Taylor Swift and the Kardashians have been ripped for their jet emissions, but celebs and CEOs aren"t the only ones flying private
Private jet bookings were up 12% in 2023, a travel agency survey found, as travelers want more personalized and exclusive experiences. Private jet bookings were up 12% in 2023, one travel agency survey found.Jupiter Images/Getty ImagesCelebrities like Taylor Swift are frequently called out for their private jet usage.A travel agency survey found private jet bookings were up 12% in 2023.The average private jet owner is a 50-year-old man working in finance or real estate.Celebrities are regularly getting criticized for racking up CO2 emissions by using their jets as casually as most people use their cars — but it's not just famous fliers opting to go private.Last month, social-media users called out Taylor Swift for her frequent private jet trips (even if some of the flights may not be what they seemed). Stars like Kim Kardashian and Kyle Jenner have also been roasted for years over their private jet usage.But according to travel industry data, private jet bookings are up — meaning even people who aren't necessarily own-your-own-private-jet rich are also avoiding commercial flights.Surveys conducted by First in Service, a New York-based travel agency, found a 12% increase in private jet bookings in 2023 compared to the year prior, according to Travel Weekly. The surveys also found business class bookings had risen 18% over the same time period.Fernando Gonzalez, CEO of First in Service, told the outlet the data showed travelers want "personalized, comfortable and exclusive experiences." Travel advisors with First in Service said the private-jet travelers were typically people with a high net worth and a busy schedule.Private jet travel is more popular than ever, accounting for one in every six flights managed by air-traffic controllers in the US, Business Insider previously reported. And despite the fact that most Americans will never fly private, they are actually subsidizing private jet travel in the form of commercial flight taxes and FAA funding that goes toward small airports."It's not luxury that has no impact on the rest of us — it has a huge impact," Chuck Collins, the director of the Program on Inequality and the Common Good at the Institute for Policy Studies, told BI's Eliza Relman of private-jet travel.Still, despite all the attention and outrage directed at popular female celebrities and their jets, they are not the majority of private jet travelers.In fact, the average private jet owner is a 50-year-old man who works in finance or real estate and has a net worth of over $190 million.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»
I"ve made simple changes in my life so that I can retire at 40 and move to the Philippines. There are 3 years left, and I"m on track.
Brandon Turrell first came across the Financial Independence, Retire Early movement — better known as the FIRE movement — in 2012. Brandon Turrell didn't want to spend the rest of his life working in a 9-to-5 job.Brandon TurrellAfter his mom's sudden death, Brandon Turrell decided he wanted to make the most out of life.The idea of working in a 9-to-5 job for the rest of his life no longer interested him.He made a plan to be financially independent by 40 and hopes to be able to move to the Philippines with his fianceé.This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Brandon Turrell, a 37-year-old aerospace technician based in Washington. He runs a YouTube channel about being in a long-distance relationship and moving to the Philippines. This essay has been edited for length and clarity.In 2011, when I was 24, my mother died unexpectedly from cardiac arrest while on her way home from the gym. She was only 50.Her sudden passing had a profound impact on me. I realized we only have one life and wanted to make the most of it. Working another 40 years in a 9-to-5 job no longer interested me.In 2012, I came across the Financial Independence, Retire Early movement — better known as the FIRE movement.Rather than the "Retire Early" part of FIRE, I was always more interested in the "Financial Independence" side.I don't think I ever want to be retired in the traditional sense. I'll still find ways to keep busy — like continuing to create YouTube content or maybe even running an e-commerce business. But as far as an actual 9-to-5 job where I have to clock in and out, I needed to see an end to that in sight.I decided I could be financially independent by 40When I was 20, I bought a three-bedroom house in Puyallup, Washington. I had skipped college and gone straight to work after high school.After two years, I'd saved enough to buy my own place, so I moved out. But after my mom died, I moved back in with my dad so that we could grieve together.A year later, I decided to rent out my house and move into a mother-in-law apartment in northeast Tacoma. It's a separate living unit that's been incorporated into a larger home.My rent was $890 a month back then, including utilities and the internet, although it's been $1,050 a month since 2020. The average monthly rent of a studio apartment in Tacoma is $1,199, according to the latest data from real-estate platform Apartments.com.This move allowed me to save more than half of my income over the past decade. Everything that remains at the end of the month gets invested.As for my house, I sold it in 2017 for $212,000. I knew I would never move back in and didn't enjoy being a landlord.I knew I didn't want to live in the US in the futureMy research on financial independence introduced me to the term "geographic arbitrage," which refers to the benefits of living in a lower-cost country while earning income from a higher-paying country.I came across some expat creators living in Southeast Asia and realized how much lower the cost of living was there. This was what planted the seed.I started dating Arlene online. She was based in the Philippines, which helped me decide which country to visit first.Brandon Turrell and his fiancée Arlene.Brandon TurrellWe had talked for nine months before I flew over. Soon after arriving there for the first time in 2021, I quickly fell in love — with both her and the country. I've been visiting every six months since. The people are friendly and generous, and everyone speaks English — which makes it easy for foreigners like me. It's a slower pace of life, with more time to relax with family or friends.Leyte — an island in the Philippines about 350 miles southeast of Manila — was a place I could see myself living. It's also where Arlene, now my fianceé, is from, so I decided to look for land there.The couple's tiny house and land as seen from above.Brandon TurrellI bought a 7,000-square-foot plot of land near Tanauan, a city in Leyte, for $12,400. After fees, the total cost came up to about $12,850. Due to property ownership laws, the land is in Arlene's name.We are 30 minutes from downtown and the airport — it's close enough to the city to get anything we need but far enough away to still enjoy the simple provincial life we desire.I don't live in the Philippines full-time yet but the plan is for us to settle into a house that we build there eventually.Leading up to that, I decided to build a tiny house to see what the experience would be like.Although I wasn't directly involved in the actual construction, I made all the design sketches and oversaw the project.The exterior of the couple's tiny house.Brandon TurrellIt took about two-and-a-half months for the tiny house to be completed. Due to work commitments back in the US, I couldn't be on-site the entire time, so I checked in via video calls instead.At the moment, we use it as a studio apartment. It's where I live when I'm back in the Philippines and where Arlene lives as we wait for her visa to be approved so she can come to the US.The couple's primary living and sleeping area in the tiny house.Brandon TurrellAfter she arrives, we plan on staying in the US for a few more years before we move to the Philippines full-time. At that point, we'll live in the tiny house as we build our dream bungalow-style home on the main lot.I'm 37 years old now, and I'm on trackI could probably quit right now, but I believe in having a big safety margin. I don't want to leave and then have to come back to the workforce, so I'm adding a few more years.I'm fortunate in a way because I don't have credit card or student debt. And that's a big thanks to my parents, who taught me to save money when I was young.I also believe in tracking your income and expenses, as well as living below your means.It's important to avoid lifestyle inflation. As I've grown in my career, I've made it a point to keep my expenses at the same level instead of keeping up with the Joneses. I remind myself that the dopamine rush from the fancy car or a bigger house would only last a few months before it wore off.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»
20 Most Visited States in the US by Foreign Travelers
In this article, we will take a look at the 20 most visited states in the US by foreign travelers. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to the 5 Most Visited States in the US by Foreign Travelers. The United States stands out for its cultural richness, diverse landscapes, […] In this article, we will take a look at the 20 most visited states in the US by foreign travelers. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to the 5 Most Visited States in the US by Foreign Travelers. The United States stands out for its cultural richness, diverse landscapes, and iconic landmarks. Drawing in millions of foreign travelers each year, the US is one of the most visited countries in the world. The travel and tourism sector plays a vital role in boosting the US economy by generating revenue, creating jobs, and increasing foreign exchange earnings. North America’s Travel and Tourism Industry According to a report by Research and Markets, the North American travel and tourism market reached a value of $1.96 trillion in 2022. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% from 2023 to 2027 and reach a value of more than $2.51 trillion by the end of the forecast period. The rising trend of transformational travel is expected to fuel market growth in North America. An increasing number of individuals are prioritizing travel experiences over material possessions as they travel to heal, find balance, and transform their overall well-being. The rising demand for unique and authentic travel experiences that blend entertainment and relaxation is further driving market growth. Rising disposable income also means that more people have the means to spend on leisure activities. In one of our previous articles about the most visited cities in the US by foreign travelers, we discussed that openness to international travel has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels and fewer people around the world now require a traditional visa to travel. Political factors, access to tourism destinations, and visa requirements are all key factors that can influence the industry’s growth and performance. Key Players in the Travel and Tourism Industry The travel and tourism industry is a dynamic sector that consists of revenues generated by passenger airlines, food service, hotels, resorts, amusement parks, casinos, and travel intermediaries. Some of the most notable names in the industry are Marriott International Inc. (NYSE:MAR), Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT), and Expedia Group Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE). Technology has been a major driver of growth in the travel and tourism industry. Technological advancements, mobile apps, and online tools make it easier for people to research, book travel arrangements, and access information on the go. This also enhances the overall travel experience. Expedia Group Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) is an American travel technology company that owns and operates various brands including Expedia, Hotels.com, CarRentals.com, Vrbo, Travelocity, Trivago, CheapTickets, and Expedia Cruises. On February 8, Expedia Group Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) reported strong earnings for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2023. The company reported earnings per share (EPS) of $1.72, surpassing EPS estimates by $0.02. The company’s revenue for the quarter grew by 10.28% year-over-year and amounted to $2.89 billion, ahead of market consensus by $8.67 million. Here are some comments from Expedia Group Inc.’s (NASDAQ:EXPE) Q4 2023 earnings call: “Meaningfully, we have gone from approximately 30% of people working in product and tech in 2019 to 50% today. Again, we are at a truly different place as a company as we launch into 2024, which does not mean that it’s all just linear improvement from here, that learn and test-and-learn is a big part of our journey, and we will still get things wrong in our tireless effort to improve the customer experience. But we can afford to get a lot more wrong as we, in fact, get a lot more right. Ultimately, more at-bats, the sheer power of going fast and simplifying our ability to innovate is what puts us in a position to once again lead our industry technologically for the next decade.” As the demand for travel and tourism continues to grow, travel companies are enhancing their market presence by implementing various strategies. On March 12, Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT) announced the expansion of its innovative, midscale hotel brand, “Tru by Hilton”, to New York City with the grand opening of Tru by Hilton Brooklyn. Located near the lively Park Slope neighborhood, this contemporary hotel offers an ultramodern and lively lodging option for both business and leisure travelers. Tru by Hilton Brooklyn boasts 101 well-appointed rooms that offer the brand’s signature amenities, including large HDTVs, premium bedding, spacious bathrooms with walk-in showers, and complimentary Wi-Fi to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay for all guests. Marriott International Inc. (NYSE:MAR) is an American multinational hospitality company. As one of the largest travel companies in the world, it operates, franchises, and licenses lodging including hotels and resorts in over 130 countries around the world. On February 8, Marriott International Inc. (NYSE:MAR) reported that one of its brands, Moxy Hotels, has announced the opening of Moxy Halifax Downtown, marking the brand’s first venture into Canada. This new 160-room hotel offers a fresh take on traditional hospitality by providing vibrant guest experiences and exceptional service. Halifax is a rapidly growing city in Atlantic Canada and the new hotel in the city is located in close proximity to Halifax’s bustling downtown area. Now that we have discussed what’s going on in the travel and tourism industry, let’s shift our attention to the 20 most visited states in the US by foreign travelers. A busy airport terminal with travelers queuing up for flights, revealing the sheer volumes of travelers served by the company. Methodology In this article, we have listed the 20 most visited states in the US by foreign travelers. To collect data for our list of most visited US states, we consulted the International Trade Administration, US Department of Commerce. This database provided us with a list of territories and states in the US that were visited the most by overseas travelers in 2022. The 20 most visited states in the US by foreign travelers are listed below in ascending order of the number of foreign travelers that visited them in 2022. 20 Most Visited States in the US by Foreign Travelers 20. Tennessee Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 292,000 Tennessee is a landlocked state in the Southeastern region that ranks among the 20 most visited states in the US by foreign travelers. Tennessee is known for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, whiskey, and country music. In 2022, Tennessee attracted 292,000 foreign travelers. 19. Louisiana Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 314,000 Louisiana is a state in the Deep South and South Central regions of the US that is known for its rich and fascinating culture which reflects a blend of French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences. According to recently reported data, Louisiana attracted 314,000 overseas visitors in 2022. 18. Colorado Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 321,000 Colorado is a state in the Mountain West sub-region. It is renowned for its magnificent scenery of mountains, rivers, plains, canyons, plateaus, and desert lands. In 2022, the US state of Colorado attracted 321,000 foreign travelers. 17. Maryland Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 326,000 Maryland, a state in the Mid-Atlantic region of the US, ranks 17th on our list of the 20 most visited states in the US by foreign travelers. Also known as “America in Miniature” and “Little America”, the US state of Maryland attracted 326,000 foreign visitors in 2022. 16. North Carolina Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 340,000 North Carolina is a state in the Southeastern US. It is known for the Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as well as its iconic city of Asheville which is known for its architecture, mountain scenery, and outdoor activities. North Carolina saw a total of 340,000 international tourists in 2022. 15. Utah Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 412,000 Utah, a landlocked state in the Mountain West sub-region of the Western US, ranks among the top 15 on our list of the most visited states in the US by foreign travelers. Known for its stunning natural landscapes and incredible national parks, the US state of Utah attracted 412,000 visitors in 2022. 14. Virginia Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 438,000 Virginia is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the US. It is known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and diverse geography. According to recently reported data, Virginia welcomed 438,000 foreign travelers in 2022. 13. Georgia Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 465,000 Georgia is a state in the Southeastern region of the US that is renowned for its natural beauty. Atlanta, the capital city of Georgia, is a major hub for finance, technology, transportation, and manufacturing. The Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport in the state of Georgia is the busiest airport in the world by flights per day. In 2022, Georgia attracted 465,000 foreign travelers. 12. Washington Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 467,000 Washington is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the US that ranks 12th on our list of the most visited states in the US by foreign travelers. Nicknamed “The Evergreen State”, the state of Washington is known for its mountainous landscapes, volcanoes, glaciers, and an abundance of evergreen forests. The state of Washington attracted 467,000 foreign travelers in 2022. 11. Pennsylvania Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 592,000 Pennsylvania is a state in the Mid-Atlantic region that is known for its diverse geography. It is one of the most populated states in the US. In 2022, 592,000 foreigners traveled to the US state of Pennsylvania. 10. Arizona Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 663,000 Arizona is a state in the Southwestern US that ranks among the top 10 on our list of the most visited states in the US by foreign travelers. It is the sixth largest state in the US by size and it is best known for the Grand Canyon. In 2022, Arizona attracted 663,000 foreign travelers. 9. Massachusetts Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 807,000 Massachusetts is one of the smallest and most densely populated states in the US. It is home to some of the most reputable educational institutions, such as Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The US state of Massachusetts attracted 807,000 foreign visitors in 2022. 8. New Jersey Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 867,000 New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern region of the US. It is the most densely populated state. New Jersey is known for its boardwalk beaches and Atlantic City casinos, which attract hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. In 2022, New Jersey attracted a total of 867,000 foreign travelers. It ranks 8th on our list of the most visited states in the US by foreign travelers. 7. Hawaii Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 953,000 Hawaii, in the Pacific Ocean, is an island state of the US. Known as the Paradise of the Pacific, Hawaii is known for its stunning natural landscapes and beautiful beaches. In 2022, Hawaii welcomed 953,000 foreign travelers. 6. Illinois Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 1.13 Million Illinois is a state in the Midwestern region of the US that is one of America’s most industrialized states and a major manufacturing center. Nicknamed the Prairie State, Illinois is also known for its agriculture, corn, and farmlands. In 2022, it attracted 1.13 million foreign travelers. Illinois ranks 6th on our list of the 20 most visited states in the US by foreign travelers. Click to continue reading and see 5 Most Visited States in the US by Foreign Travelers. Suggested Articles: 50 Biggest Countries on Earth by Area 15 Biggest Bilingual Cities in the US 20 Most Forested Countries in Asia Disclosure: None. 20 Most Visited States in the US by Foreign Travelers is published on Insider Monkey......»»
US Announces Plan To Evacuate American Citizens Stranded In Haiti
US Announces Plan To Evacuate American Citizens Stranded In Haiti Authored by Jack Phillips via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours), The State Department confirmed that it will try to evacuate Americans who are still stranded in Haiti as the country’s security situation continues to deteriorate. Police officers patrol a neighborhood amid gang-related violence in downtown Port-au-Prince on April 25, 2023. (Richard Pierrin/AFP via Getty Images) On March 16, the U.S. Embassy in Haiti stated that it will organize a charter flight for U.S. citizens who still remain in the country, coming months after the embassy issued a warning that Americans should leave. “We are arranging a charter flight for U.S. citizens from Cap-Haitien to the United States, assuming the security situation in Cap-Haitien remains stable,” the embassy said in a security alert issued over the weekend, noting that the airport in the city is “opened periodically for departing flights.” But, it warned, the “overland trip from Port-au-Prince to Cap Haitien is dangerous,” and the embassy recommended that people head to Cap-Haitien only if they believe they can reach the airport safely. “We cannot provide overland travel from other parts of Haiti to Cap-Haitien,” the statement reads. “We continue to work on options for departures out of Port-au-Prince and will let you know about them as soon as we are able to safely and securely arrange them.” It also states that U.S. citizens who choose to depart using federal government-backed flights have to sign a statement agreeing to pay the U.S. government back for the flight’s cost. “The security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous. Travel within Haiti is conducted at your own risk. The U.S. government cannot guarantee your safety traveling to airports, borders, or during any onward travel,” the embassy warned on March 16. “You should consider your personal security situation before traveling anywhere in Haiti. Only attempt to depart Haiti or travel within Haiti if you believe it is safe for you to do so.” The statement from the embassy comes about two weeks after U.S. military officials confirmed that it evacuated some embassy personnel in the country. Weeks before that, Haiti declared a state of emergency because of escalating violence from armed gangs while then-Prime Minister Ariel Henry was in Nairobi, Kenya, seeking a deal for a long-delayed U.N.-backed security mission. He resigned last week. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said a transition council would be named, after which Mr. Henry would step down. “This is never going to be smooth and never going to be linear,” Mr. Blinken told reporters during a visit to Austria. “So that’s a work in progress, but we’ve seen that move forward.” U.S. aid chief Samantha Power announced $25 million in humanitarian assistance for Haiti on March 15 to cover food, essential relief supplies, relocation support, and emergency health care. That was on top of the $33 million announced on March 11. But some analysts say the transition plan isn’t working. “It’s starting off very, very badly,” Frederic Boisrond, a sociologist at McGill University, told Radio-Canada, pointing to the dissent within the groups proposed for the transition council by leaders in Jamaica, reported Reuters. “Elections are very long-term prospect.” He pointed to the need to, after restoring security, recreate an electoral roll and reappoint mayors, senators, and deputies. “This is a huge machine to reinstall. Haiti is in year zero of democracy,” Mr. Boisrond said. Gang Leader Issues Warning Over the weekend, a powerful gang leader in Haiti, Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, issued a threatening message aimed at political leaders who would participate in a planned transition council, as fires broke out amid a fresh surge of violence in the Caribbean nation’s capital. “Don’t you have any shame?” said Mr. Cherizier, directing his remarks at politicians who he said were looking to join the council. “You have taken the country where it is today. You have no idea what will happen. Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier, leader of the "G9" coalition of gangs in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, looks on after speaking to members of the media on Oct. 26, 2021. (Ralph Tedy Erol/Reuters) “I'll know if your kids are in Haiti, if your wives are in Haiti ... if your husbands are in Haiti. If you’re gonna run the country, all your family ought to be there.” In his remarks, Mr. Cherizier said the resignation of Mr. Henry was only “a first step in the battle” for the island nation of about 11 million. Nearby countries have bolstered their border security and withdrawn staff from embassies, while plans to send a long-awaited international security force remain uncertain, Reuters reported. Reuters contributed to this report. Tyler Durden Mon, 03/18/2024 - 18:20.....»»
22 Best Whiskeys Under $50 in 2024
In this article, we are going to discuss the 22 best whiskeys under $50 in 2024. You can skip our detailed analysis of the global whiskey market, the dawn of the American single malt, and sustainability in the whiskey industry, and go directly to the 5 Best Whiskeys Under $50 in 2024. Whether it’s the […] In this article, we are going to discuss the 22 best whiskeys under $50 in 2024. You can skip our detailed analysis of the global whiskey market, the dawn of the American single malt, and sustainability in the whiskey industry, and go directly to the 5 Best Whiskeys Under $50 in 2024. Whether it’s the sharp burn of single malt or the smooth, woody aroma of a blended Scotch, the scent of whiskey is enough to invigorate even the weariest of souls. Part of the popularity of the beloved golden tipple comes from the sheer amount of tradition that it has behind it. Making whiskey is an age-old craft, and one that goes back many centuries. Its origin began over a millennium ago, when distillation migrated from mainland Europe into Ireland and Scotland via traveling monks. The Scottish and Irish monasteries, lacking the vineyards and grapes of the continent, turned to fermenting grain mash, resulting in the first distillation of the modern whisky. Global Whiskey Market: Whiskey is one of the Most Consumed Alcohols in the World, with the global whiskey market valued at $64 billion in 2022 and expected to reach $91.3 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 6% during the forecast period. The consumption of alcohol is shifting away from beer and wine and millennials are more likely to experiment with other alcoholic beverages, resulting in the growth of a ‘cocktail culture’. As a result of this tendency, the use of whiskey as a premium ingredient has increased. Product innovations, such as flavored whiskeys, and organic and sustainable options are also some of the major factors propelling the market. 2022 was also a great year for Scotch whisky, and exports of Scotland’s native spirit hit $7.5 billion that year, the highest figures ever. Exports by volume rose substantially as well, with the number of 700 ml bottles shipped overseas up by 21%, to 1.67 billion. Similarly, as we mentioned in our article – 25 Best Whiskeys in the World in 2024 – Bourbon is a $9 billion signature industry in Kentucky that generates more than 22,500 jobs. And if we’re looking at production and consumption, the state receives more than $286 million in tax revenue each year from its iconic whiskey. The positive economic impact of the precious golden liquor is something we seldom consider when having a drink, but, given the facts, maybe it’s time we all raise a glass to it. The Dawn of the American Single Malt: Bourbon has long held the title of America’s national spirit, but the American single malt is now the fastest growing whiskey category in the United States. Although distillers in the U.S. have been producing single malt for only three decades, the category has already achieved a significant milestone – an imminent legal definition, furnished by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. Today there are more than 200 different expressions of American single malt whiskey from more than 100 distilleries. In 2023, The Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF-B)-owned Jack Daniel’s also added the first American single malt to its ever-growing lineup of Tennessee whiskey, proof of just how far this still lesser known category has come. And last October, Jack just announced another version of it. The initial single malt was called Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Twice Barreled Special Release American Single Malt – as the name indicates, it was a single barrel expression released in limited quantities as part of the Jack Daniel’s Special Release Collection. This new Jack Daniel’s American Single Malt joins the permanent lineup, despite it only being available at airports. According to The Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF-B), a bottle of Jack Daniel’s Single Malt is priced at $100 for a 1 liter bottle, and while there are currently no plans to release it in domestic markets, that could change in the future. The Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF-B) ranks among the Largest Alcohol Companies in the World in 2023. Sustainability in the Whiskey Industry: The modern consumer has become increasingly aware of the climate emergency we unfortunately find ourselves in, and actively seeks out sustainable brands, even if it means paying extra. So, as whiskey makers find themselves in an increasingly competitive market, committing psychologically and economically to reducing their impact on the planet may also be the only means to make their businesses sustainable in the long run. Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) announced in 2021 that it has opened its first carbon neutral distillery in Lebanon, KY, for its popular brand Bulleit Bourbon. The 72,000 square-foot facility has the capacity to produce up to 10 million proof gallons per year powered by 100% renewable electricity, and is expected to avoid more than 117,000 metric tons of carbon emissions annually. Bulleit is the first and lead brand being produced at the Lebanon Distillery that supplements existing production at the nearby Bulleit Distilling Co. in Shelbyville, KY, for which the spirits giant invested $115 million in 2017. Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) announced a 10-year sustainability action plan in November 2020 – titled Society 2030: Spirit of Progress – which aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions across direct operations and a 20% reduction in water used to produce every drink, while also working with suppliers in order to reduce indirect carbon emissions by 50%.. Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) is placed among the Best Brewery and Distillery Stocks to Buy Now. With that said, here are the Top Whiskeys Under $50. Methodology: To collect data for this article, we have referred to a number of sources, such as Liquor, VinePair, Men’s Journal, Reddit etc., looking for the Best Affordable Whiskeys Under $50. To make sure we only give you the best of the best, we shortlisted whiskeys that appeared multiple times in the aforementioned sources, assigned them a score based on their number of appearances, and ranked them accordingly. When two or more whiskeys had the same score, we ranked them by the price (excluding tax) of their 750 ml bottles. Note: Prices have been sourced primarily from Wine-Searcher. As liquor prices can vary greatly across the United States, we cannot guarantee their accuracy. By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a similar consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders. 22. Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey Insider Monkey Score: 4 Price: $26 Tullamore D.E.W. prides itself on its complex yet approachable flavors, which it credits to its use of three types of grain, a triple distillation, and the blending of three types of Irish whiskey – single malt, single grain, and pot still. Set in the heart of Ireland, the Tullamore distillery spans a whopping 58 acres where 11 million liters of whiskey are produced each year, making Tullamore D.E.W. one of the finest examples of Ireland’s whiskey renaissance. 21. The Singleton of Glendullan 12 Year Old Insider Monkey Score: 5 Price: $41 This easy-to-drink single malt Scotch whisky is matured in a high proportion of American oak casks with a small portion of European oak casks to balance the liquid. Best served with laughter and good company. Owned by Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO), The Singleton is the Best-Selling Single Malt Whisky in China. 20. Rittenhouse Rye Whisky Insider Monkey Score: 5 Price: $30 Now produced in Kentucky from extra-aged barrels stored in prime warehouse locations, Heaven Hill Distillery keeps the historic Maryland mark alive with this award-winning six-year-old, 110 proof offering. For $30 a bottle, this affordable whiskey carries a distinct, spicy flavor, and is produced in the tradition of the classic rye expressions that once dominated the American whiskey industry. 19. Old Forester 86 Proof Insider Monkey Score: 5 Price: $23 Created in 1870, Old Forester is the only Bourbon continuously distilled and marketed by the founding family before, during, and after Prohibition. At 86 proof, Old Forester delivers a genuine Bourbon experience, with rich, full flavor, and a smooth character that is ideal for sipping neat, on the rocks, with a splash of water, or in a classic cocktail. OF 86 Proof sits among the Best Whiskeys Under $50 According to Reddit. 18. Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Insider Monkey Score: 6 Price: $49.99 Handcrafted in small batches, Angel’s Envy is an award-winning Kentucky straight Bourbon finished in port wine barrels. In 2022, the Kentucky-based craft distiller unveiled its completed $8.2 million Brand Home expansion at 500 E. Main St. in Louisville. The expansion, which adds 13,000 square feet to the facility, will allow Angel’s Envy to welcome an additional 64,000 visitors each year, doubling annual guest capacity. 17. Aberfeldy 12 Year Old Insider Monkey Score: 6 Price: $46 A fruity, clean, and polished malt with a touch of honey and spice, Aberfeldy 12 Year Old is an excellent introduction to this Highland distillery, otherwise famous for its Dewar’s blend. Founded in 1898 by the dynamic Dewar brothers, Aberfeldy is now owned by Bacardi Limited. At only $46, Aberfeldy 12 is ranked among the Best Scotch Whiskies Under $100. 16. Evan Williams Single Barrel Insider Monkey Score: 7 Price: $49.99 Evan Williams Single Barrel is the only vintage dated single barrel Bourbon on the market. Similar to the way vintage wines are selected, the company’s distillers hand-select individual barrels that meet the specifications they’ve established. Then each bottle is marked with the vintage date it was put into oak, along with the year it was bottled, and the exact barrel number of the single barrel that the Bourbon was drawn from. 15. Glenmorangie The Original 10 Year Old Insider Monkey Score: 7 Price: $44 First released more than 175 years ago, this smooth whisky is made in giraffe-high stills, and then aged for 10 years in Bourbon casks to absorb all manner of delectable flavors. One of the Most Popular Scotch Whisky Brands in USA, Glenmorangie has been crafting Highland single malt whisky since 1843. 14. Glenfiddich 12 Year Old Insider Monkey Score: 8 Price: $49.99 Glenfiddich 12 is part of the distillery’s flagship collection and one of the Best Single Malt Whiskies Under $50. Aged for 12 years in American and European oak casks, this is a great choice for seasoned sippers or those who are new to whisky, with lots of light and fruity flavors. Owned by William Grant & Sons, Glenfiddich had global sales of 1.6 million 9-liter cases in 2022, making it the world’s second-best selling single malt. 13. Michter’s US★1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Insider Monkey Score: 8 Price: $49.99 Michter’s US★1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon is made from a carefully selected mashbill that features the highest quality American corn. It is then matured to the peak of perfection. Truly ‘small batch’, each batch of this iconic whiskey is batched in a holding tank sized to fit a maximum of twenty full barrels, leaving no margin for ‘blending out’ imperfection and thus necessitating excellence from every barrel. Michter’s only became a brand in the 1990s but is now, despite deliberately keeping stocks low and releases in small batches, the fourth-fastest rising brand in the Bourbon market. Recently, a bottle of Michter’s 20-Year-Old Bourbon went for $27,500 at auction. 12. Jameson Black Barrel Irish Whiskey Insider Monkey Score: 8 Price: $42 Here we have a triple distilled blend of small batch grain and single pot Irish whiskey. Matured in double charred barrels for up to 16 years, this full strength whiskey boasts sweet and spicy characteristics. Since Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard in 1988, Jameson has spearheaded a complete rejuvenation of the Irish whiskey category, making it the most dynamic spirits segment globally. Jameson is the most popular Irish whiskey in the world. 11. Elijah Craig Small Batch Insider Monkey Score: 8 Price: $33 This small batch Bourbon is distilled, aged, and bottled in Kentucky from a traditional Bourbon mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley, and then aged for 8 to 12 years in Level 3 charred oak barrels. The EC Small Batch Bourbon is counted among the best whiskeys under $60. 10. Four Roses Single Barrel Insider Monkey Score: 9 Price: $49 For someone who wants a more complex Bourbon experience, Four Roses Single Barrel is a 100-proof whiskey that embodies the uniqueness of an individual barrel which was hand selected by the company’s Master Distiller. At $49 a bottle, FR Single Barrel is most definitely a Whiskey Worth the Money. 9. Monkey Shoulder Blended Scotch Insider Monkey Score: 9 Price: $33 Produced by William Grant & Sons, Monkey Shoulder is a blend of three main single malt whiskies – Glenfiddich, Balvenie, and Kininvie – all from Speyside, the spiritual home of whisky. Back in 2018, the brand enlisted a truck topped with a giant shaker, called the ‘Monkey Mixer’, to drive around the 50 states with a mission to redefine Scotch’s role in the cocktail industry. 8. Glenlivet Double Oak 12 Year Old Insider Monkey Score: 10 Price: $33 Representing The Glenlivet’s signature style, The Glenlivet 12 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky is first matured in traditional oak, before spending time in American oak casks that impart notes of vanilla and give the whisky its distinctive smoothness, putting it among the Best Affordable Whiskies to Drink Straight. Part of the Pernod Ricard group since 2001, the brand is defining new ways to enjoy single malt for a new generation. 7. Johnnie Walker Double Black Insider Monkey Score: 11 Price: $44 Johnnie Walker Double Black Whisky is the rebellious younger sibling of Johnnie Walker Black Label with a deep, brooding intensity. Derived from blending whiskies matured in heavily charred oak casks and specifically selected whiskies from the West Coast of Scotland with a naturally smoky flavor, this is a sibling of Johnnie Walker Black Label, but youthful, spikier, and more rebellious. With 22.7 million 9-liter cases sold worldwide, Johnnie Walker is the Best-Selling Scotch Whisky Brand in the World. 6. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Insider Monkey Score: 11 Price: $39 The art of making fine Bourbon first took place on the site of the Woodford Reserve Distillery, a National Historic Landmark, in 1812. The perfectly balanced taste of this Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey comprises more than 200 detectable flavor notes, from bold grain and wood, to sweet aromatics, spice, and fruit and floral notes. Woodford Reserve ranks 6th in our list of Best Budget Whiskeys in 2024. Click to continue reading and see the 5 Best Whiskeys Under $50 in 2024. Suggested Articles: 21 Best Whiskeys Under $50 in 2023 25 Highest Quality Whiskey Brands in the US 20 Truly Extraordinary Whiskeys Under $75 Disclosure: None. 22 Best Whiskeys Under $50 in 2024 is originally published on Insider Monkey......»»
15 Most Expensive Whiskeys in the World
In this article, we are going to discuss the 15 most expensive whiskeys in the world. You can skip our detailed analysis of the global alcohol industry, the most expensive Bourbon in the world, and investing in Scotch whisky, and go directly to the 5 Most Expensive Whiskeys in the World. Embarking on the opulent […] In this article, we are going to discuss the 15 most expensive whiskeys in the world. You can skip our detailed analysis of the global alcohol industry, the most expensive Bourbon in the world, and investing in Scotch whisky, and go directly to the 5 Most Expensive Whiskeys in the World. Embarking on the opulent journey through the realm of alcohol, one encounters a world in which rarity and excellence are commanding exorbitant prices. From the extravagant Champagne houses in France to the iconic distilleries of Scotland, luxury libation has become synonymous with sophistication and indulgence. For those investing in the crème de la crème of premium tipple, drinks have once again become a status symbol and elixirs of prestige, for they are not merely quenching their thirst or satisfying a basic need, but crafting narratives about who they are and who they aspire to become. The Global Alcohol Industry: In 2019, the global alcohol consumption, measured in liters of pure alcohol per person of 15 years of age or older, was 5.5 liters, which is a 4.7% relative decrease from 5.7 liters in 2010. As we mentioned in our article – 30 Drunkest Countries in the World – the global alcoholic beverages market size was valued at $1.62 trillion in 2021, and the market is projected to reach $2 trillion by 2031, with a CAGR of 2.2% during the forecast period. The market is likely to be driven by the increasing global young-adult demographic, coupled with high disposable income and consumer demand for premium/super-premium products. Globally, beer drives the market for alcoholic beverages. Regionally, North America and Asia-Pacific are expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. Most Expensive Bourbon in the World: While Scotch and Japanese whiskies have been known to fetch hefty price tags at auction houses around the world, America’s native spirit has also not failed to make its mark, with some of the rarest and oldest bottles of Bourbon setting you back by even tens of thousands of dollars. With an average price tag of $52,545 on Wine-Searcher, the Old Rip Van Winkle 25 Year Old Kentucky Straight holds the mantle of being the Most Expensive Bourbon Whiskey in the World. Launched in 2017, this very rare, limited edition Bourbon takes generations of distilling know-how to produce. Only 11 barrels of the highly sought-after American whiskey were distilled in 1989 at the now closed Van Winkle family distillery in Shively, Kentucky, and each of the 710 bottles produced is a handmade glass decanter from Glencairn Crystal Studio. Investing in Scotch Whisky: The market for rare and collectable Scotch is growing, with many investors seeing it as a promising alternative to traditional assets like stocks and real estate. While a bottle of Johnnie Walker Masters of Flavour was on sale for $24,000 in early 2023, others have sold at auction for millions. There has also been a lot of interest in buying whisky casks recently – barrels of different sizes, which typically start at between $3,000 and $6,000. The simple idea is that the cask is held in storage for what can be decades, by which time it has matured into something that will have much greater value when it is ready to be bottled. In 2022, a forgotten cask of 1988 Macallan was sold for $1.2 million at auction, having originally been bought for just $6,000. Cask whisky investment is low cost, hassle free, and very secure. Bound by a rigid set of HMRC rules, casks of single malt whisky have to remain within the boundaries of Scotland and in an HMRC bonded facility. There are literally hundreds of bonded warehouses in Scotland, providing vital income to many rural areas of the country. Another advantage of investing in whisky casks is that it allows investors to potentially earn a larger profit as it is not subject to capital gains tax. Moreover, Pernod Ricard SA (OTC:PRNDY) and Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) have both recently announced plans to increase their whisky cask prices to counteract the rising costs in materials, energy, and transportation because of inflation. This rise in price and limited stock will only make whisky more desirable, creating a more valuable asset class. The Paris-based Pernod Ricard SA (OTC:PRNDY) is a global leader in the wine and spirits industry and owns several prestigious Scotch brands, including Chivas and Glenlivet. Both Pernod Ricard SA (OTC:PRNDY) and Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) ranked among the Largest Alcohol Companies in the World in 2023. With that said, here are the Whiskies with the World’s Largest Price Tags. Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock.com Methodology: To collect data for this article, we have referred to sources such as Forbes, Luxhabitat, The Financial Express etc., looking for the Top 15 Most Expensive Whiskies. The following luxury spirits have been ranked by their dollar sale prices as reported in the aforementioned sources. By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a similar consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders. 15. Diamond Jubilee by Johnnie Walker Price: $165,000 Many of Johnnie Walker’s releases have been accessible by most, with a variety of affordable Scotch whiskies in their portfolio. However, this extremely limited release was created to celebrate the Queen’s 60th coronation anniversary in Britain and is considered to be the best whisky ever created by the Scotch brand. The bottle should also get some credit as it’s made from Baccarat crystal casings, and is encrusted with a half-carat diamond set by hand, and an individually numbered silver seal. Owned by Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO), Johnnie Walker is counted among the Most Popular Scotch Whisky Brands in USA. 14. Dalmore 62 Price: $250,000 Like its cousin 64 Trinitas, the Dalmore 62 single malt Scotch dates back to the mid-19th century. There have only been 12 bottles created of this rich whiskey, so limited numbers play a big part in its price. Interestingly, the last known bottle to be spotted in public was actually purchased at Singapore airport. 13. Karuizawa Dragon Netsuke 1960 52 Year Old Price: $316,000 The rare 52 Year old Karuizawa is one of only 41 bottles ever produced before the distillery closed in 2000, and is the oldest Karuizawa expression ever released. The collectible secured around $316,000 at a Bonham’s auction in 2018. 12. Yamazaki 50 Year Old Single Malt Price: $430,000 This whisky was distilled in the 1950s and spent its entire lifetime slowly maturing in Japanese mizunara oak, a detail that makes this bottle stand out. There are three editions of the 50-year-old Yamazaki, bottled in 2005, 2007, and 2011. Only 50 bottles were produced for the 2005 edition, and its exclusivity is what puts it among Most Expensive Alcoholic Drinks in the World. 11. Karuizawa Rat Netsuke 1960 52 Year Old Price: $435,300 Each of the 41 bottles of the Karuizawa 52 Year Old is identified by an individual netsuke carved from oak cask, and the bottle that has fetched the highest price comes with a unique rat netsuke. In March 2020, the iconic Japanese whisky fetched an eye-watering $435,000 at an auction held at Sotheby’s Auction House in London. 10. The Macallan 64 Year Old in Lalique Price: $460,000 In November 2010, a 64-year-old single malt Scotch whisky in a unique crystal decanter sold for a then record price of $460,000 at an auction in New York, making it the Most Expensive Whisky in America. The Lalique decanter was created using the ‘cire perdue’ or ‘lost wax’ method. This rare Scotch was vatted from three sherry-seasoned Spanish oak casks – the first was filled in 1942, the second in 1945, and the third in 1946. 9. The Macallan M Price: $628,000 In January 2014, a stunning rare 6 liter ‘Imperiale’ version of the highly sought after Macallan M sold for a breathtaking $628,000 at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong, setting a new world record for the Most Expensive Single Malt Whisky at the time. The beautifully designed and meticulously crafted crystal decanter that the whisky came in was made by LALIQUE. 8. Yamazaki Single Malt 55 Year Old Price: $795,000 Aged in Japanese Mizunara oak casks from 1960 and white oak casks from 1964, a single 700 ml bottle of Yamazaki 55 Year Old single malt sold for $795,000 at a Bonhams Fine & Rare Wine and Whisky Sale in Hong Kong in 2022. Established in 1923, Yamazaki is Japan’s oldest whisky distillery. It is owned by Suntory Holdings. 7. The Macallan Peter Blake 1926 Price: $1.04 million In May 2018, one of the 12 The Macallan Peter Blake 1926 60 Year Old came up for auction at Bonhams in Hong Kong and sold for around $1.04m. Limited to only 40 bottles, the Macallan 1926 is widely known as the ‘Holy Grail of Whisky’ for many collectors. 6. The Macallan The Intrepid Price: $1.38 million The Intrepid, a nearly 6-foot tall 311-liter bottle of Macallan single-malt Scotch, sold for $1.38 million during a live auction in Edinburgh in 2022. The world’s largest bottle held Scotch from two sister casks that were aged for 32 years at Macallan’s Speyside distillery. Click to continue reading and see the 5 Most Expensive Whiskeys in the World. 25 Highest Quality Whiskey Brands in the US 25 Best Whiskeys in the World in 2024 15 Top Rated Bourbon Whiskeys Under $100 Disclosure: None. 15 Most Expensive Whiskeys in the World is originally published on Insider Monkey......»»
"We"re One Event Away From A 1970s-Style Stagflation Explosion..."
"We're One Event Away From A 1970s-Style Stagflation Explosion..." Excerpted from 'The Turning Point' report via Larry MacDonald's TheBearTrapsReport.com, We hear the comparisons more and more; they are growing louder by the week. “The years 2023-2024 look a lot like 1973-1974.” The history books remind us,1973’s oil embargo shook the global energy market. It also reset geopolitics, reordered the global economy, and a multipolar world saw energy weaponized. After kissing 6% in 1970, in Q1 of 1973, inflation as measured by CPI danced just below 4%, much like today, central bankers were doing the Michael Jackson moonwalk in celebratory form. Then, in bloodcurdling fashion in late 1974, CPI breached 12%. “Don’t be silly, 1973 was a far different set up,” we are told. When it comes to demand on a global stage, 2024 is 2x 1973. Above all, the U.S. is the largest producer of oil in 2024, not as was the case in 1973, when she was the world’s largest petroleum importer. At the time, oil was 50% of world energy consumption vs. 1/3 today. There is just one overwhelming difference today. In the last 8 weeks, we have seen drone technology knock out a) parts of Russia’s second largest airport, b) at least three of Putin’s prize oil refineries, and c) countless ships in the Suez Canal. Weaponizing oil in a multipolar world is exponentially more uncertain with James Cameron calling the shots. In October of 1984, he brought us the “Terminator” and opened the world’s eyes to the future of AI and the weaponization of robots. If Vladimir Putin, on the eve of an election, cannot protect his second-largest airport, how can the Saudi’s protect their own crown jewel. Measuring 280 by 30 km (170 by 19 mi) (some 8,400 square kilometres (3,200 sq mi)), it is by far the largest conventional oil field in the world. That’s a lot of ground to protect. We are one event away from a 1970s-style stagflation explosion. More often than not, recency bias is an investor’s foe. The 2008 and 2020 recessions were similar in that a shock triggered a colossal bond rally along with plunging PMI, ISM and LEI data. It’s more and more apparent by the minute. What we are experiencing today is much more of a 1970s – 1980s recession vintage. An inflation-driven slowdown hits the bottom 60% first, but this time around after the Fed suppressed rates for so, so, so long, higher net worth consumers feel like they died and went to heaven. Revenge consumption has been the economy’s tailwind from those with $1m ($50k annual income vs. $8k in 2021) to $10m ($500k annual income vs. $80k in 2021) in a money market fund. This, plus trillions of fiscal overdosing coming out of Washington have prevented the recession so far, but they have also made inflation’s second act far more certain in a multipolar world. In this note we breakdown the increasing stagflationary landscape. By our count, $500B has moved into Oil & Gas and Metals in recent months. Likewise, oil’s risk to inflation expectations, rates and the -- CRE wounded -- super regional banks is accelerating. What does the world look like if the Fed is forced to ease to protect the banks and the bottom 60% of consumers in an election year -- while inflation is heading north for the summer? Sticky Inflation Both CPI on Tuesday and PPI on Thursday came in hotter than expected. Core CPI rose 3.8% y/y vs +3.7% expected and PPI rose 2% y/y vs 1.9% expected. At the same time, several data points show a slowing economy as well. Retail sales, which were reported simultaneous with the PPI on Thursday, rose 0.6% m/m, which was less than the 0.8% forecast. The prior month was revised lower as well, from -0.8% to -1.1%. In ANOTHER stagflationary turn, the Empire State manufacturing survey for March also came in well below expectations at -21 vs -7 expected. The report noted that “Demand softened as new orders declined significantly, and shipments were lower. Unfilled orders continued to shrink. Labor market indicators weakened, as employment and hours worked both decreased. The pace of input price increases moderated somewhat, while the pace of selling price increases held steady”. BofA in its monthly consumer spending report on Monday said that” consumer spending momentum appears soft, Credit card and debit card spending rose 0.4% m/m, after a 0.3% drop in January.” Oil – High Impact Far and Wide The oil heavy CRB touched its highest level since November Friday. Every day the super-regional banks go without rate cuts, the day of reckoning on market-tomarket losses grows closer to a reality. The Fed opened the door to a softer path, just an inch – that has fueled inflation’s Act II. This has LARGE implications for the banks. Since January 2023; Zions ZION, Comerica CMA and Truist TFC are underperforming the S&P 500 by close to 50%. The NYCB failure has regulators at the OCC and FDIC on the lookout for other Mark-to-Market cheaters. In recent days, we have multiple Ukraine drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, another over the weekend. A multipolar world takes some of the steering wheel away from the Fed with large implications for the banks. Multipolar World - Drone Strikes with High Impact By some estimates, in 2023 the EU imported 130 million barrels of seaborne refined products – mostly diesel – from refineries processing Russian crude. These purchases were worth an estimated €1.1 billion. With some Russian refineries down, Europe must draw more supply from the West, WTI is more than +13% off February levels, +20% off the December lows. The refineries that are processing Russian crude oil and exporting to the EU are largely the same ones sending laundered Russian fuel to the UK and US. The seven largest refineries collectively processed 390 million barrels of Russian crude oil in 2023, valued at an estimated €23 billion. (Global Witness). Connecting the Dots Higher rates + higher inflation expectations are leaving a stain here. Some banks desperately need rate cuts. Where does that leave us? The anxious bond market is now pricing in just 60% odds a rate cut in June and 72bp of rate cuts in 2024. In the upcoming FOMC meeting, some economists are now forecasting the DOT plot to move from 3 to 2 cuts this year. It only takes two Committee members to raise their dot for the median dot to go from 3 cuts to 2 cuts for the year. Odds of Rate Cut The higher the white line above the lower the June rate cut probability. We are back where we were in late February, with June rate hike odds at 60%. (The market prices these odds as an expected move in the Fed Fund futures. So -15bp is a 15bp/25bp=60% chance of a 25bp drop in Fed Funds.) ... "Funny how Nicky-Leaks only mentions the dovish data, failed to mention the Atlanta Fed sticky CPI data out yesterday which showed nice reacceleration" -- Dallas PM. * * * Subscribers can read the full 'Turning Point' report from Larry MacDonald's Bear Traps Report here... Tyler Durden Mon, 03/18/2024 - 15:25.....»»
A Frontier passenger was jailed for charging at a flight attendant with a box cutter he got through security — even though the TSA found it in his bag
TSA officers had confiscated William Allen Liebisch's box cutter but gave it back to him mistakenly thinking they'd disabled it. A Frontier Airbus A320.Kevin Carter/Getty ImagesA Frontier Airlines passenger charged at a flight attendant with a box cutter.TSA officers found the tool but gave it back to him after wrongly believing they'd disabled it.William Allen Liebisch was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison on Thursday.A Frontier Airlines passenger was jailed for two-and-a-half years on Thursday due to an altercation involving a box cutter on a 2022 flight.William Allen Liebisch pleaded guilty last December to one count of interference with a flight crew, following a November 2022 incident on a flight from Ohio to Florida.The 43-year-old from Cincinnati arrived at the city's airport for his flight to Tampa with a box cutter in his possession.According to a news release from the US Attorney for Georgia's Northern District, officers from the Transportation Security Administration confiscated the tool. But they gave it back to Liebisch after wrongly believing they had disabled it by removing the blade.The box cutter had a spare blade stored in the handle, which Liebsich inserted after the Frontier flight took off.One passenger saw Liebsich cleaning his nails with the box cutter, while another told a flight attendant that Liebsich said he was going to stab somebody, the news release added.A flight attendant asked two passengers to help keep Liebsich in his seat, while the captain made an emergency landing in Atlanta, the release said.Passengers were then told to deplane while police waited at the gate for Liebsich to exit.As the last few passengers were leaving the aircraft, Liesbich charged at a flight attendant while wielding the box cutter. He was tackled from behind by another passenger as police rushed onto the plane.The flight to Tampa was subsequently delayed until the morning after, partly due to limits on the flight crew's hours.Frontier Airlines did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider sent outside US working hours.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»
Ukraine launched a wave of drone attacks on Russia as voting for Putin was underway
Russia's defense ministry said on Sunday that 35 Ukrainian drones were downed overnight. Voting in Russia's presidential election finished on Sunday. Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks after polling stations closed in Moscow, Russia.REUTERS/Maxim ShemetovUkraine launched a major drone attack on Russia over the weekend, Russia's defense ministry said.The attacks took place as Russia's presidential elections were in full swing.Vladimir Putin was re-elected in a vote largely seen as a sham, with no real opposition on the ballot.Ukraine launched a wave of drone attacks against Russia during its recent presidential election, Russia's defense ministry said.The Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation said on Sunday that 35 Ukrainian drones were downed overnight, including four in the Moscow region.Moscow's mayor said that a fifth drone was downed near an airport on Sunday morning, the Associated Press reported.The country also reported attacks on other regions, including four drones in Yaroslavl — which the AP said would be some of the furthest attacks on Russian territory that Ukraine has launched to date.Authorities said a drone also fell on an oil refinery in Russia's southwestern Krasnodar region, creating a fire that took hours to put out.The attacks occurred during Russia's presidential elections, which took place over three days, starting on Friday.Russian President Vladimir Putin was re-elected in a vote widely seen as a sham. No real criticism or opposition to Putin is allowed in Russia, and Ukrainians in occupied territories said they were made to vote at gunpoint.Ukraine has not commented on the recent strikes and generally does not comment on attacks on Russian soil. It typically only hints at an involvement or does not make any statement at all.Some attacks within Russia have been claimed by Russian groups that oppose Putin, including assaults within the past week.Ukraine has told its allies that it will not use long-range weapons given by them to launch attacks within Russia's borders.But it has used drones, which it can manufacture itself.These attacks have generally targeted military installations and oil refineries.Drones have been used more in the conflict in Ukraine than in any other war in history, with both sides using them for surveillance and attacks.Over the weekend, Russia also launched its own attacks on multiple parts of Ukraine, including some far from the frontline fighting.On Friday, Ukrainian authorities said a ballistic missile attack on the southern city of Odesa killed at least 20 people and injured more than 70.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»
How Much Should You Tip? Five People Share Their Habits
Five people share their tipping habits over the course of one week If you feel like you’re being asked to tip more often than ever, you’re not alone. A November report by the Pew Research Center found that 72% of Americans say that tipping is expected in more places today than it was five years ago. From self-service kiosks to fast casual restaurants to grab-and-go cafes, options to tip are everywhere. To better understand tipping culture, TIME asked five people to track their spending over the course of a week, and share what they tipped on and why. [time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”] Read More: Why We’re Spending So Much Money Gig workers and waitstaff often rely on tips to make a living. But Americans increasingly feel that tipping culture has gone too far. Another survey by consumer financial services company Bankrate found that around two in three U.S. adults have a negative view about tipping, and that 41% of U.S. adults think businesses should just pay their employees better, so that they don’t have to rely so heavily on tips. Tipping is thought to have its roots in ancient Rome, but in its modern form it’s believed to have originated in Tudor England. In the 19th century, when wealthy Americans returned from travels in Europe, they began tipping out of a desire to appear aristocratic. At first, the practice was strongly opposed by most diners, who argued that it was contrary to the American ideal of a society without stratification by social class. But tipping stuck, in part because business owners stood to benefit, as the practice shifts some of the burden of paying servers onto customers. Read More: ‘It’s the Legacy of Slavery’: Here’s the Troubling History Behind Tipping Practices in the U.S. From tipping on crushed ice to dinner at Chipotle, five consumers explore their relationship with tipping, and explain their tipping choices. Here’s what they said. (The following responses have been condensed and edited for clarity. The individuals featured asked to remain anonymous to protect their professional interests.) 26-year-old congressional staffer who makes $70,000 living in Washington, D.C. 60-year-old CEO of a consumer insights firm who makes over $300,000 living in Oviedo, Florida 30-year-old policy advisor who makes $120,000 living in Cambridge, Massachusetts 60-year-old consultant who makes $60,000 living in The Woodlands, Texas 27-year-old advocacy professional who makes $110,000 living in East Lansing, Michigan 26-year-old congressional staffer who makes $70,000 living in Washington, D.C. I try to tip fairly and well. I always tip reasonably at restaurants where I’ve received table service, and often when buying things at a counter—in part because the iPads present tipping options and it feels rude to click “no tip.” I never, ever carry cash, so I typically won’t tip at a hotel or after experiencing other interpersonal kinds of service (I recently went on a boat tour and they had a tip jar at the end). I feel bad about this, but not bad enough to start carrying cash. Also, as a teenager I was an ice cream scooper in a touristy destination and most of my income was through tips, so I will always tip high school kids doing the hard manual labor of being covered in dairy product. Day 1: I went to coffee near the office with a coworker to complain about work. I got a chai latte and a feta and mushroom pastry, which cost $10.22. I paid with Apple Pay. The payment tablet prompted me to add a tip—$1 was the lowest option. I went out to dinner with two coworkers to continue complaining about work. I paid the check—$138.60—with a credit card, and they Venmoed me their share. The tip was calculated for me on the receipt. I paid 20%, which was $23.10 and the middle of the three options offered (the others were 18% and 22%). Day 2: I took an Uber that cost $42.39. I paid with a credit card saved to the app and tipped $4. I don’t intuitively think to tip Uber and Lyft drivers. I lived in San Francisco during the height of Uber’s VC funding, where traveling anywhere in the city was really cheap and tipping was not part of the app. I usually will tip drivers eventually, since I know that’s how they make much of their income, but I typically will do a few dollars, rather than the pre-suggested 20%, particularly on expensive rides. I ordered sushi takeout that cost $15.24. I paid with a credit card and tipped 20%, which was $2.79. We ordered takeout and paid at the counter. The receipt had boxes on it: 15%, 18%, and 20%. I checked 20% and told my friend about how I’m working on this tipping diary. She said “I would never tip for takeout, they didn’t serve us.” Day 3: For lunch, I had surprisingly good airport food from a counter serve place, which cost $16.02. I paid with Apple Pay and tipped $1.92, which was the lowest option of the pre-set amounts. I do think cashiers deserve to be tipped, and, again, it’s hard to click the “no tip” button. I took an Uber from the airport to my friend’s house, which cost $38.59. I paid with a credit card saved to the app and tipped $4. Do people tip on Ubers? Am I being cheap here? Day 4: I got two coffees that cost $8.85 in total. I paid by tapping my phone to the payment tablet and tipped $1.59, which was 18%. This was a coffee shop at a convenience store, but I practiced coffee shop etiquette and tipped. Lunch cost $16.81. I paid with Apple Pay on a tablet and tipped $3.03, which was 18% and the middle option on the tablet. Then, I got shaved ice that cost $9.11. I paid by tapping my phone to the payment tablet and tipped $1, which was the cheapest of the pre-selected options. Later, I got cookies and pie that cost $14.41. I paid with Apple Pay on a tablet and tipped $2.16, which was 15%. In retrospect, I feel a little silly tipping for this—we grabbed a piece of pie out of a fridge and a package of cookies off a shelf and brought them to the counter to pay. Day 5: I bought coffees—they cost $12.42. I paid with my phone and tipped $1.86 (15%—the middle option). Later on, I got post-drinks pizza that cost $7.33. I paid by tapping my phone to the payment tablet and tipped $1.32 (18%). This was actually the worst pizza I’ve ever had in my life. Day 6: I got udon soup for dinner that cost $22.05. I ordered online and there was not an option to tip on this transaction! Later, I bought shaved ice for $7.55. I paid with Apple Pay and tipped $1.36, which was 18%. This wasn’t actually very good shaved ice. Day 7: I got sushi takeout for dinner that cost $15.56. I paid with Apple Pay on a tablet and tipped $3.11, which was 20%. This was a counter-service situation, but I could see the workers behind the counter making the rolls themselves to order! I took a Lyft to the airport that cost $32.82. I paid with a credit card saved to the app and tipped $4.92. This Lyft driver was particularly friendly and delightful, so I tipped more than I typically would. I got airport mac and cheese that cost $13.72. I paid with Apple Pay on a tablet and tipped $2.06, which was the lowest option of the pre-set amounts. After my flight, I took another Lyft that cost $10.99. I paid with a credit card saved to the app but I didn’t mean to not tip! I must have clicked out of the app without doing so. I don’t see a way to retroactively add a tip. Total in tips at the end of the week: $59.22 60-year-old CEO of a consumer insights firm who makes over $300,000 living in Oviedo, Florida I generally tip for service when the staff has done some “work,” like at a sit down restaurant or at a hairdresser where a personal service was provided. I’ll generally tip 15%-25% depending on the quality of the overall experience as well as the personal attention provided by the staff. Recognizing that servers in restaurants rely on their tips to make up for a below-market wage, I’ll tend to go on the higher side provided they show interest in earning it, with the minimum being 15%.I don’t like to tip in situations where there isn’t an extra element of service, like at a fast food place or, my pet peeve, at my dermatologist! I’ve noticed more institutions asking for a “tip” to be added to the bill with options starting at 18%. I don’t believe I should be tipping someone that is paid to do the job they are doing and the job is “put that pastry into a box and give it to the customer.” Also, I’m never quite sure who that tip goes to, so that is another reason for me not to tip. My general view is pay your staff a fair wage and then charge me accordingly. Don’t ask me to subsidize their wages or, worse, add to your bottom line by shaming me into a tip. Day 1: I got dinner at a local taco joint. It cost $43.23. I paid with a card and tipped $6.77 to take it up to $50. I generally tip 15% and round things off—it’s easier for me when reviewing charges on the back end. Day 2: N/A Day 3: I got carry-out baked goods from a local bakery. I paid cash for the goods ($11.60) then put $2 in the tip jar. They did a great job explaining how the two items compared and packed them in a box really well. They were very pleasant and polite. I generally would just have tipped $1. Day 4: I bought carry-out Indian food for $78.43, which I paid with a card. I don’t feel like carry-out in a dine-in restaurant warrants a tip. There is no element of service that I experience. I’ll occasionally tip 10% if the option is there on the screen to tap, but these guys gave 25%, 22%, and 18% along with “other.” The ridiculousness of thinking I’ll give a tip when their staff has to do zero work and making that above the norm annoyed me. Day 5: N/A Day 6: N/A Day 7: N/A Total in tips at the end of the week: $8.77 30-year-old policy advisor who makes $120,000 living in Cambridge, Massachusetts I’ll always tip in situations in which it’s clear it’s expected of me. I’ll also tip if I pay after receiving a service, and I thought it was good. I’m more likely to tip if I like the employee(s) I’m dealing with or like and/or frequent the establishment. Day 1: I went to Chipotle for a chicken burrito bowl with a fountain soda, which cost $16.16. I paid with a card and did not leave a tip. I go here for lunch at least once a week. The staff were friendly today. They did give me a scoop of mild salsa when I asked only for the spicy, but I wasn’t going to tip anyway. I just don’t get the sense that I’m expected to at fast casual places like that. Day 2: I went back to the same Chipotle as before and got another chicken burrito bowl with a fountain soda for $16.16. I paid with a card and did not leave a tip. Day 3: I went back to the same Chipotle again and got a steak burrito bowl with a fountain soda for $18.03. I paid with a card and did not leave a tip. Day 4: I got coffee and a breakfast sandwich from my locally owned coffee shop for $9.76. The employees know me by name there so I paid with a card and tipped $1.95. I love this coffee shop—I go there regularly, and I feel it’s expected to tip at coffee shops. For lunch, I went back to the same Chipotle and got another chicken burrito bowl for $16.16. I paid with a card and did not leave a tip. I took an Uber that cost $17.58. My driver was prompt and polite so I paid with a card, gave five stars, and tipped $1.76 which was 10%. I had dinner at a restaurant before going to see a play that cost $70.80. I paid with a card and tipped $14, which was 20%. I always tip 20% for meals with servers unless the service is especially bad. After the play I had drinks at a bar that cost $38.70. I paid with a card and tipped $7, which was 20%. I always tip 20% for drinks. I took another Uber home that cost $16.59. My driver was prompt and didn’t, like, say anything rude during the ride so I gave him five stars and a 10% tip ($1.66). Day 5: I got a black coffee from the local coffee shop I love for $3.80. I paid with a card, but did not leave a tip this time. I wasn’t really thinking about it in the moment, but I think it was because I just got a black coffee and there’s not much that goes into preparing that. For breakfast, I went to a fast casual place I had never tried before and got another coffee and a breakfast sandwich for $9.85. I paid with a card and tipped $1.97, which was 15%. After that, I stopped on a long bike ride and got a salad for $14.99 from a locally owned place. I paid with a card, but did not leave a tip. I like to tip at locally owned places, but I saw that the salads were pre-made when I was checking out, which I didn’t like. Honestly, it was also probably because I knew I’d never go back there. I went back to the same Chipotle for lunch, and got a steak burrito bowl for $18.03. I paid with a card and did not leave a tip. Day 6: I went back to my regular local coffee shop and got coffee and a breakfast sandwich for $14.03. I paid with a card and tipped $1.83 which was 15% as usual. Later, I got drinks at Topgolf (the indoor driving range) that cost $28.09. The service was fine, so I tipped 20% ($4.70) as per usual. Day 7: I got a turkey sandwich, water and chips for lunch at a ski lodge cafeteria for $15.41. I paid with a card and did not leave a tip since there was no service and the food wasn’t made to order. Later, I had dinner which included a sandwich and two beers and cost $33.81. Since there was table service, I paid with a card and tipped $5.60, which was 20%. Total in tips at the end of the week: $40.47 60-year-old consultant who makes $60,000 living in The Woodlands, Texas At places where I stand in a line to order—fast casual places—I tip 10%-15%. I tip 20% if I am getting good table service. I don’t tip for take out. Day 1: I went to Nando’s in Houston. I paid $23.98 with my card, and tipped $3.89. It was a quick lunch and there was no table service. Day 2: I had a casual dinner with friends at Palette Indian Kitchen. It cost $67.12 and I tipped $13.42—the table service was good. Day 3: I got a quick lunch back at the Kitchen. I paid $16.24 on card and tipped $2.44—no table service. Day 4: I went for dinner at Oporto, a local restaurant. I paid $390.50 on my card and tipped $78.10—it was my treat. We were a party of eight so the tip was automatic. I did not mind paying the 20% since the service was good. Day 5: N/A Day 6: N/A Day 7: N/A Total in tips at the end of the week: $97.85 27-year-old advocacy professional who makes $110,000 living in East Lansing, Michigan People deserve to be paid for their work. I used to tip 20% on basically everything, back when you would only be asked to tip in a small number of places. I still tip 20% for any sit down meal service, bartender, rideshare, and delivery, but now I don’t tip for takeout, or checking out at coffee shops unless there’s like a specific reason to. I also believe that the wage should be on the establishment, not the customers, and I would much rather pay a bit extra for the base price, and know that every staffer is paid a consistent or fair rate, than having tipping allowing businesses to skirt paying their people. I know this is different for servers specifically, who make more on average, but tipping has extended far beyond servers at this point. Day 1: I got dinner from Chipotle, which cost $9. The woman working was nice, and the guy in front of me was rude to her, so I paid with a card and left a $2 tip. She was also generous with portions, which deserves a tip at Chipotle. I also picked up takeout sushi for my wife for $26. I paid with a card and did not leave a tip—I just don’t see a reason to tip on takeout. Day 2: I went to a local taco restaurant for lunch and paid $18.99. Since it was a sit-down restaurant, I paid with a card and tipped $5.01, which was close to 20%. I added an extra cent because whole numbers make my brain feel good. I picked up Pad Thai takeout for my wife. It cost $10.50, I paid with a card and did not leave a tip since it was takeout. I went to CVS and bought masks for a man outside the store for $15.89. I paid with a card and did not leave a tip. There was a donation screen, but since I was quite literally buying something for a random man on the street, I felt like I didn’t need to add a donation on top of that. Day 3: I bought movie tickets, popcorn, and a drink for $39.96. I paid with a card, but did not leave a tip when prompted. I don’t feel I need to tip in situations like cafeteria-style or movie theaters. After the movie, I went to a bar and had drinks that cost $12.44. Since there was a bartender, I paid with a card and tipped $3, which was around 20%. Sometimes I tip based on how many drinks I’ve ordered rather than a flat percentage. I’ll do a dollar a drink or something, but this time I just tipped doing quick math, which was around 20%. Day 4: I went for lunch at a Chipotle-style restaurant called Los Amigos Taqueria and got food that cost $12.57. The person working was nice so when the tablet prompted tip amounts of $1, $1.50 and $2, I went in the middle. I went out to dinner, which cost $68.90. Since it was full service, I paid with a card and calculated 20% on my phone which came out to $13.79. I think I literally did the calculations on my phone for this. I don’t have a strong reason for why I did this, but just did. Day 5: I got food from a cafeteria that cost $21.60. When I was asked to tip at checkout, I paid with a card but I did not leave a tip. I was actually a little taken back. I went to a cafeteria where I had to pick out my own food and was asked for a tip at checkout. It’s like if I were to go grocery shopping and then was asked for a tip from the cashier. Later, I went to a restaurant with 15 people and put it all on my card—it cost $664.20. The others Venmoed me later. The tablet prompted 18%, 20% and 25% so I hit 20% which was $132.84. Day 6: I went to breakfast at a cafe in Portland on the drive back to Brighton from a ski trip in Maine, and had food that cost $21.19. Since it was a sit-down cafe with a server, I paid with a card and tipped $5 which was close to 20%. I had to leave quickly so I tipped fast. Day 7: I bought a takeout salad that cost $16.48. Since it was takeout, I paid with a card and did not leave a tip. Later, I went to a cafe in Brighton, where I was staying with a friend, and had food that cost $23.75. Since it was a sit-down with a server, I paid with a card and tipped $6.50 which was around 20% calculated quickly. Total in tips at the end of the week: $169.64.....»»
United Airlines CEO tries to reassure customers that the airline is safe despite recent incidents
The CEO of United Airlines says that a slew of recent incidents ranging from a panel that fell off a plane to another jet losing a wheel on takeoff will cause the airline to review its safety training for employees. By DAVID KOENIG (AP Airlines Writer) The CEO of United Airlines says that a slew of recent incidents ranging from a piece of aluminum skin falling off a plane to another jet losing a wheel on takeoff will cause the airline to review its safety training for employees. CEO Scott Kirby said the airline was already planning an extra day of training for pilots starting in May and changes in training curriculum for newly hired mechanics. In a memo to customers on Monday, Kirby tried to reassure travelers that safety is the airline’s top priority. “Unfortunately, in the past few weeks, our airline has experienced a number of incidents that are reminders of the importance of safety,” he said. “While they are all unrelated, I want you to know that these incidents have our attention and have sharpened our focus.” Kirby said the airline is reviewing each recent incident and will use what it learns to “inform” safety training and procedures. He did not give any details beyond measures that he said were already being planned, such as the extra day of training for pilots. Some of the recent incidents — such as cracks in multi-layer windshields — don’t normally attract much attention but have gained news coverage and clicks on social media because of the sheer number of events affecting one airline in a short period of time. To a degree, United may be a victim of heightened concern about air safety since January when a panel blew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max at 16,000 feet above Oregon; investigators say bolts securing the panel were missing. “I don’t see a major safety issue at United,” said John Cox, former airline pilot and now a safety consultant. “The media is enhancing the events with extra scrutiny. Anything right now that happens to a United airplane makes the news.” Cox said the incidents “are unfortunate, and they are getting a lot of attention, but I don’t see that they are showing an erosion in the safety of the commercial aviation system.” In the most recent incident at United, on Friday a chunk of the outer aluminum skin fell off the belly of a Boeing 737-800 that was built in 1998. Also last week, a United flight from Dallas to San Francisco suffered a hydraulic leak, and another flight bound for San Francisco returned to Australia two hours after takeoff because of an undescribed “maintenance issue.” Earlier this month, a United flight returned to Houston after an engine caught fire, and a tire fell off a United Boeing 777 during takeoff in San Francisco. United planes have even had mishaps while on the ground. Last month, pilots on one plane reported that rudder pedals used to steer on the runway briefly failed after touchdown in Newark, New Jersey. This month, a jet landing in Houston rolled off an airport taxiway in Houston and got stuck in grass. Workers had to haul out moveable stairs to help passengers exit the plane. There were no injuries in any of the incidents, several of which are under investigation by federal officials. ___ Shelley Adler in Fairfax, Virginia, contributed to this report......»»
Here"s Why United Airlines (UAL) Can Grace Your Portfolio
Strong air travel demand supports United Airlines (UAL), propelled by new routes and fleet additions. However, high fuel and labor costs represent major headwinds. United Airlines’ UAL strong air travel demand, buoyed by the introduction of new routes and fleet expansion, provides significant momentum. Nevertheless, UAL faces substantial challenges from high fuel and labor costs, which act as significant obstacles to its success.Factors Favoring UALUnited Airlines saw a notable 19.5% year-over-year revenue surge in 2023, fueled primarily by a 22.5% increase in passenger revenues, which comprised 92% of the total revenues.UAL marked a significant step in its journey toward net-zero emissions by 2050, flying the first commercial flight powered by 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in December 2021. Supplied by World Energy, this SAF flight operated from Chicago to Washington, D.C. In June 2022, United Airlines and its venture firm, United Airlines Ventures, invested in and partnered with Dimensional Energy to further their commitment to green initiatives, advancing their goal of achieving 100% net-zero emissions by 2050 without relying on carbon offsets.UAL’s efforts to modernize its fleet are also commendable. The company expanded its code-sharing with Azul, offering access to six new destinations for passengers connecting from select Brazilian airports to Orlando or Fort Lauderdale on UAL flights. The new routes include Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, San Francisco, Washington DC and Los Angeles. This allows travelers to book a single ticket for both airlines, enhancing convenience.Key RisksRising fuel costs do not bode well for the airline, adversely affecting its bottom line. Despite a decrease from the highs seen in the third quarter of 2023, oil prices remain elevated.Labor expenses are also adversely impacting UAL's bottom line, with operating costs rising by 16.2% in 2023 despite a decrease in aircraft fuel costs. Salaries and related expenses increased by 19.4% during the same period. Non-fuel unit costs for the March quarter are anticipated to rise by mid-single digits compared to the first-quarter 2023 levels due to high labor costs and low capacity. UAL expects to incur a loss in the first quarter of 2024, estimated between 35 and 85 cents per share, mainly due to high costs.In 2024, UAL plans to take delivery of 107 jets, resulting in an adjusted capex of $9 billion, which exceeds the 2023 actual of $7.2 billion. Such high capex may pose challenges for the airline.Zacks RankUAL currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).Stocks to ConsiderSome better-ranked stocks for investors’ consideration from the Zacks Transportation sector include GATX Corporation GATX and Skywest SKYW. Each stock currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.GATX has an encouraging track record with respect to earnings surprise, having surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the last four quarters (missing the mark in the remaining one). The average beat is 16.47%.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2024 earnings has been revised 9% upward over the past 90 days. The company has an expected earnings growth rate of 6.5% for 2024. Shares of GATX have rallied 26% in the past year.SkyWest's fleet modernization efforts are commendable. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SKYW’s 2024 earnings has improved 26% over the past 90 days. Shares of SkyWesthave surged 262% in the past year.SKYW has an expected earnings growth rate of more than 100% for 2024. The company delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 128.02%, on average. Infrastructure Stock Boom to Sweep America A massive push to rebuild the crumbling U.S. infrastructure will soon be underway. It’s bipartisan, urgent, and inevitable. Trillions will be spent. Fortunes will be made. The only question is “Will you get into the right stocks early when their growth potential is greatest?” Zacks has released a Special Report to help you do just that, and today it’s free. Discover 5 special companies that look to gain the most from construction and repair to roads, bridges, and buildings, plus cargo hauling and energy transformation on an almost unimaginable scale.Download FREE: How To Profit From Trillions On Spending For Infrastructure >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report United Airlines Holdings Inc (UAL): Free Stock Analysis Report SkyWest, Inc. (SKYW): Free Stock Analysis Report GATX Corporation (GATX): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»
"We"re So Sick Of It": Northern Border Crisis Gets Worse
"We're So Sick Of It": Northern Border Crisis Gets Worse Authored by Allan Stein via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours), At dawn or dusk, Kristy Brow used to enjoy alone time walking in the woods on her 21-acre property in Highgate, Vermont, a small rural town near the U.S.–Canada border. (Illustration by The Epoch Times, Getty Images, U.S. Supreme Court, Allan Stein/The Epoch Times, U.S. Border Patrol photo) Lately, however, she’s cautious—she’s worried about potential encounters with illegal immigrants along the remote logging trail. “I don’t go out by myself anymore—especially at night,” said Mrs. Brow, who runs a dog obedience business from her home. “It’s unsettling. You can’t feel relaxed anymore,” she said. “You want to be safe in your own house and on your property. “It’s getting bad. Sometimes, you see them on the interstate, looking for a ride.” Mrs. Brow and her husband are both avid hunters and have deer stands set up on their property. Their game cameras often record illegal immigrants passing through. The illegal immigrants travel alone or in small groups, discarding unwanted belongings as they trudge further south into Vermont, headed for destinations unknown. “We find clothes out here. We found shoes and a bicycle. We see Border Patrol out there on snow dogs following footprints,” Mrs. Brow told The Epoch Times. Once a place of peace and solitude, she said the woods behind her house are now a shortcut for illegal immigrants. And it’s only gotten worse since President Joe Biden took office, she said. In fiscal year 2023, border officials encountered 189,401 illegal and inadmissible immigrants along the U.S.–Canada border, including at the ports of entry. Of those, 10,021 were caught crossing illegally between ports of entry. In fiscal 2021, that number was 916. Mrs. Brow’s property falls within the Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Swanton Sector, a 295-mile stretch of largely unguarded border with Canada. Swanton Sector Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia wrote on social media earlier this month that border agents in his sector apprehended more illegal immigrants in fiscal year 2023 than “the prior 11 fiscal years combined.” The Swanton Sector encompasses 24,000 square miles and includes all of Vermont and several counties in New Hampshire and New York State. Kristy Brow stands in an open field on her 21-acre property in Highgate, Vt., on March 8, 2024. (Allan Stein/The Epoch Times) Traveling on foot in the area is especially challenging during the winter months. Border officials have encountered illegal immigrants marching across miles of snow-covered wilderness, swamps, muddy fields, and meadows in sub-freezing temperatures. Many succumb to the elements. This month, eight illegal immigrants from Albania and India died while trying to cross the St. Lawrence River in New York State. In February, a Mexican man traveling in a group near Holland, Vermont, collapsed and died after crossing illegally into the United States. “It cannot be stressed enough: not only is it unlawful to circumvent legal means of entry into the United States, but it is extremely dangerous, particularly in adverse weather conditions, which our Swanton Sector has in incredible abundance,” Mr. Garcia said in a statement. Border officials often use snowmobiles and tracked all-terrain vehicles to pursue illegal immigrants. “Despite sub-freezing temperatures, Swanton Sector continues encountering family groups with young children, including infants, illegally crossing from Canada into the U.S.,” according to the CBP website. A woman who lives in New Hampshire told The Epoch Times an illegal immigrant swam across Wallace Pond in Canaan, arriving soaking wet on her neighbor’s doorstep asking for help. In a separate incident, Mrs. Brow recalled her neighbor returning home one afternoon to find an illegal immigrant sitting on her front steps. “He wanted to charge his phone at her house,” Mrs. Brow said. While the neighbor allowed the man to charge his cellphone outside the house, she also called Border Patrol, who came and arrested him. In yet another incident, a neighbor informed Mrs. Brow that three illegal immigrants were on her property. “They just walked down my driveway and turned around and came back onto my property,” Mrs. Brow said. “The way I see it, if you have nothing to hide, you do things legally.” Illegal immigrants are caught walking through the snow in the Swanton Sector that borders Canada, in this recent Border Patrol photograph. (U.S. Border Patrol) Border Patrol agents apprehended 6,925 illegal immigrants from 79 different countries in fiscal 2023, Mr. Garcia wrote on X, an “astonishing 550-percent increase compared to last year.” And during the first four months of fiscal year 2024, apprehensions have already doubled the same period in fiscal 2023, he wrote. Last month, “a citizen’s report in Champlain, NY, led to the arrest of 10 Bangladesh citizens,” Mr. Garcia wrote. Mr. Garcia highlighted the arrest of a Mexican national who had crossed illegally into the United States. The man was arrested in September 2023 in North Troy, Vermont. “He was in possession of drugs, ammunition, and multiple weapons. He was sentenced to 10 months for unlawful possession of a firearm,” Mr. Garcia wrote on X. Swanton Sector Local 2266, the union that represents border agents working in the sector, didn’t respond to a request from The Epoch Times seeking comment for this story. “We are also seeing a lot of movement at the Canada–U.S. border,” said Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sgt. Charles Poirer, Division C communications officer in Quebec. “The trend of ’southbound' crossing (illegal crossings from Canada to the U.S.) is growing. Our patrol officers are intercepting a lot of migrants almost every day and every night along the border,” he told The Epoch Times. Although Canadian law enforcement “can only speculate at the motives of those individuals,” it appears a “sizable proportion” is using Canada as a stepping stone to gain entry to the United States, Mr. Poirier said. “They land at one of Canada’s international airports (Montreal or Toronto), and within a few hours of their arrival, we intercept them at the border.” The RCMP recently launched a number of investigations into human smuggling operations, several of which resulted in criminal charges in Canada, he said. Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers greet asylum-seekers as they arrive at the Roxham Road border crossing in Champlain, N.Y., on March 25, 2023. (Lars Hagberg/AFP via Getty Images) ‘It’s Frustrating’ Matt, an employee at the Derby Four Seasons Motel in Derby, Vermont, said that illegal immigrants come expecting rides and other assistance from the locals after Border Patrol drops them off in town. From that point on, the illegal immigrants are on their own, he said. “We’re so sick of it. It’s frustrating. It’s the [language] barrier. They can’t speak English. That’s where the barriers take so much out of us. “They’re coming from everywhere,” Matt told The Epoch Times. “They’re trying to go to New York. They say they have no money, but somebody comes up with the money. Their shoes are high-end. We had a family with a baby with a $300 baby crib. They have money somewhere.” Matt said the illegal immigrants usually walk into the motel lobby in the cold morning hours to warm themselves or wait for transportation. “They always have the phone in your face, trying to translate. Oh, I get so mad. I can’t handle that,” Matt said. “The problem is they expect from us. They expect from the taxpayers. We’re all struggling. They expect us to go out of our way and give them free rides. Some of them thought we offered free rides here. “It’s not our job to babysit them. That’s how we feel here—we have to babysit them a lot.” ‘Abdication of Duty’ In North Dakota, 1,600 miles west of the Swanton Sector, Gov. Doug Burgum said he’s concerned about the worsening northern border problem under the Biden administration. Read more here... Tyler Durden Mon, 03/18/2024 - 06:30.....»»
Average fare in Buffalo is cheaper than elsewhere in NY
When travel roared back to life post-pandemic, airfares rose at many airports. Here's how local airfares cost and what to expect as the summer travel season approaches......»»
Gold Star Dad Who Interrupted State Of The Union Explains Why He Did It
Gold Star Dad Who Interrupted State Of The Union Explains Why He Did It Authored by Alice Giordano via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours), President Joe Biden had been talking for about an hour when Steven Nikoui began feeling like he was sitting in the Colosseum in the movie “Gladiator” rather than at a State of the Union address. “They’re all sitting in the stands and they’re looking at the beast down there and they’re getting amused. And I felt that. I rationalized it like that and I was a little sickened,” Mr. Nikoui said. “These people … they wouldn’t even have any of this if it wasn’t for someone like my kid or … any of the others.” Steven Nikoui shouts as President Joe Biden delivers his State of the Union address at the U.S. Capitol on March 7, 2024. (Shawn Thew/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) He had hoped this would be the day that President Biden would say his son’s name, Kareem. But when the president said “America is safer today than when I took office,” the Gold Star father reached a breaking point. Mr. Nikoui likens the moment as “having an out of the body experience.” The anger and grief that had been stewing inside him for three years let loose. “Remember Abbey Gate! United States Marines! Kareem Mae'Lee Nikoui!” He shouted his son’s name, U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Kareem Nikoui, and the name of the airport gate in Kabul where a suicide bomber killed his son and 12 other U.S. Marines on Aug 26, 2021, during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. Then, he was arrested. (Left) President Joe Biden delivers the annual State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress in Washington on March 7, 2024. (Right) Steven Nikoui holds a photo of his son, fallen U.S. Marine Kareem Nikoui, in Norco, Calif., on March 14, 2024. (Shawn Thew-Pool/Getty Images, John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) Mr. Nikoui, who had been invited to the State of the Union by Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.), a veteran, was escorted out of the House Gallery. “I did have remorse,” he told The Epoch Times. “I felt ashamed.” Mr. Nikoui said he was placed in handcuffs and escorted to a police substation at the Capitol. There, his mugshot was taken and he was fingerprinted. He said he waived his Miranda Rights. The officers who arrested him “were pretty good,” he said, but they gave him an ultimatum: “If you talk to us, you‘ll be out in an hour. If you don’t talk to us, you’ll go to the DC jail and see the judge in the morning.” He said he was scared to go to jail. He'd never been arrested before. ‘He Would Have Been Proud’ Mr. Nikoui said Kareem, meaning “generous and honorable” in Arabic, is a fitting name for his son. It’s exactly how his son, a proud American patriot, lived and died, he said. Something, he added, that President Biden has never once acknowledged. He said Kareem made the ultimate sacrifice for the country he had longed to serve since he was four years old. As a little boy, Kareem had a collection of “little army guys” he constantly played with, Mr. Nikoui recalled. His son joined Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps as soon as he was old enough and he loved military movies. His favorite was “Band of Brothers,” a TV mini series. Kareem’s commitment to serve was not a rite of passage as it so often is between father and son, Mr Nikoui said. “I was against it,” he said. “I knew this would happen. I buried my head in the sand. I didn’t know anything about the military. I told him I don’t want to know anything about this. Just get out. But he didn’t want to get out. He said ‘I’m going all the way.’” People attend the funeral of U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Kareem Nikoui at the Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, Calif., on Sept. 18, 2021. Mr. Nikoui, a born-again Christian, talked to The Epoch Times about his son and his March 7 arrest at the State of the Union. He also reflected on his relentless blame on President Biden for not following the Doha Agreement established under the Trump Administration. And his ardent belief that his son, who was only 20 when he was killed, would still be alive if former President Donald Trump had been commander-in-chief when his son was deployed in Afghanistan. “The only reason why I was even all right with my kid joining the military—because, like I told you I was against it—was because Donald Trump was the president,” he said. The memories flooded back as President Biden touted his tenure. From the Democrats dressed all in white to signify pro-abortion, to President Biden mispronouncing Laken Riley’s name in response to Rep. Marjorie Greene’s (R-Ga.) demand he say the name of the Georgia student brutally slain by an illegal immigrant, Mr. Nikoui described the many reasons that made him think “harder than ever” about the sacrifice of his son and the other fallen soldiers. He thought back to the horrifying videos Kareem had sent him during his deployment—of young Afghani children begging the soldiers to take them to America. “I saw this little girl just screaming, pushing herself up against the fence—screaming, ’they'll kill me, take me with you, the bad guys are coming,” he recalled. And mothers, “throwing their babies at razor wire. And women running into the razor wire because they don’t want to be raped and killed by the Taliban.” Members of the Taliban gather outside the airport in Kabul after the U.S. withdrawal in Afghanistan, on Aug. 31, 2021. (Wakil Kohsar/AFP via Getty Images) He said Kareem, also a Christian, often spoke emotionally of how deeply pained he was by what he witnessed. Mr. Nikoui believes President Biden and his followers lack any understanding of that kind of pain. He said he finds it appalling that anytime someone dies or loses a loved one, the president interminably turns it into his own grief about the loss of his son Beau to cancer. Read more here... Tyler Durden Sun, 03/17/2024 - 15:10.....»»
20 Most Visited Cities in the US by Foreign Travelers
In this article, we will be covering the 20 most visited cities in the US by foreign travelers. If you want to skip our detailed analysis of the travel and tourism industry, you can go directly to 5 Most Visited Cities in the US by Foreign Travelers. Global Travel and Tourism Industry Poised for Growth […] In this article, we will be covering the 20 most visited cities in the US by foreign travelers. If you want to skip our detailed analysis of the travel and tourism industry, you can go directly to 5 Most Visited Cities in the US by Foreign Travelers. Global Travel and Tourism Industry Poised for Growth The travel and tourism industry contributes significantly to the economic growth of many countries, producing income generation, employment opportunities, and foreign exchange earnings. According to a report by Custom Market Insights, the global tourism market reached a value of $8.87 trillion in 2022. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7% from 2023 to 2032 and reach a value of more than $12.31 trillion by the end of the forecast period. Technological advancements, such as the internet, mobile apps, and online booking platforms, are making it easy for travelers to research, book, and access travel and travel-related services. Changing consumer behavior, with people increasingly prioritizing travel experiences over material possessions, has significantly fueled the growth of the global travel and tourism industry. The rise in disposable income is also leading to increased spending on travel and tourism. Political factors can also impact the competitiveness and stability of tourism destinations, influencing the industry’s growth and performance. Governments play a crucial role in influencing travel patterns through travel advisories and visa requirements. As reported by UN Tourism, openness to international travel has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels and fewer people now require a traditional visa to travel. According to the report, 21% of the world’s population does not need any form of visa and 14% of the global population can apply for a visa on arrival. Moreover, 18% of the global population can apply for eVisas, marking a significant rise from 7% in 2018. Simplifying visa processes and a welcoming travel and tourism environment can attract more visitors, boost tourism revenues, and stimulate economic growth. Key Players in the Travel and Tourism Industry Some of the most prominent names in the global travel and tourism industry are Marriott International Inc. (NYSE:MAR), Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG), and Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT). Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT) is an American multinational hospitality company. As one of the largest travel companies in the world, it manages and franchises a broad portfolio of hotels, resorts, and timeshare properties in more than 120 countries around the world. On February 7, Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT) reported strong earnings for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2023. The company reported earnings per share (EPS) of $1.68, surpassing EPS estimates by $0.11. The company’s revenue for the quarter grew by 6.75% year-over-year and amounted to $2.61 billion, ahead of market consensus by $3.97 million. Here are some comments from Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.’s (NYSE:HLT) Q4 2023 earnings call: “Last quarter, we announced Hilton for Business, our multifaceted program designed to transform the travel experience for small and medium sized businesses by providing a new booking Web site along with targeted benefits designed specifically for SMBs. The program launched in January with thousands of companies registering in just the first few weeks. SMBs account for approximately 85% of our business transient mix and comprising meaningful and growing percentage of our group mix. Given its greater resiliency and higher rates, we think this important customer base provides significant opportunities to drive further growth. Overall, we remain focused on creating unique experiences in our hotels, including through innovative food and beverage offerings.” Travel companies are focusing on making travel easier for customers by offering convenient solutions to enhance the travel experience. Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) is an American travel technology company that provides online travel and related services in over 220 countries through its brands, which include Priceline, Booking.com, Agoda, KAYAK and OpenTable. Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) ranks among the best travel stocks to buy. On February 13, Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) announced that its brand Priceline introduced new AI-powered trip intelligence features, including major upgrades to “Penny”, its AI-powered travel assistant. The addition of more than 30 new features to Priceline’s Trip Intelligence suite will dramatically streamline the travel planning and booking process to help consumers save time and money. The report also mentions that Priceline is introducing “Penny” across all categories, including hotels, flights, car rentals, and vacation packages. Marriott International Inc. (NYSE:MAR) is one of the most valuable travel companies in the world. It operates, franchises, and licenses hotels and restaurants in more than 130 countries around the world. On March 13, Marriott International Inc. (NYSE:MAR) announced that it has entered into an agreement in collaboration with Vasilakis SA to bring the JW Marriott brand to Greece. JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa, expected to launch in 2025, will span 100 acres of picturesque coastal land, offering exceptional service and holistic well-being experiences for travelers seeking a luxury escape. Now that we have discussed what’s going on in the global travel and tourism industry, let’s take a look at the 20 most visited cities in the US by foreign travelers. A bustling airport terminal with travelers heading to their dream destination. Methodology In this article, we have listed the 20 most visited cities in the US by foreign travelers. To collect data for our list of most visited cities in the US by foreigners, we consulted the International Trade Administration, US Department of Commerce. This database provided us with a list of metropolitan areas and cities in the US that were visited the most by overseas travelers in 2022. We used the data available for 2022 to select and rank the 20 most visited cities in the US by foreign travelers, which are listed below in ascending order. 20 Most Visited Cities in the US by Foreign Travelers 20. Philadelphia, PA MSA Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 326,000 Philadelphia is a metropolitan area surrounding the city of Philadelphia in the US state of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia is also one of the most populated cities in America. In 2022, Philadelphia attracted 326,000 foreign travelers. 19. Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL MSA Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 340,000 Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, also known as the Tampa Bay Area, is a metropolitan area in West Central Florida. It includes the main cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater. In 2022, Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater attracted 340,000 foreign travelers. 18. Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA MSA Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 362,000 Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, also known as the Atlanta metropolitan area, ranks 18th on our list of the most visited cities in the US by foreign travelers. The metropolitan area in the US state of Georgia attracted 362,000 foreign travelers in 2022. Its principal cities are Atlanta, Sandy Springs, and Marietta. 17. Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, CA MD Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 395,000 Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine is a metropolitan division that forms part of the Greater Los Angeles area in the state of California. Its main cities are Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Irvine. In 2022, Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine attracted 395,000 foreign visitors. 16. Flagstaff, AZ MSA Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 400,000 Flagstaff is a metropolitan statistical area in the US state of Arizona. In 2022, Flagstaff attracted 400,000 overseas travelers. Flagstaff is one of the most visited cities in the US by foreigners. 15. Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA MD Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 412,000 Seattle-Bellevue-Everett is a metropolitan division that forms part of the Seattle metropolitan area in the US state of Washington. It ranks among the top 15 on our list of the most visited cities in the US by foreign travelers. Home to the cities of Seattle, Bellevue, and Everett, this metropolitan division attracted 412,000 visitors in 2022. 14. Dallas-Plano-Irving, TX MSA Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 453,000 Dallas-Plano-Irving is a metropolitan statistical area in the US state of Texas. Home to the cities of Dallas, Plano, and Irving as well as other cities in Texas, this metropolitan area boasts a dynamic and diverse metropolitan economy. In 2022, Dallas-Plano-Irving attracted 453,000 foreign visitors. 13. San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, CA MSA Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 558,000 San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos is a metropolitan statistical area in the US state of California. The main cities in this metropolitan area are San Diego, Carlsbad, and San Marcos. In 2022, San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos attracted 558,000 foreign travelers. 12. Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX MSA Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 596,000 Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, also known as Greater Houston, is a metropolitan statistical area in the US state of Texas. It is one of the most populated metropolitan statistical areas in the US. Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown attracted 596,000 foreign travelers in 2022. 11. Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach-Deerfield Beach, FL MD Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 675,000 Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach-Deerfield Beach is a metropolitan division in the US state of Florida. The three principal cities in this metropolitan division are Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, and Deerfield Beach. In 2022, 675,000 foreigners traveled to the Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach-Deerfield Beach metropolitan division. 10. Honolulu, HI MSA Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 711,000 Honolulu is a metropolitan statistical area in the US state of Hawaii. It includes the capital of Hawaii, Honolulu, and several minor islands. In 2022, Honolulu attracted 711,000 foreign travelers and it ranks among the top 10 most visited cities in the US by foreign travelers. 9. Boston-Quincy, MA MD Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 738,000 Boston-Quincy is a metropolitan division in the US state of Massachusetts. It forms part of the Greater Boston metropolitan region of New England. The two main cities in this metropolitan division are Boston and Quincy, which attracted 738,000 foreign visitors in 2022. 8. Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL MD Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 1.06 Million Chicago-Joliet-Naperville is a metropolitan division in the state of Illinois that forms part of the Chicago metropolitan area. It includes the cities of Chicago, Joliet, and Naperville. In 2022, this metropolitan division attracted a total of 1.06 million foreign travelers. It ranks 8th on our list of the most visited cities in the US by foreign travelers. 7. Washington (DC Metro Area), DC-MD-VA Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 1.16 Million The Washington metropolitan area, also referred to as the DC area, is the metropolitan area centered around the federal capital of the US. The metropolitan area includes all of Washington, D.C. and parts of Maryland and Virginia. In 2022, 1.16 million foreigners visited Washington (DC Metro Area). 6. Las Vegas-Paradise, NV MSA Number of Foreign Travelers (2022): 1.66 Million Las Vegas-Paradise, also known as the Las Vegas Valley, is a major metropolitan area in the southern part of the US state of Nevada. It includes Las Vegas, Henderson and North Las Vegas, the three largest incorporated cities in Nevada. In 2022, the Las Vegas-Paradise metropolitan area attracted 1.66 million foreign travelers. It ranks 6th on our list of the 20 most visited cities in the US by foreign travelers. Click to continue reading and see 5 Most Visited Cities in the US by Foreign Travelers. Suggested Articles: 30 Cities with the Most Skyscrapers in the World 15 Countries that Speak English the Best 20 Most Forested Countries in Asia Disclosure: None. 20 Most Visited Cities in the US by Foreign Travelers is published on Insider Monkey......»»
A part-time Uber and Lyft driver who primarily works around Disney in Florida said spring break is very profitable, but making enough year-round is difficult
Jorge, an Uber and Lyft driver, focuses on tourists visiting Walt Disney World Resort for higher tips, though rides have recently been less profitable. Jorge mainly drives around Walt Disney World Resort.Handout/Getty ImagesJorge, an Uber and Lyft driver, focuses on tourists visiting Walt Disney World Resort for higher tips.He has found driving during the Florida spring break rush profitable.Jorge said it's becoming harder to pull in what he was making per ride a few years ago.Jorge, 56, said driving for Uber and Lyft amid the big Florida spring break rush during the last few weeks has been profitable. He's picking up and dropping off tourists visiting Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando on weeknights and weekends after his full-time job as an accountant.The rideshare driver, who asked to only use his first name for fear of professional repercussions, said spring break is not like the rest of the year. Jorge, who has been driving since 2016, said though summers sometimes pick up, it's difficult to maintain a steady income stream year-round, especially in colder months. Coupled with lowered fares over the last few years and growing competition around Disney World, the inconsistent wages have led him to drive fewer hours."I do appreciate these platforms are there, as they provide an easy way to earn money, but I do work part-time now due to the income deterioration," Jorge told Business Insider. "Now I just go around Disney only hoping that the tips will compensate for short rides."As spring break travel picks up in hot spots such as Orlando and Miami, many drivers are shifting their schedules to put in more hours and make more tips. However, as Miami and other cities crack down on spring break rowdiness, some drivers recently told BI they're not seeing as many passengers looking for rides.He said he's driving more hours during spring break to maximize his earnings, working all day on weekends in addition to his normal weekday schedule. He said most hotels are completely filled now, while there aren't enough drivers around the airport. He said in the past few weeks, he's seen airport rides net $40, more than triple the normal rate.Jorge said he could easily make over $2,000 in total earnings during a week of spring break in 2022, though it's become harder to pull in comparable earnings this year.Learning where the customers areJorge started driving in 2016 while working as an accountant. His office was an hour from his home, and he figured he could do a few hours of rides on his drive back.When he started, he received 75% of the passenger's pay, plus tips. He said he could easily pull in a few hundred dollars a week on top of his full-time pay, working from between 7 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.For a few years, he drove in the Miami market, where he would mainly drive professionals to and from conferences, as well as young adults on vacation. Rides in South Beach were profitable during spring break, and he would drive around casinos and other tourist destinations. He said he became good at anticipating the behavior of passengers based on where they were being picked up from and where they were going, which helped him get better tips.Jorge said many people who don't drive to work take Uber and Lyft to get around the city, as the city's public transportation can be challenging to navigate.He pivoted to driving only in touristy areas including around Disney, ensuring higher tips and more consistent rides, especially during peak tourist seasons, such as spring break."A lot of people rely on Uber and Lyft for their daily commute to work, and it's a big cost for them to pay for as a way of transportation, so usually I don't receive any tips," Jorge said. "But if you work in the Disney area, most of the people there are people on vacation, they came here to spend money, and they're very nice with their tips."In 2021, he shifted to driving full-time for Uber and Lyft, putting in 12 hours a day for six days a week. He worked full-time for a year before going back to part-time with a full-time accounting job. He noticed around this time that he was only getting about 60% of what passengers paid, he estimates.He said he values getting paid on the same day he does the work, a perk most full-time jobs don't offer, but he said he feels like many gig drivers are often neglected."It's not a fair relationship where we're giving everything and we're getting nothing back," Jorge said. "We still do it because it's an easy way to earn money, but you're selling your time, selling your assets, selling everything you have for little money.Now, he said he makes about $70 to $80 a day after Uber and Lyft take their shares, not accounting for gas and other expenses. He's put over 400,000 miles on his car, and he estimates he's receiving less than half of what passengers pay for longer rides.Prioritizing touristsHe said he stopped prioritizing airport trips, which can take over an hour with traffic and greater competition for pickups. He now focuses on rides within the various Disney parks, along with trips between the parks, hotels, and restaurants nearby. While there was virtually no wait for picking up passengers prior to the pandemic, he said driver queues had gotten very long at peak times. He said rides from Disney to the airport — which is about 16 miles — can pay as low as $12. He tries to keep rides to just a few miles in areas where he knows people tip well.He said a trip from Miami to Orlando a few years ago paid $220, or about $30 an hour there and back before gas and tolls that brought him down to about $20 an hour. Now, the same ride could pay as low as about $120, which comes out to Florida's minimum wage of $12 or below after accounting for expenses."We've all seen really bad situations happening in front of our eyes with people that we've had in our cars," Jorge said, referring to threats or car accidents. "It's risky, and there's no guarantee of nothing."To ensure high ratings, he tries to have conversations with his passengers, queues playlists for riders, and plays games with kids and their parents. He also guides passengers through the parks and advises them on how to maximize their stay. Much of his job, he said is reading people and seeing who wants to talk or stay silent. He estimates some days during spring break, he's making more money from tips than from fares."What's nice about Uber and Lyft is you get to meet so many people and sometimes you can make a difference, as I love to help people," Jorge said. "Sometimes you get tips that are three times the fare, and that makes a good day."Even though he has narrowed his focus, he said many drivers in the Orlando area aren't making enough to live comfortably. He said he wishes gig driving companies could do more to assist drivers, noting that local and state governments should step in to guarantee drivers an earnings floor. Uber and Lyft threatened to leave Minneapolis on May 1 after the City Council voted in March to give drivers a pay raise."It doesn't make any sense to have that many drivers who are doing nothing because sometimes you can tell drivers are waiting for hours to get a ride at the airport," Jorge said. "We're providing a huge service for the state doing transportation for people so they can commute to work, so tourists can get to their destinations, while providing a safe environment."Are you a ride-hailing driver who's struggling to pay bills or has had recent success? If you'd like to share your story, reach out to nsheidlower@businessinsider.com.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»
20 Best Places to Live in Florida
This article will take a look at the 20 Best Places to live in Florida. You may skip the details and read 5 Best Places to live in Florida. Choosing where to live is one of the most significant decisions individuals and families make, and for those considering Florida as their destination, the options are […] This article will take a look at the 20 Best Places to live in Florida. You may skip the details and read 5 Best Places to live in Florida. Choosing where to live is one of the most significant decisions individuals and families make, and for those considering Florida as their destination, the options are plentiful. With its diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique communities, it offers many opportunities for residents seeking an exceptional quality of life. Florida has long been a magnet for individuals seeking warm weather, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed lifestyle. However, beyond its natural beauty, it boasts a thriving economy and a wide range of opportunities across various industries. The economic landscape of Florida is robust and diverse, with key industries driving growth and innovation across the state. According to data from the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Florida’s GDP reached $1.44 trillion in 2023, making it the fourth-largest economy in the United States. This impressive economic output is fueled by a mix of sectors, including tourism, aerospace, agriculture, healthcare, and technology. Tourism plays a significant role in Florida’s economy, with the state welcoming millions of visitors each year to its world-renowned attractions such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and the beaches of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. In 2019, tourism generated over $96.5 billion in economic impact, supporting millions of jobs and businesses statewide. In 2022, The Walt Disney Co (NYSE:DIS)’s World Resort alone welcomed over 58 million visitors to its theme parks, hotels, and entertainment venues. Whereas, Universal Orlando Resort recorded over 22 million visitors in 2023, contributing significantly to the state’s tourism revenue. The presence of The Walt Disney Co (NYSE:DIS) and Universal Orlando Resort has a ripple effect on Florida’s economy, supporting numerous businesses in sectors such as hospitality, dining, retail, transportation, and entertainment. According to a study by the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, The Walt Disney Co (NYSE:DIS) World Resort’s economic impact on Florida exceeded $20 billion in 2019. Aerospace is another key industry in Florida, with the state serving as a major hub for space exploration and commercial aviation. Cape Canaveral Spaceport, home to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and numerous private aerospace companies, contributes significantly to Florida’s economy through research, manufacturing, and space tourism initiatives. For example, SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, operates a major rocket launch facility at Cape Canaveral Spaceport in Florida. It has launched numerous missions from Florida, including satellite deployments, cargo resupply missions to the International Space Station (ISS), and crewed missions as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. SpaceX’s presence in Florida has led to significant job creation and economic impact. For example, the company’s operations at Cape Canaveral employ hundreds of highly skilled workers, including engineers, technicians, and support staff. According to a report by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, SpaceX’s activities in Florida contribute to the state’s aerospace industry, which generates billions of dollars in economic output and supports thousands of jobs statewide. Florida’s agricultural sector is also vital to its economy, with the state being a leading producer of citrus fruits, tomatoes, sugarcane, and other crops. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, agriculture and natural resources contribute over $132 billion annually to the state’s economy, supporting rural communities and providing essential food and resources. In addition to traditional industries, Florida has emerged as a hub for innovation and technology, attracting startups, entrepreneurs, and major corporations alike. The state’s favorable business climate, access to talent, and investment in research and development have positioned Florida as a leader in fields such as biotechnology, cybersecurity, and renewable energy. Beyond its economic vitality, Florida’s cultural scene is vibrant and diverse, with cities like Miami, Orlando, and Sarasota offering world-class museums, theaters, galleries, and festivals celebrating art, music, and cuisine from around the globe. The state’s multicultural population adds to its richness, with communities representing various ethnicities, backgrounds, and traditions. Methodology To curate the list of best places to live in Florida, we shortlisted the 20 Best Places to live in Florida by scouring the internet, looking through articles from prominent websites like US News, Naple News, Apartment List, Forbes Advisor, and Reddit threads. We then counted the number of times a place was mentioned by these sources. After adding the number of times a place was mentioned, we then compiled this list to share with you the 20 best places to live in Florida. By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a similar consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or a professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders – check details here. 20. Lakeland Score: 2 Lakeland, nestled between Tampa and Orlando, offers a peaceful suburban lifestyle with easy access to urban amenities, earning it a score of 2 for livability. The city is known for its charming downtown area, historic architecture, and numerous lakes, providing residents with opportunities for outdoor recreation and scenic views. Lakeland boasts a strong sense of community, with family-friendly neighborhoods, top-rated schools, and a low crime rate. The city’s central location makes it convenient for commuters and travelers, with major highways and airports nearby. Lakeland’s affordable housing market, diverse dining options, and cultural attractions add to its appeal as a livable and welcoming community. 19. Ocala Score: 2 Ocala offers residents a laid-back lifestyle amidst scenic horse farms, rolling hills, and natural beauty, earning it a score of 2 for livability. The city’s equestrian culture is evident in its numerous horse farms, equestrian events, and the nearby Florida Horse Park. Ocala’s historic downtown area features quaint shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes, while its surrounding countryside offers opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and kayaking. Residents appreciate Ocala’s affordable cost of living, low crime rate, and strong sense of community. The city’s proximity to major attractions like Silver Springs State Park and the Ocala National Forest further enhances its appeal as a desirable place to live in Florida. 18. Palm Beach Score: 2 Palm Beach, an exclusive island enclave known for its luxurious lifestyle and pristine beaches, offers residents a resort-like atmosphere with world-class amenities and upscale living, earning it a score of 2 for livability. The town’s picturesque setting along the Atlantic Ocean features lavish estates, upscale boutiques, and fine dining establishments. Palm Beach’s manicured gardens, scenic bike paths, and championship golf courses provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Residents enjoy access to exclusive clubs, cultural institutions, and social events, creating a tight-knit and affluent community. 17. Gainesville Score: 2 Gainesville, home to the University of Florida, offers residents a vibrant college town atmosphere with a strong sense of community. The city’s diverse neighborhoods, eclectic dining scene, and cultural attractions cater to students, families, and professionals alike. Gainesville’s historic downtown area features quaint shops, art galleries, and live music venues, while its surrounding natural beauty provides opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. The city’s affordable cost of living, top-rated schools, and robust healthcare system make it an attractive destination for young professionals, retirees, and families. Gainesville’s progressive values, sustainability initiatives, and diverse population contribute to its reputation as a welcoming and inclusive community. 16. Hialeah Score: 2 Hialeah, located in Miami-Dade County, offers residents a diverse cultural experience with a strong sense of community and affordable living, earning it a score of 2 for livability. The city’s vibrant Hispanic heritage is reflected in its colorful neighborhoods, authentic cuisine, and lively festivals like Carnaval Miami. Its central location provides easy access to Miami’s urban amenities, including world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Residents appreciate Hialeah’s affordable housing market, low cost of living, and proximity to major employment centers, making it an ideal destination for families, young professionals, and retirees. Despite its urban setting, Hialeah maintains a tight-knit community atmosphere, with parks, community centers, and cultural events fostering social connections and neighbourly camaraderie. 15. Fort Lauderdale Score: 3 Fort Lauderdale offers residents a waterfront lifestyle with boating, beaches, and a bustling downtown scene, earning it a score of 3 for livability. Fort Lauderdale’s vibrant downtown area features upscale shops, gourmet restaurants, and cultural attractions like the NSU Art Museum and Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Residents enjoy a year-round calendar of events, from boat shows and art festivals to outdoor concerts and foodie fairs. With its tropical climate, diverse neighborhoods, and strong economy anchored by industries like tourism and marine trades, Fort Lauderdale offers residents a high quality of life and abundant opportunities for recreation and relaxation. 14. Cape Coral Score: 3 Cape Coral, situated on Florida’s Gulf Coast, offers residents a laid-back waterfront lifestyle with abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, earning it a score of 3 for livability. The city’s extensive canal system, dubbed the “Waterfront Wonderland,” provides residents with access to boating, fishing, and water sports right from their backyard. Cape Coral’s family-friendly neighborhoods, top-rated schools, and affordable housing options make it an attractive destination for families, retirees, and outdoor enthusiasts. The city’s warm climate and scenic landscapes, including nature preserves and wildlife habitats, create an idyllic setting for enjoying the great outdoors. Despite its suburban feel, Cape Coral offers convenient access to urban amenities, including shopping canters, dining establishments, and cultural attractions in nearby Fort Myers and Naples. 13. Port St. Lucie Score: 3 Port St. Lucie, located along Florida’s Treasure Coast, offers residents a tranquil suburban lifestyle with access to scenic beaches, golf courses, and outdoor recreation. The city’s planned communities, like Tradition and St. Lucie West, feature family-friendly amenities, including parks, trails, and recreational facilities. Port St. Lucie’s affordable cost of living, low crime rate, and top-rated schools make it an attractive destination for families, retirees, and young professionals. The city’s proximity to major highways, including Interstate 95 and the Florida Turnpike, provides convenient access to urban centers like West Palm Beach and Orlando. Port St. Lucie’s warm climate, relaxed atmosphere, and abundance of natural beauty contribute to its reputation as a desirable place to live along Florida’s east coast. 12. Fort Myers Score: 3 Fort Myers, located along the Caloosahatchee River on Florida’s Gulf Coast, offers residents a laid-back waterfront lifestyle with historic charm, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The city’s historic downtown area features quaint shops, art galleries, and dining establishments housed in historic buildings. Fort Myers’ scenic waterfront parks, like Centennial Park and Lakes Regional Park, provide opportunities for picnicking, boating, and wildlife viewing. Residents enjoy a year-round calendar of events, from art festivals and concerts to spring training baseball games at JetBlue Park. With its warm climate, diverse neighbourhoods, and strong sense of community, Fort Myers offers residents an affordable and idyllic setting for enjoying the best of Florida living. 11. Pensacola Score: 5 Pensacola, located in Florida’s panhandle, offers residents a blend of coastal charm, historic heritage, and outdoor adventure, earning it a score of 5 for livability. The city’s historic downtown area, known as “Palafox Place,” features brick streets lined with boutiques, galleries, and cafes, along with historic sites like the T.T. Wentworth Jr. Florida State Museum and Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. Pensacola’s scenic waterfront, including Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key, provides residents with opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing along the Gulf of Mexico. The city’s strong military presence, including Naval Air Station Pensacola, contributes to its diverse population and economy. Residents appreciate Pensacola’s affordable cost of living, low crime rate, and family-friendly atmosphere, making it a desirable destination for those seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle with a rich cultural heritage. 10. Melbourne Score: 5 Melbourne, located along Florida’s Space Coast, offers a balanced blend of coastal living, technological innovation, and natural beauty. The city boasts a high livability score due to its affordable housing market, strong job market anchored by aerospace and defense industries, and top-rated schools. Residents enjoy a laid-back lifestyle with access to pristine beaches for outdoor recreation and water activities. Melbourne’s diverse cultural scene adds vibrancy to the community, featuring art galleries, live music venues, and culinary delights from around the world. The subtropical climate ensures plenty of sunshine year-round, ideal for enjoying outdoor festivals, farmers markets, and recreational pursuits. 9. Daytona Beach Score: 5 Daytona Beach is renowned for its iconic stretch of white sandy beaches, NASCAR racing events, and vibrant boardwalk atmosphere. With a livability score of 5, Daytona Beach offers residents an affordable coastal lifestyle with diverse housing options, including waterfront condos and historic neighborhoods. The city’s strong tourism industry provides ample job opportunities, while its proximity to higher education institutions like Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Daytona State College fosters a culture of learning and innovation. Residents can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, from surfing and paddle-boarding to exploring nature trails and eco-tours in nearby state parks. 8. Tallahassee Score: 6 As Florida’s capital city, Tallahassee combines Southern charm with a youthful energy, boasting a livability score of 6. Home to Florida State University and Florida A&M University, Tallahassee offers a dynamic cultural scene with diverse arts, music, and culinary offerings. The city’s rich history is reflected in its historic neighborhoods, museums, and landmarks like the Old Capitol Building. Tallahassee’s abundant green spaces, including parks, nature preserves, and nearby Apalachicola National Forest, provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration. The city’s affordable cost of living, strong job market, and warm climate make it an attractive destination for families, students, and professionals alike. 7. Jacksonville Score: 6 Jacksonville, Florida’s largest city by population, boasts a diverse range of neighborhoods, cultural amenities, and recreational opportunities, earning it a livability score of 6. Situated along the St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean, Jacksonville offers residents access to miles of pristine beaches, waterfront parks, and outdoor activities like boating, fishing, and kayaking. The city’s thriving arts scene is showcased in its numerous galleries, theaters, and annual festivals. With a strong economy driven by industries such as healthcare, finance, and logistics, Jacksonville provides abundant job opportunities and a reasonable cost of living compared to other major cities in Florida. Its family-friendly atmosphere, top-rated schools, and warm climate make it an ideal place to call home. 6. Naples Score: 6 Naples is renowned for its luxurious lifestyle, upscale amenities, and pristine beaches, earning it a livability score of 6. The city’s affluent population enjoys a high standard of living with exclusive golf courses, gourmet dining options, and luxury shopping districts like Fifth Avenue South and Waterside Shops. Despite its opulent reputation, Naples maintains a relaxed atmosphere and strong sense of community, with numerous cultural attractions, art galleries, and performing arts centers. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the city’s proximity to natural wonders like the Everglades and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing. Naples’ warm climate, low crime rate, and top-rated healthcare facilities further enhance its appeal as a premier destination for retirees, second-home buyers, and affluent professionals. Click to continue reading and see 5 Best Places to live in Florida. Suggested Articles: 50 Most Populated Countries in the World in 2024 30 Most Densely Populated Islands in the World 50 Most Populated Countries in 2100 Disclosure: None. 20 Best Places to live in Florida is originally published on Insider Monkey......»»
Saturday links: four-light traffic signals
On Saturdays we catch up with the non-finance related items that we didn’t get to earlier in the week. You can check... AutosNot every car (or SUV) has the same impact on cities. (reasonstobecheerful.world)12 volt batteries are the Achilles heel of EVs. (wsj.com)High pollen levels are associated with more auto accidents. (nber.org)Some problems that Tesla ($TSLA) Cybertruck owners are having. (slate.com)Hank Green on why so many new cars look like 'wet putty.' (youtube.com)How four-light traffic signals work. (newatlas.com)EnergyConcrete production is a prime target for reducing carbon emissions. (wsj.com)Aging power lines are a growing wildfire risk. (npr.org)The world's biggest airplane is designed to transport the biggest wind turbine blades. (wsj.com)How agrivoltaics are growing in use. (theconversation.com)How to capture the heat in sewage. (thecooldown.com)U.S.-based First Solar ($FSLR) is growing. (thecooldown.com)EnvironmentThe costs of climate change are exacerbated by national borders. (papers.ssrn.com)Mexico City has a water (shortage) problem. (cbsnews.com)How to create cities that absorb more water. (wired.com)Check out a recycling robot at work. (fastcompany.com)Spring is arriving earlier and earlier. (vox.com)Mother Nature is undefeated. (thedailybeast.com)Air travelThe simplest explanation for the disappearance of MH370 is the most likely. (thedailybeast.com)How to re-route planes to reduce the production of contrails. (technologyreview.com)Self-serve kiosks could be the future of airport security. (jalopnik.com)AnimalsWhat happens in your brain when you play with a dog. (nbcnews.com)Why baby eels are the most valuable fish, on a per pound, basis in the U.S. (apnews.com)Why crows love cities. (msn.com)Why do animals play? (theatlantic.com)ScienceMany research papers are at-risk of disappearing from the internet. (nature.com)How technology is being used to suss out faked scientific results. (wsj.com)CovidWhat lessons can we learn from the Covid pandemic? (wsj.com)Covid vaccines helped prevent post-infection cardiac events. (heart.bmj.com)Why those 65+ are encouraged to get another Covid booster. (statnews.com)CancerWhy are bowel cancer rates rising for the under-50 crowd? (newscientist.com)A simple blood test for colon cancer would be a welcome development. (npr.org)VaccinesIf you are over 50, get the shingles vaccine. (slate.com)Merck ($MRK) is developing new HPV vaccinations. (biopharmadive.com)HealthNovo Nordisk’s Wegovy is now approved to treat heart disease. (cnbc.com)The decline in global child mortality is a modern miracle. (vox.com)Are maternal death rates in the U.S. overstated? (axios.com)Even low levels of wildfire smoke are bad for workers. (papers.ssrn.com)Some hope for the fight against Lyme disease. (wired.com)Some confounding results on the incidence of asthma in children. (newatlas.com)Microplastics, ugh. (scientificamerican.com)FitnessOne you are in pain, you may have waited too long to visit a physical therapist. (gq.com)Why women should not ignore strength training. (npr.org)We really don't know how much protein to consume. (theatlantic.com)Longevity enthusiasts are pushing rapamycin. (msn.com)FoodLiquid Death just raised capital at a $1.4 billion valuation. (retaildive.com)Stone fruit are uniquely at-risk of climate change. (msn.com)Keurig is working to eliminate single-use plastic pods. (abcnews.go.com)How a better sprayer could help reduce pesticide use. (news.mit.edu)DrinkLow dose hemp THC beverages are going to take share from beer. (mindsetvalue.substack.com)Cannabis use is displacing alcohol, and other substances. (gothamgal.com)Mood and alcohol consumption. (papers.ssrn.com)MediaHow much Disney ($DIS) claims to have made on various franchises. (thewrap.com)Apple TV+ dominates 'Prestige Dad TV.' (gq.com)How local folklore explain a movie's performance. (papers.ssrn.com)SportsInside the weird world of real estate among MLB players. (theathletic.com)The NFL plans to eliminate the chain gang. (huddleup.substack.com)CollegeColleges are pushing back enrollment dates due to FASFA issues. (indystar.com)The college admissions season is particularly chaotic. (wsj.com)Hilton ($HLT) is betting on college towns. (wsj.com)Earlier on Abnormal ReturnsWhat you missed in our Friday linkfest. (abnormalreturns.com)Podcast links: understanding the past. (abnormalreturns.com)Are you a financial adviser looking for some out-of-the-box thinking? Then check out our weekly e-mail newsletter. (newsletter.abnormalreturns.com)Mixed mediaHow to push through discomfort. (nirandfar.com)You can do hard things. (dariusforoux.com).....»»
Boeing 737 With 139 Passengers Loses External Panel Mid-Air
Boeing 737 With 139 Passengers Loses External Panel Mid-Air Literally, not a day goes by without Boeing suffering some major incident, whether it is doors and tires falling off, runway excursions, engine fires, hydraulic leaks, pilot seats flailing around the cockpit and slamming the yoke and, OH YEAH, a "suicided" whistleblower who told a close friend if anything happened to him, it most certainly wasn't suicide. Well, we can now add one more: a United Airlines flight - because it's never American or Delta... always United - that took off from San Francisco International Airport Friday morning landed in Oregon with a missing external panel, abc7 reported citing to officials. As the NY Post notes, United Airlines Flight 433 departed from San Francisco around 10:20 a.m. local time and landed safely at its intended destination, Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport, about 70 minutes later, according to airport officials and flight data. Once the plane reached the gate, an external panel was found to be missing, halting operations at the airport while a runway safety check was conducted, airport director Amber Judd told The NY Post. Amazingly, there was no indication of a problem and no emergency was ever declared during the flight, which had 139 passengers and 6 crew members on board, according to United. Airport staff searched for the missing panel on the airport premises, but were unable to locate it. “After finding no debris on the airfield, normal operations at MFR resumed a few minutes later,” she said. United Airlines said it plans a “thorough examination” of the 25-year-old plane and will “perform all the needed repairs before it returns to service.” Who knows, maybe another whistleblower will "commit suicide" too. “We’ll also conduct an investigation to better understand how this damage occurred,” the airline added. The Federal Aviation Administration will also investigate the incident, a spokesperson said. Incidents have plagued Boeing airplane in the past few weeks: on Monday, a United Airlines Flight heading from Sydney to San Francisco, was forced to turn around mid-flight due to a hydraulic leak. The Boeing 777-300 plane, which was carrying 167 passengers and 16 crew member, landed safely back in Sydney. Hours earlier, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route Sydney to Auckland, New Zealand experienced a technical issue that resulted in injuries to 50 passengers. Then, a United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Japan diverted to Los Angeles International Airport on March 7 after a tire on the Boeing 777-20 fell off after takeoff, damaging cars in a parking lot on the ground. Boeing told its employees in a memo Tuesday that the company is implementing weekly compliance checks for every 737 work area and additional equipment audits to reduce quality problems. It isn't quite clear what is behind the recent surge in incidents which are just too many to keep track of at this point... ... but one thing is certain: more are coming, which one can only hope won't be fatal. Tyler Durden Fri, 03/15/2024 - 21:59.....»»