Tag Archives: Business

Artificial Intelligence, Reviews, Technology, Transportation, Videos

AI Technology: Are Tesla Robotaxis Ready To Roll?

October 2, 2024 She Seeks Serene Leave a comment

CNBC (October 2, 2024): For a decade, Elon Musk has championed the idea that one day Tesla cars will drive themselves as robotaxis. On October 10, the company plans to reveal a “dedicated robotaxi” design at an invitation-only event in Los Angeles.

Chapters: 3:18 Ch 1 – Tesla’s vision for autonomy 6:33 Ch 2 – Full self-driving 10:13 Ch 3 – Realizing the robotaxi 15:34 Ch 4 – Sizing up the robotaxi competition

Despite years of bold predictions and missed deadlines, fans of the company are holding out hope that Musk will finally deliver. Regardless of what the company showcases at its robotaxi day, experts are skeptical of the company’s strategy, citing its Auotpilot and Full Self-Driving technology as a barometer for Tesla’s progress, or lack thereof.

While Tesla has been developing its autonomous vehicles, competitors like Google-owned Waymo and Chinese companies like Pony.ai and Baidu have already launched commercial robotaxi services. With U.S. EV sales growth slowing, there’s a lot riding on Tesla’s potential pivot to autonomy. CNBC explores whether the company is ready for robotaxis and if Musk’s vision for driverless Teslas will become a reality anytime soon.

Financial, Investing, Magazines, Previews, Retirement, Reviews

Finance Preview: Barron’s Magazine – Sept. 30, 2024

September 28, 2024 She Seeks Serene Leave a comment

BARRON’S MAGAZINE (September 21, 2024): The latest issue features ‘Healthcare’s Magical Moment’ – The sector is bouncing back. Our roundtable pros talk cutting-edge science and alluring pharma and biotech stocks…

21 Stocks to Play a ‘Magical Moment’ in Healthcare

Barron’s 2024 Healthcare Roundtable panelists make the case for 21 healthcare companies of all stripes, including Humana, Novo Nordisk, BioLife Solutions, and more.

Seniors Shouldn’t Worry About a Few Extra Pounds. ‘Too Skinny Is Not a Good Thing’

Numerous studies show that seniors who lose weight have higher mortality rates.

China’s Stock Market Gets Another Lift. Can Beijing Follow Through?

China’s problems run deep, but policymakers are changing their tone. Experts are taking note but are still wary as previous moves haven’t worked.4 min read

Caterpillar Stock Is Digging Out of the Mining Malaise. Why It’s Time to Buy.

The construction business is strong. The real growth for the company will come from a rebound in the mining sector, fueled by demand from China and elsewhere.Long read

Shareholders Say Companies Are Using New Tactics to Muzzle Them

Shareholders say companies are increasingly limiting what they can say at annual meetings. How virtual meetings are making it worse.

Sugar High: How a Glucose Monitor Told Me Startling Things About My Diet

Little did I realize a few grapes could send my blood sugar soaring until I tried the first glucose monitor without a prescription. I managed to lose seven pounds.

Financial, Investing, Magazines, Previews, Retirement, Reviews

Finance Preview: Barron’s Magazine – Sept. 23, 2024

September 21, 2024 She Seeks Serene Leave a comment

BARRON’S MAGAZINE (September 21, 2024): The latest issue features ‘Lean Times For Luxury’….

How Luxury Stocks Lost Their Shine. These Are the Ones That Will Get It Back.

Shares of Burberry, LVMH, and others have had a tough 2024. But there’s no need to worry about an economic slowdown.

Some Financial Giants Pay Paltry Rates on Investors’ Cash. Where to Put Your Money.

Brokerage firms have been earning nice profits on clients’ uninvested cash. Now investors are demanding better treatment and regulators are asking questions.

Retirees Face Lower Yields Now That the Fed Has Cut. How to Fine-Tune Your Portfolio.

With yields on cash poised to fall, consider owning short-term bonds and funds that cover the broad U.S. stock market.

Trump and Harris Have Tax Plans. Prepare for Filing to Get More Tangled.

Both candidates are pushing policies that would make the already Byzantine tax code even more complicated.

Business, History, Photography, Reviews, Videos

Photography: How Kodak Invented The ‘Snapshot’

Video September 20, 2024 She Seeks Serene Leave a comment

Vox (September 20, 2024): In 1888, Eastman Kodak patented roll film, and the company’s business model of selling film, and then processing and printing the photos taken on that film for their consumers, made photography available to the masses for the first time.

Before the Kodak No. 1 box camera debuted, photography was a complicated process involving chemistry and expertise on big, bulky equipment. When Kodak introduced the Brownie and sold it for a dollar in 1900, photography went fully mainstream. The company dominated the film sales and development market during the 20th century and successfully marketed its automatic cameras as crucial to capturing fleeting moments — at home and on vacation.

But digital camera sales began to outpace film camera sales in the early 2000s, and Kodak failed to keep up. They filed for bankruptcy in 2012 but do still exist and sell film, albeit to a much smaller market.

Financial, Investing, Magazines, Previews, Retirement, Reviews

Finance Preview: Barron’s Magazine – Sept. 16, 2024

September 14, 2024 She Seeks Serene Leave a comment

BARRON’S MAGAZINE (September 14, 2024): The latest issue features

America’s Housing Crisis Isn’t Going Away—Even With Rate Cuts and Help From D.C.

Rate cuts and subsidies from Washington may help, but homeownership is likely to remain out of reach for millions of Americans. What’s ahead for buyers and builders.

A Guide to the Different Flavors of Financial Advisor

We rank independent advisors in this special report. Here are the other types of professionals that provide financial advice, and where to find them.

The Fed Is Ready to Cut Rates. What to Do Next.

The stock market is about to get what it’s waiting for.

How Long Do You Expect to Live? It Pays to Make an Educated Guess.

Heading into retirement with a clear-eyed sense of your longevity is crucial to figuring out how much you can really spend.

Financial, Investing, Magazines, Previews, Retirement, Reviews

Finance Preview: Barron’s Magazine – Sept. 9, 2024

September 7, 2024 She Seeks Serene Leave a comment

BARRON’S MAGAZINE (September 7, 2024): The latest issue features ‘The New Nuclear Age’ – AI and EVs are devouring America’s electricity supply. Nuclear energy, long out of favor, may wind up saving us.

Get Ready for the New Nuclear Age. It Could Help Solve America’s Electricity Problems.

Long out of favor, nuclear power is suddenly facing a much brighter future. The bull case for Constellation Energy and Vistra.

Retirees, It’s Time to Give Yourself a Raise. How to Keep the Cash Flowing for Decades.

A 5% withdrawal rate now looks “safe” for retirement savings. Using buckets for cash, income, and growth can keep it all afloat.

China’s Troubles Are Hitting Home for U.S. Companies

Multinationals like Starbucks and Marriott are taking a hard look at their Chinese operations—and tempering their outlooks.Long read

Business, History, Music, Reviews, Videos, Views

Music: Selmer Saxophones History & Craftsmanship

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Insider Business (September 6, 2024) – Henri Selmer Saxophones was founded in Paris in 1885. Today, the company is synonymous with high-end saxophones. The most popular saxophone it sells, the Series II alto, starts at about $7,000, but a Selmer can cost you as much as $30,000, depending on the customization and finishes like gold plating.

John Coltrane, one of the most influential jazz musicians of all time, used Selmer saxophones in his performances. He recorded his magnum opus, “A Love Supreme,” on a Mark VI. One of his Mark VI tenor saxophones is on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

Musicians are willing to pay for a Selmer for a variety of reasons: the familiar sound, the history behind the brand, the craftsmanship and attention to detail, and the playability.

Financial, Investing, Magazines, Previews, Retirement, Reviews

Finance Preview: Barron’s Magazine – Sept 2, 2024

August 31, 2024 She Seeks Serene Leave a comment

BARRON’S MAGAZINE (August 31, 2024): The latest issue features ‘Are Kids Too Expensive’ – The rising cost of child-rearing is driving more Americans to say “No, thanks.” Why that’s a problem for the U.S. economy…

Parenthood Has Become Too Expensive. That Imperils Economic Growth.

A population decline stemming from falling birthrates and tighter immigration policies could derail America’s prosperity. Politicians of both persuasions are promising to help families.

Don’t Make This Retirement Savings Mistake. It Pays to Be Consistent.

Job-hoppers often cash out of 401(k) plans. Doing this instead could sharply boost your savings.

The Stock Market Is in the Homestretch of 2024. Where to Invest Now.

The markets are at a critical juncture, with a rate cut and presidential election looming. How to position your portfolio.

Financial, Investing, Magazines, Previews, Retirement, Reviews

Finance Preview: Barron’s Magazine – August 26, 2024

August 24, 2024 She Seeks Serene Leave a comment

BARRON’S MAGAZINE (August 24, 2024): The latest issue features..

Story About the Economy. Where It Matters Most.

Beating Donald Trump would flip the idea that the Biden years have brought nothing but pain.

There’s a Good Case for Waiting to Claim Social Security. Most Recipients Aren’t Interested.

Some 43% of respondents to a recent survey said they planned to file for Social Security benefits before age 67, the full retirement age for Americans born in 1960 or later.

Trump and Harris Hear From the Megadonors. What the Big Money Wants in Return.

The money flows to down-ticket candidates as well. The top 100 donors have contributed $1.2 billion so far this campaign cycle, on track to surpass past records.

At Jackson Hole, Powell Hopes the Fed Hasn’t Waited Too Long to Cut Rates

The Federal Rerve is trying to get ahead of economic weakness.

Business, Reviews, Videos, Views, Wines & Spirits

Views: America’s Domestic Shift To Wine Production

August 17, 2024 She Seeks Serene Leave a comment

CBS Mornings (August 17, 2024): The United States is the largest wine importer by volume and value, with most bottles in the country imported from European countries. But there’s a domestic shift underway, with regions around the U.S. growing in size and prestige to produce more local varieties. Nancy Chen has more.