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Will 2019 Be the Year Cleveland-Cliffs' Investors Have Been Waiting For? | Four years ago, Cleveland-Cliffs (NYSE: CLF) brought in CEO Lourenco Goncalves to salvage a company that was on the brink of bankruptcy. The price of iron ore, its principal product, had been declining since 2010 as the Chinese commodity boom started to wane. To make matters worse, the previous management team had made some poor decisions to acquire questionable assets at top-of-the-market valuations. With loads of unprofitable businesses and a bloated balance sheet, Goncalves and current management began cleaning house. Today, after years of selling and shuttering assets and trimming its balance sheet, the company is back on much-surer footing. Its net debt is less than half what it once was, and focusing on its high-margin operations in the U.S. has restored profitability. Despite these changes, the company's stock trades as though nothing has changed. Long-term investors have been waiting for Wall Street to catch on and start valuing this stock for what it is today instead of what it used to be. Let's take a look at the things working in favor of and against Cleveland-Cliffs, and whether the stock is a buy today. A dump truck and a crane near a heap of ore at a mine. More Image source: Getty Images. Cleveland-Cliffs' business barely resembles what it was a few years ago. Instead of assets in multiple countries and investments in iron ore, metallurgical coal, and alloys commonly used in the steelmaking process, the company has been stripped down to its core activity: producing iron ore in the U.S. to sell to local steelmakers. Even the company's name is different -- it changed in 2017 from Cliffs Natural Resources. Iron ore is a relatively cheap commodity on a per-ton basis, but it is heavy, and transportation costs can be significant. With mines in the U.S. that produce a quality grade of iron ore relatively close to centers of demand, Cleveland-Cliffs is able to realize higher prices per ton sold for the same ore that would come from places such as Brazil. It also signs customers up for annual contracts that ensure volumes are consistent. Having contracts that ensure volume commitments and charging a slight premium to reflect lower transportation costs help explain how the company has churned out steady operating profits over the past few years. Unfortunately, those operating profits were quickly eaten up by debt-servicing costs. This is another aspect of the business where Cleveland-Cliffs' management has changed things considerably. In less than five years, the company has trimmed its debt load by more than half and now carries a considerable amount of cash on the balance sheet. At the end of the most recent quarter, Cleveland-Cliffs had close to $900 million in cash on the books, and net debt of around $1.4 billion. The combination of focusing operations on its profitable U.S. business and cleaning up the balance sheet has done wonders for the income statement. Management is comfortable enough with its current position that it's investing in growth and has reinstated a $0.20-per-share annualized dividend that, at current stock prices, yields 2.6%. All of the things mentioned above show that what's under the hood at Cleveland-Cliffs is wildly different from the way things were before the new management team took over. But despite the engine tune-up, it's still an ugly investment on the outside. Iron ore is still a commodity business in which demand and prices are incredibly sensitive to economic cycles. If there were a decline in economic output relatively soon, it wouldn't be surprising to see Cleveland-Cliffs' profitability decline significantly. | https://news.yahoo.com/2019-cleveland-cliffs-apos-investors-230600023.html |
Will the Browns opt for the Patriots Brian Flores, another branch of the Bill Belichick tree? | The Browns interviewed Flores, 37, Saturday for their head coach vacancy in New England, where the Patriots are on a playoff bye. Flores is the fifth candidate to be interviewed, following interim coach Gregg Williams, former Colts and Lions coach Jim Caldwell, Vikings interim offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski and Saints assistant head coach/tight ends coach Dan Campbell. Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus will interview on Sunday, according to ESPNs Dan Graziano, and the Browns have also asked permission to talk to Colts offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni. Their meeting with Browns offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens will likely take place next week, and theyll also talk to former Packers coach Mike McCarthy next week, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. Flores is one of the hottest candidates on the market, with the Bengals, Broncos, Browns and Packers all requesting permission to interview him. If the Browns hire him, theyd likely recommend that he keep Kitchens, whom theyve blocked from interviewing for other NFL coordinator positions. In an interview in December with ESPN.com, Flores described his coaching philosophy. I think leadership is about being honest, he said. Its about being transparent. Its about putting yourself in the shoes of others. Its about being tough on people, having high expectations, having a high standard and not letting off that standard. I think you can do that specifically with players you can be tough on them, expect a lot from them, but not be somebody they despise. Its important to connect to people. When you can do that, you can get more out of them. Thats part of my leadership style. Its a combination of building trust and building that connection so you can be tough and they know its out of love. If the Browns hire Flores to be their ninth full-time head coach, hed be the third Belichick disciple in that role since 1999, all from the defensive side of the ball. The first two were Patriots defensive coordinators Romeo Crennel from 2005-08 (24-40) and Eric Mangini in 2009-10 (10-22). Curiously, the Browns have not requested permission to interview Canton-area native Josh McDaniels, the Patriots' offensive coordinator and former Broncos head coach who was high on their list the last two searches. Of the nine Belichick assistants who have gone on to become head coaches, only three have winning records: Al Groh, 9-7 with the Jets in 2000; Bill OBrien, whos 42-38 in five seasons with the Texans, and Mike Vrabel, who went 9-7 with the Titans this season. But those whove worked with Flores rave about him. He never really lets his emotions get to him," Patriots defensive tackle Adam Butler told masslive.com. "He collects himself. And he just calls it like it is. He focuses on getting the job done rather than any of the extra stuff. Why Dan Campbell should be a leading contender for the Browns' head coach job Like Belichick, Flores demands a lot from his players. You understand you might not be able to have a perfect game maybe ever, but that focus is one of the things he demands," defensive end Trey Flowers said. "From a players standpoint, its demanding that excellence and the play-calling. I love playing for Coach Flores," said former Browns and current Patriots cornerback Jason McCourty. With Flores calling the plays for the first time this year, the Patriots finished seventh in the NFL in points allowed and fifth in takeaways (28). In his seven seasons as a defensive position coach, the Patriots finished in the top 10 in fewest points, including No. 1 in 2016. A former linebacker for Boston College, Flores got his start when then-Patriots personnel executive Scott Pioli, now with the Falcons, brought him in as a scouting assistant in 2004. He moved over to the coaching side in 2008 as a special teams assistant, and spent the 2010 season helping out on offense. In 2011, he moved back to defense, and coached safeties from 2012-15. He coached linebackers from 2016-18, and assumed the play calling duties this year when defensive coordinator Matt Patricia took the Lions' head coach job. One of five sons of Honduran immigrants who moved to the United States in the 1970s, he grew up in the crime-ridden Brownsville housing projects of Brooklyn, New York. Whenever I feel like theres any semblance of complacency I think back to a time when I wasnt as fortunate as I am now, Flores told reporters in New England before this season. I try to be that same kid who had a fire burning in him to get out of that area to be a success, to make my parents proud, to make my family proud. I go right there because Im still trying to do that. Thats never going to change. A two-year starter at at Boston College, Flores earned his bachelors degree in English and a masters degree in administrative studies. Now, he plans to branch out from Belichick and become the fourth disciple to win in the NFL. | https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2019/01/will-the-browns-opt-for-the-patriots-brian-flores-another-branch-of-the-bill-belichick-tree.html |
Is Stress Subjective? | originally appeared on Quora: the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world. Answer by James Porter, Author of the book STOP STRESS THIS MINUTE and President of StressStop.com, on Quora: You could make a very good case for why stress is entirely subjective. Almost ALL stress is measured based on self-reporting. In other words, whether someone says an event is stressful or not. And obviously, thats entirely subjective. There are some very official sounding organizations that conduct surveys like the The American Psychological Association (APA) and the Harris Poll, that essentially codify this information making it sound very objective. So, for example, you can go on the APA website and look up statistics on what people find most stressful and youll see their annual Stress in America Survey. The APA has been tracking stress in the US for about ten years now and during that entire time job stress and financial stress have ranked 1 and 2 on the list. But this data is entirely based on peoples opinions of what they find to be most stressful. In her TED TALK, How to Make Stress Your Friend, Dr. Kelly McGonigal, a health psychology professor at Stanford, raised quite a stir when she quoted a study that said stress isn't harmful to your health: Only having the belief that stress is harmful is what makes it harmful. How the researchers that conducted this (retrospective) study arrived at that startling conclusion was a data crunching exercise in parsing out peoples opinions about stress from the 1990s and then looking up death records from then until now. So here you have a study - that runs contrary to pretty much everything that has ever been written about stress - that is based on a combination of peoples very subjective opinions about stress PLUS very objective lists of whether they died or not. Dr. McGonigal, who wrote a book entitled THE UPSIDE OF STRESS, built her whole thesis for the book around the idea that subjectivity is the very root cause of the problem we call stress. But there are some fairly objective ways we can measure stress as well. Biofeedback devices measure all kinds of internal states including: skin temperature, perspiration, heart rate and brainwave frequencies. You can show someone a scary scene from a film and monitor their heart rate or skin temperature, or perspiration and most peoples internal states will change in a predictable way that correlates with their stress. Cortisol levels are probably the most objective way to measure stress. Cortisol, which is a hormone released into the body during a stressful event, can be measured by taking saliva samples. But theres one small problem with this mostly reliable way to measure stress. Peoples cortisol levels vary throughout the day and the only way to get an approximation of where they should be, is to test them for several days prior to running the experiment. Sarah Damaske, a professor at Penn State, conducted just such a study. She wanted to find out if work was really more stressful than being at home as most people would surmise if asked. She checked her study participants cortisol levels for several days before conducting the experiment. After establishing a baseline, Dr. Damaske compared levels of cortisol for these subjects when they were home and at work. (Each subject took their own saliva samples at certain times during the day.) Across the board she found that peoples cortisol levels (for the most part) went down when they were at work and were elevated when they got home. So this last test tells us something very interesting. While most people would subjectively say that work was more stressful than home, in this OBJECTIVE measure of cortisol levels, home turned out to be more stressful than work. To answer your question. Id have to say, that for the most part (but not ALWAYS), stress is subjective. James Porter is CEO of StressStop and author of The Stress Profiler and Stop Stress This Minute. He also has presented seminars on stress management for The CIA, The FBI, Time Life, Blue Cross Blue Shield and The American Heart Association. This question originally appeared on Quora - the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world. You can follow Quora on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+. More questions: | https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2019/01/05/is-stress-subjective/ |
Is the Obama Campaign Trying to Keep Joe Biden Under Wraps? | Now some fresh pickings from the Political Grapevine: Average Joe Time Magazine writes that one of the few things that could derail the Barack Obama campaign is his running mate, so it says the campaign is "hidin' Biden." Karen Tumulty compares traveling with Joe Biden to "reporting on a politician packaged in shrink-wrap" and that he is "leashed to a teleprompter even when he is talking in a high school gym that is three-quarters empty." Tumulty says the campaign is so cautious that when she requested an interview, a spokesman said Biden was suffering from a cold that made interviews difficult. Tumulty added, "I didn't glean evidence of any symptoms during the four speeches that I watched him give over two days." An al Qaeda leader is making his feelings known ahead of Tuesday's general election here. While he did not endorse either party, Abu Yahya al Libi, says in a video posted on the Internet, "O God, humiliate Bush and his party, O Lord of the worlds, degrade and defy him." Al Libi is said to be living in Afghanistan or Pakistan. He also equates President Bush to past tyrants in history. His reference to the election is the first this season from a leading al Qaeda figure. Plumbing the Depths Background checks using state computers on Samuel Wurzelbacher better known as "Joe the plumber" by state employees in Ohio are more extensive than previously thought. The Cuyahoga County Child Support Enforcement Agency is investigating an employee who allegedly accessed Wurzelbacher's driver's license and vehicle registration information. The Columbus Dispatch reports the director of Ohio's Department of Job and Family Services says her agency also accessed Wurzelbacher's information to see if he was receiving welfare assistance or owed taxes. Helen Jones-Kelley says, "When a person behind in child support payments or receiving public assistance... appears to have available financial resources, the department risks justifiable criticism if it fails to take note and respond." But Wurzelbacher says he is not involved in any child support case, and there is no evidence that he owes taxes. Jones-Kelly called the checks "well-meaning" and insisted there is no connection between them and her support for Senator Obama. The Ohio inspector general is investigating. The McCain campaign's Connecticut co-chairman has serious doubts about his own candidate. Republican Congressman Chris Shays tells the Yale Daily News, "I just don't see how he McCain can win... he has lost his brand as a maverick he did not live up to his pledge to fight a clean campaign." And Shays says the mudslinging goes both ways. "Obama has four-times the amount of money McCain has, so for every negative ad he runs he can balance it with an upbeat one. McCain ... has been nearly 100 percent negative." FOX News Channel's Zachary Kenworthy contributed to this report. | https://www.foxnews.com/story/is-the-obama-campaign-trying-to-keep-joe-biden-under-wraps |
How Green Is Bamboo-Based Clothing? | Bamboo is no longer just a delicacy for pandas or a collectible for sinophiles. The environmental movement is embracing bamboo it's actually a type of gigantic grass with hollow, jointed, woody stems as a raw material source for organic clothing. A number of manufacturers and retailers Sprout Kids Clothing, New Balance, Sameunderneath and Lela Designs, among others are offering underwear, T-shirts and other clothing made primarily of bamboo, targeting green-conscious consumers and advertising the products as all natural. Established clothing purveyors such as JC Penney and H&M are also joining the movement, touting their eco-friendly offerings. The market for organic clothing is expected to be worth at least $3 billion by the end of this year, according to research by Berkeley, Calif.-based Organic Exchange, an organic-cotton promotion group. "Companies around the world are looking at their product lines using organic fibers to step more lightly on the planet," says executive director LaRhea Pepper, who runs an organic-cotton farm in Texas with her husband and father. One might reasonably imagine bamboo-based clothing to be scratchy and uncomfortable, the modern-day version of a hair shirt, something one might don when making penance in a medieval monastery. Fabric made from bamboo has a silky texture, environmentalists say. According to the National Geographic Green Guide, bamboo is an "a priori" eco-friendly material because it's naturally pest-resistant, requires little water, is amazingly regenerative and known to grow a foot a day. Bamboo also has a much lighter environmental impact than pesticide-laden conventional cotton and petroleum-derived nylon and polyester synthetics. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), conventional cotton consumes more water than any other agricultural commodity. Nitrogen-heavy fertilizer runoff from cotton fields feeds oceanic "dead zones" that deprive water of oxygen and kill fish. Seven of the top 15 pesticides used on U.S. cotton crops are deemed by the EPA to be potential or known human carcinogens. Industrial production of synthetic fibers releases lung-damaging pollutants such as nitrogen and sulfur oxides, particulates, carbon monoxide and heavy metals into the air. Manufacturing of most fabrics also releases climate-warming carbon dioxide into the air. Not so with bamboo. The president and founder of Santa Monica, Calif.-based Sprout Kids Clothing not to be confused with the online retailer Sprout Kids describes the bamboo clothing as "comfortable" as well as eco-friendly. "I wanted to create children's' clothing that was sustainable, but without sacrificing quality, or putting kids in burlap bags," says Maegan Harvey. "When I discovered bamboo that was it." The fabric used by Sprout Kids Clothing is made of 70 percent bamboo and 30 percent organic cotton, which is made without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. There's no polyester in the mix. Additionally, bamboo contains a natural element called "bamboo kun" which serves as a natural antibiotic, protecting the wearer from nasty germs as well as body odor, which is caused by bacteria living in our armpits. The clothing makers use non-industrial chemicals to dye the products, such as "low-impact, or vegetable dyes," says Daisy Hu, a spokeswoman for Under the Canopy, a Boca Raton, Fla.-based organic clothing developer. Other designers and retailers tout additional environmental benefits for their clothing. "I work with a wonderful eco-friendly women's line, Oxygen Required, and their line is made of bamboo, cotton," says Heather Wilbeck, a spokeswoman for the New York firm, whose lead designer is Vivian Fang. "The collection is breathable, biodegradable, anti-bacterial and eco-friendly." Both bamboo and organic cotton are big selling points for green consumers, says Jennifer Pearson, a spokeswoman for the Vancouver, B.C. environmentally-friendly clothing maker Lela Designs. Manufacturers of bamboo-based clothing are also trying to expand the infrastructure of organic farming around the globe and are working with suppliers in China, India, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, Britain and the U.S. Bamboo may be the most popular "eco-friendly" material now, but others are emerging. Much of Boston-based athletic shoemaker New Balance's apparel collection utilizes charcoal derived from coconut shells, which is said to provide better evaporation and odor resistance, as well as protection from UV rays, says spokeswoman Kaitlin Kerns. The company also offers bamboo-based running jackets and T-shirts. Some worry, however, that all of this green talk is just that chatter. The clothes that are being offered may well be organic, but there are concerns that the packaging that contains the clothes is made out of cardboard or materials whose use offsets the green-friendliness of the clothing. "I love organic socks and bought quite a few sets online," says Michal Ann Strahilevitz, a marketing professor at Golden Gate University in San Francisco. "When they arrived, I saw that every single pair had a relatively substantial-sized cardboard tag pinned to the socks, discussing the organic nature of the socks. "Why did they have to waste paper with those silly, huge tags?" she adds. "Any positive impact on the earth that came from wearing the cotton was probably more than cancelled out by all those silly, thick information tags that they attached to each pair." Given such criticisms, are the bamboo-based and organic clothes really "green?" We think so. The bamboo fiber serves as a natural antibiotic, and is biodegradable and comfortable. The fabric is silky smooth. And since it naturally "wicks" perspiration, it doesn't have to be washed as frequently as clothes made from polyester. Overall, bamboo clothing is definitely sustainable it's doing something better, rather than doing something less bad. | https://www.foxnews.com/story/how-green-is-bamboo-based-clothing |
Will Whitney Houston's Star Rise Again? | I do believe that Whitney Houston is ready to make her comeback. A beautiful color photo of the cherubic-looking Whitney is prominently featured in the booklet-sized invitation for Clive Davis' annual pre-Grammy bash on Feb. 12. Houston is only one of four performers featured in the glossy invite. The others are Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys and Annie Lennox. Davis always keeps the names of the performers at his party a secret until the last minute, but we already know that Davis's J Records stars Jamie Foxx and Gavin DeGraw are scheduled to be in the show. A good guess would also include J's teen sensation R&B star Mario. But I wouldn't count on Jennifer Lopez or Ashlee Simpson getting on Clive's stage. Only the most confident singers need apply, because there's no augmentation. Since Davis always throws in some superstars from the past, this year could be particularly exciting. Available and ready are Mavis Staples, who's getting a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys, and Billy Preston, who'll be collaborating in a Ray Charles tribute at the Grammy show with Bonnie Raitt. Last year, Alicia Keys sang with the legendary R&B group Ray, Goodman and Brown and Russell Thompkins, Jr. of the Stylistics. Davis's Grammy party continues to be a much hotter ticket than the Grammy show itself, since it is still held in a relatively small venue: the Beverly Hills Hotel ballroom. Sources tell me demand for seating is higher than ever this year, because many tables have gone to sponsors like L'Oreal and Sirius Radio. But you can still expect some regulars, with the exception, sadly, of mainstay Dick Clark. If he does put in an appearance, he might cause a bigger stir than Whitney. As for Whitney: Her return will be greeted with thunderous applause and ovations, if it happens. She is still the best voice of her generation. And no one can help her re-start her career better than the man who put her on the map in the first place. Travolta's Latest Turkey Basted by Mystery Man It's a good thing John Travolta has signed a rich deal to hawk Breitling watches, because his movies are just not selling tickets. The most recent in a chain of disappointments is the well-intentioned but misguided "A Love Song for Bobby Long." The Lions Gate release has taken in about $127,000 so far in limited release. With no awards or nominations to give it a boost, "Bobby Long" is headed for the video store shortly. The movie only cost about $10 million to make, according to executive producer Bob Yari. The Screen Gems division of Sony Pictures covered it domestically for about $3 million, and maybe Yari can make the rest back in video sales, rentals and TV airings. The movie is a character piece, so it probably doesn't have a big international audience, but surprisingly it's grossed about $821,000 in foreign markets. "Bobby Long" has an interesting story behind it. Travolta didn't take his usual $10 million fee, and skipped some of his usual perks package, which normally includes private chefs and grape peelers. Instead, he was a partner in the venture, and he's not the first name actor to cut such a deal with Yari. Keanu Reeves did something similar on "Thumbsucker," the Yari production that stole Sundance's heart and is about to be sold to Sony Pictures Classics. I told you about Yari and his movies "Thumbsucker" and "Chumscrubber" last week. The former was excellent; the latter was not so great and I'm being kind. They are just two of about 20 or so films Yari will have produced during a two-year period. He's arrived on the scene with a bang. No one knows who he is or how it happened. Yari who the trade papers suggested in recent stories is a mystery man is pretty out in the open. He's a shopping-mall and commercial-real-estate success story, albeit an unlikely one. Born in Westchester County, N.Y., he attended the University of California at Santa Barbara and got his B.A., he says, in cinematography from the Brooks Institute of Photography. He directed a flop in 1989 called "Mind Games," called his career quits and went off to make money. I spoke to Yari on the phone yesterday, in what I think is his first interview on the way to becoming a media mogul. Even though he's living in Malibu, he sounds fairly unaffected by the Hollywood scene. He's sorry "Bobby Long" didn't do better. "Between Screen Gems and Lions Gate, it kind of got lost in the shuffle," he said. He's not sweating it. Yari sold "The Matador" to Miramax for $7.5 million at Sundance, is finalizing the "Thumbsucker" deal with SPC, has a Bruce Willis thriller coming from Miramax shortly and a film called "Crash" later in the spring that he's excited about. "Travolta," he says, "is an icon. You will see another resurgence in his career." Let's hope so. Travolta has had a run of bad luck before. Prior to his resurrection in Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction" in 1994, he'd been reduced to doing cheesy sequels to the already cheesy "Look Who's Talking." After his comeback, the "Saturday Night Fever" Oscar nominee had a few actual hits with "Face/Off," "Phenomenon," "Broken Arrow" and "Get Shorty." But all good things must come to an end, and this moment in the sun did so around 1997. "Lucky Numbers," "Ladder 49," "Primary Colors" and the infamous "Battlefield: Earth." Even his next feature, "Be Cool," a sequel to "Get Shorty," is said to be pretty bad. Yari, meanwhile, says he has a budget of about $180-$200 million to make 15-20 films a year. He has a knack for signing stars, but he doesn't have consistent taste. Some of those 20-odd films coming off the line have included Matt Dillon in "Employee of the Month" and David Duchovny's ambitious but flawed directorial debut "House of D," both of which never got far beyond the film-festival circuit. He spent $32 million on the very bad "Laws of Attraction," with Pierce Brosnan and Julianne Moore, and has more invested in some films sitting on the shelf that may follow "Bobby Long" and "Laws" down the tubes. One Yari project everyone would like to see, however, is something referred to so far only as the "Untitled Dave Chappelle/Michel Gondry Project." I told you about this in September, when the comedian and the iconoclastic director filmed a reunion of The Fugees for a film that combines comedy skits along with performances by other "positive" hip-hop and R&B acts such as the Roots, Erykah Badu, Mos Def, Jill Scott, Cody Chesnutt and Kanye West. Anything's possible, but Yari, who's building a hotel complex in Arizona and continues to make real estate his first priority, seems sensible at least for now. And the good news is: He's using his own money. "There's a whole history in Hollywood of slaughtered capital," he says. "And you're never supposed to use your own money. I kind of understand that. But I have a business background. There's not a lot of risk. We're very down-side protected." This from a man who's aiming to create the next New Line Cinema, he says. We'll cross our fingers for him. | https://www.foxnews.com/story/will-whitney-houstons-star-rise-again |
Is Mitt Romney the man to lead a Republican rebellion against Trump? | Utah senators criticisms raise prospect of a challenge in a party that has all but reshaped itself in Trumps image At this weeks solemn swearing in of the Senate, Vice-President Mike Pence worked his way along a line that included Mitt Romney, a Republican stalwart, Bernie Sanders, a self-declared democratic socialist, and Kyrsten Sinema, the first openly bisexual senator. Just this once, Pence may have felt more at ease with Sanders or Sinema than with his fellow conservative. Shutdown over Trump wall demand threatens food, tax, transport and more Read more A day earlier, Romney had fired a broadside at the boss to whom Pence remains unswervingly loyal. The Trump presidency made a deep descent in December, the incoming Utah senator wrote in the Washington Post. His conduct over the past two years, particularly his actions this month, is evidence that the president has not risen to the mantle of the office. Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee, added: The world is also watching. America has long been looked to for leadership Trumps words and actions have caused dismay around the world. Much was striking about the column, not least the way in which Romney bluntly made reference to Trump rather than President Trump. It was a rare stirring of rebellion in a party that has all but reshaped itself in Trumps image. The voice of dissent raised the question of whether the president will face a challenge in the Republican primaries ahead of the 2020 election. Romneys timing was a surprise, said strategist Kevin Madden, a senior adviser to and spokesman for his 2008 and 2012 presidential campaigns. The big question is, is this part of larger plan he has to build a broader coalition of voices that are going to confront the president on policies and rhetoric? he said. Some of the backlash was a testament to the fact that there is a fight in the party, but right now Trump is winning it. Donald Trump is the manifestation of this era of Republicanism Michael Steele The party of Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan is now the party of Trump. A former Democrat with few ideological positions, Trump hijacked the primaries in 2016 as the ultimate outsider, tearing into the Bush family, House speaker Paul Ryan, Senator John McCain and Romney himself. Trump defeated 16 more conventional candidates with a mix of nationalism, populism, xenophobia and celebrity, then repeated the trick to beat Hillary Clinton to the presidency. He has arguably given Republicans bangs for their buck: two conservative justices on the supreme court, huge tax cuts for the rich, business regulations slashed. In return, many have turned a blind eye to his contempt for the free market, his willingness to run up the national debt and his embrace of foreign despots at the expense of allies. This week, for example, Trump randomly declared: The reason Russia was in Afghanistan was because terrorists were going into Russia. They were right to be there. The statement would have been shaken to Reagan to the core but there was barely a murmur from a party that has something approaching Stockholm syndrome. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Donald Trump supporters at a rally in Missouri in November. Photograph: Carolyn Kaster/AP Michael Steele, former chairman of the Republican National Committee, said: Donald Trump is the manifestation of this era of Republicanism and, by and large, Republicans have bought into that narrative, that storyline, that style of leadership. They just have to await the fate of the voting gods, otherwise known as citizens, who will cast the final judgment. Ever fearful of the noisy Trump base, Republican opposition in the Senate has withered. McCain, a keeper of the flame of Americas postwar global leadership, died from brain cancer in August. Senators Bob Corker of Tennessee and Jeff Flake of Arizona, both scathing critics who nevertheless generally voted for Trumps legislation, have retired. That leaves only Romney and Ben Sasse, a young senator from Nebraska who has proved willing to call out the president. There is then a second tier of senators, such as Susan Collins of Maine, Cory Gardner of Colorado and James Lankford of Oklahoma, who have been known to make their displeasure clear, though none appears likely to lead an uprising. Ted Cruz of Texas and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, once bitter opponents of Trump, are now among his most ardent cheerleaders, although Graham savaged the recent decision to withdraw troops from Syria. Majority leader Mitch McConnell expressed dismay at the departure of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, yet was careful to avoid directly rebuking the president. Henry Olsen, a senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center think tank in Washington, said: A lot of people do the game of I disapprove of his tweets but, when push comes to shove, they dont openly disagree with him. Mitt Romney has now put himself in the Ben Sasse camp rather than the Mitch McConnell or Ted Cruz camp. Hes provided a possible way forward In the House of Representatives, Republicans are now in the minority but probably even more conservative and pro-Trump than before. Many moderates from suburban-heavy districts lost their seats in the midterms. Minority leader Kevin McCarthy has positioned himself as one of the presidents closest lieutenants. It won't be easy. But Trump will lose 'bigly' on immigration | Art Cullen Read more The Trump virus has spread to conservative media. Fox News not only lionises him and asks him soft questions but, in football terms, has become a feeder club for the White House. Rightwing broadcasters such as Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter have been influential in persuading Trump to keep the government partially shut down unless he gets money for a border wall. Conversely, the Weekly Standard, a neoconservative magazine that was a rallying point for Never Trumpers, closed down last month. That is why Romneys column in the Post was seen by some as a candle flickering in the dark. John Kasich, the Republican governor of Ohio and arch Trump critic, tweeted: Welcome to the fray, Mitt Romney. Bill Kristol, former editor of the Weekly Standard, wrote: For now at least Mitt Romney has become the leader of the Republican Resistance to Trump. Steele said: I thought it was more than just a shot across the presidents political bow. Essentially it created a crack in the wall that many inside the party have been creating around Trump that prevented members who would like to sidestep some of his crazy from doing it. Hes provided a possible way forward in drawing some clear line distinctions between the character of the man and the policies of the administration. But Steele cautioned against unrealistic expectations that Romneys conscience will spearhead a Republican rebellion any time soon. I think Ben Sasse will probably hold down that space largely by himself, he said. I dont anticipate Mitt Romney really being that vocal out of the box against the president. His problem, because he led off with this op-ed, is going to be when the president says something and God help us tweets something hes going to be the first one the press goes to for response. Thats going to get old for him very quickly. Hell be mobbed in the corridors. Others suggest that Romney, a former Massachusetts governor and business executive, is a flawed messenger. He launched a memorably stinging attack on Trump during the 2016 election but was subsequently photographed dining with him when in contention for the job of secretary of state. He was also content to accept Trumps support for his recent Senate run. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Romney was pictured dining with Trump in 2016 when in contention for the job of secretary of state. Photograph: John Angelillo/Pool/EPA Olsen said: It damages his credibility among people he would need to persuade. Hes moved back and forth. When he was up for secretary of state, Trumps character didnt seem to matter so much. Romney is also out of touch with Republican voters, Olsen argued. The Republican party on policy is largely behind or significantly open to the kind of innovations Trump has proposed. Mitt Romney tried to put himself on the broad Trump-suspicious track, but anyone who wants to lead the Republican party cant pretend we live in 2005. Romney fell into that trap. Somebody does need to challenge the president Trump claimed this week that he is the most popular president in the history of the Republican party. Eighty-nine percent of Republicans approve of his job performance, according to a Gallup survey last month, although just 39% of all Americans do, which is lower than any president in either party at this point in his presidency since at least 1954. Trumps grip on the 164-year-old party could be loosened in the coming year as a partial government shutdown drags on and he faces investigations and possible impeachment from a Democratic-controlled House, turbulence in the markets and the likely conclusion of special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into alleged collusion with Russia. The president might face a challenge in the 2020 primaries, potentially from Flake, Kasich, Sasse or even Romney. Flake told CNN last week: Somebody does need to challenge the president. Im a long way from there, but somebody needs to and I think that the country needs to be reminded of what it means to be conservative, certainly on the Republican side, and what it means to be decent as well. If Trump were to die today, Republicans would still want a candidate who says many of the things he does Henry Olsen Olsen said: Id be shocked if the president didnt have a primary challenge; hes too controversial. If Trump were to die today, Republicans would still want a candidate who says many of the things he does and is willing to fight. The majority of the Republican party is broadly nationalistic and moderately populist. If Trump says, Ive achieved everything and Im not going to run again, Republicans would want someone with the same positions, not a Sasse or a Romney. As things stand, Trump would almost certainly win the primaries but could be mortally wounded. Primary challengers in 1980 and 1992 helped weaken incumbent presidents Jimmy Carter and George HW Bush, both of whom went on to lose. Charlie Sykes, a conservative author and broadcaster, said: Right now its Donald Trumps party but it would not be surprising if he did face a challenge from Republicans who are not drinking the Kool-Aid. It would be a tremendously difficult uphill climb. Trump would be overwhelmingly the favourite for the nomination. But that does not mean the case should not be made. | https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/jan/06/mitt-romney-republican-rebellion-trump |
How does Donald Trump stack up to master legislator Nancy Pelosi? | The president and the House speaker are at political odds, but they may have a thing or two in common Born Donald John Trump in New York, 14 June 1946, the son of Fred Trump, a property developer, and Mary Anne MacLeod Trump. Nancy Patricia DAlesandro in Baltimore, Maryland, 26 March 1940, the daughter of Thomas DAlesandro Jr, a US congressman and Baltimore mayor, and Anunciata DAlesandro. Proud children Donald Trump Jr is a cheerleader for the president on the campaign trail and could be in hot water over alleged collusion with Russia. Alexandra Pelosi is a documentary film-maker who said of her mother this week: Shell cut your head off and you wont even know youre bleeding. 'Remarkable': the two photos revealing the divide in Washington Read more Claim to political fame Trump: First person without political or military experience to be elected US president. Pelosi: First woman to become speaker of the US House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011, re-elected in 2019. Claim to infamy Trump: Rich man hated by Democrats (Were going to impeach the motherfucker, said newly elected congresswoman Rashida Tlaib). Pelosi: Rich woman hated by Republicans (Republican David Brat mentioned Pelosi and her liberal agenda 21 times at a debate). Blowing your own trumpet Trump: I would give myself an A+, is that enough? Pelosi: I am a master legislator. I just love it. Daily schedule Trump: Reportedly wakes at 5.30am and watches news in the White House master bedroom, then stays up beyond midnight. Pelosi: Reportedly wakes at 5.30am and works late into the night. Political acumen Trump responds to flattery from cabinet members and dictators and has no other discernible tactics or strategy. Pelosi played a blinder to quell a party rebellion more than 60 Democratic candidates campaigned on a pledge to oppose her speakership bid and ensure that she would reclaim the gavel. Oratory skills Trump: Incoherent, rambling, self-contradictory, zig-zagging, nonsensical. Pelosis speaking style is less tangential than cubist, full of unexpected angles, says the New York Times Magazine. At times, she seems to be carrying on three or four different conversations at once. Gaffes Trump: All the time, every day. Pelosi: Not quite so often, although her remark about Obamacare We have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it, away from the fog of controversy was described by the New York Times Magazine as the most memorable gaffe of her political career. Where they stood on the 2003 Iraq war Trump was for it and then against it. Pelosi, then in Congress, spoke out against it. Where they stood on Obamacare Trump admitted in February 2017: Nobody knew that healthcare could be so complicated. Pelosi did know, having worked Congress with Lyndon B Johnson-like craft to get the Affordable Care Act passed. Where they stand on the media Trump: The Fake News Media, the true Enemy of the People. Pelosi: I think the press loves him [Trump] Mussolini, he didnt care what they said about him, as long as they were talking about him. Where they stand on impeachment Trump: You cant impeach a great president but lets talk about it and rally my base. Pelosi: Im secretly all for it but lets not talk about it so we dont rally his base. Romantic life Thrice married Trump was caught on video explaining his approaching to wooing: When youre a star, they let you do it. You can do anything Grab em by the pussy. Pelosi married financier Paul Pelosi and moved to New York, then San Francisco, where they had five children in six years. Religion Trump is a self-described Presbyterian who enjoys the backing of conservative evangelicals. Pelosi, of Italian descent, is a devout Catholic. Fashion taste Trump favours a red tie, usually worn too long. Last month Pelosi walked out of the White House in a bright red coat and put on sunglasses to address reporters. Food taste Trump: Cheeseburgers. Pelosi: Chocolate. (I dont know what it is. But some call it dedication, some call it an addiction, others call it an affliction. I knew I loved my husband when I said I would give up chocolate for him. But I also knew he loved me because hed never ask me to do such a thing.) Most likely to watch Trump: Fox News. Pelosi: MSNBC. Twitter followers Trump: 56.9m. Pelosi: 1.85m | https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/jan/06/trump-pelosi-comparison-political-background |
Should a mother leave her son with his father to take a far-flung job? | Serious, pensive woman looking away (Photo: Django, Getty Images) Dear Carolyn: I immigrated to marry a man Id dated for four years. It was an incredibly toxic and abusive relationship and I finally managed to leave after 11 years. After two years Ive found an amazing job and have done brilliant work in my community and my new country. Our 12-year-old child has not only adjusted but thrived. We co-parent well and actually maintain a very solid friendship. Im surrounded by loving friends and found family. Im in a loving, supportive relationship. All in all life is perfect. But. Ive been offered my dream job 12 hours away. During our divorce we agreed our child has a say in his living situation should I move. Im pretty confident he will choose to stay in his hometown, but hopeful he will choose to move with me. Ive made peace with it. But I feel guilty. Society judges absent mothers so harshly. Im worried about him having the support and compassion he needs. I feel justified after so many years of abuse and sacrifice that I deserve to chase my own dreams. Theyre your feelings to feel, of course, but I see room as in, pristine acres of rolling landscape - for you to reframe your view of your life, if you really wanted to do that. I also dont think its possible to make peace with it and feel guilty and be worried, all about the same move. Read more: After marriage and baby, friend wants his pal back Husband routinely makes plans without consulting his wife And you wont get a you-go-girl answer from me, because to treat this as an issue of society and judgments and misogyny, if thats what youre implying - sounds like a cynical dodge. Just facts: The price you pay for a bad decision here wont be charged to your public-image account itll come straight from your kids emotional health. Thats not a rhetorical question; my advice for you is to answer it. If you really are just talking about dream-fulfillment beyond your current perfection, then your decision feels heavily optional. Like, second-cherry-on-a-sundae optional. The chances youll have other dreamy career opportunities, especially if youre brilliant at it: excellent. The chances your child will have another crack at childhood: zero. And I cant believe Im only now getting to this: Youre also dumping a horrific choice on your child. Who, presumably, has just found stability after being put through a wringer by his parents relationship struggles. Of course, the only one whose vote counts is your son. For that? Read or Share this story: https://www.freep.com/story/life/advice/2019/01/06/parenting-job-career-mom/2472488002/ | https://www.freep.com/story/life/advice/2019/01/06/parenting-job-career-mom/2472488002/?from=new-cookie |
Could Craig Kimbrel's return to Red Sox be "a foregone conclusion"? | originally appeared on nbcsportsboston.com He may not get that six-year deal his agent said he was initially looking for, but Craig Kimbrel is likely headed back to the Red Sox after finding a surprisingly tepid free agent market for a 30-year-old closer who's 14th on the all-time saves list with 333. Scroll to continue with content Ad That's the conclusion of veteran baseball writer Richard Justice of MLB.com. In his rundown of potential landing spots for the seven remaining high-profile, free-agent relievers, Justice writes of Kimbrel: He might not get the six-year deal the Red Sox have resisted giving the 30-year-old right-hander. But he could still match the largest contract ever given a closer, that being the five-year, $86 million deal Aroldis Chapman got from the Yankees two offseasons ago. With the loss of Kelly and the lack of a proven closer being the only real question for the defending champions, Kimbrel's destination seems a foregone conclusion. Joe Kelly signed a three-year, $25 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, leaving the Sox closer options dwindling, though Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and Alex Cora have expressed faith in setup men Ryan Brasier and Matt Barnes to close. Dombrowski also stated publicly at the winter meetings that the team wasn't planning on "big expenditures on an elite closer." Still, if Kimbrel's price comes down and a veteran closer is preferred, a Kimbrel reunion could make sense, as NBC Sports Boston Red Sox Insider Evan Drellich reported earlier this winter. Click here to download the new MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Celtics easily on your device. NBC SPORTS BOSTON SCHEDULE | https://sports.yahoo.com/could-craig-kimbrels-return-red-222753053.html?src=rss |
Is the tide at last on the turn for the worlds strongman leaders? | The trial of 11 people charged with the murder of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi opened and was quickly adjourned in Riyadh last week. It may be that the outcome is fixed in advance. Yet that the hearing took place at all could be seen as progress of a kind. It suggests even a state as autocratic, inward-looking and undemocratic as Saudi Arabia is not immune to international opinion and can be forced, in extremis, to respect the human right to justice. The Khashoggi affair has provided a chastening lesson for Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi crown prince, who is widely believed to have ordered the journalists slaying in Istanbul in October. Until then, Salman was riding high, courted by Donald Trump, lauded at home for modest social reform and feared, if not respected, across the Arab Middle East for his war of attrition in Yemen and determination to face down Iran. Salmans subsequent fall from grace was swift. His reversal of fortune confounded the accepted narrative of an inexorable, global rise of like-minded, authoritarian strongman figures, riding waves of reviving nationalism and intolerant, rightwing populist and unilateralist sentiment. Yet there were signs elsewhere, too, that this toxic surge may be nearing its high point. CIA Khashoggi findings 'highly damaging' to Mohammed bin Salman Read more While the evidence for this incipient shift can be exaggerated, the extreme political trajectories that sent some governments and leaders veering off wildly into the far-right blue yonder from 2016 to 2018 may be beginning to self-correct. In other words, the wheel is turning and a more traditional, moderating left-right cycle could reassert itself. A critical turning point approaches, at which the conduct of global affairs may begin to normalise or will become yet more dangerous and chaotic. Viktor Orbn, long viewed as the standard bearer of anti-migrant, anti-EU, nationalist revanchism in Europe, is a case in point. Hungarys prime minister remains firmly in control at home for now. But his hard-right policies, particularly a so-called slave law undermining workers rights, are increasingly under attack. Last month saw large street protests in Budapest in support of opposition demands for the laws repeal and the restoration of an independent judiciary and media. The enduring Europe-wide appeal of Orbns ideas, and those of kindred rightwing populists in Germany, Italy and France, faces a crucial test in May, when a new EU parliament will be elected. Denmark, Poland, Portugal and Greece will also hold national polls this year. Predictions of additional successes for populist parties appear to be supported by the most recent Eurobarometer survey. Overall, only 42% of Europeans trust the EU, and even fewer (35% on average) trust their national governments. But this level of voter alienation is nothing new and may actually be decreasing, according to the survey. Britains Brexit trauma appears to have had a cautionary effect, with fewer Europeans than previously favouring similar national action. Mainstream voters may also be more conscious that far-right politicians, even when they gain decisive power as in Italy last year, do not have better answers to their problems and may make matters worse. Kickback against overly authoritarian or anti-democratic leaders is more problematic in states suffering extreme forms of strongman governance, such as Egypt under Abdel Fatah al-Sisi. Sisi won a rigged presidential election last year, and there is talk of abolishing term limits so he can remain in office indefinitely. But many Egyptians have other ideas, as a predecessor, Hosni Mubarak, discovered to his cost. Rule by fear, aggravated by utter incompetence, can only last so long. Similar considerations apply to Recep Tayyip Erdoan in Turkey, who finally succeeded last year in taking all the reins of power. Now the blame for numerous national problems the economy, security, corruption, censorship, abuse of power lies with him. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of Turks are voting with their feet, taking talents, money and businesses abroad. Its clear that in Erdoans boundless hubris lie the seeds of his destruction. Downfall could come sooner rather than later. This theory of nationalist strongmen fatally faltering may also be applied to Indias Narendra Modi, who faces a tough re-election challenge this year, and even to Chinas formidable Xi Jinping, who promised a better life for all and now appears clueless in the face of an economic slowdown. And theres Trump, the ultimate strongman wannabe, who clearly believes he is entitled to do anything he wants, including building a wall with Mexico, but is slowly and painfully discovering he is not. How Trump reacts to tougher Congressional resistance and deepening legal entanglements is the story of the next two years. He may play it by the constitutional book, but that seems unlikely. If, like failing authoritarian leaders everywhere, he tries instead to impose his will by any available means such as declaring a bogus national emergency the resulting domestic and global disruption will be severe. | https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/06/strongman-authoritarian-leaders-days-numbered-jamal-khashoggi-saudi-prince |
Should Trump withdraw from Afghanistan? | Almost immediately after President Trump directed the Pentagon withdraw all U.S. troops from Syria, he ordered a reduction of U.S. forces in Afghanistanmore than 7,000 soldiers, which is about half of the current force. Given the hysterical reaction of Washingtons foreign policy establishment about the presidents Syria decision, there will certainly be an even more shrill the sky is falling chorus regarding Afghanistan. But whatever one thinks of the presidents temperament, his management style, and the decision-making process (or lack thereof), his decision about Syria was the right thing to do, and so is his decision to pull back in Afghanistan. After more than 17 years, its well past time to wind down Americas longest war. It is important to remember the original mission in Afghanistan authorized by Congress was to use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, or harbored such organizations or persons. In other words, Usama bin Laden, al Qaeda, and the then Taliban-led government in Afghanistan (because they gave safe haven to bin Laden and al Qaeda.) The Taliban was driven from power in a matter of weeks. Over the next few years, al Qaedas senior leadership was disrupted and scatteredlargely to neighboring Pakistan. And in May 2011, Usama bin Laden was found and killed by U.S. Special Operations Forces. So the original mission has been long since accomplished. CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON AFGHANISTAN AT FOXNEWS.COM Yet along the way, well before bin Laden was killed, the mission morphed into propping up the fledgling Karzai government in Kabul. As such, the U.S. military effort was no longer about going after those who were responsible for 9/11, but became an exercise in democratic nation-building. Buthowever desirable a representative, multiethnic, democratic government in Afghanistan would beit is not an absolute necessity for U.S. national security. The overriding requirement is that whatever government controls Afghanistan, it understands that the United States will not tolerate support for or the harboring of any terrorist group with global reach that directly threatens the United Stateseven if such a government is not a friendly government. Al Qaeda and ISIS are terrorist threats in Afghanistan, but neither are a direct, existential threat to the American homeland. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Moreover, we cant commit the military resources required to fight a war in Afghanistan, a fact that policymakers have been unwilling to acknowledge or discuss with the American public. According to FM3-24, the U.S. Army's counterinsurgency manual, "Twenty counterinsurgents per 1000 residents is often considered the minimum troop density required for effective COIN [counterinsurgency] operations." With a population of over 33 million, a force of 660,000 troops would be needed in Afghanistan. For a sense of scale, the total U.S. Army active duty force is less than 500,000 soldiers. It's also worth noting that peak U.S. troop deployment during the Vietnam War was more than 500,000 soldiers and we did not win that counterinsurgent operation. Even if the whole of Afghanistan doesn't need to be secured, it is still a bridge too far. According to the most recent Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) quarterly report, 11.6 million Afghans live in areas either under the control of, or contested by, insurgents. That would require 232,000 troops, which is more than double the peak U.S. troop deployment in Afghanistan of roughly 100,000 soldiers and some 15 times more than the current force in Afghanistan. Finally, cost cannot be ignored. According to the Pentagon, the war in Afghanistan is costing $45 billion per year. A report published last year by the Center for Strategic and International Studies concluded that Department of Defense (DoD) Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding for the Afghan conflict from Fiscal Year (FY) 2001 to FY 2018 would be more than $840 billion. However, one estimate has the war costing more than $1 trillion to date and another estimates total war spending for Afghanistan at roughly $2 trillion when other war-related costs are included. No wonder a recent survey found that 57 percent of Americans, including 69 percent of military veterans, said they would support a decision by the president to remove all troops from Afghanistan. It would be easy to dismiss President Trumps decision to begin withdrawing from Afghanistan as simply a political decision in which Trump is making good on a campaign promise. The reality is that it reflects what Americans want because they understand that a continued U.S. military presence Afghanistan no longer is in our national security interest its a conflict we dont need to fight, cant win, and cant afford. | https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/should-trump-withdraw-from-afghanistan |
Is AT&T Inc. a Buy? | AT&T, Inc. (NYSE: T) is unloved on Wall Street, with the stock down by roughly a third since early 2016. That, however, has pushed the yield up over 7%, more than three times what you'd get from owning an S&P 500 Index fund. Changing with the times The AT&T of today isn't the same as the one that existed 100 years ago. The government broke that company up in the 1980s, forcing it to spin off the so-called Baby Bells. Although a bit of a simplification, the Baby Bells owned the local phone side of the business while AT&T was left with the long distance side. That wasn't enough to keep AT&T going, as competition and technology quickly eroded margins in the space. AT&T tried to turn things around, but in the end, SBC, one of the Baby Bells, ended up buying the company in 2005 and taking its name. Today's AT&T is not the AT&T of old -- it is SBC under a different name. Red phone receivers hanging by their cords. More Image source: Getty Images. Using the AT&T name, however, was clearly the right move for SBC. And the acquisition aided the telecom in its transition away from copper telephone lines as it worked to become one of the largest cellular-phone companies in the United States. It's only major rival at this point is Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ). However, smaller rivals are using aggressive pricing to attract customers and forcing their larger brethren to compete on price. AT&T's cellphone business still is desirable, but growth prospects are muted. The market is largely saturated, there's another round of capital spending on tap as the industry switches to 5G service, and gaining and maintaining market share is a fierce daily battle. This is part of the reason why AT&T purchased DirecTV in 2015 in a nearly $50 billion transaction. The idea was pretty logical: DirecTV owned a system (satellites in this case) with which people connected to visual content -- roughly similar to the way a cellphone connects people to video, the internet, and each other. The problem with the purchase is that customers are increasingly opting to cut video services like DirecTV in favor of streaming content provided by companies like Netflix and Amazon (through its Prime service). That choice on the part of customers is backed by the fact that they can acquire content in ways that were unavailable before (notably on their cellphones). This is an obvious statement, but it underscores the reason why AT&T purchased Time Warner for $110 billion in 2018. That gave AT&T control of media assets like HBO and Warner Brothers. Now, AT&T controls key ways in which customers connect to highly valued content. The goal is to provide that content in a way that keeps customers under the the AT&T umbrella. The only problem here is that streaming providers, notably Netflix and Amazon, are increasingly focused on creating original content, potentially reducing the value of the content AT&T just spent so much to buy. The moves aren't wrong, but... None of this is to suggest that AT&T is making poor choices, per se, only that it owns a collection of businesses that are all facing some sort of headwind. And while the content push is still early, it has a better shot at success than Verizon's attempt to turn internet has-beens Yahoo! and AOL into a successful media operation. Verizon, for reference, just wrote down the value of those assets by $4.6 Billion, effectively conceding defeat on the idea of being a content company. | https://news.yahoo.com/t-inc-buy-120300639.html |
Is It A Nasty Cold Or The Flu? | Enlarge this image CSA-Printstock/Getty Images CSA-Printstock/Getty Images It's that time of year again. You wake up with a scratchy throat, stuffy nose, a little achy maybe a fever. "There's lots of confusion out there, because both are viral respiratory illnesses," says Dr. Yul Ejnes, an internal medicine specialist in private practice in Rhode Island and spokesperson for the American College of Physicians. "No one likes to get a cold, but people are more fearful of the flu." And rightly so. Last year's influenza season was particularly severe, resulting in an unusually high number of hospitalizations and deaths from flu complications. So, if you do have the flu, it's important to consult with your health care provider about treatment. And distinguishing between a cold and flu may be easier than you think, Ejnes says. There are some clear distinctions between the two similar types of viral illness in terms of symptoms how quickly they appear and how severe they become. Think flu Flu symptoms, Ejnes says, usually start abruptly though you can spread the virus before symptoms surface. "Patients can pretty much tell you when the symptoms hit them after lunch, for example, or yesterday afternoon," says Ejnes. A cold, on the other hand, takes a couple of days to build up. You may have a scratchy throat one day and then the nose starts to get stuffy the next day. You may also develop a fever with a cold. But typically, it's a "low-grade" rise in temperature, hovering around 99 or 100 degrees Farenheit. With flu, that fever is usually significantly higher at least 101 degrees. Chills and body aches are another flu hallmark or, as Ejnes says, "feeling like a truck ran you over where you can't even move a muscle." Dragging yourself out of bed can seem impossible when you have the flu. "You're just wiped out with total body fatigue," he says, whereas with a cold, people often "soldier on" and get out of bed for work or social activities. Heading to work isn't a good idea, of course, even with a mild cold, because it exposes others to the virus -- but lots of people do it. (Colds tend to be most contagious in the first several days of illness.) There can be congestion and cough from the postnasal drip of a head cold, but it's not nearly as severe as with flu. Influenza can trigger long bouts of coughing and even trouble breathing. So, when patients tell Ejnes that their symptoms developed suddenly, their fever is high and their body aches severe, he assumes flu, he says. That depends, Ejnes says. If you're a healthy adult without any chronic health problems, you may instead do fine with merely phoning your doctor, who can quickly prescribe any of several antiviral medications. That medicine is most effective when given within two days of symptoms. "It's not a miracle drug by any stretch," cautions Ejnes, but it can offer some relief by reducing the severity of symptoms and the duration of the illness by a day or so. Ejnes says he prefers a phone chat to a visit in such cases partly to limit the number of people in his waiting room who have the flu. "I've had the most ironic scenarios, where somebody's coming into the office to get a flu shot and while they're waiting to be called in they're sitting next to someone who's coming in with symptoms that might be the flu." So call first. 'Red flags' that escalate risk However, doctors do want people who are at high risk of developing complications to be seen by the health team when flu is suspected, says infectious disease physician Dr. Matthew Zahn. He's the medical director of the Division of Epidemiology and Assessment for the Orange County Health Care Agency, in Southern California, and spokesperson for the Infectious Disease Society of America. This at-risk group includes children under age 5, whose immune systems are still developing; adults 65 and older, whose immune systems are waning; pregnant women; and individuals who have certain underlying medical conditions. These pre-existing conditions include asthma, chronic lung disease, heart disease, kidney disorders and liver disorders all are known to diminish the strength of the immune system and the ability to fight off influenza. Antiviral medicine can be helpful for this group, he says, even if it is given more than two days after flu symptoms appear. And whether you get treatment or not, there are some important "red flags" to be aware of with the flu, says Zahn. Watch for "any sort of breathing problems," he says. Coughing occasionally is one thing, but if you're having trouble catching your breath, go see your doctor "really quickly." Breathing problems can be symptomatic of pneumonia, a common and serious complication of the flu, in which the air sacs of one or both lungs become clogged. A sudden and significant change in mental health status with the respiratory symptoms is also a red flag, Zahn says. If you or a loved one have trouble focusing or are not as alert as normal, make your way to a doctor right away. Flu shots aren't just for the kids and grandpa While antiviral medication can reduce symptoms, infectious disease specialists agree that the best way to prevent the flu is to get the flu vaccine. "Each year we have tens of thousands of people die of flu," Zahn says, and the vaccine can help prevent that. While flu seasons are unpredictable and strains of the virus mutate from year to year, vaccines can still be anywhere from 40 percent to 60 percent effective in preventing severe complications and hospitalization. Vaccination rates against flu are highest among Americans 65 and older and among children 4 and younger, he says, but most others could benefit from a flu shot, too. And that's not happening among American adults aged 18 to 64, typically less than half get immunized. Of course, it's best to get your flu vaccine at the beginning of flu season in the fall but it's not too late. The influenza season runs throughout winter. As for treating a cold, well, you're pretty much out of luck. "The reality is nothing is available to shorten the duration of a head cold," says internist Ejnes. Over-the-counter medication can ease symptoms, he says. Decongestants can help reduce cough, nasal sprays can help reduce stuffiness, and lozenges can help relieve a sore throat. "Some folks have more luck with these OTC remedies than others," Ejnes says. Then there is the ever-popular chicken soup, which can help you feel better especially if there's lots of steam, which can help clear up nasal congestion. But, bottom line, Ejnes says patients just have to do whatever they can to ease symptoms until the cold runs its course usually in seven to 10 days. "There's nothing we can do to speed that process up." | https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/01/06/681783725/is-it-a-nasty-cold-or-the-flu?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=health |
Is Momo a Buy? | Another year of strong organic growth for Chinese social media app Momo (NASDAQ: MOMO) -- plus its acquisition of match-making peer Tantan in the spring of 2018 -- did not equate to much in the way of share price appreciation in 2018. After doubling in the first half of the year, the stock promptly reversed course and gave up all of its gains and then some, losing 3% in 2018. The upshot for the company is that its growth story remains intact, albeit at a slower clip than in the recent past. While that may not indicate completely clear skies ahead for the social and entertainment technologist, the stock does look like a value. When good isn't good enough Momo is still expanding at an extremely healthy rate. During the third quarter of 2018, revenue improved 51% year-over-year, monthly active users increased by 17% to 110.5 million, and paying subscribers increased by 71% to 12.5 million, although 3.6 million of those new subscribers came via the Tantan buyout. Metric Q1 2018 Q2 2018 Q3 2018 2018 To-Date Total Revenue $435.10 $494.30 $536.00 $1,465.40 YOY revenue growth 64% 58% 51% 57% Operating expenses $288.7 $369.40 $442.10 $1,100.2 YOY operating expense growth 65% 50% 66% 60% Earnings per share $0.31 $0.28 $0.20 $0.79 YOY earnings-per-share growth 55% 87% 5% 47% 2018 Adjusted earnings per share $0.69 $0.66 $0.53 $1.88 YOY adjusted earnings-per-share growth 57% 89% 18% 52% Data source: Momo. All dollar figures in millions. YOY=Year over year. Nevertheless, Momo's momentum is slowing as of late. A top line growing north of 60% at the beginning of the year curbed to 51% in the third quarter. Also, the 17% increase in monthly active users in the third quarter represents a cooled-down cadence from the 21% pace set during the first quarter. Alongside third-quarter results, management advised investors to expect revenue to grow 43% to 47% year-over-year in the fourth quarter of 2018. Paired with an overall bad year for Chinese stocks, the decelerating results put Momo investors in a sour mood the second half of 2018. A group of people sitting on a bench holding laptops, tablets, and smartphones. More Image source: Getty Images. The upshot... It's true that Momo is losing steam, but revenue growth north of 40% is nothing to get too upset about. Plus, while the company continues to invest in itself to maximize growth, it's worth noting that the social app is still a very profitable concern. Momo' stock is currently priced at 11.7 times trailing 12-month earnings, and the company's forward 12-month price to earnings (PE) ratio based on analyst expectations is 8.5. That implies a big gain in the bottom line in the year ahead, even as Momo continues to dump money into its social network and entertainment productions. For the sake of comparison, Tencent Holdings (NASDAQOTH: TCEHY) -- the owner of China's largest social network platform, WeChat -- improved year-over-year revenue 24% in the third quarter of 2018 and carries a trailing 12-month PE ratio of 28.1. That makes Momo a good value relative to its larger peer, both from a revenue growth and a valuation standpoint. While Tencent has other irons in the fire that could drive results -- like its video game, cloud computing, and investment arms -- Momo's stock shouldn't be dismissed after its big pullback. Investors willing to stomach a little volatility should add this one to their watch lists. More From The Motley Fool Nicholas Rossolillo and his clients own shares of Tencent Holdings. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Tencent Holdings. The Motley Fool recommends Momo. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. | https://news.yahoo.com/momo-buy-131700202.html |
What brought Leonardo DiCaprio, Kanye West and Tom Cruise to the Bay Area recently? | Drake (and his entourage) visited San Francisco in November for two sold-out shows at the Oakland Coliseum, but he got plenty of play time in. He ate at Waterbar on the San Francisco Embarcadero with seven others, who ordered jumbo prawns, steak and pasta. He also drank and bowled twice at the restaurant/bar/bowling alley Fifth Arrow (pictured above), below the new music venue August Hall. Read more here. less Drake (and his entourage) visited San Francisco in November for two sold-out shows at the Oakland Coliseum, but he got plenty of play time in. 1 / 20 Back to Gallery Drake bowled, Tony Hawk ate Hawaiian, and Kanye West bought flip flops at a San Mateo mall. It's been an odd few months of celebrity appearances in an around the Bay Area. There have been plenty of concerts, galas and benefits, but undoubtedly the most exciting celebrity appearances are out in the wild, on the sidewalks and in the restaurants of San Francisco and beyond. NEW YEAR'S EVE: Heartthrob pulled over by deputies in Half Moon Bay That's where Drake and his entourage were spotted in November. They dined at Waterbar, a popular celeb haunt, and drank and bowled at Fifth Arrow, a new restaurant-bar-bowling alley in San Francisco. BLINK AND YOU'LL MISS IT: Steph Curry's cameo in 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse' A month later, West posted a video on social media of himself being pulled on a bicycle around the city's streets. It wasn't his first surprising visit to San Francisco in 2018. In October, fans spotted him allegedly buying Rainbow flip flops at Hillsdale Mall. See the rest of the kooky (and admittedly ordinary) celebrity appearances around the Bay Area in recent months in the above gallery. Read Michelle Robertson's latest stories and send her news tips at [email protected]. Start receiving breaking news emails on wildfires, civil emergencies, riots, national breaking news, Amber Alerts, weather emergencies, and other critical events with the SFGATE breaking news email. Click here to make sure you get the news. | https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/What-brought-Leonardo-DiCaprio-Kanye-West-and-13506914.php |
Should Kevin Hart be reconsidered as the 2019 Oscars host? | Kevin Hart backed out of hosting the Oscars after homophobic tweets he made resurfaced. Ellen DeGeneres is advocating for Hart to get his job back as host, but not everyone is welcoming Hart with open arms. Hart went on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" to explain himself, but LGBTQ people of color aren't buying what Hart is selling. They also say DeGeneres is not the spokesperson of the LGBTQ community and doesn't have the authority to excuse Hart's comments. PERSPECTIVES DeGeneres sat down with Hart and not only did she forgive him, she reached out to the Academy and suggested he be allowed to host the awards show. #KevinHart @KevinHart4real @TheEllenShow Thank you Kevin for your honesty Nobody's perfect We'd have halos if we were God forgives us all Only he can judge Those who live in glass houses...Pot calling kettle... Forget the trolls Their mission is to run others [?] [?] to build them [?] [?] -- [?] [?] [?] Debbie[?] [?] [?] (@DebbieGBUK) January 4, 2019 Members of the Black LGBTQ community say Hart's apology was insincere. Some also say it wasn't DeGeneres' place to forgive Hart and that LGBTQ people of color were the ones singled out by the comments. Journalist George M. Johnson took to Twitter to share his thoughts. He says LGBTQ people of color cannot be spoken for by DeGeneres because they do not share the same experiences. My thoughts on Ellen and this absolving of Kevin Hart. pic.twitter.com/tn7Amh6oDv -- George M Johnson (@IamGMJohnson) January 4, 2019 In light of Ellen absolving Kevin Hart for his history of homophobic remarks, this seems like a good time to reiterate that no one member of a marginalized identity can forgive a bigot on behalf of the entire group. -- ella dawson (@brosandprose) January 4, 2019 The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Local Media, LLC property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt, on Instagram @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say. | https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2019/01/should_kevin_hart_be_reconside.html |
Should she accept her dream job if it means moving away from her child? | A mother wonders if shes being selfish. She is, says Carolyn Hax. Dear Carolyn DEAR CAROLYN: I immigrated to marry a man Id dated for four years. It was an incredibly toxic and abusive relationship and I finally managed to leave after 11 years. I was unemployed and without family or friends. After two years Ive found an amazing job and have done brilliant work in my community and my new country. Im literally receiving awards for my work. Our 12-year-old child has not only adjusted but thrived. We co-parent well and actually maintain a very solid friendship. Im even friends with his new partner. Im surrounded by loving friends and found family. Im in a loving, supportive relationship. All in all life is perfect. But. Ive been offered my dream job 12 hours away. During our divorce we agreed our child has a say in his living situation should I move. Im pretty confident he will choose to stay in his hometown, but hopeful he will choose to move with me. Ive made peace with it. The logistics arent that hard to manage. But I feel guilty. Society judges absent mothers so harshly. Im worried about him having the support and compassion he needs. Im worried Im abandoning him and he will end up with weird issues. I feel justified after so many years of abuse and sacrifice that I deserve to chase my own dreams. Woman on Hold DEAR WOMAN ON HOLD: Tempting. Theyre your feelings to feel, of course, but I see room as in, pristine acres of rolling landscape for you to reframe your view of your life, if you really wanted to do that. As you did just a few paragraphs prior, with, perfect. I also dont think its possible to make peace with it and feel guilty and be worried, all about the same move. And you wont get a you-go-girl (or, alas, a bad-mother) answer from me, because to treat this as an issue of society and judgments and misogyny, if thats what youre implying sounds like a cynical dodge. Just facts: The price you pay for a bad decision here wont be charged to your public-image account itll come straight from your kids emotional health. And he didnt choose to be born or move anywhere or marry badly. Thats not a rhetorical question; my advice for you is to answer it. Especially since the nature of the dream matters. Parents live away from minor children plenty, for reasons society accepts and even applauds. Military deployments; diplomatic or political positions; humanitarian aid work; career necessity (astronauts, journalists, mountaineers, ship captains); economic pressure anything from a job transfer to emigration from an impoverished country. These have in common some combination of necessity and a higher purpose and typically an end date. ** At least it feels important. If you really are just talking about dream-fulfillment beyond your current perfection, then your decision feels heavily optional. Like, second-cherry-on-a-sundae optional. Id say this about any dad or mom who has viable and non-soul-crushing local employment options and whose affected child is just 12. The chances youll have other dreamy career opportunities, especially if youre brilliant at it: excellent. The chances your child will have another crack at childhood: zero. And I cant believe Im only now getting to this (the issue is deceptively complex): Youre also dumping a horrific choice on your child. Who, presumably, has just found stability after being put through a wringer by his parents abusive marriage and divorce. Take your time, Honey. Seriously. And, youre doing this just as he has one foot on the threshold into adolescence, one of the most dizzying, unnerving, and impressionable times of our lives. One promising element is that youre even torn about it. You dont say so yourself, but your peace-guilt-worry pretzel does. Your asking this question does. Of course, the only one whose vote counts is your son. For that? ** Extra credit: Read Reyna Grandes The Distance Between Us for a childs nuanced perspective on parents who leave. Or just play Cats in the Cradle on a loop about an absentee dad, at that. | https://www.seattletimes.com/life/should-she-accept-her-dream-job-if-it-means-moving-away-from-her-child/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_all |
How can we make New Orleans a truly peaceful city? | The 146 murders in New Orleans in 2018 were the fewest since 1971, which was long before many victims this year were born. The city is much smaller now than it was 47 years ago, so our homicide rate remains one of the highest in the nation. That means we have a lot of work to do to make New Orleans safer. Still, there were 54 fewer murders last year than in 2011, which was the high point of the past eight years. That is 54 lives that were saved. Fifty-four families that are still intact. If New Orleans can continue that trajectory, the city could be transformed. That is not guaranteed, of course. Murders fell in New Orleans from a high of 424 to 158 between 1994 and 1999, and then went back up to 274 in 2003. But other cities have shown that a peaceful city is possible, and we must do everything we can to keep reducing violence. Police Superintendent Michael Harrison gives credit to his officers and to the NOPDs improved efficiency for the downturn. Thats fair. The ups and downs of the murder rate are due to many factors but having a more effective Police Department has to help curb crime. Superintendent Harrison has brought stability to the department as it implements the consent decree ordered by a federal court judge to correct abuses. One of the positive effects of that wide-ranging order is that officers are being trained to handle crisis situations. The program is voluntary, but about 40 percent of officers have gone through Crisis Intervention Team training. That training includes how to quickly assess a mental health crisis call, how to recognize the signs of different mental illnesses and how to de-escalate a situation. CIT officers also typically are able to connect people to community services. NOPD is well ahead of the target number for CIT training in the consent decree, but the goal ought to be to get every officer trained. Officers are dealing with more and more mental health calls, which grew from around 3,800 in 2014 to 4,950 in 2017. CIT skills can make those encounters safer both for the officer and for the person in crisis. That training is an example of the citys broad-based approach to reducing violence: treating it not just as a law enforcement issue, but as a public health problem as well. Former Mayor Mitch Landrieu made that a priority through NOLA for Life and programs like Strive, which was created to provide job training and opportunities for young African-American men. Mayor LaToya Cantrell also is committed to improving health and social services. She has created an Office of Youth and Families, which is working to coordinate and expand services like preschool and child care for families in need, trauma counseling and more. Director Emily Wolff has created a partnership with the citys 311 system to connect children to youth development, counseling and other services. The high levels of violence in New Orleans take a toll on our children, leaving emotional scars that can last a lifetime. Some city schools understand that and are training teachers to recognize and deal with the effects of trauma. But so far only 11 of the citys 80 public schools have fully embraced trauma-informed methods. That must change. The city also needs more mental health services to help people cope with trauma. The City Council formed a task force to recommend how to expand services to deal with emotional trauma. When that report is issued, the council and mayor ought to make its findings a top priority. Families see the effects of violence on children. I looked up and saw our children just looking at us. They were confused. They didn't know what was going on. How do you explain something like this to a child? the girlfriend of Jarvis Jarrow said after he was shot in the head last year while taking his toddler to school. Research by the Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies found that 42 children who attend Lawrence D. Crocker College Prep screened positive for lifetime PTSD. Since 2016, the institute's surveys of more than 300 students from public schools in and around Central City found that one in five children had witnessed a murder. Among the 10- to 16-year-olds surveyed between 2012 and 2015, rates of mental health disorders were dramatically higher here than the national average. More than half of the children said they worried about violence in their neighborhoods. They need help coping with those anxieties. That is why the citys public health and education initiatives are so important. Long-time youth football coach Jerome Temple, who is better known as DJ Jubilee, has seen the effects of violence on young people. After Hurricane Katrina, he started keeping a list of his former players who were killed. When he was interviewed last year by NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune reporters for our Children of Central City project, the total was at 28. If we dont support these kids, do everything we can, we know whats going to happen, he said. So why do we let it? We shouldnt. | https://www.nola.com/opinions/2019/01/how-can-we-make-new-orleans-a-truly-peaceful-city.html |
Can Marijuana Stop Beer Sales From Falling? | As more states legalize marijuana, speculation has grown about the potential for it to be the catalyst that finally reverses the years-long decline in the beer industry. Yet as Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE: BUD) becomes the latest brewer to partner with a marijuana producer, investors ought to step back, ignore the buzz, and ask themselves whether this is more fad than trend. Brewers often latch onto gimmicks, like ice beer, imperials, nitros, the oxymoronic black IPAs (it's an India pale ale after all), or the new New England IPAs that are cloudy rather than clear. You can still find these beers on store shelves, but their heyday has largely come and gone. Although marijuana-infused beer appears to be another publicity stunt that will eventually fade away to become a niche product, this time brewers are paying tens of millions of dollars -- sometimes hundreds of millions -- for the privilege. Female and male smoking marijuana and drinking beer More The law prohibits you from getting high and catching a buzz from a single beverage. Image source: Getty Images. Canna-beer is here Legal weed is still a new phenomenon, and because it's not yet national it still has a mystique that makes pairing suds and buds a seemingly forbidden pleasure. While Boston Beer and distiller Brown-Forman have warned in their SEC filings for years that legalization is a threat to alcoholic beverages because of the so-called substitution effect, there have been brewers that have been offering a happy mix from the beginning. In Colorado, where marijuana has been legal longest, Dad & Dude's Breweria has been successfully selling a cannabis-infused beer for years, and Oregon's Coalition Brewing has introduced several varieties of beer made with cannabidiol (CBD). Similarly, Heineken's Lagunitas introduced its SuperCritical limited edition ale made with terpenes, which is responsible for the cannabis plant's unique aroma and flavor, while Vermont's Long Trail Brewing made a limited run IPA-like beer made with cannabis compounds. Although these beers were popular when introduced and enjoy a cult-like following, it's only because of their newness and the heightened attention to legal weed that they got off the ground. Marijuana is now attracting the big guns of the business, like Anheuser-Busch, which paid $50 million to partner with Tilray; Constellation Brands, which initially bought a 9.9% stake in Canopy Growth early last year for $190 million and then added another $4 billion investment later in the year; and Molson Coors (NYSE: TAP), which is forming a joint venture with Hydropothecary (NASDAQOTH: HYYDF), in which the brewer will have the controlling interest as it pursues cannabis-infused beverages. Legal implications But it's not as if you're going to get high while having a beer. The government doesn't allow the psychoactive compounds of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, to be mixed with alcohol, which is why CBD and terpenes are most often used (there are over 100 cannabinoids, or the chemical compounds secreted by cannabis flowers that are found in both cannabis and hemp plants). So if you're buying a marijuana-infused beer thinking you will feel the effects from both, you're likely going to be disappointed. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau (TTB) has pretty strict standards about what products brewers and distillers can use in their alcoholic beverages and what the labels can say. Brewers have to submit lab analyses of their products stating whether they're using oils, seeds, or some other component of the plant; how much THC, if any, is detected; and submit a sample to be tested by the TTB. Also, no words, description, images, slang, etc. can be used "implying or referencing the presence of hemp, marijuana, any other controlled substance; or any psychoactive effects." | https://news.yahoo.com/marijuana-stop-beer-sales-falling-135900428.html |
What Kind Of Business Is Best For Small Entreprenuers? | Bruce Bell, an attorney at the Chicago office of Schoenberg, Finkel, Newman and Rosenberg, gives us some pointers: Larry Light: Give us a run-down on the different business structures. Bruce Bell: The myriad of factors that must be considered in choosing the proper business structure requires a careful evaluation of the available alternatives. In todays business environment, most closely held businesses operate as conventional C corporations, S corporations or limited liability companies, known as LLCs. The C corp is the one most people have heard of. Bell: From a tax perspective, C corporations are treated as entities separate and apart from their owners. Income earned by a C corporation is taxed to the corporation while dividends paid by a C corporation are taxable to the shareholders. This can result in a dual layer of taxation, a tax at the corporate level on income and a tax at the shareholder level on dividends. Bell: The considerable flexibility in permitting multiple classes of stock and foreign ownership makes C corporations the optimal business structure for publicly traded and other large corporations. The C corporation structure can nevertheless be advantageous for a smaller corporation with owners seeking to reinvest earnings in the business. The 21% flat federal corporate income tax rate imposed on C corporations generally permits the accumulation of funds at a lesser tax cost than would result if earnings are taxed at the individual level and then reinvested in the business. Bell: C corporations can, however, be particularly burdensome when businesses are sold to third parties, as most buyers prefer to buy the assets of a corporation rather than the corporations stock, thereby triggering a potential double tax on the sale proceeds. Light: So tell us about the S corp. Bell: S corporations are generally not subject to income taxation as business income, gain and loss flow through and are reported by the corporations shareholders on their personal income tax returns. Bell: Although the absence of a tax at the corporate level is attractive, it comes with a cost. Only individuals, other than non-resident aliens, estates and certain trusts ,are permissible S corporation shareholders. S corporations can have only one class of stock, which restricts some of the financial flexibility other entities enjoy by offering preferential rights to distributions to some owners but not others. An S corporation cannot have more than 100 shareholders, which limits it. Bell: S corporations do offer payroll tax savings in that only the salaries paid to S corporation owners are subject to payroll taxes. Any dividends or distributions S corporation shareholders receive are not subject to payroll taxes. While an S corporation can readily revoke its S corporation status and become a C corporation, a five-year period must lapse before a C corporation can reelect S corporation status. Bell: A limited liability company or LLC, like a corporation, can be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. In many cases, LLCs offer the best of both worlds, the opportunity to avoid federal income tax imposed on C corporations and freedom from the statutory restrictions on S corporations. Because LLCs permit owners or members to share in company distributions without regard for each members ownership interest in the company, differing distributions to members are commonplace in governing LLC documents, which permit the holding of preferred and common interests. LLCs are permitted to have to a variety of owners as corporations, partnerships and non-resident aliens are permitted owners as are individuals, estates and trusts. Bell: In cases where a business entity is borrowing funds from a third party, an LLC may be the entity of choice if losses are anticipated as LLC members can deduct their share of company losses not only to the extent of their capital contributions but also to the extent of their share of loans taken out by the company. In contrast, S corporation shareholders can only deduct losses to the extent of their capital contributions and any loans they have personally made to the corporation. One disadvantage of the LLC structure is that income reportable from operations by the members will be subject to payroll taxes. Bell: The vast majority of closely held businesses are formed as S corporations or LLCs. Unless you are in an expansionary phase where you intend to accumulate earnings for future use of the business or need to maintain a structure thats more widely recognized for institutional investors, the S corporation or LLC structure would appear to be best suited for your needs. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/lawrencelight/2019/01/06/what-kind-of-business-is-best-for-small-entreprenuers/ |
Why Is Big Lots (BIG) Down 25.3% Since Last Earnings Report? | Big Lots (BIG) reported earnings 30 days ago. We take a look at earnings estimates for some clues. A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Big Lots (BIG). Shares have lost about 25.3% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500. Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts. Big Lots Slumps on Q3 Earnings Miss, Cuts FY18 View Big Lots reported dismal third-quarter fiscal 2018 earnings wherein earnings lagged estimates for the third straight quarter, while sales beat the same. Moreover, the company lowered its earnings guidance for the fourth quarter and fiscal 2018, which is discouraging. Lets Delve Deeper This Columbus, OH-based company posted adjusted loss of 16 cents a share compared with earnings of 6 cents in the prior-year quarter. Further, the figure was wider than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 1 cent. The bottom line also fell short of the companys guidance for earnings of 4 cents to a loss of 6 cents. Net sales grew 3.6% to $1,149.4 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,139 million. Top-line growth was backed positive comparable store sales (comps) and the fiscal calendar shift, partly negated by reduced store count. Comps improved 3.4%, in line with the companys guidance of 2-4% increase. This marked the second consecutive quarter of positive comps. While the companys gross profit increased 3.5% year over year to $459.2 million, gross margin contracted 10 basis points to 39.9%. This was due to high seasonal markdown rate and elevated costs owing to higher tariff. In the reported quarter, SG&A expenses came in at $436.8 million, up 7% year over year. Operating loss was $9.6 million compared with operating income of $5.8 million in the prior-year quarter. Other Financial Details The company ended the fiscal third quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $61.9 million. Inventories were up 3.4% to $1,073.9 million. Total shareholders equity was $592.7 million. Long-term obligations under the bank credit facility totalled $488 million. Big Lots capital expenditures for the fiscal third quarter were $76 million compared with $42 million in the prior-year quarter. Year to date, the company has returned about $139 million to shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases. Big Lots has announced a cash dividend of 30 cents per share on Dec 4, payable on Dec 28, 2018. This amounted to dividend payment of nearly $12 million made in December. In the fiscal third quarter, Big Lots opened 15 outlets and shut 15. The company ended the quarter with a total number of 1,415 stores. Guidance Following a soft fiscal third quarter and a flattish start to the fourth, mainly in November, the company lowered its comps and earnings guidance for the fiscal fourth quarter. Further, the company trimmed its earnings outlook for fiscal 2018. For the fiscal fourth quarter, comps are now expected to be flat to up 2%. Due to soft comps, lower gross margin and higher expenses compared with last year, the company trimmed its earnings view. Management now expects earnings of $2.20-$2.40 per share, down from the previous guidance of $2.90-$3.00. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal fourth-quarter earnings is pegged at $1.10 per share. For fiscal 2018, adjusted earnings per share are projected to be $3.55-$3.75 compared with the prior guidance of $4.40-$4.55. We note that the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the fiscal is pegged at $4.44, which might witness a downward revision. Big Lots expects comps to increase roughly 1% in fiscal 2018. Moreover, the company expects cash flow generation of nearly $10-$20 million, which is significantly lower than $100 million anticipated earlier. It turns out, fresh estimates have trended downward during the past month. The consensus estimate has shifted -21.38% due to these changes. VGM Scores At this time, Big Lots has a poor Growth Score of F, however its Momentum Score is doing a bit better with a D. Charting a somewhat similar path, the stock was allocated a grade of C on the value side, putting it in the middle 20% for this investment strategy. | https://news.yahoo.com/why-big-lots-big-down-143002354.html |
Why Is Vail Resorts (MTN) Down 19.9% Since Last Earnings Report? | Vail Resorts (MTN) reported earnings 30 days ago. We take a look at earnings estimates for some clues. A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Vail Resorts (MTN). Shares have lost about 19.9% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500. Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts. Vail Resorts Reports Q1 Loss Vail Resorts reported narrower-than-expected results in first-quarter fiscal 2019. Adjusted loss of $2.43 per share was narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $2.44. However, it compared unfavorably with the year-ago quarters loss of $2. However, on a GAAP basis, the company reported a net loss of $2.66 per share. Earnings were affected by high operating expenses in Resorts and both the Mountain and Lodging segments. Quarterly revenues of $220 million missed the consensus mark by 6.3% and declined 0.5% year over year. Segment Results Vail Resorts has two reporting segments Mountain (65.9% in first-quarter fiscal 2019) and Lodging (32.4%). The Mountain segment reported revenues of $145 million in the quarter, down 2.1% year over year. The revenue decline can be primarily attributed to decrease in the average Australian exchange rate as compared to the prior year. Under the segment, EBITDA loss was $76.4 million compared with $58.4 million in the prior-year quarter. Operating expenses at the Mountain segment were $222.4 million, up 7.4% year over year. Lodging net revenues in the reported quarter amounted to $74.9 million, up 3.9% year over year. Lodging revenues were favored by an increase in sales across owned hotel rooms, managed condominium rooms, dining, golf and other, partially offset by a drop in transportation sales. Under the segment, EBITDA was $3.9 million compared with $4.4 million in the prior-year quarter. Operating expenses at the Lodging segment increased 4.8% year over year to $71 million. Operating Results Vail Resorts resort reported EBITDA loss was $72.5 million in the reported quarter compared with $54.1 million a year ago. Resort operating expenses totaled $293.4 million, up 6.8% year over year. Total segment operating expenses increased 6.6% year over year to $294.7 million. Balance Sheet Cash and cash equivalents as of Oct 31, 2018, came in at $141 million compared with $140.4 million as of Oct 31, 2017. Net long-term debt as of Oct 31, 2018, was $1,486.9 million compared with $1,262.3 million as of Oct 31, 2017. The company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $1.47 per share, which will be payable on Jan 10, 2019, to shareholders on record as of Dec 27, 2018. In the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the company repurchased 197,896 shares at an average price of $252.66 for a total of approximately $50 million. Fiscal 2019 Guidance For fiscal 2019, Vail Resorts resort reported EBIDTA is estimated at $718-$750 million. In the past month, investors have witnessed a downward trend in fresh estimates. VGM Scores At this time, Vail Resorts has an average Growth Score of C, a grade with the same score on the momentum front. Charting a somewhat similar path, the stock was allocated a grade of D on the value side, putting it in the bottom 40% for this investment strategy. Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of D. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in. Outlook Estimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. Notably, Vail Resorts has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months. Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Vail Resorts, Inc. (MTN) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research | https://news.yahoo.com/why-vail-resorts-mtn-down-143002658.html |
Will Apple Raise Its Dividend in 2019? | Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) has seen a lot of controversy lately, falling from its former leadership position atop the list of stocks with the highest market capitalizations. With concerns that iPhone sales are starting to struggle, many investors fear that Apple's high-growth days are long behind it. Yet one often-overlooked aspect of Apple's success is how it's returned capital to shareholders. Despite spending billions on stock buybacks over the years, Apple has also been committed to regularly raising its dividend. After boosting its payout by 16% in 2018, Apple reached the seven-year mark in making consecutive annual dividend increases. Let's look at Apple more closely to see what's in store for 2019. Dividend Stats on Apple Current quarterly dividend per share $0.73 Current yield 2% Number of consecutive years with dividend increases 7 years Payout ratio 25% Last increase May 2018 Data Source: Yahoo! Finance. Last increase refers to ex-dividend date. A short history of Apple's dividends For most of its existence, Apple didn't pay a dividend. That was consistent with how tech companies usually worked, instead reinvesting available cash back into their businesses. After starting out with a modest payout, Apple discontinued its dividends in the mid-1990s to focus more on growth opportunities. By 2012, though, Apple had achieved huge success. In response to having so much cash on its balance sheet and free cash flow coming in, Apple started paying a dividend again. The tech giant set an initial yield of about 2%, with a payout ratio of about 30% of its earnings. Outside view of an Apple Store at an outdoor mall with palm trees nearby. More Image source: Apple. In seven years, Apple's dividend yield hasn't really gone anywhere, but that's not for lack of trying. The stock has exploded higher, but the pace of the dividend increases that Apple has paid its shareholders has largely matched the stock's moves. Most of the company's hikes have been in the vicinity of 10% in recent years, but the most recent 16% boost marked an acceleration that stemmed in part from the positive future impact of tax reform. AAPL Dividend Chart More AAPL Dividend data by YCharts. Lately, investors have been in a near-panic about Apple's slowing revenue metrics. Just this past week, CEO Tim Cook warned that revenue would fall from year-ago levels to just $84 billion, with weakness in China and slower rates of upgrades among customers elsewhere weighing on sales. | https://news.yahoo.com/apple-raise-dividend-2019-170100776.html |
Who is set to win big at star-studded Golden Globes? | As the 76th annual Golden Globes get underway in Los Angeles, its Bradley Cooper's A Star Is Born that is expected to dominate. The reinterpretation of the enduring Hollywood love story stars Lady Gaga alongside Cooper who also wrote and directed it has everything Hollywood loves fame, music, alcoholism and love. It's the favourite for taking out gongs in Best Picture (Drama), Best Actress (Drama) for Gaga, Best Song for Shallow and Best Actor (Drama) for Cooper. It's main competition is set to come from another musical film, Bohemian Rhapsody, whose star Rami Malek some believe could pull off the acting upset over Cooper. Advertisement Both films are up for Best Picture (Drama) against Black Panther, BlacKkKlansmanand If Beale Street Could Talk. Meanwhile, though the Christian Bale-led political drama Vice the story of former US vice-president Dick Cheney has six nominations (the most of any film), it is Yorgos Lanthimos' The Favourite, a period power struggle set in the 18th century English court of Queen Anne, that is the most decorated film of the bunch. So far this awards season, there has been no deviation from the acclaim for The Favourite trio of Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone. Sandra Oh (L) and Andy Samberg are hosting the Golden Globes. Photo / Getty Emily Blunt, nominated twice this year by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (Best Actress for Mary Poppins Returns and Best Supporting Actress for A Quiet Place) could give Colman a run for her money, as both are up for the Best Actress (Musical or Comedy) category. Last year's ceremony was the first major awards show after the birth of the #MeToo movement. Female attendees wore black in solidarity, with presenter Natalie Portman pointedly introduced the "all male" directing nominees. A year later, Hollywood remains consumed with gender inequality and highly placed men have continued to fall. But this year's best director nominees are also all male again. Up for the director's gong alongside Cooper are Alfonso Cuaron (Roma), Peter Farrelly (Green Book), Spike Lee (BlacKkKlansman) and Adam McKay (Vice). How much these subjects will be discussed in the broadcast, to be hosted by the unexpected pairing of Andy Samberg and Sandra Oh, is unknown. Samberg and Oh have said they're hoping to set a lively and carefree tone. Oh, the star of the BBC America drama series Killing Eve, is also a nominee. Actor Christian Bale. Photo / Getty The lines between film and TV are particularly blurred at this year's Globes as more and more Hollywood stars take roles on the small screen. In fact, there are just as many movie stars nominated in the TV categories as there are in the film categories. Among them: Julia Roberts (Homecoming), Jim Carrey (Kidding), Amy Adams (up for both film Vice and TV miniseries Sharp Objects) Michael Douglas (The Kominsky Method), Benedict Cumberbatch (Patrick Melrose), Penelope Cruz (The Assassination Of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story), Patricia Arquette (Escape At Dannemora), Hugh Grant (A Very English Scandal) and Laura Dern (The Tale). | https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=12186499 |
Did 'Bandersnatch' Launch A Storytelling Revolution Or Kill It In the Crib? | Black Mirror: Bandersnatch created an immediate sensation when it dropped on Netflix late last month, giving viewers the opportunity to meaningfully affect the outcome of the story by making choices at key points during the show. Media theorists have talked about this kind of participative entertainment experience for decades, but it has never been attempted at this scale, using the unique capabilities of a streaming service like Netflix. Well, its complicated. Bandersnatch is definitely new and different, at least for TV. The show is essentially a choose your own adventure story, a format that attempts to bring the open-endedness of role playing games to traditionally linear media like books and comics. Readers are presented with choices some trivial, some consequential at different points in the narrative, and their selection takes them down different branches, toward different endings. When used in books, the format adds a layer of participation and control to the passive experience of reading, and provides more re-readability because you want to explore all the possible story paths and endings. Most of the time, though, it feels like a gimmick, even when its simple and convenient to flip back and forth to different pages, because we are so used to reading sequentially. It gets even trickier with film and TV. Not only are production costs higher to create alternate story content, but it's hard to get a mass audience to collectively make choices unless you have some way to give each viewer their own individual story experience.When producers have occasionally tried to do this sort of thing, as in 1995's odd and terrible Mr Payback, they ran into obvious technical limitations, leading to unsatisfying results. Streaming platforms like Netflix change the calculus. They are fundamentally designed around user choice and interactivity, although in practice, that choice rarely extends beyond what am I going to watch right now? on whatever screen you happen to be watching. But the geniuses behind Black Mirror saw streaming media technology as a way to fuse interactivity at the individual level with the scale of a high production value feature film. Purely on a technical level, Bandersnatch is seamless in how its story paths diverge based on user choice. Decision points appear on the screen, viewers select one with their remote (or the choice times out and one of the options is selected by default), and the scene proceeds naturally. Every so often, if a branch hits a conclusion, the story resets to the beginning, briefly summarizes the story path up to the last branch point, and gives the viewer a chance to explore the alternative. Considering how many people are watching and talking about Bandersnatch in the week since its release, its fair to say Black Mirror and Netflix proved the concept. Well maybe, but if so, future productions will have a high standard to match. Thats because the most compelling thing about Bandersnatch is the relationship between the story and the narrative technique. The plot centers on a programmer in the portentous year of 1984 creating a choose-your-own-adventure game on the emerging technology platform of that era, the personal computer. These are big, powerful themes separate from, but also intimately connected to, both the plot of Bandersnatch and the novelty of its storytelling technique. The multiple layers of self-referentiality and allegory both house specialties of the Black Mirror series elevate the interactive technology aspect from a hey, thats cool gimmick to something integral to the work itself. Once youve been through Bandersnatch a time or two, it becomes clear that there is no other way to tell this particular story: the story would be less without the technology, and the technology would be far less without this story to give it purpose and meaning. There is a literary antecedent to Bandersnatch, a 1963 novel called Rayuela (known in English as Hopscotch) by the Argentine author Julio Cortazar. You can read Hopscotch straight through like a standard novel, or you can follow an alternative reading order that fills in details and changes the storyline significantly by skipping around. Like Bandersnatch, the plot and theme tie integrally to the experimental technique. Hopscotch is a non-linear meditation on linearity; a stream-of-consciousness commentary on consciousness and perception; a deconstructed, frustrating narrative full of dead-ends on the difficulties of writing the stories of our own lives. Its a tour de force that opened up new possibilities for the novel as a literary format, and reimagined the relationship between author and reader. Its also not an invitation that many, if any, other authors accepted. Cortazar proved the concept so well that there was nothing else to say or do with it. His technical accomplishment was absolute. Everything else afterwards would seem like either a cheap trick or a pale imitation. If Bandersnatch had employed the interactive storytelling technique in service of a less-ambitious story a thriller, a D&D-style fantasy adventure, or even a dramatic slice-of-life like the intriguing 1998 parallel-timeline film Sliding Doors other creators might have seen potential for the form and ways to use it in ordinary, entertainment-oriented contexts. But the Black Mirror team set the bar so high, and incorporated so many levels of implications into this one story, that it is tough to see many other productions following this and receiving the same kind of reception. The commercial success that Bandersnatch would seem to be enjoying just on the basis of buzz and attention indicates that someone will be tempted to take another bite at this apple. Unless they are very clever indeed, it seems unlikely to be as sweet, or as tart, as this revolutionary production turned out to be. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/robsalkowitz/2019/01/06/did-bandersnatch-launch-a-storytelling-revolution-or-kill-it-in-the-crib/ |
Is Shopping at Whole Foods Worth It for the Amazon Prime Benefits? | Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) thinks it's time to expand Whole Foods' (NASDAQ: WFM) presence in the U.S. to increase its share of the increasingly competitive grocery market. But it also has a secondary goal: to gain more Amazon Prime members by offering Whole Foods' deals that are exclusive to those who pay the $119 per-year Prime membership fee. Whole Foods currently has about 475 stores in the U.S., but Amazon wants it to have more of a presence in the suburbs. Amazon currently is looking at possible locations in Idaho, southern Utah, and Wyoming, a source told The Wall Street Journal, which was the first to report on the matter. The new potential retail spaces were bigger than the average Whole Foods store, but Amazon could use the extra space to store inventory. Amazon is clearly on a mission to get as many people as possible to become Prime members and think of Whole Foods as their go-to grocery store, rather than the expensive and niche grocer that it was once thought of. But before you jump on the membership just for your grocery shopping, it's worth looking into the actual benefits that Amazon is offering. An Amazon Prime grocery bag is seen atop a pile of fruits in a Whole Foods store. More Amazon wants to lure more people into a Prime membership and to shop at Whole Foods. Image source: Amazon. Amazon Prime benefits available at Whole Foods As 2019 begins, you may be on a health kick and want to shop at a healthy grocer like Whole Foods. While Prime-membership holders get other benefits such as free two-day shipping for qualifying products on Amazon's platform, the benefits below are specific to Whole Foods shopping. These perks all come through opening your Amazon or Whole Foods shopping app and scanning your Prime Code at the Whole Foods checkout. Extra 10% off items with a yellow sale sign (excluding alcohol). Sales exclusive to Prime members, as indicated by blue sale signs. Get select Whole Foods items delivered to your home through Prime Pantry. Share your Whole Foods Prime benefits with one other adult and up to four teens. As you can see, the first two benefits focus on in-store sales you can take part in as a Prime member. Amazon says that the yellow-sign items that give you an extra 10% off the normal sale price typically apply to hundreds of products in the store. And the blue-sign items that indicate sales only available to Prime members change weekly and are applied to select best-selling items in the store. The other two benefits also could save you money and time because you can have certain items delivered instead of driving to the store, plus other family members or friends can use your Prime code for the same perks. Other Amazon Prime benefits to consider Amazon knows that if it can entice Whole Foods shoppers into a Prime membership, they'll probably start shopping on Amazon.com more often to take full advantage of the benefits. It's all about pulling customers into the growing Amazon ecosystem. So if you're on the fence about whether the Whole Foods perks make a Prime membership worth the cost, it's worth looking at the other benefits you'd receive by using Amazon's shopping platform. Ever-expanding fast and free delivery options: These include free two-day shipping on more than 100 million items; free one-day delivery in more than 8,000 cities and towns; free same-day delivery in 8,000 cities and towns when you spend $35 or more; and free two-hour delivery (or one-hour delivery that sometimes requires a small fee) on tens of thousands of items in over 50 cities with Prime Now. Access to tens of thousands of movies and TV shows on Prime Video: This includes Amazon original series, including the Golden Globe-winning titles Transparent and Mozart in the Jungle. Access to over 1 million songs through Prime Music: Prime members have unlimited ad-free listening hours with the service. Unlimited photo storage through Amazon Cloud Drive: Members get unlimited full-resolution photo storage plus 5 GB of video storage. How valuable these benefits are to you will depend on how often you shop on Amazon's platform and how often you use the other services. However, consider the fact that both Apple Music and Spotify Premium cost $9.99 per month, which adds up to about $120 a year. That's the same cost as an Amazon Prime membership, which also comes with Whole Foods deals, a multitude of fast and free delivery options, as well as video streaming and cloud storage. | https://news.yahoo.com/shopping-whole-foods-worth-amazon-190500363.html |
Who replaces Tony Brooks-James as Oregons kickoff returner in 2019? | EUGENE Oregon has to identify a new lead kickoff returner this offseason Tony Brooks-James had 21 kickoff returns for 548 yards this season, with his 26.1-yard average ranking 21st nationally. He also had three fumbles on kickoff returns though. The Ducks, who ranked 70th on kickoff returns as a team, had a chance to get an early start at finding their next returner during the Redbox Bowl but two of their three returns did not fare well and concerns about ball security will continue to linger. Jaylon Redd had a 32-yard return but also had trouble securing another that resulted in just a two-yard return and forced Oregon to start in the shadow of its own uprights. Redd had six returns for 85 yards on the season while Travis Dye had an 11-yard return during the bowl game, giving him two returns for 29 yards on the season. Theyll be the first two players to have a chance to win the job followed by safety Jevon Holland, who is also vying for the role as punt returner. Incoming signees Sean Dollars and Mykael Wright are also options in the return game. Though the competition should be relatively wide open, Oregon should have some time to work out kinks in its return game. Of its 2019 opponents, only Colorado and Auburn ranked in the top 40 in kickoff return defense while Cal, Nevada, Arizona State, USC and Stanford all ranked in the bottom 35 nationally. | https://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/2019/01/who-replaces-tony-brooks-james-as-oregons-kickoff-returner-in-2019.html |
What lessons does Barrick Golds fate really teach us? | Open this photo in gallery Randgold CEO Mark Bristow at the London Stock Exchange. (File Photo). HENRY NICHOLLS/Reuters Robert Yalden is the Stephen Sigurdson Professor in Corporate Law and Finance at Queens University and previously a senior partner at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, where he served as co-chair of its M&A Group. The year 2019 has barely begun, yet some have already started wringing their hands in public about the fate of corporate Canada. This time, the focus is a set of changes that are unfolding at Barrick Gold Corporation, a Canadian company that the legendary Peter Munk built into one of the worlds largest gold-mining businesses. The changes include Barricks decision to acquire Randgold Resources Ltd., announced in September, 2018, and completed on Jan. 1, 2019, after receiving shareholder and regulatory approvals. The transaction forms part of Barricks plan to refocus its business and implement other related initiatives that have now suddenly caught peoples attention: revamping Barricks board of directors, so that instead of having several resident Canadian directors, it will have only one with Canadian roots; and reducing the number of positions in Barricks Toronto head office from the 150 or so that were there in September to approximately 65 to 70. Pierre Lassonde, chair of the board of Franco-Nevada Corp., was quoted in The Globe and Mail on Jan. 4 as saying that he thought Mr. Munk, Barricks founder, is going to roll over in his grave 10 times. Mr Lassonde went on to observe: Dont tell me in the Canadian mining industry theres not great people to run a company like Barrick. A day later, The Globes Eric Reguly bemoaned Barricks fate, suggesting that it may eventually take further steps to disconnect from Canada. Story continues below advertisement Public hand-wringing of this kind is rarely productive unless it ultimately leads to some clear-eyed analysis of the public-policy issues at play. In this case, we are not off to a good start. Allusions are being made to the fate of companies such as Inco, Falconbridge and Alcan and to the spectre of a hollowed-out mining sector in Canada, all of which risks overshadowing questions that warrant careful analysis. So lets review what is going on here in an attempt to clarify at least some of the policy issues that this episode shines a light on. First, unlike one kind of transaction that has got some in Canada excited in recent years, Barrick is not being taken over by a foreign company. Instead, it is Barricks board of directors that decided to pursue a transformative merger because it concluded this was in Barricks best interests. Moreover, the board (including those Canadians who served on it prior to the recent turnover) presumably did so well aware of the implications for Barricks Canadian presence. Time will tell whether that board made the right decision and much will of course turn on how effectively the reconstituted board and the new management team (including chief executive Mark Bristow, previously CEO at Randgold) implement plans for the business (including the role of its head office). The point, then, is that this is not a case that should be conflated with foreign acquisitions of companies such as Inco, Falconbridge or Alcan. The policy challenges that Canada faces when confronted with foreign takeovers and the tools available to address those challenges are not the same as when a company with roots in Canada decides it is necessary to transform its business, its board or its head office in ways that will result in a company with fewer ties to Canada, but that in the boards estimation will nevertheless provide for a more viable business. The Investment Canada review process is one mechanism available to the federal government if it wishes to secure commitments from foreign buyers, and we should certainly engage in vigorous discussion about whether and how best to use that process to preserve head-office jobs. But this tool is not available when a Canadian company such as Barrick is doing the buying. Notwithstanding claims made about the hollowing out of corporate Canada as a result of mergers and acquisitions, data from organizations such as Crosbie & Company consistently show that Canadian companies buy far more companies abroad than vice versa. Foreign acquisitions are in fact integral to the growth of a good many successful Canadian businesses. So we need to be careful not to lose sight of that reality (and the flexibility that we should be giving Canadian companies to bring non-Canadians onto their boards or senior management teams) because some are concerned about the business decisions being made by those in charge at Barrick. This brings us to a second point: It has been clear since Barrick announced its deal with Randgold last September that Barrick wanted to get out from under director residency constraints and that significant change would be forthcoming at the board level. Indeed, the media release announcing the deal stated that Barrick was proposing to change its jurisdiction of incorporation from Ontario to British Columbia. In this regard, it is worth noting that in Canada, we have a patchwork of approaches to director residency. Some corporate law statutes, such as the one in place in Ontario, mandate that at least a quarter of the board be resident Canadians. Others, such as the ones in place in B.C., do not have this requirement. On the whole, since the introduction of residency requirements in some jurisdictions at the height of nationalist fervour in the 1970s (which in some cases required half the board to be resident Canadians), the trend in recent years in Canada has been to loosen these requirements or do away with them altogether. It is also worth noting that Barricks decision to move to B.C. in order to get out from under director residency requirements was not just the boards call. Canadian corporate law statutes give shareholders an opportunity to vote on a proposal to continue to another jurisdiction and it is open to them to veto such a move. In Barricks case, the decision to approve the move to B.C. is all the more interesting because many of Barricks shareholders (a significant percentage of whom are highly sophisticated investors) voted in favour of the continuance and remain shareholders with a continuing economic stake in Barricks financial performance. Barricks shareholders have therefore had a very real interest throughout the piece in who would be on Barricks board and saw merit in the proposal to get it out from under residency requirements. We should therefore be asking ourselves what policy lessons to take away from Barricks continuance into British Columbia. Story continues below advertisement Story continues below advertisement If we are going to wring our hands about Barricks fate, lets at least do so in a way that ensures we discuss some of the policy issues that this episode should have us focus on: the ease with which Canadian companies can get out from under director residency requirements (and the implications for other potential board composition requirements) and the absence of any requirement for a Canadian company not being bought by foreign interests to keep head-office jobs in Canada. This author suspects there is limited appetite in Canada to revert to the stricter director residency regime we once had and that there is even less of an appetite for having government mandate what head-office jobs must be filled by Canadians. But there is certainly value in having a well-focused debate about these important public-policy issues. So lets have at it. | https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/commentary/article-what-lessons-does-barrick-golds-fate-really-teach-us/ |
Did Seattle Seahawks decision to stick with run game cost them a win against the Dallas Cowboys? | The Seattle Seahawks came into Saturdays game against the Dallas Cowboys as the NFCs best rushing team. What they apparently forgot was they also possessed one of the NFLs best passing quarterbacks. The Seahawks couldnt get their running game going against the Cowboys, but their refusal to deemphasize the running game and allow quarterback Russell Wilson to use his arm more often may have been a reason why they lost 24-22 to the Cowboys in a NFC Wild Card playoff game. The Seahawks, who averaged 160 rushing yards a game during the regular season, gained just 73 yards on 24 carries against the Cowboys, with Chris Carson gaining 20 yards on 13 carries. The Seahawks simply couldnt run the football all game long. Yet, head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer stuck to the run game and didnt let Wilson be Wilson in the passing game until it was too late. Carroll was asked, given the struggles to run the ball, if he shouldve tried to pass more often. We would have liked to, Carroll told reporters after the game. The protection was good on play-passes and he threw some strikes. Carroll paused for a few moments. Yeah, its easy to say that now. Wilson completed 18-of-27 passes for 233 yards and a touchdown in the game. Wilson, who arguably throws the best deep-ball in the league, had five completions of at least 20 yards, including completions of 53 and 40 yards to wide receiver Tyler Lockett. The Seahawks showed they could move the football through the air against the Cowboys. The Seahawks continued to run against a wall that was the Cowboys defense. Take away Wilsons 14 rushing yards on three carries and the Seahawks averaged a meager 2.8 yards a carry against the Cowboys. Wilson had just completed one of the best seasons of his career, throwing a career-high 35 touchdown passes while tying a career-low of seven interceptions. Wilson also set a career-high with a 110.9 passer rating despite operating in a run-first offense. Wilson threw 11 passes in the first half and just seven in the second half. Wilson was asked after the game if he wished they had thrown the football more. I wish we would have won the game, Wilson told reporters. The Seahawks defied the trend in the pass-happy NFL by going old school and running the football successfully during the regular season. However, their decision to stick to the run game instead of adjusting to throw the football was in part why they suffered an early dismissal from the playoffs. -- Geoffrey C. Arnold | @geoffreyCarnold | https://www.oregonlive.com/nfl/2019/01/did-seattle-seahawks-decision-to-stick-with-run-game-cost-them-a-win-against-the-dallas-cowboys.html |
Did Chrissy Metz Just Call Out Alison Brie at the 2019 Golden Globe Awards? | Hot mic, Chrissy! In what might be 2019's first new celebrity feudor more likely just a poorly-timed joke accidentally caught on cameraChrissy Metz was caught calling Alison Brie a "bitch" during the tail-end of her interview on the 2019 Golden Globes Facebook Live pre-show on the red carpet outside the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Sunday, Jan. 6. After speaking with co-hosts AJ Gibson and Missi Pyle about the third season of This Is Us, returning with its winter premiere on Tuesday, Jan. 15, the actress was asked to help them throw to the GLOW star at the other end of the carpet. "Do you know a girl named Alison Brie?" Gibson asked Metz, to which she replied, with what could be described as a pointed tone to her voice, "Do I?" "Well, I hear she's at the other end of the carpet," he responded, prompting some awkward silence. "Oh," Metz said. | https://www.eonline.com/news/1002167/did-chrissy-metz-just-call-out-alison-brie-at-the-2019-golden-globe-awards?cmpid=rss-000000-rssfeed-365-topstories&utm_source=eonline&utm_medium=rssfeeds&utm_campaign=rss_topstories |
Would bringing back pork-barrel spending end government shutdowns? | (The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Diana Evans, Trinity College (THE CONVERSATION) For eight years, Congress has banned the use of earmarks, otherwise known as pork-barrel spending. Earmarks paid for pet projects of legislators back in their districts, as a way of encouraging those officials votes for a spending bill. But earmarks were seen by many members of the public as wasteful and distasteful. Even some lawmakers didnt like them. Earmarks are the gateway drug to spending addiction, said Sen. Tom Coburn, a Republican from Oklahoma, in 2007. But now, in the middle of one of the longest federal government shutdowns on record, Rep. Nita Lowey, the new chairwoman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, made a bold statement: She wants to bring back pork-barrel spending in order to make passing appropriations bills easier. I would be supportive of earmarks, Lowey, a Democrat from New York, told Politico. I think there is a way to do it. Greasing the wheels maybe Earmarks would not have solved the current government shutdown, which is the result of an impasse between congressional Democrats and President Trump over funding the presidents border wall. But Loweys not alone in her concern with Congress inability to pass spending bills on schedule. That difficulty, which has ended in several government shutdowns in the last decade, has produced unrelenting criticism by commentators and members of Congress alike. A return to earmarking for projects ranging from new bridges to museum funding to renewable energy research, tailored for individual members districts would require lifting a 2011 moratorium imposed on the practice. I have studied the effect of pork-barrel spending on passing spending bills. Although earmarks are worth reconsidering as a way of greasing the legislative wheels, I would argue that the case for them is mixed. Pro-earmark arguments have come from both parties. The supporters include Sens. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, as well as President Trump. Simultaneously, pressure from House Republicans led former Speaker Paul Ryan to allow hearings to consider ending the 2011 earmark moratorium. Prior to 2011, these earmarks were, with a few exceptions, regularly, and until 2006, in increasingly large numbers, put into appropriations bills as well as highway reauthorizations to help smooth the way to passage. Pork helps move things along My own research, as well as that of Frances Lee of the University of Maryland, shows that earmarks helped transportation committee leaders pass three massive highway bills, overcoming significant policy controversies surrounding each bill. I also found that earmarks were often helpful in passing appropriations bills. Nevertheless, to opponents, earmarks remain pork-barrel projects that are rife with waste and reek of corruption. Former Sen. Clare McCaskill, a Missouri Democrat, called earmarks the Washington swamp creature that just never seems to die. To supporters, on the other hand, earmarks are a legitimate use of Congress constitutionally mandated power of the purse, which, not incidentally, may help members political careers. Earmark proponents say a return to the practice could remedy the long-running difficulty of passing appropriations bills in a carefully considered, transparent manner. In the normal appropriations process, Congress would pass 12 individual spending bills each year, a process designed to give members of Congress a chance to examine the spending in each bill before voting. The reality is far different. Data compiled by the Pew Research Center show that between the 2011 earmark moratorium and fiscal year 2018, only one individual appropriations bill was enacted, rather than the 84 appropriations bills Congress should have passed. The record was somewhat better last year, when five of the 12 bills became law. The remaining seven Fiscal Year 2019 appropriations bills have been held up by the presidents insistence on funding for a border wall in the Homeland Security bill. Instead of using the process that encourages careful consideration of individual spending items, Congress has funded government agencies in massive omnibus appropriations bills or full-year continuing resolutions. These bills make it virtually impossible for members to know what they are voting for. This breakdown in the appropriations process coincides neatly with the earmark moratorium. However, the process did not always go smoothly before the moratorium either. The large increase between 1991 and 2006 in the cost of earmarks, from $3.1 billion to $29 billion, did not ensure the passage of stand-alone appropriations bills. The evidence is less clear than it is for highway bills. I analyzed a number of Senate appropriations bills from 1994 to 2000; although the political dynamics might be different today, the findings could be helpful for the current conversation about earmarks. In 1994, when the Democrats controlled Congress, earmarks helped convince senators to vote in support of the positions of the powerful appropriations subcommittee chairs. After the Republican takeover in 1995, however, earmarks were somewhat less effective. By 2000, with Republicans still in control, earmarks although growing in number and cost had no discernible effect on senators appropriations votes. Partisanship could undermine earmarks benefits My interviews with committee staff members suggested various reasons for this. Prominent among them, according to one staffer, was the fact that votes were increasingly on highly charged substantive policy matters. Senators needed to vote on those issues in a partisan manner, regardless of earmarks. Another staffer blamed the failure of leaders to punish disloyal members by removing their earmarks. That staffer said, People have no shame. They vote no and take the dough. It is difficult to predict how returning to pork-barrel spending would work today. For earmarks to be effective tools, members who otherwise would oppose the bills on a partisan or ideological basis would have to vote contrary to their own or their partys preferences. Their willingness to do so would undoubtedly depend partly on the electoral consequences. As Yale political scientist David Mayhew has argued, members believe that bringing benefits to their home district gives them something they can claim credit for, enhancing their chances for re-election. That gives congressional leaders leverage over members votes. The evidence for this effect is nuanced, however. Earmarks can help members win re-election, especially when members claim credit for them. But there is also evidence that constituents are more likely to reward Democrats than Republicans for such benefits. This is not entirely surprising, given that earmarks are consistent with Democrats commitment to activist government. For Republicans committed to cutting the cost of government, bringing home earmarks could be painted as hypocritical. These differences could help explain why I found that earmarks provided leaders with less leverage over members votes in Republican-controlled congresses. The powerful get more At their peak, earmarks amounted to approximately 3 percent of the discretionary budget, the portion that Congress controls, which amounts to about one-third of total federal spending. As a result of earmark reform in 2007, spending on earmarks dropped to 1.3 percent of the discretionary budget. In fiscal year 2010, earmarks cost $16.5 billion. Earmarks are vulnerable to other criticisms, not least of which is the disproportionate share awarded to the districts of the most powerful members, particularly to members and leaders of the appropriations committees. For example, scholar Austin Clemens and his colleagues found that in 2008 and 2009, members of the House Appropriations Committee got 35 percent of all earmarked dollars. That was more than twice what they would have received if earmarks had been equally distributed among all the committee members. In addition, the majority party gets disproportionately more earmarks than the minority, although the minority gets enough to make it harder for them to use earmarks as a campaign issue. Thats a strategy dubbed partisan blame avoidance, according to Steven J. Balla of George Washington University and his colleagues. While it is tempting to condemn earmarks as frivolous or corrupt, research paints a more complex picture of their role in the governing process. As Congress wrestles with the process of passing individual appropriations bills, party leaders may respond by once again allowing earmarks in appropriations bills, winning more votes for spending bills, and protecting some of their own vulnerable members at the polls. This is an updated version of an article originally published on March 26, 2018. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: http://theconversation.com/would-bringing-back-pork-barrel-spending-end-government-shutdowns-109417. | https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/Would-bringing-back-pork-barrel-spending-end-13512706.php |
Is the anti-vaccine movement putting lives at risk? | The re-emergence of the disgraced doctor Andrew Wakefield has fueled a resurgence of vaccine scepticism among rightwing populists. After a surge in measles outbreaks across the EU in 2018, Sarah Boseley looks back at how confidence in the MMR vaccine was dented after Wakefields discredited campaign against it. Plus: Sonia Sodha on how to improve the British honours system In 1998, the British doctor Andrew Wakefield announced that the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) childhood vaccination programme was linked to autism and advised parents against it. It was one of the most controversial health stories of a generation and caused a media sensation. In the years after his claim, the UKs immunisation rate plunged and cases of measles soared. The Guardians health editor, Sarah Boseley, was at that fateful press conference 20 years ago. Since then, the original research has been widely discredited, Wakefield has been struck off the medical register and the scandal subsided. But as anti-establishment sentiment grows in Europe and the US, so has the anti-vaxxer movement. Wakefield is back in the spotlight and has been embraced since the election of Donald Trump, even appearing at one of the presidents inauguration balls. Also today: after another celebrity-filled new year honours list, the Guardian and Observer columnist Sonia Sodha is calling for an overhaul of a system that she says lacks diversity and transparency. | https://www.theguardian.com/society/audio/2019/jan/07/anti-vaccine-movement-lives-risk-measles-mmr-andrew-wakefield |
Should South Korea Participate in China's Belt and Road? | Sungku Jang Security, Eurasia The costs involve more than money. Last year, South Korean President Moon Jae-in declared that the Republic of Korea wanted to participate in the Chinese One Belt One Road (OBOR) Initiative in Chongqing. And this year, Liaoning province decided to join Chinas OBOR link to the Korean Peninsula. There are four reasons. First, connecting South Korea to the rest of Eurasia by the OBOR has symbolic meaning for South Koreans. Since the outbreak of the Korean War nearly seventy years ago, South Korea has been disconnected from the continent, effectively becoming an island since it could no longer access North Korean territory. Many South Koreans have sought to reconnect with the rest of Asia to escape from their isolation, where the country felt more similar to Japan and the United Kingdom than a country with a one-thousand-year-old culture and a shared history with their northern neighbors. South Korean constitutional law even includes North Korean territory under South Koreas domain (Article 3). Thus, the present division between the two Koreas brings many contradictions to the forefront of South Korean society. If South Korea can connect with North Korea through Chinas OBOR, then Seoul can overcome these contradictions and fulfill the Korean peoples long-held wish. Second, President Moon expects that participation in the initiative will mitigate tensions between South Korea and North Korea by creating joint economic opportunities. If South Korea connects with China through North Korea, South Korea can use multimodal transportation (the ability to transport cargo by land, air and sea). This will increase the efficiency of South Korean trade and its partners will become more varied than before. But South Korea would need to rebuild North Koreas train infrastructure because it is too decrepit to use. After rebuilding the train system, South Korea can resume business with North Korea at the Kaesong industrial complex and Kumgang mountain. These investments and a new, broader economic relationship could help mitigate tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Third, South Korea seeks to pioneer a new emerging market and expand its economic area. Last year, President Moon declared that the OBOR initiative and Moons new policies toward Southeast Asia and North Asia have a close relationship. "I am confident a link between the Belt and Road Initiative and New North, New South policies will lead to peace and joint prosperity in the region, he said. If South Korean trains connect with Chinas railway system, South Korea can export its commodities to Central and Southeast Asia more easily. This is especially true since President Moon is expanding South Koreas economic ties with ASEAN as much as the other countries who surround the Korean Peninsula like Japan, China and Russia. In the past decade, ASEAN became the second largest market to South Korea after China. Given that 24.8 percent of South Koreas exports go to China, Seoul needs to expand into other markets to reduce its economic dependence, and therefore its political vulnerability, vis--vis Beijing. Indeed, South Korea had been confronted with Chinese political and economic pressure when Seoul decided to deploy the United States THADD system in response to North Korean missile threats. After political pressure from China, South Korea wants to focus on developing new markets, so participation in the OBOR is attractive to Seoul. Fourth, South Korea can get energy resources more easily, variously and cheaply than before. South Korea is the third largest importer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) after Japan and China. And South Korea will soon buy even more natural gas than before because President Moon is planning to replace South Korean nuclear and coal power plants with natural gas and renewable energy. But LNG is more expensive than pipeline natural gas (PNG)South Korea currently has to buy natural gas in its liquefied state because it cant access the pipelines across North Korean territory. If South Korea can import PNG from Central Asia via China or from Russia, it can remarkably reduce the cost to import natural gas. (80 percent of South Korean gas imports currently come from five countries, with a high dependence on the Middle East and Australia.) South Korea needs alternatives for energy imports so they cannot be blocked or hindered by another countrys resource nationalism, a financial crisis or security reason. Through the One Belt One Road initiative, South Korea can raise the funds to build the pipeline and connect with Central Asia and other countries too. | https://news.yahoo.com/south-korea-participate-chinas-belt-193100213.html |
Will Adam Schiff pose a bigger threat to Trump than Robert Mueller? | New chairman of the House intelligence committee leads pack of antagonists as he plans to investigate the details of Trumps businesses, his lenders, and his partners in the US and abroad Not long after Robert Mueller was appointed special counsel, Donald Trump declared it would be a violation for the investigation to touch the Trump Organization or his family finances. Pressed on whether he would fire Mueller if that line were crossed, Trump said: I cant answer that question because I dont think its going to happen. Trump aides may be in legal jeopardy as Democrats give evidence to Mueller Read more Now, it looks like it is going to happen. But the public face of the investigation of Trumps finances wont be Mueller. Leading the charge will be someone Trump cannot fire: California representative Adam Schiff, newly installed chairman of the House intelligence committee and a former federal prosecutor himself. With Democrats having taken over the House, Trump faces a pack of potential antagonists. Newly installed chairs are ramping up plans to scrutinize corruption inside the Trump administration, investigate alleged attempts to profit from the presidency, and to review policies such as family border separations. But most threatening for Trump personally might be the investigations led by Schiff, who has said he plans to drive directly at an area the president has sought to fence off: the details of his businesses, his lenders, and his partners in the US and abroad. First and foremost, I would say that we need to get to the bottom of anything that could warp our national security policy in a way that is antithetical to the interest of the country, Schiff told the Lawfare podcast. So anything that has a continuing ability to influence the actions of the president, we need to know, as policymakers, to protect the country. One of the issues that has continued to concern me are the persistent allegations that the Trumps, when they couldnt get money from US banks, were laundering Russian money. If that is true, that would be more powerful compromise than any salacious video tape or any aborted Trump tower deal. Schiff might break new ground by using his power to subpoena documents from banks, phone companies or other sources, said Andy Wright, a former counsel to the House oversight committee and founding editor of the Just Security blog. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Robert Mueller is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 US election, and links between the Trump campaign and Moscow. Photograph: Chris Maddaloni/CQ-Roll Call,Inc. I think that theres actually going to be quite a bit of fruitful evidence turned up, Wright said. I dont know what the evidence is, whether its going to be incriminating or not. But I dont think that the sort of conventional wisdom, that Trumps just going to drag his feet or strike a warlike posture, is going to be that effective, because the smart investigators arent going to go directly at him. Theyre going to go to third parties first. One of the first matters he plans to investigate, Schiff told NBC last month, is the Trump Organizations relationship with Deutsche Bank, for a time reportedly Trumps exclusive lender, which was fined $700m in 2017 for allowing money laundering. The concern about Deutsche Bank is that they have a history of laundering Russian money, Schiff said. And this, apparently, was the one bank that was willing to do business with the Trump Organization. If this is a form of compromise, it needs to be exposed. A graduate of Stanford and Harvard, Schiff, 58, began his career as an assistant US attorney in the Los Angeles district, where he successfully prosecuted Richard Miller, the first FBI agent to be convicted of espionage. As a young politician, Schiff was cultivated by Nancy Pelosi, then head of Californias congressional delegation, now, again, speaker of the House. Schiff is a triathlete, a screenwriter and a vegan. He also likes to go on television, where he has caught the attention of the president, who last year responded to a critique with a tweet mocking the congressmans last name and floating a misleading notion about the statute governing the special counsel: Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) So funny to see little Adam Schitt (D-CA) talking about the fact that Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker was not approved by the Senate, but not mentioning the fact that Bob Mueller (who is highly conflicted) was not approved by the Senate! While Schiff has shown he can fire back at Trump, he will need to steer clear of such partisan warfare to be an effective committee chairman, said Jamil N Jaffer, founder of the National Security Institute at the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University and a former senior counsel to the committee Schiff now leads. Schiff has an opportunity now to try and change that tone, because as the chairman he can set the tone, Jaffer said. Well see if hes able to do that successfully. Were in a very nasty environment in Washington DC right now. The atmosphere is poisonous after the 2016 election. Everyone has a responsibility to get past that. Schiff will use subpoena powers if Trump quashes final Mueller report Read more Schiff takes over a committee that has been badly tarnished in the eyes of the public and, significantly, in the regard of the intelligence community. Under Devin Nunes, a Trump confidant who served on the transition team, the committee raised hackles by releasing classified material describing scrutiny of a former Trump aide. Schiff has called the episode a spectacular breach of a compact we have with the intelligence community and said were going to have to restore that. If the committee does its job in the right manner, it shouldnt be antagonistic to any particular president or the executive branch generally, Jaffer said. It should be doing good, effective oversight. Under Nunes, the committee ended conversations with the special counsels office about what witnesses might be called and other matters. Schiff has said he will restore that communication. On Sunday, he told CNN the committee would be handing over transcripts of closed-door testimony, something Republican leaders did not do and which could place in jeopardy Trump aides including Donald Trump Jr, Jared Kushner and Roger Stone. But the role of Congress is fundamentally different from the special counsels job, Schiff told Lawfare, especially given concerns that a report issued by Mueller might in some way be suppressed in a justice department run by Whitaker, apparently a staunch Trump loyalist. I think ultimately it will fall on Congress to make sure that the American people will get to hear the full story, Schiff said. Either through our own investigation or Bob Muellers or a combination of both. The American people have the right to know, and I think in many cases the need to know, what happened. | https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/jan/07/trump-robert-mueller-adam-schiff-investigations |
Who will face off against Trump in 2020? | Apparently, most members of the press do not like our president, Donald J. Trump. Many of them think he is a tyrant in the making. Others think he is stupid and a tyrant in the making. They believe he is likely to be beaten in 2020. I think he would be beaten, too, if he were running against Franklin D. Roosevelt or Ronald W. Reagan or George Washington, but he will most likely be running against one of the patheticoes bejeweling the Democratic Party today. And frankly, I cannot detect a Roosevelt or a Reagan or a Washington in the field, not even a Washington Boulevard. I can detect a Charles Schumer and a Nancy Pelosi, though both are likely to be undone by President Trumps talk of a wall. Just wait until 2020 and see how unpopular President Trumps wall will be. And let us face the facts: The Democratic Party is getting pretty long in the tooth. It is time for the Party to come up with a new generation, and that suggests the presidential prospects of Rep.-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the youngest woman ever to be elected to Congress. The problem is that she sounds like the youngest woman ever to be elected to Congress. I would put her age at roughly 14, and that is not a precocious 14. Then there is Beto ORourke. I am not sure where the congressman got the nickname Beto, but if I were in Betos shoes, I would have stuck with his birth certificate, which clearly reads Robert Francis ORourke. Robert Francis worked for Robert Francis Kennedy, and Beto has a Bob Kennedy haircut and the teeth to go with it. He is famous for raising $70 million to challenge Texas unpopular Sen. Ted Cruz. It is indeed a stupendous pile of lucre, but the problem for him is that he lost to the unpopular Sen. Cruz. What kind of a slogan is Vote for Beto. No, I do not see anyone out there who will unseat President Trump in 2020. The possible candidates in both parties seem a bit threadbare, particularly when compared with our suave president, he of the sonorous tweets. Even the widely esteemed Hillary Clinton strikes me as over the hill. I know, I know; there are many legendary psephologists out there who still see her on her toes and in fighting trim, for instance Philippe Reines and the fabled Begala & Carville tag team. Yet let me be honest. Her candidacy was always preposterous. She was forever being called the inevitable candidate, but anyone who would bother to review her life in politics would be struck by the fact that as Bill Clintons first lady, even as his first lady back in the Little Rock days, she was extraordinarily unpopular with voters. When I wrote Boy Clinton: The Political Biography back in 1996, she was the most unpopular first lady of modern times. In fact, in 1996 she became the first first lady in modern times to receive a thumbs-down from a majority of the American people. Only 43 percent approved of her, and most of them were dubious. My guess is that if there had been first lady ratings going back to the 1920s, even President Warren Gamaliel Hardings bossy wife, known derisively as The Duchess, would have been more popular than Clinton. Yet when she ran for the presidency, the media called her candidacy inevitable twice! Now we are witnessing Clinton and her team of flimflam artists, armed with their Russian dossiers, driving another preposterous fable. They are insisting that Russian President Vladimir Putin somehow linked up with candidate Trump in 2016 to steal the election from Clinton. She who toyed with communists and Black Panthers in college and urged dialoging with Putins predecessors for decades, while the majority of Americans resisted them had somehow raised Putins ire by 2016. He was forced to choose Trump over Clinton. Well, now Trump and Putin are at loggerheads. Special counsel Robert Mueller is going to save the republic from the Putin-Trump cabal, though after months of Muellers investigations and with a vast team of Clinton supporters at his side, there is no evidence of collusion. Only a fantasist would believe that a capitalist in good standing such as Trump would gamble with an erstwhile communist and thug such as Putin. But the modern-day Democrats believe in fantasy. My suggestion for the Democrats for 2020 is that they nominate congresswoman-elect Ocasio-Cortez. She will be the youngest woman ever to lose a presidential race another first. R. Emmett Tyrrell Jr. is founder and editor in chief of The American Spectator. | https://www.bostonherald.com/2019/01/07/who-will-face-off-against-trump-in-2020/ |
Is body in Florida backyard tied to triple homicide? | TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. (AP) A body has been located in the backyard of a Florida home and authorities say it may be connected to a triple homicide. Police arrested 25-year-old Shelby Nealy Friday after they caught him with a car stolen from a Florida home where a couple and their son were found dead. Their daughter the man's wife remains missing. Nealy was taken into custody in Ohio. Investigators identified the victims as 71-year-old Richard Ivancic; his wife, 59-year-old Laura Ivancic; and their son, 25-year-old Nicholas Ivancic. Nealy's wife, their 21-year-old daughter, Jamie Ivancic, is missing under what police called "suspicious circumstances." Police said they fear she is a victim of foul play. Pasco County Sheriff's officials said Sunday they'd found a body but released no other details pending the medical examiner's report. The Tampa Times reported it was linked to the Ivancic investigation. ___ Information from: Tampa Bay Times (St. Petersburg, Fla.), http://www.tampabay.com. | https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/crime/article/Is-body-in-Florida-backyard-tied-to-triple-13513272.php |
Who are new CalPERS board members? | The board that oversees the nations largest public pension fund will get at least three new faces in 2019, marking unusual turnover at the California Public Employees Retirement System. Two of the newcomers were decided in recent elections. Gov. Jerry Brown this week created a third vacancy when he removed CalPERS board member Richard Costigan from the pension fund. Costigan, a lawyer and former legislative director for Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, had served on the CalPERS Board of Administration as a Brown appointee since 2011. He held a seat reserved for a member of the State Personnel Board. Brown replaced him on the State Personnel Board, which means he also cannot serve at CalPERS. Digital Access for only $0.99 For the most comprehensive local coverage, subscribe today. Costigan was one of the more outspoken CalPERS board members, sometimes rebutting criticism of the pension fund in editorials and at public forums. I want to thank the incredible board members and staff of @CaliforniaSPB and @CalPERS for the memories, friendship and camaraderie it was a honor, privilege and inspiring opportunity to work along side all of you in service to our great state of #California Thank you! he wrote on Twitter Thursday night. Mona Pasquil Rogers, Browns appointments secretary and a Democrat, will replace Costigan at the State Personnel Board. Pasquil Rogers does not necessarily get Costigans seat on CalPERS. The State Personnel Board, which oversees statewide human resources polices, has to vote on which of its members it want to place on CalPERS. CalPERS is considered underfunded because its assets are worth about 70 percent of what it owes to government employees and retirees. The board over the past three years took a series of votes that led to it charging local governments more money to fund pensions. Those decisions made CalPERS more stable, but have heightened financial pressures on cities, counties and utility districts. One of the boards closest votes last year took place in January when it appointed Mathur to be its president, succeeding longtime CalPERS board President Rob Feckner. Union-supported CalPERS members and the two statewide elected officials voted for Mathur, while Gov. Browns appointees and two members who won election with support from retiree groups voted against her. That gave Mathur a 7-6 advantage. The board this month is expected to pick a new president. Tim Behrens, president of California State Retirees, views the turnover as a positive change. The board members that have turned over didnt always act like it was their job to protect the shareholders money at CalPERS, he said. Neil McCormick, chief executive of the California Special Districts Association, released a statement on Friday thanking Costigan for his time on the CalPERS board. The group represents hundreds of utilities, water districts and special services districts that contract with CalPERS for retirement plans. Throughout his tenure on the CalPERS board, we enjoyed an excellent working relationship and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors. CSDA also looks forward to continuing the positive relationship we have established with the CalPERS board, McCormick said. The other new CalPERS board members are Treasurer-elect Fiona Ma and Corona police officer Jason Perez. CalPERS has $337 billion in assets and is overseen by a 13-member board of administration. Six of the members are chosen by government employees and retirees. Two are statewide elected officers. One is appointed by the Legislature and four are appointed by the governor. Ma will take one of the two seats on the CalPERS board that are reserved for statewide elected officials, succeeding Treasurer John Chiang. Chiang has served on the CalPERS board since 2007, when he was first elected state controller. Perez won an upset victory in a CalPERS election in October, defeating longtime board member Priya Mathur. Mathur, a BART financial analyst, had served on the CalPERS board since 2003. A fourth seat on the CalPERS board could open in 2019. Bill Slaton, a former director at the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, holds a governor appointee position representing local government employers. Slatons last term on the SMUD board of directors ended in December. Hell remain on the CalPERS board unless Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom appoints someone else to the local government seat. | https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/the-state-worker/article223944580.html |
Is Marijuana as Safe as We Think? | When it comes to cannabis, the best-case scenario is that we will muddle through, learning more about its true effects as we go along and adapting as neededthe way, say, the once extraordinarily lethal innovation of the automobile has been gradually tamed in the course of its history. For those curious about the worst-case scenario, Alex Berenson has written a short manifesto, Tell Your Children: The Truth About Marijuana, Mental Illness, and Violence. Last May, not long before Canada legalized the recreational use of marijuana, Beau Kilmer, a drug-policy expert with the RAND Corporation, testified before the Canadian Parliament. He warned that the fastest-growing segment of the legal market in Washington State was extracts for inhalation, and that the mean THC concentration for those products was more than sixty-five per cent. We know little about the health consequencesrisks and benefitsof many of the cannabis products likely to be sold in nonmedical markets, he said. Nor did we know how higher-potency products would affect THC consumption. For some drugs, the dose-response curve is linear: twice the dose creates twice the effect. For other drugs, its nonlinear: twice the dose can increase the effect tenfold, or hardly at all. It also matters, of course, how cannabis is consumed. It can be smoked, vaped, eaten, or applied to the skin. With marijuana, apparently, were still waiting for this information. Its hard to study a substance that until very recently has been almost universally illegal. And the few studies we do have were done mostly in the nineteen-eighties and nineties, when cannabis was not nearly as potent as it is now. Because of recent developments in plant breeding and growing techniques, the typical concentration of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, has gone from the low single digits to more than twenty per centfrom a swig of near-beer to a tequila shot. Figuring out the dose-response relationship of a new compound is something a pharmaceutical company does from the start of trials in human subjects, as it prepares a new drug application for the F.D.A. Too little of a powerful drug means that it wont work. Too much means that it might do more harm than good. The amount of active ingredient in a pill and the metabolic path that the ingredient takes after it enters your bodythese are things that drugmakers will have painstakingly mapped out before the product comes on the market, with a tractor-trailer full of supporting documentation. We need proper studies, the panel concluded, on the health effects of cannabis on children and teen-agers and pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers and older populations and heavy cannabis users; in other words, on everyone except the college student who smokes a joint once a month. The panel also called for investigation into the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of cannabis, modes of delivery, different concentrations, in various populations, including the dose-response relationships of cannabis and THC or other cannabinoids. Then come Chapters 5 through 13, the heart of the report, which concern marijuanas potential risks. The haze of uncertainty continues. Yes. Unclear. Hard to say, but probably. Probably. Limited evidence. This goes on for pages. For example, smoking pot is widely supposed to diminish the nausea associated with chemotherapy. But, the panel pointed out, there are no good-quality randomized trials investigating this option. We have evidence for marijuana as a treatment for pain, but very little is known about the efficacy, dose, routes of administration, or side effects of commonly used and commercially available cannabis products in the United States. The caveats continue. Limited evidence. Insufficient evidence. Insufficient evidence. Probably not. Maybe. Probably not. A few years ago, the National Academy of Medicine convened a panel of sixteen leading medical experts to analyze the scientific literature on cannabis. The report they prepared, which came out in January of 2017, runs to four hundred and sixty-eight pages. It contains no bombshells or surprises, which perhaps explains why it went largely unnoticed. It simply stated, over and over again, that a drug North Americans have become enthusiastic about remains a mystery. Berenson begins his book with an account of a conversation he had with his wife, a psychiatrist who specializes in treating mentally ill criminals. I said. Yeah, they all smoke. Well . . . Sometimes. But they all smoke. Berenson used to be an investigative reporter for the Times, where he covered, among other things, health care and the pharmaceutical industry. Then he left the paper to write a popular series of thrillers. At the time of his conversation with his wife, he had the typical laymans view of cannabis, which is that it is largely benign. His wifes remark alarmed him, and he set out to educate himself. Berenson is constrained by the same problem the National Academy of Medicine facedthat, when it comes to marijuana, we really dont know very much. But he has a reporters tenacity, a novelists imagination, and an outsiders knack for asking intemperate questions. The result is disturbing. The first of Berensons questions concerns what has long been the most worrisome point about cannabis: its association with mental illness. Many people with serious psychiatric illness smoke lots of pot. The marijuana lobby typically responds to this fact by saying that pot-smoking is a response to mental illness, not the cause of itthat people with psychiatric issues use marijuana to self-medicate. That is only partly true. In some cases, heavy cannabis use does seem to cause mental illness. As the National Academy panel declared, in one of its few unequivocal conclusions, Cannabis use is likely to increase the risk of developing schizophrenia and other psychoses; the higher the use, the greater the risk. Berenson thinks that we are far too sanguine about this link. He wonders how large the risk is, and what might be behind it. In one of the most fascinating sections of Tell Your Children, he sits down with Erik Messamore, a psychiatrist who specializes in neuropharmacology and in the treatment of schizophrenia. Messamore reports that, following the recent rise in marijuana use in the U.S. (it has almost doubled in the past two decades, not necessarily as the result of legal reforms), he has begun to see a new kind of patient: older, and not from the marginalized communities that his patients usually come from. These are otherwise stable middle-class professionals. Berenson writes, A surprising number of them seemed to have used only cannabis and no other drugs before their breaks. The disease theyd developed looked like schizophrenia, but it had developed laterand their prognosis seemed to be worse. Their delusions and paranoia hardly responded to antipsychotics. Messamore theorizes that THC may interfere with the brains anti-inflammatory mechanisms, resulting in damage to nerve cells and blood vessels. In the northern parts of Finland, incidence of the disease has nearly doubled since 1993. In Denmark, cases have risen twenty-five per cent since 2000. In the United States, hospital emergency rooms have seen a fifty-per-cent increase in schizophrenia admissions since 2006. If you include cases where schizophrenia was a secondary diagnosis, annual admissions in the past decade have increased from 1.26 million to 2.1 million. Berensons second question derives from the first. The delusions and paranoia that often accompany psychoses can sometimes trigger violent behavior. Once again, there is no definitive answer, so Berenson has collected bits and pieces of evidence. For example, in a 2013 paper in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence, researchers looked at the results of a survey of more than twelve thousand American high-school students. The authors assumed that alcohol use among students would be a predictor of violent behavior, and that marijuana use would predict the opposite. In fact, those who used only marijuana were three times more likely to be physically aggressive than abstainers were; those who used only alcohol were 2.7 times more likely to be aggressive. Observational studies like these dont establish causation. But they invite the sort of research that could. Berenson looks, too, at the early results from the state of Washington, which, in 2014, became the first U.S. jurisdiction to legalize recreational marijuana. Between 2013 and 2017, the states murder and aggravated-assault rates rose forty per centtwice the national homicide increase and four times the national aggravated-assault increase. We dont know that an increase in cannabis use was responsible for that surge in violence. Berenson, though, finds it strange that, at a time when Washington may have exposed its population to higher levels of what is widely assumed to be a calming substance, its citizens began turning on one another with increased aggression. His third question is whether cannabis serves as a gateway drug. There are two possibilities. The first is that marijuana activates certain behavioral and neurological pathways that ease the onset of more serious addictions. The second possibility is that marijuana offers a safer alternative to other drugs: that if you start smoking pot to deal with chronic pain you never graduate to opioids. This is a very hard question to answer. Were only a decade or so into the widespread recreational use of high-potency marijuana. Maybe cannabis opens the door to other drugs, but only after prolonged use. Or maybe the low-potency marijuana of years past wasnt a gateway, but todays high-potency marijuana is. Methodologically, Berenson points out, the issue is complicated by the fact that the first wave of marijuana legalization took place on the West Coast, while the first serious wave of opioid addiction took place in the middle of the country. So, if all you do is eyeball the numbers, it looks as if opioid overdoses are lowest in cannabis states and highest in non-cannabis states. Not surprisingly, the data we have are messy. Berenson, in his role as devils advocate, emphasizes the research that sees cannabis as opening the door to opioid use. For example, two studies of identical twinsin the Netherlands and in Australiashow that, in cases where one twin used cannabis before the age of seventeen and the other didnt, the cannabis user was several times more likely to develop an addiction to opioids. Berenson also enlists a statistician at N.Y.U. to help him sort through state-level overdose data, and what he finds is not encouraging: States where more people used cannabis tended to have more overdoses. The National Academy panel is more judicious. Its conclusion is that we simply dont know enough, because there havent been any systematic studies. But the panels uncertainty is scarcely more reassuring than Berensons alarmism. Seventy-two thousand Americans died in 2017 of drug overdoses. Drug policy is always clearest at the fringes. Illegal opioids are at one end. They are dangerous. Manufacturers and distributors belong in prison, and users belong in drug-treatment programs. The cannabis industry would have us believe that its product, like coffee, belongs at the other end of the continuum. Flow Kana partners with independent multi-generational farmers who cultivate under full sun, sustainably, and in small batches, the promotional literature for one California cannabis brand reads. Using only organic methods, these stewards of the land have spent their lives balancing a unique and harmonious relationship between the farm, the genetics and the terroir. But cannabis is not coffee. Its somewhere in the middle. The experience of most users is relatively benign and predictable; the experience of a few, at the margins, is not. Products or behaviors that have that kind of muddled risk profile are confusing, because it is very difficult for those in the benign middle to appreciate the experiences of those at the statistical tails. Low-frequency risks also take longer and are far harder to quantify, and the lesson of Tell Your Children and the National Academy report is that we arent yet in a position to do so. For the moment, cannabis probably belongs in the category of substances that society permits but simultaneously discourages. Cigarettes are heavily taxed, and smoking is prohibited in most workplaces and public spaces. Alcohol cant be sold without a license and is kept out of the hands of children. Prescription drugs have rules about dosages, labels that describe their risks, and policies that govern their availability. The advice that seasoned potheads sometimes give new usersstart low and go slowis probably good advice for society as a whole, at least until we better understand what we are dealing with. | https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/01/14/is-marijuana-as-safe-as-we-think |
Does the Paint World Need Another White? | Last year, Martin Kesselman, a color consultant to homeowners and decorators, did something controversial. He made a new white. The shade, created with the British paint company Farrow & Ball, is called Elliyah (it was named for Kesselmans then ten-year-old daughter), and is available through INCOLOUR, his showroom in Chinatown. I got a lot of criticism for coming out with it, Kesselman said recently. The color guy has his own white. Benjamin Moore has a hundred and sixty-four versions of it, all of which Kesselman sells. But he believes that Elliyah is different: Whatever the light, natural or artificial, itll read like a true whitebold but not stark, clean and crisp but not jarring. Jonathan Kutzin, a fancy housepainter, said, It sounds weird, but Martin made a really great white. It has just enough gray and cream in it to not feel naked or unfinished. The other afternoon, Kesselman got in his black S.U.V. and drove to Brooklyn, to visit two clients who were relying heavily on Elliyah. He has a clipped beard and wore a black jacket with a pin-striped hood. It was a clear morningthe sky was a shade of blue that resembled Benjamin Moores Icing on the Cake. A lot of my clients have type-A personalities, Kesselman said. He recalled one project. It was an immaculate space, probably twenty million dollars, and a real artisan paint job. Kesselman had chosen a pre-Elliyah shade of white. He wants the whole place redone. Storms out. The painters did the same exact thing. He comes back. Fantastic! On the other end of the spectrum was a man in Tribeca whod instructed the painters not to bother removing his Rauschenberg from the wall: just tilt it up, he told them, and paint underneath. Kesselman arrived at an 1864 brownstone in Fort Greene that belonged to one of the clients, Stacey Lightfoot, whom he described as well versed in color. This was the first time he was seeing the project, he explained. Stacey was on a mission. She wanted the perfect white, but was so busy I couldnt arrange a home visit with her. She came into the showroom and took some samples. Lightfoot answered the door, dressed in satin trousers and a matching blouse in Visa Infinite Privilege Card blue, and enthusiastically showed Kesselman around. They passed through elegant white rooms. In a middle parlor, she said, I know whites, and I really could not find a white I love. I tried seven. I was going to use Wevet. She turned to Kesselman. Wouldnt you say Wevet is lavender? It has a magenta and some blue qualities, but its an interactive experience, Kesselman said. Lightfoot continued, I got a sample of Elliyah and painted the whole room. A friend came over. She has good taste, but I wouldnt say she understands undertones. She said, This is like looking at the most perfect glass of milkbut not cream or one per cent. A perfect glass of two per cent. Kesselman nodded approvingly. More Elliyah was upstairs. You can use Martins color everywhere, Lightfoot said. Well, not everywhere. In the master bedroom, Lightfoot admitted, This is Strong White, by Farrow & Ball. Its greener and darker than Elliyah. Shed chosen it to go with a yellowish rug by Alexander McQueen. Next, Kesselman visited Christie, a client renovating a loft apartment nearby, who said that shed found Kesselman by Googling the words white paint. Kesselman had created a design for a white space with what he called moments of colorcabinets, columns, and behind closed doors: Studio Green in the foyer, Moles Breath in a bathroom. Either my designs are clean and bright, like the ones with Elliyah, or I do dark and stormy, Kesselman said. I dont play in the mid-tones. Where Martins such a savior is that even in such a big, open space he figured out how to make it seem purposeful, Christie said. In my mind, Id always seen white. But Martins influenced me so much that I am thinking, Why not do one of the bedroom walls in a color? I dont do feature walls very much, Kesselman said, in a tone that implied he never does them. Christie shrugged. It was expansive thinking, she said. | https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/01/14/does-the-paint-world-need-another-white |
Why are brands mimicking social movements? | It seems every business worth its salt is taking a social stance these days. Compostable bags from the Co-Op, body positivity from Dove and racial equality from Nike. This list goes on Having social impactabove and beyond a tick-box corporate social responsibility (CSR) exerciseis fast becoming the norm, on account of the success these brands are having in addressing the big picture issues humanity faces. Cynically speaking, the kind of loyalty, passion and keenness to spread the good word that social movements engender are a utopia for brands and big business. Having a strong sense of purpose, that inspires an emotional connection, and commitment to your brand is exactly how Nike achieved an all-time high in share prices, on account of giving a platform to sportsman and police brutality activist Colin Kaepernick in 2018. Alongside validating the #blacklivesmatter movementbreathing fresh air into an issue that was becoming drowned out by increasing political division statesideNike recognised the culture-making power of people of colour across the globe and placed a calculating bet. Building on a long tradition of supporting black athletes with something to say, the brand realised mass impact on the market and the issue is one fell swoop (or should we say swoosh?) Nikes success is no flash in the pan, however. Whilst the kind of influencer marketing that the sports brand utilised in hiring Kaepernick has been around a long timean apparel line was part of the deal toowhen brands engage with influencers with a shared sense of purpose, audiences increasingly follow. As with all social movements, a changemaker people believe is authentic, willing to sacrifice for their cause and set an example in how others can make change toosee Cardi B turning down the Super Bowl half-time show in solidarity in late 2018can provide a powerful legacy for a brand too. Hence why purpose marketing has received such a bad rap. With new generations bringing forth a more conscientious consumer, backing a cause for the sake of sales will see you called out, loudly. Just look at Pepsis efforts to address racial tensions with a supermodel. No-one is buying it. Yet, for brands like Dovewith a few missteps along the waywhich has long dedicated its efforts to the idea of body positivity, through their product development, advertising campaigns and most recently, a pure issue campaigning platform in Be Real partnering with YMCA England. As with all powerful social movements, brands like Dove are investing in the idea of building a community that empowers and powers itself. When a platform and decision-making around how to address the issue is shared, success is more likely to follow, as fellow campaigners commitment and acceptance of the purpose youre all working towards encourages people to spread the word. Thats why Doves Be Real is less successful than GiffGaff, for example. Used a push marketing platform rather than a place to engage those impacted to address their wants and needs, the mobile operator truly listen and respond to customers needs, channelling community for the benefit of all. Whilst brands are cottoning on to the power of social movements, and harnessing their platforms in the service of purpose, change-makers and community to address major social issues and their own bottom-lines, doing so doesnt come without its challenges. The benefit of building a grassroots movement from the ground up is agility, where power can be distributed to those engaged in the issue to make change, and the model enables open participation in campaigning and creating new solutions. For most large, bureaucratic businesses this is nigh on impossible, though that doesnt mean brands arent working with their consumers to send strong socially motivated messages, even when the noise is negative, as U.K. based bakery chain Greggs has amply proved. Having responded to increasing consumer demand for vegan products across its stores, the brand launched its vegan sausage roll early doors in 2019. Using social media to clap back at disgruntled carnivorous fans and an online sparring session with sworn millennial enemy Piers Morgan, in one week, Greggs did more to normalise veganism (and boost its brand credentials) than a decade of campaigning from grassroots organisations. With social impact the expectation from younger generationsnine out of ten millennials would switch brands to support a business which backed a cause their believe inhaving your brand (authentically) engage in social movements shows there is success to be had, all-round. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurencoulman/2019/01/07/why-are-brands-mimicking-social-movements/ |
Is Taiwan's Military Really Ready to Take on China? | James Holmes Security, Asia We asked one of the world's leading experts that very question. Chinese president Xi Jinping issued his latest threat to Taiwan during what the BBC artfully calls a speech marking 40 years since the start of improving ties between the communist-ruled mainland and the Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan. Xi exhorted Taiwanese to accept that they must and will be unified with the mainland. Sheesh. If forty years of improving ties culminate in threats to wipe out your negotiating partners political existence, Id shudder to think how forty years of deteriorating ties across the Taiwan Strait would have turned out. But Xis remarks do warrant taking stock of Taiwans defense afresh. To measure the adequacy of Taiwans defense, first, survey its overall strategic posture and then the state of its land, air and sea power. If the ROC armed forces are sufficient to discharge the tasks entrusted to them by the political leadership in Taipei, then the island is in sound shape to uphold its independence. If Taipei has assigned the military more to do than it can reasonably do, then trouble looms: missions must be cut or capabilities expanded until ends and means are in sync. First, strategy. Fewand by few I mean nonations boast the diplomatic, economic and military resources and political artistry to get everything they want. That being the case, they survey the surroundings and devise a strategy for a world of many goals and scarce resources. At its most fundamental, strategy is the art and science of setting and enforcing priorities among things or purposes the nation values, and apportioning resources to attain the priorities it cherishes most. You cant have it all. The Republic of Chinaan island state under the shadow of a continental giant bent on absorbing it by means peaceful or violentmust be more ruthless with itself than most when setting and enforcing priorities. Self-discipline hasnt always been the Taiwanese way. For example, strategists on the island have a habit of placing inordinate importance on defending outlying possessions, islands hard aboard the China coast and in the South China Sea. It strains credulity to think the ROC armed forces could defend the main island of Formosa while also holding offshore islands deep within waters and skies dominated by Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA). The Taiwanese military would scatter air and sea assets all over the map in an attempt to do so, at a time when they are heavily outnumbered by increasingly capable PLA counterparts. For political reasons, Taipei probably cannot publicly write off the islandsfew leaders get away with forfeiting sovereign territorybut President Tsai Ing-wen and her lieutenants should tacitly demote them on the ROCs list of priorities. Successfully defend Formosa and preserve your national life, then you can worry about recovering lost peripheral territories. The commitment to national integrity would remain, but Taipei would have accepted it may have to fulfill that commitment in phases rather than all at once. This is not a palatable way of doing things, but it is reality when trying to survive amid moral danger. So to estimate whether Taiwanese strategy comports with reality, gauge whether Taipei is taking a gimlet-eyed approach to fixing priorities or is trying to do everything, everywhere, with a slender inventory of diplomatic, economic and military resources. Small states under duress must decide what they want most, apply themselves single-mindedly to obtain it, and downgrade or triage the rest. Second, military power. The ROC armed forces are undergoing a cultural revolution and are moving in the right direction, if not at the pace friends of Taiwan might like. The cultural revolution is this. During the Cold War, the Taiwanese Navy and Air Force planned to rule the seas and skies adjoining Taiwanese territory. ROC ships and warplanes were fewer in number than those deployed by the lumbering PLA Navy and Air Force. But they were more technologically sophisticated than their Chinese nemeses, and ROC seamanship and airmanship were better to boot. Superior qualityboth material and humanoffset inferior quantity. The culture of command of the sea and sky was imprinted on Taiwans military culture over the course of many decades of strategic competition with the mainland. That the ROC military worked closely with the U.S. military, a force steeped in command of the common, did little to disabuse ROC warriors of their ingrained assumptions about how to wage combat. | https://news.yahoo.com/taiwans-military-really-ready-china-193300717.html |
How should the Wolves build a contender around Towns now? | When the Timberwolves hired Thibodeau after the 2015-16 season, they looked like a rising force in the Western Conference behind a young core led by back-to-back No. 1 overall picks and Rookie of the Year winners Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. While Minnesota managed to end the NBA's longest playoff drought by securing the eighth seed in the playoffs last year, the ill-fated trade for Jimmy Butler and Wiggins' lack of progress have left the Timberwolves on the outskirts of the playoff picture this season. Towns must be featured in Timberwolves' offense No player is more important to Minnesota's present or future than Towns, an All-NBA third team selection last season at age 22 who subsequently signed a five-year extension worth an estimated $190 million that will kick in this summer. Despite the accolade, the arrival of Butler thrust Towns into a smaller role last season, when his usage rate shrunk from 27.5 percent of the team's plays in 2016-17 to 22.9 percent. Following the Butler trade, Towns' usage is back up to nearly 27 percent this season, but he's still capable of doing more. Interim coach Ryan Saunders, and whoever succeeds him on a permanent basis, ought to consider New Orleans Pelicans big man Anthony Davis a model for how to use Towns. Davis' usage rate has topped 30 percent of the Pelicans' plays each of the past two seasons, and hasn't been lower than 29 percent since Alvin Gentry's arrival as head coach in 2015-16. (Coincidentally, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski pointed out that Davis' previous coach, Monty Williams, was a favorite of the Timberwolves' front office before they hired Thibodeau and could be a candidate this time around.) Towns has shown the potential to produce as much offense as Davis. His usage rate was higher during his first two seasons than Davis' at the corresponding point in his career, and Towns has always tended to create more of his own shots. Per Basketball-Reference, Davis was assisted on 72 percent of his field goals during his first four NBA campaigns, as compared to 68 percent for Towns. In part, Towns would benefit from better spacing for his post-ups. Minnesota ranks 26th in 3-point rate and 22nd in made 3-pointers per game this season, with Towns himself contributing 1.7 triples per game. The additions of prolific 3-point shooters Robert Covington and Dario Saric in the Butler trade was a good first step, but the Timberwolves will want to put as much shooting as possible around Towns. Wiggins' potential fading Unfortunately, a coaching change may not do much to help Wiggins, whose 17.0 points per game are his fewest since his rookie season and whose .493 true shooting percentage is a career low. Part of the reason Minnesota hasn't developed as expected is Wiggins' stagnation as a player. With the benefit of hindsight, the warning signs were there in Wiggins' poor advanced stats, which marked him as a volume scorer rather than the kind of key offensive contributor his scoring average suggested. However, there was no reason to expect the regression we've seen from Wiggins the past two seasons. It was easy in 2017-18 to blame Wiggins' struggles on being relegated to an off-ball roll alongside Towns, which indeed forced him to rely more on his mediocre spot-up shooting than his ability to create one-on-one. That argument is more difficult to square with what we've seen from Wiggins since Butler was traded. Wiggins' usage rate hasn't budged, his 3-point attempt rate is higher than ever and he's shooting a career-worst 43 percent on 2-point attempts. It's possible the light will come on for Wiggins and he'll convert his athletic gifts into production on a more regular basis under a new regime. He won't turn 24 until February, after all. More likely, Wiggins will remain more or less the same frustrating player he has been throughout his NBA career. And that means, despite his max salary, Wiggins can't be considered a key part of the Timberwolves' core any longer. Defensive improvement needed Ultimately, Thibodeau's biggest failure in Minnesota had nothing to do with his dual role coaching and overseeing basketball operations. Instead, it was his inability to translate the elite defense his Chicago Bulls teams played to the modern, 3-happy NBA. Thibodeau's Chicago tenure featured four top-five defenses in five seasons, including two No. 1 overall finishes. The Bulls' worst defensive rating under Thibodeau ranked 11th. Yet the Timberwolves finished 26th and 23rd in defense on a per-possession basis the past two seasons, and have been only slightly better (17th) this year. Minnesota did surge defensively during a home-heavy stretch after the Butler trade, ranking third in defensive rating while going 9-3 to climb over .500 on the season. The Timberwolves couldn't maintain that defensive success, slipping to 18th since then, translating into a 6-9 record. With Towns at center, Minnesota will probably always sacrifice some defensive strength for offensive firepower -- particularly with more shooting around him. But the equation for hiring Thibodeau depended on his defensive acumen outweighing his tendency to grind down players, and when that wasn't the case, keeping Thibodeau became tougher to justify. Whoever comes next will have to do more with a similar set of pieces. | https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wolves-build-contender-towns-now/story?id=60207055 |
How will central bankers cope when the next recession comes? | If you ask most central bankers around the world what their plan is for dealing with the next normal-size recession, you would be surprised how many (at least in advanced economies) say fiscal policy. Given the high odds of a recession over the next two years about 40% in the US, for example monetary policymakers who think fiscal policy alone will save the day are setting themselves up for a rude awakening. Yes, it is true that with policy interest rates near zero in most advanced economies (and just above 2% even in the fast-growing US), there is little room for monetary policy to manoeuvre in a recession without considerable creativity. The best idea is to create an environment in which negative interest-rate policies can be used more fully and effectively. This will eventually happen, but in the meantime, todays overdependence on countercyclical fiscal policy is dangerously nave. There are vast institutional differences between technocratic central banks and the politically volatile legislatures that control spending and tax policy. Lets bear in mind that a typical advanced-economy recession lasts only a year or so, whereas fiscal policy, even in the best of circumstances, invariably takes at least a few months just to be enacted. US and China resume trade talks with both eager for compromise Read more In some small economies for example, Denmark (with 5.8 million people) there is a broad social consensus to raise fiscal spending as a share of GDP. Some of this spending could easily be brought forward in a recession. In many other countries, however, notably the US and Germany, there is no such agreement. Even if progressives and conservatives both wanted to expand the government, their priorities would be vastly different. In the US, Democrats might favour new social programmes to reduce inequality, while Republicans might prefer increased spending on defence or border protection. Anyone who watched the US Senate confirmation hearings last September for supreme court justice Brett Kavanaugh cannot seriously believe this group is capable of fine-tuned technocratic fiscal policy. This does not mean that fiscal stimulus should be off the table in the next recession. But it does mean that it cannot be the first line of defence, as altogether too many central bankers are hoping. Most advanced countries have a considerable backlog of high-return education and infrastructure projects, albeit most would take a long time to plan and implement. If left-leaning economists believe that fiscal policy is the main way out of a recession in 2019 or 2020, they should be lobbying for the government to prepare a pile of recession-ready projects. Former US president Barack Obama wanted to create an infrastructure bank in part for this purpose; tellingly, the idea never got off the ground. Likewise, many observers advocate bolstering automatic stabilisers such as unemployment benefits. Europe, with much higher levels of social insurance and taxation, has correspondingly stronger automatic stabilisers than does the US or Japan. When incomes fall, tax revenues decline and insurance payments rise, providing a built-in countercyclical fiscal stimulus. But proponents of higher automatic stabilisers pay too little attention to the negative incentive effects that come with higher government spending and the taxes needed to pay for it. To be clear, like many academic economists, I favour significantly raising taxes and transfers in the US as a response to growing inequality. But if there were a broad political consensus in favour of moving in this direction, it would have happened already. A more exotic concept is to create an independent fiscal council that issues economic forecasts and recommendations on the overall size of budgets and budget deficits. The idea is to create an institution for fiscal policy parallel to the central bank for monetary policy. Several countries, including Sweden and the United Kingdom, have adopted much watered-down versions of this idea. The problem is that elected legislatures dont want to cede power, especially over taxes and spending. One can appreciate why central bankers dont want to get gamed into some of the nuttier monetary policies that have been proposed, for example helicopter money (or more targeted drone money) whereby the central bank prints currency and hands it out to people. Such a policy is, of course, fiscal policy in disguise, and the day any central bank starts doing it heavily is the day it loses any semblance of independence. Others have argued for raising inflation targets, but this raises a raft of problems, not least that it undermines decades of efforts by central banks to establish the credibility of roughly 2% inflation. Central bankers who are serious about preparing for future recessions should be looking hard at proposals for how to pay interest on money, both positive and negative, which is by far the most elegant solution. It is high time to sharpen the instruments in central banks toolkit. Over-reliance on countercyclical fiscal policy will not work any better in this century than in it did in the last. Kenneth Rogoff is professor of economics and public policy at Harvard University. He was the IMFs chief economist from 2001-03. Project Syndicate | https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/jan/07/central-bankers-recession-fiscal-policy |
What Does It Mean to Live in the Present? | By Deepak Chopra, MD In recent decades the concept of living in the present moment has been widely discussed, prompted by the surprising success of Eckhart Tolles 1997 book, The Power of Now. For millions of readers Tolles basic thesis, that there is something special about the here and now, came as a spiritual message they could seize upon in daily life. The power that the present moment possesses, as many people now believe, is its reality. To be in the now means that you are not distracted by memories of the past or expectations about the future. You dwell instead on whatever is right in front of you, applying mental clarity, alertness, and your full attention. Simple enoughuntil one looks deeper. Young children live in the now. The elderly suffering from dementia typically have severe memory loss, forcing them to live only in the passing moment, and this condition becomes confusing and blank, not to mention a source of distress. The first thing to say, if we want to unravel these issues, is that the present moment isnt the same as the minutes ticking on the clock. The power of now cannot be found by looking at time, because the whole phenomenon is experiential. To live in the now is to have a completely different experience of mind, body, self, and world. Children offer a clue, if they are young enough, by not being so conditioned that they conform to societys framework of life. In that framework it is bad to be late and good to be on time. One fills the time efficiently at work and in a leisurely fashion on vacation or when given some free time. In other words, time is part of a way of life that we absorbed early on from the people around us, and the whole framework extends to core beliefs about birth and death, growing old, being dominated by memories, hopes, wishes, and fears, all of which are deeply rooted in social conformity. As long as these concepts have the power to define your experiences, the experience of now is overshadowed by conditioning. At the same time, we must look at what the mind is doing right this minute. It is being active, filled with a continuous stream of sensations, images, feelings, and thoughts. Much of this activity is born of habit; if you think the same way today as you did yesterday, your mind is running on autopilot. Moreover, by identifying with all your opinions, beliefs, habits, prejudices, and automatic reflexes, you are relying on a mental construct that is substituting for realty. This construct, which all of us have built since childhood, defines the ego-personality. I is shorthand for a self-made model of mind, body, and world that revolves around what the ego wants and fears, what it finds pleasurable and painful, and so on. With all of that in mind, living in the present moment is a slippery business. The fly in the ointment isnt that time is fleeting but that the person who tries to experience the present moment is actually blind to it. The now is the place where we encounter life, and if we encounter it through layers of conditioning and false assumptions, there is no now. There is only repetition of the old, with a faint recognition of newness if an unexpected experience arises, such as traveling to another country or making a new friend. In fact, for the ego the now is a threat, because it potentially contains the unknown. Always feeling insecure deep down, the ego protects itself from the threat of the unknown by denial or distraction or converting the now into something old and familiar. Therefore, the power of now resides only outside the ego, and since the ego is a product of time and an artificial mental construct, to live in the now means escaping from the bondage of time and the repetitive activity of the mind. No matter what your mind is doing at this moment, it is removing you from the now. To live in the present moment isnt attained through thinking, feeling, acting, or doing anything else associated with the active mind. Instead, living in the present moment involves consciousness. Most people equate consciousness with the mind, but consciousness is actually the source and origin of the mind before any activity, even the slightest thought, arises. Consciousness has been called the screen on which the mind throws images, a metaphor that goes back to Plato and his teaching of light throwing shadows on the wall of a cave. In this metaphor, to pay attention to the shadow play is illusory. Only by turning around and seeing the light directly does one confront reality. Up to now, youll notice that living in the present moment has become increasingly abstract and even metaphysical. It can be a simple matter if you go about it the right way. All that is needed is a shift of attention to your sense of self. At any given moment, no matter what is going on mentally in here or physically out there, the experience is happening to the self, and therefore a sense of self is blended into every experience. Normally we dont notice our sense of selfwe are simply too used to ignoring it. But the self is our connection to consciousness. All of life consists of the self consciously being present. Once you recognize this fact, you can reframe your life beyond the social model you have been conditioned to believe in. The self doesnt have to learn anything new or struggle to escape the old. Your sense of self has been spontaneously present all the time, only unnoticed because the ego has convinced you that it is the self. Once you go beyond the demands of I, experience is transformed. It starts to happen in an open state of awareness that has no agenda. On its own, your sense of self, if you notice it at all, has become entangled in your individual personality and the story of your life, a story you are constantly building day by day, year by year. The present moment is beyond stories. It exists outside time, which is why spiritual traditions all describe a place that is beyond the physical world. This place isnt a mystical Nirvana or the promise of Heaven. It is here and now, as a potential of the present moment. This place is pure awareness, which anyone can access. It is a field of all possibilities, which unfortunately we have shackled through the ego-personality into a small arena of limited possibilities. The present moment is nothing but a liberated state of the sense of self. Having seen this, we can discuss what such a liberated state feels like, what it can deliver every day, and most important of all, how to get there and make the present moment our true home. This will be the subject of the next post. (To be cont.) Deepak Chopra MD, FACP, founder of The Chopra Foundation and co-founder of The Chopra Center for Wellbeing, is a world-renowned pioneer in integrative medicine and personal transformation, and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. Chopra is the author of more than 85 books translated into over 43 languages, including numerous New York Times bestsellers. His latest books are The Healing Self co-authored with Rudy Tanzi, Ph.D. and Quantum Healing (Revised and Updated): Exploring the Frontiers of Mind/Body Medicine. www.deepakchopra.com | https://www.sfgate.com/opinion/chopra/article/What-Does-It-Mean-to-Live-in-the-Present-13513372.php |
Is Franklin Income Adviser (FRIAX) a Strong Mutual Fund Pick Right Now? | Allocation Balanced fund seekers may want to consider taking a look at Franklin Income Adviser (FRIAX). FRIAX bears a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank of 3 (Hold), which is based on nine forecasting factors like size, cost, and past performance. Objective FRIAX is one of many Zacks' Allocation Balanced mutual funds to pick from. Allocation Balanced funds seek to invest in a balance of asset types, like stocks, bonds, and cash, though including precious metals or commodities is not unusual; these funds are mostly categorized by their respective asset allocation. Investors utilize Allocation Balanced funds as a way to get a good start with diversified mutual funds, as well as for core holdings in a portfolio of funds. History of Fund/Manager Franklin Templeton is based in San Mateo, CA, and is the manager of FRIAX. The Franklin Income Adviser made its debut in August of 1948 and FRIAX has managed to accumulate roughly $11.09 billion in assets, as of the most recently available information. The fund's current manager is a team of investment professionals. Performance Of course, investors look for strong performance in funds. This fund has delivered a 5-year annualized total return of 4.24%, and is in the middle third among its category peers. But if you are looking for a shorter time frame, it is also worth looking at its 3-year annualized total return of 7.06%, which places it in the top third during this time-frame. When looking at a fund's performance, it is also important to note the standard deviation of the returns. The lower the standard deviation, the less volatility the fund experiences. The standard deviation of FRIAX over the past three years is 6.39% compared to the category average of 8.12%. The standard deviation of the fund over the past 5 years is 7.54% compared to the category average of 8.29%. This makes the fund less volatile than its peers over the past half-decade. Risk Factors Investors cannot discount the risks to this segment though, as it is always important to remember the downside for any potential investment. In the most recent bear market, FRIAX lost 39.17% and underperformed comparable funds by 2.93%. This means that the fund could possibly be a worse choice than its peers during a down market environment. Even still, the fund has a 5-year beta of 0.62, so investors should note that it is hypothetically less volatile than the market at large. Because alpha represents a portfolio's performance on a risk-adjusted basis relative to a benchmark, which is the S&P 500 in this case, one should pay attention to this metric as well. The fund has produced a negative alpha over the past 5 years of -2.63, which shows that managers in this portfolio find it difficult to pick securities that generate better-than-benchmark returns. Expenses As competition heats up in the mutual fund market, costs become increasingly important. Compared to its otherwise identical counterpart, a low-cost product will be an outperformer, all other things being equal. Thus, taking a closer look at cost-related metrics is vital for investors. In terms of fees, FRIAX is a no load fund. It has an expense ratio of 0.46% compared to the category average of 0.90%. From a cost perspective, FRIAX is actually cheaper than its peers. While the minimum initial investment for the product is $0, investors should also note that there is no minimum for each subsequent investment. Bottom Line Overall, Franklin Income Adviser ( FRIAX ) has a neutral Zacks Mutual Fund rank, and in conjunction with its comparatively similar performance, average downside risk, and lower fees, Franklin Income Adviser ( FRIAX ) looks like a somewhat average choice for investors right now. Your research on the Allocation Balanced segment doesn't have to stop here. You can check out all the great mutual fund tools we have to offer by going to www.zacks.com/funds/mutual-funds to see the additional features we offer as well for additional information. We have a full suite of tools on stocks that you can use to find the best choices for your portfolio too, no matter what kind of investor you are. Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Get Your Free (FRIAX): Fund Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. | https://news.yahoo.com/franklin-income-adviser-friax-strong-120012761.html |
Is Fidelity Advisor Biotechnology A (FBTAX) a Strong Mutual Fund Pick Right Now? | Sector - Health fund seekers should not consider taking a look at Fidelity Advisor Biotechnology A (FBTAX) at this time. FBTAX bears a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank of 4 (Sell), which is based on nine forecasting factors like size, cost, and past performance. Objective Zacks categorizes FBTAX as Sector - Health, a segment packed with options. Sector - Health mutual funds offer investors a focus on the healthcare industry, one of the largest sectors in the American economy. These funds can include everything from pharmaceutical companies to medical device manufacturers and for-profit hospitals. History of Fund/Manager Fidelity is based in Boston, MA, and is the manager of FBTAX. The Fidelity Advisor Biotechnology A made its debut in December of 2000 and FBTAX has managed to accumulate roughly $691.85 million in assets, as of the most recently available information. The fund's current manager, Eirene Kontopoulos, has been in charge of the fund since July of 2018. Performance Of course, investors look for strong performance in funds. This fund has delivered a 5-year annualized total return of 8.98%, and is in the top third among its category peers. But if you are looking for a shorter time frame, it is also worth looking at its 3-year annualized total return of 0.51%, which places it in the middle third during this time-frame. When looking at a fund's performance, it is also important to note the standard deviation of the returns. The lower the standard deviation, the less volatility the fund experiences. The standard deviation of FBTAX over the past three years is 26.83% compared to the category average of 10.59%. The standard deviation of the fund over the past 5 years is 25.88% compared to the category average of 10.68%. This makes the fund more volatile than its peers over the past half-decade. Risk Factors Investors cannot discount the risks to this segment though, as it is always important to remember the downside for any potential investment. In the most recent bear market, FBTAX lost 26.12% and outperformed its peer group by 7.12%. These results could imply that the fund is a better choice than its peers during a sliding market environment. Nevertheless, investors should also note that the fund has a 5-year beta of 1.43, which means it is hypothetically more volatile than the market at large. Because alpha represents a portfolio's performance on a risk-adjusted basis relative to a benchmark, which is the S&P 500 in this case, one should pay attention to this metric as well. With a negative alpha of -3.42, managers in this portfolio find it difficult to pick securities that generate better-than-benchmark returns. Holdings Investigating the equity holdings of a mutual fund is also a valuable exercise. This can show us how the manager is applying their stated methodology, as well as if there are any inherent biases in their approach. For this particular fund, the focus is largely on equities that are traded in the United States. Right now, 76.78% of this mutual fund's holdings are stocks, which have an average market capitalization of $45.74 billion. The fund has the heaviest exposure to the following market sectors: Health Other Turnover is about 45%, so those in charge of the fund make fewer trades than the average comparable fund. Expenses For investors, taking a closer look at cost-related metrics is key, since costs are increasingly important for mutual fund investing. Competition is heating up in this space, and a lower cost product will likely outperform its otherwise identical counterpart, all things being equal. In terms of fees, FBTAX is a load fund. It has an expense ratio of 1.06% compared to the category average of 1.32%. FBTAX is actually cheaper than its peers when you consider factors like cost. Investors should also note that the minimum initial investment for the product is $0 and that each subsequent investment has no minimum amount. Bottom Line Overall, Fidelity Advisor Biotechnology A ( FBTAX ) has a low Zacks Mutual Fund rank, and in conjunction with its comparatively strong performance, worse downside risk, and lower fees, Fidelity Advisor Biotechnology A ( FBTAX ) looks like a somewhat weak choice for investors right now. Don't stop here for your research on Sector - Health funds. We also have plenty more on our site in order to help you find the best possible fund for your portfolio. Make sure to check out www.zacks.com/funds/mutual-funds for more information about the world of funds, and feel free to compare FBTAX to its peers as well for additional information. For analysis of the rest of your portfolio, make sure to visit Zacks.com for our full suite of tools which will help you investigate all of your stocks and funds in one place. Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Get Your Free (FBTAX): Fund Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research | https://news.yahoo.com/fidelity-advisor-biotechnology-fbtax-strong-120012526.html |
Is American Funds New World A (NEWFX) a Strong Mutual Fund Pick Right Now? | If you've been stuck searching for Non US - Equity funds, you might want to consider passing on by American Funds New World A (NEWFX) as a possibility. NEWFX carries a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank of 4 (Sell), which is based on nine forecasting factors like size, cost, and past performance. Objective We classify NEWFX in the Non US - Equity category, which is an area rife with potential choices. Investing in companies outside the United States is how Non US - Equity funds set themselves apart, since global funds tend to keep a good portion of their portfolio stateside. Many of these funds like to allocate across emerging and developed markets, and will often focus on all cap levels. History of Fund/Manager NEWFX finds itself in the American Funds family, based out of Los Angeles, CA. Since American Funds New World A made its debut in June of 1999, NEWFX has garnered more than $13.49 billion in assets. The fund is currently managed by a team of investment professionals. Performance Of course, investors look for strong performance in funds. NEWFX has a 5-year annualized total return of 2.69% and it sits in the middle third among its category peers. Investors who prefer analyzing shorter time frames should look at its 3-year annualized total return of 7.07%, which places it in the top third during this time-frame. When looking at a fund's performance, it is also important to note the standard deviation of the returns. The lower the standard deviation, the less volatility the fund experiences. Compared to the category average of 8.77%, the standard deviation of NEWFX over the past three years is 10.99%. Looking at the past 5 years, the fund's standard deviation is 11.02% compared to the category average of 8.91%. This makes the fund more volatile than its peers over the past half-decade. Risk Factors Investors should always remember the downsides to a potential investment, and this segment carries some risks one should be aware of. NEWFX lost 53.05% in the most recent bear market and outperformed its peer group by 5.37%. This might suggest that the fund is a better choice than its peers during a bear market. Investors should note that the fund has a 5-year beta of 0.85, so it is likely going to be less volatile than the market at large. Because alpha represents a portfolio's performance on a risk-adjusted basis relative to a benchmark, which is the S&P 500 in this case, one should pay attention to this metric as well. The fund has produced a negative alpha over the past 5 years of -6.06, which shows that managers in this portfolio find it difficult to pick securities that generate better-than-benchmark returns. Expenses Costs are increasingly important for mutual fund investing, and particularly as competition heats up in this market. And all things being equal, a lower cost product will outperform its otherwise identical counterpart, so taking a closer look at these metrics is key for investors. In terms of fees, NEWFX is a load fund. It has an expense ratio of 0.99% compared to the category average of 1.25%. NEWFX is actually cheaper than its peers when you consider factors like cost. Investors need to be aware that with this product, the minimum initial investment is $250; each subsequent investment needs to be at least $50. Bottom Line Overall, American Funds New World A ( NEWFX ) has a low Zacks Mutual Fund rank, and in conjunction with its comparatively similar performance, average downside risk, and lower fees, this fund looks like a somewhat weak choice for investors right now. This could just be the start of your research on NEWFXin the Non US - Equity category. Consider going to www.zacks.com/funds/mutual-funds for additional information about this fund, and all the others that we rank as well for additional information. Zacks provides a full suite of tools to help you analyze your portfolio - both funds and stocks - in the most efficient way possible. Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Get Your Free (NEWFX): Fund Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research | https://news.yahoo.com/american-funds-world-newfx-strong-120012040.html |
Is Westcore Small Cap Growth II Retail (WTSLX) a Strong Mutual Fund Pick Right Now? | Mid Cap Growth fund seekers should consider taking a look at Westcore Small Cap Growth II Retail (WTSLX). WTSLX bears a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), which is based on nine forecasting factors like size, cost, and past performance. Objective WTSLX is part of the Mid Cap Growth section, a segment that boasts a wide array of possible selections. While Mid Cap Growth mutual funds choose companies with a stock market valuation between $2 billion and $10 billion, stocks in these funds are also expected to show broad considerable growth opportunities for investors compared to their peers. To be considered a growth stock, companies must consistently report impressive sales and/or earnings growth. History of Fund/Manager Segal Bryant is based in Chicago, IL, and is the manager of WTSLX. Since Westcore Small Cap Growth II Retail made its debut in October of 1999, WTSLX has garnered more than $69.33 million in assets. A team of investment professionals is the fund's current manager. Performance Obviously, what investors are looking for in these funds is strong performance relative to their peers. This fund in particular has delivered a 5-year annualized total return of 5.59%, and it sits in the bottom third among its category peers. If you're interested in shorter time frames, do not dismiss looking at the fund's 3-year annualized total return of 10.48%, which places it in the bottom third during this time-frame. When looking at a fund's performance, it is also important to note the standard deviation of the returns. The lower the standard deviation, the less volatility the fund experiences. WTSLX's standard deviation over the past three years is 15.04% compared to the category average of 14.86%. Over the past 5 years, the standard deviation of the fund is 14.95% compared to the category average of 14.71%. This makes the fund more volatile than its peers over the past half-decade. Risk Factors Investors should always remember the downsides to a potential investment, and this segment carries some risks one should be aware of. WTSLX lost 50.24% in the most recent bear market and outperformed its peer group by 2.79%. This could mean that the fund is a better choice than comparable funds during a bear market. Investors should note that the fund has a 5-year beta of 1.13, so it is likely going to be more volatile than the market at large. Because alpha represents a portfolio's performance on a risk-adjusted basis relative to a benchmark, which is the S&P 500 in this case, one should pay attention to this metric as well. WTSLX has generated a negative alpha over the past five years of -5.69, demonstrating that managers in this portfolio find it difficult to pick securities that generate better-than-benchmark returns. Holdings Examining the equity holdings of a mutual fund is also a valuable exercise. This can show us how the manager is applying their stated methodology, as well as if there are any inherent biases in their approach. For this particular fund, the focus is largely on equities that are traded in the United States. This fund is currently holding about 94.86% stock in stocks, which have an average market capitalization of $4.05 billion. The fund has the heaviest exposure to the following market sectors: Technology Other Health Services Industrial Cyclical Non-Durable Turnover is about 58%, so those in charge of the fund make fewer trades than the average comparable fund. Expenses As competition heats up in the mutual fund market, costs become increasingly important. Compared to its otherwise identical counterpart, a low-cost product will be an outperformer, all other things being equal. Thus, taking a closer look at cost-related metrics is vital for investors. In terms of fees, WTSLX is a no load fund. It has an expense ratio of 0.97% compared to the category average of 1.29%. WTSLX is actually cheaper than its peers when you consider factors like cost. This fund requires a minimum initial investment of $250,000, while there is no minimum for each subsequent investment. Bottom Line Overall, Westcore Small Cap Growth II Retail ( WTSLX ) has a high Zacks Mutual Fund rank, and in conjunction with its comparatively weak performance, average downside risk, and lower fees, this fund looks like a great potential choice for investors right now. This could just be the start of your research on WTSLXin the Mid Cap Growth category. Consider going to www.zacks.com/funds/mutual-funds for additional information about this fund, and all the others that we rank as well for additional information. If you are more of a stock investor, make sure to also check out our Zacks Rank, and our full suite of tools we have available for novice and professional investors alike. Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Get Your Free (WTSLX): Fund Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. | https://news.yahoo.com/westcore-small-cap-growth-ii-120012456.html |
Is it a big deal if politicians swear? | Freshman Representative Rashida Tlaib celebrated her swearing in to the 116th Congress by shooting off some choice swears of her own. Tlaib caused a stir when a recording of her saying of President Donald Trump "we're going to impeach the motherf***er" during an afterparty surfaced. Many politicians were shocked by the representative's language, saying she was encouraging discord within the new Congress. Others said she hadn't said anything nearly as bad as what the president has said in the past. PERSPECTIVES The Washington Post reports that the president's allies were quick to decry Tlaib's language, saying it was unbefitting of her new role as a U.S. Representative. White House press secretary Sarah Sanders blasted the remarks as proof Democrats had "no solutions for America" and suggested Tlaib was simply trying to boost her own political career. ...House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) criticized Tlaib's language. "Look at the brand-new elected congresswoman and her language of what she says to her son in a rally that she thought was private last night," McCarthy said on Fox. "Their whole focus here is to try and attack this president when we're trying to move America forward." Some commentators pointed out these same pundits don't hold members of the GOP to the same standard. Reporter Erik Wasson pointed out that Liz Cheney, the House GOP Chair and daughter of the former Vice President, criticized Tlaib, while her own father was unrepentant about swearing on the Senate floor. House GOP Chair Liz Cheney condemns @RashidaTlaib for "foul language" at presser. Her dad Dick Cheney told Sen Leahy to "go f@@k yourself" on the Senate floor when he was VP -- Erik Wasson (@elwasson) January 4, 2019 Other representatives said Tlaib was being disrespectful. I asked @RepCummings if comments like "impeach the motherf*cker" are productive: "You can not accomplish much of anything unless you have civility & show respect for your colleagues. I think those kind of comments do not take us in the right direction...they are inappropriate." -- Elizabeth Landers (@ElizLanders) January 4, 2019 However, when compared with what the president himself had said, Tlaib's comments seem somewhat tame. Yes, there is a double standard. Trump "speaks his mind" or does worse, and his fans cheer and defend him. When others do it, his fans are outraged and speak of decency and values. 1/2 -- GlycerineGrey1886 (@GGrey1886) January 5, 2019 Newly elected Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, said that while she did not agree with Tlaib's language, she did not disagree with the sentiment. Speaking with MSNBC host Joy Reid, Pelosi was adamant that she is not in the business of policing the language of her colleagues. Furthermore, she noted, the president himself has used far worse language. "I probably have a generational reaction to [Tlaib's comment]," Pelosi said in the MSNBC interview set to air Friday night. "I'm not in the censorship business," she said. "I don't like that language, I wouldn't use that language, but I wouldn't establish language standards for my colleagues." Tlaib's comments, the speaker added, were "nothing worse than the president has said." Representative Jerry Nadler went on CNN on Friday to decry Tlaib's language, saying it was too early to even be mentioning impeachment. House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler on Rashida Tlaib's vow to impeach Trump: "I don't really like that kind of language, but more to the point, I disagree with what she said. It is too early to talk about that intelligently. We have to follow the facts" https://t.co/Ctwc5n4hGK pic.twitter.com/OsCOTQnuj2 -- CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) January 4, 2019 Many people felt the whole controversy was overblown and hypocritical. If Congresswoman Talib cursing at a private rally is outrageous to you but Trump's many rude, obnoxious and racist comments are justifiable in some way then hypocrisy probably gave you a wedding ring and y'all are married. -- Toure (@Toure) January 4, 2019 The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Local Media, LLC property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt, on Instagram @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say. | https://www.cleveland.com/nation/index.ssf/2019/01/is_it_a_big_deal_if_politician.html |
Are Robots About To Enter The Healthcare Workforce? | Technology in healthcare is perhaps at its most valuable in areas where skills shortages are at their strongest. Nowhere is this perhaps more so than in social care, so it's interesting to read the latest research briefing from the The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST), which looks at the use of robotic technology in social care. The report suggests that whilst the need for support in the sector is considerable, it remains far from certain whether robots can play a leading role in plugging that gap. "Many of the robots and robotic devices developed for social care appear to still be at the conceptual or design phase," the authors say. "A key question is whether robots and robotic technology can integrate into existing social care environments, and with current technology, or replace them altogether." One of the largest projects in this space is the EU backed GrowMeUp, which has seen the development of a robot, called GrowMu. The machine is developed with a number of advanced algorithms that allow it to adapt to changes, both in its environment and the person/s its caring for. This allows it both to develop an understanding of the routine of the individual, and how that routine can be improved upon. For instance, it might suggest new dietary changes or warn that a step might result in a fall. Adaptive learning and multi-objective decision-making algorithms work so the robot can learn from the users speech and behaviour patterns and recognise when circumstances require action, the team explain. Growing with the patient For instance, the robot will be able to use facial recognition and oral dialogues to remember the needs of each person, including their schedule, and provide timely reminders when required. The machine is programmed to grow with their patient and can therefore suggest improvements to their lifestyle to ensure quality of life is maintained. This could include new exercise routines or the arrangement of social activities. GrowMu comes with a cloud-based platform that allows users to access a huge amount of data as well as a social care network that comprises not only formal carers but friends, neighbours and other older people. Through this, a set of daily activities are provided to suit the needs of the individual. We have definitely brought social robots closer to society. With intelligent dialogue, older people can effortlessly and intuitively interact with the system using natural speech, the team explain. What is perhaps most interesting however is how such robots are perceived. There is a strong perception that older people are less welcoming of new technologies, but the evidence doesn't support such a conclusion. A recent study found that senior citizens are quite happy to accept robots as helpers, but are much more concerned about ceding too much control to them. Key to this relationship was the mental model that the senior citizens had formed about robots. In other words, if they went into the relationship thinking positively, or negatively, about robots, then that had a big impact on how the relationship went. When interfaces are designed to be almost human-like in their autonomy, seniors may react to them with fear, skepticism and other negative emotions, the researchers say. But, with those considerations in mind, there are actually several areas where older people would accept robot help. A similar study conducted on the Isle of Wight found that people were overwhelmingly positive about the role of new technology in helping carers support their loved ones. This was especially so when the robots enhanced the physical capabilities of the carer, making them stronger and protecting their joints. Robot helpers Of course, that's not to say that robot helpers are likely to be seen in a care home near you any time soon, but there are certainly interesting moves in that direction. Indeed, the POST report identifies 6 billion in potential savings that could be made via the introduction of robotics into the sector. This benefit could be particularly strong in areas with inadequate care at the moment, as the technology could free up the human staff to do more of the pastoral things that humans are best at. Nonetheless, the report also identifies concerns that robots will be used instead of humans rather than in addition to them, resulting in a fall in care. Likewise, the introduction of robots into care homes will require training to be given to staff so that they can interact effectively with them. "However, this may have knock-on effects if the social care sector is required to buy-in such skills given potential salary differentials, raising the question about whether this outweighs any efficiencies created by the use of robotics," the authors concede. As with so many new technologies, there are a number of hurdles to overcome before robots are a common feature of care environments, including keeping them secure from hackers, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations and legal challenges surrounding liability for decisions made by the robots. I would suggest it's only a matter of time before robots begin to enter the healthcare workforce en masse however. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/adigaskell/2019/01/07/are-robots-about-to-enter-the-healthcare-workforce/ |
Will Nokia Show A New 6310 At MWC? | The biggest surprise of Mobile World Congress 2017 was Nokias launch of the new 3310. It was a 2G phone in a 4G world and it took the show by storm. The biggest surprise of Mobile World Congress 2018 was Nokias launch of the new 8110, a 4G version of its third most iconic phone. And thats what was surprising. Nokia chose to bring back the 8110 and not the 6310. The obvious follow-up to the 3310 would have been Nokias most successful business phone, a device which still has a dedicated fan base. Indeed it was such a hit than when Nokia dropped the 6310, Vodafone got into discussions with Nokia about buying the rights to continue the manufacture. I regularly encounter people who are still in love with the old Nokia. In its day it was advanced with Bluetooth and data, but today its a technology dinosaur. But one which has a surprisingly high price. One Amazon vendor has them at top smartphone money One of the celebrity fans of the 6310 is ex-Formula 1 driver and Le Mans winner, Richard Attwood, now in his 70s, Attwood is still one of the fastest men on four wheels, regularly out-racing young bucks who are a quarter of his age. I was amused when he pulled a Nokia 6310 from his pocket, a phone which is only a tad younger than current F1 driver Max Verstappen. Its a classic phone and I was excited because Im a phone geek. Attwood uses it precisely because hes not. Indeed he said hed bought a couple of spares should his Nokia go wrong. Here was a man who was practiced at shaving tenths of a second off a lap of Silverstone but wasnt too concerned if he didnt read an email for a day or two. He told me that if he was instructing for Porsche hed leave his phone in the office for the day and check his messages when he got back. Compare this with recent research which says that most people look at their phone 300 times a day. But the thing about Richard Attwoods view about modern technology is that it is what marketing types would call on trend, there is a growing interest in making life more simple. The reboot of the Nokia 3310 has seen an amazing amount of interest in a phone which only does talking and text. Its good to know that over 50 years after he first lined up on the F1 grid, Attwood is still in pole position. But Attwood and all the other 6310 lovers have a problem. Its 2G and as a thirty-year-old technology, there is less and less investment going into the networks. Capacity at 900 MHz and 1800MHz is increasingly being migrated to 4G, and much of the new infrastructure is 4G-only relying on Voice over LTE to do calls. We can expect there to be a sniff of 2G for quite a while but it will become increasingly difficult for all the 6210, and other 2G mobile phone, users to get a signal. What they want is a 4G version of their beloved phone. If it does no-one will be surprised. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/simonrockman1/2019/01/07/will-nokia-show-a-new-6310-at-mwc/ |
What Do Tomorrow's Leaders Look Like During The Digital Work Crisis? | Tomorrows leaders operate with a different set of rules. They know, at an intuitive level, how to look at organizational challenges in a completely distinct way, whereas most people look at the same challenges in terms of status quo thinking. For example, when management teams are given the task to increase business velocity through digitalization, I've found that they often talk in terms of collaboration tools, better project governance, Agile methodologies or breaking down silos. While all of these enhancements are good, my experience as a chief product and technology officer has shown me that tomorrows leaders understand that, by themselves, these changes miss the bigger picture. These future leaders see that as companies race to digitize, the conversion typically happens piece by piece by process, by department, by team and so on. They see that a new, holistic strategy for enterprise work is missing. Digitization creates infinite possibilities, which also brings new pressures that todays organizations are often not equipped to handle. These pressures represent a new paradigm in work that disrupts the common corporate practices of the past century and results in a few trends I've noticed: 100 times faster: Speed is the new currency. Global complexity: We're shrinking geographic boundaries. Millions of variations: Every work product is custom -- iteration is the new normal. Infinite work streams: We're seeing high-volume, short and parallel sprints. Networked and social: Work gets done across a self-organizing collective. Exponential work product: There are exabytes of data and digital artifacts. The Crisis The aforementioned trends can feed massive complexity resulting in functions and teams that are easily disconnected and not executing together, analog work processes that operate at differing paces, and millions of data points and artifacts that are trapped in disparate silos. This is the digital work crisis, and companies that fail to modernize work to effectively remediate these issues are being left behind, as I mentioned in a previous article. To top it all off, executives are often flying blind with no way to plan, execute or measure the work their organizations do at a strategic level. The problems are only getting worse each day as more and more work is being digitized. I believe that work is mostly invisible to decision makers. The Current Options In my experience, management teams typically follow three paths to navigating the digital work crisis. First, they try to leverage legacy productivity tools in order to minimize both cost and workforce disruption. While this may be the easiest option, it can also be the least effective. Second, management considers adding point solutions to patch gaps in their processes. These efforts are usually incremental, band-aid answers that, at best, get the business to a good enough for now state. Third, management will stretch existing applications and platforms in which the business has already invested. This option comes with its own compromises, as teams outside the core use case for the platform may be required to accept constraints if the solution is a force-fit for their business function. Tomorrows Leaders From my perspective, the leaders of tomorrow see the opportunities in challenges. They think differently about how to organize around those opportunities. They seek disruptive, holistic solutions to driving work forward. They look beyond the underlying tech and first champion new models for how they think the organization should operate for example, by going from disconnected to networked, from inconsistent to consistent and from invisible to precise and certain. Tomorrows leaders could be the solution to the digital work crisis, and they are all around you. Here are five traits of these leaders by which you can identify them: 1) They raise their hand to volunteer for new challenges that are important to the business, even when they are considered unseasoned and the challenge seems to reside outside of their domain expertise. 2) They create discomfort in those hesitant to explore possibilities beyond the status quo, yet they also inspire hope for a better future state of the organization. 3) They lead difficult projects to success relentlessly, no matter their current role or title. 4) They convince you to invest more in their efforts because they push your business forward, sometimes in disruptive ways. 5) They see change as the solution, not an obstacle. These leaders rise to the occasion again and again. Our CEO tells a story about sitting between two of our customers at a recent conference. He was listening to a customer -- who was near the end of his career -- picking the brain of a young leader. The customer asked the young leader, Who is your executive sponsor? To which she replied: Its me. I was responsible for some great results last year, got promoted to director, and now have people on my team doing the job that I was doing before. These are the leaders of tomorrow. Find them in your business, or somebody else could. Empower them, encourage them and, most importantly, challenge them. I believe they will be instrumental in guiding your organization through todays crises and into the future -- because they are the future. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2019/01/07/what-do-tomorrows-leaders-look-like-during-the-digital-work-crisis/ |
Could online courses help solve Williamson County Schools' overcrowding problem? | Buy Photo Williamson County Schools is looking to expand its online learning program that could include a full-time option for high school students. (Photo: File / The Tennessean)Buy Photo Hundreds of high school students logged onto online classes last year, giving the program a successful jump start in Williamson County Schools and possibly providing a viable option for making more room in crowded classrooms. The online course program, which launched at the beginning of the 2018-19 school year, allows high school students to take online courses for up to half of their course load classes like English, algebra and personal finance. Last year, 460 students mostly seniors enrolled in online courses. School officials said they are looking to give high school students an option to pursue their diplomas completely online. "We'd like to get to where they can do full online school if that's what they want," WCS Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney said. "I foresee it becoming a full-fledged high school that exists on the internet." The option to allow students to attend high school entirely online would mean fewer students in Williamson's packed schools, and Looney admitted it's a "part of the puzzle" when it comes to solving the overcrowding issue. "This will be a really viable option, and for other students, it may not be the best option," he said. The district this year boasted record enrollment numbers, and it expects to see its population increase by 20,000 over the next decade. Some of that enrollment boom could come from the upcoming Amazon arrival in Nashville, which will likely pump students into surrounding districts like Williamson. The company will bring as many as 5,000 high paying jobs to the area. The district's latest five-year plan calls for $543 million to fund capital projects, including new school buildings. RELATED: How Nashville public schools, others are looking toward Amazon's arrival Looney said he expects to ask the school board to expand the online learning program. The board has the chance to approve six additional online courses to be offered beginning in 2019. They include ecology, guitar, psychology, sociology and statistics. The board will begin work on the 2019-20 budget in January. Keeping online learning on par with Williamson's high standards According to Looney, the district hesitated to pull the trigger on online high school because it struggled to find a program that would match the rigor of its classroom learning. "We've been focused on quality and rigor," he said. "Many online programs didn't meet our standards." Looney looked to Forsyth County Schools, a high-achieving school district north of Atlanta, as an example of a quality blended learning program. The district looks similar to WCS in size and top-of-the-state test scores. FCS offers part-time online learning for kindergartners and high school students, as well as full-time online learning for high school. Currently, 1,531 students there take part in its online learning options. "The biggest thing is offering flexibility to our students," said Jason Naile, director of instructional technology and media at FCS. "I think, in general, the overall landscape of school is changing. Parents and students love the flexibility it provides." Naile added the online program has been beneficial to students who are involved in acting or specialized sports that may keep them away from traditional school hours. In Williamson, the online program was approved by the NCAA, giving its student-athletes the ability to work toward college play with online coursework. Looney said that, so far, there hasn't been a slip in academic outcomes for students choosing online courses. "We're quite pleased where the data is pointed," he said. "We dont see a notable difference in academic achievement between online and traditional learners. The grades look very close to each other, and we havent had a lot of students drop out." Allison Fischer, the online learning program's administrator for WCS, said students take advantage of online courses for a number of reasons. "Some take it to make room for something extra at their own school, or to get credit sufficient to graduate on time," she said. Registration will begin soon for students who want to take classes through the WCS online learning program during the 2019-20 school year. Last year, the district created spots for 500 online learners. "Honestly, there are districts across the county that are doing (online school) and are ahead of us on this," Looney said. "Being a premiere school district, we want to offer our students this opportunity. RELATED: 5-year plan gives Williamson County School Board sticker shock Reach Amelia Ferrell Knisely at [email protected], 615-210-8286 or follow @ameliaknisely on Twitter. Read or Share this story: https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/williamson/schools/2019/01/07/online-school-williamson-county-overcrowding-problem/2379843002/ | https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/williamson/schools/2019/01/07/online-school-williamson-county-overcrowding-problem/2379843002/ |
Should the US hand over Minnesota's Northwest Angle to Canada? | Image copyright Jacob Norlund/Flickr It's a geographic curiosity - a bit of US land at the top edge of Minnesota, disconnected from the rest of the state. The Northwest Angle is known to local residents, people who love to fish - the region is famous for its walleye - and geography buffs. It is accessible by land only through the Canadian province. Now, someone has anonymously launched a petition urging the US to hand the land over to its northern neighbours. "Make America great by correcting this critical survey error," states the petition posted on 30 December on the White House "We the People" site, which allows citizens to petition Congress on issues that matter to them. The petition is titled "Give Canada back the Northwest Angle located in Manitoba". The nub of Minnesota state is roughly 123 square miles (318 square km) and is farther north than any other part of the contiguous United States. Much of the land is owned by the Native American Red Lake Nation of the Chippewa tribe. Living above the 49th parallel, Angleites - as local residents are known - are the northernmost American citizens, barring Alaskans. It can be reached by driving through Canada or by boat across the Lake of the Woods. Image copyright BBC News Image caption The Northwest Angle borders Canada's province of Manitoba The protrusion of land is due to a historic mapping mistake. When the American Revolutionary War ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1783, Britain and the US agreed on the new border based on a map maker's error about the source of the Mississippi River, which was used to help draw the boundary. The boundary line was redrawn in 1818 to address the snafu, shaping the Northwest Angle. So far, the petition is just shy of 3,500 signatures, a far cry from the 100,000 signatures needed to get a response from the White House. And at this point, the effort is being greeted with something of a shrug by Angleites. Image copyright Tony Webster/Flickr Lisa Goulet, who owns Angle Outpost Resort with her family, told the BBC that while it's a fun story, when she came across the petition she "didn't really give it another thought". She says the roughly 100 residents are on "absolutely nothing but friendly terms" with their Canadian neighbours - but she isn't about to add her signature to the petition. "We understand it was a mistake, that it wasn't on purpose that the United States or that Minnesota was gifted this area, but we are blessed and so grateful for this area and we don't take it for granted," she said. "So it's not like we're just willing to say 'Oh, right, you can have it back', because it's our home." It's not the first time the threats of secession has been raised. Some residents brought up the idea in the late 1990s during some tension between Canada and the US over fishing regulations, though the two countries eventually came to an agreement. Image copyright DeAgostini/Getty Images Image caption The Lake of Woods, pictured here in Ontario, occupies the boundary between Minnesota and Manitoba and Ontario Ms Goulet is happy her remote corner of the world is getting some attention and says she's is proud to hail from the Northwest Angle. She calls it "a conversation starter". "Even if you're not a fantastically interesting person, you come from an interesting place, you have something interesting to say." | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-46741175 |
What does China want to do on the Moon's far side? | Here are a few things the mission is designed to do. Learn about the Moon's history No space mission has ever explored the far side from the surface. As such, it's the first chance to explore a mysterious region of Earth's natural satellite. The "face" that's never seen from Earth has some key differences to the more familiar "near side". The far side has a thicker, older crust that is pocked with more craters. There are also very few of the "maria" (dark basaltic "seas" created by lava flows) that are evident on the near side. Chang'e-4 has reportedly landed at a site known as Von Krmn crater, a 180km depression located in the far side's southern hemisphere. But Von Krmn lies within a much bigger hole punched in the Moon - the South Pole-Aitken basin. It's the oldest, largest and deepest such basin on the Moon and formed when an asteroid - perhaps 500km across, or more - collided with it billions of years ago. This event was so powerful that it is thought to have ploughed through the Moon's outer crust layer and through into the zone known as the mantle. One of the mission's objectives is to study any exposed material from the mantle present at the landing site. This would provide insights into the internal structure and history of the Moon. Image copyright NASA Image caption The South Pole-Aitken basin was formed by a giant impact billions of years ago Indeed, data from orbiting spacecraft show that the composition of the basin is different from the surrounding lunar highlands. But exposed mantle material on the surface is just one possibility among several to explain this observation. The rover will use its panoramic camera to identify interesting locations and its Visible and Near-Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (VNIS) to study minerals in the floor of the crater (as well as of ejecta - rocks thrown out by nearby space impacts). Additionally, the Lunar Penetrating Radar (LPR) instrument will be able to look into the shallow subsurface of the Moon, down to a depth of about 100m. It could probe the thickness of the lunar regolith - the broken up rocks and dust that make up the surface - and shed light on the structure of the upper lunar crust. After the huge impact that created the South Pole-Aitken basin, a large amount of melted rock would have filled the depression. The science team wants to use Chang'e-4 to identify and study variations in its composition. Filling an astronomy gap The far side of the Moon has long been regarded as an ideal spot for conducting a particular kind of radio astronomy - in the low-frequency band - because it's shielded from the radio noise of Earth. There's a frequency band (below about 10MHz) where radio astronomy observations can't be conducted from Earth, because of manmade radio interference and other, natural factors. Chang'e-4's lander is carrying an instrument called the Low Frequency Spectrometer (LFS) which can make low frequency radio observations. It will be used in concert with a similar experiment on the Queqiao orbiting satellite. Image copyright ESO Image caption Radio telescopes on the Moon would be able to observe at frequencies not accessible to arrays on Earth The objectives include making a map of the radio sky at low frequencies and studying the behaviour of the Sun. Speaking in 2016, Liu Tongjie, from the Chinese space agency (CNSA), said: "Since the far side of the Moon is shielded from electromagnetic interference from the Earth, it's an ideal place to research the space environment and solar bursts, and the probe can 'listen' to the deeper reaches of the cosmos." Thus, the mission will fill a gap in astronomical observation, allowing scientists to study cosmic phenomena in a way that has never been possible from our planet. Radiation on the Moon Image copyright Science Photo Library Image caption Understanding the radiation environment will be vital for future human exploration Several space agencies want to land humans on the Moon in the not-too-distant future, and might send astronauts there for longer than we've ever stayed before. So understanding the potential risks from radiation are vital. Earth's thick atmosphere and strong magnetic field provide adequate shielding against galactic cosmic rays and energetic charged particles travelling from the Sun. But astronauts on the Moon will be outside this protective bubble and exposed to particles travelling through open space at near the speed of light - with potentially damaging consequences for their health. The Lunar Lander Neutrons and Dosimetry (LND) experiment, supplied by researchers in Germany, will aim to fill in some gaps in our understanding about the lunar radiation environment. It will provide dosimetry (measure the ionising radiation dose that could be absorbed by the human body) with a view to future exploration, and contribute to understanding of particles originating from the Sun. Follow Paul on Twitter. | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-46748602 |
Does Netflix Have a "Cash Flow Conundrum"? | Spencer Neumann has a big task to take on as the new CFO of Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX). The video-streaming pioneer has been bleeding cash for the last five years or so as it delves deeper into original programming and expands globally. A headline in The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) shortly after Netflix announced Neumann's new job said he'll have to tackle Netflix's "cash flow conundrum." Netflix's cash burn is becoming increasingly expensive in an environment with rising interest rates, but it's hardly a conundrum. Netflix's decision to spend more cash than it takes in is a calculated risk, and it's one with relatively little downside despite increasing competition from the likes of Disney (NYSE: DIS) and AT&T's (NYSE: T) WarnerMedia. Exterior of Netflix headquarters in Los Angeles. More Image source: Netflix. Peak cash burn Netflix had some good news for investors when it released its third-quarter earnings report in mid-October. Cash burn in 2018 will come in at the low end of its original outlook of $3 billion to $4 billion. What's more, it expects a similar level of cash burn in 2019 before showing improvements back toward positive cash flow in 2020. There are several factors at play here. First, Netflix may be reaching a sustainable level of investment in original content. Over the past few years, it became increasingly evident that traditional media companies like Disney and WarnerMedia would recapture some of their licensed content from Netflix in order to improve viewing through their own channels. Both have since announced their own direct-to-consumer plans. Netflix quickly ramped up the volume of original content as well as the marketing spend on promoting those series, films, and comedy specials. But the need to replace licensed content with originals is subsiding. That's not to say Netflix won't continue to ramp up original content spending and marketing, it's just that it won't outspend the increase in net cash generated from operating activities. On top of that, Netflix is still growing subscribers quickly. Netflix members increased 25% year over year in the third quarter. It added more subscribers through the first nine months of 2018 than in any other year. And those subscribers are paying more, on average, than they did last year. Netflix has continually raised prices as it increases the value of the service, and it ought to continue that pattern. WarnerMedia's HBO charges $15 per month for HBO Now, and many subscribers (and critics) say Netflix's content is even better. Neflix's last price increase was in October 2017. Netflix's plans range from $7.99 to $13.99 per month. The combination of increasing subscriber growth and higher average revenue per user is leading to better top-line growth for the company -- top-line growth that's in line with the increase in content spending. Revenue increased 34% year over year in the third quarter while cash spent on content increased 35%. All this is to say Netflix has already proven its strategy works. Neumann's job is to make sure the company stays on the path it's been on for the last few years by managing content and marketing spend to grow the subscriber base and executing appropriate price increases. One small challenge Running the company with cash burn will become slightly more challenging going forward. Netflix funds its investments in original content and marketing by tapping the debt market. As the Fed has raised interest rates, using debt has become more expensive for Netflix. | https://news.yahoo.com/does-netflix-cash-flow-conundrum-133900433.html |
What happens to students when private colleges close in Arizona? | CLOSE Higher education reporter Anne Ryman of The Arizona Republic gives five tips to find free money for college. Hannah Gaber/azcentral.com Marta Villanueva was a student at the Art Institute of Phoenix, which closed in December 2018. She's shown here at a culinary program in Mexico. (Photo: Courtesy of Marta Villanueva) Marta Villanueva enrolled in a culinary program at the Art Institute of Phoenix as a way to cope with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety after leaving the Army. She used GI Bill benefits to pay for classes, which began in mid-2017. She dreamed of opening a business one day. But the school closed in December, leaving Villanueva out the time and money, and unsure how, or if, shell get her GI Bill benefits reinstated. Its heartbreaking because we earned these benefits, literally with sweat, blood and tears, Villanueva said. In the weeks before the schools closure, basic cooking supplies, like milk and butter, werent available in her classrooms, she said. There was no need to restock a closing school. But Villanueva still was required to pay a lab fee. Marta Villanueva served in the U.S. Army and earned GI Bill benefits to attend college. In this photo, Villanueva's twin sons embrace her after she returned home from Iraq in 2011. (Photo: Courtesy of Marta Villanueva) Thousands of students like Villanueva have seen their educational ambitions cut short by the unexpected closure of private colleges in Arizona and nationwide. About 120 private, post-secondary schools have shuttered in Arizona in the past five years, according to the state regulatory board that oversees such institutions. The closures include the major chains of ITT Technical Institute, Anthem College and Corinthian Colleges and dozens of smaller, niche schools ranging from yoga institutes to bartending academies. In 2018 alone, two well-known schools, the Art Institutes Phoenix branch and Arizona Summit Law School said they would close. A golf academy in Chandler run by national chain Education Corporation of America also closed, locking its doors on Election Day even as the site was slated as a polling place. MORE: Step-by-step: What students can do when a college closes The closures have left students out money, time and other, less tangible benefits that come with a college degree. They've also had to confront major decisions that can significantly affect their futures and finances. Closures can force students to move to attend a college with a similar program that will accept their transfer credits. Closures can cost them access to career counseling or job placement assistance from their former school. Closed schools no longer produce new graduates, meaning a student's alumni network key to career advancement stops growing. And degrees from closed schools can be seen as less reputable. More immediately, its difficult for students to figure out how or if they can get some of their money back. And they also have to navigate federal programs, credit-transfer rules at other colleges and financial institutions. Villanueva had to fight to just confirm the campus was closing. Once she found that out, there was no single source to turn to for advice or assistance. She and her classmates called anyone they thought could help: their representatives in Congress, Veterans Affairs, the state regulatory board for private colleges. "It was chaos," Villanueva said. A screenshot from The Art Institute of Phoenix's website shows a message stating that the school is no longer accepting new students. (Photo: Via The Art Institute of Phoenix) Art Institute officials did not respond to requests for comment from The Arizona Republic. The Art Institutes operated as for-profit schools for years before a non-profit foundation purchased the schools in 2017. Teri Stanfill, executive director of the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education, the state agency that licenses private schools, said Arizona has seen more, and larger, private college closures in the past few years. Things have just changed. We dont see the large, fancy campuses anymore. Or very few of them. Teri Stanfill, executive director of the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education Stanfill pointed to the lack of campus-based programs as one reason, as many colleges move toward online education. "Things have just changed," she said. "We dont see the large, fancy campuses anymore. Or very few of them." She said the state doesn't track how many students have been affected by closures. But the contraction in private, mostly for-profit colleges isn't only a recent phenomenon, said Toby Merrill, director of the Project on Predatory Student Lending at Harvard Law School. There's a long-term, boom-and-bust cycle that runs counter to unemployment numbers, Merrill said. Although some observers argue students have a responsibility to carefully research colleges, investors with major resources whose job is to investigate companies can't always foresee issues and closure risks at these colleges, National Consumer Law Center attorney Abby Shafroth said. "If theyre (investors) being fooled and deceived into investing their money into the company, I dont know why we would expect students who havent yet gone to school to be in a position to evaluate," she said. Federal programs help with loans, but not private ones State licensing officials said it's in the best interest of schools to coordinate a "teach-out," which has enrolled students complete their studies at the college.But, in some cases, financial circumstances cause the school to close abruptly. And students may choose not to participate in a teach-out because it affects their ability to get refunds from the federal government for loans used to attend the school. For federal loans, students may qualify for the Closed School Discharge if they were enrolled when the school closed or withdrew within 120 days before its closure. But if students decide to transfer from the closed school to a comparable program elsewhere, they're no longer eligible for discharge. It's a tough decision whether to transfer credits or seek relief, said Shafroth, of the National Consumer Law Center. If only a few credits will transfer, it may not be worth the hassle and loss of financial recourse, she said. Advocates for students at closing schools say there's not enough help for affected students. Merrill, of Harvard, said schools and the U.S. Department of Education don't do enough to inform students about the Closed School Discharge. That program is a "really good or even the best option" for a lot of students, she said. State program gives some money back At the state level, the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education operates the Student Tuition Recovery Fund, which helps students at closed schools get some money back. But the fund helps only students who paid cash or used private loans. Grants, scholarships or debt to other government agencies, such as federal loans, can't be recovered through the state fund. And students won't get money back if they participate in a teach-out or transfer their credits to another school. The fund paid out nothing from 2012 to 2014. In 2015, it paid 40 claims totaling about $92,000. In 2016, it paid 38 claims for about $93,000. In 2017, $82,000 for 33 claims. And in 2018, the fund paid out $620 for four claims. Claims must be filed within a year of a school's closure, meaning claims for the Art Institute, Golf Academy and Arizona Summit Law are still likely to come in this year. The money for the fund comes from an annual assessment of some schools the board oversees. The board also can require a school to post a bond if there are red flags, such as accreditation issues, poor student outcomes or financial troubles. A 1,700-mile journey to finish college Some students have to move to complete their education. For students with families, this requires taking their children out of schools. When it became clear in 2018 that Arizona Summit Law School was in danger of losing its accreditation, many students planned to transfer. Arizona Summit Law School, formerly known as the Phoenix School of Law, was founded in 2004. It once had as many as 1,000 students as it admitted more students with lower Law School Admission Test scores. School officials announced in fall 2018 that the law school will eventually close once current students finish their education. No new students are being admitted. (Photo: Tom Tingle/The Republic) Arizona has only two other law schools; both have tougher admission standards. So, the logical choice for many Arizona Summit students was 1,700 miles away in Grand Forks, North Dakota. About two dozen transferred to the University of North Dakota School of Law because the school would accept the bulk of their credits. By contrast, many law schools limit the credits they accept to about a year's worth. The students were on the hook for moving expenses. Officials at the North Dakota law school said they tried to make the transition as easy as possible. School officials took students on tours and helped with housing options. The school's assistant dean, Brad Parish, helped students prepare for a climate that is far different than in Phoenix. In the past, he said school officials have even driven students to Walmart to purchase boots and gloves. "I tell them it's like the heat in Arizona: The cold in North Dakota is a shock when you first get here, but you get used to it and deal with it," he said. For large chains like the Art Institute, students can transfer to branches in other cities. The Art Institute offered discounted tuition at other sites for students leaving the Phoenix campus. But not all credits transfer, even though the schools' ownership is the same. And, students worry, the other branches might not stay open long enough for them to transfer anyway. Some Art Institute students have been through multiple campus closures chasing a degree. Going to court may be an option In November, the Harvard project settled a lawsuit against ITT Tech that erased more than $500 million in debt owed by 750,000 students. The settlement also called for ITT to refund $3 million that students paid after the company had filed for bankruptcy in 2016. But getting reimbursed through a lawsuit is rare and difficult. Closed schools often had financial trouble and there may not be money to get back, Shafroth said. Many private, for-profit colleges required their students to sign forms upon enrollment that forced them into arbitration or prevent class-action lawsuits. Students often have no idea they're signing away their rights to sue, Shafroth said. "There's no way on Earth that they're able to read all of it or understand what these legal terms mean," she said. A new federal rule passed in 2016 said schools that accept students using federal funds can't enforce such clauses, but the Department of Education under Secretary Betsy DeVos has delayed enforcing the rule. In October, a federal judge said the rule could no longer be delayed. Veterans get some money back, but not all Groups that assist veterans have been busy fielding questions after the recent closure of more than 70 campuses under the umbrella of the Education Corporation of America. In Arizona, the company operated the Golf Academy of America in Chandler. Carrie Wofford, president of Veterans Education Success, said 4,000 veterans are affected by the closure of the for-profit chain, which includes the subsidiaries known as Brightwood College and Virginia College. Veterans who were using the GI Bill when these colleges closed can get some money restored but only for the current semester and only if they don't transfer those credits to another school. Her organization is reaching out to members of Congress to see whether they can pass legislation similar to a 2017 law aimed at helping 7,000 veterans affected by the closures of two major for-profit chains, ITT Technical Institute and Corinthian Colleges. In those cases, a law known as the Forever GI Bill lets veterans get their full GI benefits restored provided they didn't transfer credits to another school. Wofford said she hopes the same can eventually be accomplished for the most recent round of school closures. Intangible losses when a school closes Although money and time are the most obvious losses when a school closes, other costs aren't as immediately clear. Many private schools, especially those focusing on vocational training or career-based education, advertise their ability to place students in jobs upon graduation. But when a school shutters, students often lose the career services that make that happen. The alumni networks that connect students with other graduates a valuable employment resource also fade after a school closes. Even if students finish their degrees and a school closes, they could face potential employers with a skeptical view of their school's reputation. Some students have said they stopped putting degrees from shuttered schools on their rsums. "Folks have said people looked at their rsum and laughed and said, 'Oh, you got scammed,'" Shafroth said. For Villanueva, the Art Institute student, the future isn't yet clear. She's not interested in moving to another of the school's campuses. She moved enough during her years in the military. She's already exhausted her GI Bill benefits and she doesn't want to be taken advantage of by other schools who see her status as a veteran as a payday. "Even if I was going to finish the degree, I dont believe that I have the skills. ... I havent learned much other than to follow a recipe," she said. What to do if your school closes Figure out how much debt you have and get a copy of your transcript. Getting transcripts is much harder once a school closes. And you should know how much debt and credits you have before deciding what's next. Schools that close will often set up "teach-out" plans so students can finish their education. Classes may be held at the school or through agreements with other institutions. Some schools are in such bad financial shape they are unable to offer teach-out plans. In that case, you have the option to: Try to transfer your credits. Depending on the school, the credits may or may not transfer. Credits from a regional accreditor, such as the Depending on the school, the credits may or may not transfer. Credits from a regional accreditor, such as the Higher Learning Commission , are more readily accepted than those from a national accreditor. If you find your credits aren't transferring you can: Apply to get federal loans discharged: If you aren't transferring credits and you took out federal student loans, you can If you aren't transferring credits and you took out federal student loans, you can apply to have your loans discharged . If you paid cash for your tuition, you may be eligible for reimbursement through the state's Student Tuition Recovery Fund Program . But again, these programs only apply if you aren't transferring credits to another school. You can't transfer credits and get reimbursed. Help for veterans: If you are a veteran, the group If you are a veteran, the group Veterans Education Success provides advice and free legal help to guide you through options. You may be able to get some of your GI Bill benefits reinstated. More info: The The Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education licenses private schools in the state. The board doesn't provide advice, but can help you with your options and if you are having trouble getting your transcripts from the school. Click here to subscribe to azcentral.com. Go to connect.azcentral.com for a staff list, for more information about the newsroom and for details about upcoming events. 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What is the NHS long-term plan and can it achieve its aims? | The NHS does not have enough money to keep doing what it does, treating the growing number of sick and often elderly people, many of whom live in the less well-off communities of the country. The organisations chief executive, Simon Stevens, last year played a brilliantly strategic Brexit card (citing referendum promises that EU money would go to the NHS instead) and managed to extract a tidy sum from the government to stop the gaps and improve its functioning in comparison with what other departments are getting. But 20.5bn by 2023-24 will not transform the creakingly overloaded health service. The Long-term plan, published on Monday, and part of a deal with the government to end the political clamour about the overloaded NHS, is about doing more with less. By stopping people getting sick in the first place. The central thrust of the plan is to keep people well and to pick it up really early if they get ill, because its far cheaper to treat cancer or heart disease before its progressed. The focus has to be on primary care picking up problems at the GP surgery and supporting people to improve their own health, for instance, by stopping smoking or taking more exercise. Its a big one to save up to half a million lives. The subtext is that it will save the NHS a lot of money. The plan will prevent 150,000 heart attacks, strokes and dementia cases while more than 3 million people will benefit from new and improved stroke, respiratory and cardiac services over the next decade. There is excited talk of new technology. The NHS will open a digital front door. Consulting a GP online will save her time and yours and encourage more people with potential problems to get checked out. Stevens will be hoping it cuts the numbers heading for A&E because they cant immediately get to see a GP. Digital consultations, plus rethinking the support given to those arriving at A&E so they are channelled to the urgent care centre or somewhere more appropriate to their needs will save 30m trips to hospital and 1bn, says the plan. There will be genetic testing to find people at risk of dangerously high cholesterol levels that could lead to heart disease and strokes. Children will get access to mental health support in schools, in the hope of preventing depression and anxiety escalating into adulthood. Mental health issues will be investigated when people have physical health problems too. There will be a big emphasis on diagnostics and testing to pick up cancer early. Smart inhalers will be given to asthma patients. The NHS is going to fund prevention programmes for obesity and smoking, and promote its already successful weight-loss support for people with type-2 diabetes. Its not the NHSs responsibility alone, it points out but it interacts with 1 million people a day who are sick and may be at a moment in their lives when they will rethink what they are doing about their health. And they pick up the pieces. Obesity causes heart disease and cancers, as well as type-2 diabetes. Not at all. The NHS is being squeezed by the convergence of several intractable problems. Obesity, caused by poor diet and inactivity, is one of them. The growing numbers of frail and elderly people who are in and out of hospital and cant be moved out because there is no social care package for them is another. That money is for the NHS. Local authorities have been crying in pain for some time, because they are responsible for public health programmes on obesity, smoking cessation and alcohol, as well as myriad other vital services and they are not getting enough cash. The NHS plan will help by its focus on supporting people at their GP practice and in their community to adopt healthier behaviour. Money from NHS England will be directed to areas on the basis of their local needs, in a bid to tackle health inequalities. The poorest in society are the sickest. But the NHS cannot sort this alone. The other hugely difficult area is social care for the elderly. Everybody knows it is vital that it is sorted out and it will take a lot of money. The NHS is in jeopardy until that happens. Its much more than that. Stevens is attempting a gradual transformation of the NHS a tightening up and smartening up. New ideas have been trialled in a few areas of the country as vanguard projects and those that work are extended. He wants to dump the Lansley free market reforms. The plan calls for legislation to create publicly accountable integrated care locally; to streamline the national administrative structures of the NHS; and remove the overly rigid competition and procurement regime applied to the NHS, it says. But the biggest problem, worsened by Brexit, will be staffing. The plan talks of taking the pressure off staff in A&E and hospitals generally. Online consultations will be expected to help GPs, too. But there will still be rising numbers of elderly people and a need for treatment, which is costly and really requires an expanding workforce. The nursing shortage, especially, will bite and the plan proposes support to train more. But the workforce issues are unlikely to go away. | https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/jan/07/what-is-the-nhs-long-term-plan-and-can-it-achieve-its-aims |
How Will Cyber Risk Evolve In 2019? | It is unsurprising that a risk that evolves according to Moores law would continue to outpace the worlds ability to put cyber threats in check and privacy in focus. 2018 bore this out as GDPR came into force in the EU and cities like Atlanta were crippled by damaging ransomware, which has been all but automated and upgraded. Looking ahead, 2019 will surely bring an evolution of garden variety cyber threats, which continue to plague the world and in particular small to mid-sized businesses, which carry a disproportionate amount of risk and serve as back doors into larger enterprise systems. Additionally, key sectors such as critical infrastructure or the commons on which markets rely are massively exposed and woefully unprepared. Invariably, the New Year will bring new twists and turns in the cyber landscape, some cyber conundrums, however, stand out. The first and probably the biggest gap in understanding the stakes of cyber risk management and digital transformation is the lack of a uniform valuation method for data. The result is that on the protective side of the equation the true stakes are unknown, while on the digital transformation side of the equation, data monetization efforts negate that data performs in an enterprise the way liquidity performs in a bank. In short, its true value and risk are only known when there is a line of claimants queuing up asking for their deposits back. As in years prior, this cyber conundrum will continue to evolve in 2019, leaving trillions in value at risk and billions in preventive and transformation investments with no accurate measure for ROI. The second cyber conundrum that will continue to plague the world in 2019 is the technological talent gap. The more the world shifts from industrial production to technological and digital outputs, the mastery of code equals mastery of the universe. Scarcity of this prized talent is often taken for granted when all systems are operating on a normal basis. However, when a system is held for ransom by a technological attack, or worst yet, critical infrastructure is in the line of sight of a nation state actor armed with sophisticated cyber weapons, a lightly staffed and thinly resourced digital fire brigade is on call. Filling the talent shortage, which estimates show a shortfall in the millions, takes time, money and an evolving educational curriculum. More importantly, it is essential that this talent is viewed as an economy or industry wide shared service capability, rather than a source of competitive advantage, as the erosion of confidence in any one bank, for example, erodes confidence in all banking. This leads to the third cyber conundrum to watch in 2019, which is that cyber resilience is all too often conflated as a competitive activity, rather than a shared service or pooled resource. The result, especially in a world with deeply interconnected supply chains and third-party relationships all predicated on having unfettered systems access, is a massive unmanaged vulnerability. As with all areas of resilience, a system is as strong as the weakest link and herein lies one of the greatest gaps in cyber protection. Regulators and policymakers are invoking a blunt force and one-size-fits-all approach to third party and supply chain cyber risk management, which is increasing the cost and complexity for small firms (many of which are critical) to continue competing in many sectors. This is especially true in banking, national security and healthcare among others. Adding to these weak links and our perennial propensity to fall prey to social engineering, the increasingly autonomous nature of cyber threats, which have always exploited technology and technological vulnerabilities and 2019 may very well mark a point of escalation. This is especially likely since once secret exploits like Eternal Blue, which was exfiltrated from the National Security Agency, NSA, and used in the delivery of the WannaCry ransomware dragnet, are being tinkered with, advanced and automated. As with all cyber threats, there are a lot of unintended consequences when these instruments are deployed, whether in offense or defense. Unlike ransomware attacks carried out by a human cybercriminal, which have greater than 90% recovery rates when demands are met, a bot or autonomous malware with no kill switch does not care about customer friendliness or collateral damage. Aged systems beyond their usable and patchable lifecycle, such as the SCADA systems used in critical functions for power grids, pipelines and many industrial controls, are particularly vulnerable. Finally, begging questions about how vulnerable liberal democracies and their populations are to information warfare and psyops at scale, the cloud of institutional mistrust will only darken in 2019. Like with managing conflicts of interest, perception is reality when it comes to institutional trust, accountability and transparency. Many firms and many institutions, with democracy itself on the docket, have fallen prey to the trust deficit courtesy of a breakdown, misuse, abuse or distortion of data, privacy and information. In many ways we have only seen the opening salvo of the newest and most complex of the cyber threats to plague the world. It will surely continue to evolve in 2019 calling for entirely new standards of governance, accountability and transparency, particularly for bedrock institutions and functions, such as voting. In this emerging world, trust becomes the currency of choice. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/dantedisparte/2019/01/07/how-will-cyber-risk-evolve-in-2019/ |
What time does the college football national championship start? | The 2019 College Football Playoff final is set to take place from inside Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Jan. 7. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. No. 1 Alabama will face off against No. 2 Clemson for the third time in the past four postseasons. Last season, Alabama defeated Clemson 246 in the College Football Playoff semifinal. When the two schools last met in the National Championship Gameearly in 2017Clemson won the title, 3531. Both teams enter this year's game undefeated. In the semifinals, Clemson beat Notre Dame in the Cotton Bowl, while Alabama beat Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl. How to watch Time: 8 p.m. ET TV: ESPN Live stream: WatchESPN | https://www.si.com/college-football/2019/01/07/national-championship-time-start-college-football-playoff-alabama-clemson |
Is Theresa May any closer to unblocking her Brexit deal? | Image copyright Getty Images Image caption There is a growing feeling it may take more than one go to get the deal through Parliament When Theresa May pulled the "meaningful vote" on Brexit last month, the day before MPs were about to pass their verdict on her deal, Downing Street hoped two things would happen. First, that the EU would offer some form of legal guarantee that the Northern Irish backstop - the arrangements for avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland - would be temporary. This, in turn, would bring the DUP on board - and unlock further support from previously hostile Conservative backbenchers. Second, that some sceptical MPs, once away from the febrile atmosphere at Westminster, would quietly reflect over Christmas that the deal wasn't as bad as all that, as it at least guarantees that the UK will leave the EU at the end of March. So perhaps any rebellion would diminish, if not evaporate. But neither hope has - yet - been realised, with the vote now less than two weeks away. Deeper difficulties So as things stand, the prime minister is once again facing defeat. But her difficulties could run even deeper than assumed. It was undoubtedly disappointing for Downing Street that the DUP's Westminster leader Nigel Dodds declared that the Withdrawal Agreement "flies in the face" of the government's commitments on Northern Ireland following his meetings with Theresa May and the Conservative chief whip Julian Smith this week. The government quite simply couldn't tell him that that the EU, at this stage, was willing to go any further than offering "reassurances" and "clarifications" on the temporary nature of the backstop, rather than legal guarantees. But even if the EU does move significantly in the next ten days, the prime minister could still be facing defeat. What the DUP's Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson said on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Friday was significant. He said he was "alarmed" that the Northern Irish backstop could become the "settled arrangement" on Brexit. Let's unpick this for a moment - because it goes to the core of Theresa May's difficulties. The DUP want to make sure the backstop is temporary and that the UK, including Northern Ireland, can exit from it without EU approval. Image copyright Reuters Image caption The European Commission has said the deal can't be re-negotiated but the talking continues If the EU can guarantee this, it's possible the DUP's MPs may grit their teeth and back - or abstain on - the deal, as would some long-standing Leave campaigners on the Conservative benches. But, as I understand it, up to 40 Conservative MPs still wouldn't back the deal because they, like Sammy Wilson, are worried about what the "settled arrangement" on Brexit might look like. They believe that the way the government will avoid a hard border in Ireland - and avoid triggering the backstop - is by agreeing a permanent trade deal that actually looks a lot like the backstop in any case. That is, the whole of the UK, not just Northern Ireland, would mirror some EU regulations on goods and stay close to the EU's customs arrangements. This would, they fear, then constrain the UK's ability to do future trade deals with the rest of the world. This suspicion is fuelled by the following words in the political declaration document - the blueprint for the post-Brexit relationship with the EU: "The economic partnership should ensure.ambitious customs arrangements that.. build and improve on the single customs territory provided for in the Withdrawal Agreement." Downing Street officials have pointed out - until they are almost blue in the face - that the political declaration also specifically mentions an "independent trade policy" for the UK. But this doesn't appear to have neutralised some backbench concerns. Charm offensive The prime minister will launch a "charm offensive" with Conservative MPs next week to try to allay any suspicions - though whether they will be charmed or offended is still an open question. Such is the lack of trust amongst a small but potentially crucial contingent of her MPs, I am told that in order for them to vote for her deal, she would need to convince them that she wouldn't handle the future trade negotiations after Brexit. Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Despite Chief Whip Julian Smith's efforts, many Tory MPs remained opposed to the deal And/or give them a firm date for her departure from office. Downing Street - and more widely, the government's - tactic is to raise the possibility of No Brexit unless long-standing Leave campaigners hold their noses and vote for her deal. This process has already begun. But expect it to be ramped up next week. The PM's allies will argue that unless the deal is settled soon, then opponents of Brexit and supporters of a new referendum will try to amend forthcoming non-Brexit legislation to make it contingent on a public vote taking place. And MPs who don't want a referendum but do want Theresa May's deal fundamentally renegotiated will be told that would mean extending Article 50 and therefore, in No 10's eyes, breaking faith with leave-supporting voters. So far these arguments don't seem to have worked. Some of her MPs will doubtlessly be poring over a YouGov survey published today. This was commissioned by London's Queen Mary University and Sussex University as part of a wider project into party members' attitudes and views. It suggested more than half of Conservative members - 53% - believe Mrs May's deal doesn't respect the result of the referendum. And 59% of them oppose her deal, while 38% support it. No 10 would argue that there is private polling which suggests her deal is more popular with the wider public. The You Gov survey itself suggests that 46% of likely Conservative voters (as opposed to members) back the deal, with a smaller number - 38% -opposing. Customs in practice There is another potential fly in the ointment for the prime minister - although here, adversity could be turned to advantage. It is assumed that the Lords will insert an amendment in to legislation on trade which would require the prime minister to negotiate a customs union with the EU. Please upgrade your browser Your guide to Brexit jargon Enter the word or phrase you are looking for Search The government, in the normal run of things, would then vote this change down when the legislation returns to the Commons. But with Labour formally backing a customs union - and some Conservative MPs who backed Remain in the referendum also very warm to the idea - government sources are concerned that the Commons might not overturn it. So the argument that is likely to be made by government whips to the Brexiteer opponents of Theresa May's deal is this: Unless they grab the prime minister's deal before the trade legislation comes to the Commons, they might be landed with a customs union. And this wouldn't just constrain, but prevent, future independent trade deals. Over to EU Image copyright EPA Image caption It may look chaotic but one government insider says the key is making steady progress But the most likely option for at least reducing the size of any defeat on the deal is further movement from Brussels. The prime minister is talking the EU Commission President Jean Claude Juncker later and I am told she will be talking to other EU 27 leaders over the next ten days. There is a feeling in Whitehall that it may take more than one attempt to get the deal through parliament. One government insider likened the prime minister's situation to a game of American football. Things can look chaotic at any given moment but as long as you don't give the ball away to your opponents you can move incrementally towards your goal. But she has already had to make one backward pass - delaying the vote on her deal - and may need some trick play to get her deal over the line. As MPs return to parliament next week, the prospect of a prime ministerial victory appears some way off. | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-46761290 |
Can Humana (HUM) Keep the Earnings Surprise Streak Alive? | If you are looking for a stock that has a solid history of beating earnings estimates and is in a good position to maintain the trend in its next quarterly report, you should consider Humana (HUM). This company, which is in the Zacks Medical - HMOs industry, shows potential for another earnings beat. When looking at the last two reports, this health insurer has recorded a strong streak of surpassing earnings estimates. The company has topped estimates by 5.62%, on average, in the last two quarters. For the most recent quarter, Humana was expected to post earnings of $4.29 per share, but it reported $4.58 per share instead, representing a surprise of 6.76%. For the previous quarter, the consensus estimate was $3.79 per share, while it actually produced $3.96 per share, a surprise of 4.49%. Price and EPS Surprise Thanks in part to this history, there has been a favorable change in earnings estimates for Humana lately. In fact, the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) for the stock is positive, which is a great indicator of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with its solid Zacks Rank. Our research shows that stocks with the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time. In other words, if you have 10 stocks with this combination, the number of stocks that beat the consensus estimate could be as high as seven. The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a version of the Zacks Consensus whose definition is related to change. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier. Humana currently has an Earnings ESP of +0.22%, which suggests that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This positive Earnings ESP when combined with the stock's Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) indicates that another beat is possibly around the corner. We expect the company's next earnings report to be released on February 6, 2019. When the Earnings ESP comes up negative, investors should note that this will reduce the predictive power of the metric. But, a negative value is not indicative of a stock's earnings miss. Many companies end up beating the consensus EPS estimate, though this is not the only reason why their shares gain. Additionally, some stocks may remain stable even if they end up missing the consensus estimate. Because of this, it's really important to check a company's Earnings ESP ahead of its quarterly release to increase the odds of success. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported. Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Humana Inc. (HUM) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. | https://news.yahoo.com/humana-hum-keep-earnings-surprise-151003585.html |
Can Asbury Automotive (ABG) Keep the Earnings Surprise Streak Alive? | It is worth considering Asbury Automotive Group (ABG), which belongs to the Zacks Automotive - Retail and Whole Sales industry. This auto dealership chain has seen a nice streak of beating earnings estimates, especially when looking at the previous two reports. The average surprise for the last two quarters was 13.06%. For the last reported quarter, Asbury Automotive came out with earnings of $2.21 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.85 per share, representing a surprise of 19.46%. For the previous quarter, the company was expected to post earnings of $1.95 per share and it actually produced earnings of $2.08 per share, delivering a surprise of 6.67%. Price and EPS Surprise Thanks in part to this history, there has been a favorable change in earnings estimates for Asbury Automotive lately. In fact, the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) for the stock is positive, which is a great indicator of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with its solid Zacks Rank. Our research shows that stocks with the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time. In other words, if you have 10 stocks with this combination, the number of stocks that beat the consensus estimate could be as high as seven. The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a version of the Zacks Consensus whose definition is related to change. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier. Asbury Automotive has an Earnings ESP of +6.21% at the moment, suggesting that analysts have grown bullish on its near-term earnings potential. When you combine this positive Earnings ESP with the stock's Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), it shows that another beat is possibly around the corner. The company's next earnings report is expected to be released on February 5, 2019. When the Earnings ESP comes up negative, investors should note that this will reduce the predictive power of the metric. But, a negative value is not indicative of a stock's earnings miss. Many companies end up beating the consensus EPS estimate, though this is not the only reason why their shares gain. Additionally, some stocks may remain stable even if they end up missing the consensus estimate. Because of this, it's really important to check a company's Earnings ESP ahead of its quarterly release to increase the odds of success. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported. Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. (ABG) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research | https://news.yahoo.com/asbury-automotive-abg-keep-earnings-151003477.html |
Can NXP (NXPI) Keep the Earnings Surprise Streak Alive? | It is worth considering NXP Semiconductors (NXPI), which belongs to the Zacks Semiconductor - Analog and Mixed industry. This chipmaker has an established record of topping earnings estimates, especially when looking at the previous two reports. The company boasts an average surprise for the past two quarters of -9.55%. For the last reported quarter, NXP came out with earnings of $2.01 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.92 per share, representing a surprise of 4.69%. For the previous quarter, the company was expected to post earnings of $1.64 per share and it actually produced earnings of $1.25 per share, delivering a surprise of 23.78%. Price and EPS Surprise Thanks in part to this history, there has been a favorable change in earnings estimates for NXP lately. In fact, the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) for the stock is positive, which is a great indicator of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with its solid Zacks Rank. Our research shows that stocks with the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time. In other words, if you have 10 stocks with this combination, the number of stocks that beat the consensus estimate could be as high as seven. The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a version of the Zacks Consensus whose definition is related to change. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier. NXP has an Earnings ESP of +0.14% at the moment, suggesting that analysts have grown bullish on its near-term earnings potential. When you combine this positive Earnings ESP with the stock's Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), it shows that another beat is possibly around the corner. The company's next earnings report is expected to be released on February 6, 2019. When the Earnings ESP comes up negative, investors should note that this will reduce the predictive power of the metric. But, a negative value is not indicative of a stock's earnings miss. Many companies end up beating the consensus EPS estimate, but that may not be the sole basis for their stocks moving higher. On the other hand, some stocks may hold their ground even if they end up missing the consensus estimate. Because of this, it's really important to check a company's Earnings ESP ahead of its quarterly release to increase the odds of success. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported. Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NXPI) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. | https://news.yahoo.com/nxp-nxpi-keep-earnings-surprise-151003307.html |
Can Bank of New York Mellon (BK) Keep the Earnings Surprise Streak Alive? | It is worth considering Bank of New York Mellon (BK), which belongs to the Zacks Banks - Major Regional industry. This trust bank has seen a nice streak of beating earnings estimates, especially when looking at the previous two reports. The average surprise for the last two quarters was 0.96%. For the last reported quarter, Bank of New York Mellon came out with earnings of $1.06 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.04 per share, representing a surprise of 1.92%. For the previous quarter, the company was expected to post earnings of $1.03 per share and it actually produced earnings of $1.03 per share, delivering a surprise of 0%. Price and EPS Surprise Thanks in part to this history, there has been a favorable change in earnings estimates for Bank of New York Mellon lately. In fact, the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) for the stock is positive, which is a great indicator of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with its solid Zacks Rank. Our research shows that stocks with the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time. In other words, if you have 10 stocks with this combination, the number of stocks that beat the consensus estimate could be as high as seven. The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a version of the Zacks Consensus whose definition is related to change. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier. Bank of New York Mellon has an Earnings ESP of +0.80% at the moment, suggesting that analysts have grown bullish on its near-term earnings potential. When you combine this positive Earnings ESP with the stock's Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), it shows that another beat is possibly around the corner. The company's next earnings report is expected to be released on January 16, 2019. When the Earnings ESP comes up negative, investors should note that this will reduce the predictive power of the metric. But, a negative value is not indicative of a stock's earnings miss. Many companies end up beating the consensus EPS estimate, though this is not the only reason why their shares gain. Additionally, some stocks may remain stable even if they end up missing the consensus estimate. Because of this, it's really important to check a company's Earnings ESP ahead of its quarterly release to increase the odds of success. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported. Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BK) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research | https://finance.yahoo.com/news/bank-york-mellon-bk-keep-151003924.html |
Can Disney (DIS) Keep the Earnings Surprise Streak Alive? | It is worth considering Walt Disney (DIS), which belongs to the Zacks Media Conglomerates industry. This entertainment company has an established record of topping earnings estimates, especially when looking at the previous two reports. The company boasts an average surprise for the past two quarters of 3.95%. For the last reported quarter, Disney came out with earnings of $1.48 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.31 per share, representing a surprise of 12.98%. For the previous quarter, the company was expected to post earnings of $1.97 per share and it actually produced earnings of $1.87 per share, delivering a surprise of 5.08%. Price and EPS Surprise Thanks in part to this history, there has been a favorable change in earnings estimates for Disney lately. In fact, the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) for the stock is positive, which is a great indicator of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with its solid Zacks Rank. Our research shows that stocks with the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time. In other words, if you have 10 stocks with this combination, the number of stocks that beat the consensus estimate could be as high as seven. The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a version of the Zacks Consensus whose definition is related to change. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier. Disney has an Earnings ESP of +0.47% at the moment, suggesting that analysts have grown bullish on its near-term earnings potential. When you combine this positive Earnings ESP with the stock's Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), it shows that another beat is possibly around the corner. The company's next earnings report is expected to be released on February 5, 2019. When the Earnings ESP comes up negative, investors should note that this will reduce the predictive power of the metric. But, a negative value is not indicative of a stock's earnings miss. Many companies end up beating the consensus EPS estimate, but that may not be the sole basis for their stocks moving higher. On the other hand, some stocks may hold their ground even if they end up missing the consensus estimate. Because of this, it's really important to check a company's Earnings ESP ahead of its quarterly release to increase the odds of success. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported. Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report The Walt Disney Company (DIS) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. | https://news.yahoo.com/disney-dis-keep-earnings-surprise-151003227.html |
Will the Stock Market Maintain Its Rebound? | As investors await the outcome of todays U.S.-China trade talks, the stock market is moving at a deliberate pace. Major benchmark indexes opened in the green but have since dropped into the red, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average recording narrow losses of less than 1 percent ahead of the two-day vice ministerial-level meeting in Beijing. The Nasdaq Composite also saw mild improvement below 1 percent, while the S&P 500 climbed a more modest 1.5 percent. Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Jeffrey Gerrish is expected to lead the delegation that will convene with Chinese officials. It marks the first face-to-face assembly between the United States and China since President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, agreed to a 90-day financial ceasefire at last months G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In less than two months, the truce in the trade war between the worlds two largest economies reaches its deadline. Washington has already imposed tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese imports, while Beijing retaliated with levies on $110 billion in U.S. goods. The White House put on hold its threat to raise tariffs from 10 percent to 25 percent on an additional $200 billion worth of products. The upcoming meeting has stoked investors hopes that negotiations between Washington and Beijing would result in a permanent deal. According to a Reuters report published today, Chinas foreign ministry has expressed good faith in working with the U.S. to end their trade dispute. The tit-for-tat has already contributed to volatility in the stock market, which in 2018 recorded its worst year of trading since the 2008 financial crisis. Despite a turbulent start to 2019, U.S. stocks rallied late last week after a better-than-expected jobs report, a rebound in tech shares and news of the fresh round of trade talks. On Friday, the Dow surged nearly 750 points, or more than 3 percent, while the S&P also popped up 3 percent. This years market returns could also be swayed by the Federal Reserves decision to raise interest rates, as well as signs of a global slowdown stemming from a weak manufacturing report from China and British Prime Minister Theresa Mays Brexit deal, which is scheduled for a parliamentary vote in mid-January. Stock Market Rallies After China Announces New Round of Trade Talks With the US Retail Makes Strides as Economy Adds 312,000 Jobs, Offering Relief to a Battered Stock Market Related stories Stock Market Rallies After China Announces New Round of Trade Talks With the US Apple's China Sales Slowdown Sends Market Down Sharply What China's Disappointing Manufacturing Report Means for the US Economy | https://news.yahoo.com/stock-market-maintain-rebound-150713381.html |
What lies beneath Antarctica's ice? | Kiwi scientists are using an innovative approach to try to work out what's happening beneath part of the largest single mass of ice on Earth. The Antarctic Ice Sheet (AIS) holds some 26.5 million cubic km of ice and sprawls across 14 million sq km, or around 98 per cent of Antarctica itself. The sheer size of the ice sheet makes it extremely hard for scientists to access and study what the conditions are like underneath it. But, fortunately, there are some small, ice-free areas around the Antarctic margin where they sometimes find unusual deposits created by meltwater at the ice sheet base. Advertisement A team of researchers currently on the continent, and led by the University of Auckland's Associate Professor Paul Augustinus, are turning to cutting-edge instruments including drones and laser scanners to work out how this material formed. More importantly, he said, it could tell us about changing nature of and the causes and location of - meltwater beneath the vast sheet. The contribution of the world's ice sheets to global sea level rise and Antarctica holds an equivalent 60m - would likely increase in the future, he said. While there was still much uncertainty around precisely how this would play out, Augustinus said rapid changes in water at the base of ice sheets was a potential additional driver of ice sheet response to changing climate and sea-level rise. "More than 400 subglacial lakes exist under the AIS with the exchange of water between them sometimes involving catastrophic discharges," Augustinus said. "The implication is that much of the AIS has basal meltwater - with important implications for a complete understanding of ice sheet stability." What we know about the nature of the base of the AIS is largely limited to geophysical studies and glaciological modelling, with actual observations limited to the few ice cores that penetrate to the ice sheet base. But we could solve some of the puzzle by developing unique records of past sub-glacial hydrological conditions using calcium carbonate or calcite and aragonite formed from meltwater at the ice sheet base of the AIS from Northern Victoria Land and other ice-free areas. "These deposits contain geochemical and microbial DNA-based evidence of the nature and mode of formation of the meltwater, that curiously also contain signals of volcanically-heated meltwater," Augustinus said. "Interestingly, some of the bacterial DNA preserved in the deposits are more akin to what we might find in hot springs in New Zealand." After flying to Northern Victoria Land's Helliwell Hills, Augustinus and his team will set up a field camp on a previously-used site overlooking Boggs Valley. "Our project largely involves detailed mapping of the unusual carbonate deposits precipitated at the base of thick ice as well as the associated glacial landforms," he said. "We are using a range of technologies to do the mapping: drones, GPS, terrestrial laser scanners with all the data and images integrated into an ArcGIS database." They'd use this combination of mapping approaches to optimise the sampling of the different carbonate-types they found in the field. "Our work will improve our understanding of the nature, timing and drivers of changing hydrological conditions under the Antarctic Ice Sheet using these deposits that have formed over the past 340,000 years," he said. "This new knowledge will hopefully contribute to improved prediction of AIS response to a warming world. "An improved understanding of hydrological conditions at the base of the AIS has implications beyond the Antarctic continent whereby this information could even feed into models used to predict sea-level rise impacts on the New Zealand maritime zone - as well as changing climate." The five-strong team is being supported by Antarctica New Zealand. | https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12186422 |
What's Driving First Solar's Weaker Than Expected Margin Guidance? | 2019 could prove to be an interesting year for First Solar, the largest U.S. solar panel manufacturer, as it scales up production of its much anticipated Series 6 panels. Production of the next-generation panel is likely to grow to between 3 GW and 3.2 GW this year, accounting for about two-thirds of the companys output. However, despite the transition, First Solars margin guidance for 2019 was relatively lackluster. In this note, we take a look at some of the factors impacting the companys weaker-than-expected margin outlook, and why we believe things could pick up from 2020 onwards. You can modify the various drivers to arrive at your own forecasts for the companys 2019 revenue and EPS. First Solars Gross Margin Guidance First Solar has guided for gross margins of 20% to 21% for 2019. While this is ahead of the 18.5% to 19.5% margins projected for 2018, the markets were expecting better margins, on account of an increasing mix of Series 6 modules and also because a high-margin project sale in Japan was moved from 2018 to 2019. However, First Solar has noted that there are multiple factors influencing the weaker than expected margins. Firstly, the companys systems business which is expected to account for 55% to 60% of its net sales is likely to dilute overall gross margins. While margins for EPC projects are expected to come in at about 15%, self-developed projects could have margins of as much as 20%. This is well below the margins projections for the companys panel-only sales. Moreover, the company will continue to ship its Series 4 modules over 2019 (about 2 GW planned production). These panels are likely to have weaker margins, as they are likely less competitive in the current marketplace, considering their lower power ratings. Additionally, efficiency ratings for Series 6 over the early part of the year could remain low, as production facilities ramp up to capacity, and this could also hurt gross margins. Full Impact of Series 6 Could Be Seen In 2019 That said, its possible that First Solar could see a bump in margins starting in 2020 and 2021, as it is expected to stop production of Series 4 panels next year. Moreover, as its Series 6 manufacturing process gains maturity, costs could come down and conversion efficiencies could rise with factory utilization rates also improving. The new panels have a significantly higher rated capacity compared to its legacy Series 4 panels, with manufacturing costs also estimated to be as much as 40% lower. Explore example interactive dashboards and create your own | https://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2019/01/07/whats-driving-first-solars-weaker-than-expected-margin-guidance/ |
Will Georgia transfer QB Justin Fields be eligible for Ohio State Buckeyes in 2019? | Jan. 01, 2019 New Orleans: Georgia quarterbacks Justin Fields (1) and Jake Fromm warm up for the team's Sugar Bowl NCAA college football game against Texas on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019, in New Orleans. Yahoo Sports' Pete Thamel reports that Fields and his family "have contacted attorney Tom Mars, a famed collegiate establishment antagonist, to handle his eligibility case." More from Thamel: The case for Justin Fields eligibility is a compelling one, as it hinges on a racial incident and, potentially, Fields potential as a professional baseball player. During Fields tenure at Georgia, a baseball player allegedly shouted racial slurs toward him during a September game against Tennessee. The player, Adam Sasser, later issued an apology on Twitter and the school threw Sasser off the team. The incident is relevant for more than the general ugliness of it. Fields was considered a potential high-round Major League Baseball draft pick in high school, and hed thought enough about a career in baseball that he was considered a potential MLB draft pick. He also considered playing baseball at Georgia. An MLB scout gave this scouting report to Yahoo Sports in 2017: Similar situation as Jameis Winston when he was in high school. Hes a better overall athlete and runner for sure, but [Fields] baseball skills are behind due to all the time he gives to football. Thamel adds that incumbent OSU quarterback Tate Martell has said he doesn't intend to transfer, but if he does, it would leave the Buckeyes "with three scholarship quarterbacks - with Fields the only one having on-field experience." Last week's NFL mock draft from USA TODAY Sports' Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz had Buckeyes quarterback Dwayne Haskins' OSU teammate, defensive end Nick Bosa, going No. 1 in the 2019 NFL Draft to the Arizona Cardinals - with Haskins as the top quarterback drafted, at No. 6 overall by the New York Giants. LOVE FOOTBALL?Subscribe today to get access to all of our coverage | https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/othercolleges/2019/01/07/justin-fields-eligibility-2019-question-ohio-state-buckeyes/2501420002/ |
Is Disneyland Repeating Apple's Mistake? | It will cost you a lot more the next time you want to visit Disney's(NYSE: DIS) original theme park resort. Disneyland raised its prices on Sunday, and this isn't just a token inflation-adjusted nudge higher. One-day ticket prices are now 7.2% to 10.4% higher, depending on the travel season. A single day at Disneyland or the adjacent California Adventure park will now set a visitor back between $104 and $149. Annual passes are getting 8% to 10% more expensive, with the high-tier Premier Pass that offers no blackout restrictions for Disneyland and Disney World admissions soaring a mind-numbing 23%, to $1,949 per person. Even higher-percentage gains are kicking in for other amenities, including parking and Disneyland's MaxPass digital ride-reservation service, which are moving 25% and 50% higher, respectively. Disney's theme parks segment had a record showing in fiscal 2018, so one can argue that Disneyland has the pricing elasticity to keep boosting admission fees. The sticker shock was too much for smartphone shoppers, and iPhone sales have fallen over the past year. Disney could be the next iconic company to price its way out of growth. Donald Duck sweeping through Disneyland. Image source: Disney. It's a maul world after all There may seem to be a method to Disney's madness. The highly anticipated Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge -- the 14-acre expansion themed to the media giant's most potent theatrical franchise -- opens this summer. The problem here is that Disneyland rolled out an unusually steep increase last year. One-day tickets rose as much as 9% last February, with annual prices getting a boost as large as 18%. We're talking about one-day ticket prices going up nearly 20% over the past 12 months, with annual-pass prices moving substantially higher. An obvious response here is that Disney is just pushing through what the market will bear. Disneyland is still routinely slammed with visitors, particularly on weekends and in peak travel seasons. Disney's shift to demand-based tiered pricing three years ago hasn't helped spread out the crowds, despite reserving the largest increases for admission during the busiest times of the year. The rub here is that there is no experience that has complete pricing elasticity. Folks used to think that Apple could keep slapping higher price tags on updated iPhones, sentiment that made the tech bellwether the world's most valuable company by market cap until just a couple of months ago. It's a whole new world now. Apple stock has plummeted 36% since peaking three months ago, surrendering its trillion-dollar market cap. The latest dagger came last week when the class act of Cupertino warned that revenue declined during the seasonally potent holiday quarter. The latest iPhones cost as much as $1,449 for the XS Max with the largest storage capacity. Apple and wireless carriers are now scrambling for promotional offers to make the new smartphones more accessible. | https://news.yahoo.com/disneyland-repeating-apple-apos-mistake-170000203.html |
Why did Trump's love affair with US generals turn sour? | Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Mr Trump's initial picks for his administration heavily relied on high-profile military men Apparently, among President Trump's favourite movies is the Second World War epic Patton: Lust for Glory. General George Patton was a charismatic, no nonsense and hard-fighting kind of officer. He got results but he was also self-absorbed and controversial - twice striking soldiers suffering from combat stress. If so, then he will have been deeply disappointed by the raft of generals whom he appointed to his administration. Indeed, we know that he was because he has said so, most recently castigating General James Mattis - his defence secretary - as a failure, who he had "effectively fired". General Mattis, of course, actually resigned. Let's set aside Mr Trump's first national security adviser, General Michael Flynn, who did indeed have to fall on his sword. He was forced to resign in February 2017 after lying to Vice-President Mike Pence over his contacts with the Russians. The most noteworthy aspects of Mr Trump's initial picks for his administration were his heavy reliance upon high-profile military men. Retired Marine Corps General John Kelly was appointed as Secretary of Homeland Security, before subsequently becoming the White House chief-of-staff. Another senior Marine General, James Mattis, became defence secretary, and the errant Michael Flynn was replaced as national security adviser by the widely respected and innovative military thinker, Army General HR McMaster. Image copyright AFP Image caption Chief of Staff John Kelly (r) is the 28th person to resign or be fired during Mr Trump's administration Fast forward to the end of December 2018 - all three men, first Gen McMaster in March, then Gen Kelly and finally Gen Mattis, have all gone. This is no surprise. It was seen as being almost inevitable when I spoke to a raft of experts a year or so into the Trump administration's tenure. Their argument was that the president would prove impossible to brief and ignorant of detail. Ultimately the military men would be forced to choose between the code of values that they had followed during their professional careers rather than adopting those of the property magnate and reality TV show star who now sat in the White House. And so it has proved. It should be remembered that it was the context that made the generals' roles so significant in this administration, not that they came from the military as such. It is often forgotten that President Obama too had his raft of former military appointees, among them his first national security adviser and secretary of veterans affairs, both of whom were ex-generals. But what made the Trump team so different was the fact that many Republican-leaning foreign policy experts refused at the outset to have anything to do with it. Mr Trump himself of course has never served in the military. The closest he came to the armed forces was during part of his education at a military-style academy. He received five draft deferments (four for education and one on medical grounds) that meant he did not have to serve in Vietnam. But his fascination with military men is almost palpable. In his recent televised cabinet session he spoke admiringly of the military's upper echelons. "When I became president," he noted, "I had a meeting at the Pentagon with lots of generals. They were like from a movie. Better looking than Tom Cruise, and stronger." No wonder then he sought to fill out key posts with military men. Image copyright AFP Image caption Army Lieutenant General HR McMaster (l) was replaced as national security adviser after just over a year in the job The trio of Mattis, Kelly and McMaster were part of a small group dubbed by some as "the adults in the room". They were supposed to speak truth to power; to curb the president's excesses; reassure allies and so on. And for a period they did. The president for example may have castigated his Nato allies in public while Defence Secretary Mattis tried, as far as he was able, to reassure them that at a practical level it was pretty much business as usual. The generals went into this knowing that it was almost mission impossible and one by one they have fallen by the wayside. Serving Donald Trump could be explained away for a time as serving the nation. But as his behaviour remained erratic and his policy decisions mercurial, for each of these men there came a moment when they could no longer remain in their posts. For James Mattis, for example, it was the decision to unilaterally pull US ground troops out of Syria that was the last straw. Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Mr Trump has previously described Gen Mattis, 66, as "a true general's general" President Trump's Syria decision has been widely criticised by the experts. Some say it is too rapid; others that it lacks any guiding strategy. But - and this is a crucial "but" - it may be popular among ordinary voters. America's military campaigns in places like Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan have merged in the general imagination into what some call "the Forever Wars" and many Americans are sick and tired of it. On this issue, as on one or two others, Mr Trump's rationalisation of policy may be adrift but his gut instincts may not. In choosing military men for such high profile positions, President Trump did not then get what he expected. As the leading expert on US civil-military relations, Professor Eliot Cohen of Johns Hopkins University, told me, "the most interesting thing in all of this is the fact that the military so deeply embodies the post-World War II American foreign policy consensus." This means, he explained, that "they believe in our alliance system, in global engagement, in persistent policies (including the Forever Wars), and in preserving the social values of the last half century (note their stand on transgender service personnel). This was not in tune with the president's own outlook." Eliot Cohen is no fan of Mr Trump. But his expertise is such that he gave evidence before the Senate Armed Services Committee when it met to decide if long-standing restrictions might be waived to allow the relatively recently retired James Mattis to take up the post of defence secretary. "Mr Trump", he says, "has an adolescent view of the military as a bunch of tough guys who, moreover, would be personally loyal to him. Again and again, he has found out that they really aren't that way." | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-46766271 |
What will the NHS long-term plan mean for patients? | Reducing stillbirths and mother and child deaths during birth by 50% Women, particularly those from a BAME community and/or deprived background will see greater continuity of care from their midwife as this has been shown to reduce the chances of losing a baby. Pre-term birth clinics will be encouraged to help those at risk, including younger mothers and those from deprived backgrounds. The long-term plan also talks about minimising unnecessary intervention, improving foetal heartbeat monitoring and reducing smoking during pregnancy. Preventing up to 150,000 heart attacks, strokes and dementia cases over the next 10 years Cardiovascular diseases are seen as the single biggest area where the NHS can save lives over the next decade. The public will be offered increased opportunities to be tested for high blood pressure and other high-risk conditions. There will also be expanded access to genetic testing for familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), which causes early heart attacks. Defibrillator networks will be built to improve survival from out of hospital cardiac arrest and there is a goal of 85% of eligible patients accessing cardiac rehabilitation by 2028. Long-term plan for NHS England 'undeliverable' amid staffing crisis Read more Saving 55,000 more lives a year by diagnosing more cancers early and improving outcomes for children and young people The threshold for referral by GPs will be lowered, and diagnosis and treatment accelerated. There will be new tests for bowel cancer, mobile lung cancer screening units and rapid diagnostic centres that yield a result on the same day. The age at which people are offered bowel cancer screening will be lowered from 60 to 50. There will be use of personalised and risk stratified screening and the NHS will begin to test family members of cancer patients for the disease. All children with cancer will be offered genetic testing to enable more comprehensive and precise diagnosis and access to more personalised treatments. Advanced CAR-T and proton-beam therapy will be available to children in England. Action will be taken to tackle the causes of morbidity and preventable deaths in people with a learning disability and for autistic people Launching the 10-year plan, Simon Stevens, NHS England chief executive, said learning disabilities and autism had previously gone unsupported by the NHS. The plan aims to increase uptake of health checks by people with a learning disability and a specific health check for people with autism is being piloted. There will be action to tackle over-medication and staff will receive information and training on supporting people with a learning disability and/or autism. Their condition will be digitally flagged in their patient record by 2023/24. NHS England is also aiming to reduce waiting times for specialist services to facilitate speedier diagnosis and to increase investment in community support services. Read more An estimated 345,000 more children and young people will be treated via NHS funded mental health services and school or college-based mental health support teams over the next five years. Over the same period, an extra 380,000 more adults will be offered access to talking therapies. By 2023/24, there will also be community-based care available for 370,000 people with severe mental illness each year. Crisis care, which NHS bosses say is a serious weakness, will be improved by people of all ages being able to ring the NHS 111 helpline at any time and be directed to support. Mental health liaison services will be available in all A&E departments and ambulance staff will be trained to respond effectively to people experiencing a mental health crisis. Expanding support for perinatal mental health conditions An extra 24,000 women with moderate to severe perinatal mental health difficulties and a personality disorder diagnosis will get care each year by 2023/24, on top of the extra 30,000 women getting specialist help by 2020/21. Care provided by specialist perinatal mental health services will be expanded to be available from preconception to 24 months after birth. Partners of women accessing specialist perinatal mental health services and maternity outreach clinics will also be offered assessment for their mental health. | https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/jan/07/what-will-the-nhs-long-term-plan-mean-for-patients |
Do NASA And SpaceX Collaborate? | originally appeared on Quora: the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world. Never ask why until you know whether. Space-X exists because of NASA. Space-X, Blue Origin, and Sierra Nevada are the principle beneficiaries of a series of commercial space incubation projects started by NASA under the Bush administration and continued to date. NASA remains a principle customer for Space-Xwhich tells you a lot has changed. From 1958, when NASA was created until the end of the century, American spacecraft were contracted for NASA in the same way weapons systems were contracted by the military (and often by the same companies, using the same basic spacecraft). This got the job done, but with the federal government as the only customer, it didnt exactly spur economy. Whats changed in the last twenty years is that NASA is now encouraging companies to develop commercial space services which they can then sell to NASA or anyone else. NASA promises work to qualifying participants, but those participants own their own assets. Thats why Space-X has developed fly-back boosters where no one else has before. No one did before because NASA didnt require it. But now, Space-X thinks they can make money by reusing their boosters, and using each one to sell multiple launches to NASAand others. This is an economic game changer. As I write this, Space-X has now moved well beyond NASAs incubation, and is flying the Falcon Heavy which they created on their own, for their own commercial purposes, but based on the Falcon series of boosters that NASA helped foster and incentivize. This is exactly what these programs were meant to lead to. Next, Space-X is developing the BFR (or whatever they are calling it this week) which Musk wants to use to colonize Mars and blast executives into orbit or who knows what. NASA didnt incentivize any of that, but if Space-X pulls off the booster, NASA might very well book passage on it. Meanwhile, they continue to develop the SLS in the old cost-plus accounting military procurement model because, well thats where we still are today. Well see. These commercial incubation programs have made the last twenty years the most significant in the development of the American aerospace industry since the decades of the 1920s and 30s, when the NACA and the Guggenheim prizes did much the same for aeronautics. This is what NASA is forthis and the basic research and exploration that occupy 2/3 of its budget. This question originally appeared on Quora - the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world. You can follow Quora on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+. More questions: | https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2019/01/07/do-nasa-and-spacex-collaborate/ |
What Would An Effective Solution To Climate Change Look Like? | originally appeared on Quora: the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world. Answer by Katharine Hayhoe, Ph.D. Atmospheric Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, on Quora: We need climate solutions that will: Generate energy from clean sources that dont produce carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases - because fossil fuel extraction and combustion is the number one cause of climate change, responsible for about two-thirds of the problem (see figure below). Reduce heat-trapping gas emissions from other important sectors, like agriculture, land use change, industrial processes, wastewater treatment and more - because these are responsible for the remaining third of the problem. Suck some of the carbon dioxide weve produced back out of the atmosphere and put it into the soil fuel stone Theres no one silver bullet that will fix it for us: but there is a lot of silver buckshot. And the very best type of buckshot are solutions that fix other things at the same time: like increasing clean energy use, which grows the local economy, reduces air pollution, and increases energy security; reducing food waste, which also tackles hunger; and my personal favorite, educating women and girls, which reduces infant mortality, increases economic security, and allows them the freedom to choose how many children they have. For a truly inspirational list of viable, practical, and beneficial climate solutions, please check out Project Drawdown. And as for how to implement these solutions, the answer is simply: at all levels. Simple solutions we implement in our own lives, our homes, our communities and our organizations. We know they wont make a dent in the global carbon budget, but they sure as heck can make a dent in our own consciousness of this issue and that of those around us and give us the hope we need to make a difference in this world, as well as giving us the oomph we need to chivvy and encourage our elected leaders to do their job. Exhibit A, climate scientist Peter Kalmus and his vision to change the way he and his family lives. Exhibit B, the amazing churches and congregations that are taking action through Interfaith Power and Lights Cool Congregations program. Regional solutions implemented across a business, an industry, a city, a state or a province. From giant Walmart, the richest corporation in the world, whos aiming for 50% clean energy by 2025 and leading an effort to cut a gigaton of carbon from the worlds supply chain; to tiny Georgetown TX, who decided to go 100% clean energy after a student initiative at the local university paved the way and showed how much money theyd save. And yes, national and international solutions as well, such as the country of Ireland, thats chosen to divest itself of its fossil fuel investments; Canada, thats put a price on carbon; India, thats replacing more than three quarters of a billion light bulbs with LEDs; Bhutan, thats maintained and expanded its forests (including setting the record for the most trees planted in one hour, 50,000) such that they absorb three times more carbon than its population emits; and of course the Paris Agreement, where countries commit to the reductions we need to make sure that we are able to prepare for and adapt to the impacts that will occur. When it comes to fixing climate change, we need all options on the table and all hands on deck. Trends in Global CO2 and Total Greenhouse Gas Emissions (2017) This question originally appeared on Quora - the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world. You can follow Quora on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+. More questions: | https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2019/01/07/what-would-an-effective-solution-to-climate-change-look-like/ |
Should the UK be raising rather than lowering the voting age? | Image caption Harold Wilson's government lowered the voting age to 18 in 1969 It is 50 years since Harold Wilson's government lowered the voting age from 21 to 18. Many now want the age at which people can vote to go even lower. David Runciman, a professor of politics at Cambridge, recently called for it to be set at six, and while that is not a widely shared view, many politicians are actively campaigning to allow 16 and 17-year-olds to vote at general elections. For example, in 2013, the then leader of the Labour party, Ed Miliband, committed Labour to votes at 16. The reasons he gives for this are commonly heard from advocates of lowering the voting age: "The future of our society is going to affect young people the most," he said. "When you get to the age of 16 you can join the Army, you can get married, you can pay taxes. I think you should be able to decide the country's future." Image caption Ed Miliband was an early advocate of votes at 16 Yet there are some good reasons to be a little sceptical of these arguments. As Phil Cowley, a professor of politics at Queen Mary, University of London, notes, in reality these three options apply to very few sixteen and seventeen-year-olds. They are also not as clear-cut as proponents of votes at 16 often make out: "When you dig a bit deeper you discover that most of these things are really 18," he says. "You can join the armed forces at 16, but only with parental permission and you're not supposed to serve on the front line until you are 18. In England and Wales, you can only get married below the age of 18 with parental permission." As Prof Cowley also points out, the age at which we are allowed to do lots of other things has not been going down, but up. If you want to use a tanning booth, buy cigarettes or fireworks, or get a tattoo you now need to be 18. It seems odd to suggest that people are responsible enough to vote at 16, but not buy sparklers. Indeed, overall, society appears to think that people are growing up more slowly than they were in 1969. Growing up later And it is true that people are reaching life's milestones later and later, especially when it comes to the world of work. "Only 29% of 16 to 19-year-olds are working full-time now," says Lucinda Platt, a professor of social policy at the London School of Economics. "That contrasts with the late 1960s when you would expect around four-fifths of that age group to be in work." Clearly, it is unreasonable to say that because someone is not working they should not have the vote. But the average age at which we assume adult responsibilities is presumably part of the story when we set the voting age. In fact, it might even go further than that. Prof Abigail Baird, a psychologist and neuroscientist at Vassar College in New York, argues that important experiences, like starting work, are a crucial part of adolescent brain development. Image caption James Tilley meeting Youth Parliament members Maisie Outhart (L) and Lottie Ibbotson "In early adulthood our brain is poised to learn how to make decisions and poised to learn how to be an adult," she says. "But since what's expected of adults in different cultures varies so much, we need the experience of that culture to tell us what we need to do." As MRI brain scanning is a relatively recent technology it is difficult to be sure, but it seems very likely that if important experiences come later in life then so does brain development: "Forced to speculate, I would say an 18-year-old brain 50 years ago probably looked more like a 23-year-old brain does now," Prof Baird says. "Most 25 or 26-year-olds would be identical, but I think the way in which you get there is different now." At the 1970 election when 18-year-olds entered the polling booth for the first time, they were voting after having assumed lots of legal rights and responsibilities and were also very likely to be in work. Neither of these things is true today. To my mind, the arguments in favour of doing so seem no weaker, and in many ways much stronger, than the arguments in favour of votes at 16. Of course, that does not mean that I relish the prospect of a conversation with my own students about their potential disenfranchisement. Fortunately for me, principles have very little to do with the voting age. In reality, the franchise, whether in 1969 or today, is largely decided by political machinations. As Prof Cowley argues: "Almost all the discussions about the franchise involving politicians involve political calculation. That was true of the Wilson government; it was true of extensions to the franchise in the 19th and early 20th Century. Wilson, and the people around him, thought that it would work to Labour's advantage." Of course, these calculations do not always prove to be correct. It is not clear that Labour did benefit from lowering the voting age in 1969, just as it is not clear that the SNP greatly benefited from lowering the voting age to 16 for the Scottish independence referendum in 2014. But those decisions were based on political calculation, not principle. It should be no surprise that parties on the left, which generally do well among young people, favour a lower voting age and parties on the right, which generally do badly among young people, do not. No going back The second realpolitik factor that divorces the voting age from principle is what policymakers sometimes call the "bleeding stump problem". In essence, when people can show that something has been removed from them, they get upset. The absence of something you have never had is a tougher thing to get angry about. Taking away the vote from 18 to 20-year-olds would probably benefit the Conservatives and UKIP a little, but it would also mean a small number of highly vocal, angry people. From those political parties' point of view, it is not worth it. This means that whether it is the right thing to do or not, votes at 21 is not going to happen for the simple reason that while it is easy to give people stuff, it is tricky to take stuff away. Politicians have no problem reducing taxes, but find it much more difficult to increase them. The same is true of the franchise. It's easy to give people rights and difficult to remove them. That means if votes at 16, or indeed six, does eventually happen, it will be almost impossible to reverse. This is, therefore, a decision that we should not take lightly. Because once such a change happens, there will be no going back. | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-46737013 |
Has U.S. Fracking Activity Peaked Already? | Shale drilling activity in the US likely dropped to 44 jobs per day in November 2018, Rystad Energys analysis of preliminary data suggests. We conclude that nationwide fracking activity was mostly stable from April 2018 to August 2018 at an average daily level of 48 to 50 fracked wells. However, the fracking rate has slipped some since and remains between 44 and 46 in the period of September to November 2018. After reaching a peak in May/June 18, fracking activity in the Permian has gradually decelerated throughout the second half of 2018, says senior analyst Lai Lou. (Click to enlarge) A key observation is that as we move into November, there is evidence that seasonal activity deceleration might have started in all major plays except Eagle Ford, Lou adds. There has been a considerable slowdown in Bakken and Niobrara in November based on our estimation. The latest FracFocus update, a national US database, was released on January 1. It provides sufficient visibility on fracking operations across the US in November 2018, yet the uncertainty range for November remains significant, as indicated by the figure above. Some major operators are bucking the general slowdown. The largest operator, ExxonMobil, experienced a strong uptick in October, making it one of the months with the highest number of fracked wells in this period. Energen Corporation is also unaffected by the slowdown. (Click to enlarge) In general, many of the key operators have exhibited a largely flat trend from June to October 2018, which implies that the market-wide deceleration in fracking activity has a more significant implication for smaller operators in contrast to the major players in the Permian, Lai said. In terms of absolute numbers, the reduction in the number of jobs for top 10 operators collectively is around 10% from June to October while the corresponding percentage for the remaining operators is as high as 48% in the same timeframe. Rystad Energys analysis is based on currently available data. Underreporting implies that the reduction in percentage will be smaller then what we see as of today. By Rystad Energy More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: | https://news.yahoo.com/u-fracking-activity-peaked-already-180000175.html |
What happens when Tobi Nussbaum vacates his seat in Rideau-Rockcliffe? | With Coun. Tobi Nussbaum leaving Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward for the National Capital Commission, remaining councillors will soon choose how they want to replace him. It all has to start with a written resignation from Nussbaum himself, submitted to the city clerk. At this point in time, no such notice has been provided and, therefore, no decisions have been formally taken, the citys media office said in an email Monday. Eventually, council declares the seat vacant. At that point, the Municipal Act gives it choices: Appoint someone to serve out the rest of the term; or Hold a by-election. It has to make this announcement within 60 days of declaring the seat vacant. From there, it can allow anywhere from 30 to 60 days for nominations. After nominations close, there would be 45 days until the vote, and probably one advance voting day. Nussbaum is leaving city hall to be the new CEO of the NCC. ALSO IN THE NEWS: Firefighters save home after residents report chimney fire Murderer in downtown nightclub death has conviction downgraded by appeal court Not fade away: Older Canadians are having more sex than ever [email protected] twitter.com/TomSpears1 | https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/what-happens-when-tobi-nussbaum-vacates-his-seat-in-rideau-rockcliffe |
Was Carol Burnett Right About Variety Shows In The Modern Era? | Last night's Golden Globes was often surprising, with a Best Picture - Drama entry that few predicted in Bohemian Rhapsody, just as Green Book won for Best Picture - Comedy. Beyond surprises, the night had glamour alongside some truly excellent speeches (Jeff Bridges and Christian Bale come to mind). Notable among the speeches included a moving, thought-provoking tribute to TV from the iconic and influential Carol Burnett, speaking on her love for the TV industry and her doubt that variety shows, the classic show format of The Carol Burnett Show that thrived in America from the 1940s through the 1980s, could get enough network support to survive in today's world. Requiem for a Variety Show The Hollywood Foreign Press Association had invited Burnett as the first recipient of the newly-christened The Carol Burnett Award honoring individuals for "outstanding contributions to television on or off the screen." Having been honored with Kennedy Center Honors (2003), the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor (2013), and receiving a Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award (2015), her influence on comedy has been as great as her well-deserved honors. Burnett's moving speech ended with her gracious expression of joy at the career she's had: This award, oh my gosh, so generously named after me, is dedicated to all those who made my dreams come true, and to all those out there who share the love I have for television and who yearn to be part of this unique medium that has been so good to me... Im just happy that our show happened when it did. And that I can look back and say once more I am so glad we had this time together. Notably, Burnett expressed her joy over having been able to launch "The Carol Burnett Show" in an era where networks would support such a show. In her words: Nothing like our show, and I might add other variety shows at the time, could ever see the light of day today because the networks just wouldnt spend the money... And because there are so many cable competitors, they are not going to take a chance. Variety is the Spice of Life Variety shows, once a major force in the TV landscape, have largely gone away. Saturday Night Live is perhaps the most successful continuing variety show proper in the U.S., with elements of the format (and their mixture of music, comedy, and other performances in a singular show) influencing other Late Night TV shows and, in a competition format, shows like America's Got Talent. Beyond SNL, variety shows proper have had a harder time in recent decades since the 1980s. Fox's Osbournes Reloaded (2009) was canceled after only one episode. A pilot episode for Rosie Live (2009) failed to take off at NBC. More recently, The Maya Rudolph Show (2014) sparked the May 2016 premiere of Maya & Marty (2016), which failed to thrive past its first limited season. One must wonder why these show, all backed by great talent, continue to fail today. I would argue that variety series absolutely can work these days, but perhaps network TV is no longer the right venue. With Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu all vying for content (and Disney and Warner Media set to be on their tails soon) the TV content market is huge without even consideration of premium channels like HBO and Showtime, cable, or network TV. Streaming services are exactly the right venue for a variety resurgence. On the one hand, companies like Netflix and Amazon have enough money to gamble on the resurgence of the classic format, and it is strongly in their interest to do so. Hear me out. Netflix and Amazon (in particular) have been vying for Hollywood legitimacy--competing for major awards (Oscars, Emmys, Golden Globes), original content, and the talent to back that up. Old-guard Hollywood has been hesitant (though it is safe to say that hesitancy is slowly eroding given the increased proliferation of awards-season support for their offerings). What they don't have is history. Newer tech titans are flush with cash but have no storied legacies, yet giving rebirth to a storied Hollywood pastime like variety programs would be a perfect way to ingratiate themselves to Old Hollywood purists while pinning themselves as the start of a new chapter. The format is also perfect, adding the sort of streamable flexibility that individuated variety show elements (performances, skits, etc) could thrive with. The key to their success then would be the show's quality--the timeliness of the format, quality of writing, etc. The format is not too old to survive, but its content needs to be resonant with modern themes, comedic and musical styles, etc. -Invite A-tier comedians to guest-write skits. -Instead of a house band, have musical acts provide guest musical accompaniment. -Make sure the material is cutting edge and aimed at younger, streaming-savvy generations The notion that celebrity-packed content is enough to garner an audience is, it seems, an inconsistent bet at best. Putting The Rock in a film may help sell it to US markets, for example, but it sure didn't help Skyscraper--so much high-quality content competes for attention and popular acts are so prolific that celebrity is only a partial draw. Variety shows can thrive, but they need the right venue... and the right quality... to survive. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffewing/2019/01/07/was-carol-burnett-right-about-variety-shows-in-the-modern-era/ |
Is There A Case For Women-Centric, Co-Ed Coworking Spaces? | The share of remote workers in the modern workplace has been on the rise for quite some time. In recent years, many of these remote workers have traded their kitchen table or coffeeshop counter workspaces to lease a spot at one of the now commonplace coworking spaces. Dubbed the future of work, the first generation of the coworking empires which cropped up in the early 2000s - WeWork, Industrious and RocketSpace - were noticeably all run by men, with male-dominated boards. As for the workplaces themselves, it soon became apparent that their designers had turned a blind eye to essentials working women needed. The workplace had moved lightyears ahead, but even in this hyper-modern era, women were still being left behind. Today, just as the dot com era gave rise to these first generation coworking spaces, the #MeToo era is now setting in motion a new kind of coworking space that carries a female friendly promise to those that pay their membership dues. Perhaps the most well known of these "for women, by women" workspaces is The Wing, a no-boys-allowed social club and coworking space that has quickly grown to five locations - with six on the way. In just a few years, the brand has gained serious publicity and capital. In March of 2018; however, it began to make headlines that invited some new criticism of its business model as The New York City Commission on Human Rights launched an investigation into whether The Wing was violating a local law prohibiting gender-based discrimination against potential customers. Despite the investigation, founder Audrey Gelman has stood by The Wings initial premise to offer a safe place for its female members. Two women who founded female-focused coworking spaces that do in fact allow men as card carrying members weighed in on their decision to remain gender inclusive. The Riveter, which recently closed a $15 million Series A funding round, currently has five locations across Seattle and Los Angeles and is described as "a membership network built by women, for everyone." Its female-founded and the workspaces are female-focused by design but they welcome not only women but also men and gender fluid individuals. In fact, today they boast quite a few members that don't identify as female - 25% to be exact. Former corporate litigator, Amy Nelson founded The Riveter because she, like Gelman, believed in creating a better work environment for women. That being said, she believes that any strong movement needs allies and she doesn't want those allies to be stuck outside - she wants them in the room serving as active participants in the conversation. From the beginning, we have always wanted to be an inclusive and open community. We believe that we have a platform to advocate for increasing opportunities to grow and to truly redefine the future of work for all. Women are often left out of those conversations, and while females have more of a seat at the table today, we dont always have the space to be heard. At The Riveter, we want to drive the conversation on how gender equality is not a 'nice-to-have' item on a checklist it is a must-have. At the core, we are changing conversation on how to support women in the workspace so that they can be successful and equity can be achieved. Men and gender-fluid individuals must be a part of that conversation as the future of work depends on their support and input, explains Nelson. Hera Hub is another female-centric yet co-ed coworking space. Founded in 2011, several years ahead of The Wing and The Riveter, the organization now boasts six locations internationally. Much like The Riveter, Hera Hub decided not to exclusively green light female membership hopefuls and its founder Felena Hanson feels strongly that it was the right decision for the organization. Being pro-women doesnt mean you need to be anti-male. Yes, the pillars of business were developed by men - competitive nature and sometimes aggressive tactics - and women have often felt like outsiders but reverse discrimination is not the way to make it right. Our goal is to create spaces where women feel safe and supported, where women know its okay to not have all the answers and they are open to sharing and asking for help. We absolutely need men to be part of the conversation if we are going to create real change, explains Hanson. She believes the men who have signed up for Hera Hub - who currently make up 3% of the membership base - are attracted to the spaces for the same reason women are: practicality, convenience but also due to the sense of community created at Hera Hub. I recently had a male member say, wow, its so great to see how you all really support each other. I wish men would do the same, recalls Hanson. There are a lot of nuances and sticky questions to be considered when it comes to breaking down the pros and cons of gendered coworking spaces. For now, with no definitive answer to the question of whether or not these women-first coworking spaces should ethically, and perhaps even legally, allow men within their membership ranks it seems there exists an option for those of all camps. Should you have the funds and reside in a large enough city, chances are youll be able to find standard coworking spaces with a fairly even distribution of men and women, female-focused co-ed spaces like that of The Riveter and Hera Hub and true "no mans land" options like The Wing to choose from. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/erinspencer1/2019/01/07/is-there-a-case-for-women-centric-co-ed-coworking-spaces/ |
How do we put the likeability issue in its place? | Take a recent example, when a politico.com story posed the following loaded question about newly announced 2020 Democratic presidential nomination contender Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren: How does Warren avoid a Clinton redux written off as too unlikeable before her campaign gets off the ground? Any time the public focus lands on female politicians and their likeability the result is eine kleine shitstorm, as German chancellor Angela Merkel, one of the most admired and arguably still the most powerful female leader in the world might well put it. The truth is there is nothing inherently sexist in discussing whether you like a certain political leader, male or female. Ask me how much I liked former Prime Minister Stephen Harper. He once joked even his friends didnt much like him. Yet when it comes to politics, were never going to get rid of the likeability question. We just need to put it in its place. How anyone could possibly waste time wondering about any strong female candidates likeabilty when arguably the most detestable and unfit president in history occupies the White House is beyond comprehension. Reactions included Democratic strategist and feminist commentator Jess McIntosh tweeting: Dont fall into the sexist trap of treating women running for president like theyre running for prom queen. She summed it up with lose likeability as a metric. The story itself was more nuanced but that line, which quickly made its way toward a social media thrashing of its underlying assumptions, rankled many women. Ask Hillary Clinton, who won the presidential popular vote by a huge margin in 2016, but never got away from that central misogynistic question: Yes, but why dont people like you? But there is everything sexist in making that question the most important metric about a woman candidate, especially because theres some evidence to suggest that the more power a woman seeks or achieves, the less likeable she becomes. Ask former Ontario Liberal premier Kathleen Wynne, who may well have deserved to be politically defeated last year, but never-ever-deserved the hate and viciousness directed her way. Well after her defeat Wynne bravely went on a CBC radio call in show to reveal the quantity and alarming nature of some of those threats against her and her family. Threatening to rape or murder a female leader has nothing to do with disliking their policies and everything to do with a far more ancient and dangerous hatred and impulse. As ambitious women, we are always surprised the first time we feel the heat of that hateand sometimes by how cleverly its packaged. In my twenties, I was shocked when a man who met me in the course of my work said youre smart as a whip in a tone of such loathing that at first I thought it was a compliment until it dawned on me that he thought I had no right to my own opinions. Ironically, decades later, that kind of gender-based hate is more raw today, more nakedly displayed. In some ways, however discouraging that is, it makes it easier to deal with. The media has to stop being lazy enough to make likeability the central issue in any womans campaign. Its tempting to do so because it also allows for exploration as to why there still is a double standardeverything from a womans voicetoo soft, too loud-her wordsineffective or whoah, she swears a lother looks. Women being called ugly is one of the first go-tos from those threatened by the power of their ideas. What if we never asked a woman about her likeability but assumed, as with many male politicians that they are both liked and loathed. As for the women politicians themselves, theres never been a more heartening range of role models to show us how to put likeability in its place. Cheekily. Like newly elected Democratic congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 29, who when a so-called damning video surfaced of her goofily dancing her heart out in school days simply made another short video of herself dancing through the halls of power before she got on to more serious issues like fairly taxing the rich. Elegantly, Like history-making new/old Democratic Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, who at 78, returns to power as one of the most deft, tough and effective political leaders anywhere in the world. Even before she battled a short insurgency in her own party to reclaim her role as speaker, Pelosi calmly took on Donald Trump in a televised White House meeting Mr. President, she said, please dont characterize the strength that I bring to this meeting as the leader of the House Democrats, who just won a big victory. Pelosi recently advised women to not worry about likeabilty but to just be yourself. Implacably. Lets end with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in power since 2005 and likely stepping down as promised in 2021. You never catch Merkel, who also holds a doctorate in quantum chemistry, ever overtly trying to be likeable. Theres no room in her big brain for that. But in fact, by being stable, smart, calm and practical, Merkel has achieved likeability liftoff just by being herself. For evidence watch what could have been an embarrassing moment from last Novembers Armistice Day ceremonies in France when an elderly and confused Frenchwoman mistook Merkel, standing next to French president Emmanuel Macron, for being Madame Macron. Not once but twice Merkel , with a half-smile simply batted it back, while the elderly woman persisted. No explained Merkel, I am the chancellor of Germany. Of course she is. It was a charming and I hate to say, immensely likeable moment. Judith Timson is a Toronto-based writer and a freelance contributing columnist for the Star. Follow her on Twitter: @judithtimson | https://www.thestar.com/life/opinion/2019/01/07/how-do-we-put-the-likeability-issue-in-its-place.html |
Will Qualcomm Raise Its Dividend in 2019? | One thing potential investors in Qualcomm (NASDAQ: QCOM) stock might find attractive is that the shares currently offer a substantial dividend yield of 4.38%, making it one of the largest among semiconductor stocks. Admittedly, one of the factors that has contributed to Qualcomm stock offering such a large yield is that the stock itself hasn't been a great performer. It's off significantly from its peak and was a pretty poor performer in 2018. A Qualcomm Snapdragon chip next to several snapdragon flower blooms More Image source: Qualcomm. I think the answer to that question is yes. Here's why. Qualcomm's history suggests so Qualcomm has a history of boosting its dividend, as the following chart illustrates: QCOM Dividend Chart More QCOM Dividend data by YCharts. Although past performance is no guarantee of future success, companies that value their dividend programs strive to increase their dividends each year, if they're able to. Not only do dividends contribute to a company's total stockholder return, but a company that pays a substantial dividend and has a history of increasing it each year is more likely to be on the radar of investors who value income and dividend growth versus a company that delivers more sporadic increases. Qualcomm can easily afford to Right now, Qualcomm's lucrative wireless technology licensing business -- known as Qualcomm Technology Licensing, or QTL -- is under pressure because Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) refuses to pay. The two companies are currently engaged in a bitter legal battle, and although Apple's refusal to pay has wrought havoc on QTL, Qualcomm has managed to get a few good punches in recently, as well, as Apple has been forced to remove its older iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 from sale in Germany. Nevertheless, even as the two companies battle it out, the reality is that Qualcomm's business -- such as it is -- can still easily support a dividend increase. The company's current dividend on an annualized basis is $2.48 per share. The company is expected to generate non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) of $3.85 in fiscal 2019 (up a smidgen from the $3.69 it turned in during fiscal 2018), so the company's business performance -- should it come in close to what analysts expect -- should easily support a bigger dividend from here. (The magnitude of that increase, though, is still a significant unknown.) | https://news.yahoo.com/qualcomm-raise-dividend-2019-190100004.html |
Will the Rally in Gold ETFs Continue? | Gold ended 2018 on a strong note buoyed by volatile trading in global equities, rising concern about economic outlook and government shutdown in the United States. Though the yellow metal declined nearly 1.6% in 2018, it rebounded sharply in December and gained about 5%. Recently, golds spot price rose above the 200-day moving average and the 50-day moving average may also be exceeded in the coming weeks. Gold topped a more than six-month high on Jan 2 as the dollar fell along with Asian equities after disappointing data from China cemented fears of a slowdown in global economic growth. Per Chinese National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), official manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) was 49.4 in December. For the first time in two years, Chinas manufacturing activity has entered into a contraction phase. Per Benjamin Lu Jiaxuan, a commodities analyst at Phillip Futures, the fragility in market confidence is a boon for gold. Golds climb was aided by the weakening of dollar in December amid expectations that the Federal Reserve will stop the three-year rate hike cycle in 2019. Per CME Group Fed watch tool, financial markets are not foreseeing a rate hike this year. This will diminish the demand for the greenback and help the non-yielding bullion (read: Fed Hikes Rates But Offers Dovish Outlook: ETFs to Play). Demand for gold is likely to rise in the first quarter of the year due to seasonal factors like the Chinese New Year. The dollar index, which tracks the greenback against a basket of major currencies, was hovering near a two-month low recently. A softer dollar makes the greenback denominated bullion cheaper for investors holding other currencies. However, U.S. economy is expected to remain healthy overall, which may diminish safe haven appeal. Also, any strong economic reports could increase expectation of rate hikes. ETFs in focus The uncertainty surrounding trade talks and signs of easing global economic growth will sustain demand for gold ETFs. However, a steadily performing U.S. economy will increase investors risk appetite resulting in lower safe haven demand. Against this backdrop, we highlight the popular gold ETFs in detail. These have been performing strongly over the past four weeks (as of Dec 31) (see: all the Precious Metals ETFs here). SPDR Gold Trust GLD The ETF is designed to track the price of gold bullion. It is the first U.S. traded gold ETF. The fund has AUM of $32.4 billion and an expense ratio of 0.40%. It carries a Zacks ETF Rank #3 (Hold) with a Medium risk outlook. The fund has returned 4.2% over the past four weeks (read: Palladium ETF Tops Gold in 2018: Will It Rally in 2019?). iShares Gold Trust IAU This is the second-most popular gold ETF. The funds AUM is $11.5 billion and its expense ratio is 0.25%. It carries a Zacks ETF Rank #3 with a Medium risk outlook. The fund has returned 4.2% over the past four weeks. Aberdeen Standard Physical Swiss Gold Shares ETF SGOL The fund has an AUM of $846.7 million and an expense ratio of 0.39%. It carries a Zacks ETF Rank #3 with a Medium risk outlook. The fund has returned 4.2% over the past four weeks. SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust GLDM The fund has AUM of $396.9 million and an expense ratio of 0.18%. It has returned 4.3% over the past four weeks. GraniteShares Gold Trust BAR The fund has AUM of $314.5 million and an expense ratio of 0.17%. It has returned 4.2% over the past four weeks and carries a Zacks ETF Rank #3. Zacks free Fund Newsletter will brief you on top news and analysis, as well as top-performing ETFs, each week. Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report ISHARS-GOLD TR (IAU): ETF Research Reports GOLD (LONDON P (GLD): ETF Research Reports ETFS-GOLD TRUST (SGOL): ETF Research Reports GRNT-GOLD TR (BAR): ETF Research Reports SPDR-GOLD MINI (GLDM): ETF Research Reports To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report | https://news.yahoo.com/rally-gold-etfs-continue-184506401.html |
Does Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez want to "soak the rich"? | Freshman Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez backs the idea of a "Green New Deal" for the U.S., a plan popular in progressive policy circles under which the federal government would pour billions of dollars into renewable energy. Raise taxes on the rich to their highest level since 1980, just before Ronald Reagan started hacking rates. The top tax on the wealthy should rise to as high as 70 percent, Ocasio-Cortez told "60 Minutes" on Sunday. That approach stands in stark contrast to the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which gave the lion's share of benefits from reducing federal income tax rates to top earners and corporations. Not surprisingly, conservatives are bashing Ocasio-Cortez' ideas. Americans for Tax Reform founder Grover Norquist wrote on Fox News that her "soaking the rich" plan is "the opening shot in a renewed war against middle class taxpayers." Raising the so-called marginal tax rate on the rich would mark a return to the more progressive tax structure of the 1950s and 1960s -- under Presidents Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy, for instance, the rate on those in the top bracket topped 90 percent. Here's what you should know about Ocasio-Cortez's plan and how higher tax rates would work. It's about higher marginal rates -- not a flat rate Rep. Steve Scalise, R.-Louisiana, tweeted that Ocasio-Cortez's approach would lead to the government taking away "70% of your income." Yet that comment misleadingly suggests that every dollar earned by taxpayers would be docked at a flat 70 percent -- that isn't what Ocasio-Cortez is proposing. Republicans: Let Americans keep more of their own hard-earned money Democrats: Take away 70% of your income and give it to leftist fantasy programs https://t.co/NxJPSCqvrt Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) January 5, 2019 Her plan focuses on marginal tax rates, a progressive tax system that's the basis of the U.S. tax code. It works by taxing the lowest amount of income at the lowest tax rate, and then increasing it gradually as a person's income rises. The goal is to tax lower earners at lower rates, while assessing higher rates on wealthier Americans. Sometimes lost in the criticism of Ocasio-Cortez' plan is the fact that higher marginal rates are paid only on each dollar earned above a particular tax bracket. For instance, single Americans now pay at a rate of 10 percent on earnings up to $9,525, while any earnings between $9,526 and $38,700 are taxed at 12 percent. Currently, the top rate for single taxpayers kicks in at 37 percent for every dollar earned over $500,000 in annual income. Jacking up the top tax rate likely wouldn't impact you Ocasio-Cortez doesn't favor imposing a 70 percent tax on the merely rich. Rather, that rate would be for people with annual income of at least $10 million or so. That's why it's not likely to hit your wallet -- only the top 0.1 percent of income earners are likely to come close to that, as this group enjoys average adjusted gross income of $7.3 million. And only 140,000 tax filers make this much money, compared with nearly 70 million who make up the bottom 50 percent of earners. The economy still grew when tax rates were high The U.S. economy boomed in the '50s and '60s when, according to the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center, the top rate ranged between 70 percent and 92 percent. Of course, no time periods in economic history are directly comparable. In the post-World War II era, for instance, the baby boom drove massive spending on the housing market and productivity was much higher than it is today. But the point is that higher top marginal tax rates don't appear to cause lower economic growth. Other developed countries have high tax rates Several advanced economies around the world have top tax rates approaching what Ocasio-Cortez favors, and by many measures they enjoy higher standards of living than the U.S. "What we have in mind ... and my policies most closely resemble what we see in the U.K., in Norway, in Finland, in Sweden," she told "60 Minutes." Sweden has a top rate of 70 percent, Matt Bruenig, founder of People's Policy Project, a left-leaning advocacy group wrote in Jacobin magazine. Sweden is ranked No. 11 by the Social Progress Imperative, which looks at the capacity for a country to meet "basic human needs." The U.S. ranks No. 25, just below Portugal. Ocasio-Cortez's plan echoes findings by economists including Nobel laureate Peter Diamond and Berkeley professor Emmanuel Saez, who estimated that the ideal marginal tax rate should be 73 percent. Most other economists (including many conservative and pro-business experts) agree that a fair and productive society includes some form of progressive tax system, even if they vary in their calculations of what that should be. But that may be looking at the wrong question. Higher taxes on every dollar earned above $10 million isn't likely to lower multimillionaires' drive to remain rich (though it could arguably encourage them to seek ways to avoid taxes). Perhaps a more relevant question: Whether the tax system could encourage people to enter lower-paying yet socially useful jobs, such as teaching or scientific research. One study found that a "radical" policy of imposing taxes according to professions -- such as providing tax breaks to teachers while imposing higher taxes on hedge fund managers -- "could grow the economy dramatically," its authors wrote in the Harvard Business Review. Ocasio-Cortez didn't address such ideas, but her goal in taxing the extremely rich at higher levels is to guarantee a job for every American at a fair wage. "When you can't provide for your kids working a full-time job, working two full-time jobs. When you can't have health care. That is not -- that is not dignified," Ocasio-Cortez said. | https://www.cbsnews.com/news/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-tax-plan-70-rates/ |
Will Trump repeat terrorist claims debunked (even by Fox News) when he visits the border? | Opinion: You know their desperate when administration propaganda is being exposed by its primary propaganda outlet. President Donald Trump (Photo: Win McNamee, Getty Images) You know President Donald Trump is getting desperate when even Fox News is pointing out the lies the administration is telling about terrorists on the border. All in an effort to build support for Trumps wall. Trump has been making a false claim about thousands of potential terrorists trying to enter through the southern border. Other administration officials, like Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen tried to pass off the same lie. Sarah Sanders give it a try, but... Then, on Fox News this past Sunday it was the turn of Trumps press secretary Sarah Sanders. Only this time instead of simply being able to spread the untrue White House propaganda Sanders bumped into journalist Chris Wallace. He pointed out, first, that while over 3,000 what we call special interest aliens were stopped at the border, special interest aliens are just people who have come from countries that have ever produced a terrorist, theyre not terrorists themselves. And, Wallace added, the state department says, quote, there were no credible evidence of any terrorist coming across the border from Mexico. Fox's Chris Wallace is ready for her That information comes from a state department report. A number of other news operations have used it to debunk the White House claptrap. But that hasnt stopped Trump and his associates from spreading the untruths. Sanders said, We know that roughly nearly 4,000 known or suspected terrorists come into our country illegally, and we know that our most vulnerable point of entry is southern border. Wallace again was ready to point out the baloney. I know the statistic, he said, I didnt know if you were going to use it, but I studied up on this. Airports. Not always Sanders said. It's the government's own report Airports. The state department says there hasnt been any terrorists found coming across the southern border, Wallace said. Thats true. The report reads in part: At years end there was no credible evidence indicating that international terrorist groups have established bases in Mexico, worked with Mexican drug cartels, or sent operatives via Mexico into the United States. It goes on. Rebuilding a wall of lies Sanders persisted, but Wallace to his credit wasnt having it. But theyre not coming across the southern border, Sarah, theyre coming and theyre being stopped at airports, he said. A wall built on lies can be toppled by the truth. That isnt the problem. The problem is it easily can be rebuilt. MORE BY MONTINI: Read or Share this story: https://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/ej-montini/2019/01/07/trump-border-wall-chris-wallace-fox-news/2505327002/ | https://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/ej-montini/2019/01/07/trump-border-wall-chris-wallace-fox-news/2505327002/ |
Can Oregon basketball establish identity before Kenny Wooten returns? | EUGENE In the aftermath of Bol Bols season-ending foot surgery, Abu Kigabs transfer and Kenny Wootens surgery for a broken jaw, Oregon has eight healthy scholarship players and needs to figure out a new way to win games. The Ducks knew Bol, their leading scorer, rebounder and shot blocker was likely done for the season after he got hurt several weeks ago, but it doesnt make adjusting to his loss any easier. When you lose that kind of size, that kind of skill, that kind of shot blocking, that timing, theres something that you have to alter, said senior Paul White, who has had to play more at power forward and some at center since Bols injury. "You really dont find a 7-2, 7-3 big man that can do what Bol does. It does hurt the team, but were not using it as an excuse. As far as our identity goes, its just something that we have to fight through and figure out what is our identity. Thats when we rely on the coaches and the rest of my teammates to figure that out. The loss of Kigab, who missed his last three games with a foot injury, matters more in the energy he brought to the court than the contributions he made in the box score. But Wooten, who is averaging 6.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks this season, is expected to return in three to five weeks. Until then, Oregon (9-5, 0-1 Pac-12) will be without a rim protector, severely undersized and need to call upon freshmen Francis Okoro and Miles Norris far more than they played during the first two months of the season. Weve got to play with what weve got and then hopefully we do get him back some time, Oregon coach Dana Altman said. But our team early had a defensive identity, right now we dont. We gave up a lot of easy baskets in transition, a lot of easy baskets (on Saturday) that good defensive teams (dont). We made some mistakes offensively and our guys, theyre so worried about one end of the court, weve got to do a better job on both ends of the court and get that identity. "With Kenny, our defense will improve because he is good inside, but until then our freshmen have to step up. Francis has to play well, Miles has to play well. Our defensive identity has to change. While pressing on defense clearly can be effective for Oregon, which climbed out of an 18-point hole before losing to Oregon State on Saturday and had similar comeback attempts fall short at Houston and Baylor, theres no way the Ducks can play with such tenacity on defense every night with such a short bench. Foul trouble would become an issue from game to game and in the long-run the Ducks, who rank 275th in adjusted tempo with 67.4 possession per 40 minutes, according to KenPom, would risk wearing down the few available players left. I think in spots we can use it, Altman said. Its going to be pretty hard with our numbers to stay in that kind of defense for long periods of time. I think it something that weve used and we can use. Oregon had 73 possessions in its 77-72 loss to Oregon State, which dictated a fast pace early and built a huge lead before the Ducks came back. Its hard to see where UO will find enough offense to be competitive playing with so many possessions. The Ducks will likely be underdogs in their next five games against UCLA, USC, Arizona, Arizona State and Washington before ending the stretch with Washington State. If Wooten can return by then, or after the trip to Utah and Colorado or even following the home games with Cal and Stanford, Oregon would still have anywhere from seven to 11 Pac-12 games remaining. That would still be enough time to determine how best to play in order to try and make a run in the Pac-12 Tournament, which might be Oregons only way to an NCAA Tournament bid or any postseason appearance this season, depending on how the next few weeks go. White said the Ducks have to find answers before Wooten returns though. We cant use that as a crutch or else our season goes down the drain and nobody wants that, especially me, this being my last year, White said. But nobody on this team wants that. Were not making excuses for ourselves, we never have. ... Going forward we have to find our identity and I think we will. Watching film, dissecting some of the things that we can get from (Saturdays) game, I feel like although it is a loss in our record but its something we can build on." | https://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/2019/01/can-oregon-basketball-establish-identity-before-kenny-wooten-returns.html |
Can CBS Go Without Nielsen? | On New Years Day 2019, Nielsens contract with CBS expired. Both sides had been in negotiations, but were unable to come to an agreement. It has been estimated the previous contract between the two parties had a value exceeding $100 million. Besides the broadcast network, the CBS contract includes their 28 owned and operated stations, primarily in major TV markets. CBS claims that Nielsens audience measurement is inadequate in todays multi-platform environment and that Nielsens asking price is too high. Without a contract, CBS will not have access to any current or past audience data. CBS will, for now at least, rely on audience data from Comscore and other sources for ratings. Comscore uses return path data from several satellite companies and cable operators including AT&T/DirecTV, Dish, Cox and Charter. Comscore represents the biggest challenge to Nielsens dominance since Arbitron (now owned by Nielsen) left local TV measurement in 1993. Virtually all prominent ad agencies and television network/station are Comscore clients. Several station groups now use Comscore as the currency of negotiations with advertisers. In January 2019, Gray Television, in the wake of its acquisition of Raycom for $3.6 billion, announced they were expanding the use of Comscore in 80 of the 91 TV markets in which they own and operate stations. In December 2018, Comscore announced they had expanded its local TV market agreement with Scripps, which owns 33 stations in 24 markets. Previously, two station groups -- Nexstar and the Bonten Media Group -- had replaced Nielsen with Comscore. A majority of these station groups own stations in smaller markets that had relied on weekly TV diaries for ratings. As audiences fragmented in a multichannel and on-demand environment, both advertisers and stations expressed frustration at the inadequacy of paper diaries. As a result, Nielsen has, at long last, replaced TV diaries with people meters, return path data, modeling and now measures out-of-home viewing in the larger markets. Nielsen also recently renewed its agreement with Hearst Television, which owns and operates stations in 28 TV markets. Comscore joins a long list of rivals that have tried to replace Nielsen as the primary TV ratings source. All of the previous efforts have failed. Heres a brief history: AGB introduced the people meter to the U.S. in 1986. Nielsen quickly introduced its own people meter and AGB soon shut down its U.S. operations. In 1987, R.D. Percy developed heat sensors that passively measured TV audiences, which failed to gain traction in the marketplace. Four years later, Arbitron introduced ScanAmerica, which combined people meters for TV ratings with a wand that measured UPC codes for product purchases. The single-source service was available in several local TV markets. Less than one year later, ScanAmerica, with a limited number of clients, shut down. The next potential Nielsen competitor came from the broadcast networks ABC, CBS and NBC in partnership with the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) in the form of SMART (System for Measuring and Reporting Television). The broadcasters argued that Nielsens measurement was favoring cable television. The ratings initiative failed five years later for lack of seed money. The last major threat was ErinMedia, which issued a lawsuit against Nielsen in 2006. ErinMedia announced the usage of viewing data from digital set top cable boxes to measure audiences. When Nielsen made a similar announcement, ErinMedia lost funding. Among the claims in the lawsuit was Nielsens use of long-term, staggered contracts to ensure no competitor can get a foothold in the TV ratings business, thus stifling competition. The lawsuit was settled in 2008. Whether CBS can continue to go without Nielsen ratings depends on advertisers. CBS relied on Nielsen to develop audience estimates to negotiate billions of ad dollars with their ad agency clients. Carrie Drinkwater, the Executive Director of Integrated Investments at MullenLowe MediaHub, says, short-term, CBS not having Nielsen data is not an issue. We have Nielsen ratings, we have upfront guarantees and we can notify the network of any audience shortfalls, Drinkwater notes. CBS has benefitted from Nielsen ratings; it has been the top-rated network for years. The CBS audience is older, which Nielsen has had no trouble measuring, compared to younger age groups which have given them problems. In the upcoming weeks, CBS will be airing three of its highest rated telecasts, the AFC Championship Game, Super Bowl LIII and the Grammys. Drinkwater feels CBS and Nielsen will come to some agreement before the Super Bowl. CBS is following Fox and Sinclair Broadcasting as using the competition from Comscore as bargaining chip when negotiating with Nielsen. In June 2014, the Fox station group, after making a long-term deal with Rentrak (since acquired by Comscore), was prepared to drop Nielsen. The two parties struck an agreement at the eleventh hour. After announcing it was considering moving to Comscore as its primary ratings provider, the Sinclair Broadcast Group, in February 2018, renewed its agreement with Nielsen. The impasse with CBS marks the first time a broadcast network intends on using Comscore as its primary ratings currency. Competition in audience measurement provides the industry with more innovation at a lower cost. Both Nielsen and Comscore are working on improving their cross-platform audience measurement capabilities, something advertisers and networks have been demanding. Comscore could be the biggest threat to Nielsens audience measurement capabilities in decades. As audience measurement companies expand to other platforms providing accurate viewing data is essential. George Ivie, the Executive Director and CEO of the Media Rating Council states, in todays new TV-based measurement approaches such as audience ascription to return path data, data integration and modeling. The process of audience measurement should be transparent and undergo audits that have protected the marketplace for years. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/bradadgate/2019/01/07/can-cbs-go-without-nielsen/ |
Would Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's 70% tax proposal work in UK? | Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the newly elected Democrat congresswoman, has floated the idea of US income tax rates as high as 70%. Although only an idea for now, her intervention raises questions over whether such a policy might work in another country with sharp economic divisions: the UK. Potentially applying to earnings above $10m a year, she argued that the wealthiest Americans needed to pay their fair share in taxes to help fund a Green New Deal for the US to combat climate change, while also tackling inequality. Britain was used to higher top rates of income tax as recently as the late 1970s, when the highest rate was set at 83% under the Labour government of Jim Callaghan, before the rise of neoliberal economic policy under Margaret Thatcher. The prevailing logic in UK government since has tended to be that lower headline rates of tax help to encourage individual enterprise; empowering wealth creators and jobs, and to attract the brightest and best to Britain, boosting economic growth. Thatcher oversaw reductions in the top tax rate to 60% and then to 40% by 1988, where it has remained until Gordon Brown introduced a 50% additional rate on earnings above 150,000 after the 2008 financial crisis. George Osborne, however, cut that additional rate to 45% in 2012, arguing that Brown had not managed to bring in any additional revenue because wealthy taxpayers altered their arrangements to avoid the tax. Debates have raged over the optimum levels for individual taxation in the UK ever since income tax was first introduced in 1799 in preparation for the Napoleonic wars. Governments in the 21st century have tended to worry that higher tax rates might cause the richest in society to change their behaviour to avoid taxes, losing them potential revenue, or to flee the country altogether. During the 1970s, the US economist Arthur Laffer argued that higher tax rates would only generate higher revenue up to a certain level, before revenue declined, a theory known as the Laffer curve. The idea was that the more money the government took, the less incentive there was to work. If the government took 100% of your income, there was no point in working. Higher income tax rates could result in wealthy individuals shifting their earnings into company shares, which attract a lower rate of taxation as capital gains, or into offshore vehicles. Globalisation has increased in recent decades, meaning that the super-rich can more easily relocate their tax affairs. Higher tax rates may also stand to reduce household spending, as the state takes money that individuals would otherwise spend, damaging the economy. On the flipside, however, the state may have more money to spend to boost the size of the economy, for example through more investment in education or infrastructure. Economists say for this reason, among others, the evidence is mixed that lower rates can boost revenue from taxes, or the size of the economy. Scandinavian economies such as Sweden have higher rates than the UK, without falling behind in the global economic league tables. Stuart Adam, a senior research economist at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, said: All the scare stories that everyone will leave the country are clearly nonsense. But saying there will be no response is clearly nonsense also. The question is where we are in between and its difficult to know. Rising levels of inequality since the 2008 financial crisis, as well as the ballooning government budget deficit, have, however, raised renewed questions over whether higher income tax rates could be used to redistribute wealth. There is a sixfold difference between the income of the top 20% of households and those of the bottom 20%. Meanwhile, wealth inequality is much worse, with 44% of the UKs wealth owned by only 10% of the population, five times the total wealth held by the poorest half. Today the UK has a basic rate income tax of 20% for earnings above 11,500; a higher rate of 40% on earnings more than 45,001, and the additional rate of 45% for income more than 150,000. As much as the actual rate of taxation, these thresholds matter. First, they mean that not all of a persons earnings are taxed at the same level: someone earning 200,000 a year, for example, would only hand over 45% to the government on 50,000. The rest would attract lower rates of taxation. There are about 31 million people in Britain paying individual income tax. About 26.3 million pay the basic rate, while 4.3 million pay the higher rate and only 393,000 pay the additional rate about 1% of all taxpayers. However, despite being in the minority, the top 50% paid 90.6% of total income tax (about 178bn) collected in 2015-16. The top 1% of taxpayers paid 28.8% of the total. Given the low numbers of high tax-payers involved, Ocasio-Cortezs suggestion of a 70% rate for those earning more than $10m (about 6.3m) would mean very few people outside of FTSE 100 chief executives and hedge fund bosses would pay such a rate. Sign up to the daily Business Today email or follow Guardian Business on Twitter at @BusinessDesk For this reason, many economists say that higher tax bands are more useful as signals of political virtue, rather than as revenue raisers. Wealth taxes levied on items such as property and inheritance money might instead be a better idea, according to Carys Roberts, a senior economist at the IPPR thinktank. Total household wealth has rapidly risen to almost 13tn, with the top 10% owning half of it, and is taxed at comparatively low rates. We need to have conversation on tax, about recapturing some of the huge gains that are being made at the top of society. The only point where I differ is in how best to do that, she said. | https://www.theguardian.com/money/2019/jan/07/would-alexandria-ocasio-cortez-70-per-cent-tax-proposal-work-in-uk |
Who's on the ballot this spring in Lake Country? | Buy Photo The spring election is shaping up, as candidates had until Jan. 2 to file for candidacy. Municipal and school board positions will be on the ballot. (Photo: Mike De Sisti/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)Buy Photo The spring election season is gearing up, with the deadline to file for candidacy Jan. 2. No primaries are needed in Lake Country. The general election will be April 2. There will be several races for the top elected position in a variety of municipalities, including the town of Ashippun, town of Ixonia, town of Ottawa, village of North Prairie and village of Pewaukee. Several incumbents are not seeking re-election, including Ashippun Town Chairman Steven Panozzo and Delafield Town Chairman Larry Krause. Here's a list of whose names you will see on the April ballot: Town of Ashippun Chairman (two-year term) James H. Meyer, W2833 Roosevelt Road Chris Enders, W2372 Schure Drive Incumbent Steven Panozzo is not seeking re-election. Supervisor No. 2 (two-year term) William S. Bremer, W1056 Harding Road (inc.) Tom Wasemiller, N667 Westview Drive Supervisor No. 4 (two-year term) David J. Adkins, N826 Highway 67 David Guckenberger, W1456 Highway O Incumbent James Meyer has not filed for re-election. Town of Delafield Chairman (two-year term) Roy Troy, N30 W28853 W. Lakeside Dr., Pewaukee (current supervisor) Incumbent Larry Krause is not seeking re-election. Supervisor positions (two seats, two-year terms) Edward Kranick, N34W29637 North ShoreDrive (inc.) Billy Cooley, N5W31946 Whitetail Run, Delafield Town of Genesee Chairman (two-year term) Sharon Leair P.O. Box 183 Genesee Depot (inc.) Treasurer Carol McCormick (inc.) Supervisor (two seats, two-year terms) Jeff Schmittinger S47 W33699 Fox Hollow Dousman (inc.) James Morris S26 W33080 Morris Road (inc.) Town of Ixonia Chairman (two-year term) Perry T. Goetsch, W808 Rockvale Road (inc.) Matt Taylor, N8202 Pritchard Farm Road Supervisor (two at-large seats, two-year terms) Peter Mark, W1786 Rockvale Road (inc.) Jeff Taylor, N8915 Branch Road (inc.) Janet McConaughey, N8144 LaSalle Circle Town of Lisbon Chairman Joseph Osterman,N51 W24181 Lisbon Road (inc.) Supervisor No. 4 Rebecca Plotecher,N79 W25605 Plainview Road (inc.) Supervisor No. 2 Marc Moonen, W227 N8023 Tamarack Road (inc) Town of Merton Chairman (two-year term) Tim Klink, W334 N6834 Stone Bank Road (inc.) Supervisor (two seats, two-year terms) Richard Morris, W339 N9280 Townline Road (inc.) Don Herrick, N70 W31091 Club Circle West (inc.) Town of Oconomowoc Chairman (two-year term) Robert Hultquist, N52 W35495 W. Lake Drive (inc.) Supervisor No. 2 (two-year term) John Roelandts, N73 W36398 South Shore Drive (inc.) Supervisor No. 4 (two-year term) Terry Largent, W359 N5707 Surrey Drive (inc.) Town of Ottawa Chairman (two-year term) Cheryl D. Rupp W346S2996 Holland Court (inc.) Michael Purnell W349S3090 Waterville Road Supervisor (two seats, two-year terms) Ben Wiedenman, S28W38295 RW Igl Lane, (inc.) Jim Smukowski S31W34964 Holland Lane Keith Alexander S28W38320 RW Igl Lane Village of Chenequa President (two-year term) Jo Anne F Villavicencio 5587 N. Highway 83 (inc.) Trustee (three seats, two-year term) John Syburg 6577 N. Highway 83, (inc.) Michael O. Pranke 32179 W Oakland Road (inc.) C. David Meyers 6378 N Brumder Drive (inc.) Judy Hansen 32377 W Oakland Road Village of Dousman President (two-year term) Jack Nissen, 1811 W. Ottawa Ave. (inc.) Trustee (two seats, two-year terms) Rita Plisis Hawk, 198 S. Main St. (inc.) Kathy Bleecker-Piirto, 233 E. Ottawa Ave. Linda Dierbeck, 198 Ridgeway Drive Incumbent Harold Dessart is not seeking re-election. Village of Hartland President (two-year term) Jeffrey Pfannerstill, 1140 E. Capitol Drive (inc.) Trustee (three seats, two-year terms) Ann Wallschlager, 1148 Mary Hill Circle (inc.) Randy Swenson, 709 Canterbury Circle (inc.) Rick A. Conner, 1260 Four Winds Way Robyn Ludtke, 222 W. Park Avenue Village of Lac La Belle A caucus is set for Jan. 16. Village president and two trustee seats are up for election. Village of Merton Caucus on Jan. 21 President and two trustee seats up for election Village of Nashotah President (two-year term) Rich Lartz, N44 W32776 Watertown Plank Road (inc.) Trustee (two seats, two-year terms) Jackee Gardne, N47 W32811 Oakwood Ave. (inc.) Theresa Urbanchek, N33 W33319 Maplewood Road (inc.) Village of North Prairie President (two-year term) Gary Nickerson, 220 S. Oakridge Drive (inc.) Amber Pellegrino, 179 Crooked Stick Path (currently a trustee) Trustee (three seats, two-year terms) Frank Rewasiewicz, 303 N. Main St. (inc.) David Stellpflug, 603 Karin Drive (inc.) Shawn Budiac, 216 Cypress Point Matt Budiac, 222 Cypress Point Deborah Hall, 404 Karin Drive Incumbent Dan Jump is not seeking re-election. Village of Oconomowoc Lake President (two-year term) Michael Bickler, 35941 N. Beach Road Incumbent Joseph Birbaum is not seeking re-election as village president, but is seeking a trustee seat. Trustee (three seats, four-year terms) Joseph Birbaum, 4750 Hewitts Point Road Paul Fischer, 36108 South Beach Road, (inc.) David Zimmermann, 35831 Hewitts Point Road (inc.) Incumbent Michael Bickler is not seeking re-election as a trustee, but is seeking the village president seat. Village of Pewaukee President (two-year term) Jeffrey Knutson, 759 Glacier Road (inc.) Tara Sonneberg, 388 Park Ave. Trustee (three seats, two-year terms): Jay Baumann, 228 Third St. Edmund J Hill, 303 Sunset Drive (inc.) Tony Hopkins, 551 Kettle Woods Court Bob Rohde, 766 Glacier Road (inc.) Municipal judge (one seat, four-year term) Melissa B. Murray, 1065 Oak Circle (inc.) Village of Summit President (two-year term) Jack Riley, 35701 Whitaker Lane (inc.) Trustee (two seats, two-year terms) Sandy Casterline, 3215 N. DeKoven Drive (inc.) Kraig Arenz Sr., 1960 N. Golden Lake Road (inc.) Village of Wales Caucus on Jan. 7 President and three trustees up for election City of Delafield The City Clerks Office declined to provide home addresses for candidates. Aldermanic District No. 1 (two-year term) Doug Saloga Incumbent Jeff Krickhahn has not filed for re-election. Aldermanic District No. 3 (two-year term) Jackie Valde (inc.) Aldermanic District No. 5 (two-year term) Matt Grimmer (inc.) Aldermanic District No. 6 (one-year term) Kevin Maples (inc.) Aldermanic District No. 7 (two-year term) Tim Aicher (inc.) City of Oconomowoc Aldermanic District No. 1 (two-year term) Karen Spiegelberg, 559 Greenland Ave. (inc.) Aldermanic District No. 2 (two-year term) Lou Kowieski, 131 N. Locust St. (inc) Aldermanic District No. 3 (two-year term) Andy Rogers, 820 Byron Drive Incumbent Michael Miller has not filed for re-election. Aldermanic District No. 4 Kevin Ellis, 925 Autumn Ridge Drive (inc.) City of Pewaukee Mayor (two-year term) Steve Bierce (inc.) Aldermanic District 1 (one seat, two-year term) Ray Grosch, N29 W26628 Peterson Drive (inc.) Aldermanic District 2 (one seat, two-year term) Colleen Brown, N9 W27808 Woodridge Lane (inc.) Aldermanic District 3 (one seat, two-year term) Brian Dziwulski N24 W22637 Meadowood Lane (inc.) Municipal judge (one seat) John Fuchs (inc.) Paul Petterson Arrowhead School District Four seats Hartland-Lakeside seat (three-year term) Donna Beringer, N45 W28912 E. Capitol Drive, Hartland (inc.) Lake Country seat (two-year term) Darrell Beneker, N43 W33450 Glen View Court, Nashotah (inc.) North Lake seat (three-year term) Susan M. Schultz, N66 W30860 Red Fox Run, Hartland (inc.) Braden M. Pusch, W316 N8545 Sunset Way, Hartland Richmond seat (three-year term) Kent W. Rice, N47 W27010 Greenhill Drive, Pewaukee (inc.) Cindy Milgram, N48 W25291 Aberdeen Drive, Pewaukee Hartland-Lakeside Schools Three seats; two three-year terms, one one-year term Shannon Foley, W289 N4137 Farm Valley Court, Pewaukee (inc.) Ken Patterson, 108 Trails Edge Court, Hartland (inc.) Todd Nelson, W291 N3381 Summerhill Road, Pewaukee (inc.) Kettle Moraine Schools Two seats, three-year terms David Deaven, N2 W31952 Twin Oaks Drive, Delafield (inc.) David J. Zeier, N19 W29051 Golf Ridge N., Pewaukee (inc.) Lake Country School Three seats; two three-year terms and one one-year term Elizabeth Gould, 4006 Hickory Knoll Road, Hartland (inc.) Monique Henry, 2804 Burries Road, Hartland (inc.) Darrell Beneker, N43 W33450 Glen View Court, Nashotah (inc.) Merton Schools One seat, three-year term Katie Welnetz, W283 N6211 Hibritten Way (inc.) Andy Olson, W278 N6928 Leslie Lane North Lake School Two seats, three-year terms Marty Iverson, N73 W30491 Polo Court S. (inc.) John Marchek, W295 N8437 Camp Whitcomb Road (inc.) Oconomowoc Area Schools Two seats, three-year terms Kim Herro, N5391 Golden Lake Park Road (inc.) Scott Roehl, N7995 Green Tree Lane (inc.) Pewaukee Schools Three seats; two three-year terms and one two-year term John Blask, 1324 Hillwood Blvd. (inc.) Ann Wright, N33 W23855 Fieldside Road (inc.) Steve Dankert, 438 Majeskie Drive (inc.) Larry Taylor, N24 W26750 Accent Court Richmond School Three seats; two three-year terms and one two-year term Brian ODonnell, N51 W26895 Carlene Drive, Pewaukee (inc.) Michael Reagan, N60 W27161 Trappers Run, Sussex Adam Wozniak, N61 W26327 Bracklyn Drive, Sussex Incumbents Cindy Milgram and Victor Frangopoulos are not seeking re-election. Stone Bank School Three seats, two three-year terms and one one-year term Kurt A. Prange, W324 N5911 Road M, Nashotah (inc.) Cara Glatkowski, W328 N6363 Robin Lane, Nashotah (inc.) Jennifer Anderson Warwick, N84 W33137 Becker Lane Daniel Arnold, N67 W32397 Wildwood Point Road Swallow School Two seats; three-year terms Darin Clark, 1130 Four Winds Way, Hartland (inc.) John Huggett, 1201 Mary Hill Circle, Hartland Gregory Zimmerman, 1207 Mary Hill Circle, Hartland Incumbent Aaron Dentz is not seeking re-election. Read or Share this story: https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/lake-country/2019/01/07/municipal-school-candidates-spring-2019-election-lake-country/2500057002/ | https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/lake-country/2019/01/07/municipal-school-candidates-spring-2019-election-lake-country/2500057002/ |
Will DOJ side with defendants who want Supreme Court to kill M&A class actions? | (Reuters) - On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in Emulex v. Varjabedian, which revived a shareholder class action challenging the companys disclosures in connection with its 2015 acquisition by Avago Technologies, a Broadcom subsidiary. On its face, as my Reuters colleague Lawrence Hurley reported, the case presents the narrow question of whether shareholders suing over allegedly deficient tender offer disclosures must allege fraud, as most federal circuits have concluded, or just negligence, as the 9th Circuit held in its Emulex ruling. Emulexs lawyer, Gregory Garre of Latham & Watkins, hinted in his petition for certiorari that theres no such right in Section 14 of the Securities and Exchange Act, which regulates disclosures in proxy materials and tender offers. George Conway of Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz elaborated on that theme in a bold amicus brief for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that explicitly called on the Supreme Court to shut down shareholder class actions claiming tender offer disclosure violations. Listen to the On the Case podcast. That makes the Emulex case much more consequential than it would be if this were merely a fight over pleading standards. As you know, shareholder class actions challenging M&A deals have become a booming industry in federal court, after Delaware Chancery Court made it clear in late 2015 that its judges would no longer approve fees for M&A class action settlements that delivered only additional proxy disclosures to shareholders. Delawares crackdown pushed plaintiffs lawyers to federal court, where, in the last two years, theyve filed hundreds of securities class actions in the wake of merger announcements. Most of those cases end up being voluntarily dismissed in exchange for additional disclosures and a mootness fee for plaintiffs lawyers without meaningful litigation. In effect, defendants pay a fee to shareholder lawyers to police their disclosures in federal court. With Emulex now on the Supreme Courts docket, its going to be really, really interesting to see what the Trump administration has to say about shareholders right to bring these Section 14 class actions, known derisively as deal tax litigation. The Securities and Exchange Commission, as Ill explain, has a long history of backing private shareholder litigation to enforce securities laws, arguing time and again that private class actions bolster government enforcement. But backing an implied right of action in a statute that does not mention private shareholder suits would cut against the philosophy of the Trump Justice Department, especially when the business lobby contends that plaintiffs lawyers are abusing that private right of action. Typically, the SEC strongly influences the governments position in securities cases at the Supreme Court, even though the solicitor general represents the executive branch. In a case like Emulex, according to a lawyer familiar with the process, the SEC commissioners will typically vote on the agencys view of the issues after hearing from career lawyers. That formal vote is passed along to the solicitor general, who also hears from both sides before deciding what (if anything) the Justice Department will say in an amicus brief in the case. It would be quite unusual for the Justice Department to take a position contrary to the recommendation of the SEC commissioners, although we wont necessarily know about it because the SEC vote and the SGs deliberations are private. The SEC, as I mentioned, traditionally backs shareholders in securities class action disputes at the Supreme Court. In 2014s Halliburton v. Erica P. John Foundation, for instance, the Justice Department urged the justices to reaffirm the precedent that makes it possible for shareholders to sue as a class over fraudulent corporate representations. And lest you protest that Halliburton was litigated during a Democratic presidential administration, consider that the Justice Department previously sided with shareholders in the case that set the crucial precedent under scrutiny in Halliburton, 1988s Basic v. Levinson. That case was litigated when Ronald Reagan was president. In fact, the only example I found of the Justice Department backing a securities class action defendant in a major case at the Supreme Court was a 2004 amicus brief in Dura Pharmaceuticals v. Broudo, when the George W. Bush administration asked the justices to tighten the definition of loss causation. Interestingly, the government has previously take a stance on the private right of action under Section 14. Back in 1976, when the SEC used to file its own amicus briefs at the Supreme Court instead of being represented by the solicitor generals office, the SEC opined in Piper v. Chris-Craft Industries that Congress intended to give private parties a right to sue over misleading tender offer disclosures when lawmakers passed 1968 changes to the Securities and Exchange Act. Those changes, passed in response to a wave of abusive tender solicitations, anticipated enforcement by both the SEC and private parties, according to the SEC. Rarely is the commission in a position to take court action before it is not already too late to unscramble the eggs, the amicus brief said. On the other hand, the contestants who have a significant economic stake in the manner in which the contest is conducted also have the greatest incentive to detect violations and vigorously pursue remedies, all in furtherance of the purposes of the act. (The Supreme Court ended up siding against the plaintiff in the Christ-Craft case, finding that a spurned tender offerer does not have a right to sue under Section 14 but leaving open the question of whether shareholders can sue.) Of course, 1976 was a long time ago, and the Supreme Court, as the U.S. Chambers brief in the Emulex case argues, has become increasingly reluctant to discern an implied private right of action in statutes that dont specifically address suits by private plaintiffs. Conway told me he wouldnt be surprised if tension between the SECs history of backing securities plaintiffs and the solicitor generals reluctance to endorse an implied right of action leads the government to skip filing any amicus brief at all in the Emulex litigation. Id be surprised if the Justice Department sits on the sidelines of a major securities case. But DOJ didnt respond to my email query. Emulex counsel Garre declined to comment on DOJs potential involvement and shareholder counsel Daniel Geyser didnt get back to me. So well just have wait and see what, if anything, DOJ has to say. | https://www.reuters.com/article/otc-scotus-classaction-frankel/will-doj-side-with-defendants-who-want-supreme-court-to-kill-ma-class-actions-idUSKCN1P120N |
Will SC teachers walk out of school in 2019 over pay issue? | A growing number of S.C. teachers warn they will walk off the job unless legislators raise their pay and pass reforms removing burdens in the classroom in the General Assembly session that starts Tuesday. But another bloc of teachers worries the threat of a walkout could torpedo efforts to pass K-12 reforms at the State House. In my two decades in the classroom, there has never been a legislative session where, going into it, teachers are as engaged as they are now, said River Bluff High School teacher Mike Burgess. (But) it would be premature to immediately go straight to a walk out. However, a once-small group of teachers rapidly emerging as a power is threatening a walkout and finding support. Digital Access for only $0.99 For the most comprehensive local coverage, subscribe today. In a conference call last week, representatives of SCforED spoke with teachers who have gone on strike elsewhere, said Lisa Ellis, founder of the teachers group. For example, West Virginia teachers walked out last year for almost two weeks and, afterward, were given a 5 percent raise. The grassroots group also recently took to Twitter, sharing news articles, photos and videos about teacher strikes in Los Angeles. Via Twitter and through its a closed Facebook group with 19,000-plus members, SCforED also has asked teachers to wear red to the Governors Mansion Wednesday, hours after Gov. Henry McMaster takes the oath of office for a four-year term. The group also has proclaimed Jan. 29 as Lobby Day, calling on teachers to leave work and lobby legislators. SCforED is calling for 20 percent raises for teachers, far more than the 5 percent the group previously supported. A 5 percent raise also has been endorsed by the state Education Department and two other teachers groups the Palmetto State Teachers Association and S.C. Education Association. We recognize were not policymakers, SCforEDs Ellis said. Were not people who know the ins and outs (of the Legislature). Were teachers. But, we are of the mindset that ... whats worked in the past is not working, so we need to do something that catches peoples attention. Education reform is set to be the top priority for the states 170 legislators in this years session. Powerful House Speaker Jay Lucas, R-Darlington, is drafting a K-12 reform plan that will address school funding and policy. Meanwhile, Republican McMaster is planning to make education a focus of his State of the State address and executive budget, both this month. At the State House, lawmakers and some education advocates have advised teachers to let the legislative process play itself out before walking out. I understand the frustration from teachers, said Kathy Maness, a former teacher who now is the head of the Palmetto State Teachers group. But, before theres a walk out, teachers need to make sure they make those personal contacts. Make calls. Write letters. Invite House and Senate members to their classroom. (The first contact) should not be on the State House steps or the lobby of the General Assembly. The state Education Department says it wants teachers involved in the reform efforts. Obviously, we want teachers in the classroom teaching the students, said Education Department spokesman Ryan Brown. They want that as well. Rather than act in a defiant way, wed like teachers to act in an advocacy role, along with us. Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, R-Edgefield, agrees. What Ive found up here (in Columbia) is that threats and taking that type of adversarial approach do not lead to the results that you want to get in the end, he said. We need as many well-intentioned people at the table to address them. But at least one lawmaker said she would support teachers walking out, even standing with them on the State House steps. Weve got to take off the rose-colored glasses and be real here, said state Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg. I dont see us doing anything without force being applied. | https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/state/south-carolina/article223819175.html |
What's next for four teams eliminated in NFL playoffs' wild-card round? | CLOSE SportsPulse: USA TODAY Sports' Lorenzo Reyes gives us one key for every wild card winner if they want to advance even further in the playoffs. USA TODAY Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) drops back to pass before the game Los Angeles Chargers in a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Photo: Tommy Gilligan, USA TODAY Sports) Four more teams met their end in the NFLs wild-card round of the playoffs this weekend. Now, the Ravens, Texans, Seahawks and Bears all head for the offseason. All four reached the postseason this year after failing to do so last season, and each franchise has a chance to build on their now completed campaigns. But they must learn from the mistakes that cost them a chance to advance to the divisional round. Here are some of the most important lessons each defeat provided these four squads this weekend. Ravens John Harbaugh did the right, albeit unpopular, thing in sticking with Lamar Jackson despite the offense's struggles for three quarters in a 23-17 loss to the Chargers. The Ravens' line played so poorly (surrendering seven sacks and paving the way for only 90 rushing yards) that although Joe Flacco may be a more adept passer than Jackson at this point, he wouldn't have had any more time to operate. The rookie had earned the right to remain in the game after sparking the Ravens midseason turnaround and getting this team into the playoffs. He must learn to protect the ball better after fumbling three times, but one of the biggest lessons is for Baltimores coaches. The Chargers were intent on neutralizing Jackson and the run after losing to Baltimore two weeks earlier. Gus Bradley got more speed on the field by replacing his linebackers with defensive backs, and the tactic worked. Meanwhile, Baltimores coaches didnt appear to come into that game with a different plan from the first meeting, and it took far too long for them to adapt. Not until the fourth quarter did they utilize a jumbo package to take advantage of Los Angeles' smaller lineup and also offer more pass protection. And the Ravens didnt start attacking downfield until well into the second half. After just 17 passing yards in the first half, Jackson notched 177 yards and two touchdown passes in the final two quarters. In his seven regular-season games as a starter, Jackson obviously displayed great running ability, but he made enough impressive throws to indicate that he was capable of more under offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg. Now in Year 2, its on his coaches to further develop him and better equip him to succeed while Ravens brass upgrades the rest of the offense. Bears A fantastic defense and a year of significant growth from quarterback Mitchell Trubisky paved the way for an NFC North title and playoff appearance in Matt Nagys first season. But it all came to a crushing end with a blocked field goal by Cody Parkey. The immediate reaction from many is that the Bears need to upgrade at kicker. Parkey struggled this season, making just 76.7 percent of his field goals (ranking 28th in the NFL). But the Bears shouldnt have let it come down to that. Their offense must capitalize more consistently. Two takeaways resulted in just three points, and only one of Chicago's three red-zone three trips yielded a touchdown. Texans Deshaun Watson shined in his return from the torn ACL that cut his rookie season short. But the Texans success came to a screeching halt in a lopsided defeat to the AFC South rival Colts. Its clear that Houston needs to do more to support Watson. He was sacked three times (and a league-high 62 times this season). Houstons need for offensive line upgrades was evident as Indianapolis harassed Watson throughout the game and sacked him three times. Additional offensive weapons and a bolstering of the secondary also are needed. The Texans cant make the mistake of counting on Watsons superb abilities to mask their deficiencies. Seahawks Pete Carroll and Brian Schottenheimer might not admit it publicly, and the coach described any criticism of his offensive coordinator as garbage, but both men should have remorse about the lack of flexibility they displayed in Seattles 24-22 loss to Dallas. Its fine that the Seahawks' identity is centered on their ability to run the football. But a team has to be able to adjust. The Cowboys defense limited Seattle to just 73 rushing yards and one touchdown on 24 attempts. The Seahawks consistently faced third-and-long situations, managing just a 2-for-13 conversion rate and just 11 total first downs. It took too long for the coaches to figure out that they needed to attack the Cowboys through the air. Had they done so sooner, that would have forced Dallas to back off some and then paved the way for more success on the ground. Wilson certainly is capable of capitalizing on downfield strikes, so his coaches erred in this area. In addition to expanding the playbook this offseason, the Seahawks should make it a priority to give Wilson some more weapons. Follow Mike Jones on Twitter @ByMikeJones. | https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/mike-jones/2019/01/07/nfl-playoffs-ravens-bears-texans-seahawks/2506615002/ |
Will Caterpillar Raise Its Dividend in 2019? | 2018 was a tough year for heavy-equipment manufacturer Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT). Despite strong economic conditions in its home market, Caterpillar struggled from a combination of weaker economies abroad and the negative impact of trade tensions between the U.S. and key trading partners, especially China. The result was a nearly 20% decline in the machinery giant's share price for the year. Yet dividend investors still have a lot to like about Caterpillar. With a solid dividend yield and a streak of dividend growth that hit the 25-year mark during 2018, many investors see Caterpillar as a great way to get healthy amounts of income that are likely to increase over the long run. Below, we'll take a closer look at Caterpillar to see whether investors should prepare for tougher times. Dividend stats on Caterpillar Current Quarterly Dividend Per Share $0.86 Current Yield 2.7% Number of Consecutive Years With Dividend Increases 25 years Payout Ratio 55% Last Increase July 2018 Data source: Yahoo! Finance. Last increase refers to ex-dividend date. A catch-up year for Caterpillar's dividend Caterpillar's yield got a nice bounce over the past year, rising from roughly 2.3% this time last year to about 2.7% today. That came about as a result of two things: the drop in Caterpillar's share price, and the annual boost it made to its dividend payment around midyear. For most shareholders, Caterpillar's woes throughout the year were depressing. After such a long economic expansion in the U.S., many investors focused on the potential for a reversal in Caterpillar's economic fortunes as a reason to get rid of the stock. Long-term investors in the equipment company understand that in a cyclical business, even what seems to be a rock-bottom valuation can be misleading, especially if earnings are artificially inflated during good times and then see significant drops when tougher times emerge. A row of Caterpillar engines in a factory environment attached to piping. More Image source: Caterpillar. Yet the good news for income investors was that Caterpillar returned to a more typical level of dividend growth during the past year. After enduring its last cyclical downturn in the mid-2010s, the heavy-equipment maker responded by limiting its dividend hikes to the greatest extent possible while still technically maintaining its streak of annual dividend increases. That included just a $0.01-per-share boost in 2017. But in 2018, Caterpillar gave shareholders a hike of more than 10%, resulting in the current $0.86-per-share quarterly payout. | https://news.yahoo.com/caterpillar-raise-dividend-2019-220300516.html |
Did 'Modern Family' star Sarah Hyland have a nip slip ahead of the 2019 Golden Globes? | Sarah Hyland was one of the many celebrities to attend the 2019 Golden Globes Sunday evening. Rocking a low-cut long-sleeved dress paired with strappy silver heels, the "Modern Family" star made her way through the Beverly Hilton hitting up several after parties including HBO's soiree, as well as the InStyle and Warner Bros. event with her boyfriend Wells Adams. However, as first pointed out by Us Weekly, it seems as if Hyland might have shared a little more than she intended to in the hours leading up to the parties. In one of her Instagram Story photos, the star who is seen happily posing next to Adams appears from the camera's angle to have suffered a nip slip. One social media user also tweeted about Hyland's low-cut look while she was giving an interview on the HBO red carpet. "Ummm... unfortunate angle! It looks like the star from the Access microphone is a censor covering a nip slip! @Sarah_Hyland #ROTFL," the person wrote. Despite her accidental wardrobe malfunction, the 28-year-old actress appeared to have a blast at Hollywood's prom, sharing photos throughout the night on her social media. | https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/did-modern-family-star-sarah-hyland-have-a-nip-slip-ahead-of-the-2019-golden-globes |
Are Hedge Fund Dollar Store Dreams A Mirage? | At least a half dozen and counting when it comes to Family Dollar, which was taken over in mid-2015 after the scion of company founder Leon Levine warded off a who's who in activist hedge funds and a found a savior in acquirer Dollar Tree. However, due to years of continued challenges in Family Dollar's stores, it is white knight Dollar Tree that has seen its stock stagnate and attract powerful activists who are now calling for a demerger. Here's the rub: The obsession hedge funds seem to have for struggling dollar stores may be little more than a mirage. If Dollar Tree does decide to rid itself of Family Dollar--likely at a lower value than the near $9 billion in cash and stock it paidthe maneuver may prove just how counterproductive the meddling was. After all, Dollar Tree's struggles in digesting Family Dollar may have created a good entry point for hedge fund investors like Carl Icahn and Jeffrey Smith of Starboard Value. On Monday, Starboard Value disclosed a 1.7% stake in Dollar Tree and an 11-page letter calling for a shakeup of the company's board, a sale of Family Dollar, and the implementation of a multi-price strategy at its stores, putting wares above $1 apiece. Family Dollar's issues are apparent and there is some meritalbeit with considerable riskto Starboard's Dollar Tree pricing recommendations, however, it is the hedge fund's competitors in the private equity industry who may uncover the most opportunity. Family Dollar's Wall Street saga began in earnest in the early days of the current economic recovery. At that time, private equity giant KKR & Co. was exiting its surprisingly successful 2007 takeover and revamp of Dollar General and others on Wall Street were looking to replicate the windfall by targeting Family Dollar, the weakest among America's big publicly traded dollar store giants. In 2007, KKR led a $7.3 leveraged buyout of Dollar General. While other large LBO deals languished or went belly up during the ensuing recession, its dollar store gambit thrived as consumers reacted to the crisis by trading down to dollar stores. When KKR re-listed Dollar General on public markets in 2009, it recorded a multi-billion dollar profit and eventually a fivefold return, according to reports. To replicate this dollar store success, in mid-2010 activist fund Trian Partners assembled a large stake in Family Dollar and within a year offered as much as $7.6 billion to take the company private. Though the deal never happened, Family Dollar added Trian's Ed Garden to its board of directors in 2011. A year later, Pershing Square's Bill Ackman built a large position and began speculating on whether Dollar General would look to buy the business. Billionaire John Paulson, famous for his 'big short' of the U.S. housing market, was also a large investor post-crisis and a proponent of a company sale, according to a Bloomberg report. In mid-2014, the pressure mounted when billionaire Carl Icahn built a near 10% position in the company and called for its immediate sale, preferably to Dollar General. Instead, Family Dollar and its CEO Howard Levine decided to sell to Dollar Tree in a hurried process that allowed the company to retain its brand. Dollar General, then run by Rick Dreiling, the executor of its amazing turnaround under KKR, then entered the fray with an unsolicited offer in mid-2014. By the fall, a new activist, Elliott Management, joined in with a large stake and sharp critique of the whole sale process. It meant a half dozen of Wall Street's most recognizable investors had all gnawed over the same bone. Dollar General's hostile offer didn't get far because the Federal Trade Commission called for thousands of store divestitures in the proposed merger, rendering it uneconomic. When Dollar Tree instead sealed the deal with Family Dollar, Dreiling had this to say about the outcome: Todays vote is a loss not only for Family Dollar shareholders, but also for consumers across the country who will not have the opportunity to benefit from the cost savings and efficiencies that we believe would have been created by a merger between Dollar General and Family Dollar." Dollar Stores On The Rise As The Erosion Of The Middle Class Continues Getty Images It seems Dreiling, who retired from Dollar General in 2015 and is now chairman of Lowe's, was right on the money. So too were Icahn and Elliott who foresaw that Dollar Tree was a sub-par buyer. The merger has been a failure. Starboard points out that before the acquisition, Family Dollar same store sales were growing modestly and now they're contracting. Meanwhile, operating margins have compressed nearly a percentage point, despite years' of effort aimed at increasing efficiency. Dollar Tree's shares have suffered as a result of the growth and profit shortfall, lagging Dollar General by 20% since the Family Dollar deal closed in July 2015, per Starboard's calculations. "Dollar Tree significantly overpaid for Family Dollar, and this business is proving to be a meaningful distraction," says the activist fund in its letter and adding, "While we understand that the Company is confident in the accelerated renovation plan, rather than allowing the distraction of Family Dollar to continue to fester, draw significant resources, and adversely impact the Company, we believe Dollar Tree should explore all strategic alternatives for Family Dollar, including a sale of the business." Even if Dollar Tree sells Family Dollar, Starboard would also like the company to consider abandoning its peg to the dollar. While this proposal sounds like a sea change, dollar store competitors like Dollarama in Canada, 99-Cent Only, and Dollar General have long abandoned the pricing gimmick. Starboard isn't alone in its criticisms. Carl Icahn, the prime agent of Family Dollar's sale, has amassed a large position in Dollar Tree. Perhaps, others familiar to the saga will re-enter the situation now that the critics are re-energized. Though far from catering to the 1%, dollar stores are in some respects a fitting target of hedge funds. They're in the cyclical business of retail and they generally benefit from rising consumer spending. But as the low price retailer in most parts of the country, especially rural Amazon-proof markets, they have a built in hedge if economic circumstances change. Take the header on the release of Dollar Tree's 2008 financial results, published in February 2009 as markets were plunging and the unemployment rate surged above 10%: Dollar Tree, Inc. Reports Record Earnings per Share Fourth Quarter 2008 Earnings per Share Increase 10.6%, To $1.15 Fiscal Year 2008 Earnings per Share Increase 21.1%, To $2.53. If the U.S. is again poised to enter hard times, history indicates Icahn and Starboard's Jeffrey Smith may have a good trade on their hands. However, there are reasons to be skeptical. Same store sales aren't just stagnating for ailing Family Dollar, they are also decelerating at Dollar Tree and Dollar General and recently caused both to cut their full-year guidance. In Canada, dollar store superstar Dollarama has fallen by nearly half since September, and was recently critiqued by short seller Spruce Point. Compounding these decelerating sales figures are surging freight costs due to trucking shortages and e-commerce market share gains. These worrisome fundamentals, combined with a potentially turning economy, make for a risky backdrop to implement dramatic pricing changes, as Starboard proposes. If Dollar Tree does rid itself of Family Dollar, it seems unlikely to do so via a spinoff. After all, Family Dollar same store sales are already falling and a separation may be even more destabilizing. Worse yet, Dollar Tree is still saddled with the debt it took out to buy Family Dollar. After suspending stock buybacks to help finance the 2015 deal, Dollar Tree's only just returned to investment grade status, owning BBB- and Baa3 ratings from S&P global and Moody's, respectively. Dollar Tree is in an increasingly tough place, unlikely to sell Family Dollar to its largest competitor, Dollar General. Nevertheless, investors are starting to call time on the integration despite heavy investment in upgrading Family Dollar's IT systems, logistics and supply chain. This, in addition to the fact that the Family Dollar brand has remained intact, all points to upside for a potential PE buyer. It's all a tried and true recipe for a large dollar private equity carve out, in the vein of KKR's successful Dollar General takeover. "Given the [Family Dollar] banner's scale in a highly attractive channel and its strong free cash flow, we believe private equity, much like it did in 2015, would have genuine interest," said Jefferies analyst Christopher Mandeville in a Monday note. Of course, a private equity acquisition of Family Dollar will be a bit of a disappointment for all of the big name activist funds who have toyed with the company for nearly a decade. Dollar Tree would likely use proceeds to pay down debt and perhaps begin buying back stock using its existing $1 billion authorization, a somewhat unexciting outcome. While Dollar Tree plans to resist Starboard's call to replace its board, the company seems to have a more open mind to the proposals the activist fund laid out in its letter. "We look forward to the opportunity to engage with Starboard regarding any suggestions they may have, and we will continue to stay close to our shareholders on matters of importance to them and keep taking actions to drive shareholder value," the company said. It has hired JPMorgan as a financial advisor. Perhaps none. But it may take just one private equity giant. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/antoinegara/2019/01/07/are-hedge-fund-dollar-store-dreams-a-mirage/ |
Who are the key SC players in the K-12 education debate? | Overhauling South Carolinas K-12 education system is expected to be the General Assemblys top priority when legislators return to Columbia Tuesday for the start of a two-year-long session. Here is a look at some of the key players in the education debate: 1. House Speaker Jay Lucas, R-Darlington Few in the debate will carry as much weight as Lucas, who is working on comprehensive reform proposal that will address K-12 spending and policy, said chief of staff Michael Anzelmo. Details have not been publicly released. But Lucas has met with Republican Gov. Henry McMaster and House Ways and Means Committee chairman Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, who now leads the states powerful budget-writing committee. Digital Access for only $0.99 For the most comprehensive local coverage, subscribe today. 2. Gov. Henry McMaster, R-Columbia Having the governor in your corner to push reform will prove important in the General Assembly. McMaster is expected to make education a focus of his State of the State address and executive budget, both later his month, spokesman Brian Symmes said. 3. The states more than 53,000 K-12 teachers: Teachers say they will make sure S.C. lawmakers hear them this session. After watching teachers walk off the job in other red states last year, S.C. teachers say they want lawmakers to take them seriously increasing their pay and removing classroom burdens. That effort has been helped by the creation of a new group, SCforEd, which has built a large social media following. 4. S.C. schools Superintendent Molly Spearman, R-Saluda: Spearman has asked lawmakers to spend close to $155 million to pay for a 5 percent raise for teachers, bringing them to the Southeastern average. Spearman, a former state representative, has sway with Gov. McMaster, who asked her to play a role in his campaign last year. 5. State Rep. Rita Allison, R-Spartanburg, and state Sen. Greg Hembree, R-Horry The respective chairs of the House and Senate education panels will be charged with passing any education reform proposal. Allisons committee will review Lucas plan. But Hembree will be tasked with building consensus among senators. | https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/state/south-carolina/article224021465.html |
Why is The Bachelor obsessed with virginity? | This past summer, Ashley Iaconetti and her mother were watching "The Bachelorette" when one of the contestants, 26-year-old Colton Underwood, announced that he was a virgin. The Bachelorette was surprised - and so was Ashley's mom. "There's no way he's a virgin," Ashley recalls her mother saying of the former professional football player. Many people think of male virgins as dorky and bumbling with women, while Colton resembles a confident Ken doll come to life. Ashley had also been open about her virginity while competing on "The Bachelor" and "Bachelor in Paradise" in her late 20s, so she was disappointed that her own mother didn't believe Colton. She remembers saying, "How could you say that when you birthed me?" Now, Colton's lack of sexual experience is returning to prime time. He's this season's lead on ABC's "The Bachelor," which premieres Monday night. And a lot of viewers at home will likely be also saying: There's no way he's a virgin. Well, there is a way - and ABC won't let us forget it for a moment. The season's trailer shows female contestants wondering why he's a virgin and joking about taking his "V card." This season's tagline: "What does he have to lose?" An Entertainment Weekly report from Bachelor mansion describes the shows' producers and contestants constantly bringing it up. On night one, a woman introduces herself while dressed a sloth costume, saying: "I . . . heard . . . you . . . like . . . to . . . take . . . things . . . slow." Groan. Advertisement Colton Underwood burst onto the scene during season 14 of The Bachelorette. It was his good looks, love for dogs and vulnerability that charmed. Photo / Getty Conversations with past Bachelor Nation virgins reveal that the reality show and its spin-offs often use wholesome things - such as virginity and the search for a husband and wife - as ways to talk about the more titillating aspects of dating, in ways that can feel exploitative. "The Bachelor," in its first season with a virgin in the main role, seems poised to focus on sex in every episode, and could end up feeling sleazier than ever. "It's so bizarre that they focus on it," Ashley says in a phone interview. "There's a virgin every other season. Is that really so rare that it's fascinating?" Among young millennials like Ashley, who's now 30 and engaged, abstaining from sex isn't that rare. A recent study shows that, among 20- to 24-year-olds, 15 percent say they haven't had sex since turning 18 - more than twice the share that it was in the 1990s. Suzannah Showler, author of the book "Most Dramatic Ever: The Bachelor," sees something crass in "The Bachelor's" obsession with Colton's virginity. Viewers "might not notice the offering up of someone's virginity up as a prize in a game show, but that is what is happening," she said in a phone interview. Colton Underwood visits Universal Studios Hollywood on August 8, 2018 in Universal City, California. Photo / Getty Former Bachelor Nation contestants who were openly virgins say that immediately became their story line. Ryan Hoag, who competed on DeAnna Pappas's 2008 season of "The Bachelorette," wrote in an email that every interview he did on the show "dealt with my virginity" and that he was constantly prodded to talk about it with other cast members and DeAnna, in ways that often felt forced. "The reason I didn't last on the show was because I refused to say what they asked me to say or do what they wanted me to do," Hoag writes. "They typecast you and if you fulfill your character, you stay around." Christen Whitney, a 2017 contestant, recalls being prodded by producers to discuss her virginity with Bachelor Nick Viall sooner than she was ready to reveal it. "They were always encouraging me to bring it up with Nick, but at the end of the day I was able to say: No, this is absurd," Whitney says in a phone interview. "I would never bring this up on a first date, and he's not bringing up with me his sexual past." After that, Whitney says, the subject was "more or less dropped." She lasted just three weeks on the show and later went on "Bachelor in Paradise," where her virginity was part of her intro but wasn't discussed much, she says. Sadie Murray, the runner-up on the 2007 season, wasn't too bothered by producers telling her to discuss her faith and her virginity with Bachelor Lorenzo Borghese. Sometimes she declined, but eventually she told Lorenzo, noting that "it didn't matter to him at all. I think it mattered more to the show," she says. "You don't realize that will be your only story line when you're giving the one-on-one interviews" with producers, Murray says. "It was clearly part of my story, and why wouldn't it be?" Murray adds. "It's a show and there has to be different characters: She's the crazy cowgirl. She's the loud mouth. She's the slutty girl. I just happened to be the virgin." (Warner Bros., the show's production company, did not respond to a request for comment on how the show treats virginity.) The moment of reveal can be teased out for several episodes. When Colton finally told Becca last season, another contestant referred to it as a "skeleton in the closet," which rubbed Ashley the wrong way. "I don't like the way that they always have to make the virgin revealing their virginity as like this dark thing that is a turnoff for people," Ashley said on an episode of her podcast this summer. "The Bachelor" has a tradition of talking about sex by not talking about it. The lead dates multiple women - and meets several women's families - while trying to determine who's "here for the right reasons" (read: love and marriage) versus "the wrong" ones (a quick romp or fame). Then the final two or three advance to the Fantasy Suite, for some "off-camera time." In the Fantasy Suite a Bachelor or Bachelorette can sleep with none or all of his or her finalists. But unless someone (ahem, Nick Viall) explicitly brings up sex when the cameras are rolling again, viewers at home don't necessarily find out what happens off-camera. Unless a contestant is a virgin. Then that choice is vaunted into the category of: Information the Bachelor Must Know. And viewers wait to see if this makes a person too inexperienced to get engaged. In the same way that contestants who lead with their sexuality are questioned as to their sincerity and readiness for marriage, virginity is cast as a red flag or an "obstacle to overcome." Showler, the author, says that the casting of Colton raises provocative questions, as anyone crowned as the Bachelor is supposed to be seen as the ultimate available person. "What does it mean that in 2019 that is somebody who hasn't had sex?" she asks. "Is a virgin the new ultimate male?" More than a year into the #MeToo era, it's a timely question. Especially a TV series that has had its own controversies surrounding consent. In 2017, its "Bachelor in Paradise" spinoff briefly halted filming after an investigation into alleged misconduct between two contestants. Warner Bros. found that no misconduct had occurred but set a limit for contestants of two alcoholic beverages per hour. On the 2018 season of "The Bachelorette," one cast member was found to have been convicted of indecent assault and battery, after groping a woman on a harbor cruise in 2016. Former contestants say there's another positive potential in the show harping on one man's lack of sexual experience: It could challenge preconceived notions of what a virgin looks like. ABC and Judd Apatow recently shared revised versions of the movie poster for the 2005 comedy "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," pasting an image of hunky Colton where a nerdy Steve Carrell used to be. Christen, who on the show was abstaining from sex for religious reasons, notes that in pop culture, virgins are usually portrayed as "super-insecure" (and that guys get judged even harsher than women do). "But I think it's the opposite," she says. "It takes a lot of confidence and security to make a decision and stick with it." For Ashley and Colton, the decision to wait hasn't been linked to religion. It's more about wanting to be in a strong committed relationship before taking that leap. "I'm not waiting for marriage," Colton told Bachelorette Becca Kufrin during a one-on-one date. "I'm waiting for the right heart." Though Colton now sounds confident in that decision to wait, he hasn't always. During last season's "Men Tell All" episode, Colton described once feeling ashamed of his lack of experience. "I feel like people think I'm less of a man because of that, and that's the hardest thing for me to hear," Colton said, his voice breaking. In the four years since she first discussed her virginity on the 2015 season of "The Bachelor," Ashley has had to deal with her own accusations of: Virgins don't look like that. Virgins don't kiss like that. But she's also had heartwarming experiences of young women reaching out via social media and in real life to say: Hey, thanks for making me feel normal. Now that a man is owning his decision to wait, Ashley thinks Colton could have a similar effect on men, who might think to themselves: "This really hot guy is also a virgin, so why would I feel behind or like I'm missing out?" She adds, "He's really making virgins cool." | https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=12187114 |
Did Freddie Kitchens convince the Browns hes their next head coach in his interview Monday? | CLEVELAND, Ohio A funny thing happened to Freddie Kitchens on his way to proving to the world that he could call plays in the NFL and knock it out of the park. He overshot it a little bit and became a legitimate head coach candidate for the Browns. Kitchens, 44, interviewed with the Browns Monday for their head coach vacancy. The seventh candidate interviewed, hell have a chance to convince the Browns he deserves to be their ninth full-time head coach in the expansion era. Critics argue that Kitchens, who started out the season here as running backs coach/associate head coach, isnt ready to be a head coach, but he begged to differ last month in one of his weekly press conferences. I mean, who the hells ready to be a head coach,'' he said. Kitchens is right, of course. Plenty of NFL coaches have been successful in their first seasons despite little evidence they would be. When the Rams hired Sean McVay in 2017 the youngest head coach in the NFL at the age of 30 he hadnt even called played in his two seasons as Redskins coordinator under Jay Gruden from 2014-16. It didnt stop McVay from going 11-5, winning an NFC West title and being voted AP NFL Coach of the Year. When the Bears took a leap of faith on Matt Nagy this season, he had only called plays for six games as coordinator under Chiefs coach Andy Reid. Again, it didnt stop him from going 12-4 this season, and if not for a blocked field goal in Sundays 16-15 loss to the Eagles, hed be facing the Saints in the NFC Divisional round this weekend. After taking over midway through the season when Hue Jackson and Todd Haley were fired, Kitchens established himself as an effective, innovative, aggressive play caller who could get the most out of Baker Mayfield and keep him upright. He embraced offensive concepts old and new, including the wishbone and the spread. In the first eight games of the season with Haley calling the plays, Mayfield went 1-4 with eight touchdowns and six interceptions. He completed 58.3 percent of his attempts for 1,471 yards and was sacked 20 times. The Browns averaged 21 points in those games and scored 18 points or less on four occasions despite a boatload of takeaways In the last eight games under Kitchens, he went 5-3, with 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He completed 68.4 percent of his passes for 2,254 yards and was sacked only five times. The Browns averaged 24 points in those games, and scored 18 points or less on only two occasions. The Browns, however, faced some of the worst-ranked defenses in that span, including those that were 28th, 31st, 32nd and 32nd. They also failed to beat a winning team in those games. But the Browns were so intent on keeping Kitchens in some capacity that theyve blocked other NFL teams from interviewing him for their offensive coordinator positions. In addition, he received rave reviews from national football experts and analysts, including NBC Sports Peter King. Kitchens sounds exactly like the kind of coach teams in a coaching search should investigate, King wrote in his Football Morning in America Column. Everyones looking for the next (Sean) Payton, the next Sean McVay. Could it be the barrel-chested Alabamian who, despite never having been a coordinator before, has turned the Cleveland offense into must-see TV in his seven weeks on the job? Kitchens, who bonded with Mayfield and developed a mutual trust with him, stressed last month that he definitely, no doubt wants to be a head coach and would love it to be here. I like it here and I like it here a lot, and everybody around here knows that I like it here, said Kitchens. I love the town of Cleveland. Cleveland and I get along well. I didnt have a starting point in this league. I didnt have a dad as coach in the league. I grew up the son of a tire maker at Goodyear Tire and Rubber plant in Gadsden, Alabama. Benjamin E. Mays said those who start behind in the game of life must run faster to catch up, and I feel like Ive been running fast my whole life. And thats the way its going to continue, so whether its here or what, Im just here to do a job right now, this week and this year. McCarthy is on hold for now, per report Dorsey was been impressed with Kitchens eight-game on-the-job interview. Hes moved the ball, Dorsey said. Hes gotten the ball out of the quarterbacks hands quicker. Hes put some flair and different route combinations together that help out the quarterback. Overall, hes kind of moved the bar on the offensive side of the ball. He also praised his play calling ability, something Kitchens had never done before except in the Browns' fourth preseason game against the Lions. Ive always said play calling is an art, not a true science, said Dorsey. You have to feel the moment. I think Freddie has a good feel for that type of thing. What wed like to do is learn a little bit more about Freddie. That is why we are going to sit there and talk to him. Kitchens resume is also impressive. He played quarterback for three seasons at Alabama under Gene Stallings, and understands the position. Hes also worked for some of the brightest minds in football, serving as a grad assistant under Nick Saban at LSU in 2000, and coaching tight ends for the Cowboys under Bill Parcells in 2006. He spent 11 years in Arizona working under Ken Whisenhunt and Bruce Arians, spending four seasons coaching quarterback Carson Palmer. Under Kitchens tutelage, Palmer set multiple single-season team records, including passing yards (4,671), touchdown passes (35), and passer rating (104.6). Arians thinks so much of Kitchens that he recently told NFL Network that hed keep him on as offensive coordinator if he got the Browns job. Instead, Arians is a frontrunner for the Bucs job. Why the Saints' Dan Campbell should be a leading contender for the Browns head coach vacancy If Kitchens doesnt get the Browns head coach job, theyll strongly recommend him to the new head coach as coordinator, especially if its a defensive coach. The first six candidates interviewed were interim coach Gregg Williams, former Colts and Lions coach Jim Caldwell, former Vikings interim offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski, Saints assistant head coach/tight ends coach Dan Campbell, Patriots defensive coordinator Brian Flores, and Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. Kitchens might also pair well with Campbell, whos also a Parcells disciple, and would likely hire someone to call the plays. The Browns' in-house search committee, according to ESPNs Adam Schefter, includes owner Jimmy Haslam, Executive Vice President JW Johnson, Dorsey, assistant GM Eliot Wolf, Chief Strategy Officer Paul DePodesta, Vice President of Player Personnel Andrew Berry. A source said that list, which excludes Vice President of Player Personnel Alonzo Highsmith, is incomplete. | https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2019/01/did-freddie-kitchens-prove-to-the-browns-hes-their-next-head-coach.html |
How should the administration proceed after North Korea's nuclear test? | This is a rush transcript from "Special Report," January 6, 2016. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) BILL CLINTON, FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT: North Korea will freeze and then dismantle its nuclear program. Only as it does so, will North Korea fully join the community of nations. GEORGE W. BUSH, FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT: The North Korean regime will find respect in the world and revival for its people only when it turns away from its nuclear ambitions. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: North Korea's continued pursuit of nuclear weapons is a path that leads only to more isolation. It's not a sign of strength. UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (via translator): As of today, January 2016, at 10:00 a.m., North Korea's first hydrogen bomb test was successfully conducted. JOSH EARNEST, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: The initial analysis that's been conducted of the events that were reported overnight is not consistent with North Korean claims of a successful hydrogen bomb test. (END VIDEO CLIP) BRET BAIER, HOST: Long history of North Korea, provocation against the U.S., against the world. Now they say they have a hydrogen bomb. A quick brief history here on the -- what North Korea has done with its nuclear program. Admits, first acknowledges it had a secret program in 2002, conducted its first underground test, 2006, second test after walking away from talks, 2009. In 2013, third test using what it called a miniaturized nuclear device, and then January, just this past couple of days, North Korea claiming it has successfully tested a hydrogen bomb. Let's bring in our panel, Charles Lane, opinion writer for the Washington Post, editor in chief of Lifezette, Laura Ingraham, and syndicated columnist Charles Krauthammer. CHARLES LANE, OPINION WRITER, "WASHINGTON POST": Well, this turn of events is a reminder for those who believe you can talk regimes like this out of their nuclear weapons that history has not been terribly kind to that proposition. North Korea has been sort of fiddling with one American administration after another, starting way back really with the George H. W. Bush administration, which was the one that withdrew the U.S. nuclear weapons from South Korea in an effort to win some kind of reciprocity from the North in the first place. And President Obama has treated the problem I think with what could be called benign neglect, basically staying away from and in a way hoping it would all go away or that China would somehow take care of it. And now we're stuck with this. It doesn't sound like they actually exploded a hydrogen bomb. We don't know, but the evidence that's coming out makes me skeptical. But what's revealing here is they think it is in their interests to claim that they're doing so. And they obviously are trying to see what the reaction of the various players in the region will be and then how they can use -- exploit that reaction to play these countries one off against the other. BAIER: Laura, as Chuck mentions, multiple administrations are culpable here about North Korea. But the Obama administration really has not talked about this at all and did not put any pressure on China, which is the lynchpin when it comes to North Korea. LAURA INGRAHAM, EDITOR IN CHIEF, LIFEZETTE.COM: I remember, I think it was 1993, Madeline Albright clinking champagne glasses with Kim Jong-il, and there was a great breakthrough which of course completely collapsed. This has happened time and again. We have to look at this in context with what's happened over the past 10-15 years over multiple administrations. Bipartisan blame I think goes to our neglect of Asia. We never pivoted to Asia in this administration. However, we have spent trillions of dollars and gotten ourselves trillions of dollars in debt and we have become weaker and weaker and weaker in Asia, being able to influence world events in Asia. We obviously are almost singularly focused on Middle East and Asia gets neglected. I think we have to look at our economic policy, look at our attraction and affection for globalism, because we have seen America's position in the world erode as our financial standing has eroded. So taking care of business at home, shoring us up would make us more influential and perhaps be able to do something more than send out poor old Josh Earnest to make another comment. BAIER: Speaking of the Middle East, and there are questions about how this factors in in the big picture with the Iran nuclear deal. Take a listen to this. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) CAPT. CHUCK NASH, (RET) FOX NEWS MILITARY ANALYST: This whole thing about an Iranian nuclear deal, they're just outsourcing the design, development, and testing, because these other countries have the ranges where they can actually do the tests. In North Korea we just saw one happen. EARNEST: I'm just saying that I can't confirm the veracity of those kinds of claims. But I can suggest that because of the leadership in the United States and other international institutions like the United Nations, there are significant barriers to those two countries doing exactly what you described. CHARLES KRAUTHAMMER, SYNDICATED COLUMNIST: Well, there are. But, look, the main culprit here is not Iran. The main culprit is China. And I would give Obama a pass on this. I don't think there's anything he could have done that would be different from what his predecessors had done. In fact I would argue that the Clinton and the Bush administrations made things worse. They fed the North Koreans. They were hoodwinked into accepting all kinds of swaps and deals which were useless. At least Obama stayed out of it. We would have had no effect. The fact is that nothing that we can do is going to have any effect. We're talking about sanctions, would have no effect. There's only one way to affect what the North Koreans do, and that is through China. And China has no interest in squeezing off or strangling the regime. But China supplies the food and the fuel. One way that we could do it, with a simple statement from the United States, it shall be the policy of the United States to look favorably upon Japan and South Korea acquiring a nuclear deterrent, and that we would give whatever assistance is required, end of statement. I can assure you that will have an effect on China, which is the only player here that matters. BAIER: Next up, Republicans with sharp elbows, Democrats with some difficult definitions. Content and Programming Copyright 2016 Fox News Network, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Copyright 2016 Roll Call, Inc. All materials herein are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Roll Call. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. | https://www.foxnews.com/transcript/how-should-the-administration-proceed-after-north-koreas-nuclear-test |
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