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TikTok Dismisses Calls for Chinese Owners to Sell their Stakes, Says it Won’t Solve the Problem

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The brand is growing

TikTok has frowned at the report that the Biden administration was asking its Chinese owners to sell their stakes in the company as a way to erase national security concern that has pitted the popular video-sharing app against the US and its allies.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing sources familiar the matter, that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. was threatening to ban the app in the U.S., unless its owners, Beijing-based ByteDance Ltd., divested. TikTok was dismissive of the report on Wednesday, saying that the move won’t solve the problem.

“If protecting national security is the objective, divestment doesn’t solve the problem: a change in ownership would not impose any new restrictions on data flows or access,” TikTok spokesperson Maureen Shanahan said. “The best way to address concerns about national security is with the transparent, U.S.-based protection of U.S. user data and systems, with robust third-party monitoring, vetting, and verification, which we are already implementing.”

TikTok’s reaction follows the decision of the British government to ban the app on official devices as security concern emanating from its use spreads across the West.

The U.S. leads the campaign against the short-form video app, whose crime is being owned by the Chinese tech giant ByteDance. Late last month, the White House gave all federal agencies 30 days to delete TikTok from all government devices.

The move came around the time FBI Director, Chris Wray, warned that the app could serve as a backdoor for Chinese espionage. Several U.S. states have also restricted the use of TikTok on government-issued devices.

The social media platform has been trying to tame the frenzy, which has escalated like no other time, without success.

While the move to ban TikTok underlines broader tech and economic fight between the U.S. and China, the recent uptick in bans by western countries, deepens the existential threat to the video-sharing app.

The Office of Management and Budget said the ban of TikTok on official devices is a “critical step forward in addressing the risks presented by the app to sensitive government data.”

In December, Congress passed the “No TikTok on Government Devices Act”, which though it allows the use TikTok in certain cases, serves as part of a sweeping government funding package.

The No TikTok on Government Devices Act has been followed by a proposed legislation that would give the Biden administration more power to ban TikTok and other apps seen as threat to national security.

The growing number of Western governments clamping down on TikTok underpins the deteriorating relationship between China and the West.

China has criticized the decision of the U.S. and its allies to prohibit the use of TikTok on government-owned phones, calling it “abuse of power.” But China’s criticism holds no bearing as several U.S. tech companies, including Google, Meta and Twitter, are banned in the Asian country.

TikTok said it has moved its data centers away from China as part of efforts to address U.S. concerns and it is developing security and data privacy plans as part of the Biden administration’s ongoing national security review.

The Diamond Bank’s Lecture and Playing the Win-Win Banking Game in America

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When communities come together; they outperform. Usain Bolt outperforms his individual world-record 100 meters time when he runs 4x100m with other Jamaicans, per 100 meters. As a young banker in Lagos, in Diamond Bank (diamond lives forever), during the training school, one of the leaders in the bank, Ben Oviosu, explained the concept of Win-Win in the industry. The next day, another leader in the bank, Chinedu Uzoho, educated us on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. By the time we were done, we were bankers, not just engineers or accountants, across many domains of banking ordinance.

Diamond Bank training school remains one of the most important experiences I have ever received in my professional life. It was a transduction process which moved me from one state to another in a positive, dynamic, and impactful way. The lecture on treasury by Ohis Ohiwerei was iconic. It took him hours and deconstructed the mystery of finance. I asked so many questions and he gave me the nickname “Prof” – and that was it throughout my time in the finest bank ever created, but which did not live forever, unfortunately!

But in the training, there was a theme: win-win and co-opetition. Yes, do things that advance not the bank but the banking industry. Before the training, it was like Zenith, GTBank, STB, etc were “enemies”. But when we finished, we saw them as partners to advance our collective mission.

Why this history, American banking did a win-win today. Yes, banks pooled funds to save another dying bank: “Eleven banks deposited $30 billion at First Republic on Thursday afternoon, in a government-backed bid to bolster the ailing lender and boost confidence in the U.S. banking system”. It was not a charity. If they had not done that, their stock positions would have continued the days-long evaporation in the New York Stock Exchange. But saving one of the weakest would ensure the strong can live. Learn from this: it is a message we need in our world.

Eleven banks deposited $30 billion at First Republic on Thursday afternoon, in a government-backed bid to bolster the ailing lender and boost confidence in the U.S. banking system. Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citigroup each contributed some $5 billion, while Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley kicked in $2.5 billion a piece. First Republic had seen its shares crater following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, as investors worried over its high level of uninsured deposits. The regional bank’s stock closed 10% up after the rescue package was announced.

The banks’ uninsured deposits will have to stay at First Republic for at least 120 days.

In the last week, banks have taken out nearly $165 billion in short-term Federal Reserve loans, taking advantage of two backstop tools to shore up liquidity.

I wish Diamond Bank was that lucky; it was the finest bank ever created, but which did not live forever, unfortunately!

Comment on Feed

Comment: Indeed, business strategy would generally dictate not to allow competition to fail in sensitive industries like banking.

Failure in this sector can result in legal and reputational issues that could harm other banks’ image and brand, and may result in fines, legal fees, or even legal action if other banks were in somewhat similar situations and/or if new regulations were created.

And don’t forget the loss of capital from savings and the cascading affect that would have, i.e mortgages and business loans as well.

So it is more effective to save the reputation of the banking sector by collectively saving a competitor. This action could also be affective in developing your own competitive advantages and differentiators , like building strong brand equity, which in turn develops a stronger loyal customer base. After all your the bank who saves banks…..BOOM!

My Response: It seems counterintuitive when you examine all the efforts we put to outcompete the others. But here, banks could have seen one competitor out, but magically, they realized that it would take others to the bottom of the ocean, if not rescued with boat-loads of $dollars

What Features Should You Look For in a Good Nigerian Betting Site?

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Are you looking for the best betting apps in Nigeria? It can be a daunting task to identify which ones are trustworthy and offer the best services. You need to consider various factors like legal regulations, customer service, safety measures, and more when choosing an online gambling site. In this article, we’ll provide guidance on what features to look for in a good Nigerian betting site so that you can find the best one for your needs. With our help, you will be able to make informed decisions about where to place your bets safely and securely.

Legal Regulations

Legal regulations are an important factor to consider when looking for a good Nigerian betting site. It is important to ensure that the site you choose is compliant with all relevant laws and regulations in Nigeria. The best online gambling sites will strive to be up-to-date with their compliance on a regular basis.

In addition, it is important to make sure that the Nigerian betting site you use has measures in place to protect minors from accessing gambling or gaming websites. Most reputable sites also have safeguards in place to protect customers from fraud and other forms of cybercrime. These measures should include encryption protocols, secure payment systems, and identity verification processes.

In terms of taxation, gambling winnings are taxable in Nigeria and operators must adhere to government regulations regarding taxation and reporting of gross gaming revenue (GGR). Additionally, all operators must comply with anti-money laundering regulations including Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures which involve requesting customers to provide proof of identity before they can participate in any games or sports betting activities on the platform.

Finally, operators must also abide by responsible gambling protocols including setting limits for deposits and bets as well as offering self-exclusion options for players who wish to take a break from gambling activities altogether. These rules are designed to ensure that players gamble responsibly and ethically at all times while using Nigerian betting sites.

Security Features

When playing on an online betting site, security should be at the forefront of your mind. You’ll want to make sure that the site has several layers of security in place including encryption technology and secure payment methods. Make sure that all transactions made through the website are encrypted so that hackers cannot access personal or financial information. Additionally, make sure that you only use well-known payment options like PayPal, Visa or Mastercard when making deposits and withdrawals from the site; this will help ensure that all money exchanges remain safe and secure.

Customer Service

Customer service is another essential feature to look for when selecting a Nigerian betting site. If something goes wrong while using the service – such as technical difficulties or payment issues – then having quick and efficient customer support can be invaluable in resolving any issues quickly and efficiently. Look for sites with live chat features where possible; these allow customers to get real-time answers from customer service representatives without having to wait long periods of time on hold or by emailing back and forth until their issue is resolved.

Bonuses & Promotions

Bonuses and promotions can be important factors to consider when selecting a Nigerian betting site. Many sites offer enticing bonuses and promotions that can help enhance your gambling experience. Look for sites that offer welcome bonuses, loyalty points, and other special promotions such as free bets or cashback.

These bonus offers can vary considerably from site to site, so make sure you read the terms and conditions before taking advantage of any offers. Some sites may require you to meet certain wagering requirements before you can withdraw your bonus winnings, while others will allow you to collect your bonus money immediately after making a deposit. With some careful research, you should be able to find the best deals on different Nigerian betting sites.

It’s also worth looking out for sites with competitive odds and lines. These give players a better chance of winning when they place their bets, which makes it more rewarding and enjoyable overall. Pay close attention to the range of markets each site offers too; if there are limited options then it could limit your chances of having successful outcomes on certain events.

Finally, keep an eye out for sites that have excellent customer support services in place; these are invaluable in helping customers address any problems they may encounter while using the service. A reputable Nigerian betting site should have multiple customer service channels available – such as email, phone, live chat – and responsive customer support staff who can promptly resolve any issues that arise quickly and efficiently.

In conclusion, choosing a good Nigerian betting site comes down to finding one which meets all of these criteria; legal regulations compliance, strong security protocols, efficient customer service and generous bonuses/promotions available throughout its offering! Doing thorough research before signing up can save you time (and money) in the long run by ensuring that you pick the right bookmaker/site for your needs!

The Best Strategy to Play Blackjack Online

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Strategy and Peculiarities of the Online Blackjack Game

People more often prefer online games to other entertainment. This is easy to explain: these days, the Internet offers many tempting games for participation in which you do not need to spend a penny. You enjoy the process, being in a familiar, comfortable environment at any time of the day or night. Anyone can play online blackjack! The probability of winning in blackjack is based on a player’s ability to memorize the cards that have left the game, there are even several strategies for counting cards.

What Is Blackjack?

Blackjack is a competition of intuition and miscalculation. The game is free and purely for fun. Different game chips may be added to the basic rules in different versions, but the essence of blackjack doesn’t change from this.

The Basics of Online Blackjack

The online blackjack game is simple: a player must score twenty-one points. More precisely, 21 is an ideal option. Collecting the number of points as close to this number as possible. The main thing is not to overdo it in the heat of passion since a player who has scored 22 points or more automatically loses.

Further, players’ cards are compared with dealers’ cards. The winning situation is considered when the number of points of a player exceeds the number of points of a dealer, and the sum of points is lower or equal to 21. That is, winning is possible if the player scores 20, 19… or even 15 points. The main thing is that a dealer has fewer points than the player or more than 21. If a dealer and a player score the same number of points, the victory is not awarded to anyone. These rules apply both in real establishments and when playing blackjack online.

There are also some other essential peculiarities of online blackjack. The suit of cards does not play any role, as in some other card games, where the trump card is considered. In  online blackjack game , only card value is essential. Players do not compete with each other. They play against a dealer.

Primary Strategy: Popular Opinion

When it comes to playing blackjack, the most popular strategy, which is chosen by many players who decide to play online blackjack in Canada, is simply sticking to its rules while having the indispensable desire to avoid losing an excess of cards. In other words, the basic strategy is the one in which a player who has received a dozen or more points passes so as not to risk running into ten points because such a situation is feasible.

But by using only the basic strategy when playing blackjack, you slightly lower your chances of winning. More sophisticated blackjack players, and especially players who play for money, usually use different tactics. There are still basic strategies when playing 21 by eight decks. There are options for four and six decks.

But again, the general provisions of the strategy are approximately the same as when applying a strategy for one deck. The chances of a player with cards with 12-16 points in his hands with an additional set are small. However, it is rare that an additional card taken will not lead to overkill, but will improve the situation.

Blackjack at King Billy’s Online Rooms: Advantages to Discover

Blackjack is exciting and profitable, hitting the top popular game for many users. With the development of modern technology, one of the most popular card entertainment has moved to online casinos and still pleases millions of users. Its popularity is due to the simplicity of the rules compared to other gambling.

We provide all the necessary information for both beginners and experienced gamers. Each player can find a suitable blackjack game for oneself since this gambling space offers almost a dozen blackjack variations. Among those, for example,

  • Classic Blackjack with Noble Diamonds;
  • Atlantic City Blackjack;
  • Back Blackjack;
  • Classic Blackjack;
  • European Blackjack, and many others.

Many online gambling platforms present blackjack games from reliable developers. All entertainment is classified so you can quickly look for the right one. In addition, thanks to a convenient filter on the site’s main page, the client can find any game by entering the beginning of its name in the search. Anyone can visit this online casino and experience bright and unforgettable impressions, feeling the real spirit of the gambling establishment.

Online Blackjack: Things to Consider

All online blackjack variations have the same basic principles of play and betting. A user is always given the right to get the cards first. Then the dealer can retake the cards or demand to stop, after which players should calculate their moves.

Because the popularity of blackjack is so great that it has long ago conquered Internet users, you have to play “21”. You can try the game on the online casino site for free and without registration. To do this, click on the game icon you want to try, and explore a game free of charge until you feel ready to try the real money game mode.

To start gameplay at an online casino, users must familiarize themselves with the rules, bets, and insurance. In addition to choosing a new entertainment, we recommend players go through several trial versions for virtual money to develop their unique tactics or test strength without unnecessary financial risk.

Visiting online casinos, many users look at the actual game with caution, afraid to plunge into it fully and lose all their money. Working completely legally and providing users with high-quality software, the best online casino tries hard to be convenient for its customers, leaving the honesty of the game, reliability, and decency as priorities.

In case of any unforeseen difficulties in the gameplay, customers should contact the support service, which is ready to help 24/7. Players can always write to the online chat or email. Qualified operators will do everything possible to ensure that a user returns with positive emotions and continues to enjoy the game in the shortest possible time.

To play blackjack online, it is enough just to read the rules before the start of a game. If you are an experienced player, save time, choose the kind of blackjack that you prefer, and go ahead! You need to make a few mouse clicks, and you can instantly enjoy the atmosphere of an actual gambling establishment. The most realistic graphics facilitate this, and the appropriate musical design will make your leisure time unforgettable. Here you can choose one of several options for a free game of online blackjack.

PLAGIARISM

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Today, I read an article on a site ‘Waypoint Games by Vice’. The story explained an accidental case of plagiarism in the gaming industry.

The drama involved two products –  Bleak Faith: Forsaken, and Eldens Ring.

Bleak Faith: Forsaken is the work of developers Miso Vukcevic and Mirko Stanic from Archangel Studios.

During development, Archangel went to ‘Epic Marketplace’ to source some ‘development assets’. Archangel said, as a three-person studio, using Epic Marketplace gets the job done quicker, but only about 10% of the game was outsourced –  some animations ,VFX, and audio.

So then FromSoftware/Bandai Namco Entertainment see the release of Bleak Faith: Forsaken, and they immediately recognise content from their product Elders Ring.

Elders Ring comes from scripts from novelist George R R Martin, which some may be familiar with as the writer for the series ‘A Game of Thrones’.

Its clear that the vendor plagiarized content from Elders Ring.

While Archangel initially said they purchased them on Epic in good faith,  Epic  says it’s not in a position to verify copyrights on assets sold through its store, and makes no guarantees.

Archangel did a public statement, some redesign work, and exchanged the assets, but it lost them momentum on the product release.

Statement of Archangel Studios

This leads on to my own recent experiences of the plagiarism of my work.

https://cryptonewsbtc.org/2023/03/01/building-off-ethereum-reaches-new-lows-of-us-based-legislative-insanity/

This is a plagiarism of a recent Tekedia Institute work of mine, by the same title.

These kinds of rip-offs started happening about two years ago initially, but they are now getting to be far more frequent.

The effort to try to differentiate it from my unaltered work is bizarrely beyond ridiculous. They seem to think changing a few words here and there with synonyms creates a complete disguise, but they are fooling nobody.

Moreover, they don’t even seem to have a proper grasp of the English language, as their choices of synonyms don’t work in the context…

Example: –  my sentence  ‘Majority Stakeholders are now known and an open record, so regulatory authorities can directly target them and hold them accountable for whatever crazy new requirement they dream up.’

becomes:

‘Majority Stakeholders are actually recognized and an open file, so regulatory authorities can straight goal them and maintain them accountable for no matter loopy new requirement they dream up’

and am like… huh??

I’ve noticed they kept all the scripting too, because the page is ‘calling up’ the same advertising resources from Tekedia that are on the original article.

All material I release on Tekedia Institute is open source. It’s purpose is to help build the content library to support learners of the Institute, however, anyone is free to use it.

I get a lot of requests for mentoring, and an enormous amount of Direct Messaging traffic on LinkedIn.. There just isn’t enough time within my priorities, to support people one on one, so making this material available is my way of helping.

I don’t seek any kind of payment for it, all I expect is that if anyone uses the content (in whole or in part) , they acknowledge me as the original author. This should not be expecting too much.

Let’s try to keep content creation ‘clean’.

9ja Cosmos is here…

Get your .9jacom and .9javerse Web 3 domains  for $2 at:

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All reference sites accessed  16/03/2023

feature image displays one of the disputed contents between Bleak Faith: Forsaken, and Eldens Ring.

unrealengine.com/marketplace/en-US/store

vice.com/en/article/v7b45m/how-plagiarized-animations-sold-by-epic-marred-a-promising-souls-likes-launch

store.steampowered.com/news/app/1173220/view/3674412925834433823?l=english

gematsu.com/companies/archangel-studios

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elden_Ring

tekedia.com/building-off-ethereum-reaches-new-lows-of-us-based-legislative-insanity/