Recycled plastic won’t solve tech’s waste problem
Only 9 percent of plastic waste has ever been recycled, research has found. Microsoft’s mouse, for example, required the company to create a new plastic resin that’s only partly reclaimed plastic and combines those beads of recycled plastic with new plastic, too. Logitech has made a big push to sell items with post-consumer recycled plastic. Ocean Plastic Mouse and recycled plastic pellets Image: MicrosoftStill, experts worry that a hot market for recycled materials could keep the incentives and infrastructure in place for producing more plastics — whether they be recycled or not. Microsoft partnered with Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), a subsidiary of oil company Saudi Aramco, for its Ocean Plastic Mouse.
Source:The Nation
October 06, 2021 15:45 UTC
AT&T is allegedly One America News Network’s biggest backer
AT&T allegedly played a pivotal role in the creation of One America News Network (OAN), a right-wing outlet frequently criticized for spreading false news stories, according to a Reuters report. “They told us they wanted a conservative network,” Herring reportedly said in a 2019 court deposition. Although OAN is carried by multiple cable services, a company accountant testified last year that AT&T provided 90 percent of Herring Networks’ income. (AT&T told Reuters and the court that it never made such an offer, and it spun off DirecTV earlier this year, although it retains a majority stake.) OAN later sued the telecom for breaking its alleged deal, and following a settlement, AT&T added OAN to its DirecTV lineup.
Source:The Nation
October 06, 2021 15:33 UTC
Sony Alpha ZV-E10 review: interchangeable lens vlogging machine
It adds a headphone jack, more battery life, a larger sensor, and most importantly, an interchangeable lens design. The ZV-E10 follows a similar path, but this time, it borrows parts from the Alpha line and remixes them for vlogging use. The most important thing with the ZV-E10 is that Sony brought the E-mount lens system to this lineup. Instead, the ZV-E10 uses electronic stabilization that isn’t very effective in steadying handheld footage. I was disappointed with the mic quality and background defocus button as well.
Source:The Nation
October 06, 2021 15:22 UTC
The best T-Mobile deals of October 2021
T-Mobile is the second-largest wireless carrier in the United States, climbing up from third place after the merger with Sprint. Its growth is thanks to the great T-Mobile deals and offers available for new and current customers, with discounts on phones and other accessories. Be sure to bookmark this page as we will update it regularly with new T-Mobile deals as they become available. Check out the deal below, or find out what other T-Mobile deals are hot this month by scrolling on. Best T-Mobile dealsEditor’s note: We will regularly update this list of the best T-Mobile deals as new promotions go live.
Source:The Nation
October 06, 2021 15:00 UTC
A major Hollywood union threatens to strike over streaming pay
A strike could severely disrupt production across Hollywood — but only if the union determines its discussions for improved pay on streaming productions and better working conditions aren’t moving forward. The Hollywood Reporter noted this week that one of the contracts being negotiated would impact production for major studios like Warner Bros. and MGM and most major streaming services, including Netflix, Disney Plus, Apple TV Plus, and more. IATSE members include people involved with every major behind-the-scenes part of productions, from makeup artists to animators to broadcast technicians. “Our members are working on productions where [producers are] spending inordinate amounts of money and [members are] taking pay hits. And if their return to the bargaining table this week is any indication, studios heard union members loud and clear.
Source:The Nation
October 06, 2021 14:48 UTC
State Minister says gas price hike in near future inevitable
State Minister of Co-operative Services, Marketing Development and Consumer Protection Lasantha Alagiyawanna, addressing the parliamentary session today (October 06), said a hike in the prices of domestic gas cylinders in the near future is inevitable. The government will be compelled to revise gas prices due to the soaring prices in the global market, he added. One metric ton of gas is sold at USD 800 at present, and these rates are expected to go up in the future, he noted. The stated minister also stated that they will not have any control over the increase in gas prices. He made these remarks in response to a question raised by MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Source:The Nation
October 06, 2021 13:52 UTC
COVID death toll moves up with 43 new victims
October 6, 2021 07:14 pmThe total number of people, who fell victim to COVID-19 infection in Sri Lanka, moved up as 43 more fatalities were confirmed by the Director-General of Health Services on Tuesday (Oct. 05). The new development has pushed the official death toll from the virus outbreak in the country to 13,185. According to data released by the Department of Government Information, the latest victims include 23 males and 20 females. As many as 36 deaths were reported among elderly people aged above 60 years. In addition, 07 people aged between 30-59 years have also succumbed to the virus infection.
Source:The Nation
October 06, 2021 13:41 UTC
President explains SL-China relationship to India
The President made these remarks when he met with the Indian Foreign Secretary at the Presidential Secretariat, yesterday. Explaining the trade imbalances between the two countries, the President stressed the need to provide speedy solutions in this regard. Welcoming the President’s in-depth explanation, the Foreign Secretary said that the friendship between the two countries could be further strengthened since the two countries share similar views. The President also informed the Foreign Secretary that he extends an invitation to the Indian Prime Minister to undertake a state visit to Sri Lanka. Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay, Secretary to the President P. B. Jayasundera, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga, and Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage were also present.
Source:The Nation
October 05, 2021 22:18 UTC
Cabinet paper to regulate fuel oil discharge
The Environment Ministry stated yesterday that currently, the amount of fuel oil discharged annually from ships coming to Sri Lanka exceeds 20,000 metric tonnes (MT). “A total of 27 agencies and individuals have been licensed to use the discharged fuel oil. It has been revealed that 10,000 litres of pure water becomes toxic due to a litre of waste water discharged from fuel oil,” the Environment Ministry said. However, at Sri Lankan ports, disposable fuel oil is bought at a price from the ships by approximately 10 companies in the country who then refine and sell the fuel oil to small-scale industries. “In the process of removing water from fuel oil, the contaminated water is directly discharged to water sources such as rivers and streams.
Source:The Nation
October 05, 2021 22:18 UTC
SLMA calls for gradual return to normalcy
BY Buddhika SamaraweeraPointing out that 80-90% of the population in the country is currently aware of how to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic through community health practices, the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) has stated that it is therefore important to return to a normal lifestyle gradually. “Between 80% and 90% of the people in the country are now aware of the prevention of Covid-19 through community health practices. However, I don’t think that it is possible to lead a normal lifestyle at once. The important thing is to focus on achieving it gradually,” SLMA President Dr. Padma Gunaratne said. She was responding to a question at a media briefing held at the SLMA yesterday, as to at what point the people would be able to return to a normal lifestyle.
Source:The Nation
October 05, 2021 22:18 UTC
BIA rapid PCR lab opened for departures and locals
According to the new guidelines, a negative on-arrival PCR test result is no longer required from fully vaccinated (both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine) passengers arriving in the country with a pre-embarkation negative PCR test from the country of origin in terms of travel. Fully vaccinated tourists and Sri Lankans having a negative PCR test result at the point of embarkation will no longer need to get a PCR test at the BIA. “However, the rapid PCR test facility would be operated for departing passengers and for the public under the same rate.”The lab was opened at the BIA on 23 September and was expected to carry out 500 PCR tests per hour and 7,000 PCR tests per day for a charge of $ 40 per traveller. Sooriyaarachchi added that the rate would be low for the public in the future, since they have to operate under the new fixed rates for PCR tests that were introduced by the Government in September. This method of testing replaces the previous procedure that required the arrivals to wait for 24 to 48 hours at a hotel until their PCR test results are released.
Source:The Nation
October 05, 2021 21:56 UTC
Strengthening the relationship with the UAE
The UAE Embassy Ambassador Sheikh Ahmed Ali Hamad Al-Mualla warmly welcomed Coconut Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Keerthi Sri Weerasinghe on his courtesy visit made to the Embassy on 23 September 2021 at 10 a.m. The objective of the visit was to strengthen the relationship between the two countries and to discuss matters of mutual interest by taking advantage of opportunities to develop the coconut industry. In order to expedite the trade transactions between the two countries, the UAE Ambassador requested the Chairman to get the membership of the Logistic Passport for Coconut Manufacturing Industries as well. This courtesy visit of the Chairman has opened the doors to have a strong and continuous relationship between the two countries, and thereby would be the first step for Sri Lanka to be used as a hub for the export and re-import of coconut-based products to the UAE.
Source:The Nation
October 05, 2021 21:56 UTC
Debunking some ‘arrant nonsense’ about inflation
The “inflation expectation” theory is the latest in orthodox economics’ inability to fully conceptualise and explain inflation. Global commodity price hikes and supply chain disruptions, therefore, have a strong impact on the domestic price level. A clear divergence between money supply and inflation is evident, alongside a correlation between currency devaluation and levels of inflation. Therefore, a combination of import dependency and a yawning trade deficit applying downward pressure on the exchange rate can be seen to be one of the primary causes of domestic inflation. As we have shown, the causes of inflation are often beyond the realm of money supply.
Source:The Nation
October 05, 2021 21:33 UTC
SARAH VINE: Fanatical eco-cult are only fuelling contempt
Beneath a moody photograph of himself, Hallam sets out his stall: 'Life is good and we must preserve it at all cost. Founder of Insulate Britain Roger Hallam said he would block an ambulance taking an ill patient to hospital. Pictured: Insulate Britain activists block a motorway near Heathrow AirportTo pursue his group's agenda, this man would take action that could deliberately cause someone's death. Pictured: Insulate Britain activists block a motorway near Heathrow AirportIt is the kind of deranged logic to which fanatics of all flavours have subscribed over the centuries. A fanatical eco-cult every bit as bonkers as any of the lunatics who have, over the centuries, sought to impose their will on the rest of the world.
Source:The Nation
October 05, 2021 21:00 UTC
Google Pixel 6 release date officially revealed
Google will announce at least two new Pixel phones, but could also reveal more. On October 19, 2021, at 1:00 PM ET, we’ll finally know everything there is to know about the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Meanwhile, the Google Pixel 6 Pro could drop in the $1,000+ range. It is specifically calling it a “Pixel” event, so it’s unlikely we’ll see any non-Pixel products. It’s very possible that between now and October 19 Google could divulge even more tidbits about the devices.
Source:The Nation
October 05, 2021 16:52 UTC