Under armor usa. Under Armour’s Manufacturing Challenges: Balancing US Production and Global Realities

How does Under Armour balance domestic manufacturing with global production. What are the challenges of bringing jobs back to America. Can US-made products compete with cheaper imports. How does automation impact job creation in the apparel industry.

Table of Contents

Under Armour’s Stance on US Manufacturing

Under Armour, the renowned sportswear company, has recently made headlines with CEO Kevin Plank’s comments on President Trump’s pro-business stance. Plank, now part of Trump’s manufacturing jobs initiative, has expressed enthusiasm for bringing more manufacturing jobs back to the United States. This shift in perspective marks a significant change from his initial reaction to Trump’s election.

At the heart of Under Armour’s domestic manufacturing efforts is the UA Lighthouse facility. This 35,000-square-foot building, opened before Trump’s presidency, serves as a “groundbreaking new design and manufacturing hub.” The facility recently produced the Arris Project, Under Armour’s new Made in America collection.

The Global Manufacturing Landscape

Despite these efforts, the reality of Under Armour’s manufacturing process remains largely global. Nearly two-thirds of the company’s products are manufactured in China, Jordan, Vietnam, and Indonesia. This global production network highlights the complexities involved in transitioning to domestic manufacturing.

The Automation Factor

One of the key factors in modern manufacturing is automation. Plank has acknowledged that the apparel industry has been making clothes the same way for a century and aims to change that through innovation at UA Lighthouse. However, automation presents a double-edged sword: while it can bring manufacturing back to the US, it may not necessarily create a significant number of jobs.

Adidas’ Speedfactories, for example, are highly automated and require only 160 employees.
Plank acknowledges that bringing back all manufacturing jobs is unrealistic, but hopes to create a few thousand jobs through innovation.

The Cost Implications of US Manufacturing

Manufacturing in the United States inevitably impacts product costs. Under Armour must raise prices to offset higher domestic manufacturing expenses. This pricing challenge is not unique to Under Armour; New Balance faces similar issues with its Made in America collection, which can cost significantly more than its core line products.

For Under Armour, already grappling with sluggish sales, the potential impact of higher prices on consumer demand is a critical consideration. Can the company strike a balance between domestic production and competitive pricing?

The Job Creation Dilemma

The promise of job creation through domestic manufacturing is complex. While it may create some factory jobs, it could potentially impact other sectors of the economy. For instance, Under Armour’s use of the port of Baltimore for shipping provides thousands of jobs to local residents. A significant shift to domestic manufacturing could affect these existing jobs.

Quality vs. Quantity of Jobs

When considering job creation, it’s crucial to examine not just the number of jobs but also their quality. Manufacturing jobs created through automation may require different skill sets than traditional factory work. How can Under Armour ensure that the jobs created align with the skills of the available workforce?

The Reality of Partial Domestic Manufacturing

Despite the push for domestic manufacturing, a complete transition is unlikely for most companies, including Under Armour. Plank has expressed concerns about the potential impact of a border tax on consumer goods companies and retailers. This highlights the ongoing reliance on global supply chains and the challenges of fully transitioning to domestic production.

A border tax could significantly impact companies that import goods or materials.
Moving 100% of production to the US would require massive investment and likely lead to increased consumer prices.
Balancing domestic and international production remains a key challenge for apparel companies.

The Broader Impact on the Apparel Industry

Under Armour’s experiences with domestic manufacturing serve as a case study for the broader apparel industry. As companies navigate changing policies, from domestic taxes to tariffs and automation, they must constantly reassess their manufacturing strategies.

How will these changes impact the average consumer? Will we see a trend towards higher-priced, domestically produced goods, or will companies find innovative ways to balance cost and origin?

Innovation and the Future of US Manufacturing

The UA Lighthouse facility represents more than just a return to domestic manufacturing; it symbolizes innovation in the production process. How might advancements in technology and manufacturing techniques reshape the landscape of apparel production in the United States?

Potential Technological Advancements

3D printing for rapid prototyping and customization
Advanced robotics for precision manufacturing
AI-driven design and production planning

These innovations could potentially create new types of jobs in the manufacturing sector, requiring a blend of technical and creative skills. How will educational institutions and workforce development programs adapt to prepare workers for these evolving roles?

Consumer Perceptions and Buying Behavior

The success of domestic manufacturing initiatives like Under Armour’s Arris Project ultimately depends on consumer reception. Are American consumers willing to pay a premium for domestically produced goods? How important is the “Made in USA” label to the average shopper?

Research suggests that while many consumers express a preference for American-made products, price remains a crucial factor in purchasing decisions. Under Armour and similar companies must navigate this delicate balance between patriotic appeal and economic realities.

Marketing Strategies for Domestic Production

To justify higher prices for domestically manufactured goods, companies like Under Armour may need to develop sophisticated marketing strategies. These could include:

Emphasizing quality and craftsmanship
Highlighting the environmental benefits of local production
Appealing to consumers’ desire to support the American economy

How effective are these strategies in influencing consumer behavior, and how might they evolve as more companies explore domestic manufacturing?

The Role of Government Policy

Government policies play a crucial role in shaping the landscape of domestic manufacturing. While initiatives like Trump’s manufacturing jobs program aim to boost American production, the complexities of global trade make implementation challenging.

Policies that could impact companies like Under Armour include:

Tax incentives for domestic manufacturing
Tariffs on imported goods
Investment in workforce development and training programs
Research and development grants for manufacturing innovation

How might changes in these policies affect Under Armour’s strategy and the broader apparel industry? What role should government play in supporting domestic manufacturing while maintaining a competitive global market?

Sustainability and Domestic Manufacturing

The push for domestic manufacturing aligns with growing consumer interest in sustainability and ethical production. Local production can potentially reduce carbon footprints associated with transportation and allow for greater oversight of working conditions.

However, sustainability in manufacturing extends beyond geography. How can Under Armour and similar companies ensure that their domestic production is truly sustainable? This might involve:

Sourcing eco-friendly materials
Implementing energy-efficient manufacturing processes
Developing circular economy initiatives for product recycling

As consumers become increasingly environmentally conscious, how might the intersection of domestic manufacturing and sustainability shape the future of the apparel industry?

The Global Competitive Landscape

While Under Armour explores domestic manufacturing, it must remain competitive in a global market. How does the company balance its American production initiatives with the need to compete against international brands that may have lower production costs?

This balancing act involves several considerations:

Maintaining price competitiveness
Ensuring product quality across all production locations
Managing a complex supply chain that spans multiple countries
Adapting to varying consumer preferences in different markets

As Under Armour navigates these challenges, its strategies may provide valuable insights for other American companies considering a shift towards domestic manufacturing.

The Future of Work in Manufacturing

The evolution of manufacturing in the United States, as exemplified by Under Armour’s initiatives, raises important questions about the future of work. As automation and advanced technologies become more prevalent, what skills will be most valuable in the manufacturing sector?

Potential areas of focus for future manufacturing workers might include:

Advanced machinery operation and maintenance
Data analysis and interpretation
Quality control in high-tech environments
Sustainable manufacturing practices

How can educational institutions, companies, and government agencies collaborate to prepare the workforce for these evolving roles? What role might apprenticeship programs or specialized training initiatives play in bridging the skills gap?

The Impact on Local Economies

Under Armour’s domestic manufacturing efforts, particularly in Baltimore, highlight the potential impact of such initiatives on local economies. How do these manufacturing hubs affect surrounding communities?

Potential benefits might include:

Direct job creation in manufacturing
Indirect job creation in supporting industries
Increased local tax revenues
Opportunities for local suppliers and service providers

However, the transition to domestic manufacturing may also present challenges for communities, such as the need for infrastructure upgrades or shifts in the local job market. How can companies like Under Armour work with local governments and community organizations to ensure that their manufacturing initiatives provide maximum benefit to the surrounding areas?

The Role of Consumer Education

As companies like Under Armour increase their domestic manufacturing efforts, consumer education becomes increasingly important. How can brands effectively communicate the value proposition of American-made products to consumers?

Key aspects of consumer education might include:

Explaining the quality benefits of domestic production
Highlighting the economic impact of supporting American manufacturing
Discussing the environmental benefits of shorter supply chains
Addressing misconceptions about the cost of American-made goods

What role might social media, in-store experiences, and traditional marketing play in this educational effort? How can Under Armour and similar companies create a narrative that resonates with consumers and justifies potentially higher prices for domestically produced items?

Innovation in Supply Chain Management

The shift towards increased domestic manufacturing presents opportunities for innovation in supply chain management. How might Under Armour leverage technology and new management practices to create more efficient and responsive supply chains?

Potential areas for innovation include:

Blockchain technology for enhanced traceability
AI-powered demand forecasting
Just-in-time manufacturing techniques
Advanced inventory management systems

By optimizing its supply chain, Under Armour could potentially offset some of the additional costs associated with domestic manufacturing. How might these innovations in supply chain management reshape the competitive landscape in the apparel industry?

The Global Implications of Domestic Manufacturing

While the focus on domestic manufacturing aims to benefit the American economy, it’s important to consider the global implications of such shifts. How might Under Armour’s move towards increased US production affect its international operations and relationships?

Considerations include:

Impact on employment in current manufacturing countries
Potential changes in international trade relationships
Adaptation of global marketing strategies
Balancing domestic and international stakeholder interests

As multinational companies like Under Armour navigate these complex issues, how might their decisions shape global economic patterns and international business practices?

Under Armour’s Trump Stance Reveals the Challenges of Manufacturing in the US

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Put Under Armour in the pro-Trump column. The sportswear company’s CEO Kevin Plank went on CNBC earlier today and offered praise for the president: “To have such a pro-business president is something that is a real asset for the country.”

It’s a far cry from what Plank said on the day of the election: “I stayed up until 4 a.m. this morning watching the coverage myself,” he told Footwear News. “I think we all had the same reaction… But this is going to be our president, and we all have to embrace it.”

Now Plank is one of the CEOs participating in Trump’s manufacturing jobs initiative, along with executives from Dell Technologies, Whirpool, and Ford — probably because he, like the president, is passionate about manufacturing in America.

Under Armour’s moves to bring more manufacturing jobs back to the States include the brand’s UA Lighthouse facility. The 35,000-square-foot building opened last year — a.k.a. pre-Trump — and is a “groundbreaking new design and manufacturing hub,” according to the brand’s site. Under Armour’s new Made in America collection, titled the Arris Project, was developed at the UA Lighthouse and just hit stores last week.

However, nearly two-thirds of Under Armour’s products are manufactured in China, Jordan, Vietnam, and Indonesia, according to The Baltimore Sun. The Lighthouse and the Arris Project it birthed illuminate many of the complications that emerge in the seemingly straightforward effort to bring jobs back to America.

Does bringing manufacturing back to the US actually bring jobs back?

Plank has lamented that we’ve been making clothes the same way for 100 years, and he hopes to change that with the innovation happening at UA Lighthouse. But a huge innovation in the footwear industry, as in other industries, is automation. Adidas now has two Speedfactories, its automated robot-helmed sites. According to Fortune, these only require 160 employees, cutting out many of the humans formerly needed for this kind of factory work.

Plank is fully aware of this tradeoff. When asked about creating jobs in the US, Plank told Footwear News, “It’s not pegged to have 175,000 of those jobs come back to America. I just wonder if there is a way that we can be more thoughtful, creative, and innovative. What if we could bring 100 of those jobs or 500 or 1,000 or 10,000 here?”

How does that affect the costs of products?

Even if we bring back just a few jobs by manufacturing in America, that impacts costs. Under Armour has to raise prices to keep up with manufacturing costs, and part of the company’s experimentation around Lighthouse is testing how much the American consumer is willing to pay for American-made goods. It’s a challenge New Balance has with its own Made in America collection: The NB Made in America shoes cost upwards of $165, compared to shoes in its core line that cost $100 less.

Under Armour’s recent financial hardships haven’t been directly attributable to Made-in-the-USA price hikes. But with a company already suffering from sluggish sales, it’s doubtful it would help.

What kind of jobs do we really want, though?

Then there’s the tradeoff of jobs. Under Armour was hailed in 2015 for moving its shipping to the port of Baltimore. The port provides Baltimore residents with 14,600 jobs, according to The Baltimore Sun — if Under Armour stopped shipping a large majority of its products there, wouldn’t those jobs inevitably dwindle?

Bringing some manufacturing back to the US doesn’t mean bringing all of it.

For all his enthusiasm about making products in Baltimore, Plank said on CNBC today, “The border tax would have an absolutely very, very difficult effect on all companies in the consumer space, particularly retailers,” adding, “It’s the number one issue when you ask me about the new administration.”

A border tax would penalize companies that import goods or materials, and that’s something that almost every American retailer still relies on heavily. Moving 100 percent of production into the United States would take a huge investment by any retail company — which could also mean increased prices for consumers.

No matter what, apparel companies and retailers are going to feel the impact of any change from above, from domestic taxes and tariffs to automation. Under Armour is but one case study to see how all these policies decisions affect the normal consumer.

Update: February 8th, 2017, 11:51 a.m.

This article has been updated to include comment from Under Armour.

Under Armour released a statement reiterating Plank’s role on the American Manufacturing Council and the company’s commitment to American jobs and manufacturing:

We engage in policy, not politics. We believe in advocating for fair trade, an inclusive immigration policy that welcomes the best and the brightest and those seeking opportunity in the great tradition of our country, and tax reform that drives hiring to help create new jobs globally, across America and in Baltimore.
We have teammates from different religions, races, nationalities, genders and sexual orientations; different ages, life experiences and opinions. This is the core of our company. At Under Armour, our diversity is our strength, and we will continue to advocate for policies that Protect Our House, our business, our team, and our community.

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Shopping bag

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Under Armour Shipping FAQ

✈️ Does Under Armour USA ship internationally?

Yes, some items are shipped internationally by Under Armour. However, if your country is not on the list of countries eligible for the delivery, feel free to use a package forwarding company like Planet Express. It works in 3 simple steps:
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? How much is the international shipping from Under Armour?

The estimated shipping costs and delivery times for a package (2.2 lbs, 11×10×5 inches | 1 kg, 28×25.5×12.7 cm) sent from the US to Sydney, Australia are the following:
Planet Mail Express | $25.16 | 20–28 business days
USPS Express | $40.67 | 7–10 business days
FedEx Economy | $35.00 | 4–7 business days
FedEx Priority | $38.96 | 3–5 business days
DHL Worldwide Express | $65.79 | 2–4 business days
Note: The prices were calculated with the Planet Express postage calculator on the 20th of April, 2020. Delivery address: Sydney, Australia, ZIP 2000.
TIP: Calculate the price of the shipping in advance (even before you receive the package in the US) with our postage calculator.

?How do I get international shipping on Under Armour?

Use a package forwarding company like Planet Express. It works in 3 simple steps:
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#3 Step: You can select the shipping method from the US to almost any country in the world including the UK, Germany, Australia, India, Russia, Japan, and much more! It is easy and surprisingly cheap.
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?? Does Under Armour ship to India?

Unfortunately, Under Armour doesn’t ship to India (source). But, you can use the Planet Express package forwarding service. We will provide you with a US address where you can receive orders from Under Armour USA. When we receive your package(s), we forward it (them) to India. Read more on how to ship Under Armour from the USA to India.

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Under Armour USA Online Shopping International Shipping │ USGoBuy.com

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Under Armour – Statistics & Facts

Under Armour started with a simple plan to make a superior T-shirt. A shirt that provided compression and took perspiration off your skin rather than absorb it. A shirt that worked with your body to regulate temperature and enhance performance. Under Armour is the originator of performance apparel – sportswear engineered to keep athletes cool, dry and light throughout the course of a game, practice or workout. The company has generated nearly 5.3 billion U.S. dollars in sales worldwide.

As of 2019, Under Armour employed over sixteen thousand employees and has, aside from its global headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland, offices all over the world. In the United States alone, Under Armour had 153 retail stores in operation as of 2018. Under Armour generates the majority of its revenue in the United States. In 2019, this figure stood at approximately 3.4 billion U.S. dollars. The manufacturer’s most successful product category is its apparel segment, which represented a 66 percent share of total sales, while footwear and accessories sales accounted for 21 percent and 8 percent respectively in 2019.

The success of Under Armour is attributed to its innovative use of fabric technologies, eco-friendly operations and high brand recognition, from both professional athletes and local communities. Some of Under Armour’s most talked-about celebrity endorsements come from the NFL’s Tom Brady and Olympians Michael Phelps and Lindsey Vonn. The company’s logo has become a permanent fixture of many professional sporting events, from football and boxing matches to snowboarding and gymnastics competitions. Additionally, Under Armour provides equipment for many collegiate sporting events, most notably for the University of Maryland, the alma mater of founder Kevin Plank. The sportswear company invested about 579 million U.S. dollars in marketing activities in 2019.

This text provides general information. Statista assumes no
liability for the information given being complete or correct.
Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date
data than referenced in the text.

Berks-based goalkeeper elite equips USA gymnastics at the Olympics | Money

GK Elite Its competitive training apparel has announced through the official apparel sponsorship of USA Gymnastics that Team USA gymnasts will wear it on the mat at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

Reading-based GK Previous Olympic clothingThis is the first time the GK Elite brand has been featured in leotards and apparel worn by women’s and men’s gymnastics teams at competitions, an honor previously held by Under Armor and Adidas.

In a statement, Jirisha Chandra Raj, president and chief executive officer of elite sportswear, said, “The goalkeeper elite has a rich tradition as the main apparel for competitive gymnasts, and Team USA has this. We are proud to represent the brand on the biggest stage of sport. ” “We are excited to continue our partnership with USA Gymnastics, working together to encourage and inspire gymnasts around the world to feel and perform at their best. We are in Tokyo. We are proud to represent Team USA and look forward to supporting the women’s and men’s teams for the gold medal. “

In a press release, GK Elite said the design worn by Team USA will be announced on the mat during the competition in Tokyo. Leotards and men’s apparel all incorporate powerful design clues that provide insight into patriotism, strength and self-confidence. In addition, each women’s leotard is adorned with thousands of sparkling Swarovski crystals, giving every athlete a spectacular glow.

Examples of leotard patriotic themes include the Women’s Team Final Leotard with 7,600 Swarovski crystals and another competitive leotard with 76 hand-up liqués in favor of American Revolution in 1776. ..

All uniforms were designed, cut and assembled at the Elite Sportswear Headquarters on North 13th Street. Limited production of replica leotards and men’s shirts, also made in the United States, will be available for purchase following the debut of competitive leotards and apparel during the competition. gkelite.com..

“We know that the GK Elite has been an important partner in USA gymnastics for over 20 years and shares our commitment to support gymnasts of all ages and disciplines.” , USA Gymnastics President and CEO Li Li Leung said in a statement. .. “We look forward to seeing our team competing for the best goalkeeper apparel at the Olympics.”

GK Elite is also equipped in other gymnastics federations around the world, including Canadian Gymnastics, Australian Gymnastics and the Netherlands.

The Tokyo Olympics, one year behind due to the coronavirus pandemic, will be held from July 23rd to August 8th. Gymnastics will be held from July 24th to August 3rd.

Berks-based goalkeeper elite equips USA gymnastics at the Olympics | Money

Source link Berks-based goalkeeper elite equips USA gymnastics at the Olympics | Money

90,000 “Ghost in the Shell” failed at the American box office

14:48, 03.04.2017

Paramount didn’t expect such a bad start in the US.

In the first weekend of rental, the blockbuster “Ghost in the Shell” earned only $ 19 million, although analysts predicted a little more earnings – $ 25 million.For a picture with a budget of 110 million, this is a serious failure. Paramount, now in crisis, is more than disappointed. “We were hoping for a better start in the US,” said Kyle Davis, head of US distribution at Paramount.

The studio initially understood that it was taking risks. But the names of the director and actress spoke in favor of approving a large budget for the project. Rupert Sanders’ debut film Snow White and the Huntsman grossed 155.3 million in the US, and Lucy, starring Johansson, by Luc Besson, earned 126.7 million.

Now all the hopes of Paramount studio are for international distribution. However, analysts say that the original manga, which was filmed for the film, does not have many fans to hope for success.

The film “Ghost in the Shell” in the first week of distribution grossed only $ 19 million

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25 most anticipated foreign films of 2017

Operation Condor (film, 1991) – watch online in good quality Full HD (1080) or HD (720)

Continuation of the exciting adventures of the hero Jackie Chan, now – in the middle of the impenetrable desert! Treasure hunter Jackie Condor “Asiatic Hawk” is back! This time he goes to Africa, where he must find the gold hidden by the Nazis.

Plot

Adventurer and adventurer Jackie Condor (Jackie Chan) receives a mysterious key to an underground treasury from a wealthy European collector. According to legend, it allows you to enter a secret vault in the middle of the Sahara Desert, where the Nazis stored looted gold during World War II.

This time Jackie cannot cope alone, so the beautiful girl Ada (Carol Cheng), UN specialist on Africa, as well as the attractive German Elsa (Eva Kobo), who wants to find her grandfather, who served in the Wehrmacht and missing without a trace.On the way, they also meet a mysterious stranger Momoko (Shoko Ikeda) with a tame scorpion. Crazy adventures and terrible dangers await this company. After all, they are not the only ones hunting for Nazi gold …

Reasons to watch

▪ Jackie Chan in his prime and at the peak of his form. – “”
▪ Inventive fights and dizzying action scenes.
▪ Gripping storyline inspired by the adventures of Indiana Jones.
▪ Nature filming in picturesque locations.
▪ Comedy inserts.
▪ A sequel that is no worse than the original.

Fun Facts

▪ In 1992, the film was nominated for a Hong Kong Film Award for Best Action Fight Stage.
▪ The original title of the painting in Chinese literally translates as “Plan Flying Eagle”.
▪ Jackie Chan acted simultaneously as an actor, director, producer and screenwriter in all three films from the Armor of God series. The last part of the franchise was released in 2012 with the subtitle Mission Zodiac.
▪ The film was the film debut for actress Shoko Ikeda (Momoko).
▪ For the American version of the painting, Jackie Chan dubbed himself.
▪ Armor of God 2 was released in the US under the title Operation Condor. It is curious that the release of the first “Armor of God” in America took place only after the successful distribution of the second part, and the first film was mistakenly called “Operation Condor 2”.
▪ In his autobiography, Jackie Chan reveals that the film cost HK $ 115 million (approximately US $ 15 million) to shoot, making it the most expensive Hong Kong film in history at the time.
▪ While filming in Morocco, some of the crew suffered tropical fever and were stung by a scorpion.
▪ The scene of the fight in the wind tunnel was filmed with the support of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Engine Laboratory.
▪ The original plan was for actor Steve Tartalia to play the main villain. However, after on the set he took and crashed a motorcycle crew without permission, Jackie Chan personally demoted him and assigned him to a less significant role.
▪ Just like in the first part, in “Armor of God 2” unsuccessful takes and videos from the set are shown on the credits. In this selection, among other things, you can hear Jackie Chan singing the film’s title theme song. Few of his European and American fans know that in his homeland Jackie is not only a successful actor, director and producer, but also a pop singer, whose discography includes 20 albums. Jackie also often sings songs for his films, but most often they are replaced in European and American dubbing versions.
▪ Filming took place in Spain, Morocco and the Philippines. The opening scene was filmed in the Philippine city of Tagaytay on Lake Taal, and the scene of the theft of a diamond from a cave tribe was filmed on Mount Makolod near the city of Cuenca in the Philippine province of Batangas.
▪ The hotel scene where Carol Cheng comes out of the bathroom wearing a towel, and the other shootings taking place in Morocco were actually filmed in Hong Kong, on a hill overlooking Sha Ting. To create the Moroccan landscape, 4 tons of sand were brought from the Middle East.The entire hotel was built as a backdrop, and extras from India and Bangladesh were brought in to portray the Moroccan musicians.
▪ According to Jackie Chan’s autobiography, during the filming of the chase scene at the underground base, an unexpected incident occurred. Jackie had to jump from top to bottom onto the platform, but caught his foot on the iron chain, suddenly lost his balance and fell on the concrete floor face down. Fortunately, everything was limited only to a sprain, a dislocated hip and a few broken ribs.
▪ Filming went on for 8 months, half of which was spent on the unique final scene of the battle in the wind tunnel.
▪ Jackie Chan decided to make a sequel to the successful first part of Armor of God (1986) after the box office flop of his film Miracles (1989).
▪ There are two versions of the film. Hong Kong is 106 minutes long, while American is only 92 minutes long.

“Temporary” solutions, or Where can I find “knights in shining armor”? | World Events – Estimates and Forecasts from Germany and Europe | DW

Until then, the interim government will perform the functions of supreme power.It is expected to be convened in mid-May, and its composition will be determined at the first regional elections. On the prospects for the development of political events in Iraq – comment Peter Philip

COMMENT

Mosul was the first example of the planned development of events. In it, Americans and Iraqi émigré groups selected a local representative to persuade respected people in the city to stand for mayor and city officials, and invited all local political, ethnic and religious groups to vote.Not everything went smoothly here. Two of these groups refused to participate in the elections, while others criticized that some of the elected politicians were too close to the ousted regime.

Americans are satisfied with the first result

In general, however, Americans were happy with this first result. As one American officer commented in response to criticism that the Americans allowed the people of the old regime to power, it is difficult to find someone in Iraq who would be “a knight in shining armor.”And from the disgruntled votes, claiming that these elections were not free at all and that no one asked the population for their opinion, the Americans dismiss them, claiming that at this stage only a “temporary” solution should be found.

What took place in Mosul will happen in Baghdad and Basra. In Basra, a port in southern Iraq, various political parties and organizations, which were banned during the rule of Saddam Hussein, have recently become active. The spectrum of these political entities is wide: from the communists to the “Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq” (SCIRI).The leader of the latter, Ayatollah Muhammad Bakr al-Hakim , who led his organization while in exile in Tehran, is going to return to Iraq the other day. In the capital of the country, Baghdad, the political spectrum promises to be just as wide – along with underground organizations in the country itself, various political groups of emigrants declare their right to participate in the division of power.

How specific the next steps are planned remains to be seen. But it is clear that in all 28 Iraqi provinces, the Americans want to act according to the scenario already tested in Mosul – with the help of opposition groups to search for proxies who would take part in the elections to the interim government in Baghdad.Obviously, this government will not yet look like a cabinet in a “normal” democracy – apparently, it will be headed not by the prime minister, but by the “Governing Council”, consisting of representatives of as many social movements and circles as possible. Jay Garner has already announced the participation in the future government of the two most important Kurdish leaders Barzani and Talabani , as well as Ayatollah al-Hakim and the leaders of Iraqi emigrants Chalabi and Alawi .

Washington wants to bear a minimum of responsibility

The Governing Body is expected to include representatives of both Sunni and Christian religious minorities in Iraq.

Its main task will be to rebuild infrastructure, establish governance of the country and supply the population with food and everything necessary, and in the medium and long term, prepare parliamentary elections and the formation of a democratically elected government that will replace the Council.Obviously, the Americans will try to create an interim government as soon as possible. The reason for this is the same as for the planned division of the country into at least three sectors: Washington wants to bear as little responsibility for everyday life in Iraq as possible, since it simply does not have the strength to do so.

In accordance with US plans, they intend to limit their zone of direct control to the central region together with Baghdad, the south of the country will be controlled by the British, and the Poles – at least part of the predominantly Kurdish north.By taking off some of the responsibilities of the military administration, the United States is trying to invalidate demands for the participation of the United Nations in the post-war political structure of the country, and by promoting the appointment of Iraqis to leading posts in the country, it is knocking the ground out from under the feet of those who accuse them of that they are acting as occupiers. But in the long term, such measures alone cannot replace the holding of free elections. After all, they are part of Washington’s vaunted concept of Iraqi democracy.And then the election of this or that leader with a hundred percent of the vote will finally become a thing of the past.

90,000 USA trying on the shining armor of a Knight of the Second Cold War

In light of the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria, there is a lot of talk about the deterioration of US-Russian relations. This is the topic of article The Second Cold War by Steffen Adrian Wall and published on pages Dissident Voice . Its translation is offered to its readers by Federal News Agency .

Some alternative media outlets believe that these conflicts could lead to another big war, and new hashtags began to appear on social media such as Twitter after Turkey attacked a Russian plane: #WorldWarIII and # WorldWar3 … Mainstream media headlines also include the words “Welcome to Cold War III” or “Are we going back to the bad old days?”

This article suggests that although the official end of the Cold War came with the collapse of the Soviet Union, American geopolitical schemes have always continued to suppress Russian power abroad.From the 1990s until today, American politicians have waged overt or covert proxy wars to curb the political, economic, and military influence of their former adversary. Chechnya, Ukraine and Syria are key scenes of the second Cold War.

A quick glance at the current state of affairs in the world and its reflection in the media is enough to determine the actual and potential centers of conflict: civil war is raging in eastern Ukraine, military tensions are growing in the South China Sea, and the Middle East is boiling more than ever.However, some believe that the actual number of armed conflicts has reached historic lows. But this statement is based solely on statistical data. It is true that interstate (conflicts between two or more states) have declined. Instead, wars take the form of intra-state conflicts between government and insurgents. As can be seen in the example of Syria, these conflicts involve more and more non-state actors and countries that try to achieve their goals through proxy forces, rather than through direct participation.

But let’s start from the end. Yeltsin’s chaotic rule is often viewed in the West as a positive time in which East and West closed ranks, although Western politicians have in fact driven Russia into political and economic decline during those years. Vladimir Putin has managed to stop the downward spiral in many areas. Nonetheless, the Western elite persistently portrays him as a dubious, “authoritarian” president.

By 2015, Russia is a fully capitalist nation with a high degree of integration into the global economy and, in particular, the relationship with the members of the European Economic Area.Its military budget ($ 52 billion) is much less than the US military expenditure ($ 598 billion), and more importantly, since 1991, Russia has had to close many important bases, ports and other military facilities as a result of NATO’s expansion by East.

Nevertheless, the sheer size of Russia’s territory and a substantial arsenal of nuclear weapons make Russia one of the main threats to American national interests. This is confirmed by the fact that for three and a half decades the United States has been secretly supporting radical Islamic movements in order to destabilize the Russian state by involving it in various conflicts.In the aftermath of the Afghan campaign, the United States especially began to try to apply similar schemes in regions bordering Russia, such as Dagestan, Ingushetia, South Ossetia, and other former Soviet republics in the Caucasus.

And, despite many political ceremonies and promises of cooperation, these tactics continue to work. Indeed, peaceful political coexistence and economic rapprochement have never been the main goals of the United States in relation to Russia. Democratic Russia with its allies, its military capabilities and a potential Eurasian trade agreement that threaten American hegemony are still considered a threat to American ambitions and the drive for unipolar dominance.

Since the first Chechen campaign in 1994, Russia’s long struggle against Islamic terrorism has been largely ignored by the Western media. When terrorist attacks in the Russian Federation became too loud to ignore (the terrorist attack on Dubrovka in 2002, and the seizure of a school in Beslan in 2004), Western countries blamed the tragedies on the radical responses of the Russian security forces. In Beslan, the deaths of hundreds of innocent children were indirectly attributed to the consequences of the “separatist movement”, describing the brutal killers as “rebels” who act in self-defense against an “authoritarian” government.

There are three key elements in the strategy used to tarnish Russia and facilitate the intervention in Chechnya that characterize the overall picture of US foreign policy after the 9/11 attacks. First, labeling a particular leader or government as “authoritarian.” Second, sympathy for the “oppressed” population, which strives for freedom and democracy (this was the case with Chechen terrorists with links to Al-Qaeda ¹). Finally, highlighting “human rights violations” that require intervention or economic embargo.

If all these conditions are met, then violation of the borders of a sovereign state is considered justified (UN mandate is not required). This allows the United States to act as a knight in shining armor and a fighter for human rights, while pursuing a completely different goal: maintaining the second Cold War by weakening Russia at the expense of its “near abroad”.

One has only to change the names and dates, and it becomes apparent that the same strategy was used to justify every intervention by the US and other NATO members (Iraq 2003, Libya 2011 and Syria since 2011).

With regard to the conflict in Ukraine, the key dynamics are also similar. President Viktor Yanukovych, accused of “abuse of power” and “violation of human rights” by Euromaidan fueled by US and EU propaganda, was forced to resign and replaced by a nationalist, anti-Russian, pro-Western government. Again, this campaign had nothing to do with real humanitarian aid or concern for the country’s democratic integrity. Instead, the hopes of an entire generation for a better future influenced by the West were exploited by American politicians who aimed to undermine Russia’s strategic position by depriving it of its Black Sea Fleet in Crimea.

Another region in which the United States is active is the Middle East, thousands of miles off the coast of North America. Many believe that George W. Bush’s “war on terror” and subsequent events in Iraq and Afghanistan are disastrous political decisions that have led to socio-political destabilization in large parts of the region. In Iraq, Libya and Syria, the American drive to overthrow “tyrants” and establish democracy has, in effect, created a vast unmanageable space where various terrorist groups now rage.

American politicians and the media have suggested that Russian intervention aimed at helping the Syrian government to resist these radical groups supported by the West, Saudi Arabia and Turkey will lead to military and economic disaster.

Recently, Obama and McCain have complained that their “moderate rebels” have been unfairly targeted by Russian airstrikes in Syria. They said that “in the eyes of the Kremlin, they are all terrorists.” However, these accusations can be broken down by a very short formula: if they look like terrorists, speak like terrorists, behave like terrorists, then they are probably terrorists.

Commenting on the “Russian military intervention” requested by the Syrian government, Obama said he was not interested in turning this civil war into a proxy war between Russia and the United States, stressing that “this is not some kind of superpower chess competition.” … But US foreign policy, from the collapse of the Soviet Union to the present, has been about competition.

¹ The organization is prohibited on the territory of the Russian Federation.

90,000 Russian cosmonauts on the ISS may be left without spacesuits

July 19, 2021, AviaStat.ru – Russian cosmonauts on the ISS may lose the opportunity to go into outer space due to the imminent end of the warranty period for the Orlan-ISS spacesuits available at the station and the absence of a contract for the production of new “space armor”, said the General Director – General Designer Research and Production Enterprise “Zvezda” Sergei Pozdnyakov. RIA Novosti writes about it.

“We need new spacesuits. For three years now I have been convincing the customer that it is necessary to start making a new batch of spacesuits.But so far, the manufacturing contract has not been concluded, “he said.

According to him, due to the delay in ordering new suits, some suppliers of materials or the materials used in production have disappeared. The use of new materials requires large sums and terms production, as well as additional tests, Pozdnyakov noted.

“Unfortunately, it takes years to agree on technical specifications. Elon Musk, I think, having learned what kind of approval chain is required, he would just laugh at us.The existing system of approvals and approvals does not allow us to respond quickly and release new products. Everything is bogged down in a bureaucratic swamp, “he said.

Since 2017, Russian cosmonauts on the ISS have been using the Orlan-ISS spacesuits, and they store the previous generation Orlan-MK space armor on board the station as a backup. the generation of spacesuits, due to the use of a polyurethane shell instead of a rubber one, is designed for 20 spacewalks against 15 for the previous generation.However, only work on connecting the new Multifunctional laboratory module “Science” to the ISS systems, which is scheduled to launch on July 21, 2021, will require about 10 spacewalks from cosmonauts, that is, they will “eat up” half of the guaranteed resource of the available spacesuits, despite the fact that they were used for exits all previous years.

“There is a practice when, after the end of the established resource after additional checks, if the state of the systems allows, a decision is made on the admission of equipment for carrying out one, two or three walks into space.But this is no longer the warranty period. It always takes courage to make such decisions, “Pozdnyakov said.

The Orlan-ISS spacesuit will be presented at MAKS-2021, which will be held from July 20 to 25 in Zhukovsky near Moscow.

22 July 2021

Chip implantation is already helping people – will cyborgs become a reality?

Neurointerfaces are technologies that allow you to connect the human brain with a computer.Today it is known how a person mentally controls a prosthesis or types a text. Alexander Kaplan, founder of the first Russian interface laboratory at Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University helps to understand the future of such devices.

Photo: pexels.com

According to Nplus1, Briton Neil Harbisson lacks the ability to see the world in color from birth. Therefore, he implanted a camera in himself to convert color into sound information, which is sent to the inner ear. According to Neal, he is the first person to be officially recognized as a cyborg by the state.This is an example from life. And in William Gibson’s science fiction novel Neuromancer, implants allow a person to connect to the Internet, expand their brain power, and relive memories. Masamune Shiro, author of the film adaptation of the USA and the popular in Japan “Ghost in the Shell”, describes a future where consciousness can be completely transferred into the body of a robot.

As scientists explain, various auxiliary cells of the human brain, the endocrine and immune systems, the external environment and previous experience determine the state of the central nervous system and determine its behavior.Despite the fact that the central nervous system is not a bundle of “wires”, the functioning of the neurointerface is based precisely on the electrical activity of the nervous system.

According to Alexander Kaplan, founder of the Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Neurointerfaces at Moscow State University, researchers can decipher some of a person’s intentions or images represented by EEG signs. True, today no more than ten such intentions and images have been deciphered. So for now, scientists cannot create a system that works like a brain.Its circuit is too complex for today’s computing power. Today, there is no need to talk about the preconditions that information from the human brain will go to the computer, and from the computer – back. There are no such data formats, addresses and codes.

However, thanks to research by scientists, modern neurointerfaces are capable of what once seemed fiction. It is impossible to know exactly what will happen to us in 30 or 100 years. But in the future, a scientific revolution is quite possible, thanks to which the brain will be removed from the black box of obscurity.

90,000 Justice League Zach Snyder: Overview and Differences from Whedon’s Version | Cinema, Cinema Reviews

Superman is dead. Steppenwolf hunts for the Mother Crates in order to use them to destroy the Earth in the name of its master – Darkseid. Batman gathers a team of superheroes to fight the impending threat. And in the end, both sides converge in an epic battle of good versus evil.

Spoiler alert!

In this review, I will compare the theatrical version of Justice League with the director’s version, so in general terms I will remind you of the uncomplicated plot of the picture.You can’t do without spoilers.

Zack Snyder’s Justice League

Genre: Superhero

Director: Zack Snyder

Cast: Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller

Premiere in Russia: 18 March 2021

Age rating: 18+

Similar to Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (Director’s Cut 2016), Man of Steel, distantly 300 Spartans, any other superhero movie

If you were expecting drastic changes in the plot, then I hasten to disappoint – there are not many of them in Zack Snyder’s film.The essence remains the same, and this is not surprising, because the director left the project at the post-production stage, when all the material was filmed. But this does not prevent the updated tape from being strikingly different from the original.

Justice League is a great illustration of how important editing is in cinema. All key scenes from the 2017 film migrated to the director’s cut, but in a completely different form. They were reshuffled among themselves so that the narrative became more measured. Some fragments were mercilessly reduced, while others were significantly expanded.

The film has thrown off all unnecessary and overgrown with context, which was previously lacking. As a result, most of the questions that arose when watching the “theater” disappeared by themselves. Not a trace remained of the tattered presentation of history, all the pieces of the mosaic fell into place.

First, everything that Joss Whedon removed after Snyder left went under the knife. And his work in the original is easy to distinguish, since it contrasts with the rest of the film – in particular, Whedon owns many humorous inserts.Jokes in the spirit of “Avengers” looked extremely out of place in Snyder’s dark epic. Remember the ridiculous scene on the plane when Aquaman “unexpectedly” opened up? Whedon’s handiwork, although the very idea was not his, but the producers. With Superman, who flaunts in front of Flash and drags an entire apartment building on his shoulders, the situation is similar.

We also got rid of the story arc with the Polish family at the epicenter of events, so that it does not interfere with focusing on really important topics. Why it was needed in the original at all is unclear.Only attention dragged and knocked down the pace, with which there were already enough problems.

Snyder’s version was not without humor. But there is very little of it, it is unobtrusive and natural. For the most part, these are one-liners, like jokes about a bat costume and wealth instead of superpowers. Their main task is to relieve tension a little, and not to make a comedy from scratch.

Secondly, each character in Snyderkat received a lot more attention, especially Flash, Cyborg and Aquaman.At first glance, the exposition is even too much, but it is necessary, because half of the members of the Justice League have not previously appeared on the big screens (Aquaman’s solo album does not count, it came out later). The heroes have become more human, and their characters have changed.

For example, Flash retains his charming eccentricity, but he no longer falls into a stupor for fear of violence at the most inopportune moment – not a word about it at all. On the contrary, he tries to be as useful as he can. The main star of the finale was Barry Allen, not Superman.It is he who saves teammates and the entire planet from total destruction.

Batman, in turn, has ceased to be a rag. No more ostentatious limps and lamentations about past mistakes. In the new film, he is a real commander who managed to unite the heroes and repel a powerful villain. And in order to convince his associates of the need to resurrect Clark Kent, he does not have to deliberately hurt Diana’s feelings and later apologize for his trick.

As for Cyborg, Ray Fisher’s displeasure with the way Joss Whedon treated this character in Justice League is entirely justified.If in the 2017 film he seemed superfluous, then in the updated film he is the most elaborate hero. In a sense, “Snyderkat” can be considered the story of the origin of Victor Stone – he doesn’t even need his own antagonist, he has personal scores with Steppenwolf!

And even Steppenwolf is much better registered in the new version. With Thanos from “Infinity War” he does not compete, but the villain’s motives are not limited to just a desire to take revenge on the inhabitants of the Earth for a humiliating defeat in the distant past.

But there is a flip side to the coin: Snyder was so carried away by local stories that he forgot about the most important thing – the relationship between the members of the League. Individually, the characters are good, but the chemistry barely slips between them. We are not shown how a group of heroes, initially acting out of order, eventually becomes a real team, and this film is sorely lacking.

The four-hour format, surprisingly, does not cause discomfort. The same “Irishman”, for all my love for Martin Scorsese, was more difficult to master.In addition, Justice League has been carefully divided into six chapters, so that at the end of any of them you can interrupt. Was it worth stretching the picture so much? Definitely. Moreover, there is a suspicion that the director, with all his creative freedom, was driven into the framework of this timing.

There are many moments in the film that can hastily be described as optional. For example, at the very beginning, we are shown in detail the journey of Bruce Wayne to a godforsaken fishing village, where Aquaman appears from time to time.Could this scene be shortened? Of course, but then the audience would not have felt the efforts that the hero made in order to talk to this person. Rescuing Iris, played by the adorable Kirsi Clemons, from a car accident in Justice League wasn’t necessary either. But it’s a good way to introduce viewers to The Flash and his superpowers. For obvious reasons, Bruce’s nightmare, in which he again sees a post-apocalyptic future, where he has to fight shoulder to shoulder with his sworn enemies, Deathstroke and the Joker, belongs to the same category.

Although frankly useless scenes still come across. Feels like they were added to the experiment feed for the sake of, and then they simply forgot to delete them. Take, for example, the awkward episode when Bruce and Diana accidentally touch each other with their hands at work. It would make sense if a romance or something similar developed between them, but nothing like that happens. Fortunately, such moments in all four hours will be typed on the strength for five to ten minutes.

Visually, the Justice League has become prettier, but again there are not many global changes.From the most obvious – Steppenwolf changed his stupid suit for unusual armor, in which he finally looks menacing. But it is much more important that Whedon’s vigorous floweror in the final chapter was replaced by twilight, beloved by Snyder. Not only is it stylish, but in the dark it is much more difficult to see the flaws in CGI.

Don’t get it wrong: the visuals in Justice League have improved in places, but overall the film suffers from the same ailment as all other DC projects – the graphics sometimes hurt the eyes.Crazy action often looks awkward, and painted backdrops are like … painted backdrops, which in itself in 2021 is wild for a big-budget blockbuster.

And yes, Snyder went overboard with the special effects. So, he managed to spoil the Flash’s clash with Superman with a muddy blur. And the film also has a hell of a lot of “slow-mo”, as if it was filmed not by an experienced Hollywood director, but by a copycat video maker. Sometimes this is a good trick to emphasize the significance of the moment, but in the “Justice League” it only spoils the impression, because it is used at every opportunity, and inconvenient too.

But in the “Snyderkat” they brought a dismemberment, albeit an electoral one. She did not touch the people and the Amazons, but the ordinary Atlanteans, parademons and the antagonist (he will be beheaded) were not spared by serious injuries. It seems like a trifle, but still nice!

Zach Snyder’s Justice League surpasses the theatrical version in everything, although by the standards of superheroics it is just a good film with no frills. It does not bring anything new to the genre, but it definitely deserves attention.Still, it is not often that directors are given the opportunity to show the whole world their idea in its virtually original form.

However, “Snyderkat” will definitely not be able to pull off auteur cinema with a deep intention and ingenious artistic solutions. And with all the indisputable advantages, the picture has enough disadvantages. And the more you take it seriously, the more they surface.