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☆ How the banking crisis clipped the Fed's wings
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-22 | by ( Allison Morrow | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

The message was clear: Buckle up, America — we are going to keep raising rates and get inflation down, come hell or high water. Silicon Valley Bank collapsed, followed by Signature Bank, stirring fears of a 2008-like financial calamity. “We no longer state that we anticipate that ongoing rate increases will be appropriate to quell inflation,” Powell said. How’d Wall Street take the news? But the mood on Wall Street turned sour in response to both Powell’s comments and remarks from Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who was testifying before Congress at the same time.

☆ I won't buy an iPhone, but $50 off the AirPods Pro 2 is a no-brainer
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-21 | by ( Brendan Griffiths | Senior Commerce Director | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

As AirPods Pro 2 deals go, $50 off the MSRP at this time of year is an unstoppable deal. The original Pros dropped to $159 late last year, although they were two years old by that point, whereas the AirPods Pro 2 only came out last September, so there's no chance they'll drop that low this year. AirPods Pro 2 aren't just for Apple fansI do use a MacBook Air for work and an iPad for occasional personal use, but I'm happy sticking with Android for mobile. Mic quality is good in quiet rooms and does a reasonable job blocking out outside noise in busier environments. Be sure to take a look at Antonio's AirPods Pro 2 review.

The second-generation Google Nest Hub compact design that's perfect for a nightstand. Deal Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) Released in 2021, the second-generation Google Nest Hub is a cameraless smart display that can automatically track your sleep habits, making it ideal for the bedroom. Steph Coelho/InsiderThe second-generation Google Nest Hub looks pretty similar to its predecessor, with just a few minor tweaks that make it more aesthetically pleasing. Privacy featuresSince the Google Nest Hub is geared towards bedside use, there isn't a camera like with many other smart displays. The Google Nest Hub is worth the price, especially for Google Home fans.

☆ WWE girds for insider-betting fight
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

NEW YORK, March 9 (Reuters Breakingviews) - Want to bet on a match where the outcome is fixed in advance? The league is in talks with U.S. state gambling regulators to legalize bets on its staged matches, according to CNBC. For WWE the number of insiders may be bigger: Writers, trainers and wrestlers might be among those with an idea of what’s in store. Overseas bettors can already wager on an upcoming six-woman tag WWE team match, the Eurovision Song Contest and Love Island 2023. Meanwhile, the WWE has put itself up for sale, so some theatrical limbering up for future revenue opportunities is a smart way to juice the price.

☆ Bolloré Jr. readies Vivendi for asset purge
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

But the markdown gives Yannick more latitude to end his father’s ill-fated Italian foray while continuing to play hardball to raise the price tag. Here again, the move will give Bolloré junior more freedom to consider offers from potential buyers, which the European Commission will have to approve. At 70, the elder Bolloré, who remains in charge of the family holding that owns a 30% stake in Vivendi, is gradually implementing his succession plan. At 9.8 euros, Vivendi’s stock fails to capture the value of its various investments and trades below an analysts’ target of between 12 to 15 euros. They do not reflect the views of Reuters News, which, under the Trust Principles, is committed to integrity, independence, and freedom from bias.

☆ L&G looks overseas to fight Brexit discount
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

That’s partly due to its concentration in the life sector – Wilson sold out of general insurance in 2020. L&G’s investment management unit has benefited from an international drive, with non-UK assets accounting for 43% of new money last year. On the life insurance side, some 39% of L&G’s gross premiums were booked overseas in 2022, with the U.S. a particular focus for Brexit-backing Wilson. The less L&G looks like a British company, the more attractive it will be to shareholders. They do not reflect the views of Reuters News, which, under the Trust Principles, is committed to integrity, independence, and freedom from bias.

☆ Kellyanne Conway meets again with Manhattan district attorney as Trump hush-money probe barrels toward possible indictment
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( Laura Italiano | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Ex-Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway was back for a 2nd meeting with Manhattan prosecutors Wednesday. She directly links Trump to a 2016 hush-money payment to Stormy Daniels, Michael Cohen has alleged. A Manhattan grand jury is hearing evidence relating to the illegal, election-eve payment. Conway "said she'd pass along the good news" to Trump, Cohen wrote. Getting little to no traction," Cohen texted Hicks as the hush-money payment to Daniels was being negotiated, federal filings say.

☆ Sea sails past growth vs. profitability debate
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BENGALURU, March 8 (Reuters Breakingviews) - Singapore technology giant Sea (SE.N) on Tuesday reported its first ever quarterly profit, beating regional tech firms like GoTo (GOTO.JK) and Grab (GRAB.O) to the punch. The almost $1 billion swing from a fourth-quarter loss in 2021 to a $423 million profit in the final three months of last year is largely down to cost cuts. The company run by Forrest Li slashed sales and marketing expenses alone by $745 million, a whopping 62% drop. Whether that’s sustainable is unclear, though Li pointed out that the company had sold, closed or downsized a number of non-core operations and investments. It’s a welcome sign that upstart tech companies don’t always have to sacrifice profitability for growth.

☆ New Carlsberg CEO’s task: stay ahead of Heineken
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LONDON, March 7 (Reuters Breakingviews) - Carlberg’s (CARLb.CO) new boss may struggle to maintain its newfound fizz. The $21 billion Danish brewer revealed on Tuesday that Chief Executive Cees 't Hart will retire after eight years at the helm. The company now trades at nearly 11 times its expected EBITDA for 2023 according to Refinitiv data, a premium to arch rival Heineken (HEIN.AS). In 2022, Heineken grew revenue in its Asia-Pacific market by 70%, while Carlsberg’s sales in the region rose by 22%. If the new boss can’t keep pace, Carlsberg shareholders will face a painful hangover.

☆ Kakao can end K-pop saga with near-$1 bln mic drop
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Kakao and its entertainment arm are eyeing a 35% stake in SM via a tender offer worth $962 million. If Kakao succeeds, the company, which has the backing of SM's management, would become the label's top shareholder. Kakao Entertainment in January raised $930 million from investors including GIC in Singapore and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. The envisioned partnership between Kakao, Kakao Entertainment and SM would cover global distribution, production and more for music and other content. Following Kakao's offer, SM Shares rallied 14% to 148,400 won ($114); they have nearly doubled since the start of the year.

☆ 2 Volcom execs attempt to surf, skate, snowboard, and work all in one day. Here's how they pulled it off.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-06 | by ( Sponsor Post | Created Insider Studios With Dell Technologies | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

The challenge: Attempt a surf, skate, and snowboard "trifecta" in the middle of a busy work dayOver the past few years, remote work has become a routine part of our lives. This is the case for the sales teams at Volcom, a global lifestyle apparel brand based in Costa Mesa, California. Two Volcom sales executives, Brent Lantz and David Jurusik (or BL and Nook, respectively), embrace this — whether it's taking a call on a ski slope or discussing inventory with retailers on the road. Dell Technologies and Intel teamed up with Volcom to see if they could improve and optimize their on-the-go sales efforts and work connectivity. The challenge: Attempt a southern California "trifecta" — surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding within a 12-hour period — all while completing a full day of work.

☆ Fact Check-Altered clip of Joe Biden questioning whether media ‘bought’ his speech on aerial objects
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-28 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The clip appears to be digitally altered, however, as no such off-cam audio can be heard in the official White House stream. The original video comes from an address livestreamed by the White House via YouTube on Feb. 16, viewable (bit.ly/3IFx1x1). The White House footage shows Biden walking out to reporters’ questions, but no off-mic comments by the president can be heard. A spokesperson for the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. An official White House stream does not show Biden making an off-camera comment questioning whether reporters “bought” his remarks on recently downed aerial objects.

☆ Donald Trump doesn't want his vulgar 'Access Hollywood' tape mentioned at his rape accuser's defamation trial
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-17 | by ( Ashley Collman | Laura Italiano | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Trump's lawyers asked to have his infamous Access Hollywood tape banned from an upcoming trial. The request to exclude the "Access Hollywood" tape was made in the defamation case. Trump's lawyers argued in court filings Thursday that the "Access Hollywood" tape "must be precluded" from trial because it is "irrelevant and highly prejudicial." In the tape, a hot mic captured Trump bragging to "Access Hollywood" host Billy Bush in 2005 about groping women without their consent. Trump has denied ever sexually assaulting anyone and has dismissed his "Access Hollywood" comments as "locker-room talk."

☆ Super Bowl media embraces surprise new A-lister: Donna Kelce
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-09 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

PHOENIX, Feb 9 (Reuters) - As celebrities descended on Phoenix this week ahead of Super Bowl 57, a brand new A-lister emerged that few had heard of before: Donna Kelce. But first she is going through the Super Bowl's exhaustive news cycle, dressed in her now-famous combination Eagles-Chiefs jersey. "You can't tell my mom anything right now - she's an absolute superstar," said Travis Kelce, 33, the eight-time Pro Bowler who helped the Chiefs hoist the Lombardi Trophy three years ago. More than 180,000 signatures were signed to a Change.org petition as of Wednesday evening, demanding that Donna be allowed to make the coin toss on Super Bowl Sunday, and she signed a promotional deal with KIND Snacks. Donna has likened seeing her two sons in the Super Bowl to winning the lottery, with a career in professional sports a wild gamble for even the most gifted athlete.

The PlayStation VR2 headset launches February 22 for $550, and preorders are available now. Sony says more than 30 PS VR2 games will be released during the initial launch window. PlayStation VR2 The PS VR2 is a new virtual reality headset built for the PS5. PS VR2 featuresThe PlayStation VR2 carries over many features found on the original model released in 2016, while offering a few key upgrades and new options. The PlayStation VR2 base package costs $550 and includes the headset, two wireless PS VR2 sense controllers, and a pair of headphones.

☆ C-SPAN gave us ‘America’s Hottest TV Drama’ as McCarthy struggled to become House speaker. Lawmakers aren’t so sure that’s a good thing.
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-27 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

But she's also wary of the cost that could come with giving C-SPAN cameras free reign to film lawmakers on the House floor, particularly given the lightning-rod role she's come to occupy within American politics. GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz talks to Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar in the House Chamber on January 5, 2023. Rep. Nancy Pelosi reading a New Yorker article about Kevin McCarthy on the House floor on January 4, 2023. "The original argument was, if you insert cameras, the behavior of the members changed," said Democratic Rep. Zoe Lofgren of California. But Lofgren said she was supportive of permanently allowing C-SPAN cameras into the chamber, arguing in essence that the cat's already out of the bag.

☆ Fact Check-Claims that Fox News producer accidentally insulted viewers stem from satire account
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-26 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Claims that a Fox News executive producer “accidentally” insulted their viewers “on a hot mic” originated on a satire account, although some users were duped into thinking they were legitimate. The account shares satirical content and has the following written on its bio: “Dada news. I don't report the facts, I improve them.” Reuters has previously debunked claims stemming from this account (here). There is no evidence that a Fox News producer made such a statement. Claims that a Fox News producer accidentally insulted their viewers stem from a satire account.

☆ Fact Check-Photograph shows Argentinian performer singing with his son
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-26 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A photograph of an Argentinian artist and his son singing at a performance has been misconstrued online. The image appears in reports (here), (here) that say it shows a man called Flavio Mendoza singing with his son. But a video shared by the Stravaganza show, a large theatrical production, (here) shows the stage from a different angle. The video shows the performers and the audience, who appear to be cheering and clapping. A photograph of an Argentinian performer with his son has been shared online stripped of context and with derogatory commentary.

I'm careful to track my business expenses and don't shy away from spending money on valuable things. Working with my financial advisor and accountant helped me create a structure to make tax season a breeze. Be smart about business expensesOne of my biggest takeaways from the 2021 tax season was that eligible business expenses help grow your business and shrink your tax bill. One is for my invoices and business expenses and the other is for my personal expenses, bills, and contributions to savings. In my personal expense tracker, I cross-reference my bank accounts and credit cards with my bills and auto-deposits to savings accounts and investments.

But the perceived spectacle means that not only will Murdaugh be on display — so will the county seat of Walterboro, population 5,460. “We didn’t want this, but it’s happening, and it’s here,” Scott Grooms, Walterboro’s director of tourism and downtown development, said last week. A portrait of Randolph "Buster" Murdaugh Jr., Alex Murdaugh's late grandfather, was removed from the Colleton County Courthouse ahead of Alex Murdaugh's trial. From left, Paul, Margaret and Alex Murdaugh. While he didn’t know Alex Murdaugh personally, he said few with longstanding ties in the area had not been touched by the Murdaughs’ orbit in one way or another.

☆ A Carnival cruise to the Bahamas became a 'cruise to nowhere' after inclement weather kept passengers stuck onboard the entire trip
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-19 | by ( Erin Snodgrass | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Windy weather forced a Carnival cruise ship to cancel its only planned port stop earlier this month. Passengers onboard received partial refunds and compensation for the unexpected cancellation. Passenger Kat O'Donnell told Insider the decision was disappointing. "It was the first time either one of us have ever gone out of the country," she told Insider. The Carnival Sunshine cruise ship docked in South Carolina in March 2020.

☆ China’s wolf warriors start 2023 in retreat
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-10 | by ( Pete Sweeney | Thomson Reuters | Asia Economics Editor Pete Sweeney Joined Reuters Breakingviews In Hong Kong In September Previously He Served As Reuters' Chief Correspondent For China Economy | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

HONG KONG, Jan 10 (Reuters Breakingviews) - Beijing has taken the mic away from combative foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian. His transfer follows other de-escalatory moves, thawing relations with major trading partners including Australia, Japan and the United States. It will still take years to undo the diplomatic and economic damage his pack of “wolf warriors” has done to Chinese interests. loadingChinese moderates have criticised the wolf warriors’ competence. With the Western democracies demonstrating the durability of their power in Ukraine without firing a shot, Chinese pandemic policy in shambles and its economy reeling, it’s unsurprising if the wolf warriors are quieting their howl.

☆ After flipping 13 votes in his favor, McCarthy loses yet another floor vote in seemingly endless speaker bid
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-06 | by ( Warren Rojas | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Kevin McCarthy lost his 12th speaker ballot Friday. The converts are still reviewing rules changes McCarthy has promised in exchange for the gavel. "Watch here and you'll see some people who have been voting against me voting for me," McCarthy told reporters at the US Capitol. Republican Reps.-elect Ken Buck of Colorado and Wesley Hunt of Texas, both McCarthy supporters, were both absent Friday morning because of personal reasons. "You only earn the position if you get the votes," Gaetz said on the House floor, a taunt that caused McCarthy supporter Rep-elect Mike Bost of Illinois to shout his disapproval.

To fix one AirPod dying faster, switch ears regularly if you use one more than the other. Usually, the battery of each earbud is roughly the same in each ear all the time, but in some cases, you may find that one AirPod dies a lot faster than the other. Here's how to adjust your AirPods settings. Check the Apple support page for the latest AirPods firmware version that your earbuds need to have. If you want to remove your AirPods, tap the "i" icon and then tap "Forget This Device."

☆ How 'Real Housewife' Jen Shah's fabulous life came crashing down
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-06 | by ( Stephanie Clifford | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +43 min

The woman wrote to the judge overseeing Shah's case that she'd had to remortgage her house, almost divorced, and "thought about ending my own life." The couple decided that he should get his degree while Jen Shah dropped out of college to work. (Shah told a judge at her 2022 plea hearing that she had been treated for "alcohol and depression" two years prior. Koa Johnson, Jen Shah's former fashion designerWhen Sharrieff Shah did participate in filming, he quickly became a fan favorite, calm and sensible. Once the show aired and Jen Shah developed a fan base, her behavior became more dramatic, Johnson said.

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