Over $20 million worth of stablecoins and Ethereum was transferred from a wallet containing funds seized by the U.S. government Thursday, shifting assets tied to the 2016 hack of the crypto exchange Bitfinex to a five-day-old address. Some of those funds have now been moved to Binance, an off-shore exchange and the largest crypto trading platform in the world by volume.
Minutes before the transfers took place, the blockchain analytics firm Arkham Intelligence highlighted withdrawals from the lending protocol Aave in a tweet. It was the first time the funds had been touched in eight months, the company said.
According to Arkham’s platform, $1.25 million of the stablecoin Tether was withdrawn from Aave as well as $5.5 million of USDC. Those funds were subsequently sent to a wallet beginning “0x348” alongside $446,000 worth of Ethereum and $13.7 million of aUSDC, an interest-bearing token that represents USDC deposited in an Aave lending market.
The government-controlled wallet received millions of dollars of aUSDC two years ago. On the same day, it also received a hefty sum of the equivalent Aave-based token for Tether.
The pseudonymous blockchain sleuth ZachXBT said the activity appeared “nefarious” on Twitter. Most likely, the funds were flowing as a result of “theft,” the sleuth added.
Bitfinex was hacked in 2016 by a married couple from New York City, who later pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracies. Taking advantage of a security breach at the exchange, Ilya Lichtenstein and Heather Morgan had $3.6 billion worth of digital assets seized by the authorities, according to a Department of Justice (DOJ) press release from August 2023.
funds are going to instantly exchanges looks nefarious
— ZachXBT (@zachxbt) October 24, 2024
Asked whether the transfers were conducted in relation to law-enforcement activities, the DOJ did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Decrypt.
The wallet that received millions of dollars of government-linked funds Thursday proceeded to use 1inch, an exchange aggregator, to swap stablecoins for Ethereum. It then began shuffling Ethereum in $40,000 chunks to a deposit address for the crypto exchange Binance, which ZachXBT flagged as suspicious behavior.
In total, $320,000 worth of Ethereum had been sent to Binance, as of this writing. At the same time, $80,000 worth of Ethereum had splintered off into other wallets.
When it comes to “0x348,” the wallet made its first transaction less than a week ago. And the wallet that funded it received its first funds two years before from the Australian cryptocurrency exchange CoinSpot, which does not operate in any other jurisdiction.
As of this writing, the government-controlled wallet was virtually empty. All of its assets were gone, aside from $127 worth of a Donald Trump-themed meme coin.
Edited by Andrew Hayward
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Next week’s EastEnders spoilers are fitting for Halloween, with Nish onto ‘The Six’ with a spooky confrontation in The Vic.
Elsewhere, the market is put in danger as favourites on the Square are told their stalls could be in danger.
All this drama and more in EastEnders spoilers for next week.
Nish raises concern (Credit: BBC)
1. EastEnders spoilers: Nish is onto ‘The Six’
It’s been a tough year for ‘The Six.’ Their scary moments always appear to happen on festive occasions, and this time it’s Halloween.
Nish grows suspicious of ‘The Six’ after hearing a secret chat between Kathy and Suki. They’re not the most subtle, after all…
He’s onto their secret meeting, as they try to remember their statements from Christmas.
While Nish is convinced that the women are up to something, they continue to insist that they have nothing to hide. Not letting go, he goes with them to the police station, where they are all interviewed by DCI Arthurs over the events of Christmas.
As Suki attempts to take matters into her own hands, she sends the other women home. However, it quickly becomes apparent that Nish cannot be easily bought. Rejecting Stacey’s calls, Suki prepares for Nish to move back into the house…
Halloween is set to be a spooky event (Credit: BBC)
2. Nish faces the women
It’s Halloween! And The Vic are holding their annual spooky bash. Costumes encouraged, the Square gather to celebrate. And Nish takes the scary event even further…
Denise arrives at The Vic to speak to Linda about Nish. He’s acting up, and they’re worried their cover will be blown.
And, as The Vic closes after an eventful evening, ‘The Six’ anxiously await their fate…
Is this the end?
Jean feels guilty (Credit: BBC)
3. EastEnders spoilers: Jean feels guilty
Jean struggles with her guilt over calling social services on Tommy. Stacey convinces her to remain silent, but her shame intensifies after witnessing a tense conversation between Alfie, Kat and Bianca on the Square.
Alfie reassures her that she did the right thing, but it all gets too much for her when Elaine probes for gossip – causing Jean to accidentally offend Kojo.
Later, a meeting between Kat and Alfie in the Minute Mart is awkward, but he soon comforts her and they head to The Vic together.
Jean and Kojo grow a friendship (Credit: BBC)
4. Harvey distances from Jean
Feeling at a loss, Harvey tries to cook Jean dinner. He took Kathy’s advice to help get their relationship back on track…
However, Jean eats with Kojo at The Vic instead, in an attempt to apologise.
Harvey waits in vain for Jean to return home.
Feeling defeated, he heads over to speak to Kathy.
After Kojo puts the situation right, Stacey convinces Harvey to go easy on Jean. The pair reconcile when she makes a gesture. Kojo then arrives with a gift for Jean, and Harvey pays another visit to Kathy while she’s distracted.
Will Harvey stay loyal?
Avani asks some tough questions (Credit: BBC)
5. EastEnders spoilers: Avani faces Nish
In spite of her brave face, Avani remains shaken by the events of last week.
Trying to make sense of things, she asks some difficult questions of Nish…
Will he tell the truth?
A meeting at The Vic is called (Credit: BBC)
6. The Market is in danger
Could this be the end of the iconic Walford market?
Martin is shocked when Honey and Billy tell him that the market is at risk of redevelopment.
Martin, Honey and Billy hold a crisis meeting with the market traders as they discuss the potential shut down of the market and the Square Gardens.
Ian arrives on the scene, and reveals the council’s plan. The punters then learn that Junior has been given the contract for the redevelopment job…
Read more: Who’s leaving EastEnders in 2024? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns
EastEnders usually airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One.
Are you looking forward to EastEnders next week? You can leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.
I had a pleasure to visit Aberdeen, Scotland last week and speak at Scottish Summit 2024 community event. This marks my fourth in-person Scottish Summit ( 3 x the actual Summit in Scotland and one Summit on Tour at Manchester, England) where I have spoken at. It is a wonderful conference to come back to, as the vibe is great and organizers put effort to create the event that has fun, knowledge, expertise and everyone is welcome. Of course I do love to visit Scotland for other reasons also, as it gives me a great chance to enjoy the view there and make a visit to a whisky distillery – and in Scotland you can find one almost nearby everywhere. But the main focus is the event and the highlight is delivering my session to the people in the room.
It is an awesome feeling to walk to the venue and hear bagpipe and drummer playing the theme!
Before going to my session, I have to highlight the opening keynote by Scott Hanselman, and the closing keynote by Dona Sarkar. Both were extremely good, filled with great information and also fun! That made them really captivating to follow and listen. And from those, we know more about the LLM, Copilot and that the Purview and (ir)Responsible AI are always watching! Pay attention to Scottish Summit YouTube, I think keynotes might show up there later.
This time, my topic was Supercharging Your Teams Meetings Game.
As the name implies, I was showing what can be done in Teams Meetings and how its vast number of features can be utilized to make your meetings better, more productive or just more versatile. And since it is me, we were talking about live demos showing various capabilities – and it looked like that everyone who attended my session learned something new. I am a bit proud about that, as there were fellow MVPs in the room who are also heavy Teams users and know lots of its features.
I started with a bit of building blocks, that all bring in features you can use in Teams meetings. Naturally the Teams Core is what most of the people use, and there are great capabilities already in there. But adding Teams Premium you can get to the next level quite easily (assuming you do need those features often enough), and adding Microsoft 365 Copilot you get the AI assistant to your meetings who can help (today) to create meeting notes, answer questions about the meetings and when used cleverly it can help you big time. And we haven’t yet seen the Copilot as a meeting participant (announced at Build 2024), which will be adding even more to its usefulness. Finally adding other meeting add-ons and Copilot for Sales you get pinpointed benefits. All these together can power up your meetings quite a lot. However, this doesn’t mean that you will be just buying everything and thinking it will make your meetings perfect.. Nope. You need to be aware what and where to use, in which kind of meetings to be able to select perfect building blocks to your meeting instance to match your needs. Don’t just add everything on, because it is there..
Here is a portion of demos I was showing in the Scottish Summit 2024. Some of these are not new, but something I have noticed people don’t really know about it – or don’t remember to use it:
Meeting Agendas ( Loop components). Yes, you do want to easily editable meeting agendas & notes. Start sharing the awareness about these, as Loop is the thing and we will be Looping a lot more every month.
Meeting Theme (Teams Premium). Yes, you can brand your meetings, all it takes is that the meeting organizer has the Teams Premium license and everyone in the meeting can enjoy about the brand.
Green Room. This is very useful if you want presenters to meet before the meeting and do sound checks, test sharing etc. This is in Teams Core, and you find it in meeting options.
Live Captions with spoken language captions. Yes, in Teams Core.
Voice Isolation (Teams Core). Once you create your voice profile with Teams (via Settings / Recognition), you can turn on voice isolation which drops off other voices but your own. For example if you are in a busy cafe or office, people online won’t be hearing other speaking – only you. Teams Core. Btw, this voice enrollment will be on by default starting January 2025. Now admins need to turn it on, but if you don’t want it on: admins should set up the new policy to turn it off.
Live Translation (Teams Premium). It always creates an effect, when I speak in Finnish and audience can read subtitles in English. No, not perfect but many multi-national/cultural organizations benefit of this!
PowerPoint Live. Not really something new, but I have seen too many screen shares to show a PowerPoint presentation.. It is a really good one, and in Teams Core. Cameo (yes, it is still there!), slide translations, zooming, inking and more..
Did you knew you can add a Shared Display, that displays the content and participants (or meeting chat) – and it automatically uses the second display to show it? I admit, the automatic use of the second screen was a surprise to me as well – everyone learned something during my session! (including me)
Remember the meeting Agenda? During the meeting you can open it via Notes. And you can also add these notes to a Loop Workspace via … menu. That way you can organize project meeting notes to a same place where team members can find them.
There are new Meeting Options also, some of these require Teams Premium.
Whiteboard and annotating the screen during the meeting. You may want to check these out. Yes, there are also the Copilot in Whiteboard to help you out to facilitating workshops.
Microsoft Mesh. You can use Mesh in Teams Core to change your meeting to immersive 3D experience – just change the view! There are already a new scene to use ( Workshop) and soon there will be an another one. Mesh is easy to use, and the change of view can help to boost up some of your meetings. Don’t try to use Mesh for every meeting – it will just fail. But when your focus is more on talking, ideating, small group talks, or just want a new view.. Mesh can be the feature you want to use. No, you don’t need a headset – I run demos from my laptop screen directly. There are great features like a personal stage, that can bring the shared content close to you – no matter where in the space you are.
And that wasn’t all! If you attended, you know what else was there. I did run a bit out of time a bit as I was in the flow of showing and talking the fun you can do with Teams meetings, so I had to wrap up the session quite fast. 45 mins goes so fast when having fun.
As I anticipated I would not have time to show these slides during my session, I intended these as takeaways for attendees, to have something to take with them and start to think how to supercharge their Teams meetings when they get back to work from the Summit.
Then I did share a few selected items from the roadmap, related to Teams meetings. And I just noticed that I did have the enrollment defaulting to on at two slides. It is a big deal to some organizations to be aware about this change!
And as usual.. Teams roadmaps do live. So, it won’t be the first nor last time when features get a new estimate at the roadmap. Keep in the mind, that the roadmap schedule is just the best estimate, team has at the moment, when the feature will be rolled out. So, it can change but it is still a good indication of what is in the radar.
Sharing is Caring! #CommunityRocks
Aiheeseen liittyy
Published by Vesa Nopanen
Vesa “Vesku” Nopanen, Principal Consultant and Microsoft MVP (M365 and AI Platform) working on Future Work at Sulava.
I work, blog and speak about Future Work : AI, Microsoft 365, Copilot, Microsoft Mesh, Metaverse, and other services & platforms in the cloud connecting digital and physical and people together.
I have about 30 years of experience in IT business on multiple industries, domains, and roles.
View all posts by Vesa Nopanen
In today’s digital world, where automation and scripting are essential for developers, security remains a paramount concern. One of the simplest ways to install developer tools is through scripts downloaded directly from the internet. However, this convenience also comes with inherent risks, especially when dealing with external sources.
Web3j is a security-focused project. It has taken steps to reduce risks from running installer scripts. This includes protecting against remote code execution (RCE) threats.
The Problem: A Risk in Convenience
Web3j provides installation scripts to make setup easier for developers. Typically, users can run the following commands to install Web3j:
On macOS/Linux:
curl -L get.web3j.io | sh
On Windows:
Set-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Scope Process -Force; iex ((New-Object System.Net.WebClient).DownloadString(‘https://raw.githubusercontent.com/hyperledger/web3j-installer/main/installer.ps1’))
While these commands make installation quick and effortless, they introduce a serious security vulnerability: if a malicious actor gains access to modify the script at the source, they can inject malicious code. Users who unknowingly run these compromised scripts may expose their machines to Remote Code Execution (RCE). This could allow attackers to take control.
The Solution: Built-in Checksum Verification
To address this vulnerability, we have introduced SHA256 checksum verification into the Web3j installation script itself. This means that users no longer need to manually verify the checksum—the script now checks its own integrity before executing. This built-in verification ensures that the script automatically checks whether it has been modified. This prevents the execution of any potentially malicious code.
Manual Checksum Verification for Extra Security
While the script performs its own verification, we also provide checksum values publicly so that users can independently verify them if they prefer to do so. This double layer of security is crucial for environments where strict verification processes are required.
The checksum values for the installation scripts are stored in the following files:
To verify the checksum manually, you can run the following commands for your respective operating system:
For macOS:
sed ‘/^CHECKSUM_URL=/d’ installer.sh | shasum -a 256 | awk ‘{print $1}’
For Linux:
sed ‘/^CHECKSUM_URL=/d’ installer.sh | sha256sum | awk ‘{print $1}’
After running the command, compare the output hash with the respective checksum file from the Web3j GitHub repository. If they match, the script is safe to run. If not, avoid running the script and report the issue immediately.
Why Fixing This Issue is Important
Addressing the risk of RCE is critical because it directly impacts the security of the machines that run Web3j scripts. In a compromised scenario, an attacker can execute arbitrary commands on a victim’s machine. This could lead to data breaches, malware installation, or total system compromise.
By implementing checksum verification inside the script and offering a manual verification option, we greatly reduce the risk of executing malicious scripts. This ensures the Web3j community remains safe and secure.
Continuous Updates to Ensure Safety
Web3j remains committed to the security of its users. The checksum values for the installer scripts will be updated if there are any changes to the script in the future. Users are encouraged to always verify the checksum before running the script, especially after downloading a fresh copy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while installer scripts provide a convenient way to get started with Web3j, they also come with potential risks. With the introduction of checksum verification inside the script and the ability for users to manually verify checksums, we have strengthened the security of the entire Web3j ecosystem. Users can now confidently execute the installation script knowing that it is authentic and free from tampering, protecting their systems from potential attacks.
Ant Middleton has come under fire for his comments about the death of his friend Liam Payne.
One Direction singer Liam died on October 16 aged 31 after he fell from his third-floor balcony in Argentina.
Former SAS: Who Dares Wins star Ant was asked about the loss of Liam as he appeared on This Morning today (October 24).
Ant Middleton paid tribute to Liam Payne on This Morning today (Credit: ITV)
Ant Middleton on Liam Payne death
The TV star, who was axed from SAS: Who Dares Wins in 2021 over his ‘personal conduct’, had filmed a TV documentary with Liam in 2019.
Whilst I was on that PR tour in Australia and in the UK, everything sort of segued onto Liam.
The pair joined forces for Ant Middleton and Liam Payne: Straight Talking. During the show, they discussed their mental health struggles.
Talking on This Morning, Ant, 44, said of Liam’s death: “I was on a PR tour for my K2 documentary that airs in Australia today, and my book Military Mindset, that launches today as well.
Liam died on October 16 (Credit: YouTube/ITV)
“Whilst I was on that PR tour in Australia and in the UK, everything sort of segued onto Liam which I don’t mind talking about Liam.
“He was a great friend of mine, a super positive guy. Like Liam said, it’s about the people around you. We can only do so much by ourselves.
“It’s very important, even if it’s just a phone call, just a text… that’s what me and Liam used to do all the time. I used to go and see him at the drop of a hat because I knew he just needed someone by his side.”
Ant came under fire from viewers (Credit: ITV)
This Morning today
Ant also discussed the last time he spoke to Liam. He explained: “I’ve been really busy, and Liam being the megastar that he was, you can imagine how busy he was. So I spoke to him on the phone probably about eight months ago and in texts since.
“At the beginning of the year I was away in Australia doing Dancing with the Stars and now I think, we’re at the end of October already, where did the time go? It only feels like I was at Liam’s yesterday. Of course it does because we’re all so busy.”
He added: “Of course we can do more. Of course lessons like this in such a negative situation we must draw from, must look at the positive and go right, let’s reach out to people. Think, how long ago did I speak to someone? How long ago did I send a text?
“It’s made me think, even if we’re so, so busy with our lives, just if you’ve got five minutes, two minutes, if you’re thinking about someone, don’t just think about them. Let them know that you’re thinking about them.”
Some viewers watching took issue with Ant at the start of the interview, however. One person said on X: “Good to know I wasn’t the only one that thought Ant Middleton mentioning his book and show or whatever when answering how he felt about Liam’s passing.”
Read more: Liam Payne’s girlfriend shares heartbreaking note he ‘told her not to look at’ before his death
Another wrote: “Ben Shephard asked Ant Middleton about Liam Payne. Ant uses the first few seconds to plug his book and tour. Then goes on to talk about him… Nice.”
Someone else added: “Ant using the question about Liam Payne to sell his new book and TV show in Australia is slightly weird.”
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX.
What did you think of Ant’s comments? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.
Attention, recruits! It’s time to test combat skills and strategic prowess. Drop into the heart of the action this GFN Thursday with the launch of the highly anticipated first-person blockbuster Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, streaming in the cloud Oct. 24, 9pm PT.
Plus, embark on an adventure to defend an empire in the remake of the classic role-playing game (RPG), Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg. These are part of the nine titles being added to GeForce NOW’s library of over 2,000 games. Members can also look forward to a new reward — a free in-game Stag-Heart Skull Sallet Hat — for the award-winning RPG The Elder Scrolls Online, starting on Thursday, Oct. 31. Get ready by opting into GeForce NOW’s Rewards program today.
Mission Critical
Answering the call.
Get ready, soldiers — the next assignment awaits in the cloud. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is set against the backdrop of the Gulf War in the early 1990s, and will bring a thrilling Campaign, action-packed Multiplayer and a Zombies experience sure to thrill fans. The new game introduces the Omnimovement system to the franchise, allowing players to sprint, slide and dive in any direction, enhancing tactical gameplay across all modes.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 launches with 16 new Multiplayer maps and two Zombies maps — Terminus and Liberty Falls. In Multiplayer, the classic Prestige system makes a comeback, while the single player Campaign experience promises a gripping espionage narrative. With its blend of historical fiction, gameplay innovations and fan-favorite features, Black Ops 6 aims to deliver an intense Call of Duty experience that pushes the boundaries of the franchise.
Prepare for adrenaline-fueled missions with an Ultimate GeForce NOW membership. These members get an advantage on the field with ultra-low-latency gaming, streaming from a GeForce RTX 4080 gaming rig in the cloud.
Lucky Number Seven
Peace was never an option.
Save the Empire with a little help from the cloud — Romancing SaGa2: Revenge of the Seven is coming to GeForce NOW.
Experience the full remake of Square Enix’s groundbreaking nonlinear RPG, Romancing SaGa2: Revenge of the Seven, first released in 1993 in Japan. The adventure includes both new and classic SaGa franchise features, complete with Japanese and English voiceovers, original and rearranged compositions, and much more. It’s an ideal entry point for new players and provides an amped-up experience for longtime fans.
The game features the Seven Heroes, once hailed as saviors before the ancients feared their power and banished them to another dimension. Thousands of years have passed, and the heroes have become legends. Furious that humankind has forgotten their many sacrifices, they’ve now returned as villains bent on revenge.
Members can join forces with characters from over 30 different classes featuring a wide variety of professions and races, each with their own favored weapons, unique abilities and effective tactics. Ultimate members can stream at up to 4K resolution with extended session lengths and more.
Hircine’s Hunt … From the Cloud
It’s not just a hat, it’s a legacy.
A new game reward has arrived for GeForce NOW members. New and existing The Elder Scrolls Online players can dawn the rare Stag-Heart Skull Sallet Hat, a fierce antlered helm with untamed strength. It’s the perfect way for gamers to forge their legends in Tamriel and stand out during the Witches Festival.
Members who’ve opted into GeForce NOW’s Rewards program can check their email for instructions on how to redeem it. Ultimate and Priority members can start redeeming the reward now, while free members will be able to claim it starting tomorrow, Oct. 25. It’s available through Sunday, Nov. 24, first come, first served.
Play Today
Members can look for the following games available to stream in the cloud this week:
Worshippers of Cthulhu (New release on Steam, Oct. 21)
No More Room in Hell 2 (New release on Steam, Oct. 22)
Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven (New release on Steam, Oct. 24)
Windblown (New release on Steam, Oct. 24)
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (New release on Steam, Battle.net and Xbox, available on PC Game Pass, Oct. 25)
Call of Duty HQ, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and Call of Duty: Warzone (Xbox, available on PC Game Pass)
DUCKSIDE (Steam)
Off the Grid (Epic Games Store)
Selaco (Steam)
What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.
the cloud is calling, will you answer? 📱
— 🌩️ NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) October 23, 2024
CD Projekt Red has officially announced that its playtest program will be coming to the US, which means that residents there could be getting a call to play the new Witcher and Cyberpunk games currently in development.
There are some catches here, as CDPR says it will be selective when it comes to choosing participants. “If your gamer profile aligns with what we’re looking for, we’ll reach out to you either through email or by phone to ask about your upcoming availability. All playtests will be scheduled at least a few days in advance,” CDPR explained on its playtest FAQ page.
We’re bringing our RED Playtesting Program to the United States!If you are:- at least 16 years old- located or ready to travel to Boston, Massachusetts, for onsite activities- passionate about gaming and eager to share your insights- not involved in game development… pic.twitter.com/ov8KDBgAot
— CD PROJEKT RED (@CDPROJEKTRED) October 23, 2024
Other requirements include being at least 16 years old, and participants must not be involved in the game development industry on a professional level. Potential candidates must also reside in Boston or be ready to travel there for onsite activities.
If you meet the criteria, you can log in to your CDPR account and sign up through this form. While there’s no guarantee which CDPR games will be available to playtest, the CDPR Boston studio does include several Cyberpunk 2077 veterans–like quest director Pawel Sasko–who are working on a Cyberpunk sequel.
Cyberpunk 2077’s rough launch led to a massive overhaul at CDPR, and the company has multiple games in development. The Witcher 4 currently has more than 400 people working on it, a remake of the first Witcher is underway, and a new IP called Project Hadar is also being worked on.
Formal shirts are an indispensable part of every man’s wardrobe. Whether you’re heading to the office, attending a wedding, or simply want to look polished, a well-fitted formal shirt can elevate your appearance instantly. But beyond just owning a few, knowing how to style them can make a world of difference.
This blog will cover some simple but impactful styling hacks for formal shirts for men, including how to work with check shirts, so you can always look your best.
1. Nail the Fit
The most important aspect of wearing formal shirts for men is the fit. Even the most expensive shirt won’t look good if it doesn’t fit well. When choosing a formal shirt, pay attention to three main areas: the shoulders, chest, and length.
Shoulders: The seam should sit directly on your shoulder line.Chest: There should be enough room to move comfortably, but not so much that the fabric billows.Length: Your shirt should be long enough to tuck in without constantly coming undone.
A perfectly fitted shirt is the foundation of a sharp look.
2. Choose the Right Collar Style
There are several types of collars available for formal mens luxury shirts, and each suits different face shapes and occasions. Here are some common collar styles:
Point Collar: The most traditional and versatile collar style. Works well for men with round or wide faces as it elongates the neck.Spread Collar: Great for a modern, trendy look. Ideal for men with narrow faces.Button-Down Collar: This is more casual but can be worn in less formal settings or with check shirts for a smart-casual vibe.
Pick the collar style that complements your facial structure and the occasion.
3. Master the Art of Layering
Layering adds a touch of sophistication to your outfit, and it’s a great way to keep warm during colder months while staying stylish.
Blazers and Suits: A classic option for formal occasions. Choose a blazer or suit jacket that complements the color and pattern of your shirt. Navy and charcoal work well with most shirt colors.Sweaters and Vests: For a more casual, preppy look, wear a sweater or vest over your formal shirt. This works especially well with check shirts, adding texture and depth to your outfit.
Make sure your layers aren’t too bulky, as you want to maintain a streamlined silhouette.
4. Tucking in the Shirt Properly
A tucked-in formal shirt is a must for professional settings, but how you tuck it in matters. The most common and effective way to tuck in a shirt is the military tuck. Here’s how you do it:
Step 1: Pull your shirt down so it sits flat against your torso.Step 2: Pinch the fabric at the sides and fold it back to create a slimmer look around your waist.Step 3: Tuck the shirt into your trousers and make sure it stays in place throughout the day.
This method ensures that your shirt doesn’t bunch up, keeping you looking sharp and neat.
5. Accessorize Smartly
Accessories can take your formal shirt styling to the next level. Here’s what to consider:
Ties: A well-chosen tie can transform your look. If you’re wearing a plain shirt, opt for a patterned tie, and if you’re wearing a check shirt, stick to solid colors or subtle patterns.Pocket Squares: These are excellent for adding a pop of color and personality to your outfit. A pocket square in a contrasting color can bring your ensemble together.Cufflinks: If your shirt has French cuffs, cufflinks are a must. Choose elegant, understated designs for formal events, and you can be a bit more playful for less formal occasions.
6. Play with Patterns and Colors
While plain white and blue shirts are classic, don’t be afraid to experiment with patterns and colors. Check shirts are a fantastic way to break the monotony of solid colors. Here’s how to incorporate them into your wardrobe:
Subtle Checks for Formal Events: Choose smaller check patterns in muted colors like navy, grey, or burgundy. These can easily be paired with a suit and tie without looking too casual.Bolder Checks for Casual Fridays: Larger check patterns work well for business-casual settings. Pair these shirts with chinos or dark jeans for a laid-back yet stylish look.
Remember, the key to pulling off a check shirt is to balance it with neutral tones in the rest of your outfit.
7. Cuff and Sleeve Game
How you wear your shirt sleeves can drastically change your overall appearance. For formal events, always keep your sleeves buttoned at the cuff and wear them properly under a blazer or suit. However, for a more relaxed look:
Rolling Up Sleeves: This is a great way to transition from a formal to a casual look during the day. To roll up sleeves neatly:Unbutton the cuff and fold the sleeve back once.Fold again, ensuring the roll stops below the elbow for a clean finish.
Rolling up your sleeves can also help showcase any accessories like a wristwatch or bracelets.
8. Pairing with the Right Trousers and Shoes
The choice of trousers and shoes can make or break your formal shirt look. Here’s what to consider:
Trousers: For a formal setting, always go for tailored trousers in neutral colors like black, navy, or grey. If you’re wearing a check shirt, opt for solid-colored trousers to avoid clashing patterns.Shoes: Classic leather shoes are your best bet. For a more casual setting, you can also pair formal shirts with loafers or brogues.
Make sure your trousers and shoes complement the overall color scheme of your outfit.
FAQs:
1. How should I choose the right fit for a formal shirt?
The key areas to focus on are the shoulders, chest, and length. The shoulder seams should align with your shoulders, the chest should have enough room for comfort without being too loose, and the shirt should be long enough to stay tucked in throughout the day.
2. Can I wear check shirts for formal occasions?
Yes, you can wear check shirts for formal occasions if the pattern is subtle and the colors are muted, like navy, grey, or burgundy. Pair it with solid-colored trousers and a blazer for a polished look.
3. What accessories should I pair with formal shirts?
Ties, pocket squares, and cufflinks are great accessories for formal shirts. Choose a tie that complements the shirt, a pocket square for a pop of color, and elegant cufflinks if you’re wearing French cuffs.
Conclusion
Formal shirts for men are versatile and stylish, but knowing how to wear and style them properly is key to looking polished. From mastering the fit to accessorizing smartly and experimenting with patterns like check shirts, these hacks will help you step up your formal shirt game. Incorporate these styling tips into your wardrobe, and you’ll always make a lasting impression, whether in the office or at a formal event.
Martha Stewart is looking back on life behind bars — including a stint in solitary confinement.
In 2004, the lifestyle entrepreneur was sentenced to five months in federal prison after being found guilty of conspiracy to obstruct and making false statements to federal investigators in connection with an insider trading case.
Stewart, 83, looks back on her imprisonment at Federal Prison Camp Alderson in West Virginia — which was nicknamed Camp Cupcake upon Stewart’s stay — in an upcoming Netflix documentary, Martha, including how she was placed in solitary confinement for touching a prison guard.
“Today I saw two very well-dressed ladies walking and I breezed by them, remarking on the beautiful warm morning and how nice they looked,” Stewart wrote in a letter from prison which is read out in the documentary, per People. “When I realized from the big silver key chain that they were guards, I lightly brushed the chain. Later I was called in to be told never, ever touch a guard without expecting severe reprimand.”
Related: Jen Shah, Elizabeth Holmes and More Celebs Who Became Friends in Prison
Plenty of celebrities have gone to prison and made lasting friendships on the inside, but only a handful get the chance to bond with other famous people. Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino — who spent eight months in New York’s FCI Otisville — connected with not one but two big names while he was serving time […]
Speaking on camera, Stewart says the “incident was so minor when it occurred” that she didn’t expect any punishment to follow.
But she soon realized she was wrong.
Martha StewartCourtesy of Netflix
“I was dragged into solitary for touching an officer,” Stewart says in the documentary. “No food or water for a day. This was Camp Cupcake, remember? That was the nickname. Camp Cupcake. It was not a cupcake.”
A Federal Bureau of Prisons representative told Us Weekly in a statement, “The FBOP confines offenders in facilities that are safe and humane. Every individual is provided with the basic necessities of life including regular meals three times a day and access to potable water regardless of where they are housed. We respectfully decline to address allegations from 2004. Generally speaking, FBOP has important practices in place to review any placement in restrictive housing and takes seriously, and refers to appropriate investigative authorities, allegations of retaliation against adults in custody.”
Stewart’s prison letters also detailed her living conditions during her five-month stint at FPC Alderson.
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Related: Martha Stewart’s Shadiest Quotes About Celebs, Business and More
Martha knows best? Martha Stewart is known for speaking her mind when it comes to fellow stars, the business world and more hot-button issues. In fact, she often sparks controversy with her snarky opinions. The businesswoman is perhaps as associated with her empire as she is with her ongoing feud with Gwyneth Paltrow regarding her […]
“My room contains an old double-decker bedstead metal spring and metal frame,” she wrote. “The springs are very saggy and thus an unhealthy bed set. I would actually prefer the top but over 62 years old and you automatically are given a lower bunk.”
Martha StewartKevin Mazur/Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Netflix
Stewart also noted the low standards for food in the prison, writing, “What worries me is the very poor quality of the food and the unavailability of fresh anything as there are many starches and many carbs, many fat foods. No pure anything.”
Martha premieres Wednesday, October 30, on Netflix.
Are you curious about creating NFTs but need help figuring out where to begin? With all the hype around NFTs, it is normal to feel confused and overwhelmed by the technical terms and processes. But you know what? Making an NFT is simpler. Today, I will take you through a step-by-step guide about how to create an NFT. Sounds good? Let’s dive in!
Before diving into the process, let’s quickly cover the basics for anyone new to the space. An NFT, or non-fungible token, is a unique digital asset that represents ownership of a specific item – be it artwork, music, a video, or virtual real estate plots. Unlike cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum, which are interchangeable, each NFT is one-of-a-kind and cannot be replaced with something else.
Now let’s jump into how you can create an NFT.
Tools and Platforms for Creating NFTs:
Before creating an NFT, there are a few fundamental components that must be in place. I’ll discuss it in detail.
1. A Virtual Wallet:
Source: nftify.network
To create Non-fungible Tokens, it is important to point out that you would also need a cryptocurrency wallet because, for almost all the NFT platforms, Ethereum (ETH) is used for transactions including for minting NFT. Some of the well-known wallets are:
MetaMask: MetaMask is a browser server extension that acts as both a wallet and a doorway to the Ethereum applications.
Coinbase Wallet: Coinbase is linked to the popular exchange, this is user-friendly for beginners.
Trust Wallet: Trust wallet is a decentralized wallet that is not only for storing coins but also for different cryptocurrencies and NFT stock cards.
But do you have to buy the cryptocurrency to start?
Yes, usually you need to have some Ethereum in your wallet to pay for minting. But don’t worry, we’ll talk about that in a bit.
2. An NFT Platform:
Source: yrcharisma.com
After configuring your wallet, the next step is to find a place where you can create and market your NFT. Numerous well-known NFT platforms are available today, each with slightly different capabilities. The leading ones include:
OpenSea: OpenSea is the largest and most frequently visited marketplace, which provides a unique form of customer service for most, if not all, digital assets.
Rarible: Rarible is a platform focused on the community that allows users to create, purchase, and sell NFTs.
Foundation: Foundation is a selective NFT marketplace that focuses on collectible artworks and exclusive releases.
SuperRare: SuperRare is a high-end marketplace focusing on unique, single-edition pieces of digital art.
3. Creation Tools:
Source: startupstash.com
This phase will involve creating the actual Non-Fungible Token (NFT). It can take several forms depending on the creative aspects, as it can be an image, video, or sound. If the user happens to be an artist or some form of a creative person, most probably the user will use:
Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator: Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator is something for creating digital graphic content.
Procreate: Procreate is a tool mostly utilized by digital illustrators.
Garage Band or Audacity: Garage Band and Audacity These help to create audio NFTs.
Blender or Maya: Blender and Maya are used for creating 3D models or animated characters.
You don’t need to be a professional artist to create NFTs. Simple doodles, memes, and generative art have also been successful. Your creativity is what counts.
The NFT Creation Process:
Source: techmoduler.com
Alright, you’ve got your wallet, you’re set on a marketplace, and you’ve got your creative juices flowing. Now let’s get into the step-by-step process of creating your NFT.
Step 1: Configuring Your Wallet
Install a digital wallet such as MetaMask first. Here’s how to go about it:
1. Download the app or extension.
2. To create an account, simply follow the instructions (it’s not that complicated).
3. Make sure you record your seed phrase in a secure location. If you misplace your wallet, you will be able to get it back thanks to this.
Step 2: Filling Your Wallet with Money
The next thing you’ll need is a cryptocurrency, most notably Ethereum, to pay for transaction costs, also referred to as “gas fees”. Depending on the platform, you can purchase Ethereum directly from your wallet or through services like Binance and Coinbase.
The common doubt can arise why would you need to pay for gas fees?
Gas fees are the price of interacting with the Ethereum blockchain and vary according to network demand. Some marketplaces, like OpenSea with “lazy minting,” allow you to mint NFTs for free and charge fees only when they are sold. We’ll talk about it next.
Step 3: Selecting an NFT Marketplace
Navigate to the marketplace of your choice (we’ll use OpenSea as an example). Click the wallet icon in the upper-right corner and choose MetaMask or your favorite wallet to connect your wallet.
Step 4: Minting Your NFT (Creating It)
Not, it’s time to create! How to mint your NFT is as follows:
1. Select the “Create” option.
2. Upload your file, which might be an audio, video, or picture.
3. If you want to add information like qualities or rarity (which is especially helpful if you’re making a collection), give your NFT a name, a description, and some properties.
4. Decide whether you want it to be a one-off (1/1) or part of a larger collection.
5. Simply select “Create” or “Mint” to get started. Your NFT is now on the blockchain.
Bonus: Lazy minting. Some platforms allow you to mint without upfront fees, where the buyer pays the gas fees when they purchase your NFT.
Step 5: Listing Your NFT for Sale:
Once your NFT has been created, you can put it up for sale:
1. Decide on an auction mode (where purchasers can submit bids) or set a price (in Ethereum).
2. Use your wallet to confirm the transaction (here is when the gas fees come in).
3. Your NFT is now available for purchase on the marketplace!
Tips for NFT Success:
Now that you know how to create an NFT, let’s talk about some strategies to help you stand out in the ever-growing NFT space.
1. Create Something Unique:
The core idea of NFTs is individuality. Yes, there is a market for anything from intricate 3D models to pixel art, but what makes your work unique? Find a way to differentiate your NFT, whether it’s through the experience it provides, the style, or the message.
2. Build a community:
Community is one of the main factors contributing to NFT’s success. NFT artists and collectors congregate on platforms such as Twitter and Discord. Participate in discussions, interact with people in the room, share your work, and add value. You’ll discover that investors are frequently more eager to purchase NFTs from known and trustworthy providers.
3. Collaborate with Other Creators:
Collaborating with other people is a great method to reach a wider audience. You might collaborate on original NFT productions with other musicians, artists, or even brands. Collaborations also frequently inject fresh creativity into your work.
4. Stay Active and Consistent:
In NFT, consistency is paramount. Continue to produce new pieces, be active on social media, and interact with your audience. You’ll have more opportunities to sell your NFTs the more you market yourself.
5. Experiment with Formats:
Don’t feel limited to just creating static images. Try out interactive NFTs, music, video, or 3D models. The more you expand the possibilities for an NFT, the more interested parties you’ll draw in.
So, there you have it, a full breakdown of how to create an NFT, from setting up your wallet to minting and selling your masterpiece. Hopefully, this guide has cleared up any questions or concerns you had about getting started. But now I want to hear from you:
What do you think about NFTs? Do you feel ready to jump into the world of digital ownership, or do you still have some hesitations? Let me know your thoughts!
Feel free to drop a comment or reach out with any questions. I’d love to continue the conversation and help you along your NFT journey! For more updates related to the world of Web3, subscribe to our newsletter!
