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☆ Russia-Ukraine War Live Updates: Crimea Bridge Attack Puts Spotlight on Sea Drones
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-18 | by ( Matthew Mpoke Bigg | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +3 min

Moscow’s accusation that Ukraine used sea drones to attack and significantly damage Russia’s Kerch Strait Bridge to Crimea on Monday has put a spotlight on a weapon that could pose a particularly difficult threat for the Kremlin. He said they would have traveled across the Black Sea at a speed slow enough to minimize their wake and foil radar detection. For Ukraine, with its navy effectively blockaded and outmatched by Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, the appeal of unmanned surface vessels is clear. Russia accused Ukraine in October of attacking its Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol, the fleet’s base, with seven sea drones as well as aerial drones. On Sunday, Russia’s defense ministry said it had foiled another such attack in Sevastopol, involving two sea drones and aerial drones.

Persons: ”, Sam Bendett, Bendett, Mr Organizations: CNA, The New York Times, Russian, Fleet, Black Locations: Ukraine, Kerch, Crimea, Russian, Virginia, Russia, Azov, Dnipro, Sevastopol

☆ Jamming over video chat is nearly impossible for musicians right now, but an experiment with 5G showed promise for 2 artists 2,600 miles apart
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-17 | by ( Sarah Sloat | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

(Some programs do support real-time music collaboration, but they're often expensive and lackluster.) This can lead to smoother streaming and more reliable online experiences — factors that could support real-time music playing. "Typically, virtual performances break down at about 1,000 miles — it's really difficult to be syncopated in the music," Pond told Insider. In earlier experiments without 5G, Pond and others attempted to jam virtually at a distance of 400 miles. 5G could power synchronous collaborationPond views the experience as a proof of concept for digital performances and real-time collaboration for musicians.

Persons: Warick Pond, Pond, Mike Sanchez, Ritchie Fliegler, Hamilton Organizations: Arizona State University, ASU Enterprise Technology, 5G, Elk Audio Locations: COVID, Phoenix, Massachusetts, Arizona

☆ An Oasis in the Middle of a Scorching Texas Summer
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-14 | by ( David Montgomery | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

It was six o’clock on Friday morning, at least 15 minutes before dawn over Texas’ capital city, and scores of vehicles had already crowded into the parking lot at Barton Springs Pool, a few miles — and in some ways, an entire world — from the lighted skyscrapers of downtown. Jeremy Baumann, a local health care worker, had already been in the water for an hour, getting in his daily laps. When Austinites talk about Barton Springs, they do so in almost spiritual terms. “It’s very much a sacred place,” said Kim McKnight, manager of historic preservation and tourism for the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. “I recognize not everybody goes there, but for those who do they can’t imagine life without it.”

Persons: Jeremy Baumann, ”, Kim McKnight, “ Organizations: city’s, Recreation Department Locations: Texas, Barton Springs, city’s Parks

☆ Leadership Troubles Roil Russian Military
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-13 | by ( Gabriela Sá Pessoa | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +5 min

“We have put to rest any doubts and ambiguities about whether Ukraine will be in NATO,” he said. “It will!”The Ukrainian military’s Strategic Communications Department also posted a lengthy Twitter thread listing positive outcomes from the summit. In return, requests that were initially rebuffed — including Western battle tanks, missile systems, even training for F-16 fighter jets — have over time been met. The campaign is in its second month, and Mr. Zelensky has acknowledged that it is moving more slowly than some allies had hoped. But he warned that Ukraine may not hold a significant advantage in that type of strategy against the more numerous Russian forces.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelensky, Zelensky, ” Mr, ”, “, ” Michael Kofman, Kofman, Biden, Matthew Mpoke Bigg Organizations: NATO, Strategic Communications Department, Eurasia Program, Carnegie Endowment, International, Tactical Missile Systems Locations: Ukraine, Russian, United States, Russia, Lithuania, France, Germany, Ukrainian, Donetsk, Bakhmut, Melitopol, Britain, Kyiv

☆ Here's why Ukraine needs the US Army Tactical Missile System to win the 'deep battle' against Russia
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-08 | by ( Alia Shoaib | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

The US is considering providing ATACMS to Ukraine, according to a WSJ report. Kyiv has long sought ballistic missiles, which could strike targets far beyond the front lines. Kyiv has long been asking the US for the Army Tactical Missile System, or ATACMS, which has a range of about 190 miles and could be used to strike Russian targets far beyond the front lines, including Crimea. "ATACMS is a long-range guided missile that gives operational commanders the immediate firepower to win the deep battle," says its manufacturer, Lockheed Martin. The House Foreign Affairs Committee passed a resolution last week calling for ATACMS to be sent to Ukraine immediately.

Persons: Biden, Ben Hodges, Sergei Shoigu, Hodges, Lockheed Martin, Putin, ATACMS, Volodymyr Zelensky, Joe Biden, Brendan Smialowski, Abrams, James Risch Organizations: Kyiv, Washington DC, Service, Wall Street, Army Tactical Missile, Army, Russian, The Telegraph, British Storm Shadow, US High Mobility Artillery, Lockheed, Black, White, Getty, Politico, US, Pentagon, Foreign Affairs, GOP, Reuters Locations: Ukraine, Wall, Silicon, Crimea, Army Europe, Kherson, Kerch, Russia, Ukrainian, Odesa, Sevastopol, Washington , DC, Washington

☆ No Russian ammo depots would be safe in Ukraine if the US provided longer-range HIMARS missiles and better drones, retired US general says
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-05 | by ( Jake Epstein | Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

ATACMS and new drones would allow Kyiv hit all Russian positions in Ukraine, a retired US general said. The Biden administration has been reluctant to send longer-range missiles and drones to Ukraine. Retired Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges told Insider that Washington is likely concerned about Russian escalation. ATACMS in particular could make it easier for Ukraine to target the occupied Crimean peninsula and Russia's Black Sea Fleet. "Because we, the US, have continued to refuse to provide ATACMS, we have, in effect, created a safe haven for the Russians inside Ukraine.

Persons: Biden, Ben Hodges, —, it's, Hodges, Serhii Mykhalchuk, Pat Ryder, Mark Milley, ATACMS, they've, Abrams, Vladimir Putin Organizations: Service, Army Tactical Missile, US Army, Army, Getty, Street, Pentagon Press, Air Force, Joint Chiefs, Staff, Artillery, Shadow, AP, NATO, Kyiv Locations: Ukraine, US, Washington, Moscow, Russian, Army Europe, Kyiv, ATACMS, Crimean, Ukrainian, Odesa, Sevastopol, Donetsk Oblast, Zaporizhzhia region, Russia

☆ United Airlines is offering 30,000 air miles to passengers affected by huge disruption to its schedule, which pushed the CEO to take a private jet
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-04 | by ( Sawdah Bhaimiya | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

United Airlines is offering 30,000 air miles to passengers affected by flight delays over the weekend. Passengers were left stranded as hundreds of flights were canceled ahead of the July 4 holiday. United Airlines CEO even apologized for taking a private jet as the chaos ensued. United passengers experienced mass delays over the Fourth of July weekend, partly brought on by thunderstorms along the East Coast the previous weekend, CNBC reported. From June 24 through to July 2, 47% of United's mainline schedule arrived late and 15% of flights were canceled, per CNBC.

Persons: Scott Kirby, Kirby Organizations: Airlines, Passengers, United Airlines, Fox Business, Washington Post, East Coast, CNBC, Associated Press Locations: The Chicago, East, New Jersey, Denver

☆ In 1990, Tom Stuker bought a lifetime pass from United Airlines for $290,000. He has since flown 23 million miles and calls the purchase the 'best investment' of his life.
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-24 | by ( John L. Dorman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

In 1990, Tom Stuker bought a United Airlines lifetime pass. Stuker told The Washington Post that the pass was the "best investment of my life." Stuker — a car dealership consultant from New Jersey — has flown 23 million miles, which, according to The Washington Post, is more miles than any individual in history. Stuker, now 69 years old, told the newspaper that his frequent travels were driven by the accumulation of airline miles. Stuker told The Post that he has been to 100 countries and had over 120 honeymoons with his wife.

Persons: Tom Stuker, Stuker, —, New Jersey — Organizations: United Airlines, Washington Post, Service, The Washington, Post, Polaris Locations: New Jersey, Newark, San Francisco, Bangkok, Dubai

☆ Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card by Citi review
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-22 | by ( Holly Johnson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

Digging into the Costco Anywhere Visa Business CardThe Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card earns bonus cash back on gas, both at Costco and other gas stations. iStockThe Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card is a business credit card that’s geared to small business owners and entrepreneurs, yet it works best for Costco members who already pay for a membership. Advantages of the the Costco Anywhere Visa Business CardCostco only accepts Visa credit cards in its stores, so the Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card is a good choice for business owners who shop at the wholesale store. Stacking the Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card up against our benchmarkCNN Underscored uses the Citi® Double Cash Card as our “benchmark” credit card. Remember, you don’t have to commit to carrying the Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card as your only business credit card.

Persons: Cash Organizations: CNN, American Express, Costco, Citi, EV, Costco Gold Star, Card Costco, Citi Entertainment, Cash, Citi Premier ℠, ℠, Mastercard, Chase, Ink, Visa, Capital, Venture Locations: U.S, New York

☆ I rent out my car on Turo and now it pays for itself. Here's how I got started and stay booked.
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-18 | by ( Jamie Killin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Nate Matos is a Turo host based in Miami. He started by renting his own car on the platform, then bought a second vehicle just for renting. I decided to become a Turo host after listening to Earn Your Leisure, a financial education podcast, about two years ago. The podcast brings on a lot of guests to speak about different aspects of business, finance, and entrepreneurship, and I saw an episode with someone who was sharing his experience with Turo car rentals. I did make some mistakes on Turo initiallyFor example, at first, I had both of my cars on Turo.

☆ Beyoncé Returns to the Stage With a ‘Renaissance’ Spectacle
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( Alex Marshall | Ben Sisario | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The star’s eagle-eyed fan community speculated online that the singer was injured. A spokeswoman for Beyoncé did not respond to questions about her performance. Kristin Hulden, a Swedish fashion student who was wearing an embroidered jacket she had made that depicted Beyoncé riding a horse (the image on the cover of her latest album, “Renaissance”), said she had noticed the star’s more limited movement, but it hadn’t bothered her. Competition for tickets to pop’s biggest, priciest concerts has been stiff, and many in the crowd had traveled far — even thousands of miles — to guarantee that they would see Beyoncé this time. Rhoyle Ivy King, 26, an actor wearing a fluorescent turquoise jumpsuit and shades, said before the show that he had come from Los Angeles for the concert, spending about $2,500.

☆ The ultra-wealthy who fly private are costing average flyers who won't ever use a private plane a lot of money
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-01 | by ( Eliza Relman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Private jet travel has surged in the US over the last few years and accounts for one in every six flights. But private flyers pay just two percent of the taxes that fund the Federal Aviation Administration. Commercial flyers must pay a tax on every ticket equivalent to 7.5% of the fare price. But private flyers only pay a jet fuel tax. Private airplane travel is significantly worse for the environment than commercial flight travel, since private jets carry far fewer people.

☆ 'Shark Tank' star Barbara Corcoran refuses to fly first class — here are 5 items she packs to feel luxurious in economy
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-30 | by ( Jordan Hart | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The Corcoran Group founder told Bloomberg that she almost never flies first class. "Shark Tank" star Barbara Corcoran said she prefers not to waste money — or miles — upgrading to first class when she travels by plane, and she has some tips to make economy feel like royalty. Her travels typically accumulate hundreds of thousands of miles, and she told Bloomberg she believes they're better spent on family. Instead, she makes an effort to make economy class feel more luxurious by packing some extra amenities of her own to take on the plane. I bring my own delicious food: a couple of cheeses, usually hard salami, and really nice artisan crackers that aren't soggy," Corcoran told Bloomberg.

☆ I commute between Boston and New York City up to three times a week on a seaplane. Here's why it beats taking the train or flying commercial.
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

I've been using Tailwind Air, a seaplane shuttle service, to commute between Boston and New York for almost two years now. It's the most efficient and productive way to commute between the two citiesInsider aviation reporter Thomas Pallini flying on a Tailwind Air seaplane in 2021. If you fly frequently, the cost difference isn't that huge compared to commercialFlying on a Tailwind Air seaplane. For the long-term, it's not a sustainable commuteFlying on a Tailwind Air seaplane. I think short-hop travel will look totally different in 50 yearsFlying on a Tailwind Air seaplane.

☆ Dramatic image shows a 'plasma waterfall' on the sun that's 8 times the size of Earth
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-14 | by ( Marianne Guenot | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

This is the latest in a string of stunning solar events as our sun nears a peak of activity. The solar plasma 'waterfall' is shown here on the southern hemisphere of the sun on March 9, 2023. About every decade, the sun's magnetic poles flip, which causes havoc with local magnetic fields that are bursting all over our star. NASA Solar Dynamics ObservatoryA massive coronal "hole" in our sun that spewed energy towards the Earth in recent weeks. NASA / Solar Dynamics ObservatorySpace weather is not just prettyScientists don't only look to the sun to see these beautiful structures.

How to earn American Airlines milesThere are myriad means of earning American Airlines AAdvantage miles. American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®While not as lucrative as some of the other available American Airlines credit cards, at least the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® doesn't charge an annual fee. Earn miles flying American Airlines and boost your earning with elite statusAside from using co-branded credit cards, one of the best ways to earn American Airlines miles is to actually fly the airline and its partners. Earn miles flying American Airlines' partnersYou can also earn American Airlines miles on over a dozen airline partners. The best ways to redeem American Airlines milesAs with earning American Airlines miles, there are plenty of ways to use AAdvantage miles when the time comes.

Persons: CitiBusiness, Cardholders, gunning, Silver, That's, AAdvantage, American Airlines Miles Worth, you'll, Eric Rosen Eric Rosen, Condé Organizations: Business Insider, Citi, Mastercard, Citi ®, American Airlines, American, AA, oneworld, Barclays, Airlines, AAdvantage, American Airlines Admirals Club, AA itineraries, American Airlines oneworld, Alaska Airlines British Airways Cathay, Iberia Japan Airlines Malaysia Airlines Qantas Qatar Airways Royal Air Maroc Royal Jordanian Airlines S7 Airlines American Airlines, Air, Cape Air China Southern Airlines Etihad Airways Fiji Airways GOL Airlines Hawaiian Airlines, Virgin, British Airways, Etihad, Nike, Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott, Hyatt and American Airlines, Japan Airlines, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Cathay, British, Eagle, Admirals Club, National Geographic, Bloomberg Locations: Iberia, Cape Air, Canada, Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, North America, Asia, Australia, East, Africa, Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong, Japan, China, South Korea, New Zealand, Los Angeles, Kenya, Laos

The Best 2% Cash Back Credit Cards of April 2023In terms of versatility, cash back is the most flexible credit card reward. View Full Details $0 Annual Fee Apply now On Wells Fargo's websiteWells Fargo Active Cash® Card Apply now On Wells Fargo's website Best all-around 2% cash rewards credit card Details Rewards Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. Best All-around 2% Cash Rewards Credit CardThe Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card has no annual fee and earns a flat 2% cash rewards on purchases. Wells Fargo Active Cash card reviewBest 2% Cash Back Card for Balance TransfersLong considered the best cash back credit card, the Citi® Double Cash Card still holds its own despite new offerings from other issuers. How to Choose a 2% Cash Back Credit Card2% cash back credit cards offer some of the simplest credit card rewards around, and they're great for people who don't want to deal with bonus categories, transferring points, or shuffling several cards to get the best return on spending.

☆ Air New Zealand and 2 others have placed orders for a new electric 5-seater plane that can fly up to 386 miles — meet Beta's CX300
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-15 | by ( Taylor Rains | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

"These regulations did not anticipate the need to train pilots to operate powered-lift, which take off in helicopter mode, transition into airplane mode for flying, and then transition back to helicopter mode for landing," an FAA spokesperson told Aviation Today. The good news for Beta is that if and when the CX300 is certified, the company can reuse the same data and materials for ALIA (pictured) because of the similarities, Clark explained. BETA TechnologiesSource: Aviation Today

The Best 2% Cash Back Credit Cards of March 2023In terms of versatility, cash back is the most flexible credit card reward. The Best 2% Cash Back Credit CardsBest all-around 2% cash rewards credit card Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card 4.3 /5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 4.3 out of 5 Stars Intro offer $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first three months from account opening Rewards Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. Best All-around 2% Cash Rewards Credit CardThe Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card has no annual fee and earns a flat 2% cash rewards on purchases. Wells Fargo Active Cash card reviewBest 2% Cash Back Card for Balance TransfersLong considered the best cash back credit card, the Citi® Double Cash Card still holds its own despite new offerings from other issuers. How to Choose a 2% Cash Back Credit Card2% cash back credit cards offer some of the simplest credit card rewards around, and they're great for people who don't want to deal with bonus categories, transferring points, or shuffling several cards to get the best return on spending.

☆ A look inside a $22.5 million Miami condo with insane luxury amenities
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-09 | by ( Ray Parisi | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +12 min

Turnberry Ocean Club ResidencesInside the Sky Club's fitness center where the treadmills come with impressive views. Turnberry Ocean Club ResidencesOutdoor sunset lounge Turnberry Ocean Club ResidencesAlso up on 32nd floor is a so-called dog retreat where lucky pooches can take in the ocean views and relieve themselves. Turnberry Ocean Club Residences / Leo DiazThe kitchen includes three islands and comes equipped with custom Italian-made cabinetry and high-end German appliances. A rendering of one of the Turnberry Ocean Club Residences' beach front cabanas. Turnberry Ocean Club Residences

☆ I drove Mercedes-Benz's $135,000 Tesla rival and experienced the electric, screen-filled future of luxury SUVs
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-25 | by ( Tim Levin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

I drove the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, the brand's first electric SUV for the US market. What the EQS SUV does right: An amazingly luxurious interiorThe 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV.

☆ European militaries are emptying their arsenals to send heavy-duty howitzers to Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-13 | by ( Michael Peck | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The US and European countries have sent scores of artillery pieces to Ukraine. Estonia has promised to transfer all 24 of its FH-70 towed 155 mm howitzers. But at least the US and large European militaries, like Britain, France, Germany, or even Sweden, have sufficiently large arsenals to send weapons to Ukraine while still retaining some equipment for their own forces. For example, the US is scrambling to boost production of 155 mm artillery shells as Ukraine fires up to 7,000 shells a day. But expanding manufacturing capacity for artillery shells may take years, while the artillery pieces themselves may not even be in production anymore.

Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases. Limited benefits beyond earning Hilton points Highlights Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Details Rewards Earn 12x Hilton Honors Points at Hilton per dollar for purchases made directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Keep in mind that transferable credit card points — like Chase Ultimate Rewards®, Amex Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Capital One miles — are generally more valuable than hotel points or airline miles. That's worth around $500 in stays, according to Insider's valuation of Hilton points.

☆ A secret Russian satellite has broken apart in orbit, creating a cloud of debris that could last a century
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-08 | by ( Morgan Mcfall-Johnsen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

A secretive Russian satellite broke apart in Earth's orbit, the US Space Force said on Monday. Kosmos 2499 launched secretly and made "suspicious" maneuvers to complete a mysterious mission. The 18th Space Defense Squadron said on Twitter Monday that it had confirmed a satellite called Kosmos 2499 had broken apart into 85 pieces. The bizarre behavior led to speculation that Russia was testing technology to follow or wreck other satellites, according to Space.com. The first secret satellite, Kosmos 2491, broke apart in 2019.

There's a new reason to consider the Delta American Express cards — a 15% discount on award flights. The new "TakeOff 15" benefit is permanent, and applies to the personal and small-business versions of the Amex Delta Gold, Delta Platinum, and Delta Reserve cards. If you redeem Delta miles for Delta flights with any regularity, it might make sense to open a Delta card for this benefit. That's double the miles of the previous card bonus, which was 50,000 bonus miles and 10,000 MQMs after meeting minimum spending requirements. Review: Amex Business Delta Reserve card reviewDo you qualify for the Delta credit card bonuses?

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