Mid Day Daily

Saturday, July 22, 2017
Log in

Emmanuel Macron Found Replacement for Former Reputed Military Chief

By Leave a Comment

pierre de villiers

General Pierre de Villiers is a venerable officer who decided to step down as the Military Chief on July 19, 2017. His decision was a consequence of the dispute he had with the youngest French President in history, Emmanuel Macron. The pretext is a financial support cut from the army that Macron intends to use to fix the budget deficit in his country. The president found a replacement for him a day after the resignation of de Villiers.

Emmanuel Macron and Former Military Chief Sparked Conflict on the Issue of Military Budget Cuts

On July 20, Francois Lecointre became the new Chief of Staff of the French Armed forces. This stepping stone for his career came after a controversial dispute between Emmanuel Macron and General Pierre de Villiers. The latter has made a reputation for himself for being honest even in the face of the most powerful person in France. However, his last criticism did not enjoy the same reaction as before.

It all started last week when de Villiers spoke plainly to a parliamentary committee that he was not on board with President’s plans to make compromises with the armed forces. Macron in his turn didn’t allow such comments to go away unnoticed.

On the contrary, in an effervescent urge that the leftist newspapers called as a power drunkenness, Macron answered to such disobedience on the eve of Bastille Day. Therefore, on Wednesday, the French President cast a reference to this incident by stating that the head of the armed forces has no right to question decisions coming from his superiors.

The French President Intends to Mend National Budget Before Boosting the Military One

As a consequence of such a confrontation, the former military chief decided to hand in his resignation. With this occasion, the general made one more commentary at the budget cuts. To his view, this decision can put in jeopardy the integrity of the military which is the only one that can assure the protection of French people.

These controversial defense cuts were decided with the goal to round up the total of €4.5 billion the French budget needs to fend off the deficit within EU limits. On the other hand, Macron promised in return to boost the military budget by at least €1 billion in 2018. On the other hand, the media has already interpreted this internal collision as the first mistake the new French President did since he won elections.

Image source: 1

American Airlines and Qatar Put an End on Their Codeshare Agreement

By Leave a Comment

traveling airplane

American Airlines Inc. is currently in a trade conflict with two carriers, namely Abu Dabi’s Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways. As a consequence, American decided to put an end on their collaboration by annulling their codeshare agreement. At the same time, Qatar Airways is looking to invest in a 10% stake in the U.S. carrier.

Qatar Airways Plans to Purchase 10% Stake in American Despite Opposition

American Airlines is the largest carrier in the United States. According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Qatar Airways replaced an antitrust filing with the Federal Trade Commission with a new one on Monday. Last month, Qatar showed signs of interest in purchasing a 10% stake in American despite the encountered opposition.

However, this deal might never see an ending. That’s because American has clear rules that stipulate that no intention of 4.75% or higher stake purchasing can go through without the approval of the board. On top of that, the company posted a notification that showed some foreign ownership laws that place a 24.9% limit on foreign voting interest.

American Cancelled Codeshare Agreement with Gulf Rivals Due to Unfair Competition

In the meantime, American Airlines proceeded with a cancellation of its codeshare agreement with Gulf competitors. This kind of contract gives airlines the right to book their passengers on other company’s flights. American is one of the U.S. carriers that accused Emirates Airline, Etihad, and Qatar Airways of unfair competition. Thanks to state subsidies, they can offer competitive prices to customers of long-haul courses.

American reassured its clients that this decision wouldn’t change price levels within the company. This annulment was only a sign of protest regarding illegal subsidies that its rivals enjoy. At the moment, the White House investigate U.S. carriers’ request to limit Middle Eastern companies’ access to U.S. airports. However, the Gulf parties denied any allegations regarding their subsidies.

Image source: 1

Why 2,000-Year-Old Roman Concrete Is More Durable than Any Modern Products

By Leave a Comment

roman bath

Romans made sure that their architecture would pass the test of time by creating the most durable concrete in the world. Even after two millennia, Roman piers survived the daily collision with water in an almost ideal state. Today’s scientists took a closer look at Roman concrete to reveal its secrets.

Roman Concrete Developed Crystals to Fill in Empty Spaces

Ancient harbors along the former Roman Empire seem to be even more indestructible than they were in their day one. These 2,000-year-old structures are of concrete made of lime and volcanic ash. It turns out that this composition went through an organic evolution on its own. This is a chemical reaction that lent the material some incredible properties.

A team of scientists from the United States found the answer to this Roman mystery. It appears that the combination of lime and volcanic ash needs seawater to grow stronger. The minerals in water trigger an interlocking effect which covers the material with an impenetrable organic layer. The lead author of the study, Prof Marie Jackson, is a geology research professor at the University of Utah. She stated that this composition might sound counterproductive for its purpose of building constructions at first.

“We’re looking at a system that thrives in open chemical exchange with seawater.”

More exactly, the combination of lime, volcanic ash, and seawater causes a pozzolanic reaction. This chemical effect grows crystals inside the mixture which leads to the elimination of any gaps in the composition. This mineralization process makes even construction in waters defy the brutal forces of erosions and waves.

Scientists Intend to Replicate the Roman Recipe

Today’s concrete recipes dictate people to finish up their mixture of various elements such as ash, limestone, iron, chalk, and others with crushed stone or sand. This final process hinders the composition to start the mineralization effect when in contact with saltwater. This discovery can add much value to the industry. As a consequence, scientists have already started to find a similar recipe for Roman concrete.

Image source: 1

Cosmetic Side Effects Are Doubling By the Year

By Leave a Comment

beauty products

A new study uncovered the ugly truth about beauty products. This is about a very rich industry which makes the stakes even higher for any competitor. As the demand for innovative products is higher than ever, companies are also receiving more complaints about cosmetic side effects than before. The findings reported that last year alone, the number of unsatisfied customers doubled. The culprit of this phenomenon was mostly WEN by Chaz Dean Cleansing Conditioners.

In 2016, Reports on Cosmetic Side Effects Soared 300%

The new document gathered most of its data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Researchers looked for all complaints of side effects regarding personal care products and cosmetics from 2004 to 2016. They took into consideration items such as sunscreen products, tattoos, makeup, shaving creams, perfume, hair color, and baby care assets. The result was a total number of complaints of 5,144. The average per year is of 396.

However, these negative events aren’t homogenous throughout time. In 2015, such reports climbed 78% to 706, while last year there was a 300% surge to 1,591. This incremental soar was mostly due to the usage of hair care products as well as WEN flagship items.

The Study Urges Authorities to Come Up With a Better Surveillance System

The author of the study is a dermatology researcher at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, Dr. Shuai Xu. He stated that such beauty products are riskier than other common drugs due to their daily usage.

“We’re exposed to hundreds of chemicals a day from these products.”

On top of that, the findings might not portray the real seriousness of this situation. Partly because not all customers are choosing to file a complaint partly because not all companies are obliged to make such reports public. Therefore, the real damage this industry leaves behind might have bigger proportions. As a consequence, the research encourages citizens and authorities to initiate a better surveillance system for cosmetic side effects.

Image source: 1

Increased Sanctions Persuaded Russia to Cancel Important U.S. Meeting

By Leave a Comment

putin

Russia changed its mind regarding a high-end meeting between U.S. officials and its own. The event could have been a historical moment where the two global superpowers might have resolved their long-time disputes between each other. However, recently increased sanctions put an end on a possible friendly treaty.

The Meeting between Russia and America Would Have Taken Place in St Petersburg

Russia canceled its plans to participate in a one-on-one meeting with U.S. soon after an announcement. America decided a number of sanctions against both personalities and legal units from Russia. These decisions came in response to the authorities not putting an end to the Ukraine crisis.

The important meeting was scheduled in St Petersburg between US Under Secretary of State Tom Shannon and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov. The Russian Foreign Ministry released an announcement according to which the event would not take place as the imposed sanctions were without grounds. The American party did not offer specific terms to the solution of the ongoing crisis. The statement ended with a warning that there might be proactive repercussions to these sanctions.

“After yesterday’s decision on sanctions, the situation does not allow for a round of such a dialogue.”

The Increased Sanctions Concern 38 Entities that Can No Longer Initiate Business Partnerships with US

On Tuesday, the US increased sanctions with the intent to dissuade Russia from continuing its occupation of Crimea. American officials added 38 officials and entities to their list of targets for their sanctions. This means that their assets were frozen and they will no longer be able to tie business connections with any US party. On top of that, these interdictions will stay active until Russia gives up on Crimea.

State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert stated that Russia didn’t have ground to cancel the high-end meeting. Tuesday’s decisions were just an extension of those that were already in place. Nonetheless, the representative stated that the offer is still standing as there are many issues the two nations have to debate.

Image source: 1

Children’s Apparel Brand Gymboree Forced into Bankruptcy

By Leave a Comment

children's apparel store

As of recently, Gymboree summoned the protection of a bankrupt status to cope with its overwhelming debt. The children’s apparel retailer took this decision only weeks after it closed a partnership deal with AlixPartners, a turnaround company. However, Gymboree failed to honor a June 1 payment for one of its debts.

Children’s Apparel Retailer CEO Is Going to Fight for His Company’s Comeback

On Monday, San Francisco-based Gymboree announced that their Chief Financial Officer, Andrew North, is leaving the company. The explanation for this act had personal nature. In light of these events, CEO Daniel Griesemer announced that he is going to support his company through these difficult times with determination.

“We expect to move through this process quickly and emerge as a stronger organization…”

Therefore, from now on the company will focus more thoroughly to address its bankruptcy status with viable solutions. At the same time, the management team is going to invest more resources and efforts into key aspects of the business, which are Brand, Product, and Initiatives.

Tough Competition Was One of the Agents that Forced the Company into Bankruptcy

The financial problems that seem to corner the children’s apparel retailer are a result of its tough competition. Rivals such as Gap and Children’s Place managed to apply better marketing strategies that positioned them higher in fashion trends. This left Gymboree on a weaker level with fewer clients.

According to the filed documents, the Chapter 11 will unburden the company from debts valued at $900 million. However, this is still not enough to revive the business. They are going to need to eliminate expenses for around 375 stores. Gymboree operates 1,300 stores out of which 35% are under leasing agreements with real estate investment trusts, Simon Property Group, REITs, and GGP.

Most of its important brands have settled in malls. However, these locations might be detrimental to the company. Due to online retail, shopping centers such as malls started to record weaker foot traffic than ever before.

Image source: 1

Five Years in the Making, Fortnite Is Almost Ready for Early Access

By Leave a Comment

fortnite screenshot

It took a lot of efforts and missed deadlines for Epic Games to finish this one. However, the result is a compelling story with rich visual content and a multitude of cross genres. Fortnite is a co-op tower-defense shooter game that will finally be released on July 24 for early access only.

Early Access for Epic Games’ Fornite Starts on July 24 for $39.99

The Fortnite production was first announced in 2011. However, the creative lead at Epic Games, Donald Mustard, confessed that at the time the idea of this game was only three-weeks-old. However, the picture was so vivid in their minds that they hurried to announce it to the world.

With this occasion, the studio will take advantage of the thrills of a new game to introduce a new payment method which is known as “free to play… later.” As the title goes, enthusiasts can get early access to the long-awaited game but for a price of $39.99. However, they can also wait another year when the game will be released free of charge.

The final variant will be released sometime in 2018. Therefore, the paid fee promises hours of fun with the beta version ahead of time on all platforms, be it Mac, PC, PlayStation 4 or Xbox One. Not only that, but fans who really can’t wait to enjoy the game can preorder the founder’s pack and get it three days earlier, on July 21.

The New Game Mixes Minecraft Mechanics with Tower Defense Combats

The game itself is a collection of hit gaming strategies. Players will have to harness materials for creating their forts which is similar to Minecraft. However, once the night kicks in, they have to leave their crafting skills behind and reach for their weapons. This is when zombies appear in an attempt to conquer players’ fort.

There is a smooth and addictive synthesis built around the two different game genres. On the one hand, players will want to build stronger ramifications and find better loot with each wave to be better prepared for the enemy. On the other hand, they will want to perfect their combat strategies and work better in teams.

Image source: 1

Two Giant Oil Producers Don’t Share Views with Trump on Paris Agreement

By Leave a Comment

exxon banner

The President of the United States divulged an opposing direction to the Paris climate accord recently. Donald Trump voiced out a new possible move for the country that would lead to the exit from this global environmental initiative. On the other hand, not all key players in this strategy agreed. The biggest oil producers in the world, Exxon and Conoco, expressed their opposition to the President’s views.

The President of the United States Views Paris Agreement as Detrimental to National Economy

On Wednesday, both Exxon and Conoco underlined once more their alignment with the Paris agreement. They intend to stick to the schedule and put in efforts to cut greenhouse pollution. These statements come shortly after reports suggested Donald Trump is planning to leave this global initiative.

According to the President of the United States, the activities that this accord entails can only hurt the American economy. Therefore, the most powerful man in America wants only to save a seat at the negotiations table. He intends to use this influence to persuade global leaders to cut on emissions. On the other hand, the president doesn’t show signs of applying these conditions in his country himself.

Oil Producers Believe Clean Fuels Are Here to Stay

The new CEO of Exxon, Darren Woods, has a comprehensive view on this matter. Even though he is sure that oil production is going to grow incrementally in the following decades due to high demand, Woods is thinking of ways to address the Paris agreement at the same time. Therefore, Darren Woods is turning to strategies such as carbon capture, low-emission fuel, and clean energy sources to stick with the goals of Paris agreement.

“Energy needs are a function of population and living standards.”

The biggest independent oil producer, ConocoPhillips, has also expressed its urge for an active U.S. in the Paris agreement. Spokesman Daren Beaudo views this direction as the only right way to protect the economic and environmental future for the country. Other key American players that joined this stand are Consolidated Edison and Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway.

Image source: 1

Dublin Veterinary Clinic Is Looking for a Professional Cat Cuddler

By Leave a Comment

black and white cat cuddles

A professional cat cuddler must be able to calm down a distressed feline.

The Just Cats Veterinary Clinic in Dublin is currently looking for a professional cat cuddler. The lucky individual will be charged with making the felines more comfortable while visiting the vet. While it sounds like a real dream job, applicants must meet some criteria before being taken into consideration for the position.

A Professional Cat Cuddler Knows His Purrs

Apart from loving the furry pets more than any other animal that has ever crossed the Earth, all applicants must be the proud owners of a distinct cattitude. Moreover, in order to prove their uncanny ability to communicate and understanding the needs of our feline overlords, contenders must have a history of feeding local cats and taking in strays on a regular basis.

According to the clinic, the individual who will receive the job, must be able to differentiate the purrs of a happy, angry, and wounded cat. The lucky cat cuddler must also have a soft voice, so as not to stress the cats instead of calming them, and able hands capable of stroking the pretentious felines for hours on end.

The Clinic Wants to Make Cats Feel More Comfortable During Their Visit

The Just Cats Veterinary Clinic is a feline-only facility where the doctors openly admit discriminating dogs, the canids not being welcomed inside the unit. Cats and their wellbeing are the center of the staff’s attention. That is why the clinic is willing to pay between $22,330 and $32,260 to a professional cuddler.

Just Cats Veterinary Clinic wants to offer the best services on the market, making cats feel comfortable while veterinarians – virtually strangers – poke them around, ruining their sleek fur. This is where the cuddler comes in, stroking the scared patients, providing comfort to the pompous pets.

Image Source: Pexels

Newborn Girl Tries to Walk 20 Minutes After Being Born, Video

By Leave a Comment

baby walking sidewalk

A video showing a newborn girl trying to walk just 20 minutes after coming into the world has become an internet sensation. The footage, shot at a Brazilian hospital features a midwife trying to bathe a relentless infant who cannot stop wriggling her feet in an attempt to walk. In just a couple of days, the video was seen over 85 million times, gathering over 160,000 comments, and 379,000 likes.

Gathering Fans at an Early Age

In the video shared by Arlete Arantes on her Facebook account, the woman is shown holding a newborn baby, preparing her for a bath. However, this is not your usual post-birth session as the newborn girl was decided to leave the hospital on her own two feet.


Even though the midwife tries to put the child down, she refuses to wield, kicking her feet, and continuing her driven stroll. Finally, the little warrior caves in and reluctantly receives her bath, not knowing that, in a matter of hours, she would become an internet sensation.

It’s a Normal Reflex

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center stated that the little girl’s reflex is normal. After spending their entire existence floating around in amniotic fluid, having to kick their mother’s belly whenever they felt like stretching, newborns tend to start “walking” or “dancing” when their limbs come into contact with a solid surface.

According to Dr. Kenneth Wible, attending at the Children Mercy Hospital in Kansas, this primitive urge to walk is nothing more than residual instinct. Even though it will take the infant about a year to start walking on their own, the brain is already prepared for the task.

Human babies are among the slowest to walk in the animal kingdom. While it takes us about a year to complete our first steps, baby horses are up and running after a merely an hour upon coming into the world. For giraffes, the time is even shorter, a baby giraffe standing on his own feet in 30 minutes.

Image Source: Flickr

Categories