World Economic Forum: Top Stories- March 11, 2023

World Economic Forum (March 11, 2023) – This week’s top stories of the week include:


0:15 These ‘robo-boots’ may improve balance – They provide a super-quick blast of assistance to your muscles helping you to stay upright. Scientists asked a healthy participant to stand on a moving floor wearing the exo-boots. Then ‘pulled the rug’ out from under them. They programmed the boots to work using the same delay as human reflexes or artificially faster than humanly possible. The exo-boots only improved balance when they worked faster than our natural response. It means that, one day, wearable exoskeletons could deploy lightning-quick reflexes to help people with balance impairment.

1:35 This new telescope could help explain dark energy – A new space telescope is being launched by the European Space Agency to help scientists build a 3D map of the universe by photographing billions of galaxies up to 10 billion light years away – across more than a third of the sky. Around 95% of the universe is ‘dark matter’ or ‘dark energy’ which doesn’t fit into our cosmological models. The super-sensitive telescope will effectively enable us to look back in time to how distant galaxies looked 10 billion years ago and to see how dark energy accelerated the expansion of the universe.

3:10 How to build earthquake proof buildings – When an earthquake strikes, it creates horizontal forces that shake the building from left to right. Concrete is very strong when compressed, but it has little flexibility, and when stretched, as it is during an earthquake, it’s liable to crack. So to create earthquake resistant buildings, designers add a flexible steel skeleton known as rebar. The steel is elastic and springs the building back into shape. Sometimes, when tension is too high, the steel may warp permanently. This is advantageous, though, because it keeps the building upright, enabling people to escape. There are other ways to make earthquake resistant buildings. Watch the video to learn more.

4:34 Climate doom is a dangerous myth – It’s the most common false claim about climate change, especially among young people. Some experts believe it’s more damaging than climate denialism. In fact, scientists say, it’s not too late to arrest global warming. Global temperatures will stabilize a few years after we reach net zero and the belief that it’s pointless trying to stop climate change only leads to inaction. Making it as unhelpful as denying climate change altogether.

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The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

Medieval Village Walks: Èze – The South Of France

March 2023: Èze Village, lying between Nice and Monaco, is basically two villages on three levels. The lowest is Èze-sur-Mer, through which the Nice–Monaco railway line runs. 427 m higher is Èze (Èze-Village), which I describe here. This medieval village, built on the very top of a hill, is today one of the places on the French Riviera most-visited by tourists. No wonder, because the views from above are so magnificent that they are almost unreal. The village is like a castle, with thick stone walls richly covered with colorful flowers.

Filmed and edited by:

Tourist Channel

Finance Preview: Barron’s Magazine – March 13, 2023

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Barron’s Magazine – March 13, 2023:

How Top Advisors Are Building Portfolios Now

How Top Advisors Are Building Portfolios Now

Inflation and higher interest rates brought an end to rah-rah returns for growth stocks. Advisors are adjusting by buying more bonds and shifting their focus away from once-sexy stock sectors.

Why the SVB-Triggered Selloff Is a Buying Opportunity in Big Bank Stocks

Why the SVB-Triggered Selloff Is a Buying Opportunity in Big Bank Stocks

Larger financial institutions have different funding sources and are subject to much tighter regulation.

Buying an EV? Here’s How Long Until It Will Pay Off.

Buying an EV? Here's How Long Until It Will Pay Off.

It could take five to 10 years for an EV to pay off financially compared with a gasoline-powered car. Here’s what to know if you’re thinking of going electric.

Johnson & Johnson, Kellogg, and 2 Other Spinoffs to Watch

Johnson & Johnson, Kellogg, and 2 Other Spinoffs to Watch

Kellogg, Johnson & Johnson, Crane, and BorgWarner are planning to hive off a chunk of their businesses in 2023. What investors need to know.

Front Page: The New York Times – March 11, 2023

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Silicon Valley Bank Fails After Run on Deposits

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation took control of the bank’s assets on Friday. The failure raised concerns that other banks could face problems, too.

U.S. Employers Keep Hiring, but Signs of Easing Are Seen

CREDIT

The economy added 311,000 jobs in February despite higher interest rates. But hourly earnings rose more slowly as the pool of available workers grew.

Its Georgia O’Keeffe Is Worth Millions. And Its Dorms Need Updating.

In the face of declining enrollment, Valparaiso University in Indiana wants to raise money to renovate two dormitories by selling treasures from its art museum. Not everyone is on board.

Saudi Arabia and Iran Agree to Restore Ties, in Talks Hosted by China

The deal between regional rivals underlines China’s growing economic and political importance in the Middle East, and what some analysts say is waning American influence.