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☆ New technologies hurt car quality as EV brands fare poorly, J.D. Power says
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-22 | by ( John Rosevear | In Jrosevear | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Power's Initial Quality Study released Thursday. "The automotive industry is facing a wide range of quality problems, a phenomenon not seen in the 37-year history of the [Initial Quality Study]," said Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at J.D. The 2023 Initial Quality Study found industry-wide problems per 100 vehicles rose by 12 to 192, on average. The top mass-market brands for initial quality were Dodge, Ram and Buick. The company conducts separate surveys to rank brands by long-term dependability, the appeal of their new vehicles' features and car buyers' purchasing experiences across brands.

Persons: Frank Hanley, Tesla, — Dodge, Ram, Alfa Romeo —, Polestar, General Motors, Korea's, Alfa, aren't, Power, It's Organizations: Volvo, Tesla, U.S, General, Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Cadillac, Ford, Lincoln, Korea's Hyundai, Kia, longtime paragon, Toyota, Porsche Locations: .

☆ Auto insurers are raising rates, even as car prices ease. 'The pandemic has been really disruptive to the auto repair business,' economist says
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-16 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

About a third (31%) of U.S. auto insurance customers say they experienced a rate increase during the past year, according to a recent study by J.D. Many factors have conspired to push up the cost of car repairs, which ultimately feeds through to insurance prices, economists said. "The pandemic has been really disruptive to the auto repair business," he said. Auto insurers lost 12 cents on each dollar of customer premiums paid in 2022, on average, according to J.D. Vehicle prices moderate after pandemic-era surgeFurther, vehicle prices began rising at a rapid clip in the first half of 2021.

Persons: Mark Zandi, Power, Zandi, Charlie Chesbrough, Chesbrough Organizations: Moody's, U.S . Department of Transportation, Auto, Cox Automotive, U.S . Federal Reserve Locations: ., U.S

☆ US South blanketed with oppressive heat ahead of holiday weekend
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A combination of high humidity and temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius)could push heat index values above 115 in some parts of the South this weekend, contributing to atmospheric instability and creating conditions ripe for more harsh storms, weather service meteorologist Matt Mosier said. The agency issued excessive heat warnings affecting millions of people in parts of southern Louisiana and Texas, saying the heat index could reach 110 degrees. South Florida and Mississippi were under heat advisories for Friday. While Southern states are accustomed to high heat, extreme weather conditions have become more frequent across the country and with more intensity, driven by climate change, scientists say. At least three people were killed and dozens injured by tornadoes in Perryton, Texas, on Thursday.

Persons: Matt Mosier, It's, Power, Poweroutage.us, Davis Wood, Tyler Clifford, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: U.S, National Weather Service, Thomson Locations: Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Perryton , Texas, Pensacola , Florida, Escambia County, Warrington, New York

☆ China's wayward spy balloon is a sign of a new class of 'pseudo-satellites' crowding the sky far above earth
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-15 | by ( Michael Peck | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

The recent flight of Chinese spy balloon over the US highlighted a new kind of overhead snooper. These "pseudo-satellites" fly lower than satellites but higher than most planes and are hard to spot. Camera-equipped reconnaissance planes proved crucial in World Wars I and II, followed by the ever-watchful spy satellites of the Cold War. A Chinese spy balloon after being shot down off the coast of South Carolina on February 4. High-altitude platforms fly above bad weather but have a limited payload, while lower-altitude platforms can carry more sensors but are hampered by weather effects.

Persons: —, Andrew Payne, Payne, Foxbats, Lockheed Martin, HALE, Christian Otto, Randall Hill, Michael Peck Organizations: Service, Britain's Royal United Services Institute, US Air Force, AIM, North America, Pentagon, US Army, Lockheed, Airbus Zephyr, Airbus, Nations, Defense, Foreign Policy, Twitter, LinkedIn Locations: Soviet, Israel, North, China, America, South Carolina, Forbes

☆ 3 body language tricks that will make you better public speaker
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-13 | by ( Don Weber | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

One crucial element to master is body language, which refers to the nonverbal signals conveyed to the audience through facial expressions, gestures and posture. The role of body language in public speaking is critical, as it significantly influences how the audience perceives the speaker and their message. While implementing these body language cues can be effective, there is certainly a catch. Facial expressionsAs you practice implementing specific body language cues into your presentations, pay attention to your facial expressions. Power posesOne popular method of improving body language is through power poses.

Persons: —, Nick Morgan, Morgan, Amy Cuddy, Cuddy, Cuddy's Organizations: Research, Service

☆ Why the U.S. Electric Grid Isn’t Ready for the Energy Transition
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-12 | by ( Nadja Popovich | Brad Plumer | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +13 min

Power lines 100KV 345kV 500kV Data reflects the contiguous U.S. Power lines 100KV 345kV 500kV Data reflects the contiguous U.S. Power lines 100KV 345kV 500kV Data reflects the contiguous U.S. Power lines 100KV 345kV Data reflects the contiguous U.S. Power lines 100KV 345kV 500kV Data reflects the contiguous U.S. That makes it hard to build the long-distance power lines needed to transport wind and solar nationwide. To make the plan work, the nation would need thousands of miles of new high-voltage transmission lines — large power lines that would span multiple grid regions. Utilities are sometimes wary of long-distance transmission lines that might undercut their local monopolies. “The grid is already a critical element of our energy system,” said Matteo Muratori, an analyst at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

☆ Britain puts coal plant on standby as warm temperatures ramp up demand
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-12 | by ( Susanna Twidale | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Steam and smoke billow from the Ratcliffe-on-Soar coal-fired power station near Nottingham, Britain, December 1, 2017. Britain has a target to close its coal-fired power plants by October 2024 as part of efforts to cut fossil fuel emissions and meet its 2050 net-zero target. A market notice, published by the National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) showed it has asked for the unit to be ready on Monday afternoon. National Grid ESO did not comment on why the notification had been issued. Gas-fired power plants were providing around 41% of the country’s electricity on Monday, with wind power lower than usual, providing just 7%.

Persons: Ratcliffe, Hannah McKay, Uniper, Ami McCarthy, Statnett, Susanna Twidale, Sharon Singleton Organizations: REUTERS, National Grid Electricity, Grid ESO, country's Met, Grid, Greenpeace, Thomson Locations: Nottingham, Britain, Ratcliffe, Norway, Norwegian

☆ Why the Battle for Supremacy in Asia Begins With China’s Coast Guard
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-12 | by ( Damien Cave | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

But they are not Chinese Navy vessels. Their hulls are painted white, with “China Coast Guard” in block letters on the sides. In just a decade, China has amassed the world’s largest coast guard fleet, and it is like no other. More militarized, more aggressive in international disputes and less concerned with the usual missions of policing smugglers or search and rescue, the Chinese force has upended 200 years of global coast guard tradition. But with coast guard standoffs quietly escalating around the region, officials and analysts increasingly worry about a rising threat: an accident or violent skirmish anywhere in the vast area that China’s Coast Guard roams, which could spark a broader conflict, even a war between major powers.

Persons: standoffs Organizations: U.S . Navy, China Coast Guard, Guard Locations: Asia, China, Beijing, Taiwan

☆ A TEDx speaker shares his 10 best tips to nail a presentation and improve your public speaking
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-02 | by ( Arian Adeli | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

In my high school years, I hosted several online and offline events that improved my public speaking skills. Shortly after moving to the Netherlands, I got a speaker slot at a TEDx event happening at the University of Groningen. It will make you appear more competent and comfortable, which makes it more likely for your audience to pay attention. If you come across as boring or arrogant, the audience will likely discard your talk immediately, even if it's actually good. Use strong statementsAs much as you hate to face the fact as a speaker, people have narrow attention spans.

Persons: Arian Adeli, —, I'm, it's Organizations: Service, University of Groningen, TED Locations: Netherlands

☆ U.S., Saudi Arabia call for extended ceasefire in Sudan
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-28 | by ( Khalid Abdelaziz | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

A week-long ceasefire brokered in Saudi and U.S.-led talks in Jeddah is due to run until Monday evening. "While imperfect, an extension nonetheless will facilitate the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance to the Sudanese people," Saudi Arabia and the U.S. said in a joint statement. There was no statement on the possible renewal of the ceasefire from the army. In recent days there has also been fighting in El Fashir, capital of North Darfur State. One El Fashir hospital had recorded three deaths and 26 injuries on Saturday, including children, according to the Darfur Bar Association, an activist group.

☆ On ‘Succession,’ Striving Is The Worst Insult of All - The New York Times
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-20 | by ( Elizabeth Spiers | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +3 min

The Roy children’s individual ambitions are sometimes risible, but we’re never asked to question why they would be ambitious in the first place. What’s not acceptable, within the moral logic of the show, is the ambition of those characters who were not born into money and power but want to achieve them. In an episode midway through the final season, Tom admits to Shiv that he cares about these things. I do.” He tells her, “If you think that’s shallow, why don’t you throw out all of your stuff for love? “You’re a hick,” she says, “your whole family is striving and parochial.” Striving — that’s the biggest insult of them all.

☆ Justice Department wins lawsuit to end JetBlue and American Airlines alliance
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-19 | by ( Ramishah Maruf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —American Airlines and JetBlue Airways have to break up their alliance on Northeast US flight routes, a US District Court judge ordered Friday. US District Judge Leo Sorokin ruled in favor of the the Justice Department, giving the Biden administration a victory in its years-long lawsuit against the airlines’ collaboration. The airlines have 30 days to end their partnership, Sorokin ruled – just as the busy summer travel season kicks off. The Justice Department also alleged the two airlines shared revenues earned at these airports, eliminating their incentives to compete with one another. CNN has reached out to American Airlines, JetBlue and the Justice Department for comment.

☆ The best North American airlines in 2023 for every budget—from first class to economy
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-16 | by ( Celia Fernandez | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The 2023 North America Airline Satisfaction Study, from J.D. Power this month released its 2023 North America Airline Satisfaction Study, which measures passenger satisfaction among business and leisure travelers of major airline carriers. The best airlines in North America in 2023JetBlue Airways ranked no. Alaska Airlines ranked third with an overall customer satisfaction score of 823. Southwest Airlines topped the list for best basic economy and economy.

☆ The Baby Boomer Retirement Surge Will Spark a Forever Labor Shortage
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Aki Ito | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

We're entering what is shaping up to be the Forever Labor Shortage. So what does the Forever Labor Shortage mean for workers in the years ahead? But perhaps the biggest change prompted by the labor shortage won't be how employers hire — it will be who they hire. In the Forever Labor Shortage, all labor is going to be in demand. That means the Forever Labor Shortage will be more an ongoing battle than an enduring peace.

☆ Recycling 'end-of-life' solar panels, wind turbines, is about to be climate tech's big waste business
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-13 | by ( Bob Woods | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +13 min

watch nowIndeed, the market for recycled solar panel materials is expected to grow exponentially over the next several years. One recipient of this federal funding is First Solar, the largest solar panel manufacturer in the U.S. Massive wind turbines, blades are almost all recyclableRetired wind turbines present another recycling challenge, as well as business opportunities. How the circular renewable energy economy worksPlayers in the circular economy are determined not to let all that waste go to waste. Vestas Wind Systems has committed to producing zero-waste wind turbines by 2040, though it has not yet introduced such a version.

☆ China's carbon emissions to hit new record in 2023 on economic rebound. But they could peak soon, report says
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-12 | by ( Laura He | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Hong Kong CNN —China’s carbon emissions will likely hit a new record in 2023 on the back of an economic rebound, but a rapid expansion in green energy will enable its emissions to peak soon, a global energy think tank said on Friday. However, the emissions could peak soon, as China has accelerated its clean energy push and installed record amounts of solar and wind power capacity, the analysts pointed out. Coal production surged 11% in 2022 from 2021, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. This will lead to a sharp increase in bank lending and investment, particularly for manufacturing, transportation and energy production, they added. “When low-carbon power growth matches — and then exceeds — the annual increase in electricity demand, the sector’s CO2 emissions will peak,” they said.

The law is viewed as a watershed for domestic solar manufacturing, which has struggled for years to compete with a flood of cheap imports from China. Since passage of the IRA, companies have announced more than $13 billion in U.S. factory investments, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). According to Treasury's proposed guidelines, the manufactured products in a typical solar energy facility would include modules, trackers and inverters. But solar cells account for about 30% of the costs of the products that make up a solar facility, making them a large piece of the puzzle. The top solar trade group, Solar Energy Industries Association, had proposed that panels assembled in the United States should qualify for the credit regardless of where the cells inside them are produced.

☆ Ukraine banks’ robust health masks big challenges
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-11 | by ( Pierre Briancon | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +8 min

Across the banking sector, deposits are as abundant as they’ve ever been, and the country’s lenders have found ways to remain profitable. The National Bank of Ukraine, the country’s central bank, deserves plaudits for both its preparations before the war and after it began. NPLs crept up to 38% of total sector loans as of January 1 this year, according to the central bank. It has the equivalent of $4.8 billion in non-performing loans, a staggering 67.5% of its loan portfolio, according to central bank numbers. The fact that Ukraine’s banks not only still exist but are thriving is an achievement in itself.

☆ US airline passengers are getting increasingly frustrated. Here’s why
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( Francesca Street | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Air travel has bounced back after its pandemic-induced slump, but that doesn’t mean passengers are feeling good about it. North American travelers are frustrated with high ticket prices, staffing shortages and reduced routes, according to consumer research company J.D. Power’s 2023 North American Airline Satisfaction Study. Unsatisfied passengersDelta Air Lines ranked number one for premium economy passengers, number two for economy passengers and number two for first class and business class travelers. American Airlines

☆ J.D. Power ranked airlines across 3 fare classes according to its annual customer satisfaction survey — see the results
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( Taylor Rains | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

JetBlue Airways, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines scored the highest among 11 North American carriers. Of the 11 carriers ranked, JetBlue Airways, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines earned the top spot for each respective category. Courtesy of JetBlueJetBlue Airways (893) Delta Air Lines (865) United Airlines (848) Alaska Airlines (833) Air Canada (830) American Airlines (826)Segment Average: 846Premium EconomyDelta Premium Select. Delta Air LinesDelta Air Lines (848) JetBlue Airways (840) Alaska Airlines (823) American Airlines (821) Air Canada (797) United Airlines (784)Segment Average: 820Economy/Basic EconomySouthwest Airlines cabin. Jimmy Rooney/ShutterstockSouthwest Airlines (827) Delta Air Lines (801) JetBlue Airways (800) Alaska Airlines (781) WestJet (777) Allegiant Air (775) United Airlines (770) Air Canada (765) American Airlines (764) Spirit Airlines (727) Frontier Airlines (705)Segment Average: 782

☆ Column: Drive to keep cool kicks off peak US power emissions season
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( Gavin Maguire | Thomson Reuters | Gavin Maguire Is The Global Energy Transition Columnist. He Was Previously Asia Commodities | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Around 416 million air conditioner units are estimated to be in use in the U.S., or more than three per household. This results in the U.S. power system having a higher carbon intensity during the summer period than over winter months. Carbon intensity measures the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) that is discharged to generate each unit of energy. US power sector emissions seasonallyThat difference in carbon intensity during the summer versus the yearly average is roughly 3%, and so may not appear to be particularly significant. However, given that production of non-emitting solar power peaks during the summer, the fact that power producers must also deploy large volumes of fossil fuels highlights just how much extra power is needed during the air conditioning season.

☆ The Most Valuable U.S. Power Company Is Making a Huge Bet on Hydrogen
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-09 | by ( Katherine Blunt | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

NextEra Energy grew into a clean-energy powerhouse by investing early in wind and solar farms. Now, it is staking its growth on hydrogen, a much-hyped energy source whose economics are unproven. The new strategy is a huge bet for the Florida-based business, which has become the most valuable power company in the U.S., in part because it outperformed its financial targets: Its 2022 profit was up roughly 70% from a decade ago. Over the past two decades, NextEra’s market capitalization has soared to more than $150 billion from roughly $11 billion.

May 8 (Reuters) - Vanguard Group, the largest provider of mutual funds, has secured regulatory approval to continue to own big stakes in U.S. power utilities, overcoming Republican concerns over its environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies. Regulators had previously allowed Vanguard to exceed that antitrust limit on the basis that this would not interfere with the utilities' operations. Vanguard countered that its funds do not exert control over the decisions of the utilities. Vanguard reiterated in a statement on Monday that it leaves "management decisions to companies and policy decisions to policymakers." A representative for Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, one of the leaders of the group challenging the FERC extension, said he would comment in coming days.

☆ Tesla fans will stay loyal no matter what Elon Musk does
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Alexa St. John | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Tesla trumped all other automakers in terms of overall brand loyalty in a recent study. Tesla has been able to keep a loyal fanbase, but some say Elon Musk might not keep his lead forever. Tesla also won segment model loyalty awards, including luxury small utility for the Model Y, and luxury small car, for the Model 3. Still, that might only go so far as Tesla loses EV market share. Tesla held 65.4% of the EV market in 2022, according to Experian.

☆ Opinion: We want a choice instead of Charles
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-01 | by ( Opinion Graham Smith | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —When King Charles rumbles up the road from Buckingham Palace in his horse drawn carriage on May 6, off to his coronation, I will be nearby, protesting for the abolition of the British monarchy. According to a recent Savanta poll, support for abolition – that is, Britain having an elected head of state – is close to a third. Protesters hold signs reading "Not My King" behind well wishers gathered for the arrival of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla at the Liverpool Central Library on April 26, 2023. So, when we shout “Not My King!” at Charles, it is a proud statement of democratic principle – that we recognise no person’s claim to be above us because of birth. On May 6 it’s about saying very clearly, we want an election instead of a coronation, and a choice instead of Charles.

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