Shutting down Microsofts Remix3D art repository feels like something more than just ending a project that failed to gain traction. It feels like one of the last gasps of an era when Microsoft wanted to bring creativity to all Windows users.

When we compiled our list of Microsofts 2019 hits and misses, Microsoft The Musical, conceived and performed by company interns, stood out as a breath of fresh air. It said, yeah, we toil away writing code all day, but were more than nerds. Were creative nerds.

Thats exactly what Remix3D represented. Remix3D was part of Paint 3D, an app that lets you create dioramas and other 3D objects. Remix3D was the cloud repository that allowed you to upload your own creations, but also incorporate others art into your own scenes. It was cool, anyone with Windows could do it, and it was free.

The HoloLens, especially, is one of the key products that was lost along Microsofts arc from creativity to productivity.

A few years ago, something began to change. These were days when Microsoft still titled Windows feature updates with their own mission statement: the Creators Update, for example.

Before the Creators Update actually shipped in March of 2017, however,someone at Microsoft began prioritizing productivity over creativity. We still saw a few more fun tools for consumers: The Video Editor appMicrosoft previewed with the Fall Creators Update a few months later, for instance, let you jazz up your kids soccer video bytransforming the ball into a meteor. And like Photos, Paint 3D, and the rest, Video Editor was free.

Behind the scenes, however, Micorosft was quietly beginning to put away the paints and brushes and wood chisels, deciding instead to focus solely on the canvas, also known as Office 365. Heres a white sheet of paper.Draw on it. Color it. Collaborate. Share. Publish. And well charge you an annual subscription to keep doing so.

Microsofts mantra now is that if you cant charge for it, why do it?

In the years since, some elements of Microsofts creative vision for consumers have died of neglect: RIP Capture 3D, Windows Mixed Reality, Groove Music Maker. Others have found a real job. HoloLens, for example, has become less of a gateway to adventure and more of a corporate tool for training sessions and architectural visualizations.

Interestingly, at the same time that Microsoft is shedding consumer creative apps, a small but growing niche of PCs and peripherals, including Microsofts Surface Studioand Acers ConceptD, is rising to address the emerging creator class. These professionals specialize in video, design, and other graphics-intensive tasks. The applications they wield are not cute amusements like Paint 3D, buthigh-end applications from companies like Adobe, where creativity ships with its own enterprise license.

You can understand why this motivated, capital-expenditure-rich user base would be worth pursuing, and why, as a result, less and less attention is being paid to nurturing the creative efforts of individual users. Closing Remix3D has evendiminished the few remaining creative apps within Windows. If you edit a photo within Windows 10s Photos app, you wont be able to add 3D objects to your scene any more, though the menu option remains.

At one time, Microsoft promised, not only could you add 3D objects to a photo or movie, but theyd have actualbehaviors as well.

Were not saying that creativity is dead within Redmond. But its receded from the public eye. Remember when Microsoft and other companies hosted demo days, where researchers would show off their visions of the future? Those days seem long gone. Microsofts home for personal projects, the Microsoft Garage, houses apps like Ink to Code instead of cool experiments like Ear Hockey. Engineering has replaced artistry, and collaboration has replaced creation.

I can almost hear Microsoft employees objecting: Collaboration is creation! Yes, to a point. Jointly developing a planning document to guide a new housing development is both a creative process, and part and parcel of Microsofts enterprise business model. That means more resources todevelop Microsoft Teams than the wonderful, forgottenFresh Paint.

Windows 10s Mixed Reality Viewer was arguably as cool as some of the augmented reality things Snapchat offered...but since none of the kids discovered it (and it required a tablet PC, not a phone) it died on the vine.

Its also hard to separate Microsofts creative ennui from the slow decline of its consumer business, as Zune, Groove Music, Microsoft Band, Windows Phone, and more have fallen by the wayside. Those days with Bill Gates riffing with Jerry Seinfeld? Long gone. The one bright spot is Xbox, which has supplemented its sequel-heavy AAA games lineup with the Game Pass subscription, which puts innovative smaller indie games in front of a mainstream audience.

Theres a lot to look forward to in 2020: Windows 10X, the Surface Duo and Surface Neo, a new Xbox, and more. All of these are platforms upon which creators could thrive. I just miss the days when Microsoft seemed poised to develop a bold, rich, daring ecosystem of first-party creative apps for consumers, before bowing once again to the Office juggernaut.

It wasnt always this way. Closing Remix3D feels like more than just the end of a product at Microsoft. Its the end of a more joyful time.

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Microsoft shuts down Remix3D, and an era of consumer-focused Windows creativity quietly dies - PCWorld

Planning permission for new windows at the North East of Scotland Fishermens Organisation Ltd in Peterhead has been refused.

The application was discussed by members of the Buchan Area Committee on Tuesday, January 14.

The organisation had submitted the application in a bid to replace five timber ground floor windows at the Broad Street building with new white uPVC windows.

The building is a Category B Listed building and is located within the Peterhead Central Conservation Area.

In a report issued to committee members Aberdeenshire Councils Environment Team stated: The installation of non-timber windows is contrary to Policy HE1 which does not allow development which would have a negative effect on the character, integrity or setting of a listed building.

The proposal is also contrary to Historic Environment Scotland guidance, which suggests that replacement windows should seek to match the original units as closely as possible in terms of design, construction and material finish.

The Environment Team added that it did not support the proposed replacement as it would erode the traditional appearance of the building and wider character of the Peterhead Central Conservation Area.

Aberdeenshire Council planners had recommended that the application be refused as it did not meet the requirements of policies within the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2017 and they added that the changes would fail to preserve or enhance the character and/or appearance of the Peterhead Conservation Area.

Commenting at the meeting Councillor Norman Smith said: I think it is wrong to demand it get replaced with wood, PVC is fine as long as it looks good.

Councillor Stephen Calder stated that he agreed with the recommendation to refuse the application, while councillor Jim Ingram asked if it was possible to see an example of the PVC proposed in the plan.

The matter was put to a vote with a motion to refuse the plans and an amendment to see a PVC sample and deferal of the application.

The motion received six votes to four for the amendment and therefore the application was refused.

Kirstie Topp , Local Democracy Reporting Service

Continued here:
Peterhead window plan refused by councillors - Buchan Observer

A new restaurant called Thai Signature could be taking over 722 King Street, once home to local establishment Geranio Ristorante.

Geranio Ristorante closed in 2018 after 42 years of serving up Italian meals and the building has been empty since then. Recently filed permits show, however, that Thai Signature could be taking over the space with a focus on offering street food from Thailand. The restaurant will also have a bar serving wine, beer and cocktails.

Before Thai Signature opens, new restaurant will also have something of a facelift, with plans to remove the awning and replace the front facade with a new green and white design.

The space was originally a cobbler shop in the 1880s but the current building was constructed sometime between 1902 and 1907, according to a city staff report.

The original plan was a wall-to-wall glass building with a very modern design, Historic Preservation Manager Al Cox said, but staff worked with the applicant for something more Old Town appropriate. The new designs were unanimously approved at the Dec. 18 Board of Architectural Review meeting.

On the same block, a new pair of restaurants called The Handover and The Kings Ransom are in the worksfor the space that was once Eamonns Dublin Chipper and Bar PX, with signs recently placed in the window.

Read more:
Thai Eatery and Bar to Replace Geranio Ristorante in Old Town - ALXnow

BX/19/03113/TCA: Rose Tree House, The Street. Notification of intention to reduce width on east and south sector back to boundary and crown reduce by 3m on 1 no. Sweet Chestnut tree (T1).

CC/19/02845/FUL: Scopwick Power, Quarry LaneConstruction and operation of an urban reserve 2.5MW micro power plant and associated equipment.

CC/19/02851/FUL: Robert Sadler And Company, First And Second Floors, 30B Southgate.

Replacement entrance door on ground floor and replace first and second floor windows to the front and rear elevations.

CC/19/03147/FUL: Westward House, 38 Fishbourne Road. Change of use from existing short stay accommodation into 3 no. 1 bed flats and refurbishment of existing office space.

CC/19/03162/DOM: 138, Parklands Road. Demolition of existing conservatory and erection of single storey rear extension.

CC/19/03203/DOM: 30, Highland Road. Single and two storey extensions between houses to side and rear.

CC/20/00026/TPA: 4, Harberton Crescent. Fell 1 no. Sycamore tree (marked on plan as T1) within Woodland, W1 subject to CC/68/00163/TPO.

CC/20/00012/TPA: Westgate House, 52 Westgate. Reduce and reshape upper crown by up to 3m, reduce major limb on south aspect by approx. 3-5m at 7m (above ground level) and remove major deadwood throughout on 1 no. London Plane tree (T4) subject to CC/62/00135/TPO.

CC/20/00020/TCA: Regnum Court, Flat 3, North Walls.

Notification of intention to crown reduce (all round) by 10% on 2 no. Evergreen trees.

CC/20/00050/DOM: Kimber, Rew Lane. Extension to south west end elevation. Replace dormers. Raise front south east roof. Add porch entrance canopy. Internal remodelling requiring infill of existing under croft area. New windows and doors externally for whole building. Rear Gable extension at first floor only to Master Bedroom.

CC/20/00071/TCA: 19, Whyke Road. Notification of intention to crown reduce to height by 1.5m (to 6m) and all widths by 2m (to 5m) on 1 no. Magnolia tree (T1) and 1 no. Cupressus tree (T2).

East Wittering and Bracklesham

EWB/19/03157/DOM: Whyteways, 7 Peerley Road. Erection of single storey rear extension, infilling of existing front roof overhangs and construction of entrance porch; conversion of garage to habitable room and installation of dormer.

EWB/20/00015/PLD: 3, Willow Way. Erection of single storey rear extension and installation of rear dormer window.

FB/19/03097/TCA: Roman Landing, 69 Fishbourne Road. Notification of intention to fell 1 no. Crab Apple tree.

FB/19/03141/FUL: Land South Of Ivy Lodge, Blackboy Lane. Construction of 35 no. affordable residential dwellings for first - time buyers with associated access, parking, landscaping and associated infrastructure.

FB/19/03189/FUL: Fishbourne Centre, Blackboy Lane. Removal of existing wooden decking and fencing. Extension and construction of concrete paved patio area and surrounding low lying wall on east elevation.

FB/20/00043/DOM: 20, Deeside Avenue. Garage conversion into habitable living space and revised fenestration to the side and rear elevations.

FU/20/00028/PNO: Oakwood West Estate, Moutheys Lane. 1 no. forestry storage barn providing secure storage for vehicles, tools and equipment and site welfare facilities.

KD/20/00014/DOM: 57, Townfield. Two storey side extension and single storey front porch extension.

NM/20/00005/FUL: Manor Nursery, Lagness Road. Change of use of former class A1 (retail outlet) building with workshop to provide class B2 (general industrial use) including offices and storage.

O/20/00004/TCA: Oving Lodge, Church Lane. Notification of intention to crown lift by up to 7m (above ground level) on 2 no. Lime trees (T1 and T2) and reduce western sector by 1.5m (back to the wall) on 1 no. Holly tree (T3).

SB/20/00041/DOM: Inlands Barn, Inlands Road. Erection of boundary wall and installation of vehicular and pedestrian gates to provide access from Inlands Road

SI/20/00016/DOM: The Granary, Mill Lane. Replacement single storey outbuilding on site of existing store building - with photovoltaic panels on South facing elevation.

SI/20/00017/LBC: The Granary, Mill Lane. Replacement single storey outbuilding on site of existing store building - with photovoltaic panels on South facing elevation.

SI/20/00046/PA3Q: Land North Of 66 Street, End Lane. Change of use of 2 no. agricultural buildings to 2 no. dwellings (Class C3).

SY/19/03128/OUT: Land At Ursula Avenue.Outline planning permission all matters reserved - erection of 2 no. bungalows.

TG/19/02846/DOM: 87A, Cheshire Crescent.Erection of two storey and single storey rear extension and porch to the front. Installation of ground floor windows to the front and side and second storey window to the side.

WE/20/00024/TCA: Mill House, River Street. Notification of intention to coppice a row of mixed Willow and Hazel trees and self-seeded Plum saplings (marked on plan as 1), reduce back to main stem 3 no. limbs on south-east sector (overhanging road) on 1 no. Ash tree (marked on plan as 2), crown reduce by up to 30% (all round) on 1 no. Apple tree (marked on plan as 3) and fell 1 no. Elderberry tree (marked on plan as 4).

WR/20/00007/TCA: Winterfold, Durbans Road. Notification of intention to fell 1 no. Willow tree (T1).

WW/19/03142/FUL: St Peters Church Hall, Church Road. Partial demolition on the east elevation, proposed extension on the south elevation with associated works including extending parking area.

WW/19/03152/DOM: 5, Southcote Avenue. Erection of single store side extension with entrance to front elevation and conversion of garage to habitable room.

WW/20/00029/PNO: Land North Of White Barn, Elms Lane. 1 no. agricultural barn for cattle and storage for equipment, feed and bedding.

SDNP/19/04463/FUL: West Dean Estate, Town Lane. Retrospective approval for the upgrading and resurfacing of an existing private forestry access road on the West Dean Estate. The proposed description of development is as follows: Retrospective resurfacing of section of private single-track lane.

SDNP/19/05716/FUL: Land South East of Hillands Farm, B2141 Marden Hill to Hooksway Lane. Change of use of land from agriculture to camp site and retrospective permission sought for shower and toilet facilities and site signage.

SDNP/19/05583/HOUS: High Marley, Marley Heights. Demolition of outbuildings and construction of swimming pool and erection of adjacent leisure buildings.

SDNP/19/05976/TPO: Land West of 19, Southleys. Reduce 5 no. secondary limbs overhanging car park by up to 3m and deadwood on 1 no. Oak tree (quoted as T1, TPOd nos. T4). Reduce crown over car park by 3m and deadwood on 1 no. Oak tree (quoted as T2, TPOd nos T5). Crown lift by up to 3m (above ground level) and deadwood on 1 no. (quoted as a Field Maple tree) is an Oak tree (quoted as T3, TPOd nos T6). Crown reduce to 8m habitat pole on 1 no. Oak tree (Quoted as T4, TPOd nos. T2). All 4 no. trees are subject to FH/92/00474/TPO.

SDNP/19/06040/HOUS: 8, The Leys. Installation of PV Solar Panels on front and rear roof areas.

SDNP/19/05940/HOUS: Hill Croft , Wakestone Lane. Freestanding greenhouse.

SDNP/19/05941/LIS: Hill Croft , Wakestone Lane. Freestanding greenhouse.

SDNP/19/06052/HOUS: The Laurels , The Street. Erection of replacement outbuilding.

SDNP/19/06056/HOUS: The Laurels , The Street. Erection of replacement outbuilding.

SDNP/19/05620/HOUS: Jasmine Cottage , Nyewood Road. Demolition of existing store and construction of single storey side extension.

SDNP/19/06063/HOUS: The Barn House, North Lane. Erection of a greenhouse.

SDNP/19/06119/HOUS: 1, The Street. Insertion of new Velux windows to rear elevation and replacement windows to street elevation.

SDNP/19/06066/HOUS: Brickyard Cottage , Surrey Road. Larger new dormer and construction of new side extension, together with a new outdoor pool and plant shed.

SDNP/19/06129/HOUS: St Peters Well, Vicarage Lane. Internal repair alterations and minor external alterations to. Removal of existing single storey extension and construction of new single storey rear extension.

SDNP/19/06130/LIS: St Peters Well , Vicarage Lane. Internal repair alterations and minor external alterations. Removal of existing single storey extension and construction of new single storey rear extension.

SDNP/19/06109/LDP: Keepers Cottage , Fernhurst Road. Single storey rear extension and front porch.

SDNP/19/05499/HOUS: Quarry Hill, Grove Lane. Construction of garage, car ports and store, with hobbies room over.

SDNP/19/06076/TCA: Leconfield Estate Company, Park Road. Notification of intention to remove 1 no. stem (South sector) on 1 no. Holly tree (T1).

SDNP/19/06128/FUL: 36, Littlecote. Change of use from Childrens Residential Home (C2) to a Veterinary Surgery (Sui Generis) including external material alterations, changes to fenestration, new parking areas and landscape alterations.

Read the original here:
Planning applications submitted to Chichester District Council and the South Downs National Park Authority - Midhurst and Petworth Observer

PUBLISHED: 06:00 17 January 2020

Andy Warren

Ipswich Town manager Paul Lambert with owner Marcus Evans and general manager of football operations, Lee O'Neill, inset. Picture: ARCHANT

Archant

Paul Lambert admitted Ipswich Town may only be able to 'do little bits here and there' during the January transfer window.

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Speaking after Tuesday night's draw at Oxford the Town boss said defender Josh Earl could potentially be the only new recruit this month, but it's known he would like to do further business if he could.

"We just don't have the money, the money is not there. Marcus (Evans) has made it pretty clear to everybody that we can only do little bits here and there," Lambert said.

"That's where the club is at the minute. We have to go with the guys who have been great for me.

MORE: Former Ipswich Town defender Smith a transfer target for Portsmouth and Wigan"Josh could be the only one. If there's something there that Marcus thought was right then I'm sure he would try and help, but we have to remember where the club is at. You know the debts and what's gone on. He can't just magic money out the air, the club has got to keep continuing to survive. That's the way it is."

Here we take a look at the areas Lambert could still target in January.

Goalkeeper

The only way a new goalkeeper will be required is if Will Norris is recalled by parent club Wolves.

The Premier League side retain the right to do that until the end of the January transfer window but, with the 26-year-old currently Lambert's first choice, they are more than happy for him to remain in Suffolk.

Should that change and Norris be recalled, expect the Blues to look for a replacement.

Right-back

With Kane Vincent-Young sidelined until the end of February at the earliest, Lambert could be tempted into the transfer market in order to replace the former Colchester man.

Janoi Donacien is the only fit, specialist right-back at the club currently, with Gwion Edwards growing into his role at the preferred option as a wing-back in Lambert's currently system.

MORE: 'I would be very happy to sign' - Bialkowski keen on permanent Millwall switch as discussions continue

Neither of those offer the full-package Vincent-Young brings, which could tempt the Town boss into the market for a temporary solution.

It will be tough to find, though.

Another centre-back?

Earl's arrival has bolstered a back line which had a hole to fill following the departure of Toto Nsiala to Bolton at the end of last week.

The Preston loanee can play on the left of the back three or as an out-and-out left-back which, if and when he breaks into the team, will bring an element of balance to the Town defence.

Luke Chambers, James Wilson and Luke Woolfenden are the preferred trio at the moment and, if Lambert is set on the back three in the long-term, would he potentially require a fifth central defender?

It's understood that could indeed be the case, so don't discount a move for Lewis Gibson of Everton. The Blues are believed to have an agreement in place to bring the highly-rated teenager to Suffolk on loan, with the only issue currently relating to the youngster's contract at Goodison Park.

The Toffees will only sanction a loan move should he put pen-to-paper on a new deal, with his current terms up in the summer and other clubs interested. Those contract talks have not progressed, though.

MORE: Sunderland bring in a big name as Oxford and Lincoln get busy - every League One deal completed in the January windowDiscussion of Tommy Smith returning to the fold won't go away until he signs for another club, with Wigan Athletic and Portsmouth both now understood to be interested.

Lambert poured cold water on that potential move last week, though, with the Town boss insisting fans shouldn't live in the past and 'move on' when it comes to the left-sided defender.

Wide boys

Ipswich are short of out-and-out wingers but, right now, it's not an issue given the Blues' preferred system.

Gwion Edwards is the only fully fit option at present while Freddie Sears is also now an option on the flanks so, if Lambert did want to switch things up, he may need to add to his squad to do it.

Danny Rowe's knee injury has kept him out since the start of December, while Alan Judge clearly plays his best football through the middle of the pitch, leaving the Blues short of attacking width.

Earl's arrival could potentially allow Luke Garbutt to push further forward, with either the Preston loanee or Myles Kenlock slotting in at left-back in a back four should that a be route Lambert wishes to go down.

Target man

All three of Ipswich's frontline striker, James Norwood, Kayden Jackson and Will Keane, were on the scoresheet in the recent 4-1 victory over Accrington so, on the face of it, firepower isn't a problem.

That's especially true when you also consider the fact Sears is working his way back to fitness.

But could Ipswich do with something a little different?

MORE: Young Ipswich Town duo could be set for Scottish loan movesIt's understood a target man striker is something the Blues are after during this transfer window; the type of player who can win balls in the air and hold it up to bring others into play. A player who worries the opposition physically may just have done a job in howling conditions at Oxford on Tuesday night and could prove valuable off the bench in tight games.

Tom Elliott was a player who nearly joined on loan in the summer, only for injury to get in the way, but he's subsequently joined League Two side Salford.

Lambert may just be keen to bring in someone like him before the end of the window, though.

Read more:
Lambert admits Town can only do 'little bits here and there' in the transfer market... but where should he look to strengthen? - East Anglian Daily...

A SHOPPING centre boss has revealed what will replace a popular make-up shop.

Mark Buchanan-Smith, centre director for Churchill Square in Brighton, spoke out on what would fill the empty unit left by Monsoon Accessorize.

The store shut on Saturday and slashed its prices by up to 70 per cent as it approached its final day of trading.

Signs in the windows directed loyal customers to their next nearest store inMontague Street, Worthing.

But it is now known what will take the place of the store.

MrBuchanan-Smith said: "While we confirmed that Monsoon Accessorize will be closing this month, that was to facilitate the relocation and upsizing of Levis."

He also said efforts would be made to returnAccessorize to the shopping centre.

He said: "Discussions are continuing to progress to retain Accessorize at the shopping centre and further announcements on this will be made in due course."

See the rest here:
Store to replace Accessorize in Churchill Square, Brighton - The Argus

ST. IGNACE, MI -- The Mackinac Bridge Authority is simplifying the crossing process for MacPass card holders.

The MacPass toll card, which are frequently used by commuters and motorists who regularly cross the Mackinac Bridge, is being replaced with an automatically recognized windshield-mounted sticker.

The new system will increase customer convenience and make for quicker times in toll lanes, according to the MBA.

"Unlike the old MacPass cards that required drivers to roll down their window and hold the card near the reader device, the new system will automatically scan the windshield sticker when drivers pull up to the toll booths," said MBA Executive Secretary Kim Nowack.

"Drivers still need to stop and wait for the gate to rise before proceeding, but the new process will speed transactions for frequent customers."

The MBA has been slowly replacing current MacPass cards with the new stickers for the past few months. Any card holders who havent can do so online. There is no charge for the sticker until July 1, 2020, when the price will be $1.

MacPass customers use toll lanes designated for MacPass by the overhead signs, or any open lane. Current MacPass cards can still be used through the end of 2020.

Passenger vehicle MacPass accounts require an initial deposit of $80 and a $7 one-time set-up fee. Commercial accounts require a $200 deposit and $7 one-time set-up fee.

More information on the MacPass is available at http://www.MackinacBridge.org/MacPass.

See the rest here:
Mackinac Bridge Authority replacing MacPass cards with windshield sticker - MLive.com

The Blaugrana won their Champions League group and sit top of La Liga but could try to strengthen Ernesto Valverde's squad during the winter break

Barcelona are top of La Liga at Christmas and sailed through their Champions League group to reach the last 16. So far, so good? The mood around Camp Nou would suggest otherwise.

Fans and local media are unhappy with the teams performances, if not the results, and believe they could come a cropper once again in the knock-out phases in Europe unless they sharpen up.

One way to do that would be by bringing in a top player or two in the impending transfer window.

Article continues below

Its hard to imagine Barcelona making any major moves in the winter market because they need to keep the books balanced.

However, as we saw when they lavished 160 million (137m/$179m) on Philippe Coutinho in January 2018, they are sometimes willing to break the bank in order to get their man.

Barcelona experienced Lautaro Martinezs threat up close and personal in the Champions League group phase, with the Inter forward passing his 'audition' for the Catalans with flying colours by turning in a particularly impressive performance when the two sides met at San Siro.

It is no secret that the club are looking to find Luis Suarezs successor and the feisty Argentine forward looks a perfect solution.

If the club are looking for, or wish to bring in another No. 9, it would not be strange; it is the reality of football, said Suarez recently.

Lautaro has eight goals in 16 games in Serie A this season and the explosive forward would be confident of boosting those numbers alongside compatriot Messi.

Whether Barca could really persuade Inter to part company with arguably their most prized possession midway through a season in which they're challenging Juventus for the Scudetto is another story altogether.

Lautaro does seem bound for Catalunya - but perhaps not just yet.

Barca could also look to sign a left-back, given Junior Firpo has not impressed since arriving from Real Betis. However, it is unlikely that the Catalans will look to find a replacement in January and will instead give Firpo more time to settle at Camp Nou before reviewing the situation in the summer.

On the plus side, Samuel Umtitis return to form means they will not be looking for a central defender and the Frenchman seems happy to stay at the club despite falling behind Clement Lenglet in the pecking order.

Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal is closest to the exit door at Camp Nou because he is not playing as regularly as he would like.

He stormed out of training before the Clasico after learning Ernesto Valverde wasnt going to start him against Real Madrid, but was picked against Alaves in the last game before Christmas, scoring as Barcelona won 4-1.

The all-action South American offers goals and physicality in support for the attack, which is something the other players in midfield at the club dont bring to the table.

Im happy and content, well see what happens after I get back, said Vidal before jetting off for his winter break.

However, Vidal has since gone public with his frustration with Barca over alleged unpaid bonuses and a parting of the ways would appear to suit both parties, with a transfer to Inter the most likely outcome.

Carles Alena has already left, joining Betis on loan until the end of the season, which should mean more midfield starts for Arthur and Ivan Rakitic, and perhaps even Sergi Roberto, who has been shunted to right-back.

In defence, Jean-Clair Todibo appears Italy-bound, with AC Milan interested in securing the French centre-backs services, although Manchester United have also been linked.

Valverde has a predilection for B team defender Ronaldo Araujo, meaning Todibo has barely featured. Barcelona would ask for a buy-back clause in any prospective deal.

Despite the intense interest in Lautaro, it seems unlikely that the Argentine will arrive in January. If Barca were to pull off what would be a sensational deal, he would obviously go straight into the starting line-up in place of Suarez.

Griezmann is starting to find his feet on the left flank, while Messi has been in typically fantastic form on the right.

Frenkie de Jong has been a fine addition to a midfield still anchored by Sergio Busquets but Barca will be hoping that Arthur gets back to his best sooner rather than later.

Semedo appears to be ahead of Sergi Roberto in the battle for the right-back berth, while the rest of the defence pretty much picks itself, despite Umtiti's resurgence.

Read more:
What Barcelona need in the January transfer window - Goal.com

Mackinaw City A new toll scanning method could meantravelers who frequently cross the Mackinac Bridge see shorter wait times at the bridge's toll booths, the bridge authority said.

The bridge's MacPass toll card is beingreplaced with a windshield-mounted sticker that is automatically scanned when a driver pulls up to the toll booths,Kim Nowack, Mackinac Bridge Authority Executive Secretary, said in a statement.

"Drivers still need to stop and wait for the gate to rise before proceeding, but the new process will speed transactions for frequent customers,"Nowack said.

Maintenance crews are giving the Mackinac Bridge a new coat of paint.(Photo: John L. Russell, file, Special to The Detroit News)

The new sticker can only be used by those with aMacPass account.Those who are not account holders will still have to roll down their window and pay at the toll booth each time they cross the bridge.

The MacPass sticker is currently free,and will be $1 each after July 1, 2020.Customers who already have a MacPass account can still use their cards through the end of 2020 and do not need to open a new account to get a sticker.

The stickers are part of a new tolling software system installed in the fall of 2019. Anyone can open a MacPass account, which allows for online deposits and transaction information.

Drivers interested in receiving a sticker are encouraged to visit the MacPass websiteto sign up for an account and receive stickers in the mail.

ecarter@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @EvanJamesCarter

Read or Share this story: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2019/12/30/mackinac-bridge-macpass-card-replaced-with-sticker/2776506001/

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Mackinac Bridge 'MacPass' toll card to be replaced with windshield-mounted sticker - The Detroit News

Its that time of year when transfer speculation goes into overdrive, but which Premier League teams are likely to do some big business to get them through the second half of the season?

A good place to start is Chelsea, where Frank Lampard reportedly has around $200m to spend now that their transfer ban is out of the way. The Blues could probably strengthen at left-back and they are favorites to sign Leicesters Ben Chilwell. They might even try and bring Bournemouths Nathan Ake back to the club for defensive support.

But if Chelsea is to spend in January, it will probably be on a striker. Tammy Abraham is looking fatigued and both Olivier Giroud and Michy Batshuayi are fading in relevance. RB Leipzigs Timo Werner is thought to be their number one target.

This window could also be critically important for Manchester United, who must push for the top four in order to keep some of their star players happy. Ole Gunnar Solskjaers side has a high-quality front three, but they need some quality in midfield behind them. Leicesters James Maddison and Aston Villas Jack Grealish have both been hotly tipped, while a big-money bid could also be made for Jadon Sancho, who remains unhappy in Dortmund.

Manchester City, meanwhile, has seen their title chances fall apart mainly because of a lack of cover at center-back. Aymeric Laporte should be returning in the coming weeks, but they are still paper-thin in the position.

Perhaps Napolis Kalidou Koulibaly could provide the quality they desperately need? Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho may not have a huge war chest this January, but he will have a wish list. The key position that needs covering is right-back, where Serge Aurier hasnt exactly excelled. Leicesters Ricardo Pereira would be a great replacement and his deal might be funded by the sale of want-away midfielder Christian Eriksen.

And finally, lets talk about Arsenal. Mikel Artetas squad is not deep, there are plenty of injuries and the likes of Granit Xhaka look destined for the door. The Gunners could really do with some defensive strengthening, particularly at center-back, and Wilfred Ndidi is believed to be a big target to help screen the defense. But Arsenal wasted a lot of money on Pepe in the summer and it remains to be seen if they will back their new manager with cash this winter.

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Five EPL clubs who could make big moves in the January transfer window - Yahoo Sports