Latest news with #stabilization
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Trump expected to sign executive order to lift some sanctions on Syria
Donald Trump is expected to issue an executive order to lift some financial sanctions on Syria in a move that the White House says will help stabilise the country after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. The US was expected on Monday to 'terminate the United States' sanctions programme on Syria', a White House spokesperson said, cancelling a 2004 declaration that froze Syrian government property and limited exports to Syria over Damascus's chemical weapons programme. Some sanctions will remain on Syria, including those mandated through Congress under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019 that targeted funds for reconstruction and natural gas development, as well as the US declaration of Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism. White House officials said that the executive order would maintain pressure on the former leader Assad and his entourage. 'The order will remove sanctions on Syria while maintaining sanctions on the former president, Assad, his associates, human rights abusers, drug traffickers, persons linked to chemical weapons activities, Islamic State and their affiliates, and Iranian proxies,' said White House press spokesperson Karoline Leavitt during a briefing on Monday. The move was widely anticipated after Donald Trump briefly met with Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, who led forces that overthrew Assad in December. Sharaa has complained that the sanctions against Syria had made it difficult to stabilise his fragile transition government, citing issues with paying civil servant wages and funding reconstruction. Trump pledged in May to lift all sanctions on Syria following Assad's removal from power.
Geeky Gadgets
17-06-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Unlock Better iPhone Videos: Don't Make This Mistake
Creating high-quality videos with your iPhone has never been more accessible, but one critical mistake can significantly impact your results. Whether you're creating content for social media, professional projects, or personal use, avoiding this error is essential to producing polished and engaging videos. Let's explore this common misstep and how you can ensure your iPhone videos stand out with clarity and professionalism in a new video from iPhone Photography School. Watch this video on YouTube. The Most Common Mistake: Neglecting Stabilization One of the most frequent errors made by iPhone users is neglecting proper stabilization. Shaky footage can be distracting and reduce the overall quality of your video, making it appear unprofessional. While iPhones come equipped with advanced image stabilization features, relying solely on these built-in tools often falls short of delivering the smooth, polished results you may be aiming for. To address this, always incorporate stabilization tools like a tripod or gimbal into your filming process. These accessories provide the steady foundation needed to eliminate unwanted motion, making sure your videos are visually appealing and professional. By prioritizing stabilization, you can lay the groundwork for creating high-quality content that captures your audience's attention. Key Tips to Enhance iPhone Video Quality Achieving professional-grade videos with your iPhone requires more than just stabilization. Paying attention to several critical factors can elevate your content and make it stand out. Here are some actionable tips to help you improve your video quality: Lighting: Proper lighting is essential for creating clear and vibrant footage. Natural light is often the best option, but when filming indoors, consider using tools like softbox lights or ring lights to minimize shadows and create an even, flattering tone. Proper lighting is essential for creating clear and vibrant footage. Natural light is often the best option, but when filming indoors, consider using tools like softbox lights or ring lights to minimize shadows and create an even, flattering tone. Resolution and Frame Rate: Set your iPhone to the highest resolution and frame rate available. For most projects, 4K at 30fps provides an excellent balance between visual quality and manageable file sizes. Set your iPhone to the highest resolution and frame rate available. For most projects, 4K at 30fps provides an excellent balance between visual quality and manageable file sizes. Audio Quality: High-quality audio is just as important as sharp visuals. Use an external microphone to capture clear sound, especially in environments with background noise or poor acoustics. High-quality audio is just as important as sharp visuals. Use an external microphone to capture clear sound, especially in environments with background noise or poor acoustics. Focus and Exposure: Tap on your subject to lock focus and manually adjust the exposure. This ensures consistent brightness and prevents the camera from refocusing unnecessarily during your shoot. By implementing these techniques, you can significantly enhance the quality of your iPhone videos, making them more engaging and professional. Advanced Techniques for Professional Results To elevate your iPhone videography further, consider adopting advanced techniques that professionals often use. These methods can add a layer of sophistication to your videos and help you stand out: Composition: Use the rule of thirds to frame your subject effectively. Enable the grid feature on your iPhone to guide your composition and create visually balanced, aesthetically pleasing shots. Use the rule of thirds to frame your subject effectively. Enable the grid feature on your iPhone to guide your composition and create visually balanced, aesthetically pleasing shots. Camera Movement: Incorporate slow, deliberate movements to achieve cinematic results. Avoid abrupt pans or tilts unless they serve a specific purpose in your video, as sudden movements can feel jarring to viewers. Incorporate slow, deliberate movements to achieve cinematic results. Avoid abrupt pans or tilts unless they serve a specific purpose in your video, as sudden movements can feel jarring to viewers. Editing: Post-production is where your footage truly comes to life. Use editing software like iMovie, Final Cut Pro, or Adobe Premiere to refine your video by adjusting color grading, adding transitions, and enhancing overall visual appeal. These advanced techniques not only improve the visual quality of your videos but also help convey a sense of professionalism that resonates with your audience. Common Mistakes to Avoid In addition to neglecting stabilization, there are other common mistakes that can detract from the quality of your videos. Avoiding these pitfalls will help you maintain a high production standard: Vertical Filming: Unless your content is specifically designed for vertical platforms like Instagram Stories or TikTok, always film in landscape mode. This orientation provides a more versatile and professional appearance. Unless your content is specifically designed for vertical platforms like Instagram Stories or TikTok, always film in landscape mode. This orientation provides a more versatile and professional appearance. Distracting Backgrounds: A cluttered or busy background can divert attention from your subject. Opt for clean, simple settings to keep the focus on what matters most. A cluttered or busy background can divert attention from your subject. Opt for clean, simple settings to keep the focus on what matters most. Battery and Storage Issues: Ensure your iPhone is fully charged and has sufficient storage space before filming. Running out of battery or storage mid-shoot can disrupt your workflow and compromise your project. By steering clear of these errors, you can maintain the integrity of your video production and deliver polished, high-quality results. Best Practices for Consistent Quality Consistency is key to producing high-quality videos. By adopting these best practices, you can streamline your workflow and ensure every project meets a professional standard: Plan Your Shots: Outline your video's structure and create a shot list before filming. This preparation helps you stay organized and ensures a smoother production process. Outline your video's structure and create a shot list before filming. This preparation helps you stay organized and ensures a smoother production process. Experiment with Settings: Take the time to familiarize yourself with your iPhone's camera settings. Experiment with different configurations to find the optimal setup for your specific project, whether it's a vlog, tutorial, or promotional video. Take the time to familiarize yourself with your iPhone's camera settings. Experiment with different configurations to find the optimal setup for your specific project, whether it's a vlog, tutorial, or promotional video. Practice Regularly: The more you film, the more comfortable and skilled you'll become. Regular practice allows you to refine your techniques and improve your results over time. By incorporating these habits into your workflow, you can consistently produce videos that are polished, engaging, and professional. Gain further expertise in iPhone filming by checking out these recommendations. Source & Image Credit: iPhone Photography School Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
BBC News
05-06-2025
- BBC News
Temporary resin fix for West Bay's crumbling harbour walls
Resin is to be in injected into a crumbling harbour wall to stabilise it ahead of the busy tourist season.A footpath along the harbour wall in West Bay, Dorset, has been closed for eight months after cracks led to fears it could sheet piling was installed in February and March to prevent further deterioration ahead of the "interim measure".Dorset Council says major, "lasting" works on the structure are due to begin in October. Scaffolding installed for the sheet piling will be reconfigured to create a platform for contractors to carry out the geopolymer injection structure will be returned to its original configuration ahead of the summer Council said access to businesses would not be affected and shops and cafes would remain open as services councillor Jon Andrews said: "These repairs are vital to ensuring the long-term stability of West Bay Harbour, a key part of our coastal infrastructure. "We appreciate the patience and co-operation of local businesses and residents as we carry out these essential works. "Our priority is to complete them efficiently while minimising disruption, and we are grateful for the continued support of the community." You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Zawya
01-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai's property market enters stabilization phase in 2025, signaling a maturing investment landscape
Dubai, UAE – Asico, a prominent real estate brokerage and developer in Dubai, announces a significant shift in Dubai's property market dynamics. Following a period of remarkable growth where residential property prices surged by approximately 60% between 2022 and early 2025, driven by strong international investor interest, the market is now entering a phase of stabilization in 2025. This transition indicates a move towards a more balanced and sustainable trajectory. Several key indicators point towards this stabilization: Price Adjustments: As of January 2025, the average price per square foot stood at AED 1,484, reflecting a slight 0.57% month-on-month dip, indicating a cooling from the rapid escalation witnessed in previous years. Shift in Demand: While luxury properties continue to attract interest, there's a noticeable shift towards mid-market and affordable housing. In 2024, two out of five ready home sales were valued at less than AED 1 million, highlighting a broader market appeal and a move towards more sustainable growth. Supply Dynamics: Developers are responding to the evolving market by accelerating construction schedules, aiming to bring handovers forward by 3-6 months. This proactive approach is designed to meet the current demand and prevent potential shortages, contributing to market equilibrium. Wail Abualhamail, Director of Real Estate at Asico, commented on these developments, stating, 'The current phase of stabilization reflects the natural progression of a maturing market. We are seeing a shift from speculative buying towards more strategic, long-term investments. At Asico, we believe this evolution is a healthy sign, indicating investor confidence, improved regulation, and a more sustainable future for Dubai's real estate sector.' Despite the stabilization, Dubai's real estate market continues to exhibit robust performance. In February 2025, the market recorded a 32% increase in transaction volume and a 37% rise in value compared to the same period in 2024, totaling over AED 50 billion. The off-plan market remains a significant driver of this activity, with a 38% increase in volume and a 60% increase in value year-over-year. Key areas such as Dubai Creek Harbour, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, and Dubai Hills have been particularly popular for off-plan investments. The Dubai government's ongoing strategic initiatives are also playing a crucial role in bolstering the real estate sector. The Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the emirate's economy by 2033, specifically focuses on enhancing the contribution of the real estate sector. Furthermore, policies such as the Golden Visa programme and the provision for 100% foreign ownership in certain sectors have further strengthened investor confidence in the market. As the market enters this phase of stabilization, investors are presented with opportunities to make informed decisions in a more predictable environment. The increasing focus on mid-market properties opens avenues for a broader range of investments, while the sustained overall demand underscores the market's long-term strength. According to Asico, this stabilization period signifies a maturing of Dubai's property sector, where factors such as quality, thoughtful planning, and strategic location are expected to be the primary drivers of long-term returns, moving away from reliance on short-term speculation. About Asico Asico is a full-service real estate brokerage and developer based in Dubai, UAE, specializing in sourcing premium listings, facilitating exclusive developer collaborations, and offering turnkey solutions to investors. With an integrated property management division, Asico provides end-to-end services, ensuring seamless experiences for property owners and tenants alike. With a customer-centric approach and deep market expertise, Asico caters to a diverse clientele, from individual homebuyers to institutional investors. About Al Suwaidi Investment Founded in the 1990s, Al Suwaidi Investment is a leading investment firm based in Dubai, UAE, with a diversified portfolio spanning real estate, hospitality, and other sectors. Known for its commitment to excellence and innovation, the company has played a significant role in shaping Dubai's economic landscape. Al Suwaidi Investment's ventures consistently reflect its vision of driving growth, fostering partnerships, and delivering value across industries. For media enquiries, please contact: Sarah Alexandra Morris PR Manager
