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Fame and fortune can be wonderful things. But what happens when business leaders reach what they thought were their goals? Some may find it’s lonely at the top. They may yearn for a life imbued with deeper meaning, a life of impact, collaborating and helping others in the community and around the world. That impact is what the folks at Highlands College and High Point University call “significance.” And one of the institutions’ most sacred missions is helping students learn to value significance….....»»
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10 countries that import more than export
In this article, we take a look at the 10 countries that import more than export. Go to 25 countries that import more than export if you wanna read up on the global trade dynamics as well. 10. Bangladesh Trade deficit in US$ -33.7Billion Exports 60.1B – Imports 93.8B Bangladesh actively seeks investment in apparel […] In this article, we take a look at the 10 countries that import more than export. Go to 25 countries that import more than export if you wanna read up on the global trade dynamics as well. 10. Bangladesh Trade deficit in US$ -33.7Billion Exports 60.1B – Imports 93.8B Bangladesh actively seeks investment in apparel industry, light manufacturing, energy, power and agricultural business. Bangladesh’s economy is mostly driven by exports from RMG (Ready made garment) industry......»»
25 countries that import more than export
In this article, we are going to discuss the 25 countries that import more than its export. If you want to skip our detailed analysis on global trade dynamics, go to 5 countries that import more than export. In 2022, despite facing a downward trend in Q4, global trade reached a new record of $32.06 […] In this article, we are going to discuss the 25 countries that import more than its export. If you want to skip our detailed analysis on global trade dynamics, go to 5 countries that import more than export. In 2022, despite facing a downward trend in Q4, global trade reached a new record of $32.06 trillion approximately. World merchandise trade rose by 12% to $25.26 trillion, Sectors related to energy showed significant growth, fuel trade was up by 61% (reflecting rising energy prices). Trade in agricultural products was up by 11%, automotive products increased by 6% while clothing jumped 9%. Merchandise exports of United States grew by 18% in 2022, following a 23% increase in 2021. Exports of merchandise from Saudi Arabia increased 49%, allowing the country to climb six places in the ranking of top merchandise exporters. While, commercial services trade increased 15% to $6.8 trillion. Transport witnessing another record year, grew by 25% in 2022, and 40% above 2019 figures. Global exports of digitally delivered services reached US $3.82 trillion. According to WTO report, this sector recorded an almost fourfold increase in value since 2005, rising 8.1% on average per year in the period 2005-2022, outpacing goods by 5.6% and other services exports by 4.2%. Most exported products in 2022 were cars/automobiles at $776.5B with 7.5% YoY increase. This sector of trade was lead by Germany, producing 20% of exported cars worldwide at $155.1B, followed by Japan at $87.2B and United States at $57.9 billion. Refined petroleum grew by 3.3%, this growth was driven by increased production from United States, Saudi Arabia and South Korea. In 2023, the industry’s size is expected to reach $2.7 trillion. For 2022, Asia Pacific was the largest region in terms of market share, followed by Western Europe. Major companies in petroleum industry are Royal dutch Shell, Total SA, Chevron, and Saudi Aramco. In 2021, crude petroleum contributed $951B in global trade, with Saudi Arabia ($138 B) being the top exporter, followed by Russia ($113B). Refined petroleum and cars/automobiles stood at $746 billion and $723 billion, respectively. China, Japan, South Korea, India and the US are the top importers of Saudi oil, per the figures released by the OEC. Further, according to The Business Research Company, the market of integrated circuit in international trade is expected to grow from $389 billion in 2022 to $427 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate of 9.7%. This industry witnessed significant growth over past years, with reasons being surge in global demand for electronics, high tech products, and automobile, EVs specifically. Integrated circuits stood at $823B of world trade, and was the world’s 2nd most traded product, with Honk Kong ($215B) and China ($175B) being the top buyers in the world. You’d check out countries with the highest trade deficits in our current list. On that note, we’d also like to inform our readers about some of the top countries with the highest trade surplus in 2022. The country with the highest trade surplus in 2022 was China, at nearly $878 billion, followed by Russia ($291.5) and Saudi Arabia ($222 billion). If you’re interested in exports as share of GDPs of different countries, you can check out our piece: Top Exporting Countries in the World. Corporate Giants in Global Trade Companies like Saudi Aramco, Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) and QUALCOMM Incorporated (NYSE:QCOM) are some of the top companies in global trade, if we go by indicators like market cap like we have in our piece on the biggest import-export companies in the world. We’ll primarily talk about Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) because auto sales had plummeted in 2022 owing to supply-chain disruptions that were caused by the pandemic, particularly of semiconductors. Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM), in 2022, was able to export nearly 1 million units. As reported by Supply Chain Dive, Toyota keeps around 45 days of stock to navigate potential supply-chain challenges but had to slash production in 2021 due to the effects of multidimensional disruptions in 2021 and is now formulating approaches to resist such disruptions in the future. Among these is rolling out a new platform that would be particular to EVs. A shipping tanker moving through a busy port with containers stacked in the background. Methodology In this article, we used World Bank datasets to determine trade deficits of all countries for 2022 and then ranked the countries from least to highest trade deficit. The specific data discussed on the export/import of particular goods and services also comes from the World Bank. Here’s the list of countries with high trade deficit. 25. Dominican Republic Trade deficit in US$ -11.3 Billion Exports 25.1B – Imports 36.4B One of the fastest growing economies, incurred imports of $36.4 billion in merchandise and $5.6 billion in services. United States was one of the largest import partner, followed by China, these imports mainly included refined petroleum, Cars/automobiles and jewelry. Whereas in terms of exports, the country generated $25.1 Billion in revenue in 2022, with top exports being gold, medical instruments, rolled tobacco. It mostly exported to the US, Haiti, Switzerland, India and Netherland. 24. Thailand Trade deficit in US$ -12.3 Billion Exports 325B – Imports 337.2B Thailand had the largest export of Electrical machinery and equipment at $45.3 billion (16% of total exports), followed by integrated circuits, and cars. The country had imports worth $337.2 Billion, mainly from Crude oil, gold, petroleum gas and motor vehicles parts and accessories, which were imported from China, Japan, Malaysia and the United States. 23. Nepal Trade deficit in US$ -12.7 Billion Exports 2.7B – Imports 15.4B This country exported products worth $2.7 billion of soybean oil, palm oil, yarn, carpets to its export partners India, United States and Germany. In terms of imports, Nepal incurred $15.4 billion in imports. Most of these imports were from refined petroleum, semi finished iron, rice and gold from countries such as India, China, United Arab Emirates and Argentina. 22. Ethiopia Trade deficit in US$ -13.2 Billion Exports 11B – Imports 24.1 B Ethiopia recorded exports of $11 Billion. Its top-export-products were coffee, gold and other oily seeds, which were exported largely to United Arab Emirates, United States, Somalia, Saudi Arabia and Germany. On the other hand, imports were at $24.1 billion significantly from wheat, refined petroleum, gas turbines, coming in from China, India, United Arab Emirates and Ukraine. 21. Uzbekistan Trade deficit in US$ -13.7 Billion Exports 21.9B – Imports 35.6B In 2022, Uzbekistan exports were $21.9 billion. The top exports were gold, cotton yarn, refined copper mostly to Switzerland, China and United Kingdom. The Imports of Uzbekistan were US$ 35.6 billion. The top imports were packaged medicaments, motor vehicle parts and accessories from China, Russia and Kazakhstan. 20. New Zealand Trade deficit in US$ -13.9 Billion Exports 57.4B – Imports 70.9B New Zealand is a small country but packs a punch in the international trade. In 2022, the country recorded exports worth $57.4 Billion in agricultural products, such as dairy, meat, wool, and wine. It also imports goods and services such as machinery, vehicles, and tourism. New Zealand has free trade agreements with many of its trading partners, which means that there are fewer barriers and tariffs for exchanging goods and services. 19 . Morocco Trade deficit in US$ -15.2 Billion Exports 58.5B – Imports 73.8B Morocco had exports of $58.5 billion. Mostly from cars, mixed mineral or chemical fertilizers, insulated wire, phosphoric acid to its export partners, Spain, France, and India. Imports of Morocco were $73.8 billion, mostly from refined petroleum, cars, motor vehicle parts and accessories, with major import partners being Spain, China, and France. 18. Guatemala Trade deficit in US$ -15.8 Billion Exports 18.1B – Imports 33.9B According to US Department of State, Guatemala has the largest economy in Central America, with a $85.9 billion gross domestic product (GDP) in 2021. More than 200 U.S. and other foreign firms have active investments in Guatemala, benefitting from the U.S. Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). Guatemala top exports’ revenue came from agricultural products. 17. Colombia Trade deficit in US$ -16.4 Billion Exports 73.4 B – Imports 89.7B Colombia was the UK’s 72nd largest trading partner in the year 2022, accounting for 0.1% of the latter’s total trade whereas US trade with Colombia concluded $53.5 billion in 2022. It’s one of the top countries that import more than export. 16. Romania Trade deficit in US$ -20.6 Billion Exports 129.2B – Imports 149.8B This European Union member located at the vicinity of large markets, witnessed exports worth $129.2B in 2022. Romania is the largest electronics producer in Central and Eastern Europe. In the past 20 years, Romania has also grown into a major center for mobile technology, information security, and related hardware research. The country is a regional leader in fields such as IT and motor vehicle production. 15. Egypt Trade deficit in US$ -20.9 Billion Exports 76.3B – Imports 97.1B Being the largest oil producer in Africa, the country’s output is diverse in agriculture, energy, manufacturing and services exports. After implementing the IMF relief programme in 2016, Egypt’s GDP grew by an average of 5.2% per annum from 2016 to 2022, compared to 2.9% per annum from 2010 to 2015. Its unemployment rate dropped from 12.9% in 2015 to 7.3% in 2022. 14. Greece Trade deficit in US$ -21.0 Billion Exports 105.8B – Imports 126.7B Another one of the countries that import more than export is Greece. It is an import-dependent economy with no significant non-tariff barriers to U.S. exports. According to Census Bureau, in 2021, Greece traded goods with United States worth nearly $1.7 billion in exports and $1.5 billion in imports. 13. Belgium Trade deficit in US$ -22.0 Billion Exports 551.3B – Imports 573.3B Belgian Foreign trade majority exports consist of chemical products, mineral products, machinery and equipment. Belgium is also a member of several international economic organizations such as ICC, OECD, European Union, IMF, G-9, G-10, WTO, among others, which reflects the country’s commitment towards open trading and economic growth. 12. Ukraine Trade deficit in US$ -25.7Billion Exports 57.0B – Imports 82.7B Ukraine is one of the world’s top agricultural producers and exporters. The country plays a critical role in supplying oilseeds and grains to the global market. More than 55 percent of Ukraine’s land area is arable land. Agricultural products are Ukraine’s most important exports, providing employment opportunities to 14% of its population. In 2021, these totaled $27.8 billion, accounting for 41 percent of the country’s $68 billion in overall exports. 11. Italy Trade deficit in US$ -31.1Billion Exports 745.6B – Imports 776.7B The eighth largest economy in the world and third in European union, had exports worth $745.6 billion in 2022. The country’s economy rebounded in the same year, exceeding pre-pandemic figures with growth of 3.3%. In 2021, Italy was the biggest exporter of unglazed ceramics, pasta and processed tomatoes. Click to continue reading and check out 5 countries that import more than export. Suggested Articles: 20 Biggest Factoring Companies in the US 20 Countries With Free Healthcare 15 Easiest Instruments to Learn to Play for Beginners Disclosure: None. 25 countries that import more than export is originally published on Insider Monkey......»»
5 Highest Quality Vodkas in the World
In this article, we are going to discuss the 5 highest quality vodkas in the world. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the global vodka market, the recent entrant in the vodka category, and the new vodka RTD in the market, head to 20 Highest Quality Vodkas in the World. 5. Ketel […] In this article, we are going to discuss the 5 highest quality vodkas in the world. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the global vodka market, the recent entrant in the vodka category, and the new vodka RTD in the market, head to 20 Highest Quality Vodkas in the World. 5. Ketel One Vodka Insider Monkey Score: 8 Unflavored and odorless, Ketel One vodka is produced at the Nolet Distillery in the Netherlands. Distilled in copper pot stills, this 80 proof vodka is carefully crafted using non-GMO European wheat for smoothness and neutrality. In 2008, Diageo and the Nolet family reached an agreement to form a new company under which the former would pay $900 million to become the world’s exclusive distributor of Ketel One vodka. The Nolet family continues to own the brand rights for Ketel One. Ketel One Vodka boasted sales of 3.2 million 9-liter cases worldwide in 2022. .....»»
20 Highest Quality Vodkas in the World
In this article, we are going to discuss the 20 highest quality vodkas in the world. You can skip our detailed analysis of the global vodka market, the recent entrant in the vodka category, and the new vodka RTD in the market, and go directly to 5 Highest Quality Vodkas in the World. Vodka has […] In this article, we are going to discuss the 20 highest quality vodkas in the world. You can skip our detailed analysis of the global vodka market, the recent entrant in the vodka category, and the new vodka RTD in the market, and go directly to 5 Highest Quality Vodkas in the World. Vodka has long since been a staple product of the liquor industry and while some other spirits experience peaks in popularity, vodka is forever. There is a growing argument between the Russians and Poles as to who invented the people’s favorite tipple, but historians agree that it originated somewhere around 1,400 AD in Northeastern Europe. Fast forward a few centuries and the popularity of vodka (derived from voda which means ‘water’) has spread around the globe. With new distillation techniques brought from western Europe, the Slavic vodka makers were able to refine the alcoholic drink that would go on to become a trademark of their countries. Later on, the spirit arrived in America with humble beginnings, and it wasn’t until it was aggressively marketed as a versatile cocktail base that it started to become more popular. The Global Vodka Market: Vodka is one of the Most Consumed Alcohols in the World. As we stated in our article – Top 20 Best Selling Vodka Brands in the World – the global vodka market was valued at $25.98 billion in 2022, and is estimated to reach $40.25 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period. Vodka-based RTD beverages are witnessing a huge increase in new product development, which is expected to drive the market. The all-natural, flavored segment is expected to witness the fastest growth rate, owing to the growing demand of premium flavored vodka, especially among the millennial population. Recent Entrant in the Vodka Category: The beer behemoth Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD) has been making strides to enter the spirits category and vodka is no exception. Ab InBev pushed its Natural Light trademark brand into the vodka category and debuted three lemonade-flavored 30% ABV vodka expressions in 2021. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD) also announced the launch of D’YAVOL, a premium black-pearl filtered vodka brand, in India this summer, for which it partnered with Aryan Khan, the son of the uber-famous Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan. This is part of the Budweiser-maker’s D’yavol’s Global Luxury Collective which it launched in December last year. The collective retails fashion products, beverages, as well as manages events. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD) is placed among the Largest Alcohol Companies in the World in 2023. New Vodka RTD in the Market: Ready-to-drink beverages continue to make headlines as the fastest-growing alcohol beverage category. While malt-based RTDs still retain a 91% share by volume in the American RTD market, spirit-based RTDs grew by 51% in 2021, approximately double the growth of the wine-and malt-based categories. According to IWSR, the spirits-based RTDs are expected to grow at a CAGR of 33% in volume in the U.S. by 2025. Keeping up with the trend, the French alcohol giant Pernod Ricard announced earlier this year that it is partnering with The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) to launch the Absolut Vodka & Sprite pre-mixed cocktail in select European countries in early 2024, including the UK, the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany. The packaging for the new 5% ABV RTD will feature both Absolut and Sprite’s trademarks and a zero-sugar Sprite option will also be available. In November last year, Pernod Ricard invested $22 million to install its first RTD canning line at the company’s plant in Arkansas. It is worth mentioning that The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) also recently partnered with Brown-Forman to launch the quintessential classic Jack & Coke RTD, which made its U.S. debut in March this year in 12-oz. cans (7% ABV), and Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar also became available in May. The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) ranks among the Largest Beverage Companies in the World in 2023. With that said, here are the Best Vodkas in 2023. Igor Normann/Shutterstock.com Methodology: To collect data for this article, we referred to a number of sources, such as Liquor, VinePair, Men’s Journal, Reddit etc., looking for the Best Vodkas in the World. We picked vodkas that appeared at least thrice in these sources, assigned them a score based on their number of appearances, and ranked them accordingly. When two vodkas had the same score, we ranked them based on their ratings on Drizly. 20. Smirnoff Vodka Insider Monkey Score: 3 Founded in 1864, Smirnoff was the first vodka to use charcoal filtration in its distillation process. One of the best vodkas for cocktails, Smirnoff was acquired by International Distillers and Vintners in 1987, and then passed down to its subsequent owner, Diageo plc. Although it had its origins in Moscow, the brand is now produced in several countries, including the U.S., Canada, Italy, and others. With its 28.1 million cases sold globally, Smirnoff Vodka is the #1 Selling Vodka in the World. 19. Svedka Vodka Insider Monkey Score: 3 Svedka is a Most Popular Liquor Brands in America that is a great choice for mixing cocktails, as its affordable price point makes it a great option for home bartenders on a budget. Svedka was acquired by Constellation Brands in 2007 in a deal worth $384 million. With 4.15 million 9-liter cases sold in the country in 2021, Svedka Vodka ranks among the Most Popular Liquor Brands in America. 18. Wheatley Vodka Insider Monkey Score: 3 Crafted in small batches using Harlen Wheatley’s one-of-a-kind micro-still and his unique wheat recipe, this artisanal vodka is distilled a total of 10 times, triple-filtered, and bottled at 82 proof. Produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, Wheatley is owned by The Sazerac Company. 17. Nikka Coffey Vodka Insider Monkey Score: 4 With decades of experience in distilling white spirits but mostly whiskies, Nikka Whisky offers a Japanese vodka that is the fruit of the blend of a corn distillate and a malted barley distillate. Made using their Coffey stills, this high-end vodka is filtered through white birch charcoal to achieve its desired clarity and flavor profile. 16. Black Cow Pure Milk Vodka Insider Monkey Score: 4 By combining the ancient Mongolian tradition of making alcohol from fermented milk, with the Northern European tradition of making high proof, clear, clean vodka, dairy farmer Jason Barber and artist Paul Archard were able to develop an innovative, unique, and superior tasting vodka, made entirely from the milk of cows. Made in the United Kingdom, this remarkable spirit is the world’s first pure milk vodka, and has been available in the U.S. since 2016. 15. SKYY Vodka Insider Monkey Score: 4 Skyy is one of the first vodka brands to pioneer an innovative, state-of-the-art, quadruple-distilled, triple filtration process. The Campari Group acquired the majority stake in Skyy Spirits LLC in 2002, in a deal worth $207.5 million. With a price tag of only $11 at Walmart, SKYY is among the Best Vodkas for the Price in the market. 14. Żubrówka Wódka Insider Monkey Score: 5 Żubrówka is a true icon of the vodka world. It has a rich heritage spanning 500 years and a taste derived from bison grass, which is harvested in the ancient woodlands of eastern Poland. The Bialystok distillery has been producing this iconic Polish vodka for about 50 years now. It was reported in 2021 that the Maspex Wadowice Group acquired CEDC, a Polish subsidiary of the Russian ROUST group, in a deal worth $980.8 million. CEDC is the leader of the Polish vodka market and boasts a portfolio of leading brands, including Żubrówka and Soplica. Due to its smooth and flavorsome nature, Żubrówka is one of the Best Vodkas to Drink Straight. 13. Finlandia Vodka Insider Monkey Score: 5 Established in 1970, Finlandia is a leading vodka brand in Central and Eastern Europe with sales volume of 2.6 million 9L cases in 2022, the same sales figures it had in 2021. The Brown-Forman Corporation announced in June that it had reached an agreement to sell its Finlandia vodka brand to Coca-Cola HBC AG for $220 million, and the sale closed in November. 12. Haku Vodka Insider Monkey Score: 5 Haku is a premium Japanese vodka that is distilled from Hakumai – 100% pure Japanese white rice – to create ‘Jyunpaku’ – pure and brilliant vodka. Introduced by the House of Suntory in 2018, this top shelf craft vodka is carefully filtrated through bamboo charcoal for an unparalleled soft, round, and subtly sweet taste. 11. Chopin Family Reserve Insider Monkey Score: 6 Chopin Family Reserve is the world’s first rested, super-premium young potato vodka. After being carefully distilled to retain as much of the potatoes’ sweet earthiness as possible, the spirit is rested in 50-year-old oak barrels for two years, giving it time to mellow before being bottled by hand. As Poland’s last family owned vodka maker, Chopin proudly produces small-batch, hand-crafted vodka from its own distillery in the pristine countryside of eastern Poland. At $129.99 a bottle, Chopin Family Reserve sits among the Most Expensive Vodkas in our list. 10. Cîroc Vodka Insider Monkey Score: 6 The essence of Cîroc Ultra-Premium Vodka comes from fine French grapes, which are distilled a fifth time at the historic Distillerie de Maison Villevert – Chevanceaux in the South of France. This gluten-free vodka is often associated with luxury and is a favorite among celebrities and high-end bars and restaurants. Cîroc is placed among the Best Vodka Brands Under $30. 9. Russian Standard Platinum Vodka Insider Monkey Score: 6 Like all Russian Standard vodkas, Russian Standard Platinum is made with hardy winter wheat grown on the Black Steppes of Russia and soft glacial waters of Lake Ladoga in Russia’s frozen north. Produced by the Tatspirtprom Company in Kazan, this expression represents all Russian vodka production traditions – the trademark clear, smooth, and crispy taste that perfectly matches a rich and creamy mouthfeel. 8. Reyka Vodka Insider Monkey Score: 7 Introduced by William Grant & Sons in 2005, Reyka is an Icelandic vodka distilled from wheat and barley. It is also the world’s first ‘green’ vodka brand, as it is made from glacial water and distilled using sustainable energy from geothermal heat. Known for its Popular Scotch Brands, William Grant & Sons is the oldest family business in the whisky industry, and boasts distilling and bottling operations in Scotland, Ireland, Iceland, India, the US, and Mexico, with a team of over 2,600 employees at 48 global locations. Reyka is a delightfully fresh expression and is a Great Vodka to Gift this holiday season. 7. Beluga Noble Vodka Insider Monkey Score: 7 First introduced in 2002, the refined and rich taste of Beluga Noble vodka is due to its unique composition, mainly due to malt spirit and the purest water from Siberian artesian wells. Due to the sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Beluga Group decided to sell the international rights to the Beluga super-premium vodka brand last year, while retaining the intellectual rights to the trademark in Russia. The Beluga Group is Russia’s largest alcohol company and operates five factories, including the Chugunov Sky ethanol plant. 6. Crystal Head Vodka Insider Monkey Score: 7 Created for the SNL royalty Dan Aykroyd, Crystal Head is an ultra-premium, kosher-certified, gluten-free vodka made using Newfoundland water which is filtered through 500 million year old crystals called Herkimer diamonds. The signature bad-ass crystal skull bottle is made in Italy by Bruni Glass. In honor of the Pride month in June this year, Crystal Head announced the launch of its limited-edition ‘Paint Your Pride’ bottle following the success of the rainbow bottle launched in 2020. Click to continue reading and see the 5 Highest Quality Vodkas in the World. Suggested Articles: Vodka Consumption by Country: Top 20 Countries 20 Most Popular Gin Brands in 2023 20 Best Bourbons for An Old Fashioned Disclosure: None. 20 Highest Quality Vodkas In The World is originally published on Insider Monkey......»»
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Here"s the investing wisdom Berkshire Hathaway’s Charlie Munger once shared with me over lunch
“How smart do you have to be to own Coca-Cola?” Berkshire Hathaway's Charlie Munger asked at a San Francisco lunch in 1996. “Why doesn’t Coca-Cola get through to other people?”.....»»
Here"s the investing wisdom Berkshire Hathaway’s Charlie Munger once shared with me over lunch
“How smart do you have to be to own Coca-Cola?” Berkshire Hathaway's Charlie Munger asked at a San Francisco lunch in 1996. “Why doesn’t Coca-Cola get through to other people?”.....»»
Here"s the investing wisdom Berkshire Hathaway’s Charlie Munger once shared with me over lunch
“How smart do you have to be to own Coca-Cola?” Berkshire Hathaway's Charlie Munger asked at a San Francisco lunch in 1996. “Why doesn’t Coca-Cola get through to other people?”.....»»
5 States with Highest Average Social Security Payment
This article takes a look at the 5 states with highest average social security payment. If you wish to check out our detailed analysis on decoding the social security dilemma, you may go to the 20 States with Highest Average Social Security Payment. 5. Maryland Estimated Total Annual Benefits Paid: $16,624 (million) Number of Retired […] This article takes a look at the 5 states with highest average social security payment. If you wish to check out our detailed analysis on decoding the social security dilemma, you may go to the 20 States with Highest Average Social Security Payment. 5. Maryland Estimated Total Annual Benefits Paid: $16,624 (million) Number of Retired Workers: 798,028 Average Social Security Check: $1,886.97/month Maryland makes it to our list of top 5 states with the highest average social security payment per month. The average monthly social security check in the state is $1,886.97. Social Security benefits and 401(k) distributions are exempt from taxation in this state. However, other types of income are fully taxed. The state also has an estate and an inheritance tax......»»
20 States with Highest Average Social Security Payment
This article takes a look at the 20 states with highest average social security payment. If you wish to skip our detailed analysis on decoding the social security dilemma, you may go to the 5 States with Highest Average Social Security Payment. Decoding the Social Security Dilemma Americans may be living longer, but the equation […] This article takes a look at the 20 states with highest average social security payment. If you wish to skip our detailed analysis on decoding the social security dilemma, you may go to the 5 States with Highest Average Social Security Payment. Decoding the Social Security Dilemma Americans may be living longer, but the equation to fund longer retirements remains unchanged. In less than a decade, crucial funds such as Social Security and Medicare are expected to run out. By this time, these funds will be able to pay 80% of benefits only. As a result of this fear, many Americans are planning to tap their benefits earlier than they should, even if it means giving up nearly $200,000 in the process. According to the 2023 Schroders U.S. Retirement Survey, only 10% of Americans plan to wait until 70 to start claiming their social security checks. Meanwhile, 40% of people who aren’t retired yet plan on claiming their benefits between the ages 62 to 65. “The choice to forgo larger Social Security payments is a deliberate one, as 72% of non-retired investors – and 95% of non-retired ages 60-65 – are aware that waiting longer earns higher payments.” -Schroders, an Asset Management Company Even though potential retirees are giving up a significant portion of their earnings by claiming their benefits early, BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK)’s Read on Retirement survey states that only 21% of workplace savers are confident in having enough money that can last them through retirement. Struggling with longevity and risks of inflation, it is only but obvious that potential retirees live with this fear. For those already on social security, the 2024 COLA doesn’t look like a big enough raise anyway. However, The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW) asserts that this only means that inflation is cooling off, and given that inflation continues to ease, retirees get to keep the higher benefits. “Social Security benefits generally do keep up with inflation, though there is a lag… At the same time, the average retiree’s expenses generally shrink over time, which can complement those higher benefits.” – Rob Williams, managing director for financial planning, retirement income, and wealth management at The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW) Center for Financial Research. Even though funds are expected to deplete, organizations such as BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK) and The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW) still recommend waiting until the Full Retirement Age. On trying 100,000 different variations to come up with the best-case scenario for the average worker, BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK) has discovered that adding guaranteed income and delaying social security benefits until the age 67 is the best thing a worker can do. Besides delaying social security benefits and working longer than planned, potential retirees can do one more thing that might help them get fatter checks in retirement. According to the Social Security Administration, if an individual retires at the age of 70 in 2023, they can get a maximum benefit of $4,555. Apart from waiting until 70, the individual would have to earn the maximum taxable amount for at least 35 years, which is $160,200 for 2023. In conclusion, it is safe to say that states with high-paying jobs and thriving industries are more likely to receive the fattest social security checks. While other factors are also at play that determine the highest paying state for social security, such as how long its residents delay social security, if high-income earners have moved to that state for retirement, and more such causes, it is very likely that thriving and high-paying states receive one of the highest average social security payments. A close-up view of a hand writing out checks from a company checkbook. Methodology To determine the states with the highest average social security payments, we have used data from the Social Security Administration’s Annual Statistical Supplement 2023. The geographic data was used to extract the estimated total social security payments by state and the total number of retired workers in each state, as of 2022. Next, we divided the total benefits by number of retired workers to get the average annual payout of retired workers in each state. We calculated the monthly average by dividing the figures by 12 and then applied an 8.7% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to identify the state with the highest SSI payment in 2023. States have been ranked based on their average social security checks in ascending order from the lowest to the highest. Here are the 20 states with highest average social security payments: 20. Vermont Estimated Total Annual Benefits Paid: $2,384 (million) Number of Retired Workers: 120,203 Average Social Security Check: $1,796.55/month In the state of Vermont, $1,796.55 is the amount that an average person gets on Social Security per month. Even though Vermont makes it to our list of states with the highest average social security payments, it is not a tax-friendly state for retirees. Most forms of retirement income are taxed at rates ranging from 3.35% to 8.75%, including social security. 19. Illinois Estimated Total Annual Benefits Paid: $34,035 (million) Number of Retired Workers: 1,713,244 Average Social Security Check: $1,799.51/month Illinois is a nice place to retire considering it receives one of the highest average SSI payments and also because it is tax–friendly towards its retirees. The state has also made it to our list of states that don’t tax social security or retirement income. However, property and sales taxes are some of the highest in the country. 18. Arizona Estimated Total Annual Benefits Paid: $22,595 (million) Number of Retired Workers: 1,135,622 Average Social Security Check: $1,802.30/month Next on our list is Arizona, where the average social security check is $1,802.30 per month. Overall, it is a moderately tax-friendly state for retirees. Social security benefits aren’t taxed here, but other types of retirement income are taxed. 17. Colorado Estimated Total Annual Benefits Paid: $14,575 (million) Number of Retired Workers: 732,528 Average Social Security Check: $1,802.32/month Colorado is a tax-friendly state to retire to. Residents receive large deductions on all types of retirement income, including social security. The average social security check that a retired individual receives in this state is $1,802 per month. 16. Rhode Island Estimated Total Annual Benefits Paid: $3,434 (million) Number of Retired Workers: 172,134 Average Social Security Check: $1,807.10/month Some of the highest average social security payments are received in the state of Rhode Island. The average social security check is $1,807 per month. Regardless, Rhode Island is not a tax-friendly state to retire to. All sorts of retirement income, including social security, are taxed here. 15. New York Estimated Total Annual Benefits Paid: $55,220 (million) Number of Retired Workers: 2,745,712 Average Social Security Check: $1,821.75/month It isn’t a shock that the thriving state of New York has made it to our list, considering it has one of the highest average salaries in the US. The average social security check in the state is $1,821 per month. New York is also moderately tax-friendly towards retirees. 14. Indiana Estimated Total Annual Benefits Paid: $20,326 (million) Number of Retired Workers: 1,010,170 Average Social Security Check: $1,822.66/month Indiana is another moderately tax-friendly state to retire to. The average social security check in this state is $1,822.66 per month. Social Security benefits are not taxed in this state. However, income from pensions and retirement savings accounts are taxed. 13. Virginia Estimated Total Annual Benefits Paid: $24,365 (million) Number of Retired Workers: 1,207,649 Average Social Security Check: $1,827.60/month The state of Virginia doesn’t tax social security benefits, and the average social security check a retired individual receives in the state amounts to $1,827.60 per month. Pension income and retirement account withdrawals are taxed partially. 12. Kansas Estimated Total Annual Benefits Paid: $8,776 (million) Number of Retired Workers: 434,744 Average Social Security Check: $1,828.57/month Seniors having an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $75,000 or less are exempt from taxation on their social security checks at the state level in Kansas. As such, the average social security check that they receive in this state is $1,828.57 per month. 11. Pennsylvania Estimated Total Annual Benefits Paid: $43,164 (million) Number of Retired Workers: 2,135,246 Average Social Security Check: $1,831.14/month Pennsylvania may be one of the best states to live on social security, considering it is tax-friendly towards retirees and also boasts a low cost of living. The average social security check that a retired individual receives per month is $1,831.14. The state doesn’t tax social security checks or income from retirement accounts. 10. Massachusetts Estimated Total Annual Benefits Paid: $19,641 (million) Number of Retired Workers: 966,118 Average Social Security Check: $1,841.54/month A retiree in the state of Massachusetts gets an average social security check amounting to $1,841.54 per month. All social security retirement benefits are fully exempt from taxation in this state, and so are other forms of retirement income. 9. Minnesota Estimated Total Annual Benefits Paid: $17,442 (million) Number of Retired Workers: 856,950 Average Social Security Check: $1,843.70/month Minnesota is another one of the states with the highest average social security payments. Social Security benefits and most forms of retirement income are taxed in this state. Sales taxes are high, while property taxes are close to the national average. 8. Utah Estimated Total Annual Benefits Paid: $6,764 (million) Number of Retired Workers: 330,823 Average Social Security Check: $1,852.06/month In Utah, the average social security check is $1,852.06 per month. There are 330,823 retired workers in the state who were paid a total of $6.764 billion in social security checks as of 2022. This state is moderately tax-friendly towards retirees. Retirement income, including social security, is taxed here. However, a small credit can be claimed against them. 7. Michigan Estimated Total Annual Benefits Paid: $33,618 (million) Number of Retired Workers: 1,638,924 Average Social Security Check: $1,858.07/month One of the states with the highest average social security payment is Michigan, where a retired individual receives a monthly average of $1,858. The state is tax-friendly toward retirees. It doesn’t tax Social Security retirement benefits. Moreover, there are deductions for other types of retirement income. Property taxes are high in this state, but sales taxes are moderate. 6. Washington Estimated Total Annual Benefits Paid: $22,668 (million) Number of Retired Workers: 1,098,757 Average Social Security Check: $1,868.79/month One of the highest-paying states for Social Security is Washington. The average social security check that a retired individual receives in this state is $1,868.79 per month. There is no income tax in the state, which means that all sorts of retirement income are exempt from taxes at the state level. Sales taxes are quite high here, while property taxes are moderate. Click to continue reading and see the 5 States with Highest Average Social Security Payment. Suggested Articles: 15 States That Do Not Tax Social Security or Retirement Income 15 Worst States to Retire on Social Security 20 States with the Lowest Average Home Prices Disclosure: none. 20 States with Highest Average Social Security Payment is originally published on Insider Monkey......»»
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The man behind Astarion, the internet"s 200-year-old vampire boyfriend, is finally getting the recognition he deserves
Neil Newbon, who plays the roguish vampire, won Best Performance at the Game Awards on Thursday. Neil Newbon won Best Performance at the Game Awards for his role as Astarion from "Baldur's Gate 3."Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images; Larian StudiosRejoice, "Baldur's Gate 3" fans! The man behind Astarion, your favorite vampire, just won a big award.Neil Newbon, who plays the roguish vampire, won Best Performance at the Game Awards on Thursday."Baldur's Gate 3" also won Game of the Year at the awards.The man who brought the internet's 200-year-old vampire boyfriend to life is finally getting all the recognition he deserves.Neil Newbon, who plays the roguish Astarion Ancunin in "Baldur's Gate 3," won Best Performance at the Game Awards (which is pretty much the Academy Awards of gaming) in Los Angeles on Thursday."Baldur's Gate 3," released this year by Larian Studios, is played with the "Dungeons & Dragons" role-playing system. At its core, it's a choose-your-own-adventure game, where one can go on daring adventures with companion characters — like Astarion. The success or failure of in-game choices depends on the roll of a dice.Astarion, a flirty, roguish companion one's player character can consort with, took over the internet not only with his charms but also his tragic backstory — which one gets to unpack if they follow him on his in-game quest. And yes, you can romance Astarion. There's more than one guide for it out there. (Yep, I checked. It's not cheating, at least in my book, and I'm not sorry.)Newbon — the actor whose motion capture and voice acting work brought pizzazz to Astarion's every snarky insult, dramatic meltdown, and charming flirtation — had this to say after clinching the big prize."The community has reached out to so many of us at Larian, and said they were seen, and they were represented by this game when they lost hope, they felt isolated, they felt alone," Newbon said. "And this game brought them together and gave them something to push through, to help them all.""You're not alone – none of us are," he added, quoting one of Astarion's lines from the game.You might recognize Newbon from his work on the survival game, "Resident Evil Village," where he plays the enigmatic villain, Karl Heisenberg. Astarion, however, might be one of his most complex roles yet, and not just because of the character's personality.The game's 17,000 possible ending variations also meant there were a myriad ways Astarion's story could go, and thousands of lines for Newbon to record."Baldur's Gate 3" also won the top "Game of the Year" award at the same awards show. For some reason, Timothée Chalamet gave the prize out. Watch that moment here:THIS IS IT! @baldursgate3 is your 2023 Game of the Year! @larianstudios #GOTY #TheGameAwards pic.twitter.com/1u5hyGphbc— The Game Awards (@thegameawards) December 8, 2023According to data released by Larian Studios this week, 1.3 million players have completed their run of the game since its August release. And in all, players have spent a total of 51,662 years, or 18.8 million days, on the game, per Larian.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»
Move over coastal grandma, 2024 is all about grandpa core
As the name suggests, grandpa core is inspired by the fashion sensibilities of our dear grandfathers. Grandpa core is one of Pinterest's predicted trends for 2024.Andrii IemelyanenkoCome 2024, we'll be looking to our grandfathers for some style inspiration."Grandpa core" is one of Pinterest's top trend predictions for the coming year.If you can picture your grandpa — or Tyler the Creator — in it, you've nailed the aesthetic.Coastal grandmother who? 2024 fashion is going to be all about grandpa core.As the name suggests, grandpa core is inspired by the fashion sensibilities of our dear grandfathers. Think funky sweater vests, colorful cardigans, and vintage loafers — you get the drift.This eclectic but comfort-driven aesthetic is one of Pinterest's trend predictions for the upcoming year.The platform noted that there was a surge in the use of some search terms related to the aesthetic, including "Grandad style," "Eclectic clothing style" and, of course, "Grandpa core."Turns out some of our grandparents have always been stylish — there's even an Instagram page called Gramparents dedicated to user-submitted photos of fashionable elders spotted on the streets. The account has amassed over 250,000 followers to date. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @gramparents On TikTok, the hashtag #grandpacore has also been viewed over 16.5 million times, with most videos showing off how users styled the trend. @brockalishus i love this song ♬ songs for women - my other account The best part of the aesthetic is that it's fairly gender-neutral — everyone can dress like a grandpa if they so desire. @pharmacydad the reason my account is pharmacy dad is bc i saw a grandpa/dad in the pharmacy who was dressed just like me and this jacket reminded me of it :) #fashiontiktok #fitcheck #fit #ootd #capsulewardrobe #dadfit #cleangirlaesthetic #matildadjerf ♬ original sound - Hannah Brown It's unclear exactly where grandpa core originated, although Tyler, the Creator has often been credited for popularizing the style.Tyler, the Creator is often credited with popularizing the grandpa core aesthetic.Swan Gallet/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images; Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images; Gotham/GC ImagesAs grandpas come in all shapes and sizes, opportunities to dress like grandpa are endless.There's the bookish grandpa with a tweed blazer and pageboy hat, the cozy granddad with a slouchy sweater, and the weather-ready grandpa with a trusty windbreaker and old sneakers.If you can picture your grandfather — or Tyler, the Creator — in it, you've probably already nailed the aesthetic.Sorry grandma, but grandpa's coming for your throne.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»
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The CIA Sure Looks Busy
The CIA Sure Looks Busy The rise of generative AI applications like ChatGPT, Midjourney or Bard already leads to increased demand in the world's data center network due to its sometimes hefty requirements for the underlying large language models. This computing demand will only increase in the upcoming years, necessitating the building of new data centers and expanding the capacities of existing ones. As Statista's Florian Zandt shows in the following chart, based on 2022 data collected by commercial real estate company Cushman & Wakefield, the race between the global superpowers China and the United States also extends to data centers. You will find more infographics at Statista The highest concentration of data center power capacity in the world can be found in Northern Virginia, particularly the counties of Loudoun and Prince William. According to an interview with the vice chairman of real estate service provider CBRE, Rob Faktorow, with radio broadcaster WTOP in 2022, the main reasons are tax incentives, superior connectivity and infrastructure well suited to the resource needs of big server farms. “It is true Northern Virginia is the data center capital of the world, the largest market in the world, by three times,” said Faktorow. “It encompasses almost 50% of the data centers in the United States.” We couldn't help but notice that both those Northern Virginia counties border The CIA's 'Langley' HQ in Fairfax County... Coming in second is Beijing with a capacity of 1,800 megawatts, followed by London (1,000 megawatts) and Singapore (876 megawatts). While the Greater Tokyo area only ranks fifth for current capacity, the island nation is on an accelerationist path in terms of future projects, especially compared to its competitors in the Asia-Pacific region. According to Cushman & Wakefield, Beijing's capacity will likely increase by around 300 megawatts in the next three to five years, owed partly to investors shifting funds due to rising U.S.-China tensions. The traditionally Western-aligned Japan might see its data power capacity double to almost 2,000 megawatts in the same period, in part due to pledges by big players like TSMC and Nvidia to build chip fabrication plants and establish a network of, as Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang put it, "AI factories" across the country. Another relevant aspect in evaluating the growth potential of data centers in a specific region is their vacancy rate. As CBRE notes, capacity vacancy in Singapore stood at less than one percent in Q1 of 2023. Northern Virginia had a vacancy rate of about two percent, and Tokyo stood at 11.2 percent. Tyler Durden Thu, 12/07/2023 - 22:40.....»»
Arizona Sheriff: Illegal Immigrants Being Handed $5,000 Visa Gift Cards, Cell Phones, And Plane Tickets
Arizona Sheriff: Illegal Immigrants Being Handed $5,000 Visa Gift Cards, Cell Phones, And Plane Tickets Authored by Matthew Lysiak via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours), Immigrants who illegally cross the border into Arizona are being handed $5,000 in good-as-cash gift cards, along with cell phones and costly plane tickets, all of which are being paid for by the American taxpayer, according to Arizona Sheriff Mark Lamb. Mr. Lamb, sheriff of Pinal County, Arizona, told The Epoch Times that he had been informed of the lucrative hand-out through his close sources working at the United States border. “I was absolutely in shock when these agents came forward,” said Mr. Lamb. “I had known we handed out free cell phones and plane tickets, but to give out $5,000 Visa gift cards to people who break our laws and come into our country illegally when the average American is struggling to pay their bills is just tough to swallow.” “People need to know the truth and let their representative lawmakers hear about it. This needs to end,” added Mr. Lamb. Mr. Lamb, who in April became the first Republican to announce his candidacy to challenge Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) for the United States Senate, says that the high-end gift cards, in addition to the plane tickets and cell phones, are paid through American tax dollars funneled from government agencies. “We know they've been giving illegal immigrants money for a long time,” said Mr. Lamb, who worked in the position of sheriff of Pinal County for seven years. “The government can make the claim that they aren't directly paying for it, because each dollar first goes from the government to a non-government institution like a charity before it is used to pay for the illegals.” “They are just moving the money around, but it all comes from the same place,” he added. The Epoch Times reached out to a representative from Customs and Border Protection (CBP), who was not immediately available for comment. Surge in Crossings In recent years the nation has seen a large surge in illegal border crossings. In October, CBP reported the highest number of illegal immigrant encounters for any October on record, with 240,988 encounters at the southern border. The agency also reported that 13 of the arrests it made during the month were of people on the FBI terror watchlist (12 from the southern border and one from the northern border). It is expected that the fiscal year total for 2023 will exceed 2.4 million, surpassing 2022's record of 2.3 million, once the figures are finalized. In Arizona, a record high of 17,500 illegal immigrants were arrested for unlawfully entering the southeast region of the state from Mexico between Nov. 24 and Nov. 30—up from approximately 15,650 the previous week. On Monday, the number of illegal immigrants crossing the border into Arizona had grown so large that the federal government shut down a port of entry in Lukeville, Arizona to pull those federal customs officers to manage the crisis. In Tucson, Arizona, the surge has spiraled so far that there is no longer room to hold new arrivals, according to an email obtained by the Washington Examiner. "As you are aware, Tucson Sector is experiencing an unprecedented surge of illegal entries in our [area of responsibility]," Tucson, Arizona, leadership wrote in an email to agents this afternoon, according to the Washington Examiner on Nov. 27. "This morning we had more than 5,000 people in custody—far more than our holding capacity." As the chaos at the border continues to spiral into an unmanageable crisis, the government needs to prioritize the growing number of struggling American families, according to Mr. Lamb. “We got Christmas coming up,” said Mr. Lamb. “Families are finding it difficult to keep lights on and find a way to buy their kids a few presents for under the tree, and now the American taxpayer has to watch as their hard-earned money is being taken from them and handed to people who have broken the law?” “It is infuriating. I know a lot of hard-working Americans who could use that money,” he added. Mr. Lamb says in his role as sheriff—where he is tasked with enforcing existing law—his hands are tied. However, securing the border has become one of the main platforms, and reasons, for his current run for Senate. The race to represent the GOP in the upcoming Senate race continues to be tight. Currently, Mr. Lamb is polling second in the GOP primary behind former television anchor and gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake, according to a Noble Predictive Insights poll conducted between Oct. 25 and Oct. 31. However, if he does go on to represent the people of Arizona in the Senate, Mr. Lamb says he will do “whatever it takes” to close the border and end the taxpayer-funded gifts being handed to those who come into the country illegally. “The border is our greatest national security threat,” said Mr. Lamb. “I’m the guy who has the experience and knows how to finally do what it takes to secure it.” Tyler Durden Thu, 12/07/2023 - 23:00.....»»
What Are The Best Selling Video Game Franchises In The US?
What Are The Best Selling Video Game Franchises In The US? Fortnite, Minecraft, Call of Duty, Super Mario or Grand Theft Auto: Even many non-gamers recognize at least some of these highly successful titles and franchises, be it by name or their cultural impact. As Statista's Florian Zandt details below, when viewed through an economic lens, there are two game series that have dominated the sales charts in the United States for the past decade. The first and overall leader in terms of total entries in the top 10 selling games in the U.S. between 2013 and 2022 according to market analysts at NPD Group is Call of Duty. The franchise has been present among the top sellers with 11 individual games since 2013, snagging the top spot every single year apart from two instances. You will find more infographics at Statista In 2018, Red Dead Redemption 2 trumped Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, while Grand Theft Auto V rushed to the top in 2013, followed by Call of Duty: Ghosts. It's worth noting that while Call of Duty turned out to be a cash cow for its parent company, this success can't overshadow that Activision Blizzard, which is now owned by Microsoft, was at the center of several scandals surrounding alleged toxic workplace culture and sexual harassment over the past years. The second and third spots are indicative of U.S. Americans' love for all things sports. The American Football simulation Madden was represented in the top 10 every single year, while Take-Two's NBA 2K series dropped out of the ranking of the best-selling games in the U.S. starting with NBA 2K21. Grand Theft Auto V remains a singularity in this ranking, though. While most other games managed to enter the top 10 with new franchise installments, Rockstar Games achieved this feat for five years with a single game. Tyler Durden Thu, 12/07/2023 - 23:20.....»»
The "Why" Is Now Obvious
The "Why" Is Now Obvious Authored by Albin Sadar via American Greatness, The release of more video and cell phone tapes from January 6 by new House Speaker Mike Johnson shows further evidence of a setup by the Feds that their so-called insurrection was staged. All sides will acknowledge the fact that then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi refused to have extra security on January 6. However, there is a bigger question that no one, Left, Right or Center, seems to be asking: Why? Why wouldn’t Pelosi want to be sure that “Democracy was secure” so that Vice President Mike Pence could certify the Electoral College vote? Making sure that the Capitol was safe and sound would mean that Joe Biden’s presidency would be assured. After all, the election of 2020 was “the most secure in American history,” so why wouldn’t you want that obvious fact certified and rubber-stamped by Congress? The only obvious answer to why Pelosi wanted to guarantee a riotous breach of the Capitol was what she knew would be the actual results of the Electoral College vote if the process were allowed to run its course. Senators Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley, among others, had previously made noise about challenging election results in several swing states. And despite what many have debated, there was tangible potential for Pence to delay the certification for a couple of weeks to look into the evidence of significant vote-tampering and fraud. How do we know that the vice president had the authority to stop the certification? Well, because the ability for the position of vice president to do just that was changed by a vote of Congress relatively recently after the events of January 6. Why would you change something that did not need to be changed? So, at the time, Pelosi knew that a halt in the proceedings would lead to an investigation. And an investigation would lead to those questions being covered, albeit reluctantly, by the entire mainstream media. What actually transpired over the three additional days of counting in the 2020 Election would be exposed. And the narrative of the most secure election in American history would crumble in front of the eyes of everybody in this country and across the globe. To this day, then, as the new Speaker takes a serious look at the events of January 6 and as America and the world itself can see exposed in the recently-released video evidence, we must address what happened that particular day – specifically, the reason that the crowds of tens of thousands had gathered. The patriots in Washington, D.C. showed up to highlight one very important message: “Stop the Steal.” Pelosi’s action – as well as inaction – diverted attention from that message; she refocused our sights on the word “insurrection” in order to keep President Donald Trump from returning to the White House as a result of the true, states’ election totals of 2020. And the Left continues nonstop that charade in order to keep Trump from the White House in 2024. With each passing day, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the two biggest blemishes recently on America as a great and free nation are the stolen presidential election of 2020, and the subsequent incarceration of those patriots who exercised their guaranteed First Amendment right to free speech to contest it. The election tampering advanced the Left’s directive of “fundamental transformation” of the country, which included imprisonment without bail or trial of those with whom the tyrannical administration disagreed. So, what next? Unless the country itself can see that the narrative presented by the Left regarding January 6, 2021, was a smoke screen for the real insurrection of November 3, 2020, America will need to brace itself for a repeat performance of that nefarious action on November 5, 2024. * * * Albin Sadar is author of Obvious: Seeing the Evil That’s in Plain Sight and Doing Something About It, as well as the children’s book collection, Hamster Holmes: Box of Mysteries. Tyler Durden Thu, 12/07/2023 - 23:40.....»»
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Apple Inc. is planning a massive expansion of iPhone manufacturing in India, according to multiple reports Thursday......»»
Bill Ackman is rooting for the fall of UPenn"s president: "One down"
Ackman also reposted on X a letter from the Wharton board of advisors calling for UPenn president Liz Magill's resignation. "I give this a 95% probability. It is not yet a certainty," Bill Ackman (left) on the possibility that the University of Pennsylvania's president Liz Magill (right) gets removed from her post.Sylvain Gaboury/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images; Kevin Dietsch via Getty ImagesBill Ackman can't wait for the University of Pennsylvania to fire its president. "One down," Ackman wrote on X, referencing a CNN report about the president's potential ouster.The university said there is no "plan for imminent leadership change" but Ackman is still hopeful.Billionaire Bill Ackman isn't hiding his glee about the possible ouster of the University of Pennsylvania's president, Liz Magill."One down," Ackman wrote on X on Thursday, referencing a recent story by CNN on Magill's potential departure.The outlet, citing an unnamed source familiar with the matter, said the chair of the university's board of trustees could ask Magill to step down on Thursday or Friday.Ackman, who has been a vocal critic of on-campus antisemitism in US colleges, earlier panned Magill's Tuesday congressional testimony about on-campus antisemitism. Magill was testifying alongside Harvard president Claudine Gay and MIT president Sally Kornbluth.During the hearing, Magill was repeatedly asked if calling for the genocide of Jewish people would violate her university's rules on bullying and harassment."If the speech turns into conduct, it can be harassment," Magill answered.Gay and Kornbluth gave similar answers at the hearing when asked the same question.The response from the three presidents drew immediate backlash from business executives like Ackman and Pfizer's CEO Albert Bourla. Bourla said in an X post on Wednesday that he thought the hearing was "one of the most despicable moments in the history of US academia."On Thursday, the University of Pennsylvania's student newspaper said it had obtained a letter calling for Magill's resignation from the business school's advisory board.In the letter, Wharton's board of advisors said they were "deeply concerned about the dangerous and toxic culture on our campus.""As a result of the University leadership's stated beliefs and collective failure to act, our board respectfully suggests to you and the Board of Trustees that the University requires new leadership with immediate effect," the letter said.The university, however, told CNN that "there is no board plan for imminent leadership change."The clarification didn't seem to dampen Ackman's spirits, who said in a subsequent X post on Thursday night that there's still plenty of hope, where he's concerned, that the university will fire its president."I give this a 95% probability. It is not yet a certainty," Ackman said in a later post.Representatives for Ackman and the University of Pennsylvania did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Business Insider sent outside regular business hours.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»
$27 billion up in smoke – that"s how much cash the 3,200 startups that failed this year had raised, says PitchBook
The true scale of the venture funding cash burn is likely to be even higher than the PitchBook tally reported by The New York Times. Some 3,200 startups failed this year, according to PitchBook. imagedepotpro/Getty ImagesJust over $27 billion in venture funding was raised by startups that failed this year, per NY Times.That figure is close to the amount raised by startups in the third quarter of 2023, according to EY.The cash burn figure excludes public companies and acquisitions.Startups are having a pretty grim year.Just over $27 billion in venture funding was raised by the 3,200 startups that failed in 2023, The New York Times reported, citing figures from startup tracker PitchBook.That's close to the amount raised by startups from venture capital in the third quarter of 2023 ($29.8 billion), according to accounting firm EY.However, the $27.2 billion figure likely underrepresents the true scale of the cash burn, as many companies will have failed without any fanfare. And notably, the tally doesn't include major losses from public companies or those that were acquired.For instance, coworking company WeWork raised more than $11 billion before its IPO, and filed for bankruptcy in November. And college financial aid startup Frank was acquired by JPMorgan in 2021 for $175 million, before being shuttered in January over fraudulent customer figures.This year's seen a string of high-profile startup failures. Pizza startup Zume, which raised nearly $500 million, shut down in June after struggling to make its pizza automation technology work. Convoy, the freight startup that was once hailed as the "Uber for trucking" and raised more than $1 billion, shut down in November.This year's startup troubles led Tom Loverro, a general partner at investment firm IVP, to call it a "mass extinction event" for startups.These troubles stem partly from the decline in funding. There's been a drought in VC funding compared with 2022, with $104.5 billion raised in the first nine months of the year versus $183.9 billion in the same period last year, per EY.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»
Bill Gates thought the internet would make all of us more responsible, but he realized it just helped "a critical mass of crazy people" find each other
Gates said tech leaders like him believed the internet would drive people to be more rational and factual, and encourage "Socratic debate." Bill Gates speaks onstage at The New York Times Climate Forward Summit 2023 at The Times Center on September 21, 2023 in New York City.Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for The New York TimesWhen the internet was taking off, Bill Gates thought it would make the world more rational.But it turns out that it's been used by "crazy people" to help them find each other, he said.Gates said he initially believed people would use the internet to responsibly seek information.Bill Gates said he was originally expecting the internet to make the world a more fact-based, rational place, but has come to realize it's become a tool for disinformation and "crazy ideas.""I will admit, the people who drove the digital revolution, including myself, really thought that the world would get more rational," Gates said at a fireside chat on Thursday in New York.Gates was talking about the implications of artificial intelligence on the world, and reflected on his own predictions during the original digital revolution.The Microsoft founder said that as the internet was taking off, he believed it would "make the world so factual."He thought the internet would drive people to search up information and responsibly empower themselves, giving an example of how someone could learn about a lawsuit by looking up what both the plaintiff and defendant claimed without relying on a news article.And if someone had a question about a topic in science, they could "go read the articles and see everything about them," the billionaire said.Internet entrepreneurs like him expected to drive "Socratic debate," he added.What Gates hadn't foreseen, however, was how the internet would be used by the world's people with "crazy ideas," he said."There were a lot of them out there. They were just not finding each other," Gates said. "And now, with digital tools, said: 'Oh you think that crazy thing? Me too! Let's get together and have a critical mass of crazy people. Let's, you know, call ourselves QAnon.'"Gates said he hoped younger generations would be able creative enough to solve the disinformation issues of the current day.The billionaire said he's open to AI being regulated — adding that anyone who fights against AI regulation just sounds "stupid." Despite his admissions about the internet, Gates said he feels positive about AI, saying it could relieve labor shortages and make the world richer."I'm more optimistic about AI because of the near-term benefits," he said.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»
Fidelis Capital, specializing in suddenly "sexy" bonds, approaches $1B in assets
The bond market had one its worst years ever in 2022 but Chris Gunster, head of fixed income for Fidelis Capital, says bonds have become "sexy" again. Fixed-income investments are helping the wealthy achieve real gains after inflation. Click through to learn more about Fidelis' new strategy and how it is helping the Dallas- and Florida-based firm expand its reach......»»
Form D Friday: Fort Worth private equity firm raises $3M for logistics project
Fort Worth-based BridgeCap Partners raised $3.4 million for an apparent real estate investment. Crescent Partners is also looking to raise $17 million for an apparent project in Arlington. And a medical device company has also raised some funds. Form D Friday, our weekly roundup of federal filings tied to securities deals in Dallas-Fort Worth, provides early indications of what businesses and investors might be planning......»»
Zulily closing Seattle operations, state filing shows
The online retailer is also facing several lawsuits from vendors who allege they haven't been paid......»»
New CEO at Communities Foundation of Texas aims to take philanthropic force to next level
After leadership stints at Verizon Wireless, Motorola and the American Cancer Society, Wayne Whiter is eager to make an impact in DFW as the new head of Communities Foundation of Texas — an organization that has given out more than $2 billion in its history. Click through to learn about his leadership style and his early goals at the nonprofit......»»
Carolina Handling releases third children’s holiday book, “Santa’s Legendary Solutions”
What would happen if the Easter Bunny, Cupid, Jack Frost and other members of the Council of Legendary Figures suddenly began losing their powers? You can find the answer in “Santa’s Legendary Solutions,” the third release in a series of children’s holiday books published by Carolina Handling. In this latest story, the legendary creatures call a secret meeting with Santa Claus when they realize their magic is disappearing in a fast-paced, ever-changing world where children grow up too fast.….....»»
Tips on how to begin budgeting a family office
When the management of a family business and the accumulating family wealth becomes difficult to balance, a family office can solve the need for balance between responsible ownership and a healthy family dynamic. Operating a family office requires robust accounting services. But the cost of the in-house service can be highly variable based on the complexity of the office, the scale of investments, and specific needs. Because family office structures and services can dramatically differ, it’s challenging….....»»
Steps this Charlotte advisory firm takes to be an organization’s unsung hero
Behind every great business decision are the unsung heroes of the finance and accounting team who stood with the owner to advance the business. Years of strong financial statements solidified a banking relationship – thanks are owed to the team providing core functions around cash, accounts receivable and inventories. The business identified competitive advantages to achieve ideal margins – praise goes to the controllers, analysts and planners. The business successfully acquires a long-time….....»»
Ongoing labor shortage accelerates automation decisions
As the calendar closes in on 2024, the Material Handling Equipment Dealers Association (MHEDA) recently released its top 14 business trends impacting the material handling industry. Emerging technology and a continuing demand for automation are on the list, along with an ongoing labor shortage. In a recent survey by automation software company UiPath, two-thirds of executives said their companies were experiencing labor shortages, and almost 80 percent said they will invest in automation to help….....»»
Are you taking these financial steps to grow your business?
Growth in business is to be celebrated. But failing to plan for that growth – and invest in the necessary supports that will foster more growth – can stunt progress. Business success often begets more success. As entities grow from say, one car dealership to multiple dealerships or even multiple lines of business, owners can be distracted by the opportunity and fail to plan for the level of accounting services needed. More than likely, accounting services need to be strengthened to support….....»»
Hear Al Franken’s prediction about 2024 election
Hear Al Franken’s prediction about 2024 election.....»»
Brittney Griner Will Exclusively Share Her Story Across Multiple Platforms Via ESPN-Disney Partnership
One year after WNBA star Brittney Griner was released from a Russian prison, the read more.....»»
Don"t Approve Of "ChatGPT" Name? OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Doesn"t Like It Too, But Now We Are Stuck
OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, has expressed his dislike for the name "ChatGPT" on a podcast but acknowledged that it may be too well-established to change. read more.....»»
This Solana-Based Meme Coin Reached All-Time Highs Again, Even As Shiba Inu, Dogecoin Slip
BONK (CRYPTO: BONK), the meme coin based on the Solana (CRYPTO: SOL) blockchain, has shown a surge of 36% within the last day, outperforming top cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (CRYPTO: read more.....»»
Elon Musk"s biggest fans on X love Community Notes — until it comes for them
Fans of the new Twitter, now X, say Community Notes is the superior alternative to removing misinformation from the platform. Critics say the system, however, is flawed. Emojipedia; Rebecca Zisser/BIX has relied on Community Notes, a crowdsourced fact-checking feature, to address misinformation.Critics have said the approach is flawed, but Elon Musk and his biggest fans stand by the feature.But even Musk's supporters call out Community Notes when it corrects them.When Elon Musk gutted the content moderation team last year at what was still Twitter, some of the billionaire's biggest fans hailed the move as a new era of free, unfiltered, and unmoderated speech on the platform.Replacing the people burdened with the difficult task of tackling misinformation was going to be an existing feature at Twitter, now X, called BirdWatch — a fact-checking program that relies on user input."Birdwatch (soon to be renamed Community Notes) has incredible potential for improving information accuracy on Twitter!" Musk said last November.Musk and fans of the new Twitter have stood by the feature, arguing that it's a preferred alternative to removing misinformation altogether. But even X fanboys have had to come to terms with the shortcomings of Community Notes, which critics have pointed out since Musk's takeover.Conservative blogger Ian Miles Cheong, who regularly responds to Musk's posts and has about 865,000 followers on X, likes to highlight when Democratic politicians, mainstream news outlets, and posts that generally appear to support left-wing views are checked by Community Notes."Community Notes does not miss," he has said in multiple variations — until it did.Responding to an X user who appeared to support the idea of decolonization in Western societies, the blogger wrote in response: "These people want us dead. They make no secret of it. It's time to wake up."A Community Note soon appeared under his post: "Ian Miles Cheong is Malaysian and has never been to the US. Malaysia is not a Western nation and, in fact, as somewhere between 63% and 75% Muslim population, depending on the survey. He would be closer to the 'they' than the 'us' in this statement."Cheong has since taken down the post but called the note "insane," claiming that he has visited the US multiple times and accused the Community Notes feature of being gamed."I didn't realize CN (Community Notes) could be used to troll people you disagree with politically," he wrote.Cheong told Business Insider in an email that he doesn't feel Community Notes is unreliable "most of the time" and that, although it can be "occasionally gamed by the masses," the feature does a "good job" at tackling misinformation and adding context.He said most of his frustration about the notes is when he feels "no context is necessary," such as in the case of a satirical meme.Critics are skeptical of Community NotesSome may argue that the fact that no X user, including Musk himself, is immune to a correction from Community Notes is a testament to the feature's capability, but critics have repeatedly pointed out the flaws of the system behind the feature.In December 2022, current and former employees at Twitter told Bloomberg that the feature, as it was designed at the time, can't address divisive posts, even if they're clearly lies, because a note needs consensus from users across the political spectrum. Data showed that about 96% of fact-checking notes contributed by Community Notes did not end up being posted for the public, the report said.Half a year later, Poynter Institute's MediaWise Director Alex Mahadevan said that the program still suffers from visibility issues because of how Community Notes operates. Typical X users could only see about 8.5% of the total notes that have been contributed by participating users, he said.The same system has caused X to be slower to act on posts related to the Israel-Hamas war that broke out in October and have been debunked but viewed by hundreds of thousands of users without an appendaged note.A Wired investigation published in October, which included ex-Twitter employees and a current Community Notes contributor, also found that Community Notes is vulnerable to manipulation by outside players, the notes themselves can be a source of misinformation, and the approval process behind notes is still murky. Elon Musk's biggest fans voice concernsSome of Musk's strongest supporters who have bought into the X owner's so-called "free speech absolutist" vision on the platform have argued about Community Notes' limitations.Tech investor David Sacks, who hailed "Free Speech is back in America" after X reinstated Donald Trump's account last November, said the feature was unable to handle "info war and psyops at scale" after a note corrected his post that claimed American troops were operating in Ukraine.Seth Dillon, owner and chief executive of The Babylon Bee, a conservative satirical news website that was also banned pre-Musk, said that Community Notes is "not perfect, but it's working." Dillon who has called Musk the "foremost defender of free speech in our country," added that "it's even more entertaining than it is helpful."Corrections and the slightly snarky tone that can be behind some of the notes have become content in themselves, so much so that an entire page dedicated to highlighting "community notes violating people" has attracted more than 735,000 followers.Cheong told BI Community Notes is "not perfect and it remains a work in progress, but believes it's "leagues ahead of fact-checking organizations."Likewise, Musk continues to announce "improvements" to Community Notes. On Thursday, he said on X that users from Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan can now be a part of the program. The feature's algorithm also continues to be tweaked, according to Community Notes' X page.Musk claimed in May that the feature will one day be able to combat deepfakes or media generated by artificial intelligence.Musk and a spokesperson for X did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»
8 of the 10 safest countries for American travelers in 2024 are in Europe — see the list
Canada is the safest place for American travelers, a survey by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection found. Portugal may not be as popular among tourists as its neighbors, it remains one of the safest countries, per BHTP.Alexander Spatari/Getty ImagesThe majority of the safest countries to visit are in Europe, one study found. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection recently published a list of the world's safest places to travel.Canada is the safest country for American travelers, the study found.As the year wraps up, travelers daydream about their 2024 travel plans.Things like budget and distance are usually factored in when it comes to choosing the perfect destination, as is safety.In September, insurance company Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) released its list of the safest countries for Americans to visit in 2024.So, what makes a country safe?BHTP's study defined a "safe place" as a destination where travelers are unlikely to experience discrimination or harassment. The company's website also noted that epidemics and severe weather conditions were taken into account. BHTP told Business Insider in an email that the survey took into account 42 countries and 31 cities across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia in its survey.The study was based on a survey of travelers who had visited specific countries in the last five years. BHTP told BI it surveyed 1,702 travelers. Data from the Global Peace Index and the US Department of State, along with information on major cities' safety from the security firm Geosure, were also factored in.The Global Peace Index, an annual ranking of the world's safest countries by the Institute of Economics and Peace, included both Japan and Singapore on the 2023 list of top 10 safest countries — neither of the Asian countries made it onto BHTP's list of safest countries to travel.Take a look at the 10 safest countries for American travelers in the coming year, per BHTP's study.10. AustraliaA panoramic view of Sydney, Australia.zetter/Getty ImagesBHTP noted that Australia experiences a low level of violent crime, recording some 377 murders in 2022, per the Australian Bureau of Statistics. In comparison, New York State recorded more than double the number of murders, at 918, in the same year, per data collated by the National Center for Health Statistics. The population of New York State is 5 million people lower than that of Australia.Travelers should be cautious of wildlife in Australia, per BHTP. Wild animals — including crocodiles, sharks, poisonous insects, and snakes — can be found throughout the country, per the US Department of State.Australia has a safety index of 52.83, per Numbeo. Canberra, its safest city, has a safety index of 72.9. IcelandTourists visit Reynisfjara in Iceland.Manuel Romano/Getty ImagesBHTP noted that Iceland was ranked the most peaceful country this year, per the Global Safety Index. While Iceland is relatively safe to visit, travelers should be careful when driving there, per BHTP.BHTP added that only a third of Iceland's roads are paved. Due to the strong winds and frosty weather, it's not easy to drive in Iceland, especially from October to April, per BHTP.Iceland has a safety index of 74.55, per Numbeo. The website notes that the country has a very low level of crime.8. DenmarkA view of the famed colorful houses in Denmark.Scott E Barbour/Getty ImagesBHTP noted that Denmark is the second most peaceful country in the world this year, per the Global Peace Index. Despite being a relatively safe place to visit, travelers should be cautious when taking photos, per BHTP.BHTP added that some parts of Denmark — like the Freetown Christiania district of Copenhagen — have a no-photography policy, per the US Department of State.Denmark has a safety index of 73.67, per Numbeo.7. PortugalLisbon, Portugal.Jermaine AmadoPortugal is not as heavily touristed as other parts of Europe, according to BHTP. Major cities in Portugal, which see more tourists, are still regarded as safe and orderly, per BHTP.Travelers should still be cautious when taking mass transit, per BHTP — it's noted that pickpockets are commonplace. The US State Department advises travelers to avoid standing near the doors of public transportation, where thieves often pickpocket commuters.Portugal has a safety index of 69.29, per Numbeo.6. United KingdomAn aerial view of London, the capital of the UK. Karl HendonAmerican travelers consider the UK relatively safe, per BHTP's survey, especially in the countryside. BHTP noted that crime rates in the UK have also been declining, falling 15% in 2022, per the Office for National Statistics.But travelers should still watch out for drunk driving accidents, per BHTP. Notably, Scotland's limit was lowered to a blood alcohol content of 0.05, while the rest of the UK is 0.8, per the European Transport Safety Council.The UK has a safety index of 52.68, per Numbeo. Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, has a safety index of 69.2 and is the safest city in the UK.5. The NetherlandsIconic canal with houseboats in Amsterdam.Karl Hendon/Getty ImagesAccording to BHTP, the Netherlands was voted the safest city in the world by American travelers surveyed in last year's edition of the study. While the country is generally safe to visit, travelers should still be cautious of tag teams, per BHTP.Tag teams usually comprise several people working together to commit theft, per the US Department of State. They distract their targets, with one person asking for directions while another tries to get into your bags. The US Department of State advises travelers to store their valuables in hotel safes and lock up their suitcases.The Netherlands has a safety index of 74.19, per Numbeo. The Hague, the safest city in the country, has a safety index of 80, one of the lowest in Europe.4. IrelandThe beautiful landscape of Inis Mór Island in Ireland.matthibcn/ Getty ImagesBHTP noted that some 69 murders were committed in Ireland in 2022, per the Central Statistics Office. In comparison, there were 203 homicides in Washington, DC, in the same year. The US capital city has less than one-fifth the population of Ireland.While Ireland has low levels of violent crime, visitors need to be cautious of petty thefts, especially when visiting pubs, per BHTP. Ireland has a safety index of 53.71, per Numbeo.3. NorwayNorthern Lights, also called aurora borealis, dance in the sky over Tromso, Norway.NTB/Rune Stoltz Bertinussen/ReutersIn 2022, Norway had an average crime rate of 56.1 incidents per 1,000 residents, according to Statistics Norway. BHTP noted that while it's generally safe, travelers need to be vigilant of pickpockets in places like Oslo Central train station in the capital city, per the US Department of State.Norway has a safety index of 67.48, with low crime levels, according to Numbeo, with the safest city being Trondheim.2. SwitzerlandThe city of St. Gallen, Switzerland.Roman Kohler/ShutterstockSwitzerland is famed for its security, according to BHTP.BHTP noted that travelers should still be cautious of Alpine hazards in the landlocked country — including avalanches, rockslides, and blizzards, per the US Department of State. Tourists, especially those who intend to ski and hike, should register their travel with authorities, per BHTP.Zurich, the capital of Switzerland, was ranked the safest city in Europe, per Numbeo. The city has a safety index of 81.7.1. Canada A view of a valley overlooking the mountains in Moraine Lake, Canada.benedekCanada is the safest country for Americans to travel to, thanks to its low population density, according to BHTP.But tourists also need to watch out for wildfires, which have caused poorer air quality in big cities in Canada, per BHTP. People with respiratory illnesses have experienced difficulties traveling to Canada because of the lower air quality, per the report.The top three safest cities in the Americas — Quebec City, Ottawa, and Montreal — are all in Canada, according to the online database Numbeo. Quebec City has a safety index of 83.9, with the level of crime noted as being very low, per Numbeo.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»
Bill Gates thinks of himself as "very nice" compared to Elon Musk and Steve Jobs
Bill Gates says a certain level of intensity is necessary in creating innovative companies like Microsoft. Bill Gates and Elon Musk.Pascal Le Segretain, Sean Gallup / Getty ImagesBill Gates name-checked Elon Musk and Steve Jobs during a fireside chat on Thursday.The Microsoft founder said he considers himself "very nice" compared to his fellow tech leaders.But Gates acknowledged that a certain level of intensity is required in innovative fields. Bill Gates said he considers himself a more relaxed boss than many of his tech compatriots at the top.The Microsoft founder name-checked Elon Musk and Steve Jobs during a fireside chat on Thursday after being awarded the Peter G. Peterson Leadership Excellence Award by the Economic Club of New York.The talk's moderator asked Gates about the lessons he learned in creating a culture of innovation during his time at the helm of Microsoft.The billionaire, who co-founded the technology company with his childhood friend Paul Allen in 1975, said leaders like himself have to think about how "hardcore" they should be when spearheading innovative companies."Everybody is different. Elon pushes hard, maybe too much," Gates said, referencing Musk. "Steve Jobs pushed hard, maybe too much.""I think of myself as very nice compared to those guys," he added with a laugh.Jobs co-founded Apple in 1976 with Steve Wozniak, while Musk is the founder and SpaceX and the Boring Company, and cofounder of OpenAI and Neuralink.Gates has a checkered history with both men. He and Jobs nursed a decades-long love-hate relationship, going from allies to rivals and back again several times. Their back-and-forth competitive spirit is often credited with spurring major innovations at both Microsoft and Apple over the years.Steve Jobs and Bill Gates.Beck Diefenbach/Reuters; Mike Cohen/Getty Images for The New York TimesAfter Jobs died in 2011, Gates said he respected the Apple founder and was grateful for their competition.The philanthropist's relationship with Musk has been even more turbulent in recent years. The two men have publicly poked at each other and frequently disagree on everything from space travel to climate change.Gates told Musk's biographer, Walter Isaacson, that the Tesla CEO was "super mean" to him in 2022."Once he heard I'd shorted the stock, he was super mean to me, but he's super mean to so many people, so you can't take it too personally," Gates told Isaacson.But Gates acknowledged during the Thursday discussion that a "certain intensity" is required to succeed as an innovative leader."In my 20s, I was monomaniacally focused on Microsoft," he said. "I didn't believe in weekends or vacations.'The moderator asked Gates to confirm an urban legend that has circulated in recent years in which the billionaire memorized all of his employees' license plates during the early days of Microsoft so he could track who was putting in long hours at work."It wasn't that many license plates. We only had a few hundred employees," Gates said, seemingly confirming the tale."I can still tell you when they came in and out," he added.Gates cites his intensity with the "positive experience" he had at Microsoft, which he said still guides his thinking today."I view every problem through this innovation lens," he said.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»
A historic 1956 menu signed by Mao Zedong just sold for $275,000. Here"s what was served at the dinner, which ultimately led to nuke development.
Six specific dishes were served at the banquet, which led to growing ties between China and Pakistan and eventually to the development of nukes. Mao Zedong at a banquet in 1956, and Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy in 1957.Contributor/Bettmann via Getty Images, and J. Wilds/Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesA menu signed by Mao Zedong and other officials was sold for $275,000 on Wednesday.It was from 1956, and for the first state banquet hosting Pakistan's then-Prime Minister.Here's what was served at the historic banquet that heralded warmer ties between both nations.A banquet menu from 1956 signed by former Chinese leader Mao Zedong sold on Wednesday for $275,000, per auction house RR Auction.The menu itself marked a historic occasion — the first Pakistani state visit to China at the height of the Cold War, as a young Beijing government sought to establish diplomatic ties with other nations.Then-Prime Minister Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy arrived on October 19 that year just after taking office, and dined with Mao, China's then-Premier Zhou Enlai, and other officials.A total of seven officials, including the two heads of state, signed the menu, per RR Auction.Apart from appetizers and dessert, the menu mentions six specific dishes of note:1. Consommé of Swallow Nest and White AgaricA sample of bird's nest that has been cleaned, soaked, and ready for preparation.Jerry Redfern/LightRocket via Getty ImagesSwallow Nest is a delicacy still eaten in China, and its ingredients are harvested from the solidified saliva of swiftlets, which is a wispy, jelly-like, and translucent substance.White Agaric is often called snow fungus in China, and is known to taste bland and to thicken in soups. The mushroom features seaweed-like fronds that spread out.Dried snow fungus features on the top left of the plate.Dickson Lee/South China Morning Post via Getty ImagesBoth are often combined in soups and served with sugar, and remain a delicacy or dessert today.2. Shark's Fin in Brown SauceShark's fin is a luxury dish that dates back to the Ming Dynasty of 1368 to 1644, and was regarded as an item that only the imperial family or upper classmen could eat.The dish, however, spread in society in the 20th century as people standards of living rose.It's typically served shredded in a soup, or braised in a thick and slightly sweet sauce.A bowl of shark's fin soup at Luk Yu Tea House in Hong Kong.Stefan Irvine/LightRocket via Getty ImagesThe shark's fin trade is controversial today for its often inhumane harvesting practices, and import of shark's fin is banned in the US, Canada, and other countries.3. Vegetable Rolls in Three ColorsSpring rolls are often wrapped in batter and deep-fried or pan-fried in China, and served with a dipping sauce. They are typically savory and treated as an appetizer.4. Fried Spiced ChickenChicken that's fried and spiced. No further details were given.5. Vegetarian MacedoineA dish of diced vegetables that is native to neither China nor Pakistan, but France, a vegetarian macedoine often features corn, carrots, green beans, and potatoes tossed in a light dressing.6. Roast Peking DuckRoast Peking Duck is perhaps the most famous of all Chinese dishes in the modern day.Nora Tam/South China Morning Post via Getty ImagesThe pride of a typical Chinese state banquet, the famed Peking roast duck is served with its skin separated and arranged in thin, crispy slices meant to melt in the mouth.The duck meat, meanwhile, is served with thin pancakes, scallions, and a sweet sauce.Close relations between China and PakistanPakistan was one of the first nations to recognize the Chinese Communist Party's rule after the latter took power in 1949.Hoping to seek ties with a large nation that could rival India, Pakistan forged closer ties with the Chinese, and Suhrawardy would go on to sign a friendship treaty with Zhou on his 1956 visit.China eventually played a key role in Pakistan's nuclear armament program, giving its government enough weapons-grade uranium for two atomic bombs.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»
Sam Altman says he was "totally wrong" about how bad antisemitism has gotten in the US
Altman, who is of Jewish descent, said he used to say that "antisemitism, particularly on the American left, was not as bad as people claimed." OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty ImagesSam Altman has revised his opinion on the seriousness of antisemitism. The OpenAI CEO said he was "totally wrong" about how bad the problem actually was."I still don't understand it, really. Or know what to do about it," Altman said in an X post.OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says he has badly underestimated how extensive the problem of antisemitism is in the US."For a long time I said that antisemitism, particularly on the American left, was not as bad as people claimed," Sam Altman wrote in an X post on Thursday. "I'd like to just state that I was totally wrong."Altman, who is of Jewish descent, went on to express his confusion and frustration at the situation in his post."I still don't understand it, really. Or know what to do about it. But it is so fucked," he wrote.Altman isn't the only business executive to have voiced his opinion on the issue.Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman has styled himself as the most vocal critic of college campuses in the US, and their response to the Israel-Hamas war. The Harvard alumnus has slammed his alma mater and other colleges for what he believes to be a rise in antisemitism on campuses.This week, politicians and corporate titans have slammed the presidents of Harvard, MIT, and the University of Pennsylvania over their approaches toward on-campus antisemitism.The three presidents attended a congressional hearing about on-campus antisemitism on Tuesday, where they were repeatedly asked if calling for the genocide of Jews violates their universities' rules on bullying and harassment."It can be, depending on the context," Harvard's Claudine Gay said at the hearing.The MIT and University of Pennsylvania presidents Sally Kornbluth and Liz Magill gave similar answers when asked the same question."Why has antisemitism exploded on campus and around the world? Because of leaders like Presidents Gay, Magill, and Kornbluth who believe genocide depends on the context," Ackman wrote on X on Tuesday.Representatives for Altman did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider sent outside regular business hours.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»
Housing keeps getting less affordable – and the math only improved in one major city this year, says Redfin
A median income earner spent 41% of their pay on a median-priced home this year, according to Redfin, or almost double the level in 2012. Redfin expects mortgage rates to dip next year.Getty ImagesMedian income earners spent 41% of their pay on housing this year, up from 21% in 2012, per Redfin.Only Austin, Texas bucked the trend of declining affordability.In Anaheim and San Francisco, many homebuyers can expect to spend 80% of their income on housing.Buying a home for many people has never been less affordable, according to a report by real estate company Redfin published Thursday.A median income earner would need to spend 41% of their earnings on monthly housing costs if they'd bought a median-priced home, per Redfin's analysis.That's close to double the level in 2012, when Redfin started collecting data, and a big jump from 31% just two years ago.Redfin's analysis calculated monthly housing payments using median home prices, average mortgage rates of 6.73%, and median incomes, considering a 20% down payment.Housing affordability has worsened largely because wages have failed to keep pace with the rising cost of buying a home.While housing affordability plummeted in nearly all of the 50 largest metropolitan areas, one city emerged as a notable exception.In Austin, a homebuyer with a median local income would spend just 36.6% of their earnings on a median-priced home. That marks a 1% decline from last year.However, it's still not the most affordable market – that title is shared by Detroit and Pittsburgh, according to Redfin. In both cities, homebuyers with typical local income can expect to spend less than 25% of their monthly pay on housing costs.In contrast, the least affordable markets were Anaheim and San Francisco, where homebuyers with the typical local income would spend more than 80% of their pay on monthly housing costs.Mortgage rates hit a 23-year high in Octover when the 30-year fixed rate reached 7.92%. Data from the National Association of Realtors also found that housing affordability had reached new lows not seen since 1985.The average monthly payment for a standard starter home, with a 10% down payment, rose 6.9% from the previous quarter and a 19% year-on-year, per the NAR.However, the outlook isn't entirely bleak. Redfin's chief economist Daryl Fairweather told Business Insider this week: "We're starting to see a shift toward a buyer's market as pandemic-driven inflation takes its last gasps, mortgage rates come down, and more people list their homes for sale."Redfin predicted a dip in the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate to about 6.6% by the end of 2024.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»
Hospitality executives touted for their leadership
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Immigration law firm moves to larger Hoover space amid steady growth
A personal injury and immigration law firm has expanded into a new headquarters in Hoover. Serving a growing, underserved community across the state brought it to this point......»»
Chiropractic practices merge, expand
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Jeff State creates program to fill local surgical workforce gap
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Izatys Resort on Mille Lacs Lake listed for sale
The 485-acre resort features 28 hotel rooms, an 18-hole golf course, event space and 33 boat slips......»»
Palm Tree Brewing Co. planning brewery, taproom in Fair Oaks Village
Plans are in the works to convert a vacant commercial building in Fair Oaks Village into a brewery and taproom......»»
Queen Creek unanimously approves Google Fiber plan
Google Fiber is expected to start construction in Queen Creek in August 2024 and start delivering service to residents in 2025......»»
Honeygrow looks to continue steady growth with 11 new stores in "hyper-competitive" real estate market
Philadelphia-based honeygrow has opened eight stores so far this year and has another 11 locations currently in the works for 2024 as it looks to continue its steady growth amid a crowded real estate market......»»
The Cuckoo"s Nest to close when its property sells, owners to focus on Schenectady
Its owners already have one restaurant in Schenectady with another in development there......»»
Finding young lawyers in Jacksonville has become more of a struggle
The new JU law school is gradually working to increase the number of new Jacksonville attorneys......»»
Hunter Biden Indicted On Multiple Felony Tax Charges Including "Office Expense" Deductions For "Over-The-Hill Strippers"
Hunter Biden Indicted On Multiple Felony Tax Charges Including "Office Expense" Deductions For "Over-The-Hill Strippers".....»»
Japan"s First-Ever Conviction For Illegal Organ Trafficking Shines Light On Forced Organ Harvesting
Japan's First-Ever Conviction For Illegal Organ Trafficking Shines Light On Forced Organ Harvesting Authored by Bin Zhao and Sean Tseng via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours), In a landmark ruling, a Japanese court has convicted a non-profit executive of facilitating illegal overseas organ transplants for Japanese citizens. Doctors carrying organs for transplant surgery at a hospital in Henan Province, China, on Aug. 16, 2012. (Screenshot/Sohu.com) On Nov. 28, the Tokyo District Court sentenced 63-year-old Hiromichi Kikuchi, chairman of the Association for Patients of Intractable Diseases, a non-profit organization. Kikuchi received an eight-month prison term and a fine of 1 million yen (around $6,800) for arranging organ transplants abroad for two Japanese citizens without government approval. His organization, which has been working with transplant patients for over fifteen years, is now under scrutiny. The case, the first of its kind in Japan, has prompted widespread media coverage and heightened concerns over illegal organ transplants. Mr. Kikuchi's conviction shows Japan's efforts to crack down on organ trafficking and forced organ harvesting. The transplants that led to his arrest took place in Belarus in 2022. However, the case has drawn attention to the grim reality of forced organ harvesting in China, as Mr. Kikuchi admitted that the vast majority of the transplants he has orchestrated since 2007 involved organs from China. This verdict has sparked intense public debate in Japan, where organ harvesting is already a hotly contested topic because of widespread ethical reservations about the source of organs for transplant. Forced Organ Harvesting For years, investigations and reports have highlighted the practice of forced organ harvesting in China's major hospitals, with substantial evidence supporting the claims. On June 25, 2022, The Epoch Times Japanese edition published an exclusive interview with Ushio Sugawara, a former member of Japan's largest "Yakuza" crime syndicate, Yamaguchi-gumi. Mr. Sugawara, who left the underworld in 2015 to become an economic commentator, recalled an incident from 2007. At that time, he was involved in a liver transplant for a friend's brother, arranged through an intermediary, and costing about $220,000. The liver transplant took place at Beijing's Armed Police General Hospital. After arriving in China, Mr. Sugawara visited his friend's brother at the hospital the day before the scheduled surgery. He described seeing the donor, a 21-year-old Falun Gong practitioner labeled a "terrorist" and sentenced to death, unconscious and medicated, with bandages on his hands and feet. The hospital staff explained that the severing of tendons in the donor's hands and feet was to prevent escape and ensure the quality of the organs. The transplant ultimately failed, resulting in the deaths of both the recipient and the donor. After the report on forced organ harvesting practices by The Epoch Times Japan, several prominent Japanese media outlets, including Yomiuri Shimbun, Japan's largest newspaper, launched investigations into Japanese intermediaries in overseas organ transplants and found evidence against the Association for Patients of Intractable Diseases and Mr. Kikuchi. The non-profit, according to its website, has been connecting Japanese patients with overseas hospitals, primarily in China, for organ transplants since 2003. This timeline coincides with when Chinese hospitals began aggressively marketing organ transplants to foreign nationals. Canadian human rights lawyer David Matas and the late David Kilgour, a former Canadian cabinet minister, have long investigated the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP's) organ transplant practices. Their 2006 report, which was expanded into the book "Bloody Harvest," raised suspicions that the CCP was illicitly harvesting organs and particularly targeting Falun Gong practitioners. In 2016, Mr. Matas, together with Kilgour and London-based investigative journalist Ethan Gutmann, published "Bloody Harvest/The Slaughter: An Update." The 680-page report estimated that China was conducting 60,000 to 100,000 transplant surgeries annually. 'Organ Extractions for Profit' On Oct. 10, the Tokyo District Court conducted its first hearing in the widely-publicized Kikuchi case. The defendant was charged with brokering organ transplant operations without government permission for two patients, in violation of Japan's organ transplant law. Presiding Judge Baba Yoshiro said Mr. Kikuchi recruited patients for overseas organ transplants and expedited organ transplant surgeries within a matter of a few months. Japan's organ transplant law outlaws the sale of human organs and profiting through intermediaries. In a startling admission, Mr. Kikuchi revealed that over the past two decades, his organization had facilitated about 170 transplants, with 90 percent of patients receiving transplants in Chinese hospitals. He highlighted the cost-effectiveness of the operations, noting that prices in China were significantly lower than in the United States. Following the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing travel restrictions, Mr. Kikuchi shifted his focus to Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Mr. Kikuchi also outlined the costs involved: 20 million yen (approximately $136,000) for a kidney, 30 million yen (around $204,000) for a liver, 30–40 million yen ($204,000–$272,000) for a heart, and 40–50 million yen ($272,000–$340,000) for lungs. These figures included surgery, travel, and intermediary fees. On Nov. 28, the court handed down its final verdict: Mr. Kikuchi was sentenced to eight months in prison and fined 1 million yen (about $6,778). The decision was widely discussed online, with some Japanese netizens expressing outrage: "This group's inhumane acts, forcibly extracting organs from young individuals in China, are utterly deplorable," read one post. Another post criticized the leniency of the sentence: "Kikuchi is essentially an accomplice to murder; this punishment is insufficient." Initially, Mr. Kikuchi had maintained his innocence, claiming his actions "saved hundreds of lives." However, Hiroaki Maruyama, a representative for the Stop Medical Genocide (SMG) Network, vehemently disagreed with this perspective. In an interview with The Epoch Times, Mr. Maruyama said the "Chinese hospitals' organ extractions from living persons for profit" contrasted with the principles of medical ethics. Mr. Kikuchi, by engaging in these activities, not only abetted them but also implicated many Japanese patients unaware of the truth, he said. Mr. Maruyama emphasized that Mr. Kikuchi's arrest and conviction, along with the media coverage surrounding it, shed light on a network of illegal intermediaries tied to the global organ black market, particularly CCP's large-scale forced organ harvesting. These revelations represent just the surface of a much darker reality, he stressed. He called for legislation preventing Japanese citizens from seeking organ transplants in countries like China, which are known for human rights violations. Tyler Durden Thu, 12/07/2023 - 22:20.....»»
Top 20 Countries with the Most Handsome Men in Asia
In this article, we are going to present the top 20 countries with the most handsome men in Asia. Asian beauty standards for men are less restrictive than those for women, with little representation of Asian men in the West. One of the most prized neotenous features in Asia is having a “small face,” which […] In this article, we are going to present the top 20 countries with the most handsome men in Asia. Asian beauty standards for men are less restrictive than those for women, with little representation of Asian men in the West. One of the most prized neotenous features in Asia is having a “small face,” which is a result of a mutation in the EDAR gene. This mutation causes the majority of East Asians to retain a lot of baby-like features well into adulthood. East Asian men tend to have more neotenous features in adulthood compared to their counterparts in other parts of the world, leading researchers to use the abundance of neotenous features in East Asian men to explain the low sexual dimorphism that is popularly ascribed to East Asians. This aesthetic has become dominant in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and South Korea. Asian men are expected to look good and more distinguished as they get older, but there is less pressure on them to look physically attractive. In terms of height, Asian men are expected to have a balanced appearance, with the ideal height being 1.80 m, slightly under 5’11”. The ideal image is lean, with broad shoulders forming a distinct V-shape for the upper body, tapering down to a slim waist and proportional legs. Etiquette and charisma are also important aspects of Asian culture, with many men displaying a clean-shaven face and a sense of humility. Etiquette, charm, and behavior are a few factors that have an impact on Asian beauty standards. editing apps like Pitu, Meitu, and Snow in China and South Korea, which allow users to edit their faces at the molecular level. K-Beauty standards emphasize a more natural look than heavy makeup, emphasizing a balanced lifestyle. beauty-focused countries like South Korea and Thailand, where plastic surgery is popular. Eurocentric beauty and mixed-race standards are often promoted, with Western and Asian beauty standards often being repackaged to appear more Asian. According to popular culture, TV, social media, and movies, the fight for healthier skin is no longer about healthier skin but rather about beauty. The global pandemic has significantly changed beauty and personal care consumer behavior, leading to a shift in men’s grooming. Brands are making beauty and personal care products accessible to men, with the need for male cosmetics evolving into a big trend in Asia. Gen Z males in Japan recognize the importance of physical appearance through skincare and cosmetics, and older millennials, known as Xennials, are also attracted to these products. All in all, beauty standards for men across Asia are varied. Each country in Asia has different criteria for what makes a man attractive. But beauty standards are only surface-level. In Asia, or across the globe, personality and character are what most likely attract women. Photo by Karlo Tottoc on Unsplash Our Methodology This article will determine which country in Asia has the most handsome men. Eight sources were utilized to determine the top 20 countries with the most handsome men in Asia. Eight sources include articles, forums, and discussions. Since what is considered handsome cannot be quantified or measured, a ranking based on how frequently a certain country will appear will determine the ranking. After ranking the frequency with which each country appears, a list of the top 20 countries with the most handsome men in Asia is made. Without further ado, let us now discuss our list of the countries with the most handsome men in Asia in 2023. Top 20 Countries with the Most Handsome Men in Asia 20. Syria Syria makes it as one of the 20 countries with the most handsome men in Asia. Masculinity in Syrian society is defined as Syrian men being expected to demonstrate sacrificial heroism, martial ability, and physical strength in order to prove their national loyalty. The role of Syrian men is typically viewed as being in the military and perpetuating masculine nationalism in everyday life. Mohamad Al-Abdullah is one of the most handsome men in Syria. 19. Cambodia Most people think of Cambodian males as loving, romantic, and quite possessive. They are regularly seen with ladies from other countries, and they are renowned as one of the most attractive guys in Southeast Asia. They are fashion-conscious and take pride in how they look. Many people think of Cambodian men as charming and respectful gentlemen. Because of their high moral standards and honesty, they are not susceptible to immorality or theft. Their spouses are an integral component of their tight-knit family dynamics, and they are devoted to their families. While Cambodian men may have difficulty saying “no” in some contexts, they are generally forthright and honest communicators. Paing Takhon is considered to be one of the most handsome men in Cambodia. Cambodia makes it as one of the 20 countries with the most handsome men in Asia. 18. Bangladesh Bangladesh makes it as one of the 20 countries with most handsome man in Asia. Men from Bangladesh are known for many positive qualities, such as being tall and good-looking, having a confident demeanor, speaking with a pleasant voice and a cool accent, sporting attractive features like long fingers and eyebrows, being courteous and smart, having a good heart, and being willing to help others. Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Sabbir Rahman, Habib Wahid, Shoumik Ahmed, Bappy Chowdhury, and Ghazi Abdul Noor are some of the most handsome men in Bangladesh. 17. United Arab Emirates Arab men are desirable due to their stunning appearance, friendly nature, generosity, humor, and courtesy. They are devoted to their families, hosting large parties, and making others feel welcome. Arabs’ religious beliefs and practices are deeply ingrained in their culture, making them attractive to other genders. They are devoted to their loved ones, country, friends, employers, and sports teams, making them attractive to other genders. Arab men’s modesty, both in their accomplishments and attire, provides a sense of mystery and may attract others to pursue a connection. Omar Borkan Al Gala is one example of a handsome Arab man. The United Arab Emirates makes it as one of the 20 countries with the most handsome men in Asia. 16. Pakistan Pakistan makes it as one of the 20 countries with the most handsome men in Asia. The “Third Sexiest Men in the World” are Pakistani men, according to a survey by the dating website Miss Travel. This recognition is attributed to their innate looks and personal sense of style. Pakistani actors such as Fawad Khan and Ali Zafar have gained popularity not only in Pakistan but also in Bollywood due to their charm and attractiveness. Shahid Afridi, Ahsan Khan, Zahid Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, and Amir Khan are some of the most attractive men in Pakistan. 15. Kazakhstan Good manners, originality of thought, and attractiveness are some of the admirable qualities shared by guys from Kazakhstan. The males of Kazakhstan are famously handsome, with traits including a trim body, long, glossy black hair, and a delicate face shape. Because of their position between Asia and Europe and the impact of various cultures, they too have unique points of view. Kazakh males are tolerant and supportive of women’s individuality and abilities. Furthermore, they have been educated to be courteous and distinctive; therefore, they are polite and respectful. Their natural intelligence and level of education make them excellent discussion companions. Men like Dimash Kudaibergen, Dias Ablayev, Berik Aitzhanov, Zhandos Aibassov, Bulat Muratbekov, Sanjar Madi, Vahid Izimov, Nurlan Saburov, Vladimir Mozorov, and Dimash Adilet are considered handsome in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan makes it as one of the 20 countries with the most handsome men in Asia. 14. Indonesia Indonesia makes it as one of the 20 countries with the most handsome men in Asia. Indonesian men are described as friendly, patient, polite, helpful, humble, inclusive, proud of their traditional heritage, spiritual, passionate, and loving to share. These traits make it easy to fall in love with the men of Indonesia. A good example of one of the most handsome Indonesian men is Nicholas Saputra. 13. Malaysia The most famous handsome Malaysian men include Henry Ewan Golding, Aeril Zafrel, and Fattah Amin. Malaysian men are attractive to female foreigners because of their hospitality towards foreigners, passion for food, open-mindedness and multilingualism, and moderate masculinity. Malaysian men understand Asian women and are able to lead in a good way. Malaysia makes it as one of the 20 countries with the most handsome men in Asia. 12. Singapore Some Singaporean women find Singaporean men attractive, and they tend to be cleaner-looking than other Asian guys. This is likely owing to the National Service, which also makes Singaporean men fit and health-conscious. On the other hand, some Singaporean ladies have unfavorable impressions of men from Singapore, believing that they are nasty and impolite. In addition, Singaporeans tend to find wealthy men more appealing than physically attractive ones, and Chinese women may find Singaporean men less attractive than their Asian counterparts. In traditional Asian civilization, physical attributes are generally more highly esteemed than accomplishments. Lawrence Wong, Desmond Tan, Xu Bin, Pierre Png, Chuando Tan, JJ Lin, Nat Ho, Elvin Ng, Nathan Hartono, and Lee Min Wei are some of the most handsome Singaporean men. Singapore makes it as one of the 20 countries with the most handsome men in Asia. 11. Vietnam Vietnam makes it as one of the 20 countries with the most handsome men in Asia. Vietnamese men are attractive because of their intelligence, duty towards their country and family, and romantic nature. Furthermore, Vietnamese guys are enthusiastic, emotional, pragmatic, enterprising, proud, hardworking, and diligent. They are polite, easy-going, and have an easy smile. In their playful banter, Vietnamese men frequently employ sarcasm and puns. They seem to do what they want and have a strong sense of independence. People from Vietnam are known for their politeness and regard for others. They value experience and age more than money. The Vietnamese people have a well-deserved reputation for their harmonious social bonds. They look at the bright side of things and are hopeful for the future. The Vietnamese work ethic is high, yet the people can be a bit sloppy at times. People from Vietnam have a reputation for being upbeat and positive. Đặng Lê Nguyên Vũ, Nguyễn Trần Trung Quân, and Trần Lập are some of the most popular Vietnamese men who are considered handsome. 10. Japan Japan is among the top 10 Asian countries with the most handsome men. In Japan, there are a number of factors that affect men’s attractiveness. Physical features such as height, broad shoulders, and muscular physiques are often considered appealing. In addition, the ideal facial characteristics for Japanese males are a fair complexion, high cheekbones, and deep-set eyes. Generosity, intelligence, and openness are all seen as desirable personality attributes. Men who are wealthy and/or hold high-ranking positions in society tend to be more attractive. Popular actors and celebrities in Japan embody the ideal image of masculinity portrayed in the media and pop culture, further shaping the Japanese public’s perception of what is attractive. To become more attractive in Japan, males can focus on enhancing physical features, positive personality traits, and boosting their social position. It’s worth noting that many Japanese people mistakenly believe that wealth and height are necessary components of physical appeal. As a whole, a guy can become more desirable to potential mates in Japan and in the whole world because of their many positive traits. Minoru Chiaki, Toshiro Mifune, Takashi Shimura, Tatsuya Nakadai, and Ken Watanabe are some of the most handsome men in Japan. Japan makes it as one of the 20 countries with the most handsome men in Asia. 9. Thailand Thailand makes it as one of the 20 countries with the most handsome men in Asia. A few men that are most popular in Thailand are Mario Maurer, Nadech Kugimiya, James Jirayu, Bright Vachirawit, Prin Suparat (also known as Mark Prin), Denkhun Ngamnet, Gulf Kanawut, Singto Prachaya, Tor Thanapob, and Perth Tanapon. People from Thailand often remark on how funny, kind, and kind the men are. People know them to be very protective of those they care about. They may be shy about showing their emotions and tend to be more orthodox in their dating habits. Dates and little presents are common ways that Thai men show their affection for one another. Thai males typically choose a low-key aesthetic, with short hair and loose-fitting clothing being commonplace. Some guys have embraced a more contemporary and trendy style, adding to the variety in their appearance. 8. Taiwan Taiwanese ideas about what is attractive among men come from Chinese, Japanese, and Korean ideas. There are many things that are considered attractive for men in Taiwan, such as having tall bodies, small faces with a V-shaped jawline, tiny lips, big eyes, long, thin legs, slim bodies, and white skin. The most widely known handsome figures in Taiwan are: Riley Wang, Vic Chou, Wu Chun, Lan Cheng Long, Lai Guanlin, Baron Chen, Darren Wang, Chen Bolin, George Hu, Ethan Juan, Roy Chiu, Aaron Yan, Darren Chen, Jerry Yan, Eddie Peng, Jiro Wang, Greg Han, Marcus Chang, Mike He, Dylan Kuo, Jimmy Lin, Joe Cheng, Joseph Chang, and Calvin Chen. Taiwan makes it as one of the 20 countries with the most handsome man in Asia. 7. Lebanon Lebanon makes it as one of the 20 countries with the most handsome men in Asia. The kindness, resilience, and adaptability of Lebanese males are characteristics that have strong historical and cultural roots. In their approach to both personal and professional interactions, they show a harmony between their cultural background and the influences of the present day. The guys of Lebanon are famed for their warmth, hospitality, and charisma, and they always make you feel welcome. As a people, they are ambivalent, straddling the line between steadfast custom and the appeal of the contemporary world. Although Lebanese males are often receptive to new ideas, well-read, and well-traveled, cultural norms might make it difficult for them to show emotion. They place a premium on family, respect, and hospitality and are widely regarded for their openness, friendliness, resilience, and capacity to adapt. Lebanese guys are well-known for their extravagant gestures and devotion to the ladies they date. Across the board, Lebanese men are fascinating people who have developed a unique character over the course of generations. Wissam Hanna is one of the most handsome Arab men in the world. He is a Lebanese model and was crowned Mister International in 2006. 6. Philippines Many factors contribute to the widespread perception that Filipino men are strikingly handsome. These include the country’s tropical climate, the widespread acceptance of male models from the Philippines, and the cultural desire for lean, athletic physiques. Filipinos come in a wide spectrum of looks since they are the progeny of people of many different races and ethnicities who migrated to the Philippines. Traditional beliefs and cultures have an impact on contemporary Filipino masculinity, although there is no universally accepted definition of Filipino male superiority. The indigenous population adopted the name “Filipino” as a symbol of national pride and unity. The Philippines’ warm and welcoming people, breathtaking natural scenery, and delectable cuisine draw tourists there. Despite hardships such as poverty and inequality, Filipinos are widely recognized for their warmth and the variety of ways they show affection for one another. Filipinos have a deep appreciation for the visual arts, historic preservation, and cultural traditions. Alden Richards, Jake Vargas, Paulo Avelino, Daniel Padilla, Joshua Garcia, Gab Lagman, Bret Jackson, McCoy de Leon, Ronnie Alonte, Markus Paterson, Jericho Rosales, Richard Gutierrez, Dennis Trillo, Tom Rodriguez, and Coco Martin are some of the most famous men known to be handsome in the Philippines. The Philippines makes it as one of the 20 countries with the most handsome men in Asia. 5. India India makes it as one of the top 5 Asian countries with the most handsome men. The world’s sexiest people, according to a survey by the swimwear company Pour Moi, are Indians. Reddit users’ use of adjectives like “attractive,” “sexy,” “beautiful,” and “handsome” in thousands of posts helped determine the order of the top 10 most attractive countries. The United States, Sweden, Japan, Canada, and Brazil followed in order after India. India is rated second for male attractiveness and first for female attractiveness. The study employed AI technology to build photos of what attractive people from different countries would look like. Indian guys were regarded as possessing smoldering good looks and strong family values, which were deemed to be intriguing to individuals. 10 of the most handsome Bollywood actors in 2023 are Aditya Roy Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan, Siddharth Malhotra, Ranbir Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Ranveer Singh, Shahid Kapoor, Kartik Aryan, Tiger Shroff, and Vidyut Jamwal. Pixabay/Public Domain 4. China Characteristics of Chinese men include an appreciation for beauty, an eye for style and design, a hand in building and affluence, and an artistic bent. Many Chinese people see the “ideal” man as a member of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), characterized by a muscular physique, unwavering party devotion, and mental and physical fortitude. On the other hand, young people nowadays are increasingly idolizing young celebrities who are more androgynous and stylish. This has sparked discussions and criticism over the impact of “effeminate” male role models on the youth of the country, both within and outside of government. Lin Yi, Zhang Zhehan, Allen Ren, Cheng Yi, Xu Kaicheng, Deng Lun, Wang Yi Bo, Luo Yunxi, Li Xian, Dylan Wang, Yang Yang, and Xiao Zhan are all Chinese actors who are known for their handsome looks and acting abilities. China makes it as one of the 20 countries with the most handsome man in Asia. LEE SNIDER PHOTO IMAGES/Shutterstock.com.....»»
25 Safest English Speaking Countries in the World
In this article, we are going to present the 25 safest English speaking countries in the world. English is an essential language for travelers for a multitude of reasons. To start, it is widely spoken around the world, making it crucial for effective communication, particularly in the tourism industry. With over 100 countries utilizing English […] In this article, we are going to present the 25 safest English speaking countries in the world. English is an essential language for travelers for a multitude of reasons. To start, it is widely spoken around the world, making it crucial for effective communication, particularly in the tourism industry. With over 100 countries utilizing English as a language for international trade, its value cannot be overstated. Furthermore, mastering English significantly enhances one’s education as it is the most commonly taught foreign language globally. Basic knowledge of key phrases and terms in English is often sufficient for a successful travel experience and interactions. One of the many benefits of being proficient in English is its remarkable capacity to unite individuals hailing from diverse origins and traditions. This enables explorers to completely engross themselves in their new environments. Furthermore, while on trips, it is highly probable that a significant portion, estimated at 40%, of the local population will possess some degree of understanding in English. When exploring new places, being fluent in English is essential as it serves as a global means of communication. This skill proves incredibly useful for a plethora of reasons, such as understanding directions, conducting detailed research about a destination online, easily arranging lodging and activities, and seamlessly engaging with the local people. With English, travelers are able to effectively convey their needs, state their preferences, and avoid any misunderstandings. Ultimately, having a strong command of the English language greatly enriches the travel experience, making it more convenient and enjoyable. When traveling, a strong command of the English language is crucial. Not only is it a widely spoken language, but it is also considered the universal language for international communication. This makes it essential to connect with individuals who speak different languages and avoid potential misunderstandings. Furthermore, English is commonly used in various written forms, such as signs, maps, and informational materials found in airports, hotels, and tourist destinations. This provides an invaluable aid in navigating unfamiliar surroundings and understanding important details. However, it is worth mentioning that there are many individuals around the world who are fluent in other languages and can still provide assistance, even if one’s English proficiency is not at an advanced level. Furthermore, there are several publicly listed companies in the United States that originate from English-speaking countries other than America. Banco Santander, S.A. (NYSE:SAN), operating under the name Santander Group, is a Spanish multinational financial services company headquartered in Madrid and Santander, Spain. Additionally, Santander has a global presence, being the 19th-largest banking institution in the world, with operations in all major financial centers. AstraZeneca plc (NYSE:AZN) is a multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company of Anglo-Swedish origin, with its headquarters situated at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus in Cambridge, England. Tech conglomerate Sea Limited (NYSE:SE) is based in Singapore. The company is a worldwide consumer internet corporation specializing in the development of integrated platform-commerce, digital entertainment, and digital financial services. A banker speaking with an elderly couple discussing the benefits of a savings accounts. Our Methodology The following article was prepared by compiling information from nine different sources in order to establish the 25 safest English-speaking countries in the world. Each article provides a list of different countries, and the countries that are mentioned the most frequently throughout all eight sources are taken into consideration with regard to this study. There is also consideration given to the safety of each country, where it is a safe travel destination for tourists. Considering the two criteria, which are safety and how commonly the locals speak English in a given country, a list of the 25 safest English-speaking countries in the world is made. 25 Safest English Speaking Countries in the World 25. Namibia Namibia is considered as one of the 25 safest English-speaking countries in the world. Namibia’s new government has made English the official language, resulting in a large English-speaking population. This decision was made to enhance communication, economic growth, and business with foreign investors. English is vital for various fields, including commerce, science, technology, banking, medicine, aviation, and diplomacy. Despite being considered a safe country, Namibia has a high crime rate, with incidents like muggings, bag snatching, and vehicle theft. Natural disasters are not severe, and scams are common. Solo female travelers are generally safe, but precautions should be taken. 24. Portugal English is widely spoken in Portugal, with a seventh-world proficiency rating. This is due to foreign visitors, expats, and UK retirees. However, it may not be as prevalent in isolated villages and smaller villages. Portuguese institutions often have lower English proficiency. Despite English being widely spoken, it’s still beneficial to learn Portuguese to experience real Portuguese culture. Portugal is generally safe for travel, but petty theft, drug and prostitution issues, and hot weather can pose risks. Considering this, Portugal is considered as one of the 25 safest English-speaking countries in the world. 23. Spain Spain is considered one of the 25 safest English-speaking countries in the world. Spain, a popular travel destination for Americans and British, has a large English-speaking population. Although Spanish is the predominant language, a significant portion speaks fluent English. Many Spaniards choose to travel to English-speaking countries like Britain or Ireland, motivating them to learn the language. English is widely spoken in popular tourist locations like Barcelona and the Costa del Sol. To navigate Spain, English-speaking tourists should learn simple Spanish words and use translation apps. Although Spain is generally safe, there are safety concerns like pickpockets, political unrest, and self-inflicted injuries. Travel insurance and common-sense precautions are recommended. Moreover, Spain is also considered as one of the best English speaking countries to live in Europe. 22. South Africa English is the official language of South Africa, which has eleven official languages and numerous bilingual ethnic groups. The country is a popular destination for English language learning due to its welcoming population, stunning scenery, and temperate climate. However, the country is known for crime, especially in townships and isolated areas. Travelers should be cautious, especially when using ATMs, walking in city centers at night, and carrying valuables. Staying informed about local protests and demonstrations is crucial for a safe trip. All things considered, South Africa is considered as one of the 25 safest English-speaking countries in the world. 21. Malaysia Malaysia is considered as one of the 25 safest English-speaking countries in the world. English is widely spoken in Malaysia due to its colonial past and British influence. Around 50–60% of people can communicate in English, with rural areas having lower proficiency. Malaysia’s English proficiency is better than that of Singapore and the Philippines. Despite low crime rates and a welcoming population, there are areas with a higher risk of militant activity. Popular tourist destinations are safe, with travel insurance recommended. Malaysia is also considered as one of the cheap english-speaking countries to visit. 20. Gibraltar Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, is home to a large number of English speakers due to its English-speaking government, education, and administration. Despite its proximity to Spain, English is still widely spoken. The tax system attracts English-speaking businesses, creating work opportunities for native English speakers. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Gibraltar has minimal violence and street crime, with some reports of attacks and robberies. Gibraltar makes it as considered as one of the 25 safest English-speaking countries in the world. 19. Barbados Barbados is home to many English speakers, including Barbadian English, also known as Bajan English. This rhotic language has distinct pronunciation and vowel sounds compared to American or British English. Barbados is generally safe for travel, but there are risks of gang-related crimes, petty theft, and pickpocketing in Bridgetown. The Royal Barbados Police Force patrols high-incident areas, and travelers should use common sense and follow local rules. Safe areas include Oistins, Speightstown, and Bathsheba. Barbados makes it as one of the 25 safest English-speaking countries in the world. 18. Ireland Ireland is considered as one of the 25 safest English-speaking countries in the world. English is the official language of Ireland due to British colonization, its association with the British Isles, and the increasing interconnectedness of the world economy. Ireland is considered a safe destination with low travel risks, reliable transportation, and low pickpocketing and scams. However, there is a medium risk of mugging and terrorism, especially in Dublin. Women traveling solo should take extra precautions. 17. New Zealand New Zealand is considered as one of the 25 safest English-speaking countries in the world. English has influenced the people, institutions, landscape, plants, and animals of New Zealand, a country that speaks it as its primary language. The development of New Zealand English can be traced back to British explorers and settlers and includes loanwords from the Mori language. The country is considered safe, with low crime rates, and petty theft and bag snatching are common. Visitors should be aware of natural disasters and scams and avoid poorly lit or remote areas. 16. United Kingdom The UK’s official language is English due to its diverse regional accents and the country’s rich literary tradition. Studying in the UK allows students to interact with English speakers from around the world and gain insight into the language’s development. The UK’s educational system emphasizes student input and interactive learning, facilitating efficient language acquisition. Despite being a safe destination for travelers, the UK is a popular tourist destination with a low violent crime risk, but nighttime dangers like pickpocketing and mugging are common. Women travelers should be cautious of scams and use common sense. The United Kingdom makes it as one of the 25 safest English-speaking countries in the world. 15. Jamaica Jamaica is considered as one of the 25 safest English-speaking countries in the world. Jamaica, ruled by the British from 1665 to 1962, has English as its official language. The Jamaican people are linguistically versatile, using both Standard Jamaican English (SJE) and their local language, Patois, a blend of African and European vernacular. Despite Jamaica’s reputation for crime and violence, there are many safe places to visit. Travelers should be aware of their surroundings, avoid dangerous areas, follow local advice, take precautions, and maintain politeness with locals. 14. Australia Australia is considered as one of the 25 safest English-speaking countries in the world. Australia, an English-speaking country, developed a unique Australian dialect over 200 years ago due to European settlers’ communication needs. The Australian accent has evolved due to factors like migration, elocution, and Indigenous slang. Australia is generally safe for travel, with low crime rates and reliable transportation. However, natural threats like dangerous animal species, riptides, and natural disasters must be considered. Tourists should follow the authorities’ advice and be cautious in Australia’s waters. 13. Bermuda Bermuda is an English-speaking nation with a distinctive Bermuda accent combining features from British, American, Portuguese, and Caribbean settlers. Bermudian English is a variety of American English with Elizabethan English influences. Other languages, like Portuguese and French, are also spoken. Bermuda is considered a safe destination, with low risks related to beach activities, pickpocketing, natural disasters, mugging, terrorism, and scams. Women travelers should not travel alone and take precautions. Overall, Bermuda is a safe destination, but caution is advised. Bermuda makes it as one of the 25 safest English-speaking countries in the world. 12. Philippines The Philippines is considered as one of the 25 safest English-speaking countries in the world. Filipino speakers in the Philippines are known for their high English proficiency due to factors such as the United States’ colonial influence, English media availability, and regular exposure to English signs in non-touristy areas. These factors contribute to the country’s strong English skills, which are essential for job opportunities and international client attraction. However, the country faces high travel risks due to increased criminal activity, natural disasters, and muggings. Despite these risks, the Filipino people are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, and travelers should take precautions such as keeping belongings safe and avoiding flashing valuables. This makes the Philippines as one of the best English-speaking countries to visit. 11. Dominica Dominica is a predominantly English-speaking country, with English being the official language since 1805. French and African influences are present in the island’s diverse culture. Dominica is part of the English-speaking Commonwealth and the French-speaking Francophonie, but local dialects like Kokoy face prejudice. The country is considered a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates. Precautions include locking doors, using safes, and being vigilant. Activities like hiking, driving, and beach activities are also advised. Dominica makes it as one of the 25 safest English-speaking countries in the world. 10. Palau Palau is considered as one of the 25 safest English-speaking countries in the world. English is the official language in Palau, along with the native Palauan language. Although few Palauans are natural English speakers, English is used in government institutions, schools, and businesses. It is also included in the educational curriculum. Despite the presence of Palauan, Sonsorolese, Tobian, and other languages, English is the preferred language for government officials, business professionals, and migrant labor. Palau is considered a safe destination with low crime rates but requires common sense and following local laws, such as the drinking age of 21 and the prohibition of disturbing historical items. 9. Guyana Guyana is considered as one of the 25 safest English-speaking countries in the world. Guyana, South America’s only South American country, is known for having English as its official language and the widely spoken Guyanese Creole. However, the population is not bilingual and struggles with effective communication in English. Guyana is considered safe for travelers, but with high crime rates and a diverse culture, it is advised to travel in groups or as part of a tour. Safety concerns include weather and insect-borne diseases, so it is crucial to be prepared and follow safety tips. 8. Netherlands The Netherlands is considered as one of the 25 safest English-speaking countries in the world. The Dutch people are known for their high English proficiency, acquiring it organically through watching foreign media with Dutch subtitles. This is due to their global outlook and the presence of international corporations. The Dutch have a reputation for being among the most fluent English speakers globally. The Netherlands is safe for travel during the pandemic, with most public spaces reopening and face masks no longer required except for public transport. Tourists should be aware of specific requirements and regulations and should check the latest rules before leaving. They encourage exploring lesser-known spots, outdoor activities, and visiting museums with reduced admission. 7. Malta English is the official language in Malta due to its widespread use in everyday life, including road signs, menus, and publications. Over 40 language schools with native speakers teach English, and the country’s EU membership allows non-EU students to study in other EU member states. Malta’s rich history, cultural legacy, and stunning beaches make it an ideal study destination. Despite a rise in crime rates, Malta remains a secure destination for tourists, with areas like St. Julian’s, Sliema, and Valletta being more susceptible to petty crimes. Malta makes it as one of the 25 safest English-speaking countries in the world. 6. Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago is considered as one of the 25 safest English-speaking countries in the world. Trinidad and Tobago are English-speaking countries due to their use of Trinidadian Creole, a Creole language. Trinidadian English has adopted Americanisms and specialized words, with regional differences. Despite occasional gang violence and robberies, these regions are safe. Tobago’s low crime rate makes it a secure vacation spot and large events like the Trinidad Carnival reduce crime rates. Tourists of color are generally not targeted by racism. 5. Bahamas The Bahamas is a British English-speaking country, with 95% of its population being native English speakers. Despite its independence in 1973, the country remains a popular destination for English-speaking tourists. The Bahamas is known for its heightened police presence and CCTV and is particularly susceptible to hurricanes from June to November. The Exumas, Cat Island, and Abacos are three of the most secure islands. Travelers should take precautions like keeping money in a money belt, not venturing out at night, and being alert. The Bahamas is considered as one of the 25 safest English-speaking countries in the world. Pixabay/Public Domain 4. Denmark Denmark is considered as one of the 25 safest English-speaking countries in the world. Denmark is an English-speaking country with a majority of the population speaking English, with 86% of Danes using English as a second language. This is due to early English exposure, daily exposure to TV and movies, and the importance of learning English for travel and work. Denmark is considered one of the world’s safest nations, with minimal crime rates and minimal street harassment. However, it is a safe destination for women, LGBTQ people, people of color, and solitary female travelers due to its warm and welcoming people and strong LGBTQ+ community reputation......»»
5 Stocks Dr Michael Burry Just Bought and Sold
In this piece, we will take a look at 5 stocks Dr Michael Burry just bought and sold. If you want to read our introduction to the institutional investor, then take a look at 15 Stocks Dr Michael Burry Just Bought and Sold. 5. JD.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:JD) Scion Asset Management’s Equity (New Stake): $3.64 Million Number of […] In this piece, we will take a look at 5 stocks Dr Michael Burry just bought and sold. If you want to read our introduction to the institutional investor, then take a look at 15 Stocks Dr Michael Burry Just Bought and Sold. 5. JD.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:JD) Scion Asset Management’s Equity (New Stake): $3.64 Million Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 53 A push for value in a battered Chinese internet company also saw Burry acquire stakes in JD.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:JD), which offers supply chain-based technologies and services. It provides computer communication, consumer electronic products, and home appliances. JD.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:JD) also deals in general merchandise products comprising food, beverage, and fresh produce. JD.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:JD) was a new arrival at Scion Asset Management in Q3 2023. It acquired 125,000 shares worth about $3.64 million, accounting for 3.67% of the portfolio. Follow Jd.com Inc (NASDAQ:JD) Follow Jd.com Inc (NASDAQ:JD) We may use your email to send marketing emails about our services. Click here to read our privacy policy. [/company-follow-email].....»»
Best Value Stocks? 15 Stocks Dr Michael Burry Bought and Sold
In this piece, we will take a look at 15 stocks Dr Michael Burry recently bought and sold. If you want to skip our introduction to the institutional investor, then take a look at 5 Stocks Dr Michael Burry Bought and Sold. Years after accurately predicting the 2008 financial crisis and making a fortune out […] In this piece, we will take a look at 15 stocks Dr Michael Burry recently bought and sold. If you want to skip our introduction to the institutional investor, then take a look at 5 Stocks Dr Michael Burry Bought and Sold. Years after accurately predicting the 2008 financial crisis and making a fortune out of it, Michael Burry is yet again in the spotlight, this time on closing a bit short of $1.6 billion. However, the legendary investor appears to have accumulated losses in the upward of 40% as he bet against the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) and the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ). Burry was staring at a significant profit had his short positions materialized as he had only spent $26.5 million to build the $1.6 billion short position. The temporary position, a bet against the US economy, came as economists started questioning the slowing US economy amid the high-interest rate environment. Most economists had predicted that the US economy would plunge into recession owing to the high-interest rate environment at year-end. However, with the US Federal Reserve pausing hikes on two consecutive meetings, the recession prospects have dwindled significantly. This has been one of the catalysts that has offered support to equities, fuelling a bounce back in the fourth quarter and plunging Burry into significant loss in his short positions. Despite the big miss, Burry remains one of the most respected investors. He is often looked upon to provide insights into the direction the markets are likely to move. The legendary investor shot to fame after being featured in The Big Short movie over his massive win against the housing market in 2008. The The founder of Scion Asset Management made $100 million by betting against the US housing market. Investors who trusted his insights and analysis of the market and stayed with him earned a $725 million return as the market crashed. Burry’s impressive record in the market stems from the in-depth analysis he carried out before tweaking his portfolio at Scion. He is best known as a value investor and stark proponent of fundamental analysis that allows him to make bold bets even if it means going against the grain. Burry went on to make a name for himself a decade later by taking short positions against stocks and other asset classes that he believed were overly overvalued. Therefore, it did not come as a surprise when he went short on the S&P and Nasdaq 100 in the third quarter after they had posted double-digit percentage gains. The short position achieved significant profit as the S&P 500 ETF and Nasdaq 100 index fell 3.6% and 3%, respectively. However, Burry was forced to close down the position after the market bounced back and resumed the uptrend that started early in the year. The bounce back resulted in a 40% loss. Michael Burry of Scion Asset Management Regulatory filings indicate that Scion Capital was forced to shrink its exposure in the third quarter, selling 76% of its stocks. The hedge fund closed its remaining position in New York Community Bank, having spent more than $3 million trying to profit from the banking crisis early in the year. Additionally, it closed positions in Vital Energy, Qurate Retail Inc, Expedia, Precision Drilling Corp and Hanesbrands Inc. However, Burry also expressed optimism about Chinese stocks, which have been pressured in recent years due to the slowing Chinese economy and regulatory pressures. Consequently, Scion reopened new positions in JD.com and Alibaba, two of the biggest players in China’s internet landscape. Nevertheless, Burry has also affirmed he is not bullish about semiconductor plays that have been flying high amid strong demand for chips to power the artificial intelligence revolution. The legendary investor has since opened a short position on Blackrock’s iShares Semiconductor ETF, which tracks some of the biggest semiconductor plays. It boasts of Nvidia, which has more than tripled in value in 2023, as one of its biggest holdings. Our Methodology Burry, renowned for his success as a value investor, strategically seeks profit from undervalued stocks. In the third quarter, he implemented a portfolio overhaul at Scion Capital, reducing positions from 33 to 13. After analyzing the 13F filing, we’ve compiled a list of stocks where Burry either decreased or entirely divested stakes, as well as those where he initiated new positions or increased existing holdings in Q3 2023. These stocks were further evaluated and ranked based on Insider Monkey’s Q3 2023 survey of 910 hedge funds. Stocks Dr Michael Burry Just Bought and Sold 15. Safe Bulkers, Inc. (NYSE:SB) Scion Asset Management’s Equity (Increased Stake by 136%): $972,000 Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 9 Based in Monaco, Safe Bulkers, Inc. (NYSE:SB) offers marine dry bulk transportation services. It owns and operates dry bulk vessels for transporting bulk cargo, including coal, grain, and iron ore. Safe Bulkers, Inc. (NYSE:SB) boasts a fleet of 40 dry bulk vessels with a 4.5 million deadweight ton capacity. The marine shipping stock is up by about 40% for the year, outperforming the overall market. Scion Asset Management increased its stake in Safe Bulkers, Inc. (NYSE:SB) by 136% in Q3 2023 to 300,000 shares worth $972,000. In addition to share price appreciation, the hedge fund can benefit from the 5.39% dividend yield. 14. Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (NASDAQ:SBLK) Scion Asset Management’s Equity (Increased Stake by 36%): $4.82 Million Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 14 Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (NASDAQ:SBLK) is an industrial investment play in Burry’s portfolio that operates as a shipping company engaged in the ocean transportation of dry bulk cargo worldwide. Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (NASDAQ:SBLK)’s vessels transport bulk commodities, including iron ores, minerals, grains, bauxite and steel products. Burry increased his stake in Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (NASDAQ:SBLK) by 36% in Q3 2023 to 250,000 shares valued at about $4.82 million, accounting for 4.86% of the portfolio. Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (NASDAQ:SBLK) is up by about 5% for the year and rewards investors with a 7.76% dividend yield. 13. Crescent Energy Company (NYSE:CRGY) Scion Asset Management’s Equity (Cut Stakes by 19%): $2.5 million Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 15 Michael Burry’s hedge fund acquired stakes in Crescent Energy Company (NYSE:CRGY) in the second quarter as he sought to gain exposure in the energy sector at a time when oil and gas prices were rising amid supply concerns. Crescent Energy Company (NYSE:CRGY) acquired, developed, and produced crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids and was trading at a discount in the second quarter. Scion Asset Management acquired 243,963 shares in Crescent Energy Company (NYSE:CRGY) in Q2 2023. However, it trimmed its stakes in the third quarter after the stock had gained 14%. The hedge fund exited the third quarter owing 200,000 shares worth about $2.5 million, accounting for 2.5% of its portfolio, down from 243,963 shares in the second quarter. 12. Hanesbrands Inc. (NYSE:HBI) Scion Asset Management’s Equity stake: 0% Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 19 Hanesbrands Inc. (NYSE:HBI) has been one of Michael Burry’s plays in the apparel manufacturing business, having acquired stakes in the second quarter. The company designs, manufactures and sells a range of basic apparel for men, women and children. Hanesbrands Inc. (NYSE:HBI)’s product line includes innerwear, activewear and international. While Hanesbrands Inc. (NYSE:HBI) is down 33% for the year, Scion Asset Management generated a 5.9% gain in Q3 2023 by selling 40,000 shares it had acquired in Q2 2023. 11. Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. (NYSE:HPP) Scion Asset Management’s Equity (Increased Stake by 60%): $2.66 Million Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 22 Burry continued to echo his strong belief about the outlook of the real estate sector by increasing stakes in Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. (NYSE:HPP) by 60% in Q3 2023. The company is a real estate investment trust servicing dynamic tech and media tenants. Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. (NYSE:HPP)’s unique and high-barrier tech and media focus leverages a full-service, end-to-end value-creation platform. While Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. (NYSE:HPP) is down about 44% for the year, Scion Asset Management took the opportunity to buy it at a discount after a significant pullback. The hedge fund now owns 400,000 shares valued at about $4.66 million, which allows it to profit from the 7.14% dividend yield. 10. The RealReal, Inc. (NASDAQ:REAL) Scion Asset Management’s Equity (Cut stakes by 50%): $1.58 million Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 23 The RealReal, Inc. (NASDAQ:REAL) emerged as a legendary investor Burry ideal consumer cyclical play in the luxury goods space early in the year. Scion Asset Management acquired stakes in the company in the first quarter, gaining exposure to an online marketplace for the resale luxury goods in the US. The RealReal, Inc. (NASDAQ:REAL) also offers various product categories, including women’s fashion, men’s fashion, and watches. The RealReal, Inc. (NASDAQ:REAL) was on an impressive run in the first half of the year, rallying by about 60%. Nevertheless, Scion Asset Management trimmed its stakes in the third quarter after The RealReal, Inc. (NASDAQ:REAL) had gained 68%. It exited Q3 with 750,000 shares from 1.5 million as of Q2 2023, accounting for 1.59% of the portfolio. 9. Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) Scion Asset Management’s Equity (Increased Stake by 24%): $7.7 Million Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 27 Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) is a consumer cyclical company that designs, manufactures, distributes, and sells automobiles and light commercial vehicles, engines, transmission systems, and metallurgical products and offers mobility services. Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) also provides luxury and premium passenger vehicles. Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) has been in fine form, rallying by about 42% year to date, which explains why Burry increased his stake in the company by 24% to 400,000 shares worth $7.652 million. Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) also offers an enticing 7.25% dividend yield. 8. Vital Energy, Inc. (NYSE:VTLE) Scion Asset Management’s Equity stake: 0% Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 30 Tulsa, Oklahoma-based Vital Energy, Inc. (NYSE:VTLE) is an independent energy company that acquires, explores and develops oil and natural gas properties in the Permian basin of West Texas. Burry sought exposure to the energy sector and acquired $5.6 million worth of stakes in the company in the second quarter. The hedge fund sold all its holdings in the third quarter after Vital Energy, Inc. (NYSE:VTLE) had gained 17%. However, the stock is down about 8% for the year and underperformed the S&P 500, up about 17%. 7. Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:NXST) Scion Asset Management’s Equity (Increased Stake by 225%): $6.98 Million Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 31 Burry strengthened his exposure in the communication service sector by increasing his exposure in Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:NXST) by 225% in Q3 2023. The company operates television broadcasting and digital media companies that acquire, develop, and operate television stations, active community websites, and digital media services. Scion Asset Management took advantage of a significant deep in Q3 2023 to bolster company exposure to 48,651 shares valued at about $6.98 million. Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:NXST) is down by 14% for the year and comes with a 3.60% dividend yield. 6. Expedia Group Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) Scion Asset Management’s Equity stake: 0% Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 52 Expedia Group Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) is an online travel company that helps travellers easily plan and book travel from the widest selection of vacation packages, flights, hotels, and rental cars. Expedia Group Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) also offers loyalty programs, hotel accommodations, and alternative accommodations. Burry’s hedge fund acquired 100,000 shares in Expedia Group Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) in the second quarter and sold all in the third quarter after generating a 10% gain. Expedia Group Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) is up 29% for the year, outperforming the overall market. Click to continue reading and see 5 Stocks Dr Michael Burry Just Bought and Sold. Suggested articles: Billionaire Jim Simons’ Top 12 High-Dividend Stocks 12 Stocks Billionaire Larry Robbins Just Bought and Sold 10 Stocks Billionaire David Tepper Just Bought and Sold Disclosure: None. 15 Stocks Dr Michael Burry Just Bought and Sold is originally published on Insider Monkey......»»
20 Most Bizarre Countries In The World
In today’s article, we will be taking a look at the 20 Most Bizarre Countries In The World. Unusual Geographic Oddities Geographic oddities exist worldwide, captivating the imagination with unique features and unconventional characteristics. One such anomaly is found in Baarle-Hertog, Belgium, where a town straddles the border with the Netherlands. Remarkably, some houses and […] In today’s article, we will be taking a look at the 20 Most Bizarre Countries In The World. Unusual Geographic Oddities Geographic oddities exist worldwide, captivating the imagination with unique features and unconventional characteristics. One such anomaly is found in Baarle-Hertog, Belgium, where a town straddles the border with the Netherlands. Remarkably, some houses and businesses exist in both countries, resulting in peculiar situations, like a restaurant boasting two distinct addresses and adherence to two different tax laws. With its diverse overseas territories, France stands out for bordering eight countries, including Brazil in South America. New Caledonia, a French colony in the Pacific, attracts visitors with its vibrant underwater world. In addition to these geographical curiosities, France holds the world’s most significant wine industry title, producing a staggering 45.6 million hectoliters in 2022. Alaska, USA, presents another geographical oddity as the only state spanning the country’s westernmost and easternmost points, thanks to its position across the International Date Line. The Alaskan economy heavily relies on the oil and gas industry, contributing 85% of its revenue in 2019. Lesotho, a small landlocked country surrounded by South Africa, stands as one of only three nations globally with such a geographic distinction. Despite its unique position, Lesotho grapples with an economy predominantly dependent on agriculture, engaging over 80% of its population in subsistence farming. Vatican City, the world’s smallest country in area and population, nestled within Italy, thrives on tourism, attracting approximately 5 million visitors annually. Moving to Canada, the Spotted Lake in British Columbia captures attention with its unique mineral precipitation, while the nation’s economy hinges significantly on natural resources, particularly mining and the oil and gas industries. Socotra, an island off Yemen’s coast, hosts a distinctive ecosystem with over 700 species exclusive to the region. Despite the ecological wonders of Socotra, Yemen, largely dependent on oil exports, faces economic challenges. In the USA, Oregon’s Thor’s Well, a natural wonder resembling a giant draining hole in the ocean floor, adds to the country’s diverse geography. The United States, boasting the world’s largest economy with a GDP exceeding $21.4 trillion in 2020, plays a pivotal role on the global economic stage. These geographic oddities offer both opportunities and challenges for businesses. Whether tourism in Vatican City, resource extraction in Canada, or navigating intricate tax laws in Baarle-Hertog, each location presents a unique landscape for economic activities. However, the distinctiveness of these regions, such as Lesotho’s isolation or Socotra’s ecological treasures, also poses challenges that businesses must navigate strategically. Offbeat Tourist Attractions The world is teeming with offbeat tourist attractions that promise to be captivating conversation starters at any gathering. These peculiar destinations cater to travelers seeking a break from the conventional, offering an unconventional and memorable experience. One such bizarre locale is Spotted Lake in Canada, revered by the indigenous Okanagan Nation for its healing properties. As water evaporates, the lake unveils colorful mineral deposits during the summer, creating intriguing circles on the lake bed. In France, beneath the bustling streets of Paris lies The Catacombs—a network of old quarry tunnels serving as the final resting place for approximately six million Parisians. The macabre displays of arranged bones have transformed this subterranean realm into a popular tourist attraction. Mexico boasts the Island of the Dolls, where hundreds of dolls dangle from trees and buildings. The island’s former owner, tormented by the spirit of a drowned young girl, placed the dolls, creating an eerie and unconventional sight. Heading to the USA, The Clown Gallery and Museum is a testament to the fascination with everything clown-related. Housing a collection of clown dolls, paintings, and memorabilia, this museum attracts those intrigued by the whimsical and often unsettling world of clowns. While these destinations might appear strange, they draw visitors seeking unique and unusual experiences. Some places have gained popularity as tourist attractions, presenting a business opportunity for entrepreneurs capitalizing on the growing trend of offbeat tourism. According to a report by Allied Market Research, the global adventure tourism market is projected to reach $2 trillion by 2032, with a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.5% from 2023 to 2032. This surge is fueled by an increasing number of travelers actively seeking authentic and distinctive adventures, reinforcing the viability of offbeat attractions in the tourism industry. Our Methodology Our methodology for identifying the most bizarre countries in the world involved conducting thorough research using sources like Rough Guides, Travel Triangle, World Population Review, Time Out and The Secret Traveler. We selected the most bizarre countries in the world based on a structured scoring system. Each country received points based on the number of times it appeared in the research sources. By employing this approach, we created a definitive compilation of the top bizarre countries in the world and ranked them in ascending order of high score. Here is our list for the 20 most bizarre countries in the world. 20. Bolivia Insider Monkey Score: 1 Bolivia, on of the top bizarre countries in the world is renowned for its diverse cultural and geographic allure and hosted 180,000 tourists in 2021, securing the 139th global rank. With a significant economic impact, tourism contributed $270 million, representing 0.63% of Bolivia’s GDP and 3% of South America’s international tourism receipts. Notably, the sector’s robust performance contributed $1.43 billion to Bolivia’s economy in 2021, marking a substantial 17.2% increase. The country proudly showcases six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, featuring treasures like the ruins of Tiwanaku and the pristine Noel Kempff Mercado National Park. 19. Vatican City Insider Monkey Score: 1 Vatican City, a unique and religiously significant country, relies heavily on tourism as a principal source of revenue. The Vatican Museums, housing renowned art like the Sistine Chapel, draw 6.88 million visitors annually. Despite the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Vatican’s tourism is recovering, with a notable 215 percent increase in Museum attendance in 2022. Notably, Vatican City’s economy, distinct in its tax-exempt status, operates independently of its banking system. 18. The United Kingdom Insider Monkey Score: 1 The United Kingdom, boasting rich history, culture, and natural beauty, is a major global tourist destination but also stands among the most bizarre countries. In 2021, travel and tourism contributed £131.5 billion to the UK economy. Overseas visits in June 2022 reached 3.0 million, with spending totaling £2.7 billion. The tourism industry, set to rebound by 2024-2025, generates £155.4 billion ($189.588 billion USD) annually and is a lucrative sector, with a projected valuation of £257 billion ( $316.21 billion USD) by 2025. Government initiatives, including the Tourism Recovery Plan, aim to support businesses recovering from the pandemic impact. 17. Romania Insider Monkey Score: 1 With its rich history and natural beauty, Romania is a tourist haven. The Danube Delta, a UNESCO-recognized area, contributes to Romania’s diverse attractions. In 2023, tourism accounted for 4.19% of GDP, with direct contributions of RON 31.6 billion in 2019. Fundamental interests include Transylvania, the Carpathian Mountains, and World Heritage Sites. The Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Tourism oversees tourism strategies and promotion. In 2020, a cultural-touristic route program was initiated. 16. Madagascar Insider Monkey Score: 1 With a diverse geography and unique charm, Madagascar is an emerging tourist destination and stands sixteenth among the most bizarre countries in the world due to its unique biodiversity and unusual history. In 2019, it welcomed 486,000 tourists, making tourism the country’s second-largest foreign exchange earner. Despite underdevelopment, the government sees tourism as a key economic strategy for future growth, targeting 500,000 annual foreign tourists. Attractions include beaches, biodiversity, wildlife, and adventurous activities like hiking and trekking. The rich cultural heritage offers traditional markets, rock art, and historical sites, driving the country’s untapped tourism potential. Madagascar envisions tourism as a catalyst for employment, private sector growth, and increased foreign exchange earnings. 15. Kiribati Insider Monkey Score: 1 Kiribati, a Pacific destination with natural beauty, faced tourism challenges, hosting 1,400 tourists in 2020. Tourism contributed $10,000 in 2021, constituting 0.0045% of its GDP, impacted by pandemic-induced volatility. Kiribati’s GDP is $0.2 billion, with a 1.1% 5-year compound annual growth rate and $2,035 per capita GDP. Economic freedom scores low at 58.8, highlighting public sector dominance, while regulatory efficiency has room for improvement at 61.2. 14. Denmark Insider Monkey Score: 1 Denmark hosted eight million tourists in 2021, contributing $4.51 billion to tourism (1.1% of GDP). In 2019, tourism directly impacted 2.5% of GVA and 4.1% of employment, with DKK 139.2 billion spent by tourists. The 2022 National Strategy for Sustainable Growth guides Denmark’s tourism development until 2030. 13. Brazil Insider Monkey Score: 1 Brazil, one of the top bizarre countries and a significant tourist destination, ranked second in international arrivals with 6.589 million visitors in 2018. Tourism contributes 2.6% to Brazil’s employment, providing 2.2 million direct jobs in 2019. Despite COVID-19 challenges, the government initiated recovery measures. 12. Japan Insider Monkey Score: 2 Japan, a captivating destination, witnessed around 2,156,900 international travelers in August 2023, showcasing a significant increase. Financially, spending by foreign visitors in categories like accommodation, transport, cuisine, and leisure significantly impacts Japan’s economy. Tokyo alone recorded about 542.67 million domestic tourist visits, emphasizing robust domestic tourism. In terms of business, approximately 0.42 million international visitors arrived for business purposes in 2022. 11. Yemen Insider Monkey Score: 2 Yemen, historically and culturally rich, faces tourism challenges due to armed conflict. Despite security concerns, some adventure travelers visit for its unique offerings. The country, a historical trade hub, boasts UNESCO-listed sites like the Old City in Sana’a, prompting efforts to rebuild tourism with a focus on sustainability. 10. Northern Ireland Insider Monkey Score: 2 Managed by Tourism NI, Northern Ireland, a bizarre country, strategically promotes itself as a tourist destination. Offering a mix of natural wonders and cultural heritage, key attractions include Belfast City, Giant’s Causeway, and Titanic Belfast. Significant events, like The Open in 2019, contributed to the tourism industry’s growth. In arts, culture, and heritage-led tourism, businesses receive support for developing authentic, socially sustainable, economically viable, and environmentally friendly experiences. Tourism NI aims to make these experiences accessible and available for booking throughout the year. 9. Russia Insider Monkey Score: 2 In 2022, Russia attracted 8.2 million foreign visitors, generating $6.31 billion (0.28% of GDP) in the tourism sector. However, tourism sharply declined in 2022, with only 200,100 foreigners visiting. In 2020, tourism spending reached $4.96 billion (1.30% of exports). The fluctuations emphasize the need for Russia to diversify its tourism sector and adapt to global changes. 8. North Korea Insider Monkey Score: 2 North Korea is the one of the most bizarre countries and its’ tourism grew, earning $30.6-43.6 million in 2014 from 100,000 primarily Chinese tourists. The goal was to attract 2 million visitors annually by 2020, developing attractions like the Masikryong ski resort. However, tourism remains restrictive, with guided travel requirements. 7. New Zealand Insider Monkey Score: 2 Rebounding from COVID-19 impacts, New Zealand launched a campaign targeting the U.S. and key markets. Tourism contributes 5.5% to GDP, showing a 10.3% increase in food and accommodation. Pre-pandemic, international tourism was the largest source of foreign exchange. Financially, the revived tourism sector is expected to boost Q4 GDP. Inflation prompts tourists to spend more, nearing a three-decade high. 6. Indonesia Insider Monkey Score: 2 Indonesia, renowned for its diverse beauty, faced significant impacts on tourism due to COVID-19. In 2021, domestic trips increased by 15%, accounting for 84% of tourism expenditure in 2019. International arrivals declined from 16.1 million in 2019 to 1.6 million in 2021. The country anticipates global recovery by 2024, with domestic tourists driving the sector’s resurgence. Financially, tourism contributed 5.0% to GDP in 2019, dropping to 2.2% in 2020. Indonesia recorded an IDR 208 trillion (13.37 billion USD) loss in international tourism expenditure in 2020. 5. Turkey Insider Monkey Score: 3 Turkey, one of the most bizarre countries in the world is renowned for its rich history and landscapes, experienced a tourism boom, with a 71.1% increase in arrivals in 2022. Despite travel advisories, the country recorded $46.3 billion in tourism revenue, just below the 2019 peak. The Sustainable Tourism Program underscores Turkey’s commitment to responsible travel. Financially, the current account deficit contracted by almost 90% in August 2023, driven by tourism growth. However, the trade deficit expanded to over $109 billion in 2022 due to the Ukraine war. 4. Canada Insider Monkey Score: 3 Canada’s tourism sector is thriving, with Q2 2023 spending at $21.2 billion, driven by domestic ($15.8 billion) and international visitors ($5.4 billion). Despite COVID-19 challenges, 2022 saw a 45.1% spending increase, primarily in air transport. Tourism GDP grew by 2.1% in Q4 2022, with a 1.17% market growth forecast from 2023 to 2027, reaching US$16.76 billion. .....»»
Japanese man who spent $16,000 to become a dog "fails" agility test
Japanese man who spent $16,000 to become a dog "fails" agility test.....»»
All Major Fighter Planes the US Air Force Has Used
Military aviation has come a long way since the use of aircraft in 1793 when hot-air and hydrogen balloons were first created and used for military work. Since then, there have been a multitude of flying vessels developed for military use, from bombers and fighter jets to attack and electronic warfare planes, with each getting […] The post All Major Fighter Planes the US Air Force Has Used appeared first on 24/7 Wall St.. Military aviation has come a long way since the use of aircraft in 1793 when hot-air and hydrogen balloons were first created and used for military work. Since then, there have been a multitude of flying vessels developed for military use, from bombers and fighter jets to attack and electronic warfare planes, with each getting more technologically advanced. All major aircraft the US Air Force has used are quite extensive and have come a long way. The newest face of U.S. military aircraft is the F-35 Lightning II, which is touted by its maker, Lockheed Martin as the most advanced fighter jet in the world, and has three variants – the F-35A, F35-B, and F-35c. Development began on this fighter in 1995 and culminated with its official production in 2021. It comes as the fifth generation of modern fighter jets is now in play on the world stage. Fifth-generation fighter jets are designed with an emphasis on stealth technology and radar evasion. These modern fighter jets build on decades of technology and the numerous fighter planes of previous generations dating back to World War II. The United States has been at the forefront of manufacturing these aircraft, and as it stands now, has the most comprehensive fleet of fighter jets in the world. (These are every plane in the U.S. military.) 24/7 Wall St. reviewed a catalog of U.S. aircraft from Military Factory to determine every major fighter plane used by the U.S. military. These aircraft were ordered chronologically by the year they were introduced. Supplemental information is included from Military Factory regarding the type of aircraft, manufacturer, total aircraft produced, and top speed. We excluded some lesser-known aircraft and those with smaller production runs. All of the aircraft listed are capable of takeoff from standard runways, but there has been a critical evolution in how fighter planes take off since World War II. At that time, the importance of aircraft carriers was fully realized, having played a pivotal role in the Pacific Theater. As such, many of the fighter planes and aircraft that followed were adapted for carrier-based takeoff and landing. Some of these aircraft even have variants that are capable of vertical takeoff and landing. (These are America’s 15 planes that fly on aircraft carriers.) The AV-8B Harrier II is a perfect example of such a carrier-based aircraft. These fighter jets entered service in 1985 and can take off or land practically anywhere, fully utilizing their VTOL system. The Harrier II is capable of carrying laser-guided bombs, air-to-air missiles, and surface-to-air missiles, and they come standard with a 25mm GAU-12U Equalizer machine gun in an under-fuselage pod. Following the Harrier II and F-18 Hornets of the early 1980s, the F/A-18 Super Hornet was the next evolution of carrier-based aircraft. This jet entered service in 1999 and is capable of hitting supersonic speeds of roughly 1,200 mph. It can be outfitted with Sidewinder, Harpoon, HARM, and Maverick missiles, as well as a series of laser-guided bombs or nuclear bombs. Currently, only seven nations — outside of the United States — have these jets in their possession. Here is a look at all major aircraft the U.S. military has used: 40. Curtiss P-36 Hawk (Hawk 75/Mohawk) Year introduced: 1938 Type: Monoplane fighter aircraft Manufacturer: Curtiss Aeroplane Company Total aircraft produced: 1,115 Top speed: 322 mph 39. Brewster F2A (Buffalo) Year introduced: 1939 Type: Monoplane fighter Manufacturer: Brewster Aeronautical Corporation Total aircraft produced: 509 Top speed: 321 mph 38. Lockheed P-38 Lightning Year introduced: 1939 Type: Heavy fighter-bomber aircraft Manufacturer: Lockheed Aircraft Corporation Total aircraft produced: 9,923 Top speed: 414 mph 37. Grumman F4F Wildcat Year introduced: 1940 Type: Carrierborne monoplane fighter aircraft Manufacturer: Grumman Aircraft Total aircraft produced: 7,722 Top speed: 332 mph 36. Bell P-39 Airacobra Year introduced: 1941 Type: Fighter-bomber aircraft Manufacturer: Bell Aircraft Total aircraft produced: 9588 Top speed: 386 mph 35. Curtiss P-40 Warhawk Year introduced: 1941 Type: Fighter-bomber aircraft Manufacturer: Curtiss-Wright Corporation Total aircraft produced: 16,800 Top speed: 378 mph 34. Douglas A-20 Havoc / Boston Year introduced: 1941 Type: Night-fighter aircraft Manufacturer: Douglas Aircraft Company Total aircraft produced: 7,478 Top speed: 339 mph 33. North American P-51 Mustang Year introduced: 1942 Type: Fighter-bomber aircraft Manufacturer: North American Aviation Total aircraft produced: 15,586 Top speed: 437 mph 32. Republic P-47 Thunderbolt Year introduced: 1942 Type: Fighter-bomber aircraft Manufacturer: Republic Aviation Corporation Total aircraft produced: 15,660 Top speed: 433 mph 31. Vought F4U Corsair Year introduced: 1942 Type: Carrierborne fighter-bomber aircraft Manufacturer: Vought Total aircraft produced: 12,571 Top speed: 446 mph 30. Bell P-63 Kingcobra Year introduced: 1943 Type: Fighter aircraft Manufacturer: Bell Aircraft Total aircraft produced: 3,303 Top speed: 410 mph 29. Brewster F3A (F4U-1) Corsair Year introduced: 1943 Type: Carrierborne single-engine fighter Manufacturer: Brewster Aeronautical Corporation Total aircraft produced: 600 Top speed: 416 mph 28. Grumman F6F Hellcat Year introduced: 1943 Type: Carrierborne fighter-bomber aircraft Manufacturer: Grumman Aircraft Total aircraft produced: 12,272 Top speed: 380 mph 27. Northrop P-61 / F-61 Black Widow Year introduced: 1943 Type: Night fighter aircraft Manufacturer: Northrop Total aircraft produced: 742 Top speed: 366 mph 26. Grumman F8F Bearcat Year introduced: 1945 Type: Carrierborne fighter / interceptor aircraft Manufacturer: Grumman Aircraft Total aircraft produced: 1,266 Top speed: 421 mph 25. Lockheed P-80 / F-80 Shooting Star Year introduced: 1945 Type: Jet-powered fighter-bomber aircraft Manufacturer: Lockheed Aircraft Corporation Total aircraft produced: 1,715 Top speed: 577 mph 24. Grumman F9F Panther Year introduced: 1949 Type: Carrierborne fighter Manufacturer: Grumman Aircraft Total aircraft produced: 1,382 Top speed: 545 mph 23. Lockheed F-94 Starfire Year introduced: 1950 Type: All-weather interceptor aircraft Manufacturer: Lockheed Aircraft Corporation Total aircraft produced: 853 Top speed: 585 mph 22. Grumman F9F Cougar Year introduced: 1952 Type: Carrierborne fighter aircraft Manufacturer: Grumman Aircraft Total aircraft produced: 1,392 Top speed: 647 mph 21. F-100 Super Saber Year introduced: 1954 Type: Tactical reconnaissance / bomber aircraft Manufacturer: North American Aviation Total aircraft produced: 2,294 Top speed: 864 mph 20. North American F-100 Super Sabre Year introduced: 1954 Type: Fighter-bomber aircraft Manufacturer: North American Aviation Total aircraft produced: 2,294 Top speed: 864 mph 19. North American FJ-2 / FJ-3 Fury Year introduced: 1954 Type: Carrierborne fighter-bomber aircraft Manufacturer: North American Aviation Total aircraft produced: 741 Top speed: 676 mph 18. CONVAIR F-102 Delta Dagger Year introduced: 1956 Type: Supersonic interceptor aircraft Manufacturer: CONVAIR Total aircraft produced: 1,000 Top speed: 825 mph 17. Douglas A-4 Skyhawk Year introduced: 1956 Type: Light attack carrierborne fighter aircraft Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas Total aircraft produced: 2,960 Top speed: 645 mph 16. F-102 Delta Dagger Year introduced: 1956 Type: Single-seat supersonic interceptor aircraft Manufacturer: CONVAIR Total aircraft produced: 1,000 Top speed: 825 mph 15. F-101 Voodoo Year introduced: 1957 Type: Twin-engine interceptor Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas Total aircraft produced: 885 Top speed: 1,134 mph 14. Vought F-8 Crusader Year introduced: 1957 Type: Carrierborne naval fighter aircraft Manufacturer: Vought Total aircraft produced: 1,219 Top speed: 1,118 mph 13. F-104 Starfighter Year introduced: 1958 Type: Single-seat supersonic interceptor aircraft Manufacturer: Lockheed Aircraft Corporation Total aircraft produced: 2,578 Top speed: 1,320 mph 12. F-106 Delta Dart Year introduced: 1959 Type: Single-seat supersonic interceptor aircraft Manufacturer: CONVAIR Total aircraft produced: 350 Top speed: 1,487 mph 11. F-4 Phantom II Year introduced: 1960 Type: Carrier-based strike fighter aircraft Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas Total aircraft produced: 5,195 Top speed: 1,473 mph 10. F-111 Aardvark Year introduced: 1967 Type: Long-range strategic medium bomber / Tactical strike aircraft Manufacturer: General Dynamics Total aircraft produced: 554 Top speed: 1,650 mph 9. Grumman F-14 Tomcat Year introduced: 1974 Type: Swing-wing, carrier-based fleet defense fighter Manufacturer: Grumman Aircraft Total aircraft produced: 712 Top speed: 1,544 mph 8. F-15 Eagle Year introduced: 1976 Type: Air superiority fighter aircraft Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas / Boeing Total aircraft produced: 1,500 Top speed: 1,875 mph 7. F-16 Fighting Falcon Year introduced: 1978 Type: Lightweight multi-role fighter aircraft Manufacturer: General Dynamics / Lockheed Martin Total aircraft produced: 4,604 Top speed: 1,317 mph 6. F/A-18 Hornet Year introduced: 1983 Type: Carrier-based strike fighter aircraft Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas / Boeing / Northrop Total aircraft produced: 1,480 Top speed: 1,190 mph 5. AV-8B Harrier II Year introduced: 1985 Type: Short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) strike aircraft Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas / Boeing / BAe Systems Total aircraft produced: 500 Top speed: 665 mph 4. F-15E Strike Eagle Year introduced: 1988 Type: Strike fighter aircraft Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas / Boeing Total aircraft produced: 420 Top speed: 1,653 mph 3. F/A-18 Super Hornet Year introduced: 1999 Type: Carrier-based strike fighter aircraft Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas / Boeing Total aircraft produced: 615 Top speed: 1,187 mph 2. F-22 Raptor Year introduced: 2005 Type: Air dominance fighter aircraft Manufacturer: Boeing / Lockheed Martin Total aircraft produced: 195 Top speed: 1,599 mph 1. F-35 Lightning II Year introduced: 2016 Type: Advanced multi-role strike fighter aircraft Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin / Northrop Grumman / BAe Systems Total aircraft produced: 785 Top speed: 1,199 mph Sponsored: Attention Savvy Investors: Speak to 3 Financial Experts – FREE Ever wanted an extra set of eyes on an investment you’re considering? Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE. By simply clicking here you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help guide you through the financial decisions you’re making. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free. Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions. The post All Major Fighter Planes the US Air Force Has Used appeared first on 24/7 Wall St.......»»
Trump’s Expert Witness Trashes NY’s ‘Absurd’ Fraud Case in Court Clash
Trump’s Expert Witness Trashes NY’s ‘Absurd’ Fraud Case in Court Clash.....»»
Florida woman"s hilarious reaction to her chickens freezing in place goes viral: "I cannot make this up"
Florida woman"s hilarious reaction to her chickens freezing in place goes viral: "I cannot make this up".....»»
Amazon Begins Testing $9.99 Monthly Unlimited Grocery Delivery Subscription
Amazon is testing a new subscription that allows Amazon Prime members in three U.S. cities to receive unlimited grocery deliveries from Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods for an additional monthly fee of $9.99, on top of their existing Prime subscription. read more.....»»
AMD, Broadcom, Lululemon, Google Parent Alphabet, Tesla: Why These Five Stocks Are On Investors" Radars Today
U.S. stocks ended Thursday in the green. The Dow rose 0.17% to 36,117.38, while the NASDAQ shot up 1.37% to 14,339.99. read more.....»»
Stellantis" New Fiat 500E EV Might Just Be The Antidote To Bulky E-SUV Trend: Report
The vehicle's smaller size and affordable price point position it as an appealing option for urban and some suburban usage. read more.....»»
Bitcoin, Dogecoin In Red, Ethereum Zooms As Traders Fear "Bull Trap" — Analyst Says ETH "Ready For $3K"
The major cryptocurrencies displayed a mixed performance on Thursday evening. While the world’s largest cryptocurrency Bitcoin appeared to be correcting, altcoins were surging ahead. read more.....»»
Cathie Wood"s Ark Invest Trims Bitcoin Exposure, Sells $2.9M Worth Of GBTC Shares Amid Crypto Market Volatility
On Thursday, Cathie Wood-led Ark Invest made a significant move by selling nearly $2.9 million worth of Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (OTC:GBTC) shares. This decision comes amidst a fluctuating crypto market and Ark’s strategic adjustments in their crypto holdings. read more.....»»
Binance Founder Changpeng Zhao Barred From Traveling To UAE, Must Remain In US Until Sentencing
Changpeng Zhao, famously known as CZ, and the architect of cryptocurrency exchange Binance, has been restricted from traveling back to the United Arab Emirates. read more.....»»
Hunter Biden Indicted On Multiple Felony Federal Tax Charges In LA
Hunter Biden Indicted On Multiple Felony Federal Tax Charges In LA.....»»
House Votes To Overturn Biden"s EV Mandate
House Votes To Overturn Biden's EV Mandate Authored by Joseph Lord via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours), The House of Representatives on Dec. 6 voted to pass a bill that will block a proposed rule by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to effectively mandate that most cars produced in the United States be fully electric by 2032. The U.S. Capitol building in Washington on Nov. 13, 2023. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times) The bill, H.R. 4468, dubbed the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2023, passed the House by a 221–197 vote. That included total GOP support; Democrats, meanwhile, sought to have the bill sent back to committee. The bill would block an EPA rule that would require roughly 68 percent of cars manufactured in the United States be fully electric by 2032. The rule has won the support of President Joe Biden's administration. Republicans have rallied against the proposed standards, which they say are unrealistic and threaten to undermine consumer freedom—as well as to increase U.S. dependence on China. Around 90 percent of the rare earth minerals used to create electric vehicles (EVs) are sourced from the top U.S. adversary. The broad support among Republicans for blocking the rule was on full display in November, when over 200 House and Senate Republicans signed onto a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) urging opposition to the rule (pdf). "While we are supportive of the free market producing electric vehicles to satisfy a market need, this misguided EPA mandate would have an immediate, detrimental impact on the choices and affordability of cars, trucks, and SUVs available to our constituents," the Republican signatories said. "It also increases America’s dependence on China." Specifically, those who signed the letter pushed for the inclusion of a reversal of the EV standards to be included in the final draft of 2024 government funding. "Not only would the EPA’s proposed regulation hurt America’s national security, but it would severely limit consumer choice for affordable vehicles that fit the needs of the average American," they wrote. "At a time of inflation, high interest rates, and rising costs, the last thing Americans need is to find both new and used vehicles unaffordable because of an EPA mandate." The National Automobile Dealers Association has also criticized the EPA rule, which they called "too far, too fast." In a Dec. 5 press conference the bill's sponsor, Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) and other House Republicans spoke in support of the measure to overturn the rule prior to its vote on the floor. “This standard … is unattainable, it’s unaffordable, and in fact it’s unrealistic,” Mr. Walberg said. Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) agreed, saying that the notion that most vehicles should be fully electric by 2032 is "ridiculous." She said, "If we force automakers to do this, they will bleed money, which will mean layoffs for employees of families who are already struggling under this administration, and manufacturing will move outside of the United States. "That is not good for our taxpayers." Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), another enthusiastic supporter of the proposal, raised a series of concerns about the potential effects of a mandate. Specifically, he pointed to the instability of the U.S. electric grid, which is currently unable to support a large-scale move toward EVs. As proof of this, he pointed to a case in California a few years ago when Gov. Gavin Newsom asked Californians not to charge their EVs between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. due to strains on the electric grid. "What do you do when you're stuck? What do you do when your wife is pregnant in the hospital?" Mr. Roy said. "These questions are existential threats to the well being of American families." Despite its passage by the House, the legislation seems unlikely to pass muster in the Senate, where Democrats hold the majority. And even if it did pass the Senate, President Biden has promised to veto the bill. The White House has defended the rule, saying it's "projected to save Americans $12,000 over the lifetime of a new light-duty vehicle by accelerating adoption of technologies that reduce fuel and maintenance costs alongside pollution." However, Republicans are unusually united behind the effort to overturn the rule, and this issue could become a key point of negotiations over spending next year. Tyler Durden Thu, 12/07/2023 - 21:20.....»»
Illinois Bill Would Require Blood Donors To Disclose COVID Vaccination Status
Illinois Bill Would Require Blood Donors To Disclose COVID Vaccination Status Authored by Megan Redshaw via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours), New legislation in Illinois would allow individuals receiving blood donations to know whether they’re receiving blood from an individual vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine or another messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine. (hxdbzxy/Shutterstock) Bill HB4243, introduced on Nov. 29 by Illinois state Rep. Jed Davis, amends the Illinois Clinical Laboratory and Blood Bank Act and would require blood banks to test donated blood for evidence of COVID-19 vaccines and other mRNA components, including lipid nanoparticles and spike protein—and requires a blood donor to disclose during each donor screening process whether they have received a COVID-19 vaccine or any other mRNA vaccine during their lifetime. Additionally, the bill imposes labeling requirements for blood or blood components that test positive for evidence of a COVID-19 vaccine or other mRNA vaccine component or were obtained from a donor who received a COVID-19 vaccine or other mRNA vaccine. “A constituent approached me concerned about her son's upcoming surgery. What if he needed a blood transfusion with the long-term impacts concerning mRNA vaccines unknown? As a parent myself, her concern and corresponding question feel warranted,” Mr. Davis told The Epoch Times in an email. “This conversation was the catalyst for my bill delineating blood donations and mRNA vaccines. We disclose medical information all the time with providers, so why not our vaccine history? It's an easy ask, and I'm proud to sponsor this bill.” Once a bill is introduced in Illinois, it is read and referred to the Rules Committee and will then be assigned to a substantive committee. For elected officials like Mr. Davis, he believes that part of his job is to translate the concerns or ideas of constituents into legislation when applicable—and that every bill, including HB4243, originated from someone walking through his office door. “Without hesitation, helping people is such a blessing and honor,” he said. Concerned about blood transfusions from people vaccinated against COVID-19, a Republican lawmaker in Montana introduced a bill earlier this year that would have made it a misdemeanor offense for anyone who received a COVID-19 vaccine to donate tissue or blood. However, the bill was tabled quickly in a 19 to 1 vote. Unlike the bill introduced in Montana, HB4243 does not criminalize individuals who donate blood if they’ve received a COVID-19 vaccine. It merely allows people receiving blood products to know whether the blood they’re receiving came from a vaccinated individual and requires blood blanks to add this information to product labels so that patients can make informed decisions. According to the Red Cross, there is no waiting period for those who received a COVID-19 vaccine—as long as they are symptom-free and feel well at the time of donation. If an individual doesn’t know which vaccine they received, they must wait two weeks to donate blood. The Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies, America’s Blood Centers, and the American Red Cross do not believe COVID-19 vaccines pose a risk to patients receiving blood transfusions. In a joint statement issued on Jan. 26, the three organizations said there is no “scientific evidence that demonstrates adverse outcomes from the transfusions of blood products collected from vaccinated donors and, therefore, no medical reason to distinguish or separate blood donations from individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccination.” The statement further reads that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), on multiple occasions, has confirmed that there is no evidence to support concerns about the safety of blood donated by vaccinated individuals. However, the FDA has not provided data showing it is safe to receive blood donated from vaccinated individuals, and many studies have found mRNA from COVID-19 vaccines circulating in the blood or plasma of recently vaccinated individuals. A 2022 study published in Biomedicines found synthetic mRNA in Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine persists in the blood of vaccinated individuals for at least two weeks post-vaccination. A January study published in the Journal of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology found full-length or traces of SARS-CoV-2 spike mRNA vaccine sequences from both Pfizer and Moderna in the blood of some vaccinated individuals up to 28 days after COVID-19 vaccination. “We expect that vaccine mRNA detected in plasma is contained within LNPs [lipid nanoparticles] and that the LNPs in plasma have been slowly released from the injection site either directly to the blood or through the lymph system,” the authors wrote. In a January study in Circulation, researchers found persistently elevated circulating levels of full-length spike protein in the blood of adolescents and young adults who developed myocarditis following COVID-19 vaccination. A 2022 study in Clinical Infectious Diseases found circulating S1 antigens from the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in the plasma of participants vaccinated with Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine. Antigens are the weakened or inactive parts of a particular organism—in this case, the spike protein—that triggers an immune response within the body. Researchers also confirmed that the detected S1 antigens resulted from vaccination and not natural infection. Tyler Durden Thu, 12/07/2023 - 21:40.....»»
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