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Amazon Go

Amazon has given an access of its first automated store to the public. Amazon Go is a grocery store situated on the first floor of the corporation's Seattle head office.

This store, which offers food, drinks and canned goods could transform our shopping habits in the future.

As soon as you arrive at the store, your presence will be tracked by phone app. Customers need to download the app and register in it. Infrared cameras watch about everything that happens in the store. If you pick up items from the shelves they will be automatically put into your virtual shopping cart. When you put an item back, the cameras easily detect it. The fact you walk out your account is charged without making any physical payment.

The technologies used at Amazon Go are the same as driverless cars –  computer detecting, weight sensors and complicated algorithm’s structures.

The 1,800 square foot store has been opened to Amazon employees for a year in very convenience location. Now other customers can also shop there. At this moment there are 5 stores only in Seattle. In September 2018 some facts were reported. Amazon had plans to open at least 3000 shops across the USA by 2021.

However, not everything has been running smoothly in the store's opening year. There were some obstacles to overcome. For example, it's hard for cameras to discern between different flavors or products that look alike. They definitely have problems with identifying customers with similar appearance and clothes.

Although there are no checkout counters and cashiers which make you wait in line, there are shop assistants who restore goods and give an advice to clients.

Bitcoin

Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency that was launched in 2009 by a Japanese program developer. The real name of that person is not known. Furthermore, it is difficult to identify whether it is one man or group of people. In contrast to material money, which is released and controlled by government, there is no central organization, which manages Bitcoin. If you want to send or receive these digital money, you can easily do it. Giving your personal information or location is needless.

Bitcoins are virtual currency. The buying process is carried out in exchanges, where you can trade them for real money.

Bitcoins are created by a process called mining. Everyone can produce it. You need only a personal computer with a powerful videocard. All transactions form a blockchain. People compete to prove the correctness of the transactions. If they succeed they will get a certain number of bitcoins as a reward.

Customers should save their bitcoins in an internet wallet, a kind of software that manages your virtual money. Consequently, you are able to buy goods from merchants who accept bitcoins. You can also sell items and get bitcoins in return. You need to use your special bitcoin address when shopping. Bitcoin is a way of selling and receiving money anonymously. But most of the governments are unhappy about that invention. They see it as a good way of transferring money from illegal activities.

The value of bitcoins is proved by their popularity in the world and their safeness. If the number of users increase, then the price of currency will go up. On the other hand, scandals around Bitcoin has made the value of the digital currency go down.

Many economists expect Bitcoin as the currency of the future. However, there are people who criticize it. Because of high electricity consumption, price volatility and thefts. The network may suffer from hackers. Bitcoin is also seen as a playground for money speculation.

The history of the ruble

The first mention about ruble appeared in century when it was a main currency of Novgorod Velikiy. It is the oldest currency except British pound. Firstly, the coin’s weight was 200 grams and the length could reach about 20 centimeters. There are two different opinions about the origin of ruble. Both theories are approved and considered as true. Nevertheless, our ancestors, who lived 700 ago, exchanged rubles to some goods.

In early 13 century bars of rubles were becoming more popular. But, eventually, the government faced the problem of shortage of silver. This metal was essential to produce coins. In this way, Dmitry Donskoy ordered to start a production of small and lightweight coin which would become a replacement for large bars. This solution was quickly appreciated by people from different estates. Ruble was equaled in all provinces. If a merchant wanted to sell his products in another principality, he did not have to change the currency.

New formations of ruble were appearing in time of Romanov dynasty. The creation of banknotes was a main economic reform in 1768. Then the banknotes were changed to gold coins. Their amount had to be equal with paper money. Anyway, both means of payment depreciated in time of World War I.

Many reforms were carried out in USSR. The coins, which were releasing in 1920s, are rarity now. Since 1931 year the government have been producing coins, which are made from different and cheap metals. Mostly it is niсkel, copper and steel. In 1937 one dollar was equaled to 5 rubles.

Nowadays the position of ruble has been improved. However, there is a room for improvement for this currency. International experts suppose that ruble is a non-stable currency which depends on petroleum prices. But the development of national manufacture and appearance of new domestic and perspective companies will raise the ruble’s position.

The best economies in the world

To begin with, there is one essential term in comparison of economies, which is called the GDP. GDP shows a pace of economic development of country. In other words, this indicator represents a total cost of products and services, which were produced in a country’s territory during one year. Further, we will consider 4 best economies in 2018 year.

USA

The United States remain in this position for more than 100 years. In 2018 the GDP equaled to 20,49 trillion dollars. Furthermore, experts bet that the gross domestic product of this country will raise to 21 trillion dollars. America is considered as an economic superpower and makes up almost a quarter of the world economy. IT companies and banks contribute most of all.

China

China is often mentioned as a “world’s factory” on account of its human resources. Despite the fact that China was only a seventh – largest economy with GDP over 300 billion in 1980 year, now it is one of the most powerful economic systems in the world. The US advantage is reduced year by year. Most of the world companies have their factories in China. Generally, the China’s GDP was 13,41 trillion dollars in 2018.

Japan

The country is famous for its cars, food and entertainment. In 2018 the GDP was about 5 trillion dollars. Japanese economy had to overcome global crisis, earthquakes and tsunamis. The World Olympic games will be held in Japan in 2020. The government believe that it will stimulate the economy with foreign investments. The most expensive company is Toyota Motor, which gives a work places for more than 330 thousand people.

Germany

The biggest and strongest economy in Europe. Germany produces lot of products in different economic sectors. For example, it is auto industry, pharmaceutical giants such as Bayer and Berlin-Chemie, and companies like Siemens, which produce electronic gadgets and household appliances. In 2018 the GDP was 4 trillion dollars. Nevertheless, the political situation around Europe may easily reduce it.

Types of economic systems

Each country has its own economic system, so it is difficult to count their number. Their individuality forms from income and costs items. Also, these points make up a state budget. However, there are 4 basic types of economic system: traditional, command, market and mixed economies. Further we will consider each kind particularly.

Traditional economy.

Traditional economics is the oldest and simplest system. Mainly it was spread in time of the ancient civilizations. These civilizations such as Roman, Greek, Chinese civilizations used to have a subsistence economy, barter and lack of production. People formed the families or tribes with an elder who had to manage the household. Fishing, hunting and collecting the berries were their main occupation. The biggest advantage is to the little waste to the environment. But the lack of trading system leads to starving in time of little harvest. Now only the Jarawa tribe uses a traditional type of system.

Command economy

This type is characterized by the governmental monopoly over the market. The production, exchange, trading and consuming goods is under state control. The competition is absent since the government decides about main economic issues. There are some advantages such as a low level of unemployment and equality among citizens. On the other hand, there are some disadvantages too. For example, outdated technologies and shortage of qualified specialists are possible in some production’s spheres. North Korea, Cuba and the USSR are the vivid examples of this economic system.

Market economy

This type is characterized by the competition. So the producers need to fight for their customers constantly. The main advantage is that the quality and freshness of products and services permanently rises. As well as that, the inequality among people rises. Furthermore, the percent of unemployed is more than in command economy. Canada, France, the United States are typical representatives of this type.

Mixed economy

Indeed, this type is the most real in life. Mostly mixed economy is a compound of command and market economy. It is the biggest type in term of number of countries which use it. For example, Russia, India, China, Japan and others have this economic system.

Products that help you to build muscles

Imagine that you are going to start training in the gym. You want to raise your muscles, be stronger and healthier. So, you should organize your training plan and push yourself to the limits. Besides, the growth of muscles depends on some other factors. For example, an amount of water you drink. Also you need to go on special diet and eat useful food.

What products should you consume?

1. Lean meat is an incredible source of protein. It is a meat without salt which makes a water retention in your organism. Lean meat contains an iron which controls an oxygen transportation to the muscles, and amino acids, including lecithin, which is essential for muscle growth.

2. Fruits and vegetables are basic food in term of growing the muscles. It provides you with minerals, vitamins, fiber and liquid. Also vegetables consist of a few amount of protein.

3. Eggs. If you want to get a necessary number of amino acids, it is a good choice. They consist of protein, lutein and other important nutrients. One more benefit is that you can keep your eyes healthy.

4. Nuts. Other kinds are good for your body and mental conditions. In comparison with another product, it contains healthy fats, antioxidants and vitamins.

5. Chicken meat is good as a lean meat. Remove all bones and skin. Chicken meat raises up your zinc’s and iron’s level. Moreover, it improves an immune system.

6. Beans, and whole grains. If you are going to gain a weight, they will be the most essential products in your ration. It is an excellent source of carbohydrates, which help you to become heavier.

Dream is necessary in order to give a rest for your muscles. Try to sleep at least 8 hours in a day between your trainings.

The most successful swimmer of all times

Michael Phelps is the greatest athlete in swimming history. His last performance as a sportsman was in 2016 in the Olympic game. After that Phelps finished his professional career. He won 5 gold medals in Rio. His total possession is 28 medals, and, furthermore, most of them are gold. When he was participating in Beijing, he became the first 8 times.

He was born in the north of Baltimore. Michael is the youngest of three children and his parents are divorced. His swimming career started when he was 7. Michael’s sister came up with this idea. Then, in age of 10 Phelps set a national record among participants of his age group. He broke a previous result in 100 meters butterfly style. Moreover, by the time he was 15 he became a world recordsman in 200 meters butterfly style. Despite the fact that he had failed his first Olympic games, he dominated in the next years. Phelps competed in most of swimming styles. The model of Phelps’ success inspired young children to enroll in swimming classes.

After the great performance in Rio, when he was over 30, Michael Phelps announced the complete of his so remarkable professional career. Although he declared his retirement, in Rio he came back and was the most authoritative person in the US team.

Some experts predict that he will participate in 2020 in Japan. Nowadays, Michael Phelps spends his time carrying about his fund, which he launched in order to give more opportunities to children who is interested in swimming. Certainly, Phelps’ contribution to swimming is so high that nobody can compare with it. Now one of the Baltimore’s streets has his name.

The Winter Olympics in Sochi

The 2014 Winter Olympic Games were held in Sochi. The opening ceremony was on 6 of February. On that day the qualifications in some disciplines were started. The Games lasted about two weeks, and the closing ceremony was on 23 of February. Russia spent over 50 billion dollars to make all preparations. In this way, it was the most expensive Games in history. On the other hand, the total broadcast audience was more than 2.1 billion people worldwide. For Russia it is the first Winter Olympics.

The Games contained 15 winter sport disciplines, and the number of events broke the record. But it was not the last record. It was registered to have 88 National Olympic Committees and 1 independent Olympic participant it this activity. Moreover, the host generously met the six teams that participated for the first time.

Sportsmen competed in 15 disciplines, and total number of events was 98. Russia won a first place in medal table with 11 gold, 9 silver and 9 bronze medals. The second team was Norway, and the third was Canada. The most successful Russian athlete was Victor An with 3 gold medals. Among Olympic champions was a famous Russian figure skater Evgeni Plushenko. Ayumu Hirano became the youngest medalist in Winter Games in age of 15 years old.

For many people it was a holiday, where you could make new friends and keep in touch with them after the Games. Also a lot of people spectated this tournament either in live or on a television. After the Games the government found a good way of usage of the infrastructure. Now the Sochi Autodrom is a racetrack for Formula One Grand Prix. The home arena for the new ice hockey team Sochi Leopards is a Bolshoy Arena.

The greatest Russian wrestler Aleksandr Karelin

Aleksandr Karelin was born in Novosibirsk in 1967. Karelin is the most successful and the strongest Greco-Roman wrestler in history. Also he is known as a “Russian bear” and “Aleksandr The Great”. Before his retirement in 2000, Karelin had won totally 29 gold medals, including three in Olympic Games, nine in the World Championships and twelve in the European level. Also he had losses in his career. Firstly, Karelin was defeated by Igor Rostorotsky, and second lose was in fight with Rulon Gardner for gold Olympic medal in 2000 year.

Karelin used to go in a boxing club, volleyball and basketball court. However, in 1981 he had begun training and committed his further life with Greco-Roman wrestling. Viktor Kuznetsov used to be his permanent coach. After 7 years of exhaustive and intensive trainings he went to Olympic Games in Seoul, where he defeated all other contenders and became first im the tournament. In addition, despite he was losing in the final combat with 15 seconds left, Karelin performed his best throw called Karelin lift and succeed in the fighting. All sportsmen who even do not do this sport must be aware of that endurance and determination to victory.

Undoubtedly, Karelin had injuries in his career. By the 1988 Aleksandr had broken the leg once, his arms twice and his ribs many times. Furthermore, despite injury in the first battle against Matt Ghaffari in 1993 World Championship he took the first place.

Aleksandr Karelin retired from professional performances in 2000 after the second place in Olympic Games. An important fact that Karelin has a Doctor of Philosophy degree. His work was devoted to some useful movements in Greco-Roman wrestling. Nowadays Karelin works as a politician. He is a Duma’s representative in international cases.

FIFA World Cup Championship (football)

World Cup is a main football competition which is held every 4 years. A history of this tournament began in 1930 when Uruguay team became an inaugural champion. Brazil is an individual leader in term of victories in World Cup. This team raised the cup over its head 5 times. An interesting fact about Brazil team that they are the only team participating in all World Cups. Besides, Germany and Italy pursue the leader with 4 trophies for each. Generally, 8 teams won titles in this prestigious competition.

The history of this eminent tournament started in early 1920s when the FIFA’s government decided to make a competition separated from the football in Olympics. Jules Rimet, who was the first FIFA’s President, had persuaded some countries to participate in the first tournament, so 13 associations sent their representatives in Uruguay. The next contest was held in Italy and also was won by its team.

Although the competition had been extremely successful, there was a pause during World War II. After that a World Cup has been gathering best teams in one place constantly. The latest alternation was an expansion to 48 teams allowed to compete in this tournament. But it will be only in 2026. At present you can observe a football globalization.

Modern trophy, where two athletes stretching out their hands to the world, was designed by an Italian specialist Silvio Gazzaniga. But winners are not allowed to possess it permanently. Despite that, they are rewarded by gold medals.

Through the years World Cup has been increasing its popularity across the world. It is estimated that a ninth part of the world population were the spectators of World Cup in 2006. World Cup in Russia was named as the best and most profitable in history.