Latest news with #EMI
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
North East building that stood for over 125 years torn down
A historic building on North Lake Street in North East dating as far back as the 1890s, was razed this week. For more than 125 years, the brick structure has housed multiple businesses, including a video rental, a grocery store, a plumbing service and most recently the democratic headquarters. 'True construction' starting soon on EMI building Local businessman Michael Yori remembers going into the building for candy when it was a quick stop. He says it had to be demolished because the front of the building was crumbling into the street, calling it a loss. Fairview company joins lawsuit challenging Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariffs 'A lot of different businesses would like to open up so anything downtown is valuable because things progress and time progresses, it's just harder and harder to open up businesses,' Yori told us. We were unable to reach the business owner who lives out of state to find out what her plans are for the site going forward. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
XTransfer Marks Strategic Expansion into the Netherlands at Money20/20 Europe
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - Media OutReach Newswire - 4 June 2025 - XTransfer, the world's leading and China's No.1 B2B cross-border trade payment platform, is pleased to mark its intention for strategic expansion in the Netherlands during Money20/20 Europe in Amsterdam. Representatives of XTransfer and the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency signified the intention to invest in a joint ceremony at Money2020, celebrating XTransfer's long-term commitment to investing in the Netherlands and expanding its presence within Europe's most dynamic fintech ecosystem. The signing ceremony took place at XTransfer's booth at Money20/20 Europe, with a Letter of Intention signed by Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, and Hans Kuijpers, Director of Investment Projects at Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency. Recognised as the fintech capital of Europe, the Netherlands offers a dynamic and innovation-driven environment that supports cutting-edge financial technologies. With a robust digital infrastructure, forward-thinking regulatory frameworks, and a collaborative international business climate, the Netherlands is the ideal location for XTransfer's European expansion. Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, said, 'We are grateful for the strong support from the NFIA. Their valuable insights and connections have played a vital role in making our expansion into the Dutch market smooth and strategic. Our intention to invest not only demonstrates our long-term commitment to the region but also reflects our deep appreciation for the Netherlands' position as a leader in fintech innovation. We look forward to growing alongside the local ecosystem and empowering SMEs across Europe with innovative cross-border payment solutions.' Hans Kuijpers, Director Investment Projects NFIA, said, 'We warmly welcome XTransfer's decision to establish its European base in the Netherlands. Their international presence, innovative compliance technology, and strong focus on SME cross-border payments strengthen our dynamic fintech ecosystem. Backed by a Dutch EMI license, this expansion reinforces the Netherlands' position as a key player in international digital finance.' The intention to invest marks a significant milestone in XTransfer's European strategy, with a focus on strengthening its cross-border payment infrastructure across the region. Key priorities include supporting local SMEs with one-stop financial solutions for cross-border trade and fostering digital innovation through close collaboration with the Dutch banks, financial institutions and fintech ecosystem. This milestone follows XTransfer's recent acquisition of an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license from the Dutch Central Bank, an important achievement that enables the company to provide a comprehensive payment solution for local trading SMEs.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Born to Rant: Springsteen's Truth to Power Screed Is the Rallying Cry We Need
Shakespeare knew it centuries ago: 'The lady doth protest too much, methinks.' Trump's response to Bruce Springsteen's warnings given from a stage in Manchester came quick—loud, erratic, and dripping with grievance. Was this the voice of presidential confidence, or was it the howl of a man watching the walls close in? When power is secure, it whispers. When it's scared, it shouts. And Trump's over-the-top denials say the quiet part out loud: he's terrified. — On January 19, 1967, inside the cavernous walls of Studio One at EMI's Abbey Road Studios, John Lennon and Paul McCartney sat side by side, piecing together what would become the final track of 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.' Lennon, hunched over his acoustic guitar, sang the haunting opening lines of 'A Day in the Life,' while McCartney accompanied him on piano. When he reached the line 'I'd love to turn you on,' the two young songwriters shared a knowing glance. They were fully aware that this phrase would raise eyebrows and likely provoke the BBC, who indeed banned the song for its perceived drug references. Yet, for the Beatles, this line was less about promoting drug use and more about signaling a cultural awakening — a call to consciousness that mirrored the societal shifts of the 1960s. This shift helped fuel a movement that forced the United States to abandon the war in Vietnam — unable to sustain a battle both abroad and at home, America gave in, leaving Vietnam to the Vietnamese. This moment in the studio encapsulated the Beatles' evolving role as not just musicians but as commentators on and catalysts for change. Their music was beginning to reflect a deeper engagement with the world around them, challenging norms and encouraging listeners to question not only their parents, but the status quo. This spirit of defiance is also evident in George Harrison's 'Taxman,' a biting critique of the British government's taxation policies. Frustrated by the exorbitant taxes levied on the band's earnings, Harrison channeled his discontent into a song that pulled no punches in excoriating Great Britain under Harold Wilson, laying bare the inequities of the system. 'Taxman' stands as an early example of the Beatles using their platform to address political issues, setting the stage for the more overtly socially conscious music that would follow. Fast forward through the decades, and the echoes of that Abbey Road rebellion grew louder. From the psychedelic haze of the '60s to the hard-edged protest anthems of the '70s, '80s, and beyond, artists have kept their fingers on the pulse of unrest — using music not as a soothing balm but as a blaring siren. Jimi Hendrix's 'Machine Gun' wasn't just a song; it was a searing lament for Vietnam, a raw, electrified howl of anguish that warned of the blood-soaked cost of war. The Clash's 'Guns of Brixton' captured the clenched fists and breaking glass of racial tension and economic despair in Thatcher's Britain, a warning shot fired not from a rifle, but from a Fender Precision Bass landing in a collective of record players and ricochetting in the heart of the streets, lighting torches of awareness held high by both kids and adults. Bruce Springsteen, ever the chronicler of the American condition, has long carried that torch. His 'Death to My Hometown' is a bitter reckoning with the economic devastation wrought by greed and indifference, while 'The Ghost of Tom Joad' resurrects Steinbeck's specter of the dispossessed, a haunting reminder that the struggle for dignity and justice is far from over. These songs don't just warn—they witness. They record the heartbeat of rebellion, the collective refusal to let power go unchallenged. And they remind us that music, when wielded with purpose, can shake the foundations of the 'system'. And that foundation wasn't just shaken — Bruce rocked it. On May 14, 2025, at Manchester's Co-op Live Arena, Springsteen opened his 'Land of Hope and Dreams' tour with a fiery denunciation of Donald Trump's administration, labeling it 'corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous.' He implored the audience to 'raise your voices against authoritarianism and let freedom ring,' warning that America's foundational values were under siege. He accused the administration of rolling back civil rights, stifling free speech, and aligning with dictators over democratic allies. These remarks were not offhanded—they were recorded and released days later as part of his live EP, 'Land of Hope and Dreams,' which also featured a cover of Bob Dylan's 'Chimes of Freedom,' reinforcing his message of resistance. Trump's response was swift and vitriolic. On Truth Social, he lashed out, calling Springsteen 'a pushy, obnoxious JERK' and a 'dried-out 'prune' of a rocker,' even mocking his appearance. He demanded that Springsteen 'KEEP HIS MOUTH SHUT until he gets back into the Country,' and later suggested investigating him and other artists like Beyoncé and Oprah for their support of Kamala Harris's 2024 campaign—alleging, without evidence, that they were illegally paid for endorsements. But Springsteen wasn't alone. Artists like Neil Young and Eddie Vedder rallied to his defense, denouncing Trump's attacks and affirming the importance of free expression. The American Federation of Musicians also stood in solidarity, emphasizing that musicians have the right to speak out against injustice. — In the aftermath of 9/11, musicians came together at the Concert for the Heroes — their voices unified, rallying beneath the flag of freedom. They sang not just for America, but for the shared humanity that terrorism tried to shatter. I often wonder: if Jimi Hendrix were alive, what would he have made of it all? His blistering, feedback-laden 'Star-Spangled Banner' at Woodstock wasn't just a national anthem—it was a battle cry, a raw, unflinching 'f-you' to anyone who threatened our American ideology. Today, we're fighting a different kind terrorism — one that doesn't come from distant shores, but rises from within. It erodes truth, fans the flames of hate, and chips away at the foundation of democracy itself. Who better to sound the alarm than Bruce Springsteen? His voice is the call to arms we need — a reminder that freedom isn't just a flag we wave, but a fight we must wage. The post Born to Rant: Springsteen's Truth to Power Screed Is the Rallying Cry We Need | Guest Column appeared first on TheWrap.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Pop Idol star Rik Waller unrecognisable with brand-new career 24 years later
Rik Waller was one of the breakout stars of the first series of Pop Idol in 2001, but his singing career came to a standstill after he left the show and he is now unrecognisable Pop Idol, one of the early noughties' biggest telly sensations, only ran for two series but launched the careers of Gareth Gates and Will Young as well as Michelle McManus. It also catapulted Kent-born crooner Rik Waller to fame, who was a hot favourite to win the inaugural series of the reality singing competition. Back in 2001, a then 20 year old Rik wowed judges Simon Cowell, Pete Waterman, Nicki Chapman and Neil Fox with his stellar vocal prowess, securing a spot in the final ten. However, the singer's journey was cut short due to a bout of laryngitis. Despite his premature exit, he did enjoy some chart success with his rendition of Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You, which climbed to number six in the UK singles chart. He signed a record deal with EMI, rumoured to be worth around £400,000, and went on to release a cover of Something Inside (So Strong). Now 44, Rik bagged roles on various UK reality shows, including a stint on Celebrity Fit Club. Around this time, he was dropped by his record label, EMI and formed a band that signed with Red Admiral Records. However, after disappointing ticket sales, they scrapped a planned tour and split up. The last time Rik graced our screens was in February 2007, with an appearance on Never Mind The Buzzcocks. It was rumoured that the singer had lost his ability to belt out tunes after damaging his voice, leading him to confide in 2007: "I'm getting tired of singing and I can't rely on it for 100 per cent of my income. I've got two people to think about now, and talent doesn't always pay the bills." Amidst a whirlwind romance, he found love with a Pagan woman and the pair were reportedly sketching out plans for a Pagan wedding ceremony. But their union came to an end amid whispers she had influenced Rik's decision to step away from the limelight. In 2019 he went on to say he was 'gutted' that his fellow Pop Idol contestant, Michelle McManus, was married, writing on Facebook: "Gutted that Michelle McManus is married, but she looked gorgeous and wishing her all the best." In a candid 2013 chat with the Daily Mail, Rik laid bare the harsh reality of job-seeking as he recounted: "The most demoralising thing I've ever had to do was queue up at the Job Centre and have people look at me saying, 'What a failure'. "When you've lost the ability to do the job you've always done, it's an incredible stab in the back to find people are actually laughing at you." Rik bared his soul as he continued: "It's why I don't make a lot of effort to talk to the press these days - it can be more trouble than it's worth." He admitted, finding solace in simpler joys: "If you've got a roof over your head and food on the table I don't know how anyone can be truly unhappy." By 2014, the chart-topping days were a distant memory as Rik returned to his roots, moving back in with the folks. There, he secured a gig as a secondary school exam invigilator under his birth name, Richard, while also dabbling in the disco beats of his Dad's mobile karaoke and disco venture. According to his Facebook page, the former singer is still an exam invigilator and lives in Leicester.
Finextra
26-05-2025
- Business
- Finextra
Owning Your Payment Infrastructure: Why FinTechs Are Rethinking ‘Platform as a Service': By Alex Malyshev
In the early days of FinTech, speed to market was everything. Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) models promised rapid deployment, simplified compliance, and pre-integrated features. For many startups, this was a lifeline. But as these companies grow, especially in regulated or high-volume environments, they're finding that the very infrastructure that helped them launch is now holding them back. A quiet shift is happening: FinTechs are re-evaluating their dependency on third-party platforms and asking a foundational question: should we own the core? Why 'Fast and Easy' Isn't Always Built to Last PaaS solutions are attractive for good reasons. They reduce upfront costs, abstract away complex compliance burdens, and provide ready-made modules like KYC, transaction processing, or card issuing. But there's a price to pay for this convenience: These aren't just technical issues. They're strategic bottlenecks. When your roadmap depends on someone else's platform, agility and innovation suffer. Licensing Over Subscription: A Shift in Mature Markets At we're seeing a clear trend among scaling FinTechs, EMIs, and even banks: a move away from SaaS and toward infrastructure ownership. Licensing the source code gives these companies the control they need to adapt, expand, and differentiate. This trend is especially common among startups that have already launched but find themselves constrained by scalability limits or commercial terms. As one such company told us: 'We launched quickly using a third-party platform, but now we're hitting technical and commercial limits. We need to take back control and are actively looking for a source code-based solution that we can evolve on our own terms.' Over the years, we've seen this same scenario play out repeatedly. It's no longer rare. It's the norm for startups moving into their growth phase. That's Why Offers Both Options To support businesses at different stages of their journey, provides two delivery models: PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service) : A subscription-based model designed for early-stage FinTechs and SMBs that prioritise time-to-market and low upfront costs. Hosted in the cloud, it offers a fast start with 470+ API endpoints, a built-in back office, and essential integrations. Source Code License: A one-time purchase for full backend control. Ideal for enterprises or scaling FinTechs that need deep customisation, data ownership, and architectural flexibility. This model gives clients complete access to the platform's modular codebase, ledger engine, and API layer, without vendor lock-in. Both models are powered by the same core: a robust, real-time ledger foundation, modular service architecture, and production-grade scalability of over 2,700 TPS. The difference lies in the degree of autonomy clients want to maintain. Buy, Build, or License? Making the Right Choice Here's a simplified framework we use when advising FinTech clients: Owning infrastructure doesn't mean building from scratch. The key is having control over core systems while integrating best-in-class external services where it makes sense. From Platform Tenants to Platform Owners The FinTech boom of the last decade was built on abstraction and speed. But as the industry matures, priorities are shifting toward resilience, ownership, and long-term scalability. Infrastructure control isn't a luxury. It's a competitive advantage. For ambitious FinTechs, the critical question is no longer how fast can we launch? It's how far can we grow with what we've built? At we're here to support both answers.
