Latest news with #Ewen
Daily Record
20-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
UK weather forecasts will now be more accurate after Met Office develops supercomputer
The Met Office has announced that it will now be able to create more accurate weather forecasts for the UK, thanks to the development of a new supercomputer. We can expect detailed weather estimates up to 14 days in advance, and rainfall predictions will also become more accurate. The new computer was launched on Monday, May 19, and uses Microsoft 's cloud-based Azure system, becoming the first Met Office computer that doesn't run by itself. The new piece of tech can perform 60 quadrillion calculations per second, and has been set up in a secret location. It was announced way back in 2020 that the supercomputer was being developed, and it was initially meant to launch in 2022. This three-year delay was caused by the Covid pandemic and its impact on the availability of silicon, said the Met Office. The weather prediction agency has stated that this new machine marks the world's first cloud-based supercomputer which is dedicated specifically to climate science. The Met Office also says that the new computer will improve forecasting at airports. It could also give the energy sector more detailed information to help it plan for potential blackouts and surges. This may become useful as Nasa has warned of huge oncoming solar eruptions that will occur as the Sun's most active region turns to face Earth. The gadget is fully powered by renewable energy. It will also improve predictions on extreme weather and natural disasters caused by climate change such as flooding and wildfires, reported the BBC. Containing 1.8million core processors, the new piece of tech can perform more than four times the number of calculations per second than the Met Office's previous computer. In February 2020, the UK government pledged £1.2billion for the project, and said the old supercomputers would reach the end of their lives in 2022. The exact location of the machine is to remain a secret, but is somewhere in the south of England, split across two data centres. The Met Office's chief information officer Charles Ewen is concerned about cyber security following recent hacks of British companies such as M&S and Co-op. But Ewen said he is happy with the security of the new system and is "very confident this is a big enhancement" on its predecessor. He added that he is confident in the Met Office's abilities to be able to accommodate new technology and techniques such as artificial intelligence. Prof Simon Vosper, the Met Office's science director added: "There's never been a more critical time for weather and climate intelligence. "We know the climate's changing, as we know the risks of hazardous weather. "The supercomputer will unlock our ability to deliver those improved services where they're needed."
BBC News
19-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Leicester 2-0 Ipswich - fans' verdict
We asked for your views on Ipswich's Premier League match against are some of your comments:Wasim: Very poor from Ipswich, some of the players don't even look Championship standard. To only take two points from the relegated teams points to why they're in the bottom Simple - not good enough at any point this season. One plan, one formation, many injuries. Survival was an unlikely outcome in August and too many factors changed the odds to Like the rest of the season - many shots but not many on Story of our season - managed to get into good positions but not capitalise, then concede soft goals. This time a slip slightly unfortunately exposed us for the first and igniting the Vardy party!James: The three promoted teams from last season are so poor, it will be interesting to see if they are able to avoid immediate relegation into League One.
The Herald Scotland
10-05-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Scots MMA star Mark Ewen targeting PFL Europe tournament crown
Being selected to compete in this year's PFL Europe lightweight tournament – three fights to become champion and earn $100,000 – is as good as it gets, then, for athletes more accustomed to taking it, to adapt the old cliché, one fight at a time. Ewen's star is on the rise and the undefeated Edinburgh-based fighter believes this competition provides both the opportunity and the stability he needs as he looks to foster an already burgeoning reputation. The first part of his hoped-for trilogy of contests takes place in Belfast tonight, with the other two bouts scheduled for elsewhere in Europe later in the year. The cash prize will, of course, come in handy for this father of two-year-old daughter, Rue, but it is the chance to plan ahead and work towards a bigger goal that holds most appeal for the 26-year-old. 'This game, MMA, there's always that uncertainty,' confirms the Higher Level regular. 'You never know when you're fighting or who you're fighting. But now seeing who I'm fighting, when I'm going to fight, all the dates, all the places and that all kind of thing pencilled in, it's brilliant. 'It's not like football where you know when the season starts and when you're playing. So to have a schedule, it feels nice, it's a bit refreshing. I can actually book a family holiday and work around it. 'All I need to do is make sure I turn up in the best shape possible and I'm excited for that. I've always wanted this opportunity. As soon as I signed for PFL, I had my eyes on the tournament and now I've finally got the opportunity to go in and grasp it so that's what I plan on doing. 'The 100K would be nice, don't get me wrong! I've envisioned winning that. But that doesn't mean anything. You need to go and win these fights each step at a time. "I want three fights, three big wins against good opposition, finishing the year 9-1 with top level wins and great performances each time. That's the plan, just put on really good performances each time, level up each and every fight and just show that I'm truly on another level. 'And at the end the icing on the cake will be the 100K and the gold belt but it's not what I'm aiming for. It's the fights and the competition and the performances that I'm focused on.' Standing in the Scot's way in Belfast tonight will be Alex Chizov, the two-time European champion from Latvia. He's someone Ewen was meant to be fighting last year until it fell through so he's done his homework. 'I've prepared for him before, I know exactly what it takes to beat him and I know I can beat him,' he adds with typical confidence. 'This is his third shot at the PFL tournament so I'm under no illusion that he's going to come in hungry. This is probably his last chance so his is going to be the best Chizov we're going to see. That's exactly what I want, that's what I need and that's what I'm preparing for. 'I'm going to go in there and put it on him, get stuck in, finish him and put on a real masterclass to show the level I'm at.' Ewen did exactly that in his last fight in September at Glasgow's Hydro when he showed he can choke as well as strike after forcing Yassin Chtatou to tap out in the first round. 'I wanted to go in and show that I could grapple, because I know I can grapple with the best of them,' he recalled. 'And I went and did that. Then obviously just soaking up the win with it being in Glasgow and the Hydro – I had envisioned that for years, with my teammates. "I was literally on a high for about two to three weeks after. You get a high after every fight but never for as long as that. That was a real special one, that'll stay with me for the rest of my life I believe.' MMA fans can watch Mark Ewen fight at PFL Europe Belfast from 5pm exclusively on DAZN
Newsweek
07-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
How Tariffs Could Lead to Summer Travel Deals: 'So Much Uncertainty'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. As tariff-driven economic uncertainty abounds worldwide, U.S. travelers are increasingly taking a cautious approach heading into the busy season — potentially leading to last-minute deals as demand cools for summer getaways. Widespread apprehension and confusion created by President Trump's on-again, off-again tariffs is impacting the upcoming peak travel season, with fewer foreign visitors expected to the United States and more Americans scaling back both international and domestic plans as costs will likely trickle down, one analyst told Newsweek. "The tariffs theoretically are making the cost of goods more expensive, so if an airline is looking to restock its lounges, restock its catering, or a hotel is looking to restock minbars and supplies, that would theoretically lead to higher prices," said Nick Ewen, senior editorial director of The Points Guy, a popular travel website. But Ewen said overall economic apprehension and recession fears are having a much larger immediate impact on the summer travel season compared to the tariffs themselves, many of which have been paused until early July with the exception of a 10-percent baseline tariff and a 145-percent tariff on many Chinese goods. Beijing has 125-percent retaliatory hikes in place on American-made merchandise. Added capacity on airlines and softening demand could lead to better deals for consumers, but expect tariffs to have a big impact on summer travel, one expert told Newsweek. Added capacity on airlines and softening demand could lead to better deals for consumers, but expect tariffs to have a big impact on summer travel, one expert told Newsweek."A lot of consumers are saying we are going to pull back, we just don't know what this is going to look like in a month, three months, six months," Ewen said. "Maybe they're not planning as far ahead as possible. So, the softening demand is actually having a downward pressure on pricing and may continue to do so while we're still in these uncertain times." As a result, unexpected deals may become available as summer approaches. But airlines are also starting to cut back capacity along some routes, including flights between the United States and Canada, Ewen said. Read more Trump loses first round of trade war as US economy shrinks, China's grows Trump loses first round of trade war as US economy shrinks, China's grows "A lot of airlines are in this messy middle, as I call it," he said. "They don't really know what ultimately is going to happen this summer. A lot of them have suspended their guidance financially because they just don't know, there's just so much uncertainty out there." A lack of near-term clarity about costs coupled with longer-term recession fears leaves many unanswered questions for the summer travel season, Ewen said. "Even Europeans have cut back," he said. "Some of the numbers have shown a drop in bookings for Europeans coming to the U.S. It hasn't necessarily translated the other way; demand to Europe is still strong from American travelers. But there's been some international demand that is softening given the broader environment that we're seeing here in the U.S." Still, much like the United States' trading partners, travelers can expect volatility ahead, Ewen said. "We're in that 90-day pause," he said, referring to the reciprocal tariffs announced on "Liberation Day" that sent markets into a tailspin before they were temporarily halted. "Are there going to be deals struck? Is this going to be a whole lot of nothing at the end of the day? We just don't know." Fewer Americans are planning getaways this summer, a recent survey found. Just 46 percent said they intend to take trips in the coming months, according to a Bankrate poll conducted in mid-March. That's down from 53 percent in the same period a year ago. Most respondents cited affordability as the key reason why they intend to scale back or hit pause on their travel plans. Just 46 percent of U.S. adults plan to travel this summer, down from 53 percent in 2024, a recent survey found. Just 46 percent of U.S. adults plan to travel this summer, down from 53 percent in 2024, a recent survey 15 percent said they planned to travel internationally, while 24 percent said they're planning to stay put. Another 23 percent said they still aren't sure, reflecting the unease permeating throughout the travel industry as the critical Memorial Day holiday weekend approaches. While Ewen advised travelers to take a flexible approach as deals may materialize late in the season, other analysts suggest waiting to book that trip could prove costly. "When planning summer travel, it's generally advised to book sooner rather than later," Bankrate senior industry analyst Ted Rossman said in a statement in late April. "It also pays to zig when others zag. For example, think about visiting a destination during its shoulder season or offseason. Take an early flight or a late flight or a connecting flight. Or fly midweek." Ewen, meanwhile, said undecided travelers could potentially see last-minute deals, where booking trips as late as two to three weeks out could prove beneficial regarding hotel prices and other related costs. "There are still signs that the overall demand is going to be lower until we really have more clarity in terms of how the tariffs are going to impact our overall wallet," Ewen told Newsweek. "Because this goes beyond just the cost of the flight and the cost of the hotels. If you're a family of five and your grocery bill is all of a sudden going to be an extra $50 or $80 every week, that's going to significantly cut into your household budget and that discretionary income to use towards a trip — even if it's just a road trip." Smaller U.S. cities like Cleveland, above, or Detroit and St. Louis could see an increase in domestic visitors this summer as tariff-related uncertainty unfolds, Ewen said. Smaller U.S. cities like Cleveland, above, or Detroit and St. Louis could see an increase in domestic visitors this summer as tariff-related uncertainty unfolds, Ewen said. Ultima_Gaina Ewen predicts more Americans may take shorter trips closer to home rather than the typical weeklong getaway. Ten percent of respondents said they plan "staycations" this summer, down slightly from 12 percent a year ago, according to Bankrate's annual survey. "Instead of taking that trip to Florida, we're going to do a short, three-hour drive to Kennywood or Cedar Point," Ewen surmised, referring to popular amusement parks in Pennsylvania and Ohio. "You may see some changes in terms of the travel because they may look at shorter distances, shorter durations, because they just won't have the discretionary funds to spend because of the increased prices. Again though, it's all uncertain because we don't really know what's the going to look like." Meanwhile, international visits to the United States fell 14 percent in March, compared to the same span in 2024, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Canada and Western Europe represented the steepest declines, while Florida was the preferred destination for the visitors who did come. If the 14 percent decline held steady throughout 2025, the U.S. could lose $21 billion in tourism revenue, the group said, which would be compounded if the economy goes into recession as some economists are now predicting. Domestic travel has remained "relatively steady," but is starting to show signs of slowing, including flat economic indicators like hotel occupancy and revenue and consumer spending, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Ewen said he was bewildered to be discussing the possibility of finding last-minute deals for the normally hectic summer travel season. "It's kind of wild to me that I'm even talking about summer travel and deals in the same breath because those typically are so few and far between that it's not even worth bringing up," he said. "But obviously, this is not a normal pre-summer travel conversation."
Miami Herald
28-03-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Popular burger chain taps McDonald's exec to destroy rivals
Whataburger is an American fast food chain, and Texans are proud and joyful. The first location opened in 1950 as a humble burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas, and since then, it has built over 1,100 restaurants in the U.S. and expanded across 16 states. Those who grew up in Texas share the nostalgia and familiarity of stepping into a Whataburger. No matter where you may be, this restaurant is ready to receive its customers with open arms, which oddly enough always feels like returning home, something many chains have tried to achieve but have yet to obtain. Don't miss the move: SIGN UP for TheStreet's FREE Daily newsletter This fast food chain is unlike any other. Everything from its orange and white stripes to its unique restaurant design and charming Southern hospitality with 24-hour service continues to attract customers worldwide. Related: Popular delivery app wants you to finance lunch The menu is also very extensive and can be consumed at any time of the day. It contains various Texas-size burgers, multiple chicken items, a breakfast selection, and sweet desserts, all of which taste homemade. On Mar. 24, Whataburger announced it had named Todd Ewen its new senior vice president and chief development officer. Ewen will lead the company's growth strategy as it expands into new markets and enters its 17th state, North Carolina. "I'm proud to join the Whataburger team that is setting the standard for excellence as we implement well-developed growth plans," said Ewen. Related: Forget McDonald's, Walmart adds a new restaurant partner Ewen is no rookie in helping businesses reach their full potential. He has over 20 years of experience in commercial real estate development, which led him to found his own brokerage firm, L3 Commercial Development, in 2017. He also has over 10 years of experience in the quick-service restaurant industry, including over seven years as a Development Director and Regional Real Estate Manager for McDonald's, the world's top fast food chain. View the original article to see embedded media. "Todd's deep understanding of real estate in the quick service restaurant industry will be integral in helping Whataburger execute our growth strategy, bringing delicious food and a great experience to new markets and new fans," said Whataburger Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Alexander Ivannikov. Although McDonald's (MCD) was founded four years after Whataburger, the fast food giant has grown tremendously, outperforming all others in the quick-service restaurant industry. More Retail News: Iconic U.S. grocery chain debuts first UK store after a decadeTarget makes bold move to answer Walmart, AmazonTop brands unveil nostalgic new beverage and snack releases Its ability to quickly adapt to the ever-evolving consumer and remain strong amid growing competition is partly attributed to its push for constant innovation, allowing it to continue driving business growth. In 2015, McDonald's introduced a customer-centric turnaround plan to better meet consumer demands. Although Ewen left McDonald's the following year, he helped lead this growth strategy, which successfully helped increase sales. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
