THREAD: amazon bold move new south

AMAZON’S BOLD Move: New South Africa Center Shakes UP Market

17 January 2025 — Amazon has opened a new center in Cape Town, South Africa, to support its independent sellers. This is part of Amazon’s plan to grow its market share and compete with local leader Takealot, owned by Naspers. The center aims to help sellers attract more customers and expand Amazon’s product range, potentially boosting revenue.

APPLE’s CHINA TROUBLES: iPhone Shipments PLUMMET

Apple shares fell 3.2% after research firm Canalys reported a 17% drop in iPhone shipments in China for 2024. This decline pushed Apple down to third place in China’s market share rankings. Despite the stock’s volatility, this news is significant but doesn’t drastically change the company’s business outlook.

STOCK MARKET SLUMP: Earnings Reports RATTLE Investors

The stock market took a hit following Wednesday’s rally due to retail sales data and major bank earnings reports taking the spotlight. Analysts remain hopeful about gains for the S&P 500 by year-end despite current swings. Focus is also on upcoming hearings on tariff plans before President-elect Donald Trump that could affect future economic strategies moving forward.

MICROSOFT’S Bold AI Move: Copilot Chat Unleashed

16 January 2025 — Microsoft has launched Copilot Chat, a new service designed to increase AI use among businesses. This pay-as-you-go chat tool uses OpenAI’s GPT-4 to create AI agents for tasks like market research and strategy document creation. It supports multiple languages, including English and Mandarin, making it accessible to many users.

BUSINESSES WORRY OVER TRUMP POLICIES AS HE RETURNS TO POWER

A Federal Reserve survey shows U.S. businesses are worried about possible price hikes under President-elect Donald Trump’s policies. Even with moderate economic growth and more jobs at the end of 2024, concerns remain about Trump’s return to the White House next week. The survey includes feedback from business contacts across the Fed’s 12 regional banks as of January 6th.

BUFFETT CAUTIONS AGAINST COPYING HIS INVESTMENT MOVES BLINDLY

Warren Buffett warns against blindly following his investment strategies without understanding them fully. He points out that Berkshire Hathaway often buys entire businesses, not just stocks, requiring deep analysis and long-term planning. Buffett notes that unique advantages like Berkshire’s insurance “free float” significantly influence their investment choices.

DELTA Airlines’ BOLD Move: Uber Partnership to Boost Rewards

13 January 2025 — Delta Airlines has announced a new partnership with UBER, ending its previous collaboration with Lyft. This strategic move aims to give Delta customers more flexible travel options and enhance rewards. By linking Delta SkyMiles accounts to Uber, passengers can now earn miles on both flights and rides.

This decision reflects the airline industry’s competitive landscape, where companies seek innovative ways to attract loyal customers. Analysts suggest this change could boost Delta’s appeal among millennials who favor ride-sharing for convenience. The partnership is expected to enhance customer engagement and offer insights into travel habits for future marketing strategies.

This shift marks a broader trend in strategic partnerships within the travel sector, aligning better with consumer preferences. As the partnership develops, further changes in airline loyalty programs are anticipated to meet evolving consumer behaviors in the post-pandemic era.

TRUMP’S Bold Move: Greenland Dream Ignites NEW Excitement

07 January 2025 — President-elect Trump has reignited interest in acquiring GREENLAND with a humorous post on social media. On Monday, he shared a video suggesting that Greenlanders support the idea of joining the United States. The video featured a man wearing a MAGA hat, expressing his desire for America to purchase Greenland.

Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., is set to visit Greenland on Tuesday in a personal capacity. He will not engage with government officials during this trip. The timing of this visit aligns with Trump’s renewed calls for U.S. ownership of the island, sparking curiosity and speculation about potential diplomatic moves.

In his Truth Social post, Trump claimed that Greenlanders are supporters of his “Make America Great Again” movement. This claim was bolstered by the video where a local expressed admiration for Americans and dissatisfaction with Danish governance. Such statements could fuel further discussions about U.S.-Greenland relations under Trump’s leadership.

MUSK’S Bold Stance: Calls for NEW Leadership in Reform Party

06 January 2025 — Elon Musk, after meeting Nigel Farage at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago, has publicly criticized Farage’s leadership of the Reform Party. Musk declared on X that “The Reform Party needs a new leader. Farage doesn’t have what it takes,” showing a shift in his stance towards Britain’s prominent Brexit figure.

There was speculation that Musk might support the Reform Party financially. However, his recent comments suggest he wants more control over its direction and leadership. This change comes after a disagreement between Musk and Farage about English activist Tommy Robinson, whom Farage refused to welcome into the party.

Musk’s focus has recently turned to European politics, promoting Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and criticizing failures in handling grooming gangs in England. Meanwhile, he’s faced backlash from the MAGA base over Tesla’s use of H1-B visas after laying off American workers last year.

In response to criticism from America First supporters about bringing in foreign tech workers, Musk reacted strongly on social media. He emphasized his commitment to this issue despite opposition, highlighting ongoing tensions between his global business interests and nationalist sentiments within conservative circles.

ISRAELI TROOPS Reclaim Strategic Mount Hermon Peak: A Bold Move

08 December 2024 — Israel has made a bold move by returning troops to the peak of Mount Hermon, a strategic location in the region. This is the first time Israeli forces have been on the mountain’s summit since the Yom Kippur War in 1973. The mountain is vital due to its height and military importance.

During the Yom Kippur War, Syria and Egypt launched a surprise attack on Israel, capturing an Israeli base lower on Mount Hermon. Despite initial setbacks, Israel reclaimed both Syrian and Israeli positions through intense battles involving paratroopers landing at the peak. The conflict ended with Israel returning Syria’s base as part of a peace agreement.

Today, a memorial stands on Mount Hermon’s slopes honoring Golani brigade soldiers who fell during that war. This recent troop movement highlights ongoing tensions and strategic interests in this historically contested area between Israel and Syria.

PUB’S Wild Beer Names Ignite Fury And Laughter

19 November 2024 — A pub in England is under fire for its bold beer names, but the owner calls it harmless fun. The Coach and Horses in Billinghay offers beers like “Osama Bin Lager” and “Kim Jong Ale.” These names have sparked a buzz on social media, with some laughing while others voice concern.

Catherine Mitchell owns the pub with her husband Luke Mitchell, who runs Mitchell Brewing Co., a microbrewery. Earlier this year, “Osama Bin Lager” went viral and sold out fast. Despite the uproar, many patrons reportedly enjoy these playful beverage names.

Mitchell Brewing Co.’s top-selling line is called “The Dictator,” featuring several edgy titles. Luke Mitchell claims most customers appreciate the humor when visiting The Coach and Horses. While some find them offensive, others see it as clever marketing fun.

ALABAMA Fights BACK: Undercover Heroes Take on Fentanyl Crisis

10 November 2024 — A small city in Alabama is fighting back against a surge in drug activity, particularly involving FENTANYL. Local police officers, many of whom grew up in the community, are determined to reclaim their town from this crisis. Lou Valoze, a retired ATF agent, emphasized the personal stakes for these officers as they engage in undercover work to combat illegal drugs and trafficking.

Valoze is featured in a new Investigation Discovery series titled “Operation Undercover,” which showcases real-life police operations aimed at safeguarding communities nationwide. The show provides exclusive footage of stings targeting drug suppliers and traffickers. The first episode highlights Oxford, Alabama’s battle against fentanyl smuggling along Highway 20.

Fentanyl has become the primary drug of choice for smugglers due to its potency — 50 times stronger than heroin. This alarming trend has prompted intensified law enforcement efforts to dismantle trafficking networks and protect local residents from its devastating impact.

NEW SECURITY Bill In South Sudan Sparks Western Outrage

12 July 2024 — The U.S. and other western nations criticized a new security bill in South Sudan that allows detaining people without warrants. They argue it undermines political and civil freedoms ahead of the December elections.

Passed on July 3, the bill has jeopardized peace talks and raised fears of arbitrary arrests before the country’s first-ever elections. President Salva Kiir has 30 days to either approve or veto the law.

Nine western envoys, including those from the U.S. and Britain, stated that signing this bill would hinder free political and civic expression, essential for peaceful elections. The U.S. State Department emphasized creating an environment where citizens can express views without fear is crucial for democracy in South Sudan.

ANC on SHAKY Ground: South Africa’s Opposition Parties Gaining Momentum

14 March 2024 — Recent polling data indicates a potential shift in South Africa’s political scene, the likes of which haven’t been seen since 1994. The ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), has experienced a decline in support from 44% to 39% since November 2022.

On the other hand, the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) has seen its share rise from 23% to a notable 27%. A newcomer on the scene, the MK Party, has made an impressive debut with a surprising 13%, while support for the radical Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party has dwindled to just 10%.

This changing landscape could potentially pave the way for DA to form a majority coalition with other parties excluding ANC and EFF. This tactic proved successful in Cape Town’s municipal elections back in 2006. Despite ANC’s historical appeal due to its instrumental role in ending apartheid, ongoing issues such as electricity and water shortages, high crime rates, and rampant corruption have strained voters’ loyalty.

The shifting political climate suggests that voters are seeking change and are willing to look beyond traditional party lines. This could lead to significant changes in South Africa’s political landscape moving forward.

JOHNSON’S Shocking U-Turn: Unveils Separate Israel AID Bill Plan

04 February 2024 — In a surprising twist, Johnson has unveiled a plan to separate the aid for Israel. This unexpected move, disclosed in a Saturday letter to his colleagues, marks a dramatic shift from his earlier position.

Under Johnson’s leadership last year, the House approved a colossal $14.3 trillion bill to support Israel in its conflict with Hamas. The funding was balanced with an equivalent cut in IRS funding but is still awaiting Senate consideration.

However, it seems that the Senate is gearing up to examine a more comprehensive aid package this year. This includes substantial aid for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan along with an undisclosed border agreement.

Despite doubts about the fate of the border and foreign aid bill in the Senate, Johnson’s recent maneuvers suggest promising possibilities for additional assistance to Israel.

MASSIVE BLOW: Tata Steel Shutters Wales Plant, 2,800 Jobs Vanish Overnight

20 January 2024 — Indian steel titan, Tata Steel, has revealed plans to close both blast furnaces at its Port Talbot plant in Wales. This drastic move will result in the loss of 2,800 jobs and is part of a broader strategy to streamline their unprofitable UK operation and make it more eco-friendly.

The company intends to transition from coal-fired blast furnaces to an electric arc furnace. This modern method emits less carbon and requires fewer workers. The British government backs this shift with a hefty £500 million ($634 million) investment. Tata Steel is confident that this transition will “turn around over a decade of losses” and foster a greener steel industry.

This decision strikes a severe blow to Port Talbot — a town heavily dependent on the steel industry since the early 20th century. Unions had suggested keeping one blast furnace operational while constructing the electric one as an attempt to mitigate job cuts — a proposal that Tata dismissed.

Both blast furnaces are slated for closure within this year. Meanwhile, plans for installing the new electric furnace are set for completion by 2027.

NEW ENGLAND Grapples with Fierce Winter Storm: Power Outages and Treacherous Travel Conditions Unleashed

07 January 2024 — New England residents were greeted by a fierce winter storm on Sunday, prompting the need for shovels and snowblowers. The Northeast was blanketed with winter storm warnings, with treacherous icy roads reaching as far south as North Carolina.

The storm triggered power outages across the region. Over 13,000 customers in California and upwards of 16,000 in Massachusetts found themselves without electricity. By Sunday morning, some Massachusetts communities had already seen nearly a foot of snow according to the National Weather Service.

Coastal areas reported less snowfall while Boston recorded only a few inches. However, the snow was predicted to continue falling throughout the day with some regions receiving over a foot. The storm also affected Maine where certain areas saw up to 12 inches of snowfall.

Vermont braced for moderate to heavy ongoing snowfall expecting total accumulations between 6 and 12 inches. Wind gusts reaching up to 35 mph threatened to cause blowing and drifting snow across southern New Hampshire and southwestern Maine.

HARRIS and BIDEN Storm South Carolina: A Cunning Strategy for 2024 Victory?

07 January 2024 — Today, Vice President Kamala Harris is making waves in South Carolina. She’s the keynote speaker at the annual retreat of the Women’s Missionary Society of the Seventh District African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Harris plans to commemorate the third anniversary of the Jan. 6 Capitol riots during her address. In a parallel move, President Joe Biden will be speaking at Mother Emanuel AME Church in South Carolina on Monday — a place marked by a devastating racially-motivated mass shooting in 2015.

South Carolina has been a Republican stronghold, with Donald Trump securing victory in both the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections.

The strategic visits by Biden and Harris hint at an ambitious attempt to sway this traditionally conservative state ahead of their potential run in the upcoming 2024 election.

EMERGENCY Weapons Sale to Israel: BIDEN’S Bold Move Amidst Foreign Aid Stalemate

31 December 2023 — Once again, the Biden administration has greenlit an emergency sale of weapons to Israel. The State Department made this announcement on Friday, stating that the move is designed to support Israel in its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken notified Congress about a second emergency determination that approves over $147.5 million in equipment sales. These sales encompass necessary components for 155 mm shells previously bought by Israel, including fuses, charges, and primers.

This decision was executed under an emergency provision of the Arms Export Control Act. This provision enables the State Department to sidestep Congress’ review role concerning foreign military sales. Interestingly enough, this move coincides with President Joe Biden’s request for nearly $106 billion in aid for countries like Israel and Ukraine being held up due to border security management debates.

“The United States remains dedicated to ensuring the security of Israel against threats it encounters,” declared the department.

NEW ZEALAND’S Bold Move: Eying Aukus Partnership for Stronger Defense Ties with Australia

20 December 2023 — New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, is contemplating a strategic move. He’s considering joining the AUKUS partnership to strengthen defense ties with Australia. The AUKUS agreement is a tripartite pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It aims to counteract China’s expanding military influence.

Since his election in October, Luxon made his first overseas visit to Australia. There he and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese agreed on aligning their defense strategies. To coordinate these efforts further, their foreign ministers are set to meet in 2024.

Luxon has expressed particular interest in “AUKUS Pillar 2”. This pillar emphasizes developing and sharing advanced military capabilities like artificial intelligence and electronic warfare systems. Luxon believes that this partnership could be a catalyst for stability and peace within the region.

The U.S. and Britain have already committed to providing Australia with U.S.-powered nuclear submarines under the AUKUS agreement. If New Zealand joins this alliance, it could potentially fortify this tripartite pact against China’s growing regional power.

TOILET To TAP": California’s Bold Move to Battle Drought with Recycled Sewage Water

12 December 2023 — In a daring attempt to tackle severe droughts, California is contemplating the adoption of a new technology that recycles sewage water. The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) recently unveiled proposed regulations for direct potable reuse — a process that swiftly transforms wastewater into drinking water within hours.

This innovative method stands apart from the current indirect potable reuse system, which gradually enhances treated wastewater through groundwater recharge or dilution with surface water.

The SWRCB is set to review testimonies on these regulations before making their final decision next week. If given the green light, “toilet to tap” projects could soon be underway in Santa Clara County, Los Angeles, and San Diego among other communities.

Anticipating these regulations, water agencies in Santa Clara, San Diego and Los Angeles have already initiated pilot projects. Globally too this concept is gaining traction — countries like Israel are also testing similar ideas while examining potential risks such as pharmaceutical byproducts reentering the public supply post-treatment.

ITALY’S Bold Exit from China’s Belt and Road Initiative: A Triumph for Western Independence

06 December 2023 — Italy recently declared its departure from China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), signifying a major shift in Western attitudes towards Beijing’s economic clout. After four years of involvement, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani noted that nations not participating in the initiative have seen superior results.

The official withdrawal notice was issued by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration this week, well before the initial agreement expires next year. This decision sets the stage for an upcoming summit hosted by China with European Union leaders who have lately adopted a more wary stance towards Beijing.

In response to mounting skepticism, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi advocated for mutually beneficial relationships between Europe and China to boost global development. However, such views are increasingly met with suspicion in Europe as Western societies strive to steer clear of economic connections that might give Beijing an upper hand during political upheavals.

Stefano Stefanini, former Italian Ambassador, underscored an official G7 policy termed “de-risking”, spotlighting U.S.'s opposition against Italy’s participation in BRI. Despite U.S warnings labeling it as a “predatory” lending scheme aimed at controlling strategic infrastructure, Italy joined the initiative back in 2019.

OIL TYCOONS Rule COP28: A Shocking Paradox or a Bold Leap for Climate Goals?

30 November 2023 — The forthcoming COP28 climate summit, to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is stirring up a storm of controversy. Critics are questioning the seemingly ironic choice of Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of UAE’s state oil company, as the event’s overseer.

UK Guardian columnist Marina Hyde has expressed concerns about this decision. She compares it to China’s temporary factory closures during the 2008 Olympics for cleaner air. She questions whether UAE will also pause its gas flaring operations during the conference.

Climate advocates fear that powerful politicians and industrialists could twist climate policies for personal gain. These fears are amplified by reports that Al Jaber and UAE may exploit COP28 to broker oil and gas deals with other nations.

Despite these apprehensions, some believe that involving major oil producers is key to meeting climate objectives. But with President Joe Biden absent and protests pushed to distant locations, doubts over COP28’s effectiveness continue to mount.

AMAZON and META Bow to UK Antitrust Pressure, Pledge Fair Play

06 November 2023 — Amazon and Meta, two tech behemoths, have put an end to separate antitrust investigations in the United Kingdom. They’ve agreed to halt practices that unfairly tip the scales in their favor against vendors and consumers on their platforms. This agreement was reached with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), effectively closing the investigations into their online marketplaces.

The CMA had been examining Amazon’s potential threat to competition by preferentially treating merchants who shell out for extras like storage, packaging, and delivery. The watchdog also probed Amazon’s choice of suppliers for its “buy box” feature as well as its data collection habits. As part of this settlement, Amazon will stop using data from third-party sellers for competitive advantage.

Meta’s probe focused on whether its data collection methods provided it an unfair leg up over competitors offering classified data and online dating services. Both companies have embraced these settlements; Amazon previously settled a similar EU antitrust case in December by agreeing to make substantial changes in how it does business.