Recently, we asked, "What's one thing you wish you knew before starting your own private music studio?" Here are some of the comments we received.

People's Bank of China USD/CNY reference rate is due around 0115 GMT.

The People's Bank of China (PBOC), China's central bank, is responsible for setting the daily midpoint of the yuan (also known as renminbi or RMB). The PBOC follows a managed floating exchange rate system that allows the value of the yuan to fluctuate within a certain range, called a "band," around a central reference rate, or "midpoint." It's currently at +/- 2%.

How the process works:

• Daily midpoint setting: Each morning, the PBOC sets a midpoint for the yuan against a basket of currencies, primarily the US dollar. The central bank takes into account factors such as market supply and demand, economic indicators, and international currency market fluctuations. The midpoint serves as a reference point for that day's trading.
• The trading band: The PBOC allows the yuan to move within a specified range around the midpoint. The trading band is set at +/- 2%, meaning the yuan could appreciate or depreciate by a maximum of 2% from the midpoint during a single trading day. This range is subject to change by the PBOC based on economic conditions and policy objectives.
• Intervention: If the yuan's value approaches the limit of the trading band or experiences excessive volatility, the PBOC may intervene in the foreign exchange market by buying or selling the yuan to stabilize its value. This helps maintain a controlled and gradual adjustment of the currency's value.

Earlier:

• ICYMI - PBOC Governor warned on yuan slide, will 'guard against risk of overshoot'

People's Bank of China USD/CNY reference rate is due around 0115 GMT.

The People's Bank of China (PBOC), China's central bank, is responsible for setting the daily midpoint of the yuan (also known as renminbi or RMB). The PBOC follows a managed floating exchange rate system that allows the value of the yuan to fluctuate within a certain range, called a "band," around a central reference rate, or "midpoint." It's currently at +/- 2%.

How the process works:

• Daily midpoint setting: Each morning, the PBOC sets a midpoint for the yuan against a basket of currencies, primarily the US dollar. The central bank takes into account factors such as market supply and demand, economic indicators, and international currency market fluctuations. The midpoint serves as a reference point for that day's trading.
• The trading band: The PBOC allows the yuan to move within a specified range around the midpoint. The trading band is set at +/- 2%, meaning the yuan could appreciate or depreciate by a maximum of 2% from the midpoint during a single trading day. This range is subject to change by the PBOC based on economic conditions and policy objectives.
• Intervention: If the yuan's value approaches the limit of the trading band or experiences excessive volatility, the PBOC may intervene in the foreign exchange market by buying or selling the yuan to stabilize its value. This helps maintain a controlled and gradual adjustment of the currency's value.

Earlier re China:

• Green shoots in China? Excavator sales grew 15% in October
• It's not a pretty picture in China

Legend of Arcadia (LoA), a new card-based RPG set in an expansive universe inspired by Kingdom Hearts, is bringing a community-driven operational model to Web3 gaming. With a focus on sustainable growth, LoA aims to establish itself as a leading platform by integrating blockchain technology, unique NFT mechanics, and community-centric features that foster long-term player engagement.

As the Web3 gaming industry is forecasted to grow to $305 billion by 2030, LoA stands out by addressing key sustainability issues that have previously limited the success of Web3 gaming ventures. Many blockchain-based games have struggled with player retention and engagement, often due to unsustainable reward systems. LoA’s approach, built on years of gaming experience from its team’s work with industry leaders like Tencent, Hero Entertainment, and Seasun Studios, centers on creating an inclusive, feedback-driven community.

Community-driven growth and operations

Legend of Arcadia (LoA), a card-based RPG game built on a vast story universe inspired by Kingdom Hearts, has a strong vision for reimagining live operations in Web3, called community-driven operations. The formula combines building a sticky and vocal community driven by a strong feedback loop and nimble implementation of the ideas. This has helped LoA stand out from others.

The team has spent the past two years perfecting the formula based on their decade-long experience in driving high DAU and retention at leading game companies such as Tencent, Hero Entertainment, and Seasun Studios. At the same time, building a 60k+ strong community with users that actively interact with the team and provide them with feedback.

The right feedback loop between the community and the developer has led to innovative tactics for driving community engagement.

For example, rather than hosting traditional alpha tests, the team mixed the idea of esports and competition and invited people to form their own teams to compete during the test. This led to a brand-new Guild called Alter Ego Guild being formed in the community, and they remain some of the game’s biggest supporters, helping new players onboard and get deep into LoA.

During its three-month campaign, LoA had 100,000+ registered users with minimal marketing spend. It also has very high next-day and 7-day retention of 75% and 56%, respectively, higher than many traditional games' 50% and 20%. As it moves towards its TGE and official game launch, the community continues to provide feedback and support the team.

With backing from 10+ investors, including Animoca Brands and OKX Ventures, LoA can further develop the game's vastness, ensuring the community is constantly engaged with new content and utilities of its native token, $ARCA. This ranges from the endless possibilities of different NFT heroes to the countless actions and ways to earn $ARCA tokens.

Innovative NFT Mechanics and Extensive Gameplay

In LoA, each NFT hero is unique, with randomized genetic traits such as appearance and abilities drawn from a large gene pool of over five trillion combinations, including over 48 types of basic attributes, 40,000+ skill combinations, and more than 28 million gene combinations. This ensures that no two NFT heroes are the same.

The game team, supported by AI, has also created countless words and storylines, shaping different toy characters and enriching the stories of LoA. It also enhances player retention by implementing seasonal demands created by the in-game mechanics, which will eventually boost the trading volume.

$ARCA Token Distribution and Roadmap

In LoA, players can earn tokens through a variety of activities and strategies involving their NFT heroes. Inspired by a system commonly used in web2 games, by combining White Ores from mining with Black Ores earned in battles, they can produce $ARCA tokens. Heroes can also be customized through special events and features, which not only alter their appearance but can also provide gameplay advantages, such as enhanced mining power when using event-specific skins.

Players can also participate in PvE content by clearing dungeons and defeating bosses for valuable loot or diving into PvP battles to compete against others for rewards and climb seasonal leaderboards for even greater gains. To further boost their earnings, players can stake $ARCA tokens, unlocking additional rewards like free NFTs or a share of profits from NFT sales, adding another layer of value to their in-game investments.

In addition to earning tokens through in-game monetization, LoA further enhances sustainability by distinguishing between in-game and external economic factors. This structure allows players to monetize external elements, such as staking $ARCA tokens for special privileges and rewards or sharing in proceeds from NFT assets. This approach aims to foster long-term value creation over short-term speculative gains.

LoA will have a total supply of 40,000,000 $ARCA tokens that are distributed among seven pools where each pool will be further subdivided into different rank tiers based on the amount of Gacha Points earned.

With countless opportunities and activities in the world of LoA, the game constantly rejuvenates the excitement of its community and players, which will ensure its sustainability in the long run. The game also has plans for extensive single-player content (PVE mode) and multiplayer modes where players can form teams and challenge others in real-time battles. Legend of Arcadia is currently set to launch in November 2024.

About Legend of Arcadia

Legend of Arcadia (LOA) (https://legendofarcadia.io/) is a card-based RPG game built on a vast story universe inspired by Kingdom Hearts. LOA is built with the latest technology for the modern gamer, powered by blockchain. Players can enjoy the game for free, on the go, on a mobile device, and socialize in real-time with gamers from across the globe through immersive PvP game modes and by trading highly composable NFTs.

Cryptocurrency payments have made financial transactions faster and safer. Forex brokers that integrate a cryptocurrency payment gateway can provide these advantages and more for their users. Crypto payment integration results in real-time transaction settlement, lower fees, and improved fraud prevention. These benefits increase forex brokers' operational efficiency, help them attract a global clientele, and remove geographical barriers. To grow and scale as a broker in this dynamic era, blockchain technology must be applied strategically to increase a business’s competitive edge, and drive scalability. Discover how accepting crypto payments can improve your forex brokerage business in this article.

Increased Global Reach

Forex brokers can expand their global reach by integrating a cryptocurrency payment gateway. Research by Oxprocessing and B2Broker shows that forex brokers saw a 20-30% increase in their client base when they started accepting cryptocurrency payments.

The rising forex broker client base after crypto adoption stems from the popularity and user realization of the benefits of crypto like real-time transaction settlement, unlike banks. The lower fees, flexibility, and additional security also attract many users as we shall see subsequently.

Accepting crypto through payment gateway solutions like Onchainpay.io connects a forex broker and its customers with the innovation and flexibility offered by decentralized finance. Crypto payment gateway integration is crucial in expanding and getting a bigger global customer market share.

Improved User Security

Integrating a proven and transparent cryptocurrency payment gateway like Onchainpay.io which uses two-factor authentication, permissioned API access, and real blockchain addresses to secure user funds offers all the advantages.

Advanced encryption and decentralized verification through blockchain technology ensure secure transactions and minimize fraud. No one can alter blockchain transactions as they are recorded on a public ledger that is almost impossible to counterfeit.

Transactions are traceable and secure onchain, increasing user confidence in the forex brokers who adopt crypto payments. With crypto payment, transactions occur in simple sends or receives between wallet addresses without intermediaries that can delay the process. By adopting crypto payment forex brokers can establish user trust and stand out from the competition.

Transaction Speed and Overall Efficiency

Real-time payment settlement is a game changer for forex brokers. Payment gateway comparison experts Crypto Payment Gateways note that while the average traditional payment processing time takes 7-14 days, cryptocurrency payments settle in a few seconds to a few minutes.

Crypto payments increase speed, boost operational efficiency, and drive forex broker customer satisfaction by providing quick access to funds. Lower transaction fees from crypto payment integration lead to massive cost savings. Forex brokers can operate more efficiently, save customer time, and remain at the forefront of innovation by integrating state-of-the-art crypto payment processing solutions like Onchainpay.io.

Affordable Fees

Analysis from Blockdata shows that cryptocurrency payments can cut transaction costs by 70% compared to traditional methods. Paying with known methods like credit cards often incurs 1.5% to 3.5% in transaction fees. Cryptocurrency transactions using payment methods like Bitcoin cost about 0.01%-1%.

Reduced transaction cost presents a business advantage for brokers who can also attract customers seeking affordable trading options. With blockchain technology forex brokers can offer real-time and competitive transaction costs as a strategic move to increase overall user experience.

Seamless Cross-Border Payment Processing

Decentralized finance offers direct and seamless cross-border payment settlement with lower fees and zero delays. Through digital currency payment integration, forex brokers can attract a global user base interested in innovation and opportunities in decentralized finance. Crypto payment integration makes cross-border transactions more efficient with no intermediary and additional security. With it, forex brokers can enjoy frictionless cross-border payment processing and devote more time to expanding other aspects of their business.

Easy Scalability

From declined card transactions to restricted regions, the limitations of traditional payment systems impact forex brokers’ ability to scale. Brokers can tap into the global market and attract clients across the globe by adopting crypto payment solutions. The flexibility of crypto integration also helps brokers build adaptable business models and solutions that serve their client base perfectly. These benefits coupled with cost savings and instant settlement mentioned before improve brokerage efficiency and user satisfaction helping forex brokers grow their business beyond expectations.

User Satisfaction and Competitive Edge

Crypto Wallet

Self-custody wallets are a huge advantage for crypto users. Imagine the ability to own and control 100% of your assets. Crypto wallets make this possible and withdrawing forex profit into self-custodial crypto wallets is a dream for most participants in the financial market today. Crypto wallets are a convenient option that improves customer satisfaction. Hence brokers who accept crypto win more customers and stand out from the crowd of available options.

Crypto Adoption

Through crypto payment and transaction settlement integration, forex brokers can get along with the current trend and preference for digital assets. A report released by Fxleaders notes that traders and investors are ahead of the pack in the rapid race toward cryptocurrency adoption which has already attracted over 300 million users globally.

Profit Withdrawal and Deposit

The last thing traders want after the close shave of almost getting drowned due to market volatility is waiting forever to withdraw. Instant settlement cryptocurrency payment gateways like Onchainpay.io provide an excellent payment processing solution for instant deposits and withdrawals. With real-time secure payments on Onchainpay.io, users enjoy a better experience while the forex broker competes favorably among the available alternatives.

Smart Contracts

Smart contracts are self-executing codes on the blockchain designed to streamline user experience. They ensure secure transactions as they cannot be altered once deployed, and are transparently verifiable onchain. Recurring payment solutions on Onchainpay.io, for example, are powered by a series of secure smart contracts and can also be helpful in automated withdrawals for trader’s discipline and plan.

Conclusion

Cryptocurrency payments save time lower cost and offer competitive advantages to forex brokers. It enables instant settlement of cross-border transactions and enhances user experience with a range of options such as self-custody which gives users complete control over their assets. Onchainpay.io’s cryptocurrency payment gateway and merchant solution are designed to help brokers provide secure, flexible, and reliable crypto withdrawals and deposit options for their customers. Onchainpay is simple to integrate and works perfectly with almost all known payment setups. With customizability, segregated payments, and automatic settlements Onchainpay.io is the best thing since sliced bread for forex broker payment.

LiteFinance has entered into a multi-year partnership with Premier League football club Leicester City as their Official Trading Partner.

We are excited to announce that LiteFinance has entered into a multi-year partnership with Premier League football club Leicester City as their Official Trading Partner. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for LiteFinance as we expand our presence into the world of sports, aligning our brand with one of England’s most admired football clubs. Leicester City Football Club is pleased to confirm LiteFinance as its new Official Trading Partner.

Established in 2005, LiteFinance has grown into a leading online broker, offering high-speed trading services in 29 international languages. Our platform is designed to empower clients with financial freedom, providing access to a comprehensive range of trading instruments in the currency, commodity, stock, and agricultural markets. Through this partnership, we aim to bring our innovative, accessible trading solutions to a broader audience, enhancing the experience for both our clients and Leicester City’s global fanbase. Shared Values and Vision Both LiteFinance and Leicester City share a commitment to excellence, innovation, and a global outlook. The Foxes have a significant following, particularly in Southeast Asia, where they enjoy one of the largest social media reach outside of the Premier League’s traditional top six clubs. This partnership will allow LiteFinance to engage with new audiences and create memorable experiences for football fans and our clients alike. Visibility and Engagement As part of this partnership, LiteFinance will benefit from extensive brand visibility, including pitch-facing LED advertising, logo placements on interview backdrops, and a selection of digital advertising. Additionally, our clients will have exclusive access to branded promotional materials, such as custom merchandise, and will be able to participate in special contests and promotions designed to bring excitement and memorable experiences to football fans. These initiatives are tailored to enhance engagement and connect with Leicester City supporters meaningfully. Statements from Leadership Kristina Leonova, CEO of LiteFinance, commented: “We are thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with Leicester City. This partnership reflects our mutual commitment to excellence and innovation. It will allow us to connect with new audiences and create impactful experiences while delivering on our promises and setting new standards of success.”LiteFinance is proud to partner with Leicester City Football Club and looks forward to a fruitful relationship that will bring value to both organizations and the communities we serve. We are confident that this collaboration will set the stage for innovative initiatives and successful outcomes in the future. Leicester City Commercial Director, Dan Barnett, added: “This collaboration marks an exciting chapter for us as we continue to expand our global reach with new partners. We look forward to working closely with LiteFinance to further elevate the Club's presence on the international stage in unique ways.”

• Headline CPI reading not telling us that underlying inflation dynamics have been vanquished
• Services inflation is pretty sticky
• Energy prices are more likely to go up than down
• Sees more volatility and upward bias to some inflation drivers

Do keep in mind that Mann is arguably the most hawkish member among the BOE policy committee. So, her comments here are not as striking as they might seem to be.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the inclusion of $1 billion for a vaccine awareness campaign in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the following statement may be attributed to NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith: 

Washington, D.C. -- NAB Show Premiere will examine the future impact of edge technology on radio and television broadcasters during a session titled “Livin’ on the Edge: Advances in Computing and Networking to Drive Innovation in Broadcasting.” The session, which will air on Wednesday, April 21st at 3 p.m. ET and be available on-demand, will present a new study about opportunities created by wider adoption of edge technologies in the next three to four years.

Washington, D.C. -- The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF) will present esteemed chef and humanitarian José Andrés with the Service to America Leadership Award, the Foundation’s highest individual honor. The award, which honors an individual’s commitment to advocacy and public service, will be presented during the Celebration of Service to America Awards on June 7 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- NAB filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit today supporting the challenge by Standard General, TEGNA and CMB Media Group to the Federal Communications Commission’s decision to designate their transaction for an administrative hearing. This decision was made by career FCC staff nearly a year after the applications were filed and on bases entirely outside the Commission’s jurisdiction. The decision unlawfully threatens future investment in local broadcast stations and harms the public.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Twenty senators have sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) urging the Commission to refresh its nearly decade-old proceeding examining the digital television streaming marketplace. The letter asks the FCC to solicit new public comments about virtual multichannel video programming distributors (vMVPD) and whether federal action is needed to ensure consumer access to local broadcast programming on online platforms.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the effort by Sens.Ted Cruz (R-TX), Edward Markey (D-MA) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) to pass the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act in the Senate by unanimous consent, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt:

Washington, D.C.— With 160 countries represented, NAB Show April 13 - 17 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is solidly the global destination for all things broadcast, media and entertainment. Dignitaries and delegations from six continents will convene to discover cutting-edge technologies, forge strategic partnerships and shape the future of content creation.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) filed its initial brief in its challenge to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) local radio and television ownership restrictions.

Today, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) announced the appointment of Nexstar Media Group, Inc., President and Chief Operating Officer Michael Biard to its Television Board of Directors, effective immediately. Television Board Chair Pat LaPlatney made the appointment in accordance with NAB by-laws.

You know, I never thought to mention this, but I am left handed. Now this may not seem important to most, because there are certainly a lot of guitar players our their who are left handed, but most left handed guitar players who are capable of great technique and guitar speeds, typically choose to string and hold their guitars completely opposite.

This is not me. I play guitar the same way that most right handed guitarists play. What is the correct approach if you are a left handed person is just starting to play guitar? well, naturally there is no right or wrong way to go about it. I can remember when I first started playing, for the first 3 months, I couldn't do what most right handed guitar players had accomplished in that same amount of time.

So, if it was that difficult for me, then why did I go this route? because I was told that I had too, and that playing my guitar in reverse would be harder to practice on. What do I think now? its rubbish of course. Just because a right handed guitar player might imagine it to be a difficult task, doesn't mean that a left handed person will have a hard time with it. I mean, asking someone to go against their physical or genetic design, is like asking them to walk on the ceiling.

Oh, it gets better!!

This is really quite fascinating. The other night I was reading about being ambidextrous, because I claimed to be so to a particular person once. She told me that I was not ambidextrous, but that their was a different name for my capabilities, and that I was only "half" ambidextrous. So, I put it out of my mind, but when I read this article the other night, I was blown away by what it had to say about ambidextrous people.

The article explained that basically if you can do one thing that you shouldn't be able to do with your unfamiliar hand, then you are technically ambidextrous. Here's where it gets good. The article went on to explain that most people who are ambidextrous, start out as left handers, and learn to become ambidextrous because we live in a right handed world. Fascinating!

This tells you that what you believe someone can do is only based on them being "gifted", "lucky", or "blessed" is total B.S. I've said it for years, but people just like to make excuses for themselves, I think. I mean that's easier to do, right?

Anyways, imagine that you wanted to become ambidextrous for some reason - could you do it? hell yes you could! When I was six I broke my left arm, and it was in a cast for a very long time. I loved to draw, and spent most of my time doing this. So, I had to learn how to write and sketch with my right hand. I'm way out of practicing now, but at the time I learned to develop my right hand pretty well.

Unexpected increase in consumer demand

Manufacturing

Room 21, Parliament Buildings

Room 21, Parliament Buildings

Room 21, Parliament Buildings

Room 29, Parliament Buildings

Room 29, Parliament Buildings

Room 30, Parliament Buildings

Room 29, Parliament Buildings

Room 30, Parliament Buildings

Room 21, Parliament Buildings

Gransha Suite, La Mon Hotel

Room 29, Parliament Buildings

The Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Infrastructure has today visited Belfast City Council where they heard from the Council, the Chamber of Commerce, Taxi Forum and the Roads Service.

The Assembly’s Health Committee has welcomed the joint publication of the Report the Expert Panel chaired by Professor Bengoa and the Minister’s document “Health and Wellbeing 2026: Delivering Together”.

Lesley Hogg, the new Clerk/Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Assembly has taken up her post.

dklaughman has added a photo to the pool:

At Bombay Hook NWR, Delaware.

Delaware Division of the Arts posted a photo:

Delaware Division of the Arts posted a photo:

Delaware Division of the Arts posted a photo:

Delaware Division of the Arts posted a photo:

Delaware Division of the Arts posted a photo:

Delaware Division of the Arts posted a photo:

Delaware Division of the Arts posted a photo:

Delaware Division of the Arts posted a photo:

Delaware Division of the Arts posted a photo:

Delaware Division of the Arts posted a photo:

Delaware Division of the Arts posted a photo:

Delaware Division of the Arts posted a photo:

Delaware Division of the Arts posted a photo:

Delaware Division of the Arts posted a photo:

Delaware Division of the Arts posted a photo: