Bitcoin 101 - Calling All APIs - Live Streaming Price Data From Bitcoin Exchanges

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Confused about APIs and JSON? Looking to run an arbitrage business or build a data intensive site? Well this video is for you. This is the first of our videos looking at programming calls for exchange data. In just a few lines of code, we grab the last price from four exchanges (Btc-e, Kraken, Bitstamp and Bitfinex) and pseudo exchange extraordinaire, Coinbase. James walks you through the first steps of building a live feed of this data.

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NimbusMining: Is CoinWare EHC a Window Into Bitcoin Mining?

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NimbusMining: Is CoinWare EHC a Window Into Bitcoin Mining? (via PRWeb)

Nimbus Mining LLC allows anyone to get bitcoin and start mining bitcoin, using a new, revolutionary technology called CoinWare Elastic Hashing Cloud or CoinWare EHC™, which is like an operating system working on top of the bitcoin protocol, providing…

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Governor McAuliffe Signs Executive Order to Establish the Virginia Energy Council

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Governor McAuliffe signed Executive Order #16 today, which establishes the Virginia Energy Council. The Virginia Energy Council will assist in the development and implementation of a cohesive, comprehensive, and aggressive energy strategy for Virginia and deliver recommendations for the Virginia Energy Plan, which will be submitted to the General Assembly on October 1, 2014. Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones will chair the Council.  

Speaking about the executive order, Governor McAuliffe commented, “Virginia must develop an aggressive strategy to protect existing jobs in our energy industries while positioning the Commonwealth to be a leader in new energy technologies. An innovative energy strategy will enable us to attract the best businesses and entrepreneurs to Virginia, create more jobs in growing industries, and lead a 21^st Century Virginia economy. As we move forward with this process, the Virginia Energy Council will be an important partner as we work toward meeting our energy goals.”

Full Text of the Executive Order is Below:

EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER SIXTEEN (2014)

ESTABLISHING THE VIRGINIA ENERGY COUNCIL

Importance of the Issue

The Commonwealth of Virginia’s energy industry is a source of great pride, prosperity, and potential.  Historically, Virginia has ensured reliable and affordable energy, helping businesses and consumers thrive. The Commonwealth boasts tens of thousands of energy-related jobs, including miners, gas well crews, manufacturing workers, engineers, mechanics, computer programmers, accountants, and managers. Virginians can and should be proud of the energy industry, but a changing market and energy environment requires decisive action to position the Commonwealth to be a national leader in innovative energy generation and utilization. Virginia must continue to leverage its business-friendly climate, high-quality research and educational institutions, and varied energy resources to attract businesses and create jobs. This requires Virginia to develop and implement a cohesive, comprehensive, and aggressive strategy for energy policy. 

The Commonwealth will update the Virginia Energy Plan (“Plan”) to be submitted to the General Assembly by October 1, 2014. The Plan will address the objectives of the Commonwealth Energy Policy set forth in the Code of Virginia. 

These objectives include:

·       Accelerating the development and use of renewable energy sources – Virginia can become a hub of innovative and alternative energy research and development by focusing on expanding the use of the Commonwealth’s underutilized renewable assets, such as solar and offshore wind.

·       Increasing energy productivity through greater efficiency – Virginia can become a national leader in energy efficiency practices that will increase the productivity of the energy used by citizens and businesses throughout the Commonwealth, while not imposing a disproportionate adverse impact on economically disadvantaged or minority communities.

·       Promoting a diverse energy mix – Virginia should continue to increase the diversity of sources used to generate energy in the Commonwealth to ensure that we are not overly-reliant on particular sources.

·       Growing jobs in the energy sector – Virginia’s quality higher education institutions and world-class community college system are well-positioned to educate and prepare the next generation of energy workers. A trained and skilled energy workforce will attract new businesses and help expand existing businesses.

To achieve these objectives, it is critical that the Commonwealth engage the private sector, localities, and other interested stakeholders to develop significant and meaningful energy policies. 

Establishment of the Council

The Governor shall create The Virginia Energy Council (“Council”), an advisory group comprised of members representing all areas of the Commonwealth’s energy industry. The Council shall work to formulate a comprehensive and innovative energy plan. 

All members of the Council will be appointed by the Governor and shall serve at his pleasure.   

Responsibilities and Duties of the Council

The 20-25 person Council is charged with working to update the Virginia Energy Plan. Duties of the Virginia Energy Council include:

·       Receiving, reviewing, and evaluating input offered by Virginia’s residents and businesses related to the Plan;

·       Developing strategies to make Virginia a national leader in energy efficiency and ensure that the cost of energy for Virginia consumers remains highly competitive;

·       Developing strategies to increase the diversity of energy used to power Virginia, while ensuring a commitment to the most efficient use of existing energy sources;

·       Developing strategies to increase Virginia’s renewable energy economy and grow the entire energy industry in Virginia by retaining, expanding, and attracting businesses in the energy sector;

·       Developing strategies to increase the international export of Virginia’s coal;

·       Identifying opportunities to expand Virginia’s needed energy infrastructure and to increase the reliability of the Commonwealth’s existing energy infrastructure;

·       Reviewing an analysis of any regulations proposed or promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel-fired electric generating units under § 111(d) of the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7411(d);

·       Providing expertise and advice on other policy strategies deemed appropriate during the drafting of the Plan to grow the energy industry in the Commonwealth; and,

·       Monitoring the implementation of the Plan, providing strategic guidance to ensure successful achievement of Plan goals, and reviewing the interim update of the Plan required to be presented byOctober 1, 2017.

Council Staffing and Funding

Staff support for the Council shall be furnished by the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Secretary of Natural Resources, the Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy, and such other agencies and offices as designated by the Governor. Necessary funding to support the Council and its staff shall be $5000. All executive branch agencies shall cooperate fully with the Council and provide any assistance necessary, upon request of the Council or its staff.

The Council shall meet at the call of the Chairman.

Effective Date of the Executive Order

This Executive Order shall be effective upon signing and shall remain in force and effect from its signing unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.

Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia, this 4th day of June, 2014.

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Administration Appointments

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RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced additional appointments to his administration today. The appointees will join McAuliffe’s administration focused on finding common ground with members of both parties on issues that will grow Virginia’s economy and create more jobs across the Commonwealth.

Secretariat of Commerce and Trade

Meggie Lareau, Special Assistant

Meggie Lareau interned in Scheduling & Advance in the Governor’s office this past spring and was a part of the Governor-elect transition team beforehand. She also was deputy campus organizer for the McAuliffe campaign at the University of Richmond during her senior fall semester. She just graduated with a B.A. from the University of Richmond this May. She majored in International Studies concentration in Modern Europe and minored in Latin and Iberian Studies and History.

Secretariat of the Commonwealth

Board Appointments

Agriculture and Forestry

Virginia Beef Industry Board

• Marnie Potter Caldwell of Lexington, Field Representative, Rockbridge Farmers Cooperative
• George L. Jones of Brookneal, Beef Cattle Farm Manager, End of the Road Farms
• Mark A. Sowers of Floyd, Partner, Huckleberry Dairy

Virginia Pork Industry Board

• J. Nelson Link* of Alton, Owner, Link Farms Incorporated
• The Honorable Frank W. Nolen of Grottoes, former member of the Senate of Virginia and Owner, Grazelen Farm
• T. Sean O’Hara* of Richmond, Financial Institution Liaison, The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

Commerce and Trade

Virginia Coal Mine Safety Board

·       R. Thomas “Tom” Asbury of Wise, Safety Manager,  Alpha Natural Resources

·       Mike Kennedy of St. Paul, United Mine Workers of America (State of Virginia)

·       The Honorable Joseph Tate of Clintwood, Retired Circuit Court Clerk, Dickenson County

Virginia Gas and Oil Board

• William S. Harris* of Big Stone Gap, Retired
• Bruce A. Prather* of Abingdon, Consulting Geologist, Olin and Muriel Prather Charitable Foundation
• Donald L. Ratliff* of Big Stone Gap, Vice President of State Governmental Affairs, Alpha Natural Resources, LLC

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Governor McAuliffe Announces June as Business Appreciation Month

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RICHMOND, VA - Governor McAuliffe today announced that June will be designated as Virginia’s Business Appreciation Month to ensure that the history and growth of Virginia businesses are recognized across the Commonwealth.

See the proclamation below:

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

BUSINESS APPRECIATION MONTH

WHEREAS, Virginia businesses provide a wide array of products and services to customers throughout the world, and employ nearly 4 million people throughout the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Virginia is currently home to more than 30 Fortune 1,000 firms and more than 70 firms with annual revenues in excess of $1 billion; and

WHEREAS, Virginia ranks among the top ten states best prepared—in knowledge, innovation and internet technology—to navigate the  demands of an increasingly globalized economy; and

WHEREAS, Virginia businesses employ a diverse, high-skilled workforce—including the largest concentration of high-tech workers in the country—and generate increased economic opportunity and well-being for all Virginians; and

WHEREAS, Business Appreciation Month is an opportunity to acknowledge the essential role our thriving business community plays in contributing to a stronger, more prosperous Commonwealth;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Terence R. McAuliffe do hereby recognize June 2014 as BUSINESS APPRECIATION MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

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Levi's CEO Says Don't Wash Your Denim

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Denim aficionados claim you should never wash your jeans, instead freeze them once a month..  ABC News.

Our Notes:  Now here is one way to go green.  Stop washing your cloths altogether.  If you do not have to wash your jeans, why should you have to wash any other cloths?  Don't play in the dirt and stay away from anything greasy or grimy.  If your cloths smell, blame it on top fashion experts.  In fact, it will probably become fashionable to not wash cloths or yourself as part of going green here in the future.  If you can offend a skunk with your own body odor, then you have hit the peak of fashion.

  I think we will stick to the orange philosophy and keep showering as if water were plentiful everywhere.  Wait, it is.  Now go wash your smelly jeans.

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Governor Terry McAuliffe Announces Virginia is “All In” for Increasing Diversity in Clinical Trials

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RICHMOND - Governor McAuliffe today announced Virginia’s support for the “I’m In” campaign to encourage greater diversity of volunteers in clinical trials.  The “I’m In,” campaign launched by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America and the National Minority Quality Forum, seeks to raise awareness about participation in clinical trials among historically underrepresented populations through strategic outreach and partnerships. “I’m In” also supports the Forum’s Clinical Trial Engagement Network (CTEN) which enables prospective volunteers to connect with clinical trials and provides industry, physicians, researchers, and academic institutions with data to help focus clinical trial recruitment.

“This collaboration among many of the Commonwealth’s leading health care providers is a step forward in our effort to reduce harmful and costly health care disparities,” said Governor McAuliffe.  “By raising public awareness of the importance of patient volunteers for clinical trials and by improving our clinical trial infrastructure, Virginia will also be well-positioned to be one of the leading centers for biopharmaceutical research in the country.”

Clinical trials are important to the economy of the Commonwealth.  Over the last 15 years in Virginia, biopharmaceutical research companies have conducted more than 3,800 clinical trials of new medicines in collaboration with the state’s clinical research centers, university medical schools and hospitals.   Of these, more than 1,500 target the nation’s six most debilitating chronic diseases—asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, mental illnesses and stroke. 

Without the patients who volunteer to participate in clinical trials, the development of new treatments would not be possible. Yet, only a small percentage of Americans participate in clinical trials and Hispanics, Asians and African Americans are alarmingly underrepresented in clinical research.  Increasing diversity in clinical trials can help to ensure more effective medicines and treatments for patients across all ethnic and racial backgrounds.

This collaboration, which is still inviting new participants, will increase public awareness of the critical need for patients and other volunteers for clinical trials; raise the visibility of participating hospitals as clinical trial centers of excellence; facilitate infrastructure improvements through public-private partnerships; and establish Virginia as the first state in the union to demonstrate how the public, clinical sponsors, medical providers, and government, working collaboratively, can power a world-class medical research network that is sensitive to patient diversity.  

More information on the “I’m In” campaign can be found at http://www.joinimin.org

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Virginia Small Business Financing

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Virginia Small Business Financing Authority Receives An Additional $5.9 Million from U.S. Treasury to Assist Small Businesses

Virginia will use funds to help increase private lending and investment in small businesses located in the Commonwealth by partnering with Virginia’s banks.

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA) has secured an additional $5.9 million to help finance Virginia’s small businesses through a second disbursement from the U.S. Treasury Department’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). 

These SSBCI funds will support Virginia’s programs which are designed to help banks lend more to small businesses.  Popular programs such as the VSBFA’s Cash Collateral Program, Capital Access Program, Economic Development Loan Fund, and the Loan Participation Program will be available to more businesses as a result of this funding.  In addition, the VSBFA will use some of the funds to partner with Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) to enhance CIT’s GAP Fund which is designed to assist Virginia entrepreneurs in Virginia-based technology, clean tech and life science companies.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Supporting and growing Virginia’s small businesses is at the heart of my vision for growing and diversifying Virginia’s economy. I am pleased that Virginia’s success in assisting small businesses has been recognized by the U.S. Treasury and that Virginia has been rewarded by the receipt of these additional funds to be used to grow this critical segment of our economy.  With the help of Virginia’s banks and private equity investors, we hope to leverage these funds to generate millions more in private sector dollars for Virginia’s economy.”

Through the fiscal year to date, the VSBFA has helped Virginia’s banks lend over $16 million to 98 businesses which have created 357 new jobs and retained 413 existing jobs for a total of 770 jobs in the Commonwealth.

Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Maurice Jones, added, “Virginia’s small businesses and entrepreneurs are a vital part of Virginia’s economy.  The VSBFA’s successful deployment of these funds, the additional investment by our banks, and the job creation provided by small businesses as a result, demonstrates that Virginia’s economy and its businesses remain dynamic and is one of the reasons why Virginia is the best state for business.”

“Small businesses have been able to expand and hire new workers as a result the successful partnership between Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative and the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Cliff Kellogg, the Director of the State Small Business Credit Initiative.

“These funds will build on that success by providing local entrepreneurs and small business owners greater access to new sources of capital to help create jobs and promote growth among Virginia’s small businesses.”

About the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority and Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technology

The VSBFA was created in 1984 and is an important tool in providing the necessary capital to help the Commonwealth’s small business sector grow.  Created in 1985, CIT, a non-profit corporation, plugs gaps at the earliest stages of the Innovation Continuum – commercialization and seed funding – as it helps entrepreneurs launch and grow high-growth technology companies and create high-paying jobs for the future.  More information about the VSBFA and CIT can be found on their respective websites.  For VSBFA:  http://www.vabankers.org/VSBFA.aspx .  For CIT:  http://www.cit.org.