying the island's many unspoiled beaches.

Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, and Maho Bay are the most famous and for good reason. The stunning seascapes along these shores are the stuff of Caribbean beach fantasies. At the same time, though, lesser-known shores, like those lining Honeymoon Beach, Leinster Bay, Jumbie Bay, Francis Bay, and Salomon Bay, should not be overlooked.

palm trees at Salomon Bay, St.John, US Virgin Islands

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Several of St. John's best beaches are solely accessible by a second favorite activity here: hiking.

St. John's 20 square miles are crisscrossed with a network of more than 20 hiking trails. Many are of the low- to medium-impact variety, with some measuring less than three miles. All of them, though, lead to amazing natural wonders or historical attractions worth discovering.

One such historical attraction, known simply as the petroglyphs, opens a rare window into one of the Caribbean's indigenous inhabitants: the Taino Indians.

Ancient tribal carvings left here centuries ago are set into a rock wall at the base of a waterfall located deep within the Reef Bay valley. If possible, plan to hike out here after a healthy rain to get the full effect of this mystical place. When trekking out to the petroglyphs along the Reef Bay Trail, hikers also pass the ruins of four colonial-era sugar estates. This offers unique access to yet another era of St. John's storied history.

However, not all of St. John's trails run over dry ground. The Coral Reef Underwater Park Trail at Trunk Bay, for example, introduces snorkelers to the island's colorful undersea world. A series of signs along the trail tell of the different coral and fish species snorkelers may encounter.

Related: There's a Floating Taco Bar in the Caribbean and You Can Only Get There by Boat

sunset at Trunk Bay, St.John, US Virgin Islands

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When not trekking through the bush or diving underwater in search of St. John's natural treasures, visitors delight in traipsing around the famously eclectic shops and boutiques in Cruz Bay, St. John's main town. Mongoose Junction, in particular, is popular for handmade local jewelry and artwork, as well island fashion, gifts, and more.

As you might expect in a destination as dynamic and eco-focused as St. John, accommodation options are vast and varied. One thing you won't find here, though, is all-inclusive resorts. But what it lacks in all-inclusive amenities, it makes up for in features that get you closer to the heart of what makes this little island so special.

The Westin St. John Resort extends along 1,200 feet of pristine, white-sand beach, covering a total of 47 acres with studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom accommodations. Guests can even opt for a townhouse (2,850 square feet) with space for up to eight adults.

For those keen on visiting St. John to connect with nature, Cinnamon Bay Beach & Campground is a solid choice. Cottages, eco-tents, and bare sites are available, offering guests the opportunity to choose just how much they want to rough it. Here, waves crash along Cinnamon Bay, lulling you sleep. Mornings start with a dip in a pretty beach. And wild donkeys vie for the best shaded spots on the sand. For true nature lovers, it doesn't get much better than this.

Originally established as a plantation by Dutch settlers in the 1720s, Estate Lindholm today offers stunning views from its hilltop perch high above Cruz Bay. The property has 17 guest rooms, each decked out in elegant furnishings and decor echoing 300 years of St. John history.

Undoubtedly the most popular form of guest accommodations on St. John are villa rentals. For the best rates on the widest selection of properties, St. John Villa Rentals is great option. Booking through this community of local owners and property managers ensures that travelers avoid added service fees.

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This Stunning Caribbean Island Has White-sand Beaches, a National Park, and an Epic Underwater Trail for Snorkelers - Yahoo Life

The Countess of Wessex looked chic in a 1950s style dress in the Channel Islands – Good Housekeeping

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Danzig

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The Countess of Wessex arrived in the Channel Islands with the Earl of Wessex, to mark the Queens Platinum Jubilee.

Sophie Wessex and her husband, Prince Edward (the Queens youngest son), arrived at Government House in Jersey to meet a famous equine resident, according to the Royal Family's official social media.

The royal couple met Ajax the Shire Horse, an Honorary Member of an organisation Prince Edward is an Honorary Liveryman of, called the The Worship Company.

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For the visit, the Countess channelled 1950s glamour with a chic A-line dress with a full-skirt, half-sleeves and a high neckline. The all-over floral print and subtle colour-pallet complete the vintage feel.

Prince Edward wore a smart suit for the occasion, with a tie in a similar shade to the blue florals of his wifes dress.

If you're inspired by the Countess' chic look, we've rounded up some of our favourite vintage-style floral dresses from the high street here:

Off White Ditsy Floral Chiffon Frill Midi Dress

33.99

Somerset Maxi Dress

US$175.00

Floral Frill Detail Midaxi Tea Dress [None]

49.00

Smocked Neck Jersey Midi Dress - French Navy Floral

66.00

The royals were in the Channel Islands to mark the Queens Platinum Jubilee year, one of many appearances the couple have undertaken for this year's celebrations.

Most recently, the Earl and Countess of Wessex took part in an official tour of the Caribbean, beginning in St Lucia.

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They then visited St Vincent and the Grenadines and Antigua and Barbuda where they met, communities, local entrepreneurs and young people in celebration of the culture, future and vibrancy of the islands, according to a post on the Royal Familys official Instagram account.

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Earlier this year, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also visited a number of important organisations and individuals in the Caribbean, and taking part wide range of activities including dancing and swimming with sharks.

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The Countess of Wessex looked chic in a 1950s style dress in the Channel Islands - Good Housekeeping

Summer soccer is here | The Journal of the San Juan Islands – Journal of the San Juan Islands

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Danzig

Submitted by Island Rec

Dont miss out on your chance to join our recreational summer soccer league! Refereed games are played on Tuesday and/or Thursday evenings from May to July at John O. Linde Community Park, ending with a championship tournament.

New this year: Every player must register individually. The minimum number of participants and teams must be met by the early deadline of May 11, or the league will be canceled. So dont wait and make sure your teammates sign up! A minimum of eight full teams is needed by May 11 and the max team size is 20 people. Additional rules can be found on the Island Rec website, http://www.islandrec.org/.

$35 per person, expires May 11, $40 thereafter.

Summer soccer is here | The Journal of the San Juan Islands - Journal of the San Juan Islands

California’s Cryptocurrency Regulation and Blockchain Technology – The National Law Review

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Danzig

Related Practices & Jurisdictions

On May 4, 2022, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signedExecutive Order N-9-22(EO) to create a regulatory approach for cryptocurrency companies and to determine how to use blockchain technology for state and public institutions. Through the EO, California is becoming a leader in developing new rules of the road for emerging digital currencies and related crypto technologies.

The EO observes that responsible innovation has been encumbered by regulatory uncertainty, especially with regard to federal law, and, as such, state agencies should work with, and concurrently to, the federal government to make California the first state to establish a comprehensive, thoughtful, and harmonized regulatory and business environment for crypto assets.

Under the EO, the state has seven priorities:

Create a transparent and consistent business environment for companies operating in blockchain, including crypto assets and related financial technologies, that harmonizes federal and California laws, balances the benefits and risks to consumers, and incorporates California values such as equity, inclusivity, and environmental protection.

Collect feedback from a broad range of stakeholders, create a regulatory approach to crypto assets harmonized between federal and state authorities, explore and establish public-serving use cases (such as incorporating blockchain technologies into state operations), and build research and workforce pipelines.

Collect feedback from a broad range of stakeholders for potential blockchain applications and ventures, with particular attention to crypto assets and related financial technologies. Engagement should include technical experts, stakeholders interested in addressing inequities and environmental impact, companies based both in and outside California, and more.

Engage in a public process and exercise statutory authority to develop a comprehensive regulatory approach to crypto assets harmonized with the direction of federal regulations and guidance, creating consumer protections and solidifying Californias status as the premiere global location for responsible crypto asset companies to start and grow.

Engage in and encourage regulatory clarity via progress on the processes outlined in thefederal executive order, with state agencies coordinating closely with the Washington, D.C. office of the California governor.

Explore opportunities to deploy blockchain technologies to address public-serving and emerging needs, working with the private sector, academia, and community to present pilots for innovative policies, programs, and solutions that demonstrate and showcase the potential of adopting blockchain technologies to respond to specific challenges identified by state agencies.

Identify opportunities to create a research and workforce environment to encourage innovation in blockchain technology, including crypto assets. The goals will be to expose students to emerging opportunities, power emerging industries, and help ensure economic benefits are experienced equitably.

California state agencies, including the Department of Financial Innovation and Protection (DFPI) as specified in the EO, will likely be at the forefront of proposing and implementing new regulatory structures for companies and consumers, in conjunction with federal agencies such as the CFPB, CFTC, and SEC. Pursuant to the terms of the governors EO, California may also seek to foster further blockchain innovation for projects like implementing smart contracts and encouraging sustainability through its state Blockchain Working Group and Go-BIZ economic development initiatives. The state may also facilitate and encourage the use of various blockchain technologies by state agencies via procurements with vendor companies.

In particular, the EO requires DFPI and Go-BIZ to engage with and gather input from interested stakeholders within 30 days (in the case of DFPI) and instructs DFPI to ramp up its enforcement activities pursuant to the California Consumer Financial Protection Law (CCFPL). The mandate for increased enforcement indicates that regulation by enforcement of crypto-asset-related financial products and services will remain a key strategy as the EOs mandate for careful study and thoughtful crypto-asset-related regulation develops.

In addition, a pair of bills in the California State Legislature would make cryptocurrency legal tender for government services. Both bills have been met with resistance and may not pass this session, but they do signal the changing views on integrating cryptocurrency and blockchain technology into California society.

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California's Cryptocurrency Regulation and Blockchain Technology - The National Law Review

EOS Was the Worlds Most Hyped Blockchain. Its Fans Want It Back – WIRED

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Danzig

Block.ones EOS VC deployed its money through partnerships with other investors, including Novogratzs Galaxy Digital firm, Asia-based investors Michael Cao and Winnie Liu, London-based fund SVK Crypto, and German firm FinLab. The former Hong Kong-based employee says this was a way to outsource the task to these partners, rather than spend time looking for companies using the technology that underpinned EOS, which according to the employee, Blumer regarded as a distraction.

In the crypto space, people using EOS are small companies, they say. Brendan wasn't really interested in doing these small VC deals.

Crunchbase data and Block.ones own press releases show that Block.one injected around $675 million into the partnerships. But the whereabouts of some of the funds are unclear: $50 million invested in a partnership with TomorrowBCa company run by Derek Rundell, a managing director of Eric Schmidts TomorrowVentureshas not been used as of 2022, barring a $750,000 investment in crypto-trading startup LogosBlock, according to PitchBook data. Rundell and Schmidt did not reply to multiple requests for comment.

Following the ENFs ultimatum, on November 10, Blumer and Pierce flew to Canada to meet La Rose. In a blog post, La Rose says that he kept asking for a part of the ICO proceeds to be given to the ENF, but his requests were swiftly rejected each time.

Just before the meeting, Block.one had transferred some 45 million EOS tokens (worth $216 million at the time) to Pierce, in exchange for his stake in Block.one. On Twitter, Pierce suggested rescuing EOS through the launch of an investment firm called Helios, which would be endowed with the newly acquired tokens. I'm no longer a [Block.one] shareholder, which means I don't have any limitations, Pierce told WIRED in November. I'm free to do whatever I think is necessary for the ecosystem at this point.

However, his status soon became a problem during negotiations. Most of the tokens used to buy out Pierce were still in the process of being vested. The network believed that those tokens are theirs, and Block.one believed they're theirs, La Rose says.

Following weeks of futile negotiations, on December 7, EOSs block producers enforced a script that stopped the vesting of Block.ones tokens, including those that had been sold to Pierce, effectively blocking his buyout. Ahead of the decision, Pierce told WIRED that such a move would have a very negative impact on trust within the EOS ecosystem, and therefore he expected that it would be called off.

La Rose says Pierce did not take the eventual decision well. Clearly he wasn't happy, he says. He was pissed off. He made death threats against me. In an interview he did in late December with blockchain news website Bywire News, Pierce, donning a fedora in a Puerto Rican club while disco music blasted in the background, said he did not recall making threats, but apologized if he did.

From Block.ones side the divorce was quite clean, La Rose says. They now no longer need to worry about the network, which they didn't really care about and that was costing them time. Larimer and other senior developers have now started working on EOS code again, under ENF. The foundation has announced grants for companies creating apps for the network.

The launch of Bullish, in La Roses opinion, is Block.ones greatest coup. They are essentially getting away with $9 billion, he says. And they did it in a legal way.

On February 10, a post on ENFs Medium page announced that it had hired a law firm with the goal of holding Block.one accountable for its past actions and broken promises. An accompanying tweet by La Rose hammered the concept home. Review of ALL possible legal recourse to seek $4.1B in damages underway, it read. Let's do this together! #4BillionDAO coming.

We're victims, La Rose says. The community is reclaiming the chain for itself.

Additional reporting by Greg Barber

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EOS Was the Worlds Most Hyped Blockchain. Its Fans Want It Back - WIRED

Flow Launches $725 Million Blockchain Development Fund With A16z, Digital Currency Group And Other Investors – Forbes

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Danzig

NBA Top Shot is one of the most valuable NFT collections running on Flow

NBA Top Shots host blockchain, Flow, is getting a $725 million boost through a new ecosystem fund backed by its developers companys investment arm, Dapper Ventures, and a high-profile group of investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Coatue and Digital Currency Group, among others.

The joint venture will provide the blockchains 7,500+ developers with wide-ranging support including accelerators and incubators, investments and FLOW token grants in a bid to accelerate Flows growth in various areas such as gaming and decentralized finance.

Flows fund is only the latest in a series of nine and ten-figure incentive programs aimed at further adoption. Some of the largest such efforts include Binances $1 billion fund for its Binance Smart Chain and NEARs DeFi-focused $800 million fund. But instead of having one team distribute the funds, Flows new vehicle will accommodate participating investors individual allocation decisions.

I think that's really important because it allows for a diversity of thought and I think will lead to a much more diverse ecosystem, says Dapper Labs chief business officer Mik Naayem. [The fund] is creating a way for us to support any type of entrepreneur in a way that is kind of tailored to them.

For instance, Greenfield One will provide office space for developers based in Berlin. Liberty City Ventures will be offering two scholarships for college students to work in Flow-related projects. Miranda Ventures will be bringing in strategic collaboration opportunities for Flow projects with cryptocurrency exchange Bybit and BitDAO, one of the largest decentralized investment funds backed by Bybit and Peter Thiel, according to the announcement.

Naayem says the initiative has been a few months in development, but the funds launch comes at a time when rising interest rates and geopolitical tensions are pushing cryptocurrencies, along with stocks and commodities, to new multi-month lows. Flows native token FLOW has shed over 25% over the past week, topping losses of leading cryptocurrencies, bitcoin and ether, which have dropped nearly 20% over the period.

TradingView

Despite the volatility, activity of Flow is thriving. Flow saw daily transactions triple since September 2021 to over 700,000, and the number of active accounts on the network has shot up to a new all-time high of more than half a million this week, according to blockchain analytics platform Flowscan. Some of Flows most popular projects include sports collectibles such as NBA Top Shot and NFL ALL DAY.

On Sunday, CoinDesk reported that Instagram is planning to test NFT integrations with a few blockchains including Flow. Naayem was not able to provide additional details but essentially confirmed the pilot saying We are grateful to have been included in that initial list. It should be a big moment for the industry.

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Flow Launches $725 Million Blockchain Development Fund With A16z, Digital Currency Group And Other Investors - Forbes

Analysis: Blockchain needs MP3 music moment to win over markets – Reuters

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Danzig

LONDON, May 11 (Reuters) - Blockchain needs its own music industry 'MP3' moment as fragmented regulation and technology hamper the development of a digital securities industry that could help realise its full potential, industry officials said.

Blockchain, or distributed ledger technology (DLT), underpins cryptoassets like bitcoin and allows many parties to access a single version of data at the same time.

But extending its application to issuing, trading and settling securities like stocks and bonds requires a common digital format for the securities themselves, said Gerd Hartung, head of new digital markets at Deutsche Boerse.

"The real topic is how do we get to the MP3 digital format you see in the music industry. The next level we are getting to is digitisation of the financial instrument itself," he said.

The digital MP3 file format, with its inferior audio quality, did not look like a disruptive technology until the arrival of MP3 players and streaming systems dramatically altered the music industry, removing a slew of middle men and almost all the barriers to entry faced by an artist.

A similar pivot in financial markets would allow an instrument to be issued in hours rather than days or weeks, better targeting specific markets and taking advantage of windows of calm to reach more investors faster and free of data errors, industry officials say.

But it would also challenge banks' dominant position in the revenue chain for issuing and trading securities.

A further step from pilot project to live markets came this week with the launch of LedgerEdge, described as the first regulated, DLT-based corporate bond platform.

"Everyone is looking for greater clarity on the regulatory definition of digital assets," said David Nicol, chief executive and co-founder of LedgerEdge.

But with many elements yet to fall into place, Arjun Jayaram, founder and chief executive of blockchain company Baton Systems, warned there was unlikely to be a "big bang" moment.

Banks still use "very old" technology, making it harder to interface with DLT platforms, he said, while Javier Hernani, head of securities services at SIX which runs the Zurich and Madrid stock exchanges, said hooking up to blockchain was a cost that needed to be phased in.

Hernani also pointed to the need for digital versions of currencies such as the dollar, euro or sterling to speed up payment and achieve the full benefits of DLT, something the relevant central banks have yet to decide on, let alone launch. read more

Instead a "bridge" would be needed to allow digitised assets to be traded, but paid for in fiat currencies, he suggested.

Regulators also need time to get to grips with the new technology, with the European Union and Britain preparing to test DLT in market infrastructure.

"We intend to have this up and running next year, and if it teaches us that we need to update the relevant legislation, then we will do that too," Britain's financial services minister John Glen said in a speech last month.

The EU said its pilot regime would allow policymakers to identify obstacles in regulation.

HSBC and Wells Fargo are already using blockchain from Baton Systems to settle bilateral foreign currency trades, and in July Deutsche Boerse will use its digital central register to offer same day-issuance and paperless processing for digitised certificates and warrants in its Clearstream settlement arm. read more

"We have done the proof of concepts in the past, but now it's really about bringing the real, fully-fledged financial, digital market infrastructure in place, and that needs to be productive and scalable," Hartung said.

Rival Euroclear has joined blockchain consortium Fnality - backed by banks including Santander, Barclays, Credit Suisse, MUFG and UBS - which is aiming to open a payments account for tokenised assets at the Bank of England in October. read more

Meanwhile, the U.S. Depository Trust & Clearing Corp's platform that leverages DLT is moving to a development phase for same-day settlement of securities trades, compared with two days at present.

Consultants estimate potential savings of 50% from using blockchain in areas like settlement, mainly through cutting time-consuming 'reconciliation' or the fixing of mismatches in transaction data.

Faster completion of trades also means less risk and therefore less capital tied up in backing transactions.

Looking at the derivatives market, Deloitte estimates a "single shared version of trade data" could reduce costs by one-third.

Combining DLT with a machine-readable blueprint for how derivatives are managed and traded could cut the cost base for derivatives dealers by $3.2 billion, it says.

SIX, which launched a digital bond in November, senses progress this year. read more

"We are going from proof of concept to the real world, slowly," the company's Hernani said.

"We will continue to see some real business, but still in the small numbers. I think there will be parallel systems for a while."

Reporting by Huw Jones; Editing by Kirsten Donovan

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Continued here:

Analysis: Blockchain needs MP3 music moment to win over markets - Reuters

Oops, I think they broke the blockchain – TechCrunch

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Danzig

Hello and welcome back to the Chain Reactionpodcast, where we unpack and explain the latest crypto news, drama and trends, breaking it down block by block for the crypto curious.

On this weeks episode, we talked about the virtual land sale that (temporarily) broke the blockchain. Yuga Labs now-infamous NFT drop was to put it lightly chaotic. Users swarmed the sale like it was a Supreme drop in 2017, overwhelming the entire Ethereum network and resulting in lots of failed transactions and exorbitantly high gas fees. We explained what went wrong and explored some (potential?) conspiracy theories about the fiasco, which seem to spring up anytime a major event happens in the web3 world.

Next, we went through some big news from an OG of the decentralized internet Wikipedia thats decided to reject crypto donations, and talked about the beef between regulators and crypto that heated up this week after a major flex by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Jill Gunter occupies a unique spot within the crypto world as both a venture partner at Slow Ventures and co-founder of a new layer-one blockchain project, Espresso Systems (you can learn more about that in Anitas article here). As a former credit trader at Goldman Sachs, Jill is used to explaining the nuances of crypto to friends and colleagues in the tradfi (traditional finance) world. We were excited to have her on the show to break down some complex concepts in simple, understandable terms, from why popular blockchains dont maintain user privacy to how new projects should approach developer acquisition.

Chain Reaction podcast episodes come out every Thursday at 12:00 p.m. PDT. Subscribe to us on Apple,Spotify or your alternative podcast platform of choice to keep up with us every week.

Oops, I think they broke the blockchain - TechCrunch

Avalanche Will Be the ‘Apple of the Blockchain World’: Ava Labs Exec – Business Insider

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Danzig

In 2010, 16-year-old Kevin Sekniqi saw a post on Reddit detailing a new peer-to-peer money called Bitcoin. He later began mining the cryptocurrency out of his childhood bedroom in Brooklyn, New York.

"It was early enough that I remember a time when I didn't know where to even buy bitcoin," Sekniqi told Insider, adding that it was worth only a few cents. "The only place you could buy it was from some guy on Craigslist."

While working towards his Ph.D. at Cornell University in 2016, he worked on a research project that would later become Ava Labs the developer behind layer-1 blockchain Avalanche with Professor Emin Gn Sirer and fellowdoctorate student Maofan "Ted" Yin.

Bitcoin, Sekniqi said, had its shortcomings and he wanted to build an open, permissionless system "from the ground up" in a "totally different way."

"I was familiar enough with Bitcoin technology to know that it's great in a lot of ways and faulty in a lot of other ways," he said.

Avalanche is dubbed a likely competitor to Ethereum. Unlike the largest smart contract network, however, Avalanche fully operates on a proof-of-stake system, which lends itself to faster transaction speeds and lower gas fees. But Ethereum still has an overwhelming dominance in the multi-billion-dollar decentralized finance, or DeFi market.

The company is reportedly looking to raise $350 million at a $5.25 billion, according to a Bloomberg report from April 13, citing sources familiar with the matter. It announced a $230 million private token sale on September 16, led by crypto funds Three Arrows Capital and Polychain.

Ava Labs previously partnered with consulting giant Deloitte to use its blockchain as a way to streamline funding to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

While many see crypto as a speculative asset class, developers are investing in blockchain technology in a different way by building DApps, or decentralized applications on their networks. This is how, Sekniqi said, Avalanche will become the "Apple of the blockchain world."

The layer-1 distinguishes itself from competitors because it has the optionality to both build on its blockchain and provide existing infrastructure for builders to customize their own. After launching in September, Ava Labs said it could handle 4,500 transactions per second.

"We want to make this process completely seamless," the 28-year-old exec said.

Popular DeFi projects like Chainlink, SushiSwap, and Aave have all built on Avalanche.

"Developers of these custom blockchains have complete control over the design, with the only requirement being to participate in securing the core platform," John Wu, president of Ava Labs, previously told CNBC.

A competitor to the layer-1 includes Solana, which offers similar low transaction fees. In the coming months, Ethereum is slated to begin a series of upgrades on its network called "The Merge" or Eth2. This will cut the blockchain's transaction time significantly, giving competitors, dubbed"Ethereum killers,"a run for their money.

There are no Ethereum killers, Ryan Wyatt, CEO of Polygon Studios, told Insider.

"Ethereum is here to stay. It's going to be a critical layer-1 for the world," the former Google executive said.

Avalanche's native token, AVAX, experienced a steep price decline in tandem with broader markets. The token, which is the 12th largest by market cap , is down 41.6% on the month, per crypto research firm Messari.

The token, however, had a brief bump in its price after crypto investment firm Valkyrie announced an Avalanche Trust for accredited investors to gain exposure to its ecosystem. As of May 4th, the fund has reportedly secured $25 million, according to Coindesk.

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Avalanche Will Be the 'Apple of the Blockchain World': Ava Labs Exec - Business Insider

Applied Blockchain Announces Upcoming Conference Participation – GlobeNewswire

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Danzig

DALLAS, May 11, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Applied Blockchain, Inc. (Nasdaq: APLD) ("Applied Blockchain" or the "Company") today announced its participation in the 17th Annual Needham Technology & Media Conference, the 22nd Annual B. Riley Institutional Investor Conference and the D.A. Davidson Bitcoin & Blockchain Conference.

17th Annual Needham Technology & Media ConferenceThe 17th Annual Needham Technology & Media Conference is being held virtually and in New York, New York May 16-18, 2022. Applied Blockchain management will be hosting one-on-one meetings with investors and Chairman and CEO Wes Cummins is scheduled to present on May 17, 2022 at 11:45 a.m. Eastern Time. Those interested in attending the presentation may join here and a replay will be available in the Investor Relations section of the Companys website.

22nd Annual B. Riley Institutional Investor ConferenceThe 22nd Annual B. Riley Institutional Investor Conference is being held in Los Angeles, California May 25-26, 2022. Applied Blockchain management will be hosting one-on-one meetings with investors and Chairman and CEO Wes Cummins is scheduled to present on May 26, 2022 at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

D.A. Davidson Bitcoin & Blockchain ConferenceThe D.A. Davidson Bitcoin & Blockchain Conference is being held in New York, New York on June 2, 2022. Applied Blockchain management will be hosting one-on-one meetings with investors.

About Applied BlockchainApplied Blockchain Inc. (Nasdaq: APLD) is a builder and operator of next-generation data centers across North America which provide substantial compute power to blockchain infrastructure and support Bitcoin mining. The Company has partnered with the most recognized names in the industry to develop, deploy, and scale its business. Find more information at http://www.appliedblockchaininc.com. Follow us on Twitter at @APLDBlockchain.

Investor Relations ContactsMatt Glover or Jeff Grampp, CFAGateway Group, Inc.(949) 574-3860APLD@gatewayir.com

Media ContactCatherine AdcockGateway Group, Inc.(949) 574-3860APLD@gatewayir.com

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Applied Blockchain Announces Upcoming Conference Participation - GlobeNewswire

What Is Blockchain And What Are The Legal Challenges? – Fin Tech – Ireland – Mondaq

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Danzig

To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com.

This technology only emerged over 10 years ago from a paper "Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic CashSystem" written by Satoshi Nakamoto (or a person orpersons using a pseudonym... the mystery continues). Is it allabout Bitcoin? No. It's more than all thecryptocurrencies.

Like many technologies, it was invented to solve one problem andothers saw its potential for use elsewhere.

Matheson's Technology and Innovation Group have prepared aninteractive Introduction to Blockchain publication toanswer key questions such as:

Our publication sets out a number of examples ofhow Blockchain is being used, or new projects that are underway,including:

As with all new technologies, new legal challenges emerge thatneed to be addressed and solved, including:

Trust comes with greater global awareness (without the hype andhorror stories), actively delivering on the promise of a greenerfuture, and solving the legal challenges head-on.

The content of this article is intended to provide a generalguide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be soughtabout your specific circumstances.

POPULAR ARTICLES ON: Technology from Ireland

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There has been a large coverage in the media about NFT and Metaverse during the last year which also continues this year. Indeed the "tokenmania" that has taken roots within the ...

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What Is Blockchain And What Are The Legal Challenges? - Fin Tech - Ireland - Mondaq

Citi backs Crowdz, a Pipe competitor that just raised $10M for its blockchain-powered invoice financing marketplace – TechCrunch

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Danzig

Recurring revenue as an asset class is a relatively new concept, and made more popular by startups such as Pipe, which has built a marketplace connecting investors to companies with businesses that have predictable, recurring revenues.

While Pipe has gone on to so far raise over $300 million and was valued at $2 billion last year, another player has quietly been building a company in the same space with a laser focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in global supply chains. That player, Crowdz, recently secured $10 million in financing co-led by Citi and Dutch growth equity firm Global Cleantech Capital, with participation from Bold Capital Partners, TFX Ventures and Augment Ventures.

Put simply, Crowdz started out by giving small and medium-sized businesses a way to sell invoices for financing to funders. Now, the company aims to help companies with recurring revenue access upfront capital they need without having to dilute their equity by taking venture dollars or take on loans. Specifically, its latest offering is designed to serve subscription, membership and SaaS (software-as-a-service) service companies. For its part, Pipe came out of the gate with the same SaaS focus but has since expanded to working with non-SaaS companies as well.

Payson Johnston and Steven Lee started Crowdz in 2014 after working as B2B supply-chain senior managers for global processes at Cisco. That experience led the pair to start Crowdz, and they bootstrapped the company for its first five years. In 2019, Barclays Bank and Bold Capital Partners co-led a $5.5 million Series A funding round for Crowdz. To date, the startup has raised a total of $25.5 million.

A major challenge when running a business is getting enough funds to cover operating costs, especially in the early stages, Johnston said. While revenue you generate from the sale of products and services can pay for some expenses, it may not be enough to cover costs that need lump-sum working capital for example, opening a new store, marketing new products or buying expensive equipment. We are focused on how we can help the SMEs improve their cash flow so they can thrive. Thats really a main driver for us.

With this latest investment, Crowdz and Citi plan to collaborate based on that goal of giving SMEs rapid and efficient access to the working capital needed to keep their businesses running. Crowdz claims to be the only non-bank fintech that is offering both invoice-based and recurring revenue financing.

Over time, Crowdz has financed $55 million in receivables by funding more than 20,000 invoices. In other words, it has provided more than $55 million in working capital for SMEs. The company has loaded about $2.2 billion of receivables on its platform, and its goal is to help more than 25,000 SMEs by financing over $1 billion in receivables by next year. It recently signed a signficant deal with Facebook to finance up to $100 million worth of invoices for minority and diverse-owned businesses throughout the United States. Crowdz makes money by taking a basis point from dollars funded. With its new recurring revenue offering, it is starting to look at subscription models.

So while Campbell, California-based Crowdz operates a marketplace as Pipe does the startup says it goes beyond connecting SMEs with investors. It also integrates with SMEs accounting, payment processing and banking systems with the goal of allowing SMEs to get paid early at competitive rates. By offering invoice and recurring revenue financing, Crowdz says it wants to help SMEs have a greater shot at success by opening up access to capital.

We both service the SMEs by being able to buy receivables, invoices and SaaS contracts through our marketplace, which brings other funders together, said Johnston, who serves as the companys CEO. Or, we can white label it out with organizations like Citi, Meta and the city of Detroit. Our big thing now is signing these channel agreements that we are going to expand very rapidly.

The companys strategy is currently focused on that white label offering, which today generates about 80% of its revenue, Johnston told TechCrunch.

Were not trying to go directly to SMEs were really going through enterprises and financial institutions, Johnston said.

But perhaps what is most unique about what Crowdz is doing is that it was built on Ethereum since 2017.

We are a tech play underneath, Johnston explains. The startup has filed 10 patents so far and Johnston and Lee say data science is at the heart of everything the company does.

For example, Crowdz has developed what the startup describes as proprietary risk scoring that gives banks, financial institutions and DeFi lenders access to attractive risk-adjusted, diversified returns, while helping to plug the SME finance gap.

Right now the way banks and other financial institutions risk rate companies is they look at their financial statements, their cash flow, balance, cash flow statements, and profit and loss. They may use nine months of historical data to try to predict future behavior, Lee told TechCrunch. Through the use of these micro-transactions called invoices, were able to incorporate that data and be able to predict the financial health of a company in almost real time.

The companys latest financing is part of an ongoing $200 million investment from Citi into technology creating social impact, and was led by its Spread Products Investment Technologies (SPRINT) team, the strategic investing arm of the banks Global Spread Products division. It follows Crowdz recent partnership with Meta to power the social media giants SME financing program.

Katya Chupryna, Citi, head of SPRINT, told TechCrunch via email that her team set out initially looking for a company focusing on SaaS receivables space.

Its thesis, she added, was that the uniformity and reliability of enterprise SaaS fees would make such cash flows attractive targets for asset-backed financing and, eventually, securitization essentially creating a new asset class.

We quickly found that most incumbents focusing solely on the financing of SaaS receivables lacked reliable data and market traction to sufficiently validate their business models, Chupryna said. Crowdz, however, had an established invoice receivables marketplace product and a stress-tested risk scoring methodology, two key elements that gave us confidence in their ability to expand to recurring revenue financing.

She said Citi saw an opportunity to build accretive relationships between the startup and the financial institutions existing portfolio companies, many of whom could greatly benefit from reliable access to non-dilutive working capital.

Chupryna believes Crowdz product offerings are both multifaceted and flexible and applicable to a wide range of disparate business areas.

When we analyze potential investment opportunities, we lean towards companies that can solve multiple pain points and create opportunities for multiple Citi businesses, effectively widening and diversifying our strategic commercialization plan with the company, she said. In other words, SPRINT is looking for long-term partners with whom we can commercialize various undertakings.

For his part, co-founder Lee said he grew up in a pretty rough part of LA and has always been viewed as an underdog. He joined the U.S. Army, and is a combat veteran an experience that left him disabled.

Truly for me, Crowdz is an underdog story, because we want to help out the small and medium-sized businesses and put them on a level playing field with the bigger guys, he told TechCrunch. My dad himself owned a laundromat so I know how much he struggled as a small business owner. I continue to live this underdog story and the fact that our company is really focused on small and medium businesses is extremely compelling and inspirational for me.

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Citi backs Crowdz, a Pipe competitor that just raised $10M for its blockchain-powered invoice financing marketplace - TechCrunch

Tailor Insight Releases Report on ‘Main Trends of Blockchain and Crypto in 2022’ – Yahoo Finance

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Danzig

HONG KONG, CHINA / ACCESSWIRE / May 9, 2022 /Tailor Insight, the Asia based market research institute, has released a report on 'Main Trends of Blockchain and Crypto in 2022'. In 2022, it is unexpected that the booming of De-Fi market, as well that of NFT. In addition, a growing number of traditional financial organizations entering the crypto scene, increasingly believing crypto are here to stay. Here are some interesting trends of blockchain industry:

First, Blockchain technology appears the most suitable way to the various 5G IoT challenges

It can potentially help to solve many problems around security as well as scalability due to the automated encrypted and immutable nature of blockchain. It is expected to hear about more pilot projects and initial use cases in this field during 2022.

Metaverse application is another top blockchain trend in 2002

Metaverse is the emerging universe where there will be 'immersive' experiences with new technologies like blockchain, augmented reality, virtual reality etc. Without blockchain technology the Metaverse would be incomplete because everything would be stored in the centralised network.

Blockchain will enable the upcoming of a new wave of social networks that could be bigger and even better than the existing ones that are now synonymous with the word social media. Blockchain in 2022 is expected to run multiple platforms on Metaverse with NFTs and cryptocurrencies. Digital assets like NFTs will thereby De-Fine ownership on the Metaverse and cryptocurrencies will power the new digital economy.

CBDCs is becoming popular

With 80% of the world's central banks now exploring Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) projects during 2021, according to the Bank of International Settlement, the year 2022 will see a further breakthrough. Governments worldwide realise that cryptocurrencies are here to stay and the majority of CBDCs are being introduced to ensure their monetary system stays relevant to consumer demands and not necessarily to eradicate the use of Bitcoin and other private cryptocurrencies.

Story continues

De-Fi is quickly emerging as a transparent and permissionless way for users.

This year the value of assets in De-Fi reached more than $180 bn and expectations are that this will further rise in 2022. As there is an increasing need to replicate physical items properties like uniqueness, ownership proof, we will see a further uptake of the De-Fi market as well as the arrival of more dedicated De-Fi applications. Upcoming regulation, as well as the growing acceptance that crypto is here to stay, may in the longer term lead to more convergence between traditional or centralised finance (CeFi) and decentralised finance (De-Fi).

NFTs is a new story

The remarkable growth of the NFT market in 2021 is expected to continue in 2022. As almost everything is becoming digital, there is an increasing need to replicate physical items properties like more uniqueness, ownership proof and scarcity. The Metaverse concept that was earlier described will bring plenty of new opportunities for innovative NFT use cases.

Various new use cases including gaming, music, ticketing, post on social media etc. are entering the NFT market attracted by the various benefits and the profits that can be made.

However, the risks and challenges this market is confronted with will ask for regulatory intervention. This raises the importance of having an international regulatory body of non-fungible tokens for its better regulation and legalization. The outcome could have a great impact and will be decisive for the future of NTFs. It is however still uncertain how that will proceed.

About Tailor Insight

Tailor Insight offers deep insight into industry trends in the financial market. Tailor Insight provides easy and quick solutions that allow customers to capture, monitor, and audit market data from a holistic view down to an individual task on market research and industry trend insights, especially in AI, AR, VR and Blockchain industries.

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Inquiry about the Market Analysis Report

Brand: Tailor Insight LimitedContact: Eric Lee, Crypto and Blockchain Industry Analyst at Tailor InsightAddress: Rm C21, G-Floor Greenland Court, No. 88 Ma Tau Wai Road, Kowloon, Hong KongEmail: cs@TailorInsight.comWebsite: https://www.tailorinsight.com

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Tailor Insight Releases Report on 'Main Trends of Blockchain and Crypto in 2022' - Yahoo Finance

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